Operation Christmas Child

Blog Update Tuesday October 27

I hope you had a good weekend with your friends and family!

What’s in the home bulletin?

Traffic Flow Reminders

At pick-up and drop-off time, please remember (a) to keep your eyes out for pedestrian traffic and (b) to keep moving with the regular flow of traffic.  We have a number of students being picked-up by parents/other adults and, in order to keep this process smooth and efficient, we need you to keep moving around the circle drive and then to exit on the east side (by the flagpole) and not to drive back into the parking lot once you have picked up your child.

IF you need to come into school for something, please park in the parking lot and walk in; do not leave a vehicle unattended in the pull-up line (as this backs up traffic significantly).  Thanks, in advance, for your courtesy to others in this busy time of day.

Operation Christmas Child Snack Sale

This year in an effort to help raise enough money to ship the boxes, we will be holding a snack store during morning recess on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. We will be selling Cider, Donuts, and other treats for 50¢ each. We are asking for your help in donating these items. Check the home bulletin for updates on items most needed.

OCC Snack Store Assignment

Last names: A-F please donate this week (October 26-October 30)

Last names: G-L (November 2 6)

Last names: M-R (November 9-13)

Last names: S-Z ( November 16-20)

Only send in regular donuts plain, glazed, or cinnamon/sugar. Please remember that we are a peanut free school!

Recess Duty

We love to have parents volunteer for recess duty as much (every week) or as little (once per month) as you can. Students love to see their parents on the playground, and it is a great way to get to know the other students and other parents at school. Recess duty is from 12:20-12:40 every day; contact Mrs. Deb Brinks, RCS parent, at debbrinks@hotmail.com if you can volunteer. Deb will be putting together the monthly calendars for recess duty this year.

Hot Lunch

Wednesday, Oct 28,

1 Asian day: Orange chicken bowl, brown rice, Asian blended veggies, carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, mandarin oranges, served with chopsticks

2 Nacho bag

Thursday, Oct 29, 2015

1 Stuffed crust Gilardi pizza, chilled pears, romaine salad, cucumbers, ranch dressing

2 Fruit & yogurt muncher

Friday, Oct. 30,2015

1 Two soft shell tacos, beef & cheese, black beans, corn, apple slices

2 Cereal bag

Monday, Nov 2,

1 Chicken drumstick, whipped potatoes and gravy, green beans, biscuit with honey, orange wedges

2 Nacho bag

Learning Commons News  

You may be surprised to know that students and teachers have checked out more than 1,800 books from the RCS Library already this year! This number does not include the book bags that go home with kindergartners nearly every day. We are a reading school! Did you know that our library has more than 15,000 copies in our collection?

Another interesting note: The School Library Journal came up with a list of the “100 Best Picture Books of All Time” and our library has all but 18 of them. We think that’s pretty cool!

Here’s the link to the list if you’d like to see it: http://www.slj.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/SLJ_Fuse8_Top100_Picture.pdf

Scholastic Book Fair Coming

Save the date for the Scholastic Book Fair coming December 1-4 (right after Thanksgiving Break).

Books make great Christmas gifts!

Family Time

Thank you to Mrs. Katie Underwood for coming back to RCS on Monday to kick-off our annual “Operation Christmas Child” Drive.  Be watching the RCS home bulletin for more details about what your family can contribute to share God’s love at Christmas with kids around the world.  Ask your student about this Family Time.

Please take 5 min to read this article,  it will help you out

http://garrett.with.sim.org/index.php/archives/1675

PE News

5th-8th grade continue to play Eclipse Ball. Ask your student why they decided to call it an Eclipse Ball? Who invented the game and where are they from? Rules?

1st-4th grade continue to work on hand-eye coordination with bean bags. They worked individually today and will work with partners Thursday.

Make sure you know where those charms and shoelaces are because the Turkey Trot Fun Run is right around the corner!

Has your family ever done a 5k together? There are some really cool ones coming up in GR. Gobble wobble, Ugly Sweater Run, etc… Find a way to be active with your family!!

Environmental Classroom News

This week the 6th grade environmental students will be concentrating on their future shelter building on their GGA (God’s Green Acre) at Camp Roger.  They will, first of all, be researching various types of winter shelters/survival shelters and then selecting which type they would like to build. Second, on Friday they will build a model of that type of shelter. After that model is completed, the students will begin the actual building next week Friday.

