. Blog Update Tuesday, September 6

Thank you for visiting my Blog! I hope to post every Tuesday night.

I hope you had a good weekend with your friends and family!  It was beautiful out!  

Please note the tab called “RCS Calendar”.

If you click on it, you will be able to see all the upcoming events. Just click on the Month tab to see future dates!

A Note from Mr. Burgess

1.       “Classroom Connect”: Monday evening, September 12, from 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.  The schedule for this night will run with sessions from 7:00 – 7:25 and 7:30 – 7:55.  There will be an additional 8:00 session for 5th grade parents and other new families for computers.

Classroom Connect Babysitting

Parents, do you need someone to watch your children while you attend Classroom Connect Monday, September 12?  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)

2.     Service-Projects:  In the first semester of 2016-2017, Rockford Christian will be engaged in three service projects to help our students to understand and engage in global issues and to be empowered as agents of change in the world around them. The three projects are as follows:

A.     Katy Spengler – Water for Africa / Raising Money for WorldVision (Marathon)

September 12 – October 14; Change Challenge

B.     Operation Christmas Child (OCC) – Kick-off in the end of October

C.      GRCS Market Day – December 2 is the day of the event.  We will kick off around the same time as OCC so kids have awhile to work on what they want to sell.

NWEA Testing

1st – 4th Grade MAPs can begin the week of September 12

Highlights from the home bulletin

Yearbook Cover Contest

Yearbook cover contest is here.  All kindergarten through 8th grade ORIGINAL, non-computer aided, parent aided, or relative aided work will be eligible.

Cover entries must contain the following:

• Our school theme "Building on a Solid Foundation
• Our theme verse, Matthew 7: 24-25 (Whole verse must be written out)
• Rockford Christian School
• 2016-2017
• Your name and grade in pencil ON THE BACK only!

All entries must be submitted with marker, no crayon or colored pencil entries will be accepted. Paper size must be 8 ½ X 11 and white, although you can color it however you would like. Mr. Burgess will be selecting 2 winners, one for the front cover and one for the back cover. All entries will be displayed after the winners are chosen. If you have any questions, please contact Mrs. Kim Wierenga at kwierenga@grcs.org.  Entries should be turned in to the school office. Entries are due by Friday, October 14.

Junior cheerleaders  

If you missed the first clinic on Tuesday, September 6, 2016, you can still participate in the fun and excitement of cheering at Eagles Stadium for a varsity football game!   Parents, please call Jacquie DeJonge at 949-7516 as soon as possible with your daughter's name, grade, school, and t-shirt size (YXS - AL).  T-shirts will be ordered on Thursday, September 8.  Plan to attend the second clinic on Monday, September 13, from 3:45 - 5:15 p.m. in the Quest Center.  For the Jr. Cheer game, please meet at GRCHS at 5:45 p.m. to get your t-shirt.  The girls will cheer during pre-game and the beginning of the varsity football game on Friday, September 16, until 7:15 p.m.

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.

PE News news for this week

Reminder: All students must wear tennis shoes for PE. If they do not have their tennis shoes they are not able to participate as regular shoes make scuffs on the gym floor. for 5th-8th grade they will lose half their participation points for the day if they do not have their shoes.

Upcoming dates for September

Thu, September 8,

Eagle Fest,

Eagle Stadium

5:30pm – 7:30pm

Fri, September 9,

Back to School BBQ, RCS

5:30pm – 8:00pm

Fri, September 9,

the 7th/ 8th graders are going to Wabasis

When:12:00pm

Monday, September 12

Classroom Connect, RCS 7:00-8:00

Mon, September 26 – Tue, September 27

School Picture Days

I would love to continue to pray for you and your family.  If you would like to let me know any prayer requests, I would be happy to pray.

I’m praying

that you have a great week!

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

Mr. Dave

Blog Update Wednesday, June 1,

I hope you had a good long weekend with your friends and family!  It was beautiful out!  

Highlights from the home bulletin

Lost & Found

Please check out the Lost & Found table in the front lobby. Anything left after June 10 will be donated to New 2 You.

Campbell Labels for Education

In the past few years participation in Labels for Education® has declined and as a result, Campbell has come to the very difficult decision to wind down the LFE program. The good news is nothing changes this program year. There will be changes for next year's program starting August 1, 2016. We will continue to support American kids through our Grand Stand for SchoolsSMsweepstakes and our community efforts which we annually contribute $70 million in food and funding to tackle obesity and hunger amongst our country's  most vulnerable families.

If you have been collecting labels, please drop them off in the RCS office no later than May 27th so that we can take advantage of the program before it ends.

