Dec. 13

It is the MOST WONDERFUL time of the year...and I am getting married! Wahoooooo. I will be taking my 2 personal days next week on Thursday and Friday. The students will have Shari Maat as their guest teacher. She is ABSOLUTELY wonderful. Please make sure to talk with your child about leaving a "positive impact" on her. I will see you all in the New Year with a NEW NAME...Mrs. Steensma :)

What are we learning?

Bible -  We have begun our journey through 2 Samuel and King David's life.

Math - We have begun our LONG DIVISION unit in math. This is "big kid" math. I am excited to teach them this important skill.

Reading -  We have been working on MAIN IDEA in our Informational Reading Unit.

Writing - We have begun to gather research for our persuasive essay.

Science - Students are learning about erosion with Mrs. VanderZwaag.

HOMEWORK - NO homework over the holiday!  Of course, it's always important to read and practice math facts anyway, but I'm not asking for them to be recorded and turned in.  Also, we are taking the week off from spelling words as well!

Carpool reminder: Please remember that when the carpool cars are exiting they have the right of way. In order to keep the carpool lane moving efficiently  please do not let the parking lot cars merge into the exiting traffic. If you are in the parking lot please wait patiently once the carpool lane has begun moving. Thank you for your assistance with this, especially as the weather changes!

A gift from Amie Winningham: Merry Christmas, Holland Christian Family!  I am so thankful to be part of such a loving community.  I have a passion for children falling in love with God's Word and memorizing it for a lifetime.  I have developed Sing, Move, and Memorize over the years and created a special Christmas series for our HC community.  This 12 Day video series, Manger! is intended to help your family or class memorize Luke 2 (The Christmas Story).  I pray you enjoy this Christmas gift (check out the trailer below) and your children ask for it again and again!  To claim this gift, please click the link here, enter your email, and I will share the google folder with you so you can access all of the resources and videos.  If it blesses you, I'd be honored if you shared the word with others on social media or connected me to people you think might be interested! 12 Days Trailer TALL.mov -- I am thankful for each of you!

Weather Apparel: The weather has changed! Please make sure your students have weather appropriate clothing each day! In addition, please make sure to have a pair of tennis shoes for PE in your students locker!

Nov. 25

This coming Tuesday afternoon 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 right before we break for a long holiday weekend.  Students may bring along a blanket OR a pillow OR a stuffed animal to sit with during the movie.  Whichever ONE they choose to bring must be able to fit in their backpack.

"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 :)

HOMEWORK - NO homework over the holiday!  Of course, it's always important to read and practice math facts anyway, but I'm not asking for them to be recorded and turned in.  Also, we are taking the week off from spelling words as well!

BIBLE TEST - The week after Thanksgiving we are expecting to take a test on Monday, Dec. 2.  Look for a study sheet to come home on TUESDAY AFTERNOON! Here is a LINK to a Kahoot game to help them with studying!

ADVENT - In the next few weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas, we will be learning about the season of Advent.  We get to experience waiting for our Savior to come as we revisit the stories of the Old Testament leading up to the birth of Christ, and followed by his death and resurrection.  Then we recognize that we are still waiting for Christ to come again.  In this waiting we find hope, peace, joy, and love - concepts celebrated each of the four Sundays of Advent.  In our classroom we will be marking this waiting period and celebration as well.  I pray that you will also feel the hope, peace, joy and love that comes in this season!

The Rose Park fish tank will need a new care taker beginning May of 2025! With the help of our algae eating fish and an automatic feeder, it doesn’t require a ton of maintenance. Contact Allison Koster if you have questions or you’d like to be the next person in change of our beautiful fish!

The Parent Board is providing the teachers with a special Christmas lunch! Would you be willing to volunteer your time to be a lunch helper & recess volunteer? If so, sign up here!

KINDERGARTEN COOKIE SALE -  It will be Thursday, December 5.  Each cookie will cost 50 cents.  All the money earned will go to Manos de Jesus... where Hillary Klipp-Lopez and family are currently serving. (see below)

Nov. 18

This coming week is a normal week of school with our normal routines (math and reading minutes, word work test, library books on Friday, 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.  In fact, we are planning some special things on Tuesday - stay tuned! 

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 have begun our Informational Reading Unit.

