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Flu Vaccines

Reservations Still Available for School H1N1 Vaccine Clinics

State health officials stressed last week that residents should not become complacent when it comes to H1N1 flu.  While flu like disease reports have declined statewide recently, the numbers may very likely spike again during the holidays.  In Ottawa County, a total of 1,603 cases of flu like illness were recorded from November 15 through November 21, up slightly from the 1,377 recorded during the previous week (November 8 through 14).

The Ottawa County Health Department is still accepting reservations for free H1N1 vaccine clinics scheduled for:

Date
Time
Location
Address
Wednesday, December 2
4 – 8 pm
Grand Haven High School
17001 Ferris Street
Thursday, December 3
4 – 8 pm
West Ottawa High School South Campus
3600 152nd Avenue
Wednesday, December 9
4 – 8 pm
Hudsonville High School
5037 32nd Avenue
Saturday, December 12
9 am – 1 pm
Coopersville Middle School
198 East Street

Reservations are required and can be made online.

Those who are unable to access the website can make a reservation by calling 2-1-1 or 1-877-211-LAKE (5253).  Due to limited supply of H1N1 vaccine, only those who qualify for vaccine under an H1N1 priority group are eligible.  H1N1 Priority Groups include:
-those between the ages of 6 months and 24 years old
-pregnant women
-people ages of 25 through 64 years of age who are at higher risk for novel H1N1 because of chronic health disorders or compromised immune systems
-people who live with or care for children younger than 6 months of age
-healthcare and emergency medical services personnel with direct patient care

MS. SHANNON J. FELGNER
Communications Specialist
Ottawa County Health Department
12251 James Street Suite 400
Holland, Michigan 49424
Office: 616-494-5597
Cell: 616-638-1276
Fax: 616-393-5643
www.miOttawa.org/MediaRoom
The Ottawa County Health Department is committed to providing environmental protection, health promotion, disease prevention and assuring quality health services to Ottawa County residents. Established in 1931, the department employs 105 dedicated public health ambassadors. Offices are located in Holland, Hudsonville, and Grand Haven. For detailed information about our services visit www.miOttawa.org/Health.

The information contained in this message including attachments, may be privileged, confidential, protected from disclosure, and is intended only for the use of the individual to whom it is addressed. If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution, or copying of this communication is strictly prohibited. If you receive this communication in error, please delete it and destroy any copies of the original message. Thank you.


Now even grandmothers are joining Facebook! Flu Granny can keep you informed about H1N1 flu.   Fan her at www.facebook.com/flugranny!Need tools to educate your workforce, organization, students, congregation, or other audience?
Download flu prevention posters, images, audio files and more at www.miOttawa.org/flu.


Promote flu prevention!

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FENCING CAMP

Fencing Camp will be offered for students ages 7 and up. This camp will be offered December 28-30 from 9:30am to 11:30am and will be $60 per person. Please find more information regarding this activity in the attached form. If you have more questions or would like to register online please go to www.hudsonvillepublicschools.org. You may return the forms to Hudsonville Community Ed at 3886 Van Buren, Hudsonville, Mi 49426.

20092Fencing

Thank you!

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Girls on the Run: 2010

We have been fortunate for the past two years to host a chapter of the National Girls on the Run Program at Georgetown Elementary.  Online registration for this program runs  from January 1-27, 2010.  This program is available to girls in grades 3-5, with practices beginning in February, and a 5K race on May 22.

Our school officially has a COORDINATOR!  Elly Bainbridge will work with Ashley Rea (Program Coordinator for Allegan and Ottawa Counties) to recruit coaches and get the program up and running.

More up to date information about coaches and shoe fittings can be found here:  GOTR GES

Mrs. Reagan

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A Gift Can Linger in Your Heart Forever

As I read today’s Sunday paper, I stumbled upon an article about the family tradition of selecting the just right tree for the holidays.  It wasn’t the title that captured my attention (sorry Matt Vande Bunte), it was the absolutely priceless photo of a six year old girl peeking through a tree cut out at Bosch’s Nursery.   That bright smile belongs to Jillian, a first grader in our building.   And, it is Jillian’s smile that reminded me of my daughter at that same age and inspired this post.Jillian W.

During the next three weeks, the teachers at Georgetown will be devoting time to gift making for parents and loved ones.  In addition, the PTC will be sponsoring the Secret Santa Shop the week of December 7.  These important gift making and buying events are a simple but very special way for children to experience the joy of giving to  special people in their lives.

As I hung my most dear and invaluable ornaments this weekend, I couldn’t help but be overwhelmed with nostalgic feelings of the sincere and tender love when tree ornamentmy daughter and son watched me eagerly open their gifts.   I am so thankful that I saved each ornament (no matter how hurriedly it was made) and the roughly written letters to Santa.  Two letters to Santa are my favorites.  Kelsey, now 16 but then 5 wrote:

Dear Santa,  I love you so much.  I moved. Remember I live on Greenwood Street now.  Please do not come in our house. Leave the present in the garage.  I put the carrots for the reindeer in there.  Milk for you, too. And a cookie.  Just one.  Love, Kelsey

As a first grader, she wrote the following:

Dear Santa, I don’t think you are a robber any more.  I love you.  You can come in my house this year.  Keep the reindeer out.   I left you 2 cookies this year.   Remember I want pink rubber boots.       Love, Kelsey

This same year, my son carefully selected a $1.00 bobble head professor paper weight for his Daddy.   Keenan felt rich with the Secret Santa Shop money in his hands.  I remember him telling me that he might have to spend it on himself if he could not find anything for his Daddy!