2nd Grade News

The 2nd graders planted pumpkins seeds in the RCS Pumpkin Patch today.  They will be growing nice and big this summer getting ready for harvest in the fall.  They are also now getting ready for performing The Lord’s Prayer at Family Time this Friday at 8:45.  All are welcome to come and join us for this beautiful time of worship and praise!

6th Grade Environmental Program Class

This week we will be wrapping things up in the environmental program with the 6th graders.  Besides cleaning the room, the students on Wednesday will be going to the woods at Camp Roger for one last visit.  They will be sitting on their GGAs and writing two things:

1. A Letter to the incoming 6th graders for them to read next fall.
2. They will also be writing a prayer of gratitude to God for all the wonderful environmental experiences.

I would like to thank my good friend, Dave Worst, for all his hard work in putting this blog out each week.  He does a super job and is so patient with me even when I forget to put an update in from time to time..  Until August of 2016, have a safe and rest-filled summer.  We’ll see you again in the fall as we begin another year!

Mr. VerMerris

Book Drive

We have an opportunity to bless students in the Grand Rapids Public Schools with books to encourage and inspire them over the summer. As you are spring cleaning and you find any children's books that you would like to donate, please send them to school with your child.  We will have a box in the library to collect the books and we will be collecting until June 3.

Yearbook

Start ordering your yearbook today. 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

Sunflower Seeds Sale

The first graders of RCS are selling sunflower seeds grown and harvested in their own First Grade Garden. Packages of 30 seeds are being sold for 50 cents each. All proceeds from their sales will go directly to Kids' Food Basket. Now is the time for planting! The first graders would like your help in sowing these seeds in many different places! Please consider buying packages for neighbors, relatives, and friends. Packages of sunflower seeds are available for purchase in the RCS office and during morning recess by the first grade classroom. Thank you for your support!

Family Time

Today the 8th graders shared memories of their time at RCS in photostories. Ask your student about this family time.

Upcoming Family Time

Friday, June 3

8:45 Last Day of School Family Time

(K – 8th)

8:45

Learning Commons

All library books are due. Please help your student find and return their library books. The Learning Commons team will be doing inventory and other end of the year tasks.

Upcoming dates for Summer

June 8 – August 22, 2016

Summer Break

Monday, August 29, 2016  

First Day of School for 2016-2017  (Half Day)

I would love to continue to pray for you and your family.  If you would like to let me know any prayer requests, I would be happy to pray.

I’m praying that you have a great week!

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

Mr. Dave

Blog Update Tuesday, May 24

I hope you had a good weekend with your friends and family!  It was beautiful out!  

Highlights from the home bulletin

End-of-Year Ice Cream Social

Tuesday, May 31, 3:45 - 5:15 p.m.

It has been one of our traditions over the past few years to host an end-of-year ice cream social to celebrate our RCS community and to say a final "thank you" to RCS staff members that are transitioning to new roles in life.

We are planning this event for Tuesday afternoon, May 31, from 3:45 - 5:15 outside the front entrance of school.  We will have shaved ice this year (instead of ice cream), and you can come-and-go as you are able in order to fellowship and connect with the following staff members to say "thanks" and "see you later."

Below are the names of those staff members that are transitioning to new roles, either teaching, retirement, or other chapters of life:

Chris Sharda - 1st grade

Brent Seinen - 7th grade

Lori DeVries - Elementary Spanish

Sarah VanderVeen - P.E.

Janet Prins - Middle School Spanish

Barbie Fahlen - Spanish Immersion

Jane Bouwkamp - Athletic Director

Our 2016 Fun Run Sponsors Were:

Baker/Holtz CPA and Advisors

Brian Boven- 5 Star Realty

Buffalo Wild Wings

Cards of Wood

Centerline Engineering

Discount Door

Foot and Ankle Specialists

Mercy Health

Ram Die Corporation

Rockford Restoration

Tooling Systems Group

THANK YOU to these amazing companies!  Without their financial support our Fun Run would not be as "fun"!

Kids' Club

Kid's Club will be open from 7:30 - 3:15 during the final week of school if you still need childcare during the school day.  However, we need you to contact the office to indicate you will use it in order to make sure we have extra support for Lisa (if there are going to be a number of kids using it).  Please call or e-mail Mrs. Radius if you plan to use it next week and indicate which days and times: 574-6400 or kradius@grcs.org

Please note that there will be NO after-school care on Friday, June 3.  School dismisses at noon on June 3 for the summer.

Transportation News

Friday, May 27 - No RPS Busing, Parent drop-off & pick-up.

GRCS buses run as normal.

Lost & Found

Please check out the Lost & Found table in the front lobby. Anything left after June 10 will be donated to New 2 You.

