Grandville Christian School

www.gosquires.org

GCCS 2019-2020 Theme: "The Wonder of the Story"  

Theme Verse: "O God, you have taught me from my earliest childhood, and I constantly tell others about the wonderful things you do." Psalm 71:17

SEPTEMBER ART OF THE MONTH: WONDER OF BELONGING

Verse for September and October : "For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Your works are wonderful. I know that full well." Psalm 139:13-14

FROM THE PRINCIPAL'S DESK . . . .



Today we had our first Friday Praise and Worship time together as a whole school, including our kindergarten students for the first time! It was a great time together and we had the pleasure of hearing from some of the Calvin Christian High School students who went on mission trip over the summer that included a trip to our sister school in Kenya, the Reverend Marupus Academy (RMA). The passion that these students were able to speak to and their connection to RMA through their time here as elementary students was an incredible connection to witness. It was a great chance for our students to see what is possible ahead of them after their time at GCS, even the kindergarten students experiencing their first praise and worship time.

It was also a great reminder that God's love is much larger than we can imagine as our CCHS guests were able to share how the RMA students and staff praised Him in unique and powerful ways. The chance for our kids to see a larger world that is possible in their future is a wonderful connection for them to have and experience as they look ahead!

Thank you again for partnering with us at Grandville Christian School!

In Christ,

Derek Braman

NEW INFORMATION FOR SEPTEMBER 6

GCCS TRANSPORTATION UPDATE, PLEASE READ: For those students who ride a CALVIN bus, this pertains to the AM ROUTES ONLY . Please check your PowerSchool account for changes in your busing. Some times and pick up locations have changed slightly. Changes will take place on Monday, September 9. If you have questions, please contact Terri ([email protected]) with any questions.

PLAYGROUND VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY!: We are in need of additional volunteers for playground duty before school in the morning. It is truly one of the easiest (and FUN!) ways to give 30 minutes of your time to our students! Parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, nannies... anyone can do this! You can volunteer once a month, every day, or anything in between. Our greatest need right now is on Wednesdays and Fridays, but any help is appreciated!

*Please contact Jill Francisco ( [email protected]) for more information and to see how you can help.

LIBRARY: The library is looking for parent volunteers during class times. Please contact Janna Slot ( [email protected]) with any questions. Please click here to view the opportunities and sign up.

SMILE! School pictures are coming up on September 16 and 17. Please check you child's backpack in the next couple days for the Geskus picture form.

SCHOOL DIRECTORY: A district-wide directory will come out some time this fall. If you do NOT want your information included in that directory, please email the office at [email protected]. The directory includes: student's name, grade level, home phone, address, father's name and email, mother's name and email. This information is gathered from the power school information you entered at enrollment.

Little Squires Fall Date Night -- Friday, October 18, 2019 at 6:30 - 10:00 pm

GCS Gymnasium

3934 Wilson Ave SW

Grandville, MI 49418

Enjoy a night out on us!!

Families with children age 1-12 are invited to sign up for this donation-based child care service. We ask that you register your child NO LATER than Sunday, October 13th and please have your child eat dinner before arrival, and a minimum donation of $10 per child to help cover the cost of supplies. 60% of profits will be donated to the GCCS Tuition Assistance Fund. We will be accepting cash or check (made out to Alisha Bruggema).

Your child will enjoy a Fall themed snack, crafts, and group activities while you catch a movie, go out to dinner, or catch up on laundry!

**Please look for the flyer in the GCS office or click here to view it online.

MEDIA RELEASE:  We have many exciting events at GCS and take photos to show our friends how cool our school is! However, If you would prefer that we NOT share videos or photos with your student in it on social media or in other publications, please be sure that we have documentation of this by filling out this  form and returning it to the office by September 6.   Extra forms are also available in the office.

PESTICIDE INFORMATION: Occasionally, pesticides are applied to the GCS grounds. if you would like notification prior to pesticides being applied, please return this form to the office by September 6. Extra forms are available in the office.

CALENDAR ITEMS

ELEMENTARY EVENTS

GRANDPARENTS DAY: Mark your calendars and tell your parents / grandparents! Grandparent Day festivities will begin at Grandville Christian in the afternoon at 12:50 pm. Please look for an invitation and keep your eyes on the STH note in the next couple weeks for more details!

