Nov. 21

What are we learning?

Bible -  We have begun our journey through 1 Samuel. We have met David and learning about God works in David and Saul's life.

Math - We are working on 2-digit x 2-digit multiplication. We will learn 5 different solving methods and land on the short-cut method (old fashion method). We are just practicing, practicing, and practicing.

Reading -  We will begin out Informational Reading Unit after Thanksgiving.

Writing - We have picked a strong claim for our persuasive essay unit and will begin to research evidence for our essays.

Science - Students are currently learning about animal adaptations and plant life with Ms. Damsteegt.

"Ms. Snoeyink said we could bring in Christmas stuff!" - In preparation for the Christmas season, the students and I thought it would be fun to each bring in a Christmas decoration from home. This item could be an ornament, lights, a little tree, a snowman sticker...whatever is "extra" at home and will not be missed. I told them they were not allowed to beg about buying something new. It can gladly be something extra from home :)

Classroom Christmas Party - We will have our Christmas Party on Thursday, Dec. 21st from 1:30-3:00 (with a 15min break for recess). We will NOT be trading presents, but instead playing games and doing some activities. 

Here are my two options....

Choice 1 - I am looking for 2 more parent/grandparent helpers to lead a station for 5 students. I have the games and activities prepared, and just need a helper to lead the station. 

Choice 2 - Some creative parents (2 more parent/grandparent helpers) help create and design three stations/activities for us to do!

If you are available to help and/or plan, please email me and let me know.

Live Nativity - We are creating some ornaments for sheep themed Christmas tree that will be showcased at the Live Nativity. If you have the chance, please visit the Live Nativity to see these hand-crafted ornaments.

Student Absences and Illness: Parents, if your student is absent for any reason, please make sure to contact the office at rp@hollandchristian.org naming also the reason for their absence. If your child is sick please inform us in the email or phone call if the symptoms are cold/flu or stomach. That is helpful information as we try to avoid spread within classrooms! As we’re entering cold/flu season, a gentle reminder that we require a 24-hour fever/puke-free window to ensure your child is healthy and ready to re-engage in learning! 

Mocha & Merch Open House: Mark your calendars for Wednesday, November 29 from 4:00pm - 8:00pm. You are invited to The Maroon and White Shop’s Second annual Mocha and Merch Christmas Open House!  Come browse our new store at HCHS while enjoying the provided refreshments, listening to Christmas music and start your Christmas shopping!  We will have the latest HC gear available, and the first 15 people to make a purchase will receive a complimentary gift!  Each item bought directly supports the Special Olympics Unified Sports program at the high school.  It’s an event you won’t want to miss!

For 3rd-5th grade teachers: Kinder Dutch Dance registration is now open! All 3rd-5th grade students are invited to join us. See the attached flyer for more information, then head to http://www.tuliptime.com/getinvolved/dutch-dance to sign up your child! Practice is held on Wednesdays in the gym during lunch recess starting February 21st. Email dutchdancenicolejohnson@gmail.com with questions regarding practice, performances and costumes. Looking forward to growing our group for the 95th Tulip Time Festival! Flyer is attached HERE

Lost and found table: We have a lost and found table near the office, and it’s overflowing with items. If your students are missing something have them check the lost and found or feel free to stop in to check as well! 

Paperwork Updates: As the office works to make sure all of our files are up to date, you may notice forms coming home in your students backpack in the next few weeks. If you notice these forms in your child's backpack please return them to school as soon as you are able.

Testing our theories in science.

We worked with our buddies and created traps for our Oreo turkeys.

Last week, we went for a gratefulness walk around school.

As we walked, we wrote down all the things we are grateful for.

We had a beautiful Friendship Feast with our Kindergarten buddies.

Fort making was a success! Thank you for washing those dirt filled clothes on Monday. We had an amazing time created and building in the Koster's woods.

What are we learning?

Bible -  We have begun our journey through 1 Samuel. We have met David and learning about God works in David and Saul's life.

Math - We are working on 2-digit x 2-digit multiplication. We will learn 5 different solving methods and land on the short-cut method (old fashion method). We are just practicing, practicing, and practicing.

Reading -  We will begin out Informational Reading Unit after Thanksgiving.

Writing - We have picked a strong claim for our persuasive essay unit and will begin to research evidence for our essays.

Science - Students are currently learning about animal adaptations and plant life with Ms. Damsteegt. 

Upcoming Days Off - No school on Wednesday, Nov. 22 - Friday, Nov. 24. We will only have school on Monday and Tuesday next week.  We will not have homework next week.

Monday - Friendship Feast AND we are headed to the Koster's house to build forts and play in the woods. Please dress accordingly.

Tuesday - Stuffed animal/pillow AND a blanket for our viewing of The Tiger Rising. 

Student Absences and Illness: Parents, if your student is absent for any reason, please make sure to contact the office at rp@hollandchristian.org naming also the reason for their absence. If your child is sick please inform us in the email or phone call if the symptoms are cold/flu or stomach. That is helpful information as we try to avoid spread within classrooms! As we’re entering cold/flu season, a gentle reminder that we require a 24-hour fever/puke-free window to ensure your child is healthy and ready to re-engage in learning! 

Mocha & Merch Open House: Mark your calendars for Wednesday, November 29 from 4:00pm - 8:00pm. You are invited to The Maroon and White Shop’s Second annual Mocha and Merch Christmas Open House!  Come browse our new store at HCHS while enjoying the provided refreshments, listening to Christmas music and start your Christmas shopping!  We will have the latest HC gear available, and the first 15 people to make a purchase will receive a complimentary gift!  Each item bought directly supports the Special Olympics Unified Sports program at the high school.  It’s an event you won’t want to miss!

