The little kindergarteners who bustle about learning and playing in our classrooms will retire around the year 2070. Image that! When you consider all that has evolved over the past five years, we can’t begin to fathom what their life will be comprised of in 2070. As educators, we have been entrusted with preparing these young children to succeed in a future that we cannot begin to wrap our minds around.
Our children are image bearers of their Creator. After reading the opening chapter of the Bible and continuing throughout Scripture, we learn that our God is a creative God. Our young children reflect this creative spirit. It is this capacity for creativity, problem-solving skills and innovation that will carry our students successfully into the future. At Holland Christian, we offer our learners a myriad of opportunities that push the boundaries of the traditional model of learning. Makers Week is one such example. Our students were given the opportunity to select projects based on Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics that intrigued them most. Class lists were developed not based on age, but rather based on common interest. Our teachers prepared projects they themselves found exciting. This week our school was buzzing with innovative learning. Children were engaged in projects such as designing electrical burglar alarms, constructing skyscrapers to withstand wind from carpet blowers and manufactured earthquakes. Children worked in teams and explored concepts such as gravity vs. inertia while designing roller coasters for marbles. They built tall towers with an intentionally limited supply of resources. Many created a Claymation movie using their iPads. We found that failure was one component of this process, but it was not the end. After one idea did not produce the intended results, teams of children regrouped, supported and encouraged one another and developed new, more refined ideas until success was realized. By balancing our standards-based goals with learning experiences that use each child’s God-given gift of creativity, we believe we are offering the very best. They will be fully prepared and equip to walk the path that God has laid for them with confidence and the deep desire to live in His world as a life-long learner. Thank you for supporting this journey we called Makers Week!
And a special thanks to Mr. Bruinsma for allowing us to make a MESS while learning. Every day, he worked tirelessly and with a smile to once again return South Side to its shiny, clean environment. We are blessed to have you supporting us, Mr. Bruinsma!
Mr. Meester and Mr. Vos visited us this week to learn about our projects. They were impressed with our students' engagement and the learning process the took place during Makers Week. The Holland Sentinel came for a visit as well. Keep your eyes on the paper for our story! :)
Click here to enjoy many more photos from this week!
Prospective Parent Preschool & Kindergarten Visiting Days
Preschool and kindergarten visiting days are opportunities for prospective parents and their soon-to-be preschooler or kindergartener to visit a classroom, meet our teachers, and participate in a classroom activity. This is a great way to “sample” a preschool and kindergarten class! Visiting days are offered at both Rose Park and South Side from 9-10:30 am on the following dates:- March 12, 2015
- April 16, 2015
- May 14, 2015
FACTS Applications
The FACTS application form may now be completed either in paper form (available in the school office) or online at onlinefactmgt.com/aid. The forms are due April 15.
Lunch MenuPlease note the March lunch menu is now available at www.hollandchristian.org/hotlunch
Conference Sign up times:
Thursday, Mar 19 through Saturday, Mar 28, 2015
Conference Dates:
#1 Mon, Mar 30, 2015 5:00 PM - 8:30 PM
#2 Tue, Mar 31, 2015 5:00 PM - 8:30 PM
#3 Wed, Apr 01, 2015 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Our Thanks to you
This week we received a check for over $100 from the Target "Take Charge of Education" program.
Every time you shop with your RED card, Target donates a portion of the sale to the school of your choice. To learn more about this program visit Target.com/TCOE. These funds help purchase items that are not included in the general budget. We are blessed by your participation.
March is Reading Month!
Every March we celebrate reading and encourage everyone to take some extra time to read. The following reading incentive activities are provided through the South Side Library and teaching staff.
I SPY A GOOD BOOK!: We are highlighting books that promote visual literacy! What good book did you spy? Be sure to recommend good books to other readers!
Free WhiteCaps Tickets:
Students can earn WhiteCaps tickets with their March reading minutes. New this year: record reading minutes on the WhiteCaps calendar. The minutes for classroom reading goals and the WhiteCaps calendar are the same minutes, recorded in two different places. If they turn in the completed WhiteCaps calendar, students will be given vouchers that can be redeemed for two free WhiteCaps tickets. Be sure to have a parent’s initials in each space. The WhiteCaps office requires the calendar AND the voucher for ordering free tickets. See WhiteCaps letter for more information.
Reading Carnival! We will have an all-school reading carnival on April 1 to wrap up reading month and send us off on Spring Break. We are looking for about 15 willing volunteers to help the carnival run smoothly. The carnival will run from 8:45 until 10:00. If you are able to assist, please call Mrs. Meiste (616-820-3535) in the South Side office or email her at pmeiste@hollandchristian.org Thank you for helping us celebrate our sprouting readers!
Skating Party (Rescheduled)
Please note Tuesday, March 3, is the new date for the skating party, sponsored by the Parent Team.
Activities begin at 6:00 P. M. Admission is $5.00 this includes the cost of skate rental.
FUN NIGHT - Only 2 weeks away! Thank you to many of you who have already volunteered to help with this night!! We couldn't do it without you! We still are in need of many volunteers to run all of the games. Please go to http://www.signupgenius.com/go/20f0c4daaab22a20-funnight to sign up, or return the green volunteer form. We also need jazzy jars! The kids always love these and they sell fast! You may fill any size jar or container with just about anything kids would love to buy! Please bring those to the office at Pine Ridge or South Side. You may still donate candy or pop as well. Specific needs were designated by grade or classroom. If you have any questions, please contact Dawn Baker at dabaker@hollandchristian.org or Tricia Kiekintveld at triciakiek@gmail.com
Requested Announcements
Turning Pointe School of Dance, a Christian Ministry announces the debut of, It Is Well, April 23rd-25th at the Knickerbocker Theatre in downtown Holland.
It Is Well is an original ballet inspired by the true story of Grand Rapids resident Diet Eman who was imprisoned under Hitler for her efforts in hiding Jews in the Nazi-controlled Netherlands. Follow in Diet’s footsteps as she struggles with doubt, uncertainty and loss. Experience the beauty of God’s abiding love and grace as Diet finds joy in the midst of terrible suffering by looking to God through every circumstance. A story of faith and courage, this ballet will touch your heart and draw you closer to Christ through the beauty of music and dance.
Tickets go on sale at the Hope College Ticket Office on March 23rd. Call 616-395-7890 to purchase over the phone. Special student pricing.
Upcoming Events:
March 2 - Ditto work bee (6-8, 2nd grade)
March 3 - Skating Party at Home Roller Rink from, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
March 6 - No school, Staff Development
March 13 - Family Fun Night at Pine Ridge, 5:30pm
March 15-21- Cash for Class (Family Fare & D &W Markets)
March 28 - Kids Stuff Resale
March 30-31 - Parent/Teacher Conferences
April 1 - Parent/ Teacher Conferences ( 1-3)/Dismissal- 11:30
April 2-12 - Spring Break
April 13 - School resumes
April 23 - SS/PR Spring Program at Christ Memorial
