That Groundhog Doesn't Have a Bright Future in Meteorology...

...and I'm OK with that! Hasn't this weather been just amazing! What a welcome break. But, how is it that some 4-day weeks feel more like 6-day weeks? Maybe it's these kinds of moments: #teacherhumor

Accreditation
The site team will be visiting HC during our Makers Week. They are aware and eager to see what we're up to. Keep on keeping on like we would on any other Makers Week day 😂  Please familiarize yourself with the schedule. Additionally, there are two meetings we are requested to attend:
Tuesday, March 7 we are asked to meet at Pine Ridge from 7:15-7:45. Breakfast will be served.
March 9 at 4:00 at the High School

Makers Week
Speaking of Makers Week. Ours is coming (that was not meant to be a threat!) I will grab the tubs of pieces and parts from RP on Thursday, March 2. We will inventory our goodies on Friday and I'll try to collect anything we might be still in need of. Thank you for embracing this innovative learning for our students.

Dr. Suess's Birthday
Shall I put on a hat? Would you like me to do some reading in classrooms or to grade levels on that day? I'm happy to step in for a bit while you step out for a bit 😀

New Assessment for 17-18
This year will be our final hurrah with Discovery Assessment. The product we have been using to assess our instruction and tools will no longer be available after this year. Our HC Education Committee has approved the implementation of NWEA MAP Assessment which will begin K-12 in the fall. More details will be made available to you when the time comes.

Please Take Note:
Chapel moved to March 1 led by Mrs. Ritsema's Class

Time Cards and Mail Boxes
Time cards are due tomorrow for hourly employees and, take a gander! Our mailboxes are now alphabetized! Fancy Schmancy!

Makers Details

Thank you for taking the time to come to our staff meeting. We'll devote the March agenda to thinking through the Reformation Day request from CEA. Let's tackle the details of Makers Week first.

Per our discussion at the staff meeting, we will hold Makers sessions Monday through Thursday, March 6-9. Students will come to their "home room" each morning to begin the day. By 8:30, we will start the shuffle to the "make session" classroom. At 8:30 you can begin the introductions with the students gathered in your space and describe the "problem" or "project" students will be engaged in. Following the schedule we have used in the past, students will work from 8:30-9:45. Recess will be held from 9:45-10:00. Wednesday's recess will be 9:45-10:05. I will cover morning recess duty throughout the week. Students will return to their "make session" classroom after recess and stay until 10:30. At 10:30, they'll travel back to their "home room" classes.

In order to select their sessions, let's meet in the gym on Thursday, March 2. Please feel free to drop your students off at 8:30 and go back to your classrooms to pull up the sign-up spreadsheet (Dan Vos will be putting this together again). I'll send them back to you by 8:50ish to make their 4 selections with you. Our class lists will be produced using this sign-up tool.

Because we are the final Makers Week school, some of our shared pieces and parts will be arriving from Rose Park on Thursday, March 2. If you would like to get some equipment earlier, don't hesitate to talk with me. We'll get something arranged that is best for everyone. On that note, please don't hesitate to ask if you have questions or ideas of any sort! Many heads make light work :)

In the meantime, have a wonderful weekend! :)

Bah Bye January

January 2017 is in the books! Assessments, report cards, presidential inaugurations, 100s day and Discovery Night is behind us. February is upon us! Valentine's, chocolate, enrollment, more snow and even more snow! It's amazing to watch as these benchmark events in the school calendar come and go. Thank you for bringing so much energy, creativity, integrity and LOVE to you students day in and day out! What a JOY to see them growing, taking on new challenges, asking good questions and seeking answers. You efforts and taking hold and your learners are GROWING!

Chris Rosencrans

Speaking of love, we announced in staff devotions on Wednesday that Chris will be following God's call to serve Him in a new role after this school year. This will be the last school year she will be the spectacular physical education teacher for our young ones! Our students are so known and loved by her. She runs her class with such integrity, structure and JOY! Chris, you will be so missed at South Side next year...but we respect your desire and discernment to listen to God's voice in directing your life. 

Skating Party

Please make note in your blog that we will have our Parent Team sponsored skating party on February 8 from 6:00-8:00. 

Enrollment

Tis the season. Thank you for taking time out of your own evening to spend time getting to know many prospective parents at Discovery Night on Tuesday evening. Would you join me, please, in praying that God would nudge at the hearts of many families to join our efforts at Holland Christian in growing young people to know God and become equipped to share in His work of bringing God's kingdom here on earth today? Kindergarten enrollment begins next week! 

Staff Meeting

Please remember that we will have a staff meeting over the lunch hour on Thursday, February 9. We will cover subjects such as Makers Week, SPARK and a special request from CEA/CSI. 

Parent/Teacher Conference

The schedule is out! Pulling together all of the feedback generated from the form you completed (thank you) and considering there is a big HC student band concert on Tuesday, March 28 that will affect both staff and parents, our conferences will be Monday, 3/27 and Wednesday, 3/28 from 4:00-8:00.