PARENT CLUB CORNER

SKIP THE SCISSORS & USE THE APP! 

The NEW and improved Box Tops mobile app scans your store receipt, finds participating products, and instantly adds Box Tops to your school’s earnings online. No clipping required!

Box Tops for Education has some BIG changes coming. They will be phasing out the traditional Box Top clips that need to be mailed in and introducing a new Box Top label. Box Tops are still worth 10 cents for our school! Turn in any unexpired clips to school and watch for the new labels. Simply download the app and scan your receipt to earn money for our school!

KEY CARD BOOKS FOR SALE: Key card books are available in the office to purchase for $25.00 These make great gifts and offer many discounts around Grand Rapids! Click here ( https://qrkeycard.com) to view the new book. The proceeds go to our GCS Parent Club.

MUSIC NOTES

Click here to view the Music Calendar of Events for the 2019-2020 school year.

"Playing music is the brains' equivalent of a full body work out. Playing a musical instrument engages practically every area of the brain at once, especially the visual, auditory, and motor cortices ." Dr Anita Collins, Neuromusical Educator

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

AND WAYS TO HELP IN OUR COMMUNITY

GET INVOLVED AT GCS

We know that parents are busy so we offer a variety of ways to get involved at GCS: You can volunteer at school or from home, during the school day or during evenings or weekends. Those who can't commit time can help out by purchasing items to celebrate the teachers during staff appreciation week or to provide meals for the staff during parent/teacher conferences. Please click here to view the volunteer opportunities.

HELP NEEDED: The following classes are still in need of a ROOM PARENT! Bouma, Piotrowski, Ramaker, Johnson, Sytsema, Sisco, Brinks, Wilson, Frederick, Cruz, Steketee.

Room parents help foster communication about school and class events to the parents in the class. You also assist with organizing room cleaning and staff appreciation. This is all stuff that can be done via email from home or your office, so it's a great job for working parents--it's also a great way to get to know other parents. Detailed information is provided from Parent Club on your role!

If you'd be interested in helping please sign up below or contact Vickie Kochans at [email protected] if you have any questions. Thank you!! Click here to sign up!

VOLUNTEER BACKGROUND CHECKS: In order to ensure student safety at GCS, an annual background check must be submitted and approved for all volunteers. If you plan to volunteer this year, please bring your state ID to the main office so we can complete the process and give you a volunteer ID badge. If you are unable to visit the office during school hours, we can process the information over the phone.

HOT LUNCH MENU ALLERGY CONCERNS: Please contact Jeff Ward, our GPS Food Service Director, if you have any questions or concerns relating to menu items that your child may be allergic to. His number is (616) 254-6525, and he is more than happy to discuss allergy policies and procedures with our hot lunch program.

GENERAL ANNOUNCEMENTS

FIND US ON FACEBOOK: We love to share what’s happening in our classrooms! Search for  Grandville Christian School on Facebook to see more! 

STUDENT ABSENCES: Please call or email the school ([email protected]) when your child will not be at school or will be late for school before 8:30 AM. It is very important that you inform the office (even if you've informed your child's classroom teacher). Absences will need to be reported this way EACH day that your child is absent. Our voicemail is available for messages at all times (616-538-9710).

LATE SIGN IN: All students need to sign in at the office if they arrive after 8:30 AM. If a student leaves during the school day, they should sign out in the office when they leave and sign back in if they return during the same school day.

ALLERGIES AND ASTHMA PLANS: GCS keeps a detailed Allergy Action Plan and Asthma Action Plan for each student who may need one. If your child is at risk of having an allergic reaction or an asthma attack, and you have not filled out one of these forms, please do so ASAP. Copies are also kept in the office.

MEDICATION INFORMATION: If your child takes prescription or over-the-counter medication that needs to be administered during school hours, and you have not yet filled out a Medical Authorization Form, please fill one out and bring it to the office.

CALVIN FOOTBALL FOR 4TH-5TH GRADE BOYS: Attention all 4th and 5th grade boys! if you would like to play on a Grandville Calvin Christian football team, here is your chance!!! Practices are held on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 6-8pm, The total cost is $65. For more information and to sign up, please email Coach Lamar Reevers at [email protected]. Click here to view the flyer.