Month: January 2014

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The Roads are HORRIBLE…it is VERY COLD, so that means…

Reader2.
Super Readers: Bethany, Milena, Melia, Josh, Seth, Marley, Joanna, Terra and Landon

tomorrow is a SNOW DAY.

Why is school closed tomorrow? (Tuesday, January 28)? Extremely dangerous cold.  In these temperatures, exposed skin can become frostbitten within thirty minutes — and why not make it three in a row, right?!

As I said in the last snow day post, KEEP YOUR LEARNING BRAIN ENGAGED and READ.  If you write down the titles of our books, these will all count toward your membership in the MILLIONAIRES CLUB.

Check out the SNOW DAY READING INCENTIVE to help keep make your snow day less boring.

PLEASE BE SAFE.

Signed “REALLY REALLY really over snow days”,

Mrs. Reagan

*Not pictured above:  Kaley Mead reading Karen’s New Teacher and Jessica Mead reading Stink and the Great Guinea Pig Express.

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Extra Credit Snow Day Reading

READERS 1
Snow day readers: Nora (2-CG), Lorenzo (4-CB), Caleb (2-CG), Aiden (4-CB)

Tired of these snow days?  Missing that great feeling of LEARNING at SCHOOL?  If so, find a book and start some snow day reading.   Send an email to Mrs. Reagan (treagan@hpseagles.net) or your teacher with the title of the book — feel free to send a photo, too.  Every time you send me a photo of a book,  I will give you an extra 200 words toward your millionaire word count.  Each book you read counts for 200 words.

You will also get your name added to the end of the year READING COUNTS prize drawing.  Every time you finish a book this year, your name is added…so this is a snow day bonus.

Be safe…stay warm and happy reading!

 

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Yes…tomorrow is another SNOW DAY.

coldWhy is school closed tomorrow? (Monday–January 27)? Extremely dangerous cold.  In these temperatures, exposed skin can become frostbitten within thirty minutes.   Some important tips for staying safe can be found on the WEATHER CHANNEL.

If you are looking for some ways to keep your learning brain engaged, READ.  If you write down the titles of our books, these will all count toward your membership in the MILLIONAIRES CLUB.

Send me a photo of you reading and I will give you 200 words as a SNOW DAY READING BONUS.  Be sure to include the book title!

Email me:  treagan@hpseagles.net or tweet @georgetownelem

PLEASE BE SAFE.

Signed “REALLY really over snow days”,

Mrs. Reagan

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Is There an Upside to these Bitterly Cold Temps?

Are these FREEZING, cold, below zero days getting on your nerves?  Are you tired of bundling up in layered clothing — both indoor and outdoor?  Really tired of snow days due to reduced visibility, horrific road conditions and unsafe wind chills?  If you answered YES, you aren’t alone.

fatI feel your pain. Desperate for a positive spin,  I went on a google search for upsides of our polar vortex rut.  As it turns out, there are some benefits for our health and our habitat.   This bitterly cold weather kills off nasty disease spreading pests like mosquitoes and ticks.  Another health benefit can include weight loss.  When your body is cold and shivery, it uses something called ‘brown fat’ to burn energy to keep you warm.

borer

When it comes to our habitat, the freezing temperatures have entomologists doing cart wheels.  Scientists report that nasty invasive insects like the emerald ash borer, hemlock woolly adelgid and southern pine beetle can’t survive in temperatures that drop to these bitter levels.  This is good news for all of us who want to protect our beautiful wooded wonderlands.

So, the next time you feel like you’re getting sucked into another negative conversation about the unrelenting cold weather, share some positive news.  It will feel good — and you’ll also impress your friends.

 

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EVERY WORD COUNTS at GEORGETOWN!

If you have ever dreamed of being a millionaire, now is your chance.  All students have the opportunity to become a member of this club if they succeed in reading for 1,000,000 words this school year.  Mrs. VandenBerg, our librarian, keeps the tally of your books read from year to year.  The word count keep growing as long as you keep turning in your book lists, completing book blogs and/or completing reading counts quizzes. We celebrate the millionaires at the end of each school year.  Find out about past millionaires by searching our blog with the key word ‘ millionaires ‘.