Writing - We have begun our persuasive essay unit on Monday.

Science - Students have begun learning about erosion with Mrs. VanderZwaag.

Friendship Feast: On Monday (Nov. 25), we will have a Friendship Feast with our Kindergarten buddies. We are in need of some goodies. If you have room on your grocery list, please check out the Friendship Feast Sign-Up and sign up for any and ALL that work for you. We The goal is for all 19 kiddos to have something to "give" to the Thanksgiving mix. Thank you for considering - Mrs. Bos & Ms. Snoeyink

Christmas Party Helpers/Planners: As I look towards the hectic month of December, I wanted to get a jump start on our Classroom Christmas Party. This year, our Christmas party will be on Thursday Dec. 19 (from 1:30-3:00, with a 15 break for recess). I will be taking a personal day to get last minute wedding stuff done. As a result, I will need some helpers to plan and execute the party. 

 

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!

We will NOT be trading presents, but instead playing games and doing some activities.

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

A Note from Mrs. VanderZwaag - Your children may excitedly have told you about our current studies of layers of rock and how they form over time.  We are using the Pictured Rocks to base much of our inquiry on.  As we begin to dig into this exploration, we will encounter views about the age of the earth (you may notice this on a worksheet or two that come home).  While HC does not have an official “stance” on the age of the earth, per se, our approach to both science and the Bible is rooted in the Reformed conviction that God makes Himself known through His Word and His World.  These two major forms of revelation will never truly conflict, though they also have largely different scopes.  Out of respect for these different scopes, we are comfortable engaging God’s World through the process of making observations, collecting data, and building models (the processes of science). Our science curriculum engages general data that largely reflects significant process in the formation of the earth (though that doesn't necessarily exclude literal 6 day perspectives--ex: the idea that God created the world with the appearance of age, etc.).  In our classroom, I make sure to preface our studies by alluding to the varying viewpoints that exist regarding this topic.  I humbly acknowledge to the students that my human brain cannot understand God's processes and design.  But I do know that God created this world, the layers of rock, and the fossils in them according to His perfect plan.  Beyond that, I am grateful that our families are part of the church - home - school triangle.  Each family may wish to continue this conversation at home, in conjunction with the views taught at their church.  As our children grow, they will encounter data about the age of the earth in society (museums, books, documentaries), and they will need to be able to place that information into their beliefs.  While we, as Christians, are not of this world, we do live in this world and continue to develop our understandings of how these viewpoints meet.  

Our faith is integrated into everything we do. Our faith impacts how we do science by rooting all our scientific endeavors in the reality of our Creator God. When done this way, all genuine scientific observations and discoveries can lead us into deeper wonder, wisdom, and worship.  Our Creator God is written all over our earth.  He was there in the past, exists in the present, and also knows what will happen in the future.

Thank you for continuing this conversation with your children at home.

CAC PRESENTATION - As part of our mission to equip minds and nurture hearts to transform the world for Jesus Christ, HC works to provide students with the knowledge and skills to guard themselves in this fallen world. Part of HC’s commitment to student safety is providing counsel and resources for sexual abuse prevention and intervention from the Children’s Advocacy Center. Please see the informed consent letter for more information. 

If you have any questions about the content of the presentation, we encourage you to reach out to the Children’s Advocacy Center. If you would like your child to not participate in the presentation, please fill out this form at least one week prior to the presentation date. HC will anticipate participation unless they receive a submitted opt-out form.

Our class presentation will happen on December 4 from 9:10-10:00.

9:10-10:00am

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

Nov. 8

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 on Wednesday.

Writing - We have finished up our Realistic Fiction stories. We will being our persuasive essay unit on Monday.

Science - Students will begin learning about erosion with Mrs. VanderZwaag.

Chapel: On Monday, I will be leading chapel for Rose Park. The students will not have specific speaking roles, but you are welcome to come and worship with us from 10:30-11:00 on Monday morning.