Week at a Glance

Fri, October 30

End of marking period, First Quarter for Middle School

Sat, October 31

Halloween - Be safe.

I’m praying that you have a great week!

Thanks for all that you do for God’s kingdom!

Mr. Dave

Blog Update Tuesday October 20

I hope you had a good weekend with your friends and family!

Please note

the tab called “RCS Calendar”. If you click on it, you will be able to see all the upcoming events including all the Camp Roger dates for the entire  year. Just click on the Month tab to see future dates.

7th Grade Feeding America

On Monday October 26th the 7th grade class will be going to Feeding America for a service project.  This is part of our Servant Leadership program.  they will leave school at about 9:15 and will be back at school at lunch time.  they will learn about Feeding America and how they serve those in need.   the 7th grade  will also spend time working in the warehouse.

A Note from Mr. Burgess

What’s in the home bulletin?

If your child is currently in a fall sport, make sure to take pictures during the game and send a few in for the yearbook! All pictures can be emailed to Kim Wierenga kwierenga@grcs.org

Family Time News

Next week, Mrs. Underwood is coming to kick off Operation Christmas Child during Family Time.

Learning Commons News

5th graders finished Real Reads, a realistic fiction reading incentive program, with a celebration breakfast last week. They dressed up as book characters from Real Reads books and enjoyed doughnuts, sausages, and fruit for breakfast. They are enthusiastic readers--three of the students read all 32 books! l

3rd graders began Read Around Michigan last Friday. They will be reading books about Michigan and books written by Michigan authors in a variety of genres for the next several weeks. Each minute of reading equals one mile of travel. They’ll be “visiting” 9 Michigan cities, travelling more than 700 miles, and receiving treats for each location. Go, Michigan readers!

Kindergartners are enjoying their take home book bags. Many of the students have already taken home fifteen to twenty books, or even more!

PE News

5th - 8th grade playing Eclipse Ball Jr. Ask your student where and how it originated? 1st - 4th grade working on bean bags (tossing/catching) individually and with a partner.

Conference Babysitting

Parents, do you need someone to watch your children while you attend Parent-Teacher Conferences this afternoon (1:15-5:30)?  If so, you have a fun and friendly option to choose right here at school!  8th graders will be offering their babysitting services, complete with activities planned, during Conference times in order to raise money for their class trip to Mackinaw City in May.   Take advantage of this convenient and entertaining (or educational if your child needs to get some homework done!) opportunity, and help to support the 8th graders with a donation.  Sign in/out will be in the middle school hallway.  If you have any questions, feel free to contact Mrs. Oren.  Thanks!

Co-Curricular Teachers for Conferences?

Co-Curricular Teacher Schedules

Subject	Teacher
Art	Mrs. Garrod
MS Math	Mrs. Still
Orchestra	Mrs. Drafta
PE	Mrs. VanderVeen
Elementary Spanish	Mrs. DeVries

they will be in the Worship Center

I’m praying that you have a great week and that everyone returns safely next Monday!

Thanks for all that you do for God’s kingdom!

Mr. Dave

Blog Update Wednesday, Oct 14

I hope you are having a good week with your friends and family!

Please note the tab called “RCS Calendar”. If you click on it, you will be able to see all the upcoming events including all the Camp Roger dates for the entire  year. I have just put them in there this week. Just click on the Month tab to see future dates.

What’s in the home bulletin?

Lost & Found: Large KitchenAid black and silver ladle. (Left from Grandfriends' Day.)

8th Grade Sub Sale

Our 8th grade students are in the midst of selling fresh submarine/croissant sandwiches, garlic bread, and cinnamon rolls as their annual fundraiser to raise money for their Class Trip to Mackinaw City.  This is a wonderful opportunity to order delicious food and to help out these students!  You can order items in two different ways:

The 8th graders will have order forms in hand OR obtain an order from the school office.  All order forms will need to be turned into the student/front office by Monday, October 26, and the ordered items will be available for pickup from the student you ordered from or at the front of school (if you ordered from the front office) at the end of the day on Tuesday, November 10.  

Thanks for your support!

Kids Club Next Week:

Because there is no school from October 21-23, the school building will be closed; therefore, there will be no childcare available at school from Wednesday-Friday next week.

