Wolverine Weekly

Principal's Email: urbanski@godwinschools.org

Phone: 616-252-2070 x3008

Dear Parents and Guardians,

As we progress through the school year, we are proud to see our students making continuous growth in adjusting to the many new procedures we’ve implemented. Their adaptability and resilience have been inspiring, and we are confident that these changes will help us maintain an environment that supports both academic and personal development.

We’re also excited to see so many of our students getting involved in tutoring sessions, clubs, and sports teams. These activities are helping build a strong and positive community here at Godwin Heights, where students are able to develop skills beyond the classroom and foster meaningful connections with their peers.

A couple of reminders for our parents/guardians:

1. Safe and Positive Learning Environment: We continue to prioritize safety and positivity within our school. Please know that we do not tolerate bullying of any kind. We are committed to teaching our students about what bullying is, how to report it, and the consequences that come with it. We appreciate your support in reinforcing these lessons at home.

2. Student Pickup Procedures: If you need to pick up your child during school hours, we kindly ask that you always come to the main office. Our staff will assist you with the process to ensure your child’s safety.

Thank you for your continued partnership in making Godwin Heights Middle School a great place for our students to learn and grow!

Student Handbook / Manual del Estudiante

Student Code of Conduct / Código de Conducta

School Menu

Please note that students will be dismissed at 1:10 PM on Wednesday September 25. Tutoring releases at 2 PM. The students' schedule on that day is as follows:

Tuesday, Sept 24: STEM Night @ HS

Wednesday, Sept 25: Early Release (1:10 PM Dismissal)

Monday, Sept 30: Picture Retakes

Wednesday, Oct 9: Early Release (1:10 PM Dismissal)

Thursday, Oct 10: Athletic Team Photos

Thursday, Oct 17: Early Release (1:10 PM Dismissal), Parent Teacher Conferences

Friday, Oct 18: Half Day (11:15 AM Dismissal), Parent Teacher Conferences; End of 1st Marking Period

Wednesday, Oct 30: Early Release (1:10 PM Dismissal)

Wednesday, Nov 13: Early Release (1:10 PM Dismissal)

Wednesday, Nov 20: Early Release (1:10 PM Dismissal)

Wednesday, Nov 27 - Friday, Nov 29: No School

Wednesday, Dec 18: Early Release (1:10 PM Dismissal)

Friday, Dec 20: Half Day (11:15 AM Dismissal); End of 1st Semester

December 23 - January 3: No School

Please join us with your student(s) for a night of fun, engaging science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) activities! On Tuesday, September 24, from 6:00pm to 7:30pm, come to the HS Collaboration Center for a variety of hands-on experiences. Enjoy activities such as computer coding, participating in Mini Metric Olympics, interacting with robots, creating Hexagon Kaleidocycles, and more. It’s an evening filled with exploration and learning that you won’t want to miss!

Don't miss Picture Retake Day on Monday, September 30th! Only students who did not have their picture taken during orientation will be photographed. If your child had their picture taken during orientation but would like retakes, they must bring their original photo booklet or proof of purchase. These photographs are for school records, yearbook, and student ID pictures.

Families can preorder photos online at geskusphoto.com/fallorders using code 273EXHHNVCXKX.

In celebration of homecoming at the high school on Friday, October 4, we're planning a fun spirit week with dress-up days Monday, September 30 - Friday, October 4!

Here’s the lineup for Spirit Week:

• Monday, September 30: PJ Day (This is also retake picture day!)
• Tuesday, October 1: Dress like a Teacher/Student
• Wednesday, October 2: Wacky Wednesday
• Thursday, October 3: Sports/College Gear Day
• Friday, October 4: Godwin Gear Day

Please remember that no face paint is allowed, and all outfits must be school-appropriate and within dress code guidelines:

• Students must be properly groomed and neatly dressed.
• Sunglasses cannot be worn inside classrooms.
• Face coverings must be facemasks or religious garb; ski masks are not allowed.
• Footwear is required in the building.
• Blankets may not be brought or worn at school.

If a student’s appearance is deemed inappropriate or disruptive, corrective action may be taken.

