Newaygo Public Schools Newsletter
Every Lion Matters, Every Roar Counts
Letting Go of Fear
Do You Play It Safe?
Have You Feared Failure?
Rebecca Welton, a character from Ted Lasso, once said:
"I thought being invulnerable would protect me, so I pushed people away for years, leading me directly to my greatest fear."
These words resonate deeply because they point to a universal truth: many of us wear masks, hiding our true selves in an attempt to protect ourselves. But does playing it safe really keep us safe?
At the end of November, Newaygo Public Schools welcomed Tree Beeckman, a former Division 1 athlete and volleyball coach who works with teams to create world-class cultures rooted in trust, authenticity, and connection. Tree delivered a powerful message to our coaches and student-athletes that challenged us all to reflect on the masks we wear.
As I listened to Tree speak, I felt deeply moved. Her workshop exposed a vulnerability that many of us work hard to conceal. One of the most striking moments was when she handed out a sheet of paper with statements like these:
- I have been jealous of another person's success.
- I often neglect my self-care.
- I feel I can't make mistakes or I'll let others down.
- I have felt I'm not good enough.
- I often avoid conflict and hard conversations.
There were about a dozen phrases in total.
Tree then invited everyone to crumble up their paper and throw it on the floor. We tossed them a couple of times, ensuring that no one knew who wrote what. Finally, we picked up a random paper and began reading them aloud.
One by one, Tree asked the group to stand if a statement applied to them. With every prompt, at least 80% of the room stood up.
Take a moment to digest that: 80% of the room.
It was a powerful visual reminder that each and every day, the people around us—our colleagues, our students, our friends—are carrying unseen burdens. We all have battles that we hide, yet we often judge others without knowing their struggles.
As Tree wrapped up, I found myself lingering on a question:
How can we, as a school and as a community, create a space where people feel safe to take off their masks?
How can we foster an environment that encourages risk-taking, kindness, and understanding?
If we want to empower our students and ourselves, we must start by being vulnerable and supporting each other without judgment. It’s in those moments of authenticity—those moments when we “let go”—that real growth happens.
To see what this looks like, I encourage you to watch the clip of Hugh Jackman below. Notice the moments when he truly lets go. Those are the moments of no masks, no pretenses—just real, human connection.
Let’s create a culture at Newaygo where it’s okay to take off the mask, to try and fail, and to support each other along the way. Together, we can build a community where we are not only #BetterTogether but also more understanding, more forgiving, and more willing to embrace each other’s humanity.
#TogetherWeRoar
Newaygo Public Schools Weather Related Information
Newaygo Families,
In an effort to provide clarity here is the district stance on severe weather including heat, ice, cold, and extreme conditions.
When the threat of severe weather forces us to close school we relay that information in a number of ways. If school should have to close, the following forms of communication will be used to keep everyone informed:
Social Media: All closings will be posted on the Newaygo Public Schools FaceBook page.
Webpage: www.newaygo.net will be updated with an alert to the school closing.
Voice Call: If you have a current number in the Skyward system you will receive a phone call (or text) alerting you of the closing.
Local News: Wood TV8, WWMT Channel 3, WZZM 13, Fox 17 and local radio stations.
App Notification: Newaygo Public Schools will also post alerts in our new App.
Our job and priority is to keep your student(s) safe. I'm sure there will be times I will miss on the weather, but we always keep the safety of students at the forefront of what we do. Our hope is that the multiple layers of communication can help get the word to everyone in a quick and consistent manner.
* If you believe the weather is not safe for your student, please keep them home. Weather related absences will be considered "parent contact". Thank you for your continued support of our programs, students, and staff.
#WeAreNewaygo
Our MATH reality in Newaygo
Recently I presented with Dr. Blake Prewitt our NCRESA Superintendent to the Newaygo Economical Board. The Board was very interested in having a stronger understanding of our public schools and how they as an Economical Board could support public schools.
To be candid, our test scores are not where we want them. We are below the State in both ELA and Math. To find a silver lining, the scores went up last year in both categories. However, looking at Math specifically, we are below 30% proficient as a district. Research clearly states, to begin strengthening it will take effort on ALL fronts.
Here are some encouragements for families to increase relevance and confidence in their child.
1. Make Math Part of Everyday Life
Math is everywhere, and showing your child how it applies to the real world can make it less intimidating and more relatable. Include them in activities like:
- Measuring ingredients for cooking or baking.
- Comparing prices while shopping to find the best deal.
- Estimating time or distance on a trip.
- Counting change and balancing a budget.
These small, practical applications help kids see that math isn’t just a school subject; it’s a life skill.
