Blog Update Tuesday, September 22

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

Theme Shirts

As in previous years each student will receive a school theme shirt to wear.  The shirt has been designed by Alivia Jackson and we’re ready to order them.  However, we need your child’s shirt size.  The sizes available are: Youth Small/YM/YL     Adult Small/AM/AM/AL/AXL   

Family Time

Cameron Blake from River Rock Church led the elementary students in music and worship. Mr. Burgess talked to the middle school students about leadership and how we influence others in our everyday interactions. The preschoolers were introduced to my service dog, Barkley, during their family time.

Ask your student about Family Time.

Hot Lunch

Wednesday Sept 23, 2015

1 Gilardi Breadsticks, Marinara Sauce, Garden Salad, Red Grapes

2 Turkey Wrap Bag

Thursday Sep 24, 2015

1 Hamburger on a bun with Cheese, Corn, Fun-size Chips, Pear Slices

2 Fruit & Yogurt Muncher

Friday Sept 25, 2015

1 Meat Mostacioli, Garlic Bread, Garden Salad, Peaches

2 Cereal Bag

Monday Sept 28, 2015

1 Chicken Nuggets, Steamed Broccoli, Muffin, Peaches

2 Nacho Bag

The menu for September is posted under "Hot Lunch" on our website.

See You At The Pole

Once again, the 8th graders are preparing a time of worship around the flagpole Wednesday, Sept. 23.  See You At The Pole (SYATP) is a national, student-led event that centers around the fellowship of school communities coming together to pray for not only the local community, but also for our nation and world.

We would LOVE you to join us for devotions that morning.  We will begin around 8:40 and end around 8:50.

FYI: the flag is stuck at half-staff for an indeterminable amount of time.

Let me know if you have any questions.

Environmental Classroom News

On Friday the fifth grade environmental students will be helping the 2nd grade students on harvesting the pumpkins from the pumpkin patch.  They may be selling some of the pumpkins next week.  Stay tuned

We have begun our environmental study on the “Energy of Michigan”.  We’ve been reviewing the forms of energy and this week focusing on how energy in Michigan is being used.

Out in the Woods This Week

On Wednesday the students will be going out to their GGA and drawing a tree profile of all the trees on their God’s Green Acre.  They will be measuring the circumference of those trees next week.  We will do several math activities based on the data..

On Friday, if the weather cooperates, we will be picking up the litter on Belding Road for our Adopt-A-Highway activity.

Learning Commons

MAP testing continues this week. The schedule is:

Tues. 9/22	Wed.9/23	Thurs. 9/24	Fri. 9/25	Monday 9/28
9:30 6th grade		9:00 1st grade	Makeups	9:30 1st grade
10:45 5th grade	11:00 1st grade	11:00 4th grade**	Makeups	11:20 8th grade
1:00 8th grade	1:05 2nd grade	1:05 3rd grade*	Makeups

*includes 3rd grade Spanish Immersion students

**includes 4th grade Spanish Immersion students

Please send your students to school well-rested and well-fed for their testing.

Watch for an October Recess Schedule in backpacks soon!

A Week at a Glance

Wed, September 23,

See You At The Pole

8:40am – 8:50am

Thu, September 24,

PTO meeting in the RCS library

6:30pm

Fri, September 25,

Mid-mark, Quarter 1 for Middle School students

I’m praying that you have a great week!

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

Mr. Dave

Blog Update Tuesday, September 15

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

A Note from Mr Burgess

Clarification on Peanut / Tree Nut Policy

Parents and staff have asked for clarification on our RCS policy related to peanuts and tree nuts.  After review of our policy and communication with parents of students with peanut or other nut allergies, I want to provide the following three clarifications on the policy in our building:

  Parents of an affected child are required to provide notice to the principal and school office, adequate information about the child’s condition, and an emergency response plan.

 The entire RCS building is to remain peanut-free, as has been the policy for the past 8 years.  Rockford Christian families should avoid sending any clearly identifiable peanut products to school with

  Tree nuts (and products containing tree nuts, like Nutella) are permitted in school except for the classrooms in which students with a tree nut allergy will regularly eat lunch.  (Students in these rooms will be notified via the homeroom teacher; no communication means tree nuts are permitted.)