On Tuesday, September 17th, Godwin Heights Middle School's 8th grade class embarked on an exciting field trip to the Kent Career Technical Center (KCTC). This visit allowed students to explore the various programs offered at KCTC, where they might have the opportunity to enroll during their junior or senior years of high school.

The event included a Tech Showcase featuring hands-on exhibits from several leading tech companies. Students had the chance to engage with interactive displays, try out cutting-edge technology, and gain insights into potential careers in the tech industry. This experience not only highlighted the diverse opportunities available in technology fields but also sparked curiosity and inspiration among our future tech professionals.

The Student Council is now open for new members, and we’re excited to invite students to get involved! The Student Council offers a fantastic opportunity for students to make Godwin Heights Middle School more exciting and meaningful. Here’s why your child should consider joining:

• Plan Fun Events: Students will help organize school spirit days, talent shows, fundraisers, and community service projects.
• Develop Skills: Members will learn how to advertise events, manage projects, and build their leadership abilities.
• Make an Impact: Being on the Student Council gives students a voice to represent their classmates and work on improving our school environment.

What to Expect:

• Meetings will be held Tuesdays during lunch, with occasional additional meetings for event planning as needed.
• Members are expected to stay after school to help with event preparations and participation.

Who Can Join?

This opportunity is open to all interested students, with a maximum of 5 members from each grade. Spots are limited, so be sure to encourage your child to sign up soon!

If your student is eager to take on a new adventure and contribute to our school community, they can click below to fillout the Student Council application form. We look forward to seeing their creativity and enthusiasm!

Tutoring is available right after school until 3:15 PM on regular school days. On Early Release Days, tutoring runs from dismissal until 2:00 PM.

How to Sign Up:

1. Students can sign up for tutoring during their advisory period.
2. You may call the office to request your student to stay after.

Please note, only students who are signed up will be able to attend tutoring, and if they sign up, they are expected to stay.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact Mr. Durga at durga@godwinschools.org.

Students in Physical Education at Godwin Heights Middle School have been busy this school year evaluating their health related fitness components. Students have been using the Fitness Gram evaluation system to assess their health in cardiovascular endurance, muscular endurance, muscular strength, flexibility, and body composition. Students will learn to read their results, set goals, and create a plan to reach their goals this year in Physical Education. Please help remind your student to remember appropriate shoes and clothes to wear in PE for participation.

Looking for fitness fun. Follow the Physical Education Health September Calendar:

The Middle School Green Club is now accepting sign-ups for this year! This environmental club focuses on exciting projects throughout the year, including growing plants, raising salmon, working on watersheds, and enjoying various outdoor activities. If your student is interested in making a difference and loves outdoor work, this is the perfect club for them. Sign-up forms are available from Mr. Mull in room 225. We look forward to a great year of environmental activities and projects!

The GET-IT Club is offering an exciting opportunity for female students to dive into hands-on technology education and sharpen their skills in app design. This year’s focus will be on creating mobile applications, with the chance to explore coding, web design, robotics, and more! The club meets on Mondays from 2:35 PM to 3:35 PM in Mrs. Mardis’s class, Room 218. Families will need to arrange transportation home. Don’t miss out on this chance to build community, solve real-world problems, and make your mark in the tech world. See Mrs. Mardis to sign up!

At Godwin Heights Middle School, we partner with Hand2Hand to provide weekend food for our students in need. This food includes: granola bars, cereal, milk, yogurt, noodles, canned soup, etc. If you are interested in signing up for this program, please click here to fill out this link and we will add you to our list.

Once on this list, your student should expect to pick up food at the end of every week from Mr. Rodriguez, our KSSN Coordinator. It is imperative that your student pick up food every week of the program (unless absent). We have limited slots and want to ensure that we are utilizing this program to the best of its ability and serving as many families as possible. Thank you!

Thank you for your interest in the TEAM 21 after-school program! All spots are currently full, but you may still submit an application to be placed on the waitlist. You can download the application below or have your child stop by the office to pick one up. The TEAM 21 coordinator will contact you only if a spot becomes available.

