Blog update September 11 2012

I hope that you had a great start of the school year!

I will try to let all of you know when each class will be going on field trips

Welcome to all of our RCS families!

The Home Bulletin will arrive via email on Tuesdays. It is sent to all parents’ email addresses. If you are getting duplicate emails or do not desire to have one of you receive it, please contact the school office. The bulletin contains important information and will help keep you aware of any changes or additions to the school calendar throughout the school year.  You can also find the bulletin and other important information on our website at www.grcs.org/Rockford.

PLEASE REMEMBER TO TURN IN YOUR INFORMATION PACKETS TO THE SCHOOL OFFICE  ASAP

School Theme for 2012-2013

“Citizens of God’s Kingdom” as our theme for the year.  We will focus on both understanding the breadth of God’s Kingdom and what it means to be a citizen of it.  Our theme verse will be Micah 6:8 – “He has shown you, O man, what is good.  And what does the Lord require of you?  To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”  

Handicap Door Openers

We had them all fixed at RCS; please don’t push them continuously. Please don’t kick them; please don’t use them unless necessary. Thanks

If you have any Prayer Request,  you can email me.  I would love to pray for you and your family!! Please specify if you would like everyone to know and I will put it on the monitors.

Sports news

We are off and running! We have 4  girls volleyball teams, 2 boys soccer teams so  Check GRACEAC.com for current game schedules. We have several students playing football, cross country and swimming as well.

P.E. News

Welcome to a new school year in Physical Education.  Mr. Farrell is the teacher again this year and I am helping him in the gym.  We are starting with soccer and then fitness testing. 

Learning Commons News

Seventh and eighth graders are already using their netbooks and soon the fifth and sixth graders will be receiving their netbooks.

Each class has a scheduled library time to hear a story, check out books, and read. Make sure to ask them what they checked out and share some reading time with them!

Fifth graders are enjoying realistic fiction from the Real Reads book list and we’ll have our first drawing today for books and other prizes!

MAP testing

 will begin this week Wednesday for grades 2-8.  The testing will conclude on Wednesday, Sept. 26.  Check with your child’s teacher for exact times.

BAC/Kids Club.

 You must fill out an enrollment form with the school office if you are going to use either BAC or Kids Club. BAC is available from 7:30 a.m. until 8:40 a.m. before school for students in grades PreK-8; After school care runs from 3:17 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. for students in grades Pre K-8.

Kids Club is available to those students who are enrolled in our preschool and kindergarten programs on Monday through  Friday from 11:00 a.m. -3:17 p.m.

For those families who would like to use “drop-in” for the Kids Club program, we ask that you call the school office at 574-6400 at least 24 hours prior to the needed time to confirm whether or not space is available.

T.R.I.P. NEWS

 Weekly TRIP will continue on Tuesdays from 8:00-10:00 a.m. ONLY.

When RCS has a 2-hour delay, TRIP will operate from 10:30-11:30 a.m.

A week at a glance:

Family Time news
yesterday we had Mrs. Dekker from the Grand Rapids Christian Elementary come and speak at our Family Time.  She spoke about how God is the master designer of all that he has made and that he created each student with wonderful gifts and talents.

6th grade news

The sixth grade Environmental Classroom students will be going to Camp Roger and selecting their “God’s Green Acre”.  Their GGA is a piece of land that measures 70’ x 70’ which they will be studying throughout the year.

 Camp  this week

Camp Roger

7th Grade went yesterday morning  

The Middle School Mixer at Wabasis Lake

on Thursday (September 13). We’ll leave after morning break and return at the end of the day. Students should bring a morning snack but they do not need to bring lunch. Every student needs to bring a filled water bottle for the day. They should bring (modest) bathing suits and towels if they plan on swimming. Also, please send in $2 to cover the cost of lunch for the MS mixer. I might be going!

 

Everyone is invited to attend our Family Time on Monday mornings at 8:45 AM

We hope to see you there whenever you can make it!

RCS students helped with art prize last week on  Thursday  by making a billboard sign for United Way.   This billboard will the on display during Art Prize.

Thank you goes to Mr. Jackson

 Hot Lunch

 Hot Lunch is scheduled to begin on Monday, September 24.  We are in need of several volunteers to help serve lunch.  The time commitment is approximately 1 hour per week from 12:00-1:00 p.m.  Please contact Kris Blanker at 648-4406 with any questions or to volunteer.  Hot lunch costs will remain the same as last year: $1.65 per meal.

