Feb Elementary Schools Newsletter
February 2024
Tuesday, Feb. 6
Varsity Girls Basketball Youth Night
Cedar Springs High School Gym at 7 p.m.
Wednesday, Feb. 7
Baby Buddies (babies pre-walkers/caregivers)
Early Childhood Center, 10-11 a.m.
Thursday, Feb. 8
GSRP ONLY has a Half-day for students (dismissed at noon)
Early Childhood Center Conferences 4-6 pm
Feb. 16-20
Mid-Winter Break, No School for Students
Wednesday, Feb. 28
Preschool Information Night for Parents
Early Childhood Center, 5:30-6:30 p.m.
What I Need (WIN) Time
WIN time, short for What I Need time, is an innovative program implemented across Cedar Springs Public Schools. This initiative redefines the traditional "intervention" time, focusing on tailored educational experiences that meet the unique learning needs of every student.
Students are placed in diverse groups based on careful analysis of their performance data. This allows for a personalized learning approach, ensuring every child receives the attention and resources they need to thrive.
During WIN time, students may work closely with resource room teachers, interventionists, and classroom teachers. Unique to Cedar Trails, students also have the opportunity to learn from Traveling Teachers. For some, WIN time involves independent activities designed to support and enhance their learning journey.
Every six weeks, teachers reassess student data. This process ensures that group placements are dynamic and continually aligned with the evolving educational needs of our students. WIN time is a testament to our commitment at Cedar Springs Public Schools to put students first.
If you have any questions, please contact your child's teacher.
American Heart Association Kids Heart Challenge
Our elementary schools are thrilled to join the American Heart Association's Kids Heart Challenge this month! Help your child learn about heart and brain health, and support kids with special hearts. Each school offers unique goals and prizes! Check out your child's school details and register at the links below. Let's see the top fundraisers and discover amazing rewards!
Cedar TrailsBeach
Cedar View
2024-2025 Enrollment Now Open at Cedar Springs Public Schools!
Kindergarten enrollment is open for children turning five by Dec. 1, 2024. Enroll easily online on our website. Interested in Young 5’s? Enroll and Cedar Trails Elementary will contact you with more info. If you need help or have additional questions contact our enrollment office at 616-696-1204 x1919.
Once enrolled, you'll receive an email to join our March/April kindergarten kick-off event at Cedar Trails Elementary. Kids will explore and learn, while parents meet our Principal, Scott Carpenter, and Assistant Principal, Cortney O’Brien, and discover more about our program.
We can't wait to welcome our new Kindergarten families!
Cedar Springs Public Schools Preschool Information Night!
🗓️ Date: Wednesday, February 28
🕠 Time: 5:30 - 6:30 p.m.
📍 Location: Early Childhood Center
From 5:30 to 6 p.m., parents are invited to explore our classrooms, and at 6 p.m., we'll host an informative meeting to learn about the programs offered.
This special evening is for parents to learn about our amazing preschool programs, including CSPS, GSRP, Head Start, and Bright Beginnings. While we love our little ones, please note that there's no childcare available during this event. We kindly ask that children do not attend. We will host an orientation for students in the fall to meet their teachers and see their classrooms!
We're excited to see you there and share how we put students first in everything we do!
Cedar Trails: Students of the Week
This month, we launched our "Student of the Week" program!
Every classroom has the chance to nominate a standout student for this honor. Congratulations to our kindergarten winners: Levi Holtrop, Harper Webber, and Logan Davis. Hats off to our first-grade winners: Claire Glerum, Reeva Murithi, and Maci Childs. These students will get to have lunch with Mr. Carpenter and Mrs. O'Brien.
Pick up and Drop off Reminders
Cedar Trails: Music Memo
February is all about friendship in the music room here at Cedar Trails! We will continue to practice rhythm patterns through body percussion and with non pitched instruments like rhythm sticks and hand drums. I use chants and simple songs with winter and friendship themes to continue exploring and even creating short and long sounds that make up a rhythm. We will also use the friendship theme to do some Valentine's hand-clapping activities and to continue learning group dances.
Our students LOVE to learn dances! Group dancing is a great way to practice keeping the beat, to focus on listening to the way the music tells us what to do, to experience the form of the music, and to practice tons of social skills like cooperation and encouragement. Seeing the students explore, try hard things, and work together brings me so much joy!
Sing-cerely,
Ms. Davis
Beach: Fostering STEM Skills and Teamwork
Beach: CogAT Testing for 3rd grade
Beach: Active Learning from Floor Hockey to Jump Roping
As we move into February, the focus will shift to jump roping and heart health, emphasizing the importance of physical fitness. Please ensure your child wears appropriate shoes on PE days to fully participate and stay safe.
