We have a pretty amazing community of people who genuinely care for one another, don't we? It takes vulnerability to share burdens with others and OH MY there is love and support to be found with this amazing family at South Side when you share. It is, I believe, the body of Christ when we reach for each other to hold one another up and sustain each other in the valley, the storm and the desert. We've talked about this before. Broom trees are one of the scarce forms of vegetation found in the landscape of Israel. The shade found under its branches truly does offer respite from the harsh sunshine. I look at the image of this broom tree and, rather than seeing nothing but rocks sitting in the shade, my heart and mind see our hurting friends who are walking a long, hot journey. Through prayer, questions, sharing of stories, listening and tangible offerings of help, I believe together we can provide a bit of shade in the desert. Tammy, Tami and Karen, you have our hearts. We are ALL in prayer for you and your families. We hope you find rest in the shade we promise to provide.
So many of you have asked me for the visitation and/or funeral arrangements for Karen's dad. I am deeply grateful every one of you is eager to drop everything and express your love, concern and sympathy to her, Bob and the kids. Karen has requested that rather than coming to Hamilton for the visitation, each South Side member desiring to express their love to her, simply stay home and love on his or her own family in memory of her dad. Let's honor this request, shall we? Her family had some beautiful and special moments as they walked her dad right into Jesus' hands. Such tangible and evident love that will be a legacy for her family to share for many generations. How about we each reflect the love experienced in Karen's family by spending special time with our own families on Sunday afternoon. Please join me in praying that Karen, her mom, Bob, her brother, their kids and the entire extended family would be surrounded in peace beyond measure and hope in our Risen Savior. We love you, Karen. We are grateful for the beautiful moments you were able to share with your dad these past weeks. God's blessings to you as you remember together the many moments and stories your dad created during his time on earth.
Amanda Bohle
As you have read in her message sent earlier, Amanda Bohle has followed God's call to serve as a reading teacher at Zeeland Public Schools this year. I know she will serve this community well with her God-given gifts. However, the flip side of that, man, we'll miss her. Who's going to give us our weather updates and eat the corn dogs?!? I guess we're on our own to check Bill Blog but will smile when we see ZPS has a snowday ;)
Michelle Engbers
I am very excited to share with you that Michelle Engbers has accepted the offer to teach first grade at South Side. She comes to us with years of teaching experience before she stayed home with her children. Michelle brings a tender, nurturing heart, many great ideas for teaching young children and a deep desire to glorify God by serving on our first grade team at South Side. Michelle, welcome! We're so grateful you have joined our family. Saddle up, sister! It's an amazing, busy, glorious, sometimes crazy ride...and we'll support you in every step along the way!
Welcome Back Letters
Students are always so eager to receive a welcome letter from their classroom teacher. This is the beginning of a beautiful, year-long relationship. Many people look back and remember their teachers for a lifetime. Pre-K through 2nd grade teachers, please welcome your children with a "hello" letter. It would be helpful to include an invitation for preschool parent night (preschool teachers only) on August 14, Ice Cream Social on August 16 and first day of school on August 21 (full day). District wide we are planning to send the letters on Wednesday, August 8. If you could print your letters, Pat will provide stamps and labels. We would love to put them all in the South Side mailbox on Thursday, August 9 in the morning. This way, all students/families will receive the welcome letters on the same day.
Preschool Parent Night
Parents will attend the informational meeting with their child's preschool teacher starting at 6:00 on Tuesday, August 14. You may communicate to your own parents how long they should plan to receive the information you would like to share.
Ice Cream Social Start
Please join me outside at the front doors at 6:20 on August 16. We'll catch parents there and begin our "welcome back" conversations. At 6:30 we'll pray and walk into school together. I'm praying over each of you as you meet your new children and open your hearts to walk alongside families in growing children to more deeply know, see and love our Father God.
Parent Night
Our format for parent night will be just as it has been in the past. SOME parents will come to school beginning at 7:00. They will visit their classroom from 7:00-7:30. I will chatter at ALL of the parents from 7:30-8:00 in the gym. Then the last batch of parents will visit their classroom from 8:00-8:30. In an attempt to be equitable in terms of timing, we try to alternate teachers each year from "first shift" and "second shift". Here is our schedule for parent night:
7:00-7:30: Kindergarten--Mrs. Strikwerda
First Grade--Mrs. Schebor
Second Grade--Mrs. Dreyer/Mrs. Hunderman
7:30-8:00: All parents in the gym
8:00-8:30: Kindergarten-Mrs. Becksfort
First Grade-Mrs. Engbers
First Grade--Mrs. VanMeeteren
Second Grade--Mrs. Ritsema
Nature-Based Parent Night
Our nature-based kindergarteners will be welcomed to parent night with Mr. Harig on Thursday, September 6 from 6:30-7:30.
PD Week Events
- Monday, August 13 9:00-11:00--Our first staff meeting at South Side in the staff center. Please bring your summer stories, an appetite (breakfast will be served) and your computer. PK staff please meet in your respective buildings for this staff meeting.
- Tuesday, August 14 9:00-when the work is done which will be sometime before lunch. Elementary teachers please meet in the media center with computers in hand. PK staff dismissed by 10:30.
- Wednesday, August 15 BREAKFAST is served at 8:30 then 9:00-2:30 please meet on Main Street. We will meet our newest team members at HC, explore our theme for the school year, work together on a shared project and more! (how am I doing selling it?!?) PK staff all day, please.
- Friday, August 17 BREAKFAST is served at 8:30 then at 9:00-sometime before lunch we will meet in the auditorium in the high school. PK staff for the morning as well, please.
Homework
When you have time, would you please help me Prepare A Table for you by completing this form sometime before August 8? Thank you!
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