For 3rd-5th grade teachers: Kinder Dutch Dance registration is now open! All 3rd-5th grade students are invited to join us. See the attached flyer for more information, then head to http://www.tuliptime.com/getinvolved/dutch-dance to sign up your child! Practice is held on Wednesdays in the gym during lunch recess starting February 21st. Email dutchdancenicolejohnson@gmail.com with questions regarding practice, performances and costumes. Looking forward to growing our group for the 95th Tulip Time Festival! Flyer is attached HERE

Lost and found table: We have a lost and found table near the office, and it’s overflowing with items. If your students are missing something have them check the lost and found or feel free to stop in to check as well! 

Paperwork Updates: As the office works to make sure all of our files are up to date, you may notice forms coming home in your students backpack in the next few weeks. If you notice these forms in your child's backpack please return them to school as soon as you are able.

Nov. 10

What are we learning?

Bible -  We have begun our journey through 1 Samuel. We are learning about Israel's first king, King Saul. Soon, we will meet David and learn about God's plan for each of these men. 

Math - We have mastered 2-digit x 1-digit multiplication. Now we are working on 2-digit x 2-digit multiplication. We will learn 5 different solving methods and land on the short-cut method (old fashion method).

Reading -  We are following our strong characters in The Tiger Rising. As we read, we are learning about the emotions of the characters, the relationships between characters, the objects they hold special, and being aware of moments when the character acts in surprising ways. 

Writing - We are beginning our persuasive essay unit and recognizing the structure and purpose of these essays.

Science - Students are currently learning about animal adaptations and plant life with Ms. Damsteegt. 

We had a chance to read our Realistic 

Fiction stories to the other 4th graders.

We had the opportunity to write letters of encouragement to Kirk Cousins.

We had our first experience with barn chores!

We had some special roles in chapel.

Upcoming Days Off - No school on Wednesday, Nov. 22 - Friday, Nov. 24

Any skiing families out there?  Fourth and 5th graders can go for free if you complete the application!  See below ⬇️

This coming week is a normal week of school with our normal routines (math and reading minutes, word work test, recorders on Tuesday, library books on Monday, etc.), but the following week is the week of Thanksgiving.  We will only have school on Monday and Tuesday that week.  That means we will NOT have reading/math homework or a word work test that week. Tuesday (Nov. 21) we are going to celebrate the conclusion of our Analyzing Characters reading unit with a 4th grade celebration - we will be watching the movie of the book we recently read in our classes, "The Tiger Rising."  It will be a fun way to celebrate all we've learned, especially right before we break for a long holiday weekend.

MUSIC NOTE FROM MRS. BOER - Recorder music was sent home with your child this week. The expectation for practicing is that your child practices three days a week and each song three times (3X-3X). They can keep track of the days they practice on the calendar that is in their music folders. I will ask them to turn in their calendars at the end of the month so that I can see who is practicing and how much. Please encourage your child to practice and to remember to bring their recorders and music folders to school on the day they have music (and also on certain Fridays because of the rotating schedule). We are becoming Beauty Creators with our recorders!

Student Absences and Illness: Parents, if your student is absent for any reason, please make sure to contact the office at rp@hollandchristian.org naming also the reason for their absence. If your child is sick please inform us in the email or phone call if the symptoms are cold/flu or stomach. That is helpful information as we try to avoid spread within classrooms! As we’re entering cold/flu season, a gentle reminder that we require a 24-hour fever/puke-free window to ensure your child is healthy and ready to re-engage in learning! 

Safety: Now that our morning commutes are darker this season, and since we so value the safety of our student pedestrians and cyclists in the morning, can we please ask a favor? We ask that student cyclists wear reflective clothing, and even have a light on their bikes. In addition, student and adult pedestrians please take extra care when crossing streets and parking lots, especially when in close proximity to our buses. Our bus drivers and drop-offs definitely want to remain accident-free! 

Mocha & Merch Open House: Mark your calendars for Wednesday, November 29 from 4:00pm - 8:00pm. You are invited to The Maroon and White Shop’s Second annual Mocha and Merch Christmas Open House!  Come browse our new store at HCHS while enjoying the provided refreshments, listening to Christmas music and start your Christmas shopping!  We will have the latest HC gear available, and the first 15 people to make a purchase will receive a complimentary gift!  Each item bought directly supports the Special Olympics Unified Sports program at the high school.  It’s an event you won’t want to miss!

Kinder Dutch Dance registration is now open! All 3rd-5th grade students are invited to join us. See the attached flyer for more information, then head to http://www.tuliptime.com/getinvolved/dutch-dance to sign up your child! Practice is held on Wednesdays in the gym during lunch recess starting February 21st. Email dutchdancenicolejohnson@gmail.com with questions regarding practice, performances and costumes. Looking forward to growing our group for the 95th Tulip Time Festival! Flyer is attached HERE

Lost and found table: We have a lost and found table near the office, and it’s overflowing with items. If your students are missing something have them check the lost and found or feel free to stop in to check as well! 

Paperwork Updates: As the office works to make sure all of our files are up to date, you may notice forms coming home in your students backpack in the next few weeks. If you notice these forms in your child's backpack please return them to school as soon as you are able.