School News

Summer offers us an opportunity to alter the pace of our family life and to recover (or introduce) some healthy habits. Here are a few we recommend:

• Dedicate time for frequent family meals and devotions.
• Read daily! Check out the summer reading lists our teachers have compiled.
• Practice curiosity and joy indoors and outdoors. Limit screen time (no more than one hour per day on average), allow for plenty of creative playtime, and expand what Mr. Marth calls “sky time” – the time you spend outside.
• Establish daily/weekly chores and family routines.
• Read our bi-weekly summer newsletters. These will keep you informed of coming events and noteworthy news.

Thank you again for partnering with us as we strive to guide children toward the wonder, knowledge, and love of God and His world!

Retailers will soon be advertising notebooks, folders, and glue sticks (if they haven’t already). Our 2021-2022 school supply lists are now available so you can take advantage of the sales. Please read the list for your child(ren)’s grade carefully so no items are missed. Items should be labeled with your child’s name or initials.

Our online store offers more than just P.E. shirts. Click here to shop for shirts, polos, sweatshirts, pullover, and jackets for the whole family. The store will close on August 17. Orders will be available for pick up at the open house on August 31 or in the office after that.

Click here for the required P.E. uniform.

Looking for our uniform items on the Lands’ End website? You can search by name and location or by using our preferred school code: 900115726. We encourage you to watch their website for promotional offers this summer. Though our local Lands’ End store at CenterPoint does not carry school uniforms, you may order from the in-store kiosk and receive free shipping.

Thank you to everyone who attended Awards and Graduation. It was a blessing to celebrate together. Please continue to pray for Isaac, Abby, Jacob, and Sophia as they begin this new chapter. We share this blessing from Romans 15:

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

To see the tributes that included Mr. Marth’s parting words to each of the graduates, please see the email sent on the last day of school.

School may be out for the summer, but our office is getting ready for next year! The office is open Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. until noon. If you plan to stop by school this summer, we recommend you call first or check the Outlook or website calendars as staff may be unavailable or away from their desks at a given moment.

Professional development is an important part of our preparation for next year. Our staff regularly attends Society for Classical Learning (SCL) summer conferences and will do so again next week, though virtually.

Whether you are spending a day at the beach or just at home, a great book can be a great summer companion. Our teachers have compiled lists of recommended readings for each grade. They include a wide range of titles that both delight and teach.

We encourage you to look over the list and set reading goals for your family this summer. Maybe one book a week? Maybe ten before schools starts? If you are looking for a book, you can search the Grand Rapids Public Library or the Kent District Library website for availability. They also have special summer events and reading programs for kids.

Enjoy the summer and happy reading!

If you child needs a P.E. shirt for next year, or you simply want to show some school spirit (with the help of “Classical Ed”), you can find what you need in our apparel store which will be open until August 17. Orders will be available for pick up at the open house on August 31 or in the office after that. For the shipping address, enter your home address or the school’s address (1934 52nd St SE), but please note that all orders will come to the school.

Don’t forget our uniform closet is open this summer too!

Though we are thrilled that Mrs. Richards is answering God’s call to work in Africa, we are, of course, sad to see her go. She wrapped up the year with one last poetry pizza party in 5th/6th and a Jane Austen tea in 7th/8th. At Awards Night and Graduation, we presented her with flowers and a box of notes from current students and alumni.