Million Words FrontAs a member of the MILLION WORDs club, each member will have their name on the MILLIONAIRE’s BOARD (display case in our rotunda) and receive a very cool, totally awesome t-shirt.  How do you log your words?  It’s as easy as this:

  1. READING COUNTS QUIZZES: Each time you complete a  Reading Counts quiz, you get credit for all those words.  Mrs. Vandenberg keeps track of the word count for you.
  2. MILLION WORD CLUB BOOK LIST:  If you don’t like READING COUNTS QUIZZES, but you LOVE to read, you can still work on becoming a MILLIONAIRE.  Keep track of ALL the books you read at home (and on vacation) print this form and write down your books:  Million Word Club History – PDF.   EVEN EASIER:  Click on  this document (viewed by opening your gmail account).  Type in this form and it saves you from printing the form — it can be shared with Mrs. VandenBerg!  (jvandenb@hpseagles.net)

Links to help you calculate words in books are found on the right under READING COUNTs.  Quick links can be found here:  WORD COUNT LINK

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Week 20: White White EVERYWHERE

As I look ahead to this week’s forecast, I see more WHITE STUFF for the days ahead.   The temperatures will continue to be cold — with wind chills running below zero.   While it is certainly beautiful outside,  I prefer that we be done with forecasts that include these words:  polar, vortex, arctic, blast, below freezing, blizzard, winter storm, warning, snow day, etc.

Please continue to dress your children warmly for school and recess.  Feel free to use me as the heavy if you need extra pressure to get your children to wear winter clothing.  I want the children to be warm and protected when they play outside so hats, mittens/gloves, coats, snow pants and boots are MUSTS for this weather.

We have a four day week outlined below.  Teachers will be working all day Friday, learning about the new state tests that will be rolled out in the spring of 2015.  Monday (2/3) will be a winter break day for everyone.

Have a great week!

Mrs. Reagan

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Snow Day

snow dayIt’s an all too familiar blog post for me:  NO SCHOOL due to hazardous roads, dangerous wind chill and lots of white stuff blowing around.

Please be careful today—and this weekend.

Feel free to send me photos with a sentence or two about your snow day activities.  I will share these on the blog.

Be safe.

Signed “over snow days”, Mrs. Reagan

 

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Another Cold Week Ahead: Jan 20-25, 2014

BRRRRRR…..has become our most frequently heard and said winter sound this year.  The snow and cold this year has helped to make up for the lighter versions of winter we have had the past three years.

With another clipper system headed our way, be sure to dress your child in warm gear.  We will be inside if the temps fall below zero—and outside if they are above zero. Our third graders will experience the beauty of winter at the Outdoor Discovery Center on Tuesday and Wednesday this week.  The weather conditions will be perfect for learning about winter animal behaviors and winter sports.

Stay warm ….and enjoy the beauty of winter.  Before long we will be counting down to another season!

Mrs. Reagan

 

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BLOG BITS 1/17/14

Welcome Back Georgetown Parents! winter24letitsnow-th

NEWS FROM THE OFFICE………. We are hoping that everyone enjoyed their extended Holiday break!!  That might be longest break ever!!  With that being said….. it is really nice that we have snow so the kids can be outside and play.  : )  It was nice starting back with a three day week last week, but man it was a little tough doing five whole days this week!  Do not be surprised if your children are worn out this weekend!!  January is a pretty quiet month over all so there is not much happening at school this month.  Just trying to get back in to the swing of things.  Please try and enjoy the calmness : )

WINTER WEATHER………. Just a friendly reminder that we DO NOT keep students in from recess or before school starts unless the temperature or wind chill is BELOW 0 degrees.  We keep a close eye on this is the office so we are making sure the students are safe.  : )   With this being said we started noticing this trend  before break and it has been increasing since we have returned to school that a lot of students want to enter the building before the first bell rings at 8:45am.  Unless the temperature/windchill is BELOW 0 degrees or it is raining the students MUST go around from the circle drive to their playgrounds.  Please make sure your students come prepared for the chilly weather in the morning to be out on their playgrounds.  If students arrive before 8:45am they will be sent around to their playground.  : )   If you, as a parent, are coming into the building for any reason your child is welcome to come in with you.  Thank you for abiding by these rules.

LUNCH MENU……….  Here is the hot lunch menu for January……. January 2014 Hud Elem-1  Deposit Slip

BACK BUS LOOP…….. Is for Busses ONLY!!!   Please do not drop off or pick up students here.   Students must be picked up/dropped off in front of the school.  Remember that the front loop is for busses only as well in the afternoon..  Please park in a marked parking spot when picking up students.  In the morning you may drive through the circle drive to let students off.  Thank you.

KINDERGARTEN ROUND UP……….KindergartenBelieve it or not…… it is that time of year!!  Kindergarten Round Up will be held on Thursday, February 27 at 7:00pm.  We will be holding it here at Georgetown Elementary in the Multi-Purpose room.  There will also be a morning session if you are unavailable to attend the evening meeting, it will be held at South Elementary at 10:00am on Thursday, February 27 as well.  Registration packets will be made available in all elementary buildings on Monday, January 20.  Please remember….. it is not a first come, first serve basis, so there is not a rush to get these turned in first.