Friendship Feast: On Monday (Nov. 25), we will have a Friendship Feast with our Kindergarten buddies. We are in need of some goodies. If you have room on your grocery list, please check out the Friendship Feast Sign-Up and sign up for any and ALL that work for you. We The goal is for all 19 kiddos to have something to "give" to the Thanksgiving mix. Thank you for considering - Mrs. Bos & Ms. Snoeyink

Christmas Party Helpers/Planners: As I look towards the hectic month of December, I wanted to get a jump start on our Classroom Christmas Party. This year, our Christmas party will be on Thursday Dec. 19 (from 1:30-3:00, with a 15 break for recess). I will be taking a personal day to get last minute wedding stuff done. As a result, I will need some helpers to plan and execute the party. 

 

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!

We will NOT be trading presents, but instead playing games and doing some activities.

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

Swinging the Night Away: The Holland Christian Jazz Bands and the Old Timer’s Jazz Band are proud to present the Swingin’ the Night Away in the HCHS cafeteria on Friday, November 8, from 6:45 to 9 pm. Admission is $5, and goes to support the music program at HCHS. New to swing dancing? No worries! Dance instructors will be on hand from 6:45 pm-7:30 pm to teach us the basic steps of swing, so the evening can be enjoyed by novice and experienced dancers alike. Not in the mood for dancing? Come socialize, indulge in some delicious desserts, punch, and enjoy the music of Glenn Miller, Benny Goodman, Duke Ellington and more. Sign up to help on the sign-up genius here!

Donations: We are looking for 10-12 large containers with lids to use as classroom compost containers. These empty cat litter buckets are perfect, for those of you who have cats). If you have any empty containers like this to donate, we’d love to use them at school. Thanks!

Oct. 18

Math - We continuing to practice 2-digit x 1-digit problems.

Reading - We have moved into our 2nd reading unit where we analyze characters in the books we are reading. We will be reading through Kate DiCamillo's book The Tiger Rising.

Science - Your kiddos are learning about plant's structures and animal's survival characteristics with Ms. Damsteegt (4th grade Spanish Immersion teacher).

Writing - Our realistic fiction stories are full of creative events!  We are coming to our final edits and will send home our final stories in the next month.

No School - Just a reminder, we will not have school on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday.

NO Homework next week!

MATH FACTS - Please note that we are now working on multiplication for our daily math fact practice homework.  Knowing those facts by memory will help us be much more successful as we're learning multi-digit multiplication in class now.  Some kids are passing levels on Reflex math like crazy - keep up the good work!

School picture retakes will be happening on Monday October 21, if your child is interested.

REPORT CARDS: Report Cards can now be viewed electronically. You can locate your child's report card on PowerSchool. I have learned that the best way to view the report card is on a desktop/laptop. A phone's view will only allow you to see the number scores, but does not show you the comments.

In 4th grade, your child will receive a letter grade for math, Bible, and spelling. These grades are based on tests taken throughout the quarter. We also use a number (1, 2, 3) grading scale. 

As a teacher, these are how I view each number.

1 - Needs lots of support and is an area of concern. This is a skill we will continue to work on.

2 - Not quite mastery, but is able to use the skill independently with some help/support. 

3 - Mastery of the skill. They do not need help or support. They are able to do this skill independently.

Oct. 11

Singing praise to our Creator in the intersection!

We had a chance to create and leave notes on all the donations in the trailer. It was such a blessing to see the students find Psalms and write those verses on their notes.

REPORT CARDS: Report Cards can now be viewed electronically. You can locate your child's report card on PowerSchool. I have learned that the best way to view the report card is on a desktop/laptop. A phone's view will only allow you to see the number scores, but does not show you the comments.

In 4th grade, your child will receive a letter grade for math, Bible, and spelling. These grades are based on tests taken throughout the quarter. We also use a number (1, 2, 3) grading scale. 

As a teacher, these are how I view each number.

1 - Needs lots of support and is an area of concern. This is a skill we will continue to work on.

2 - Not quite mastery, but is able to use the skill independently with some help/support. 

3 - Mastery of the skill. They do not need help or support. They are able to do this skill independently.

NO School on Wednesday (23rd), Thursday (24th), and Friday (25th).

School picture retakes will be happening on October 21, if your child is interested.