 

MAP testing w

ill begin this week Wednesday 

Safety & Security Precautions

For the safety and protection of our students and staff, everyone (parents, vendors, River Rock Church guests, etc.) entering RCS during school hours is required to sign in at the school office and obtain a “Visitor’s Badge.” Anyone desiring to enter the school hallways will be required to wear the badge. All RCS staff and River Rock staff will be wearing ID which will identify them as staff. As part of the security safety plan, only one main front door will remain unlocked between 8:45 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. on school days. Thank you for your willingness to help us keep our students and staff safe.

Curriculum Night

Next week Monday September 17 (K-8) from 7:00-8:30 p.m. Come and learn from your children’s students about the exciting things happening at RCS this year!

Peanut Free

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

Thanks for all that you do for God’s kingdom!
Mr. Dave

Blog update June 4

I hope that all of you had a great weekend!!

Please continue to keep Mrs. Broersma in your prayers.  She is taking it one day at a time.  Also, please pray for Mrs. Winn.  Her husband's mother passed away late last week.

ALL library books are due!  Library staff will be doing inventory and other end-of-the-year tasks this week. Many students currently have overdue books. Please help locate and return your overdue books. Look for Summer Reading lists, which will be distributed this week. These lists will be helpful for finding great books for your student and encouraging them to be readers all summer!

Kids Club / Before & After Care
Before Care will be available through the morning of Thursday, June 7; there will NOT be PM After Care on Thursday, June 7.
The last day for Kids Club & After Care (11:15 a.m.-3:15 p.m.) will be Wednesday, June 6.

Last Day of school is Thursday, June 7.
Dismissal on Thursday, June 7, will be at 11:35  a.m.  in order to access RPS busses.
The GRCS busses will be available for those who ride the GRCS busses on a regular schedule.

The 6th grade had a great time up at Sleeping Bear Dunes. Thanks for keeping them in your prayers!  They did not get wet but it was cold!!!

A week at a glance:

Family Time
Monday, June 4, 8:40 - 9:15
8th Grade Reflections

Family Time
Thursday, June 7, 8:40 - 9:20
Reflections on 2011-2012
Everyone is invited to attend our final Family Time on Thursday, June 7. It will be a special time of worship and reflection. We hope to see you there!


"Thanks again for another good year in P.E.  May you find many opportunities to stay physically active this summer.  Hope to see you in the fall."  Mr. Farrell


I would like to say thanks:

I can’t believe that I work (or maybe helping is a better word) with your students by helping them out! I have been helping students for 11 years now and I love doing what I do. Blessing students as they bless me. Thanks for all that you do for God’s kingdom!

Mr Dave

Blog update May 29

I hope that all of you had a great Memorial Day!!!!!!!

Congratulations to Mrs. Oren on a baby boy!  His name is Noam Raphael Oren.

Mrs. Broersma came back last Monday.  Please continue to keep her in your prayers.  She is taking it one day at a time.

ALL library books were due May 25. Library staff will be doing inventory and other end of the year tasks the final two weeks of school. Many students currently have overdue books. Please help your student locate and return their overdue books. Look for Summer Reading lists which will be distributed this week. These lists will be helpful for finding great books for your student, encouraging them to be readers all summer!

 Kids Club/Before & After Care
Before Care will be available through the morning of Thursday, June 7; there will NOT be PM After Care on Thursday, June 7.
The last day for Kids Club After Care (11:15 a.m.-3:15 p.m.) will be Wednesday, June 6.


 Last Day Thursday, June 7
Dismissal on Thursday, June 7 will be at 11:35  a.m.  in order to access RPS buses. The GRCS buses will be available for those who ride the GRCS
bus on a regular schedule.

A week at a glance:

The 5th graders went to the Whitecaps Game today.

Tomorrow
The 6th grade will be going to Sleeping Bear Dunes until Friday.

PE. News
We are working on base games to finish the year.  We play games like kick ball, German Bat Ball and 3 Ball.  Please ask your kids about these games.

Family Time Fast Forward
Monday, June 4
8th Grade Reflections

Thursday, June 7
8:40-9:20
Everyone is invited to attend our final Family Time on Thursday, June 7.  It will be a special time of worship and reflection.  We hope to see you there!

Hot Lunch Reminder
The last day hot lunch will be served is this Friday, June 1. Students will need to bring sack lunches June 4-6.

Thank you to all that brought in balls for the
Kenya Sports Ball Drive!

CONGRATULATIONS TO:
7/8 Grade Boys Baseball Team--won their League Championship Tournament.
7/8 Grade Girls Softball--took 2nd place in their League Championship Tournament.
5/6 Grade Boys Baseball--with a 6 win and 2 loss year end record.
5/6 Grade Girls Softball--with a 4 win, 2 loss, 2 ties record.