Sports Pictures

Did your child play a sport at RCS last spring? Please send in pictures from the season to use in the yearbook! If your child is currently in a fall sport, make sure to take pictures during the game and send a few in for the yearbook! All pictures can be emailed to Kim Wierenga kwierenga@grcs.org

Yearbook

Start ordering your yearbook today.  Order forms went home with your child(ren) yesterday.  Please note that online ordering is also available this year!! http://jostensyearbooks.com/?REF=A01045598 If you have questions about ordering please contact Kim Wierenga kwierenga@grcs.org

Scholastic Book Fair is Coming!

Save the date: December 1-4! Just in time for Christmas shopping. Remember books make great gifts! If you would like to help out at the Book Fair, please let us know. We’d love to have a few parent helpers.

Family Time

Thank you to the eighth graders for sharing their spiritual journeys. Ask your student about this Family Time. There will be no Family Time on Monday, October 19, due to the short week. Our next Family Time will be on Monday, October 26, when we kick-off our annual Operation Christmas Child Project!

Hot Lunch

Please remind your children that, if they order hot lunch, they must pick up the item they ordered. We do not want to waste food, and we need to keep accurate counts so that what is ordered in the morning is available at lunch.

Thursday, Oct 15

1 Chips & nacho sauce, lettuce, salsa, spanish rice, refried beans, yogurt, fruit choice

2 Fruit & yogurt muncher

Friday, Oct 16

1 Meat mostaccioli, garlic bread, garden salad, peaches

2 Cereal bag

Monday, Oct 19

1 Waffles, strawberries & whipped cream, sausage links, tator tots, orange wedges

2 Fruit & yogurt muncher

Tuesday, Oct 20

1 Breaded Chicken patty on a bun, baked beans, tator tots, bananas, apple slices

2 Turkey Tuesday bag

Learning Commons Nrws

MAPS testing is done for the fall! Thank you to all of the kids who worked so hard to complete their testing. We will test again in the winter and the spring.

Conference Babysitting

Parents, do you need someone to watch your children while you attend Parent-Teacher Conferences on THIS Thursday, October 15 (3:45-8:00), and NEXT Tuesday, October 20 (1:15-5:30)?  If so, you have a fun and friendly option to choose right here at school!  8th graders will be offering their babysitting services, complete with activities planned, during these Conference times in order to raise money for their class trip to Mackinaw City in May.   Take advantage of this convenient and entertaining (or educational if your child needs to get some homework done!) opportunity, and help to support the 8th graders with a donation.  Sign in/out will be in the middle school hallway.  If you have any questions, feel free to contact Mrs. Oren.  Thanks!

Co-Curricular Teachers for Conferences?

Co-Curricular Teacher Schedules

Subject                              Teacher                             Available

Art                                     Mrs. Garrod                       10/20

Band/Music/Choir             Mrs. Schaap                       10/15

MS Math                           Mrs. Still                             10/15 & 10/20   

Orchestra                          Mrs. Drafta                         10/20

PE                                     Mrs. VanderVeen               10/20 (1:30-4:30)

Elementary Spanish          Mrs. DeVries                      10/20

Art Prize

We had a great time at ArtPrize! Grades 5-6 went two weeks ago and Grades 7-8 went last week. We had a wonderful time seeing all the art!

P.E  News

1st-4th had their Pumpkin Fun Run!!! Ask your student how many laps they had. EAch time they run they get a special charm and certificate. 5th-8th are starting a new game called Eclipse Ball!!

Upcoming dates

Thu, October 15

Parent-Teacher Conferences, 4pm – 8pm

3rd-4th grades go to Lansing all day

Friday, October 16

We will have "School Spirit Day" in anticipation of the MSU v. Michigan game on Saturday.  Please wear clothes from your favorite sports team. Go Blue!!

I’m praying that you have a great week!

Thanks for all that you do for God’s kingdom!

Mr. Dave

Blog Update Tuesday October 6

I hope you had a good weekend with your friends and family!

You’ll probably notice the pink theme on the monitors in the lobby! The color pink reminds us that it is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Thanks for a great Grandfriends’ Day last Friday.

It was a wonderful day of celebrating family and God’s faithfulness.  Thanks, too, to all of you who made it out to Eagles Stadium to cheer on our students in Junior Cheer and to fellowship at the Tailgater.