Family Time

This week Mark Kuiper led us in praise and worship. Ask your student about this Family Time.

Hot Lunch

Wednesday Sept. 16  

Pillsbury pancakes, sausage links, tator tots, orange wedges, apple juice

Thursday Sept. 17

Chips and nacho sauce, lettuce, salsa, Spanish rice, yogurt muncher, fruit choice

Friday Sept 18

Chicken sandwich, fun-size chips, food bar choices, grapes

The menu for September is posted under "Hot Lunch" on our website.

Environmental Classroom News

We have begun our environmental study on the “Energy of Michigan”.  We’ve been reviewing the forms of energy and this week focusing on how energy in Michigan is being used.

Learning Commons

MAP testing began on Monday, September 14 and will continue for the next couple of weeks. The schedule is:

Tues. 9/15	Wed.9/16	Thurs. 9/17	Fri. 9/18	Monday 9/21
8:50 5th grade	9:00 2nd grade	8:50 7th grade		9:30 7th grade
10:45 6th grade	11:00 4th grade*	11:00 1st grade		10:45 6th grade
				1:00 4th grade**

*includes 3rd and 4th grade Spanish Immersion students

**includes 4th grade Spanish Immersion students

Please send your students to school well-rested and well-fed for their testing.

Watch for a September Recess Schedule in backpacks soon!

I’m praying that you have a great week!

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

Mr. Dave

Blog Update Tuesday, September 8

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

A Note from Mr Burgess

Clarification on Peanut / Tree Nut Policy

Parents and staff have asked for clarification on our RCS policy related to peanuts and tree nuts.  After review of our policy and communication with parents of students with peanut or other nut allergies, I want to provide the following three clarifications on the policy in our building:

Parents of an affected child are required to provide notice to the principal and school office, adequate information about the child’s condition, and an emergency response plan.

The entire RCS building is to remain peanut-free, as has been the policy for the past 8 years.  Rockford Christian families should avoid sending any clearly identifiable peanut products to school with students.

Tree nuts (and products containing tree nuts, like Nutella) are permitted in school except for the classrooms in which students with a tree nut allergy will regularly eat lunch.  (Students in these rooms will be notified via the homeroom teacher; no communication means tree nuts are permitted.)

Hot Lunch

Wednesday Sep 9,

Chicken Drumstick, Whipped potato, Gravy, Biscuit, Green Beans, Peaches

Turkey Wrap Bag

Thursday Sep 10,

Ham & Cheese on Pretzel Roll, Fun-size Chips, Carrots with Ranch Frozen Fruit cup

Fruit and Yogurt Muncher

Friday Sep 11, 2015

DOMINOES DAY Pizza, Carrots & Celery with Ranch, Fresh

Strawberries,  Melon

Cereal Bag

Environmental News

6th graders are going to Camp Roger tomorrow. Make sure to dress for the weather.

5th graders will be visiting the Recycling Center tomorrow.

Learning Commons

MEA testing begins next Monday and will continue for the next few weeks. The schedule will be posted soon.

Classroom Connect Childcare

Parents, do you need someone to watch your children while you attend Classroom Connect next Monday, September 14?  If so, you have a fun and friendly option to choose right here at school!  Back by popular demand, 8th graders will be offering their babysitting services, complete with activities planned, from 6:45-8:30 (to accommodate parents attending the laptop information session at 8:00) that evening in order to raise money for their class trip to Mackinaw City/Island 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 in front of the library.  If you have any questions, feel free to contact Mrs. Oren (soren@grcs.org).

A Week at a Glance:

Thursday Sept. 10

3rd graders to Camp Roger

Fri, September 11,

4th graders to Camp Roger

Friday, Sept. 11 PTO sponsored cookout at RCS 5:30-7:30

Mon, September 14,

Classroom Connect   6:45-8:30

I’m praying that you have a great week!

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

Mr. Dave

Blog Update Wednesday, September 2

This blog is for your information.  I try to update this every Tuesday.   

I hope that you had a great weekend!

A full week is already in the books.

It has been a great start to the year, and the kids are excited to be back at school.

Welcome the following new staff to our school family:

Mrs. Decker--Preschool

Mrs. Hoekstra--Kindergarten

Mrs. Nyenhuis--2nd grade (until Nov.1)

Mrs. Letavish--Elementary ESS

Mrs. Joy Jones--Middle School ESS

Mrs. Prins--Middle School Spanish

Mrs. VanderVeen--PE

Friday, Sept 11, RCS Cookout, sponsored by the PTO

Upcoming Event on Monday evening, September 14 – “Classroom Connect”

This is an opportunity for our K – 8th Homeroom Teachers to meet with parents about the year…to discuss expectations, routines, homework, etc.  The biggest goal is to make positive connections between home and school.  More details will come next week, but the schedule will be…

7:00 – 7:25 Session #1

7:30 – 7:55 Session #2  (since many parents have kids in multiple grades)

8:00 – 8:25Extra Session for Laptops (5th grade parents and any new MS parents)

November 16

SAVE THE DATE

Our Father’s World” at Red’s on the River!

Peanut Free

Just a reminder that we continue to be a “peanut free” school. No nut products of any kind are allowed at school.  Any questions, contact the school office.

Flag Responsibility:

The eighth graders have the responsibility to raise and lower the flag in front of school when it’s half-staff.

     

lining Commons

Library classes have begun for grades K-5 this week. Please ask your student which day their class comes to the library, ask them about books they checked out, and remind them to return their library books on library day. Fifth graders started a reading incentive program called “Real Reads”. They’ll be reading from a list of 32 realistic fiction books. Kindergartners are bringing home book bags, each containing a book and an activity sheet.

Family Time

Pastor Jon from River Rock Church gave each student a piece of Silly Putty and talked about how God is the Potter and we are the clay, and how God shapes us. Ask your student about this Family Time.

Calendar Link on My Blog:

If you would like to see what’s happening around our school, click on the link on the top of my blog.

Reminder: New Dismissal Time beginning next Tuesday!

Rockford Public has changed dismissal times at their elementary schools, which changes bussing times for the afternoons and will necessitate us dismissing at 3:15 p.m., beginning next week Tuesday.

I’m praying that you have a great week!

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

Mr. Dave

IT SUMMER

INSTANT TRIP is available at:GR CHRISTIAN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (Alexander St. entrance)

HOURS:

Wednesdays 7:30 am - 5:00 pm

through Wed. 6/3

CLOSED Weeks of June 8 & June 15

SUMMER HOURS 9:00am-5:00pm begin Wed. 6/24

CLOSED Week of July 15

CLOSED Weeks of Aug. 10 & Aug. 17

REGULAR HRS. 7:30am-5pm resume Wed. 8/26

ROCKFORD CHRISTIAN SCHOOL HOURS:

CLOSED Tuesday 5/26

OPEN 8:00-10:00 am Tues. 6/2

CLOSED Weeks of June 8 & June 15

SUMMER HOURS 9:00am - 10:00am begin Tues. 6/23

CLOSED Week of July 13

CLOSED Weeks of August 10 & August 17

REGULAR HRS. 8:00-10:00am resume Tues. 8/25

Report cards

Report cards will go home with students in grades K-6 on Friday, June 5. Reports cards for grades 7-8 will be mailed to the student's home the week of June 15. Report cards will be available for on-line viewing for all students on Wednesday, June 10

Medications

If your student has medications in the school office, please stop by and pick them up. Medications left after June 12 will be disposed of.

Summer Office Hours

The RCS office will be open M-Th from 9:00 am- 3:00 pm through Thursday, June 25. Regular office hours (8 am-4 pm) will begin on Monday, August 10. If you should need assistance while the RCS office is closed, please contact the main office of Grand Rapids Christian Schools at 574-6000. You may also leave a message at RCS as voicemail will be checked periodically.