Thanks for all that you do for God’s kingdom!
Mr. Dave

Blog update May 22

 I hope you had a nice and enjoyable weekend was beautiful!!

Update on Mrs. Boersma

Mrs. Boersma came back yesterday  Please continue to keep her in your prayers.  She is taking it one day at a time

New2You Thank You!

Thank you to all of you who have offered the New2You store support this year.  Because of  wonderful donations and excellent parent volunteers the store is thriving!  The only problem with growth is that there is a continuing need for more product to sell. Please remember us this summer when you have your garage sales, clean your basements or garages or buy new clothing.  We especially need gently used clot
hing and good used furniture.  Items can be dropped off at the store at 2929 29th St SE or you can schedule pickup of larger items by calling 942-2929.

 Kenya Sport's Ball Drive Continues!

Just a reminder that the RCS Eagles are partnering with the Mutuuma Eagles in Meru, Kenya to help build community through physical activity.  We are collecting new or gently used balls, hand pumps and pins as well as monetary donations until Friday, May 25th.  The balls will be sent to Mutuuma Primary School this summer to be used on their newly built basketball court!!  Thanks so much for supporting this effort to bring the joy of physical activities to these kids and their community!  Questions? Contact Tami Redfield at 616-696-2227 or Redfields@icsworldmail.com

  The 6th grade Environmental Classroom students along with Mr. Dave went to the NASA Lab located at the Airport last Thursday.  I also had the opportunity to fly a plane on the flight simulator.  The takeoff was wonderful but I have  to work on  my landings.

A week at a glance

Family time

RCS Art Show – Tonight , May 22, 6:00-8:00 p.m.

Come and view works of art created by local RCS artists and displayed in our hallway “galleries.”

PE. News

We are working on base games to finish the year.  We play games like kick ball, German Bat Ball and 3 Ball.  Please ask you kids about these games.  Finally, they did a great job on the mile run.

The sixth grade Environmental Classroom News

Library Books Due May 25!

ALL library books will be due this week Friday, May 25. Library staff will be doing inventory and other end of the year tasks the final two weeks of school. Many students currently have overdue books. Please help your student locate and return their overdue books. Look for Summer Reading lists which will be distributed this week. These lists will be helpful for finding great books for your student, encouraging them to be readers

This Friday, May 25

Just a reminder that RCS is in session on Friday, May 25; Rockford Public Schools are not.

TRIP NEWS

No TRIP at Rockford Christian on Tuesday, May 29. Watch the bulletin for information on the summer schedule at RCS.

Hot Lunch Reminder

The last day hot lunch will be served is Friday, June 1. Students will need to bring sack lunches June 4-6.

  Last Day Thursday, June 7
Dismissal on Thursday, June 7 will be at 11:35  a.m.  In order to access RPS buses. The GRCS buses will be available for those who ride the GRCS buses on a regular schedule.

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

Mr. Dave

Blog update May 14

I hope you had a nice and enjoyable Mother’s Day!!

Update on Mrs. Boersma
Mr. Burgess spoke to Mrs. B over the weekend, and she is continuing to recover but still not back to full strength.  She and Mr. Burgess are currently planning that she will return next Monday, May 21st.  Please continue to keep her in your prayers.

We want to say “Thank You” to Camp Roger for letting us come to visit this year.

If you see any camp Staff say thank you!!

Art Show Set-Up
Parents are needed to help set-up for the Art Show! If you are available to help put up background paper/decorate bulletin boards at the end of this week, through the middle of next week, please email Miss Wesseling at hwesseling@grcs.org.

 Kenya Sport's Ball Drive Continues!

Just a reminder that the RCS Eagles are partnering with the Mutuuma Eagles in Meru, Kenya to help build community through physical activity.  We are collecting new or gently used balls, hand pumps and pins as well as monetary donations until Friday, May 25th.  The balls will be sent to Mutuuma Primary School this summer to be used on their newly built basketball court!!  Thanks so much for supporting this effort to bring the joy of physical activities to these kids and their community!  Questions? Contact Tami Redfield at 616-696-2227 or Redfields@icsworldmail.com

A week at a glance
We have one more fitness test to go: the mile run/walk.  We will complete this when the weather outside is appropriate.  In the meantime we will start the base games unit. It  Looks like a dry week.

The sixth grade Environmental Classroom News

They are going to the NASA Lab located at the Airport this Thursday, May 17

The 6th Grade Environmental Classroom Celebration Night is this Thursday evening beginning at 7:00 PM

Hot Lunch Reminder

The last day hot lunch will be served is Friday, June 1. Students will need to bring sack lunches June 4-6.

 Last Day Thursday, June 7
Dismissal on Thursday, June 7 will be at 12 noon. There will be no PM RPS buses that day, so parent pick-up of students who use RPS busing will be necessary. The GRCS buses will be available for those who ride the GRCS buses on a regular schedule.

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

Mr. Dave

Blog Update _ May 7

I hope you had a nice and enjoyable weekend!!!

Mrs. Broersma, 4th grade teacher, is home now and certainly doing much better. She was released from the hospital on Saturday afternoon and is slowly regaining her strength. Please continue to pray for a full
r\recovery for her.

We want to say “Thank You” to Camp Roger for letting us come to visit again this year.
If you see any Camp Roger Staff, say "Thank you!!"

"Family Time"
Thanks to the two Kindergarten classes for leading Family Time today!  Mr. Dave and Pastor Jon from River Rock Church will be leading on May 14th.

"Vending Machine"
The vending machine in the RCS lobby is the newest addition to the campus and something that we are housing on a trial basis to see how it impacts school life and how much it gets used. 
The students have been given the following parameters for its use: (1) teachers may establish what food items are or are not allowed in their classrooms; (2) students should only use the machine at break, noon recess/lunch, or after school.  The machine is there as a resource (since we no longer have a middle school “store”), but if it becomes too much of a distraction, we will consider discontinuing its availability.
If you have questions about it, don’t hesitate to contact Mr. Burgess.

Friendship Festival on Wednesday, May 9

On Wednesday a few students will be going to Ada Christian School to participate in this year's Friendship Festival.  Many school's will be sending students to celebrate our diversity but oneness in Jesus.  We hope that they have a wonderful day together!!!

Congratulations
 to Matthew Blanker, 7th grader, who was the highest RCS scorer at the Trinity Math Triathlon held two weeks ago in Grand Rapids

"Box Tops for Education"
The total collection for this school year resulted in a check for $509.00 from General Mills. This will be used by our 5th grade for their end-of-the-school-year activities. Thank you for being faithful box top collectors. Keep on collecting over the summer months!

Hot Lunch Reminder
The last day hot lunch will be served is Friday, June 1. Students will need to brink sack lunches June 4-6.

"Last Day of School – Thursday, June 7"

Dismissal on Thursday, June 7 will be at 12 noon. There will be no PM RPS busses that day, so parent pick-up of students who use RPS bussing will be necessary. The GRCS busses will be available.

The sixth grade Environmental Classroom will be going to Camp Roger and their GGAs on Wednesday.  On Friday they will be going to the Plainfield Township Water Department  and the Plainfield Waste Water Treatment Facilities.  They are learning about the importance of clean water and protecting the Great Lakes.

Thanks for all that you do for God’s kingdom!
Mr. Dave

Blog update April 30

I hope you had a nice and enjoyable weekend!!!

On behalf of the entire RCS Staff-THANK YOU for all of the work you put into Staff Appreciation Week – April 23 – April 27
We are all very thankful for everything you did for us!

The fruit of the Spirit is
"Patience" this month--May.
Galatians 5:22-25

Thanks to Mr. Ben VanderKodde from Grace Adventure Camp for leading Family Time this morning!He taught us about the fruit of "Patience".

A week at a glance:

May 1
Tuesday May 1 (Transitions by itself) Camp Roger

May 1
7th/8th Band Concert, 7:30 p.m., CAW


May 2
Kindergarten Camp Roger

May 3
5th/6th Band & Orchestra Concert, 7:30 p.m., CAW

May 4
6th Grade, GVSU Research Vessels  Spring Lake and Muskegon Lake from 8:30-1:30


 Mexican Dinner Fundraiser – Friday, May 4

The purpose of the dinner is to raise funds for the Spanish language program at RCS (Spanish immersion and 1st – 8th Spanish for all students) in order to purchase more Spanish language books for the RCS library.  A $ 10 ticket will get you a complete authentic Mexican dinner.  ($10 per ticket or a maximum of $ 40 for a family of 4 or more.)  The dinner is limited to 200 persons, so make sure to get your tickets early; tickets are available in the school office.

Prayer Concerns

Please be in prayer for Mrs. Broersma as she is in the hospital with pancreatitis.  Pray for inflamation in her pancreas to go down so that surgery can be performed as soon as possible.  Please pray that her body will be fully healed so that she can return to school soon.  Thanks.

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

Mr. Dave