GIRLS ON THE RUN …… We are in DESPERATE need of at least 2 more coaches for this year’s Girls on the Run program.  Coaching is the most rewarding way to get involved with Girls on the Run and learn more about the program. You get to experience the program first hand, feel a sense of accomplishment that you have made a difference in the lives of the girls and have a ton of fun with your team of coaches and incredible girls!  For more information on coaching please visit…  http://gotroac.org/volunteer/coach/  Without the additional coaches we will have to LIMIT the number of girls that can participate.  Please contact Cheryl Havens at havenspc@gmail.com or 616-481-4164 if you are interested.  Shoe fittings will take place at Georgetown on TUESDAY, JANUARY 28 from 3:45p to 6:00p.

LIBRARY NEWS…….. The due date written in the January Pizza Hut Book-It calendar is INCORRECT!  Please change the date to FEBRUARY 15!! Thank you : )

PTC NEWS……..Box Top BOX TOPS…… The next Box Top Competition will be ending on FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 14!  Make sure you are collecting your Box Tops and when you send them in make sure the Student Name/Teacher Name and NUMBER of Box Tops is on the bag!!  This is a huge help to the volunteer moms who count all of our Box Tops  : )   There will be another collection for after Spring Break  : )

COMMUNITY NEWS……… EARLY CHILDHOOD PARENT INFORMATION/REGISTRATION NIGHT………

HPS Early Childhood Programs – Parent Information/Registration Night for the 2014-15 School Year and 2014 Summer ProgramPlay:Learn:grow Kids

Information Night Date/Time:  Tuesday, January 21, 2014 @ Baldwin Middle School Cafe’  6:00-8:00pm

*Programs include: Preschool, Pre-Kindergarten Care, Before/After School Care, Summer Care.

*These evenings are a chance to gather information about the programs, meet staff, and visit a preschool classroom.  There will not be a formal presentation, so come anytime between 6:00-8:00 p.m.  Children are welcome.

*For more information, please call Shellie or Becky at 616-797-0842.
FEEDING AMERICA MOBILE FOOD PANTRY………..  Free Food, Thursday, January 30 , 6:00 – 7:00 PM.  Feeding America West Michigan Mobile Food Pantry will be at Hudsonville Congregational United Church of Christ, 4950 – 32nd  Ave.  The food is free to those in our community who are struggling in these tough economic times. There will be an assortment of food, consisting of fresh seasonal produce and other high quality grocery items. If you have questions or need more information please call 616-669-1295.
MILES OF SMILES MOBILE DENTAL UNIT……….tooth Is scheduled to be in Allendale School District in February and March!  This unit provides FREE dental services for financially qualifying children.  The Miles of Smiles Mobile Unit will not be coming to Hudsonville, however, Allendale is the closet location that they will be at and you are welcome to schedule them to be seen in Allendale.  : )  You may call 1-800-467-5905 to schedule an appointment or ask questions.  The registration form, parent letter and information flyer are also attached.  Thank you!!  MOS Registration  MOS:Parent Ltr   MOS Flyer Generic
HUDSONVILLE LACROSSE……..  Registration for the spring season will begin February 1st.  Please sign up at www.hudslax.com.  5th-8th grade Boys and 6th-8th grade Girls teams for 2014!!  Questions can be directed to Susan Coxen 669-3662 or Drew Ysseldyke 460-8522.  Lacrosse is not a HPS sanctioned sport and is not sponsored by HPS.
GVSU BASKETBALL GAME FOR YOUTH…….. GVSU is planning a youth basketball themed game on February 1st and they welcome youth basketball teams (8th grade and younger) to be a part of the events that day and watch Grand Valley basketball. Throughout the day (potentially) there will be a scrimmage, promotional giveaways, autographs from players, and pep talk with the coaches. The experience for the players would be very memorable and enjoyable! Please let me know if you are interested? Thanks!
Sincerely,
Tim Layer
630.857.0067
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Screen Shot 2014-01-16 at 2.40.54 PMJoin us between games for:  
-Introduction of boys and girls varsity basketball players and who they are representing.
 -A moment of recognition for those impacted by cancer.  
-Special performances by the Hudsonville Drum Line, Pep Band and HHS Dance Team.

Hoops and Hope purple T-shirts and Zox Straps will be sold for $10.00 each during the basketball home games at Hudsonville High School beginning January 24, 2014 and they will also be available at Eagles Landing (while supplies last). By wearing the special T-shirt and/or Zox Strap, students in grades Pre-K through 12th will be able to attend the games for FREE!

