The Weekly Update #4

As the school year draws to a close, I want to take this opportunity to express my deepest gratitude to all of you, our dedicated parents and guardians. Your unwavering support and collaboration have been instrumental in navigating a rewarding school year. Together, we fostered an environment that ensured our students received the best possible educational experience.

Looking ahead to summer, I'm excited to share some important updates and messages:

Building Upon Success: This summer will be a busy one! We'll be filling open positions to maintain our excellent staff-to-student ratio. Our schools will undergo thorough cleaning to ensure a fresh start in the fall. Construction projects will also continue to progress. We eagerly anticipate welcoming students back to the completed addition at Bauer Elementary and the brand-new gymnasium at Park Elementary. Renovations at the Early Childhood Center will also commence this summer, creating an even more enriching learning environment for our youngest learners.

Celebrating Milestones: As we reflect on the year, let's celebrate the incredible achievements and growth demonstrated by our students. A special congratulations goes out to our graduating class of 451 seniors! Their ceremony tomorrow in our state-of-the-art fieldhouse will mark a momentous occasion. These students have consistently excelled in academics, extracurricular activities, and community service, leaving a positive impact on our school district. We are incredibly proud of their resilience and dedication, and we extend our heartfelt congratulations and best wishes for their bright futures. Their accomplishments are a testament to the hard work of both students and staff.

Summer Break: A Time for Recharge and Learning: Summer break is a vital time for students to recharge, explore new interests, and strengthen family bonds. Encourage them to participate in activities that promote well-being, creativity, and physical activity. While relaxation is important, let's also nurture a love of learning throughout the break. Consider incorporating age-appropriate reading challenges, educational programs, or stimulating activities into their routines.

Thank You and Continued Communication: The passing of the four-year non-homestead ballot proposal on May 7th is a testament to our amazing community! These operating dollars will directly benefit our students and enhance their learning experience. Thank you for your continued support!

Our lines of communication remain open throughout the summer. Should you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact the district office. We're always happy to assist you.

Looking Ahead: While we enjoy the summer break, the new school year begins on Wednesday, August 21st. The school calendar is now available for your reference on our website.

On behalf of the entire Hudsonville Public Schools team, I extend my heartfelt gratitude for your unwavering support, trust, and dedication to your child's education. It is an honor to serve as your superintendent, and I am deeply grateful for the strong partnership we have built together.

Wishing you and your family a safe, relaxing, and enriching summer! Thank you for making Hudsonville such a vibrant and supportive community.

Dr. VanderJagt, Superintendent

The smell of coffee is brewing in the halls every Wednesday and Thursday morning at Park Elementary. Students make specialty flavored coffees and deliver beverages (e.g., coffee, hot chocolate, hot tea, bottled water, and pop) to the staff at Park and the administration building.

The Park Cafe provides opportunities for students to practice functional skills, following

directions, communication skills, and social skills. The students and staff both enjoy this

opportunity. The Park Cafe is a highlight of the week for both students and staff! Mrs.Nurenberg from the administration building states, “The Park Cafe just makes my day a little brighter on Wednesdays. I love to interact with the students. We have such fun together. One of the students gives me a fist bump every Wednesday. It brings a smile to my face!”

As partners in your children's education, we recognize the importance of keeping you informed

about emerging challenges in the digital world. One such challenge is the advent of "deepfakes"

– sophisticated digital creations made using artificial intelligence, where a person's image or

video likeness is convincingly altered. This technology, while impressive, brings with it

significant concerns, particularly for the emotional and psychological well-being of our students.

Awareness and Vigilance: It’s important to understand what deepfakes are and the potential

risks they pose to help you spot them and keep your family safer online. Deepfakes can be used

to create false representations of individuals, including students, potentially leading to

misinformation and harm. Sometimes, people use them to create fake news or bully others by

making it look like they're doing or saying things that aren't true or real.

Talk and Share: One of the best things you can do is talk with your kids about what they see on

the internet. Ask them about the videos and photos they come across and if they think they are

real or not. It's not just about telling them what's right or wrong; it's about helping them think and

decide for themselves.

Reporting: Encourage your children to report any photos or videos that seem suspicious or

unsettling to a trusted adult or to OK2Say.

Useful Tips and Help: There are some great tips and tools for you and your kids on the Ottawa Area Intermediate Schools website. These include guidance on how to identify deepfakes, tips

for safer internet usage, and where to report suspicious content. These resources are designed

to empower you and your children to navigate the digital landscape with confidence and caution.

We understand that this is a complex and potentially concerning issue. By working together and

engaging in conversations, we can create a safer and more positive digital environment for our

students and families.

The #StopThinkVerify initiative, led by the Ottawa Area Superintendents Association, aims to

safeguard students and their families by raising awareness about the potential dangers of

artificial intelligence and deepfake technology.

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On Wednesday, May 1, 2024, Riley Street Middle School’s woodshop program sent 14 pre-selected projects to the annual M.I.T.E.S( Michigan Industrial & Technology Education Society) competition for middle and high school trades programs throughout the state. Starting with the regional competition hosted in Rockford, all 14 projects placed in the top 6 across multiple categories. They were then eligible for participation in the state-level competition hosted in Gaylord, Michigan.

With stiff competition in most categories, RMS performed better than any entry into the competition since it started participating. Of the 14 projects sent, 11 placed in the top ten, and 7 placed in the top three for the state level. This is truly a wonderful showing of the talent and skills that our students possess!

Cameron Feyen, a 7th grader, took home the Middle School division champion title for 2024. This is the first time a Hudsonville middle school student has claimed a divisional title. We are very proud of Cameron’s achievement and those of all our students who represented the school this year! Fire Up, Go Eagles!

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