Thank you

Thank you to all of those who volunteered for recess duty this year!

Lost and Found Items

Lost and Found items will be held in the school office until Friday, June 19. After this date, items will be donated to New 2 You.

Paper Gator Recycling

Thank you for all your recycling.  You help the RCS environmental program, and we have raised total equals 248.48

Prayer Requests

Thank you for praying for everyone this school year.  I will pray for all of you, over the summer.  Have a good, safe summer.

I would like to say thank you for allowing me to be with your children at RCS this school year! I enjoy praying, working, and helping the students become children of God.

Mr. Dave

Blog update June 1

I hope that you had a great weekend!

Learning Commons News

All library books were due on Friday, May 22! The library will be closed this week to do inventory and other end of the year projects. Please remind your students to return their books promptly! If a book is lost, students will be asked to pay the replacement cost.

Middle School student laptops are being collected this week. Students should have their laptop, charger and case at school on their collection day. Students may want to save their documents to Google Drive or a flash drive before turning in the computers.

6th grade: Monday, June 1

7th grade: Wednesday, June 3

8th grade: Tuesday, June 2

Lost and Found Items

Please check the Lost and Found items in the front lobby this week if you’re missing anything. Everything will be donated to New To You at the end of the school year.

Lunch Menus

Click on the link “Lunch Menus” above to see the week’s menu.

6th Grade Environmental Classroom

It is hard to believe that the 6th grade Environmental Classroom students are at the end of the year!  Last week was our culminating learning opportunity when we went to Sleeping Bear National Park for a three-day camping experience.  The students learned a lot about the dunes, visited the Coast Guard Museum, and went on a sailing schooner on Grand Traverse Bay.  The weather was exceptional except for a period of time when the students experienced a most delightful rain, wind, lightning, and thunderstorm.  They all survived well but there was a lot of prayers being said.  They learned to trust more in their God as they experienced “Going to the Hills”.

This week will conclude with the students writing in their environmental journal for the last time along with a special ceremony welcoming the 5th graders to 6th grade.

June 3 - Ice Cream Social

As our year quickly comes to a close, we wanted to remind you about our upcoming Ice cream Social on Wednesday, June 3. It will be after school, from 4:00-5:30pm. Please join us in thanking our departing and transitioning staff at Rockford Christian in the front lobby.  All RCS families are encouraged and welcomed to attend. We will be celebrating the following staff members:

Joan VanDyke

Becky Werdon

Katie Underwood

Rachel Bardolph

Sue VanEngen

Amber Kunnen

Kim Primus

Becky Lantinga

Kate Wierenga

Transportation /Dismissal News for June 4 and 5

Thursday, June 4 - Parent pick-up, no RPS busing, regular GRCS busing

RCS will dismiss at 3:20 (as normal) on Thursday, June 4. This will require parent pick-up because RPS is not running busses on Thursday afternoon. GRCS buses will run.

Friday, June 5 (last day of school) - We will dismiss at 11:40 a.m. in order to access both RPS and GRCS buses. (We were originally going to dismiss at noon.)

Coming up this week:

3 1/2 MORE DAYS!!!

Tue, June 2,

2nd grade Class Party all afternoon at Townsend Park

Wed, June 3,

Kindergarten Class Party at Townsend Park, 11-1

Ice cream Social 4:00pm – 5:30pm

Thu, June 4,

Spanish Immersion class party at Pursifull’s house, 1-3

4th Grade class party all afternoon swim party

8th Grade Graduation,7pm in the Worship Center

1st Grade class party, 11:00-end of day

Fri, June 5,

End-of-Year Family Time at 8:45 a.m.

Last Day of School (Dismissal at 11:40am)

Lots of summer fun!

Thu, August 20,

RCS Back-to-School Open House!!! 5:30pm – 7:00pm

Thank you to Ms. Frens, Mrs. (Lisa)Nyenhuis, Mr. VerMerris, Ms. Barrett, Mr. Burgess, Mrs. McGinnis and Mrs. Falk for helping me edit my blog.  

I’m praying that you have a great week!

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

Mr. Dave