More Alike Than Different

I happened to step into Karen Strikwerda's room at just the right time this morning. The kindergarteners were both tickled and curious about the mis-matched socks some students and adults were sporting today. Mrs. Strikwerda explained it is World Down Syndrome Day. This day is special because we take an intentional opportunity to celebrate something we ought to recognize and live into every day: we are each more alike than we are different! What makes us more alike than different? God's love! And you can't get better or more important than that! Even Pastor Dan's Improvement Machine demonstrated the truth that God's love is perfect and universal. Every child, every staff member, every person is created in God's image and is loved! What a blessing to love and care for our 202 South Siders, who are more alike than they are different, every day! The same truth applies to the big people around here too, doesn't it! Such comfort to know that no matter our abilities, uniquenesses or lot in this journey called life, God's love for us is bigger, more powerful and just plain old perfect. God's love and grace is sufficient. God's love is what we stand in need of and God's love is OURS! And in THAT we are more alike than we are different.

Rock Your Socks! 

Contracts
Section numbers are beginning to solidify as enrollment has slowed! That means contracts are starting to roll out! If you have received a contract, please turn that in to me by Monday, March 25. No worries if you haven't received one. More are on the way! If you prefer not to sign one that you did receive, I'm guessing you have a question or need some resolution. Please contact before Monday with concerns or questions.

Richard's Chapel
Richard Nagelkirk has requested a time to hold chapel at South Side and share his story. We will plan to listen to him and his team of guests on Wednesday, March 27 at 11:00.

Kevin Kameraad
Kevin will be presenting to us on Thursday, March 28 from 10:30-11:30. I suspect we'll be especially glad to welcome him and listen after the week we'll have put in at that point!

Conferences
They're coming! Monday and Wednesday evening! Please let me know if I can support/assist you in any way. I'll be meeting with new families both evenings but am happy to step out to help or make an appointment to follow up with any parents or with you!

Welcome Emily VanVliet! 
We have another teacher on our team! Welcome Emily VanVliet to our growing community! Emily will be teaching our first graders in the forest! Emily is currently student teaching at Grand Rapids Christian and has a very unique story. I know that she will be a blessing to our HC community and to Forest School. Welcome, Emily!

Staff Meeting
Our April 18 meeting is going to be a party! For real! (I know...I know...it's always a party!) Our sunshine committee has overtaken our staff meeting and turned it into a baby shower to celebrate our new Mamas: Jenna and Rhea! If you are able, please keep the lunch coverage you have for that Thursday and come to celebrate with our friends! 11:45-12:30. Lunch will be provided!

Spring Break
I may have neglected to mention...we have a few days off coming up. We'll not be in session beginning on March 29. I hope you have a chance to get outta dodge or at least enjoy a relaxing break! You have each poured so much of yourselves into this calling! I love to imagine everyone enjoying some REST over break!