Holland Christian Schools will be facilitating an event called Parent University: a conversation around Jonathan Haidt's Book: The Anxious Generation

Aim: How, collectively, parents can make choices to counter the smartphone culture and guard their hearts.
Focus: We will discuss the harmful effects technology has on our children.
We will dive into data that demonstrates the psychological damage that can
occur to a child immersed in a phone-based childhood. Join us in these
conversations and walk away with a clear call-to-action that will make a
difference not only in your child's life but their time here at Holland
Christian Schools. Please RSVP at this link or the QR Code provided:

Oct. 4

We have had a great week together this week with lots of fun learning opportunities!  We have also just completed our first marking period!  This weekend I will be pulling together some data for your child's report card which will come out next Friday, Oct. 11.  Parent/Teacher conferences will follow the week after that.  I'm excited to report on your child's growth already this year!

I want to point out an announcement at the very bottom of this blog post - Parent University.  Mrs. Rynsburger is going to be presenting some significant data regarding the impact of smart phones on the mental health of children.  Because I know all of you want only the best for your child, you will definitely want to plan to attend this event.  I have also been researching this topic, and I am blown away by the statistics.  Knowing this data will help you help your child to become the healthiest and most productive person they can be.  You won't want to miss this!

Our 2.75 mile hike to the lake yielded lots of opportunity to explore the changing landscape from the back dunes to the beach.

Great is His faithfulness through ALL generations.

We ended our Thursday by doing some pumpkin investigations with our Kindergarten buddies!

Experiencing Honduran Baleada in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month.

MATH FACTS - Please note that, with the beginning of a new quarter at school, we are now going to be working on multiplication for our daily math fact practice homework.  Knowing those facts will help us be much more successful as we're learning multi-digit multiplication in class now. This will being on October 14th. 

THINK! Energy - Thank you so much for taking the time to fill out the Home Energy Worksheet that came along with your child's energy efficiency kit.  If you were not able to get that done yet, please complete that by this coming Tuesday, Oct. 8.  Thank you!

BIBLE - We just finished our unit on Ruth and will begin learning about Samuel.
MATH - We are entering into a unit where we are learning to multiply two-digit numbers.  This is BIG work!  We are excited to be maturing into "big kids" math.
READING -  This past week we moved into a unit where we analyze characters in the books we are reading.
SCIENCE - We have completed our first unit about waves patterns and how informations can be sent through waves!  Next week we will begin switching teachers for our next unit.  Our class will be going to Ms. Damsteegt's room to learn about animals adaptions and survival.  We will be doing this everyday at the end of the day for the next month.
WRITING - Our realistic fiction stories are full of creative events!  We still have some work to do on them yet though.  Hold tight for the final product in a few weeks.

PARENT/TEACHER CONFERENCES - I'm greatly looking forward to celebrating your child at conferences.  Please be sure you have signed up for a time slot. 

 
Blog Blurb from Maestra Damsteegt: ¡Hola! I had the amazing opportunity to organize and lead an activity with all the 4th grade students regarding Hispanic Heritage Month. The students worked in groups to research the country of Honduras and create a poster showcasing their research. We also watched a fun baleada food demonstration. We even got to eat baleadas! ¡Qué rico! Baleadas are typical Honduran street food consisting of a flour tortilla, refried beans, queso cotija, and a special white cream sauce called mantequilla. 
I challenged your student to create their own ultimate baleada! Baleadas are wonderful because you can put what YOU want on it and eat them for breakfast, lunch, or dinner! Avocado! Chicken! Scrambled eggs! Whatever sounds delicious to you. You cannot make a mistake when it comes to baleadas. If you do make these ultimate baleadas, I would love to see the pictures and use them in an upcoming picture slideshow. 
Please put the photos into this Google Drive Folder here OR email them to me at <hdamsteegt@hollandchristian.org>. The deadline to do so is October 8. ¡Gracias! ¡Buen provecho! 

School picture retakes will be happening on October 21, if your child is interested.

Parent University: Holland Christian Schools will be facilitating an event called Parent University: a conversation around Jonathan Haidt's Book: The Anxious Generation

• Aim: How, collectively, parents can make choices to counter the smartphone culture and guard their hearts.

• Focus: We will discuss the harmful effects technology has on our children. We will dive into data that demonstrates the psychological damage that can occur to a child immersed in a phone-based childhood. Join us in these conversations and walk away with a clear call-to-action that will make a difference not only in your child's life but their time here at Holland Christian Schools. Please RSVP at this link or the QR Code provided: