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Strong Showing forScience OlympiansGrandville Middle School hosted its first Science Olympiad Tournament on February 2 with 18 teams competing in 23 events. Schools from our region included Jenison, Macatawa Bay, Harbor Lights, Forest Hills and Plymouth Christian. Other attendees came from as far away as Pentwater, Lansing and Laingsburg. Grandville’s Maroon Team earned 2nd place and theWhite Team earned 3rd place over all. Combined, the two teams earned 9 gold, 5 silver, and 5 bronze medals along with several top ten awards.

The Grandville Science Olympiad teams previously had a very successful tournament in Middlebury, Indiana on January 19. The Middle School teams earned 6 gold medals, one silver, one bronze and placed in 18 out of 23 events, which earned them the title of Grand Champion overall. The High School team placed in several events and took 11th place.

Thank you to the academic boosters, team members, coaches, volunteers and parents who helped to make these events such a success!

CommunicatorThe

A publication of the Grandville Public Schools Board of Education

www.grandville.k12.mi.us | FEBRUARY 2013

Creativity Zooming In Early Education ProgramsHighly endorsed by the National Association for the Education of Young Children, The Creative Curriculum® is the new guidepost for the district’s preschool teachers. After receiving professional development for the past two years, the teachers now implement the research-based curriculum to prepare students for success in school and in life.

The Creative Curriculum® allows for young children to be “engaged in exploratory learning, driven by their interests,” says teacher Heather Wolterink. “I am excited to work in a district that embraces developmentally appropriate practices in the preschool philosophy and curriculum.”

The open-ended, hands-on activities appeal to a wide range of learning styles, including visual, kinesthetic and auditory learners. Whether they’re doing a shaving cream project or discussing the word “transparency,” GPS preschoolers discover through dialogue and thinking aloud. Teacher Heidi Voetberg enthuses, “I am blessed to have a job that lets me play at work while promoting healthy development for kids.”

GPS offers three preschool options: tuition-based Community Education preschool; tuition-free Great Start Readiness Program for at-risk 4-year-olds; and Early Childhood Special Education. All three programs use The Creative Curriculum, and the district has one of the lowest tuition rates in the area. Openings are still available for children 3 to 5 years old.

For high-quality day care, look no further than GPS’s Treehouse. The center is open year-round from 6:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on weekdays and is available to kids from 2.5 to 12 years old. Trained in the delicate art of administering safety, love, education and fun, the Treehouse staff is welcoming new youngsters. For parenting advice, call on Bright Beginnings, a free service designed to help you spur your young child’s mental, physical and social growth. Certified parenting educators offer guidance and support. Bright Beginnings holds monthly playgroups for all parents with children from birth to 5 years old.

Call (616) 254-6554 today for more information about the best preschool, day care or parent education program for you and your little ones.

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From the SuperintendentSizing Up Snow DaysAs I write this, the snow is piling up outside my window on what has been yet another treacherous snow day. Although school cancellations bring joy for some students because they can sleep in longer, snow days can create havoc for working parents. Parents of young children often experience the most disruption, as they are left scrambling to arrange child care.

Please know that we cancel school due to inclement weather only after much deliberation. Our staff is out driving on the roads very early in the morning on these days. At 5:00 a.m., our decision to cancel school or remain open often seems like a slam dunk. However, by 10:00 a.m., we sometimes find ourselves second-guessing our call because of a change in the weather. Rest assured, though, safety is always at the forefront of our minds when making the decision.

Giving GratitudeWhile we experienced a strange weather pattern the last couple of weeks of January, this past month also brought the opportunity to acknowledge and thank elected officials in education. January was School Board Appreciation Month in Michigan, giving us a way to recognize our school board members for the leadership, guidance and governance they provide in shaping the education of children in our community.Our school board members are highly dedicated to improving the quality of education of our students. They spend countless hours attending school functions, reviewing reports on the programs we offer and analyzing our students’ academic progress. Our board members demonstrate their commitment by coming prepared to meetings and, occasionally, making tough decisions when called upon to do so.

Please join me in thanking the members of our board of education: Barbara Palmer, Dean Vredevoogd, Rob Blitchok, Christy Buck, Bob Wondergem, Karen Cheydleur and John Garbarino. They provide powerful vision for GPS, and their extraordinary service and steadfast advocacy for our students are deeply valued.

Ron CaniffSuperintendent

Grandville Public Schools Board of EducationPresident Barbara PalmerVice President Dean VredevoogdTreasurer Rob BlitchokSecretary Christy BuckTrustee Bob WondergemTrustee Karen CheydleurTrustee John Garbarino

Facility Committee UpdateAs noted in previous Communicator editions, a committee of approximately 40 citizens has been meeting since November to review the district ’s facility, technology and transportation needs. The committee has finalized its work and at the January 21, 2013 board meeting presented its recommendation to the Board of Education. The committee’s recommendation calls for a comprehensive bond proposition totaling $75,205,000 to address facility and technology deficiencies across the district. Over half of the dollars earmarked for facility renovation and improvements will be invested at our elementary schools, and the proposal also calls for a ten-year technology plan.

The bond proposition will not raise the current millage rate, and the existing tax levy of 3.2 mills, which is already less than half of what most neighboring districts levy, is extended 27 years with millage reductions projected in eight years. The board is slated to vote on placing this proposal on the May 7, 2013 ballot at its February 4, 2013 meeting, in which case a special edition Communicator will be mailed in March explaining the details of the proposal.

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Football Players HonoredThe Grandville Bulldog Football Program is very proud to announce recent awards won by two student-athletes. Utah Bartholic, senior, was chosen to play in the Michigan High School Football Coaches Association East/West All-Star game this summer at GVSU on June 22. In addition, the Michigan High School Football Coaches Association has selected Andy Warsen as Second Team Academic All-State in Division 1. Andy qualified for this award on the criteria of his senior class rank, ACT score, grade point average, and community service involvement.

Sixth Grade Service ProjectThe sixth grade students at South Elementary recently chose to collect gently used clothing for Mel Trotter Ministries as one of the three community service projects they participate in annually. Their first project was donating their favorite candy from Halloween to create decorated goodie bags for The Pediatric Oncology Unit at Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital. Donating to Mel Trotter was suggested as the second project by a student who had experienced living in a homeless shelter at one point—the other students overwhelmingly supported this idea. So much clothing was collected and donated that Mel Trotter had to send a large truck to pick up all of the donations! The third community service project for the sixth graders will be determined in the spring.

Grand View and South Receive “High Performing School Award” On January 8, 2013, South and Grand View Elementary schools received word from the Michigan Department of Education that they had been identified as High Performing Reward Schools.

High Performing Schools demonstrate high achievement on state assessments in all five core subjects (reading, writing, mathematics, science and social studies), show growth and improvement and are closing achievement gaps.

Congratulations to the South and Grand View Elementary students, parents and staff for this wonderful honor and significant achievement!

Grandville Rotary Hosts Oratory ContestIs it the truth? Is it fair to all concerned? Will it build goodwill and better friendships? Will it be beneficial to all concerned? If you were walking down the hall past the Grandville Middle School auditorium on Thursday, January 24, you might have heard our own Grandville 7th grade students sharing experiences of how they have applied the above Rotary Four-Way test to make better decisions.

Grandville Middle School’s seventh graders wrote their essays in class. Fourteen students were chosen as finalist to participate in the oratory contest. Members of the Grandville Rotary Club judged while the seventh graders shared their essays for an auditorium filled with family and friends. The night was concluded after the judges tallied up the scores to announce the top three finishers: Third place was a tie and awarded to Ella Reava and Laura Sansoterra. Audrey Royer came in second place, and Matt Djomoah was the first place winner of the contest. Congratulations to our winners and to all who participated.

Middle School Students Serve SeniorsOn December 21, 150 eighth graders headed out into the community for a service project geared toward veterans and seniors. Two groups of students spent a couple hours at Brookcrest Nursing Home and the Grandville Senior Center helping out with a holiday luncheon by serving food, cleaning up, chatting with the guests, and reading some favorite holiday stories. A third group of students spent their time at the Veterans Home of Grand Rapids running a series of holiday activities with other volunteers for the veterans. They decorated cookies, doors, played pool, went bowling, danced, and socialized with the veterans.

All three groups came away with a strong sense of goodwill and pride for helping out others, and student Gabrielle Wierda commented, “Going to the Veterans Home was one of the most fun field trips I have ever been on, mainly because it was so eye-opening.”

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FIRST® Robotics CompetitionRobot Demonstration

& Silent Auction

Thursday, March 14, 2013Grandville Robotics & Engineering Center,

4900 Canal6:30 – 9:00 p.m.

Come and suppor t the RoboDawgs and get a f irst look at the competition robots our teams have built.

Bid on hundreds of auction items donated by local sponsors of our Grandville Robotics teams.

Super SpellersStudents from throughout the district participated in the annual Spelling Bee this winter for students in grades 4 - 6. The top winners from each building advanced to the regional spelling bee. Congratulations to all of our participants!

Central Elementary1st Place: Ian Curtis2nd Place: Molly Reynolds

Century Park Learning Center1st Place: Chrissy Nguyen2nd Place: Keara Gearings

Cummings Elementary1st Place: Nathan Buss2nd Place: Elizabeth Rozema

East Elementary1st Place: Sahil Sidhu2nd Place: Max Fisk

Grand View1st Place: Rebecca Tran2nd Place: Samantha Korecki

South Elementary1st Place: Caitlin Auger2nd Place: Cecelia Laubaugh

West Elementary1st Place: Victoria Isola2nd Place: Reese Kehwrecker

Middle School1st Place: Quinlan Hurlburt 2nd Place: Made Rabitoy

The kindergarten teachers at Cummings Elementary received grants through the Grandville Education Foundation and the Cummings Elementary PTC for six iPads and Apps for students to use in class activities. Teachers have selected Apps that allow students to explore and develop skills in both reading and math.

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Depression & Suicide Prevention Class For ParentsThursday, March 7, 2013Grandville Middle School Auditorium6:30—8:00 p.m.

Grandville Public Schools is sponsoring a free seminar to learn the signs of depression and how you can help your child. Although suicide is the second leading cause of death in Kent County’s adolescent population, it is preventable. A local psychologist and the director of the Mental Health Foundation of West Michigan will present helpful information. The event is open to the community, but because of the mature topic matter, use caution in bringing young children.

Elementary Artwork Displayed LocallyIn October, artwork from multiple Grandville elementary schools was put on display in the RiverTown Crossings Mall. The artwork included cityscape prints, pop art animals, Kandinsky circles, stained glass flowers, zentangle flowers, birch tree paintings and abstract art. The artwork was a culmination of different art schools and grade levels. The art was a big hit over the weekend and received a lot of positive comments.

In honor of Veterans Day students in the 2nd, 4th and 5th grade learned about the history of the holiday and American artists who make patriotic art. The second grade talked about the symbolism of the American eagle and created a mixed media American eagle. The 4th graders discussed the American flag and how to use its features to create an abstract American flag. Finally, the 5th graders created their own rendition of Three Flags by Jasper Johns. The artwork was then put on display at Grandville City Hall.

Also this fall students at Cummings Elementary had the exciting experience to enter an art competition at the Biggby Coffee in Standale. The students who entered this art show had art framed and put on display for two weeks. During that time Biggby customers were able to vote on their favorite artworks. At the end of the two weeks there was an award ceremony. The top three artists received gift certificates to a local art store but every student was thrilled to have their art work be so nicely displayed within the community.

Students Receive Book GrantMrs. Kim Folkertsma’s kindergarten class at Cummings Elementary received a grant through Donor’sChoose.org for books to use as part of a take home reading program for students and families. These books will allow students to take home different reading selections throughout the year to practice with their parents. Students switch books after they practice and this grant allows exposure to a wide variety of texts at the students’ individual reading levels.

Upcoming Mom to Mom Sales Benefit StudentsEast Elementary’s sixth grade class will be sponsoring a “Mom to Mom and Vendor Sale” on Saturday, March 2 from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at East Elementary. Come and shop or clean out those closets and rent 100 sq. feet of space to sell your gently used items and goods from your product line. Register online at gpsblogs.org/east6grade/. If you have questions, please contact one of the 6th grade teachers, Mrs. Sara Peterman, 254-6055 or Mrs. Sally Van Eck, 254-6101. Concession items and childcare will be provided for a donation. Proceeds will benefit the 6th grade’s effort to fund their trip to camp later this spring.

Cummings PTC is sponsoring their first annual “Mom to Mom Sale” on Saturday, March 16 from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at Cummings Elementary. Come join us for an indoor garage sale to raise money for the Cummings PTC. If you would like to sell gently used clothing or toys, you may rent an eight foot table. Rental deadline is March 8, and you may contact Missy Oakes at missy.oakes@yahoo.com or (616) 272-8204 for more information or to register.

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GRANDVILLE ATHLETIC BOOSTERS

DAWGear Store3843 Prairie, NW

located next to the Community Education officeWinter Hours: Mondays 5pm – 7pm

February / March Specials: Save $3 on All Regular Priced Hoodies

(Youth and Adult Sizes Available)Buy One Save $10 on the Second Pair

of Sweatpants(Only L and XL Sizes are Available)

Can’t find what you’re looking for in the store,try the online store!

http://gabdawgear.gigabitprint.com/

BRIGHT BEGINNINGSBright Beginnings is a parent education and family support program available to ALL families with children birth to five years of age. Bright Beginnings offers home visits upon request. A certified parent educator will provide developmental information and suggest learning opportunities to encourage language, intellectual, physical, social and emotional growth.

Bright Beginnings also offers play groups. Join us for an hour of fun! If you are interested in this free program or would like additional information call Beth at (616)293-8623.

February 20 Day At The Beach 10-11 a.m. Central ElementaryMarch 6 Shaking & Grooving 10-11 a.m. Central ElementaryMarch 20 Down On The Farm 10-11 a.m. Central Elementary

Come out for a night of food, fun and entertainment at the 12th Annual

Taste of Grandville 2013 hosted by the Grandville Education Foundation & Grandville Jenison Chamber

Monday, March 4, 20135:30 – 8:00 p.m.

Grandville High School(enter at main doors off Canal or Wilson)

New pricing this year!$10 for tasting passport, $2.50 kids meals, and $25 for the family Passport which includes

2 tasting tickets and 2 kids meals!Also new VIP tickets will be available at $20

which includes a reserved table and raffle entries!(limited VIP tickets will be sold)

If you have attended before, come and experiencewhat is new and improved!

If you have never attended, you won’t want to miss it!

Advance Tickets for sale at the following locations:Community Education office at 3843 Prairie,

Grandville Middle School at 3535 Wilson,Grandville High School at 4700 Canal

Mail: Grandville Education Foundation 3843 Prairie, Grandville, MI 49418

(Please include check and SASE)

Online: grandvilleeducationfoundation.org using a credit card grandvillejenisonchamber.com using a credit card

Excellent food prepared by many local establishments!

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!We look forward to seeing you there!

Treehouse DaycareQuality care for children ages 2.5 years - 12 years

Now enrolling for 2013 Summer Programand 2013-2014 school year

Licensed Facilities • Year Round ProgramAll day care and before/after school care

Curriculum based program for preschool/kindergarten aged children with weekly themes, numbers, letters,

shapes and colors during the school year.

There is also a relaxed program for 1st-6th grade children to do their homework, play in the gym and

outside, and participate in organized activities.

Summer Program includes:Fun themed activities for all ages

Field trips for school-aged children 2-3 times a week

2 Locations to provide for yourschool year childcare needs:

Central Elementary(serving Central, West, East, South & Cummings)

Contact Stacy O’Dell at 254-6015

Century Park Learning Center(serving Century Park & Grand View)

Hours are 6:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

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Community Education OpportunitiesThe Winter/Spring Recreation Brochure is available online at www.grandville.k12.mi.us. Just go to the Community Education page and click on the Winter/Spring Recreation Brochure link. Or you may register online at recpro.grandville.mi.us. The listings will include swimming lessons, “Bricks for Kids”, Babysitting and Home Alone Classes, cooking class, Off Road Vehicle and Boaters Safety classes, skating lessons, sports, Abrakadoodle Art classes, and more. Please call (616) 254-6553 with any questions.

Golden Age Cards AvailableThe Golden Age Card entitles retirees age 60 and older to free admission into home athletic events at Grandville Public Schools. If you live within our district and meet the criteria, please stop in to the Community Education Office or call 254-6553 to receive your card. Lap Swim and Open SwimPunch passes for open swim and lap swim are now available through Community Education:20 Punches $30.00 for Grandville Public Schools residents20 Punches $50.00 for Non-Residents

Program Time Days LocationLap Swim / Water Walking 5:45 a.m.-7:00 a.m. M – F Middle SchoolLap Swim / Water Walking 11:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m. M – F High SchoolLap Swim / Water Walking 7:45 a.m.-9:00 a.m. Saturdays Middle School

***Pools will be closed May 24-May 27, 2013***

Program Time Days LocationOpen Swim 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Tues & Thurs Middle SchoolOpen Swim 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Saturdays Middle School

Aqua Aerobics Medium-High IntensityAquatone uses both the deep and shallow areas of the pool to give you a great medium/high-impact workout. Instructors will use a variety of class formats and equipment to help increase cardiovascular endurance, muscle strength, tone and flexibility. Mondays & Wednesdays from 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at the Grandville Middle School Pool. Punch passes are $40 for 10 visits. No class May 27, 2013.

Medium IntensityThis Thursday morning class is designed to strengthen and tone muscles, and increase flexibility. This workout will give participants a low to moderate cardiovascular workout. Great music, good friends, and lots of enthusiasm is what you will find when you participate in this exercise class!

Thursdays from 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. at the Grandville High School Pool. Punch passes are $20 for 10 visits.

Therapeutic/Low Intensity Aerobics for SeniorsThis Tuesday morning class is designed for those who experience pain associated with arthritis, fibromyalgia, or other joint and muscle conditions. It is designed to strengthen and tone muscles as well as increase flexibility to carry out daily tasks more efficiently.

Tuesdays from 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. at the Grandville Middle School Pool. Punch passes are $20 for 10 visits.

Grandville Reads 2013Grandville’s fourth annual community reading event for all ages will run through March 31. Stop in the library or visit our website for more information. www.kdl.org/events/go/grandvillereads

The Butterfly Project-A Grandville Reads event. Join us in creating handmade butterflies to honor the innocent children who perished in the Holocaust. A butterfly template, along with information on the Butterfly Project is available at the library or online. Collected butterflies along with a live butterfly tent will be displayed in the library during April.

Battle of the Books Tournament Grandville student teams will meet face to face matching wit and memory in this trivia contest. Come watch this multi-round tournament at Grandville Middle School (3535 Wilson SW) and see the winning teams claim their trophies! A Grandville Reads event.Saturday, March 9, 10:00 AM

Speak to a GeekVexed by your NOOK? Troubled by tables in Word? Friendly KDL staff members are available to help with eBook devices, email, digital photos and all things computer. Use your laptop or ours. For adults. Registration not required. Tuesday, March 5, 6:30 PM

Maple Street Book Discussion Join us for a friendly discussion. Thursday, March 14, 6:30 PM — The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

The Grandville branch of the Kent District Library is located at 4055 Maple SW. Phone: 784-2007. www.kdl.org

Registration is required for most library programs.

LibraryHappenings

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Non-Profit Org.U.S. Postage

PAIDGrand Rapids, MI

Permit No. 1

Grandville Public Schools3839 Prairie Street SWGrandville, Michigan 49418

Newsletter NotesThis newsletter is printed on paper comprised of 70

– 80% eucalyptus pulp content and is manufactured

as elementary chlorine free. Eucalyptus is a highly

renewable wood source and the paper is completely

recyclable. In addition, all inks used in printing are

vegetable based.

Madame Callendar’s French III/IV students have been studying French Impressionism in class and recently took a trip to the Art Institute of Chicago for a guided tour of the Impressionism Exhibit. Chicago is fortunate enough to be the home of some very well know original pieces of French art from artists such as Renoir, Degas, Seurat, Monet, among others. It was exciting for students to learn more about life in France in the late 1800’s and to see the paintings they have been studying about in real life.

German students visited the Goethe Institute of Chicago to learn about environmental issues presented in Klaus Staek’s artwork. Students also attended the Christkindmarkt, a traditional German Christmas market.

GHS Students Travel To The Windy City