Campbell Labels for Education

In the past few years participation in Labels for Education® has declined and as a result, Campbell has come to the very difficult decision to wind down the LFE program. The good news is nothing changes this program year. There will be changes for next year's program starting August 1, 2016. We will continue to support American kids through our Grand Stand for SchoolsSMsweepstakes and our community efforts which we annually contribute $70 million in food and funding to tackle obesity and hunger amongst our country's  most vulnerable families.

If you have been collecting labels, please drop them off in the RCS office no later than May 27th so that we can take advantage of the program before it ends.

Sunflower Seeds Sale

The first graders of RCS are selling sunflower seeds grown and harvested in their own First Grade Garden. Packages of 30 seeds are being sold for 50 cents each. All proceeds from their sales will go directly to Kids' Food Basket. Now is the time for planting! The first graders would like your help in sowing these seeds in many different places! Please consider buying packages for neighbors, relatives, and friends. Packages of sunflower seeds are available for purchase in the RCS office and during morning recess by the first grade classroom. Thank you for your support!

Book Drive

We have an opportunity to bless students in the Grand Rapids Public Schools with books to encourage and inspire them over the summer. As you are spring cleaning and you find any children's books that you would like to donate, please send them to school with your child.  We will have a box in the library to collect the books and we will be collecting until June 3.

Yearbook

Start ordering your yearbook today. 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

Family Time

Ask your student about this Family Time which was led by Mr. Dave and Pastor Jon.

Upcoming Family Times

Tuesday, May 31	Final 8th Bible Project Family Time  (Final Time for 8th Grade	(K – 8th)
Friday, June 3	8:45 Last Day of School Family Time	(K – 8th)

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.

Hot Lunch this week

Monday, May 23

1 Chicken nuggets, fun size chips, snap peas with hummus, watermelon, strawberries

2 Nacho bag

Tuesday, May 24

1 Breakfast for lunch: Pillsbury mini pancakes, cheese omelet, sausage link, potato triangle, orange wedges/bananas

2 Trix for kids

Wednesday, May 25

1 Taco salad in edible bowl, lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, salsa, sour cream, black beans, corn, cantaloupe melon

2 Turkey sub bag

Thursday, May 26

1 Ham and cheese on pretzel roll, fun size chips, carrots, celery with hummus, fruit choice

2 Warm pretzel & cheese

Friday, May 27

1 Cheesy bread with marinara, garden salad, veggies, fruit choice

2 Banana split cereal bag

Monday, May 30

Memorial day

Tuesday, May 31

1 Carnival menu: hot dog on bun, caramel smart popcorn, vegetable choice, watermelon, lemonade cup, ice cream sundae cup

2 Trix for kids

Wednesday, June 1

1 Breaded chicken day, french fries, dinner roll or muffin, vegetable choice, fruit choice

2 Turkey sub bag

Thursday, June 2

1 Domino’s pizza: pepperoni/cheese pizza, assorted fun chips, carrots/celery/broccoli, watermelon & strawberries

2 Warm pretzel & cheese

Friday, June 3

½ day--summer vacation!

Learning Commons

Calling all books!  All library books were due last Friday, May 20! Please help your student find and return their library books. The Learning Commons team will be doing inventory and other end of the year tasks.

All Middle School students are welcome to join us at the Makerspace in the computer lab during lunch breaks. Our final challenge ended Friday, May 20, but there are plenty of other fun things to do. Come and check it out!

 

PE News news for this week

Reminder: All students must wear tennis shoes for PE. If they do not have their tennis shoes they are not able to participate as regular shoes make scuffs on the gym floor. for 5th-8th grade they will lose half their participation points for the day if they do not have their shoes.

A Week at a Glance

Tuesday, May 24

5th to Blandford Nature Center

Tuesday, May 31,

End-of-Year Ice Cream Social

3:45 - 5:15 p.m

Wednesday, May 25– Friday, May 27,

5th at Camp Roger for three days in the woods

Thursday, May 26,

Field Day activities.  Pre-Decker

Friday, May 27

2nd grade Field Trip to downtown Rockford.

7th 8th Grade Exams

Monday, May May 30,

No School - Memorial Day

Tuesday, May 31,

End-of-Year Ice Cream Social

3:45 - 5:15 p.m.

Upcoming dates for Summer

June 8 – August 22, 2016

Summer Break

Monday, August 29, 2016  

First Day of School for 2016-2017  (Half Day)

I would love to continue to pray for you and your family.  If you would like to let me know any prayer requests, I would be happy to pray.

I’m praying that you have a great week!

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

Mr. Dave