TEAM 21 Hours:

Monday - Thursday: 2:30 PM - 5:00 PM

On early release days, dismissal will be at 3:55 PM.

The TRIO Educational Talent Search program of Grand Valley State University is currently accepting new 6th-12th grade scholars at Godwin Middle School and Godwin High School.

This FREE program assists scholars by providing workshops and individual meetings at their school on college-going topics, career exploration, financial literacy, college visits, study skills, financial aid awareness, assistance with completing financial aid applications, field trips, summer programming and more! The program is grant funded through the United States Department of Education. First priority for admission goes to scholars who meet federal low-income eligibility guidelines and those who would be the first in their family to attend college. Our application form is available in both English and Spanish.

To see eligibility details and to apply, visit: https://www.gvsu.edu/ets/how-to-join-22.htm

If your child will miss school for any reason, please either email our attendance administrative assistant Ms. Perez at dolores.perez@godwinschools.org or dial the school number (616) 252-2070 and press "2" to leave a message on our attendance line. In your message please include your relationship to the student, the student's name, the date(s) they will be absent, and the reason for their absence.

If your child attended an appointment, please have your child bring a note from the doctors office to the middle school office to excuse their absence.

Click here to learn more about our attendance policy. Thanks for helping us keep our awesome students safe & accounted for!

As a general rule, your child should not go to school if they have:

• A fever over 100.4° Fahrenheit (F) or 38° Celsius (C) – Your child can return to school after they’ve been fever-free for 24 hours without antipyretics. Antipyretics are medicines that treat or prevent fever.
• Signs they are weak and tired. This is common with the flu.
• Diarrhea – Having loose poop (stool) more often that isn’t caused by a change in diet.
• Throwing up (vomiting) – More than 2 times in a 24-hour period.
• Coughing that disrupts normal activity.
• Wheezing or get short of breath.
• Pain from earache, headache, sore throat, or recent injury.
• Yellow or green drainage from the eye(s).
• A new rash – Not all rashes mean your child must stay home from school. Check with their doctor or health care provider.

Click here to meet our nurse and learn more about health and wellness at Godwin Heights Middle School.

Godwin students may use this clinic free of cost. Please call 616-965-0435 to make an appointment.

The NEW picture day for athletic team pictures will be Thursday, October 10. It will start with volleyball in the MS Gym at 2:50 PM, followed by MS Soccer and MS Football pictures at the football field. If you have not received an order form, please contact the athletic office.

Athletic Director: Brandon Kimble (616) 252 -2054

Click the link for all athletic information: https://ghathletics.com/

Click here for a map of athletic locations.

Practice is held Tuesday, Thursday and Fridays from 3 PM - 4:30 PM. All home games will be played at the HS Gym.

Contact the coach if you have questions:

7th Grade - Mia Panella mia.panella@godwinschools.org

8th Grade - Airyanna Munguia airyannamunguia2@gmail.com

Practice is 3 PM -4:15 PM Monday through Friday.

Contact the coach if you have questions:

Coach: Nick Blaskowski

nick.blaskowski@godwinschools.org

231-818-1343

Practices are from 3:30 PM -5 PM Monday through Thursday, with exceptions for games & weather.

Contact the coach if you have questions:

Coach: Reese Stuart reese.stuart@godwinschools.org

Practice started Wednesday, August 21 3-4:30

Contact the coach if you have questions:

Coach: David Drake drake@godwinschools.org

There are three categories, Youth, Teen, and Adult and each category has three cash prizes of up to $500. You can find more info here.

Godwin Heights Public Schools proudly partners with Feeding America West Michigan which provide mobile food truck pantries to our school district once a month. These distributions are at 4:45 pm in front of the high school on these dates:

Wednesday, October 9

Wednesday, November 13

Tuesday, December 3

If you have your own bags, please bring them!

Front Office Email: susie.yoder@godwinschools.org

Español: dolores.perez@godwinschools.org

Location: 100 Wexford St SE, Wyoming, MI, USA
Phone: 616-252-2070

Website: https://ms.godwinschools.org/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GodwinMiddle