March Elementary Schools Newsletter
March 2024
March 11-15
Elementary Conferences Cedar Trails - March 12 and 14, 4-6:30
Beach - March 11 and 14, 4-6:30
Cedar View - March 13 and 14, 3:30-6:30
Friday, March 15
Half Day for Students
Cedar View Choir Singing National Anthem at Griffins Game
Van Andel Arena at 7 p.m. - Purchase Tickets
March 15,16,17, 22, 23, and 24
Annie the Musical - Purchase tickets
CSHS Auditorium
March 19
Enrollment for Summer Campus Kids Opens
Thursday, March 28-Friday, April 5
Spring Break
2023-2024 Electronic Device Policy for State Testing
Before our state test administration, district and building assessment coordinators must communicate a policy for using electronic devices by students and staff during testing.
During testing, the Michigan Department of Education does not allow students to have electronic devices with them (including wearable technology like FitBits, Apple watches, etc.). Please make sure you take the time to review our Electronic Device Policy for the 23-24 school year before testing.
If you have any questions or concerns about the policy, contact the main office in the building where your student attends.
Conference Snack Sign-ups
During conference week, our PTO will be providing main meals, while Hillcrest Community Church of God generously donates snacks and beverages.
We invite our parents to join in supporting our elementary school staff by contributing fruit, desserts, or paper products. This is a wonderful opportunity to show our staff how much we value their dedication and hard work. Sign up to contribute to the dinner for our elementary buildings and help us express our gratitude!
Box Top for Education
Do you want a simple way to help our school? Try Box Tops for Education! For over 25 years, Box Tops has been making a big difference, giving nearly one billion dollars to schools like ours since 1996.
With the Box Tops app, it's super easy to earn money for our school – just by shopping! You can also help other schools in need, giving more students the chance to do well.
HERE'S WHAT TO DO: Buy things from the Box Tops list and scan your receipt with the app. The app finds the products and adds money to our school's account. You can even use it with online shopping receipts. Our school gets a check twice a year!
The more we all join in, the bigger difference we can make for our teachers and students. Let's work together to support our school.
Volunteer at Our Scholastic Book Fairs & Add Funds to Students' eWallet!
We're inviting parents to volunteer at the Scholastic Book Fairs happening in each building from March 7-15 (weekdays only, see sign-up links for times). Plus, you have the option to create an eWallet for your child, allowing them to shop at the book fair without needing cash. Check out the links below to set up an eWallet and to volunteer.
Volunteer Links:
Cedar Trails Elementary Volunteers
Cedar View Elementary Volunteers
*ALL VOLUNTEERS MUST FILL OUT BACKGROUND CHECK AT LEAST 48 HOURS BEFORE SHIFT online here.
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!
Register for the Grand Rapids Academic Summer Program (GRASP)
Grand Rapids Academic Summer Program (GRASP) is a fun summer program for students from kindergarten to 8th grade. It helps our young scholars keep up with math and reading by giving them exercises to do. This means your student(s) can keep learning fun things even during summer!
Want to know more? Check out all the details by visiting GRASP's website. Join in and make your summer awesome with learning!
Cedar Trails Elementary News
Spring Conferences
As we progress through the academic year, it's time for our Spring Parent-Teacher Conferences, an invaluable opportunity for us to discuss your child's progress, achievements, and any areas of focus for their continued growth.
Our Spring Parent-Teacher Conferences will be held on March 12 and March 14, between 4 and 6:30 p.m. These conferences serve as a crucial platform for open communication between you and your child's teacher, enabling us to work together effectively to support your child's educational journey.
In preparation for the conference, we encourage you to reflect on any questions or concerns you may have regarding your child's academic progress, social development, or any other relevant matters. Your input is invaluable in ensuring we provide the best possible support and guidance to your child.
PBIS: Be BRAVE
PBIS is a process that teaches children how to behave appropriately by focusing on teaching, practicing, and rewarding good behavior. Here at Cedar Trails our PBIS Expectations are Be KIND, Be SAFE, Be RESPONSIBLE, and Be BRAVE.
Being Brave at school encourages students to try things they might not otherwise try. The kid-friendly definition we share with students is:
Be Brave- try something even when it seems scary or difficult
We asked some students what they have done to be BRAVE here at Cedar Trails. Here are some of the ways they shared:
- I tried really hard math… and I did it right!
- When I played on the playground with a new friend I didn’t know.
- I can be brave when I stand up for myself.
- I invited a girl to play with me. I didn’t play with her before.
Try acknowledging when your child is brave at home. Tell them when you notice them trying something even when it seems scary or difficult.
Math at Home
This March, our first graders are embarking on exciting learning adventures! They're mastering the skill of reading both analog and digital clocks to the nearest half hour and hour. In math, they're diving into the world of coins, learning to count dimes, nickels, and pennies, and developing strategies to solve equations within 20, among other engaging mathematical concepts.