Theme Shirts

Our 2015-16 theme shirts have now been ordered.  We hope to receive them sometime in the next week.  Your child is welcome to wear the shirt anytime but especially on Mondays when we have Family Time with the whole school.

A Note from Mr Burgess

Safety Drills

Remember that the purpose of any of our safety drills is to practice what would happen in the case of emergency.  We practice so that we are ready.  Neither an actual emergency nor a drill will ever happen at a “convenient” time.

What’s in the home bulletin?

School Pictures, Oct. 5-6

School pictures were taken yesterday for Grades K-8, M/W/F 4's and Transitions; and today for T/T 3's and any absentees from Monday. All students will be photographed for school records and ID's.

8th Grade Pictures

All 8th grade students also had their pictures taken today for school records/IDs. Students may choose to have this photo be their graduation picture in the yearbook or submit a photo of their own.

Parent-Teacher Conferences - October 15 and 20

Watch for your conference schedule to come home later this week.

November 16 – “Our Father’s World” at Red’s on the River

Invitations will be available soon for the annual “Our Father’s World” event to support tuition assistance for RCS families.   

Sports Pictures

Did your child play a sport at RCS last spring? Please send in pictures from the season to use in the yearbook! If your child is currently in a fall sport, make sure to take pictures during the game and send a few in for the yearbook! All pictures can be emailed to Kim Wierenga (kwierenga@grcs.org

Yearbook

Start ordering your yearbook.  Order forms went home with your child(ren).  Please note that online ordering is also available this year!! http://jostensyearbooks.com/?REF=A01045598 If you have questions about ordering please contact Kim Wierenga (kwierenga@grcs.org)

Winter Sports

I know....hard to think about.....but it is sign-up time.

Coming home tomorrow will be our Basketball sign-ups form. My goal once again is to have a team per grade, so please turn them into the school office by Wednesday, October 7. This form will be also on our RCMS Athletics webpage.

• 5th and 6th grade boys/girls basketball starts early November and ends early February.
• 7th and 8th grade boys/girls basketball starts early December and ends early March.

If you have any questions, please email me at Jbouwkamp@grcs.org

Family Time

Thank you to Ms. Jasperse and the third grade class for leading the K-4 Family Time. The third graders shared photos and stories they had written about ways they had seen God at RCS. Thank you to Mr. VerMerris for leading the Middle School Family Time and how we, as Christians, need to look at the problems in the world.  Ask your student about this Family Time.

Next Monday, October 12,

our 8th graders will be sharing their "Spiritual Journeys" in Family Time. Please join us to see an audio-visual representation of how they have grown in faith and to celebrate God's faithfulness as they continue their journey of bearing fruit and growing in knowledge of God's love for them and His plan for their future.

Hot Lunch

Attention parents: please note the slight change on this months hot lunch menu. Mainly the cold lunches. There were a few tweaks after the first one was posted. You might want to print out the new one from the site.

Please remind your children that, if they order hot lunch, they must pick up the item they ordered. We do not want to waste food, and we need to keep accurate counts so that what is ordered in the morning, is what is available at lunch.

Wednesday Oct 7

1 Chicken drumstick, whipped potato, gravy, biscuit, green beans, peaches

2 Nacho bag

Thursday Oct 8

1 Warm ham & cheese on pretzel roll, run-size chips, carrots with Ranch, frozen fruit cup

2 Fruit & yogurt muncher

Friday Oct 9

1 Dominoes Day: pizza slice, carrots & celery with Ranch, fresh strawberries, melon

2 Cereal bag

Monday Oct 12

1 Popcorn chicken bowl, whipped potatoes & gravy, corn, fruit choice

2 Fruit & yogurt muncher

Tuesday Oct 13

1 Mini corn dogs, carrots with Ranch, fun-size chips, peaches

2 Turkey Tuesday bag

Pumpkins are still for sale! There is a good selection in front of the second grade classroom!

October Recess Schedule went home last week.

Environmental News

this week the 6th graders will be going to Camp Roger in the afternoon to work on their GGA.  On Friday morning they will be digging out the autumn olive trees that are growing along our entrance drive in, what we call, “Operation A-O Eradication”

A Week at a Glance

Wed, October 7,

7th and 8th Graders to Art Prize

Fri, October 9,

Camp Roger

4th Grade to pm

I’m praying that you have a great week!

Thanks for all that you do for God’s kingdom!

Mr.Dave