Beach: Art in Literature Continues in February
Thanks to the generous book donation of the PTO we will be continuing our theme of Art and Literature into February. Students at both grade levels will have a chance to explore a variety of books that connect Artists, Art concepts, and Art careers.
2nd grade is currently reading "If the Dinosaurs Came Back" and is focusing on types and directions of line. Our 3rd graders are reading "The Day You Begin" and learning how lines can express emotion.
As we move further into February, 2nd Grade will be reading "Mr.Tiger Goes Wild" to expand student understanding of Geometric shapes and 3rd Grade will explore organic shapes and the concept of shapes conveying meaning through the book "Exactly you! The Shape of Your Feelings".
Beach: Exploring Musical Legends: Mozart and Beethoven
In February, our students will embark on a musical journey through the lives and works of two legendary composers: Mozart and Beethoven.
Second graders will delve into Mozart's life, exploring his masterpieces and the profound impact of his early passing. Meanwhile, third graders will be inspired by Beethoven's resilience in the face of deafness and his creation of the monumental Ninth Symphony. Alongside these historical explorations, students will continue to refine their performance of familiar pieces and learn new songs like "Windy Weather" and "Let's Catch a Rooster."
Cedar View: Muffins with Mentors
Our Parent Engagement committee is excited to invite parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, or whoever else your child sees as an important part of their life to Muffins with Mentors.
Save the Dates:
Fourth Grade Event - Monday, Feb. 26
Fifth Grade Event - Wednesday, Feb. 28.
Please be on the lookout for more information and RSVP soon!
Cedar View: Inaugural 5th-Grade Field Trip to Greenfield Village
We're thrilled to share that this spring, our 5th graders will embark on Cedar View's first annual field trip to Greenfield Village! This adventure promises to bring our curriculum to life and mark a celebratory close to their journey at Cedar View.
Fourth-grade families, not to worry—your students will enjoy their spring field trips and can anticipate joining the Greenfield Village experience next year.
(Photo from the Greenfield Village Website)
ECC: The Importance of Reading to Your Child
The benefits of reading to children include helping them build language skills, learn about the world and develop empathy and emotional awareness. Reading to your child provides opportunities for parents and children to connect.
5 Benefits of Reading
- Reduces stress and helps you relax
- Improves concentration and memory
- Expands your vocabulary and strengthens your writing abilities
- Enhances your knowledge
- Increases imagination and creativity.
Download the Early Learning CORPS newsletter below for the full details and activities!
ECC: Preschool Parent Information Night
Join us at Cedar Springs Public Schools for our Preschool Information Night!
🗓️ Date: Wednesday, February 28
🕠 Time: 5:30 - 6:30 p.m.
📍 Location: Early Childhood Center
From 5:30 to 6 p.m., parents are invited to explore our classrooms. At 6:00 PM, we'll gather for an informative meeting.
This is a special evening for parents to learn about our amazing preschool programs, including CSPS, GSRP, HeadStart, and Bright Beginnings. While we love our little ones, please note that there's no childcare available during this event. We kindly ask that children do not attend. Don't worry – there will be an orientation for students in the fall to meet their teachers and see their classrooms!
We're excited to see you there and share how we put students first in everything we do!
ECC: The Early Childhood Center is Now on Facebook!
We're thrilled to announce that our Early Childhood Center now has its very own Facebook page! Follow us to stay informed with the latest updates and to catch a glimpse of the exciting activities happening in our classrooms and building. Don't miss out on the fun!
Youth Night with the Cedar Springs Varsity Girls Basketball
Calling all young fans of Cedar Springs Red Hawks basketball! Wear your Cedar Springs Red Hawks basketball shirt or apparel, whether it's a camp shirt, youth jersey, or any other gear, and enjoy FREE admission to the game on February 6 at 7 p.m.
Don't miss out on the excitement! Join the varsity coach and players for a pregame chat in the locker room at the end of the 4th quarter of the boys' game. There will also be a shooting game, a chance to high-five the players, and the opportunity to create a tunnel during halftime.
After the game, be sure to join the players at half-court for a group photo. It's a night of basketball fun you won't want to miss!
Wee Hawks Basketball Youth League
The Wee Hawks Basketball Youth League is all about fun, skill development, and learning basketball basics. Each session includes 30 minutes of fundamentals plus 30 minutes of game time.
Ages: Kindergarten-2nd Grade Students
📍 Sign Up Now: redhawksportscamps.com (deadline Feb. 14)
📆 Dates: Feb 24, Mar 2, 9, & 16
⏰ Times:
Last Names A-M: 8:30-9:40 a.m.
Last Names N-Z: 10-11:10 a.m.
Contact Us
Email: cspstogether@csredhawks.org
Website: https://elementary.csredhawks.org/
Location: 204 East Muskegon Street, Cedar Springs, MI, USA
Phone: 616-696-1204
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/csredhawks
Instagram: @csps_redhawks