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MARKET DAY AND MUSIC………  HOPA is still in need of vendors for its Market Day & Music. This will take place at Hudsonville High School on March 8, 2014 from 10:00am to 2:00pm. For more information, contact hopamarket@gmail.com or www.facebook.com/hopamarket. This is another great way to support the Hudsonville Orchestra department. If you or someone you know is interested, please let us know!

OTTAWA COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH……. The GRAND HAVEN office has  MOVED!!!  The new address is 1207 South Beechtree Street, Suite B, Grand Haven, MI 49417.  PH.. 616-846-8360…. FAX…616-844-1778….. www.miOttawa.org/miHealth  Grand Haven New Office Hours: Monday 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Wednesday &  Friday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.;  Closed 12 p.m. – 1 p.m.

S.O.A.R. II………..  For the past three years, we have been working on accomplishing our district’s long-range planning goals outlined in S.O.A.R. I (Strategic Objectives to Achieve Results).  A report of the many accomplishments during the past three years can be found on our district’s website.  Some of the accomplishments include, but are not limited to, implementation of all day every day kindergarten, additional extra curricular opportunities for students (Middle School drama/musical productions and lacrosse as a club sport), and an increased focus on relevance/21st Century Skills in our classrooms.

To continue our great tradition of excellence at Hudsonville Public Schools and to elevate our successes, we are asking for your help in the development of our next strategic plan.  We have completed the first phase of development (Focus Groups) and are very thankful for the wealth of information we received regarding the strengths of Hudsonville Public Schools and areas to focus on in the future.  An executive summary can be found on our website.

We are now entering our next phase in the research:  Randomized Needs Assessment Survey.  If you are asked to participate, please consider taking part in helping us set the direction for the next three years. In February, we will be opening the survey to all parents and community members.  We will email the link to the survey when it becomes available.

Sincerely,

Nick Ceglarek, Superintendent; Ken Hall, Board of Education President

COMMUNITY ED NEWS………. Hudsonville Community Education has many offerings for your kids.  For more information or to register, please visit www.hudsonvillepublicschools.org or call Rebecca at 669-7747, ext. #3.  Listed below are some of the activities that are available currently.

Upcoming Winter Activities to be on the lookout for……….. 3rd-6th GRADE BOYS BASKETBALL…. JR EAGLES BASKETBALL FOR BOYS & GIRLS….JR DANCE CLINIC….KITCHEN CREATIONS….LEARN TO ICE SKATE….BEGINNING FENCING…. INTRO TO HOCKEY….LEARN TO SKATE (ROLLERBLADING)…..PARKING LOT SELF DEFENSE/AWARENESS…..BOWLING (UP THRU ADULT AGE)……YOUNG REMBRANDTS DRAWING

winter24UPCOMING DATES

1/31 ~ NO SCHOOL/WINTER BREAK

2/3 ~ NO SCHOOL/WINTER BREAK

2/4 ~ Jet’s Pizza Night

2/7 ~ Popcorn Friday

2/19 ~ Marco’s Pizza Night

2/27 ~ KINDERGARTEN ROUND UP @ 7:00pm

2/28 ~ NO SCHOOL

HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND!

MRS. NURENBERG  : )Snowman

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PTC Minutes January Meeting

Meeting Minutes Georgetown Elementary Jan 9, 2014

Attendance:
Nancy Patrick
Shannon Klein
Krista Lawrence
Cheryl Havens
Theresa Reagan
Amanda Impens
Melissa Heys
Renee Burget

Budget Overview:
*Budget is looking good.  Papergator and Meijer perks are both half way to the goal.
*We will not be doing the coin war again this year.
*Amazon gift cards were given to teachers at the holiday breakfast.
*Gym teachers used their budgeted money to buy new equipment.

Principal Report:
*Everything is running very well at school
*The school has not received the MEAP results yet.
*Dates are getting set for school open house 2014 and the school is getting ready for kindergarten enrollment–February 27 is the K Round Up.

Upcoming Events:
*Marco’s pizza night Jan. 15th
*Mother/Daughter Event-  Amanda Impens is chairperson.  Theresa will send out an email to poll moms to see what activity they would like.
*Father/Son event- John Lawrence is the chairperson.  Same thing will be done with a poll of activities for the event.
*Spring book fair- Jody Hunt is chairperson for this event.  There will be a Monday morning setup.  Theresa will send an email out for volunteers as time gets closer.  There is $4,710.00 in Scholastic dollars.  Looking at using these funds for series books for 2nd and 3rd classes and nonfiction books.
*Teacher appreciation week- This will be May 5th-9th.
*Spring carnival – This will take place May 23rd
*Box tops- Box tops need to be handed into school by Feb. 14th.