Meanwhile, our kindergarteners are on a journey of discovery with 3D shapes, identifying them, and understanding their unique characteristics. They're also becoming little meteorologists, exploring the weather this March and hoping for some warm, sunny days. A fun challenge they're tackling is figuring out how many more to make 10, enhancing their number sense.
When you're interacting with your child at home, try sparking deeper thinking with open-ended questions. Ask them about their problem-solving methods, such as "How did you work that out?" or "What was your starting number?" These questions encourage your child to articulate their mathematical thought processes and reasoning, enriching their learning experience.
Beach Elementary News
Student-Led Spring Conferences
This year, Beach Elementary is thrilled to introduce student-led conferences, a unique chance for our students to present their learning progress. These conferences empower your child to take charge of their educational journey and establish objectives for the remaining school year.
Keep an eye out for communication from your child's teacher regarding booking a conference time on either March 11 or 14. Don't miss this opportunity to support and celebrate your child's achievements and goals!
March Music Highlights
This March, our music journey takes an exciting turn as we dive into the world of the legendary John Williams, who is considered the greatest living composer. Students will explore his iconic contributions to music and cinema, including unforgettable scores from Star Wars, Harry Potter, Indiana Jones, and Jaws.
The exploration continues with an in-depth look at the instrument families: Brass, Woodwinds, Strings, and Percussion. Our budding musicians will enhance their repertoire with pieces like Windy Weather, Hop Old Squirrel, Clickety Clack, and When I Was a Little Lad, building their musical skills and appreciation.
Heartfelt Thanks and Hoops Ahead!
A big shout-out to all who joined in the Kids Heart Challenge! Your enthusiasm was heartwarming. Rewards for participation will be ordered in the first week of March, so expect them in about 6-8 weeks.
This month, we're shifting gears to basketball, honing our dribbling, shooting, and passing skills. Additionally, we're excited to welcome a few high school athletes to our PE sessions on Tuesdays and Thursdays, both in the morning and afternoon, for about 30 minutes. While not every class will get this opportunity due to scheduling, those who do will benefit from their expertise in basketball through skill work and games.
Let's bounce into March with energy and excitement!
Exploring the Color Spectrum in Art
Throughout March, we will be exploring the element of Color. Our second graders will be focusing on learning Primary and Secondary colors and how to blend them to make new colors; using the color wheel as a tool to help us. Third grade will be building on last year's knowledge of color theory to understand warm, cool, and complementary colors and how their use can affect an art composition.
Cedar View Elementary News
Spring Conferences
Join us for our Spring Student-Led Conferences at Cedar View! Set for Wednesday and Thursday, March 13-14, from 3:30-6:30 p.m. This event offers a wonderful chance for students to demonstrate the progress they've achieved throughout the year. Don't miss it!
Cedar View Choir to Sing the National Anthem at the Griffins Game
On Friday, March 15, we're thrilled to announce that our students will perform the national anthem at the Griffins game. This event is a fantastic opportunity to highlight the dedication and effort of our students and Dr. Shutes throughout the year.
Muffins with Mentors, THANK YOU!
Stay tuned for more opportunities to enhance our school community this spring!
Early Childhood Center News
Preschoolers are Hungry for Reading
Let's encourage our young readers to feed their minds and watch our caterpillar reach new lengths. Join us in this exciting reading adventure!
Explore and Learn with Early Learning CORPS March Newsletter
Check out this month's Early Learning CORPS newsletter! Discover fun and educational activities like practicing measurement, embarking on a picture walk, counting during meals or snacks, singing about emotions, and creating self-portraits. Download it now for a wealth of engaging learning opportunities!
Preschool Registration Now Open!
Our Early Childhood Center is excited to invite the future preschool class of 2024-25! We offer programs for 3 and 4-year-olds, with half-day AM/PM and Full Day choices available.
If you have a child ready to begin their preschool educational adventure, visit our website for more information and the registration packet. We are looking forward to another wonderful academic year for our youngest learners!
Annie at Cedar Springs High School
We're thrilled to share that our Spring Musical will be "Annie"!
This heartwarming story follows Annie (Morgan Mashall, 8th grade), a brave orphan living under the care of the unkind Miss Hannigan (Lauren Hambelton, 12th grade). Annie holds onto hope that her parents will come back for her. Her life changes when Oliver "Daddy" Warbucks (Dominic Vanderhyde, 11th grade), a wealthy man, invites an orphan to his mansion to boost his image, and Annie is chosen. As she adjusts to her new luxurious life, Annie's dream of finding her parents grows stronger. Warbucks helps by offering a reward, but this leads to many imposters coming forward.
Join us for a magical performance featuring our talented students from 3rd to 12th grade. Showtimes are on March 15,16,27, 22, 23, and 24. Don't miss out!
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