Keenan’s Daddy still has the paperweight on his office desk.  Like the handmade ornaments, carefully decorated and the preciously sound spelled letters and cards, these gifts remind me of the simple, yet important lesson of life:  A gift from a child no matter how small can linger in the heart forever.

December can be a very busy and overwhelming time in our lives.  Take time to treasure the simple gifts from your child this holiday season and store these for invaluable memories later in your life.  Don’t miss the smile on your child’s face as you open that construction paper ornament or $2.00 blinking tie holder from the gift shop.  And, thank you, sweet Jillian, for inspiring this post!

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November to December: The Week Ahead

I am hopeful that you had a Thanksgiving Holiday filled with just enough turkey, relaxation and family fun!  Mine was perfect in every way–especially in the health area.  Every single member of my family (central and extended) was healthy and this is a blessing that I do not take for granted.

As I was preparing for the fourteenth week of school, I found myself thinking once again about how much I love being a part of Georgetown Elementary School.   I have had the fortune of working with people in a variety of educational settings since 1980 and have enjoyed every experience because each has raised me to be a better teacher, learner and person along the way.

Georgetown is the most exceptional place for me as a learner due to the passion, commitment and zest for learning that defines each staff member.  I have come to love this school (children, parents, staff, community) like no other.   It is my hope that you feel this from myself and the staff, and as a result hope you are growing to love Georgetown as much as I do.   I, like the staff, believe that working with your children each day is a great honor.  Thank you for trusting us with the responsibility of teaching your children.

Here’s to the week ahead!  Remember to check your child’s class blog for specific details about homework, events and celebrations.

Mrs. Reagan

blog cal

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Give Thanks PK and K Style

I received a very special invitation to take part in our PK and K Thanksgiving Feast this week.  The classes came together to share all that they had learned about the holiday and to share traditional gifts, songs, stories and treats with one another.  It was a wonderful time of fun!  And, if you ask my opinion, there is nothing cuter in the world than a PK or K student in a construction paper pilgrim or Native American hat!  Enjoy this video and have a wonderful Thanksgiving.

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Scholastic Honor for Georgetown!

Mrs. Lisa Kuieck, one of our second grade teachers, shared her class book blogs with the Scholastic team.  As a result, our school has been honored by Scholastic with a feature article that celebrates all of the great work our students are doing as readers, writers and bloggers.RC

Our work is celebrated on the feature page of the Scholastic Website. With the help of the best parent club in the world and a librarian (Mrs. VandenBerg) who seizes every moment to honor readers, we have built an amazing collection of books within the past four years.  Readers can share book reviews in person, honor authors in their writing or promote books through book blog posts.

Samples of some of our books blogs can be found on Mrs. Boersma’s 4th grade blog, Mrs. Quigley’s 2nd Grade Blog and Mrs. Huizenga’s 2nd Gr. Blog.

Thank you to everyone who makes reading a priority and a point of celebration and honor at our school!

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Another Artist to Celebrate!

Celebrating the art of Jacob Hoekstra!

Mrs. Brouwer has another artist to celebrate in our building! Earlier this fall, two of our students were selected to be showcased at the 40th Annual Children’s International Art Show.

This week we found out that Jacob Hoekstra, a 4th grader in our building, had his artwork selected to be featured on the Michigan Association of School Administrator’s annual holiday card.  It is a huge honor to have one of our student works of art chosen for the MASA holiday card!   Jacob’s card will be sent to many different segments of Michigan’s population, including Governor Granholm, members of the legislature and leaders in the educational community.

Jacob’s artwork depicts a winter landscape and barn that reflects the buildings found in our rural farming community.  Jacob used his understanding of form and color to create his landscape in tempera paint.  Jacob says that his dream job would involve both football and creating art.  Congratulations, Jacob!

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Thanksgiving Week Ahead

We have a very short week with school on Monday and Tuesday.  The remainder of the week is devoted to the Thanksgiving holiday.

Week nov 23

For those who follow our blog outside the United States, visit this excellent History.com post about the history of Thanksgiving. And, for those of you who have not had a refresher course on this holiday,  you might find yourself learning some new facts to share around the Thanksgiving table later this week.  For those who think they know everything, test your turkey knowledge with this quiz.

If you find your family members are bored and in need of something to do, show them our blogs.  I added a new feature (the revolving globe to the right) that shows your location on the map as well as visitors from around the world.

And, to really spice up the family gathering, take your family on the BLOG SCAVENGER HUNT. This month we are sharing silly stories about silly things we have done in our lives.   Everyone is a winner in this contest.  Students will be entered in the Reading Counts drawing just for participating.  Other prizes will be offered too.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving with your family and friends.  Drive safely, eat well and savor the special moments.

Mrs. Reagan

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