2. Create a Positive Learning Environment at Home
Set aside time for math activities that are fun and pressure-free. Play games like Sudoku, Monopoly, or puzzles that involve problem-solving. Use online math tools or apps designed for kids to build skills in an engaging way.
Encourage a consistent workspace with minimal distractions, and praise effort, not just results. This reinforces that the process of learning is as important as the outcome.
3. Stay in Communication with the Teacher
Teachers are valuable partners in your child’s education. Don’t hesitate to reach out to your child’s teacher if they are struggling or need additional resources.
- Ask about specific skills or concepts your child should focus on.
- Request recommendations for math resources, like websites, videos, or practice worksheets.
- Discuss strategies you can use at home that align with classroom teaching.
When teachers and families work together, students benefit from consistent messaging and support.
4. Focus on a Growth Mindset
Remind your child that mistakes are part of learning. Encourage phrases like:
- “I can’t do this... yet.”
- “Mistakes help my brain grow.”
- “This is tough, but I can figure it out.”
This mindset helps children see challenges as opportunities, not roadblocks. Modeling this as a parent shows them that effort and persistence lead to improvement.
5. Be Involved and Celebrate Together
Your involvement makes a big difference. Check your child’s homework regularly, review their progress, and ask them to explain their thought process when solving problems. When they reach milestones or achieve goals, celebrate together, whether it’s a special treat, extra playtime, or a simple high-five. Acknowledging their hard work boosts morale and keeps them motivated.
By incorporating these strategies into daily life, families can help children overcome their math fears and foster a strong partnership with their school. Together, we can build a culture of confidence and resilience where every student feels capable of succeeding in math.
Let’s work as a team to make math less intimidating and more empowering for our kids.
The Benefits of Outdoor Play - Even in the Winter
I’ve seen firsthand the power of unstructured outdoor play in shaping confident, resilient, and joyful learners. While winter often sends us running indoors, it’s important to reconsider the incredible opportunities this season offers. Despite the cold, winter play provides unique experiences that are essential to our children’s physical, emotional, and cognitive development.
Here’s why outdoor play is so valuable—even when it’s cold—and how you can embrace wintertime fun with your kids:
- Boosts Physical and Mental Health
Outdoor play encourages children to move, run, climb, and explore, leading to improved physical activity levels and health. Studies have shown that kids who spend more time outside are not only more active but also sleep better, get sick less often, and experience reduced stress.
- Fresh air and natural sunlight are vital for boosting vitamin D, circulation, and immune health.
- Time in nature has restorative effects, helping reduce anxiety and stress for both kids and adults.
- Builds Resilience and Adaptability
Winter’s challenges—like bundling up against the cold, navigating icy terrain, or creating games with snow—teach kids how to persist and adapt. These small acts of overcoming discomfort can help children develop resilience, a skill that translates to many areas of life.
- Learning to adapt to winter conditions instills a sense of resourcefulness and problem-solving.
- Facing challenges outdoors can strengthen children’s belief in their ability to tackle other difficulties.
- Reclaims Lost Time for Play
Over the decades, kids’ outdoor playtime has dramatically declined, with children today spending 55% less time outdoors compared to previous generations. Winter shouldn’t be an excuse to cut playtime even further. Instead, let’s use the season to create moments of joy and exploration.
- Kids of all ages who play outside are more likely to be creative and imaginative as they interact with their environment.
- Outdoor play helps kids of all ages feel connected to the world around them, building appreciation for nature and fostering curiosity.
- Creates Unique Winter Memories
Winter offers sensory experiences that no other season can replicate—crunching snow underfoot, the sparkle of frost on trees, or the quiet stillness of a snowy day. These moments are magical for children and can spark wonder and creativity.
- Encourage simple activities like making snow angels, going for a winter hike, or just observing how the landscape changes in the cold.
- Reinforces Community and Family Bonds
Make outdoor play a family or community activity. Join forces with neighbors, friends, or local groups to embrace winter together. Not only will it strengthen your family’s bond, but it will also model the importance of spending time in nature for your children.
How to Get Started
- Gear Up: Dress appropriately with layers, waterproof boots, hats, gloves, and insulated jackets. There’s no such thing as bad weather—only bad clothing!
- Set Goals: Aim for 15 minutes of outdoor play each day. Even brief exposure can lead to lasting benefits.
- Find Joy in Simple Activities: Go on a scavenger hunt, build a snow fort, or simply walk and observe nature.
Let’s help our children (of all ages) embrace the beauty of winter and rediscover the joy of outdoor play. The lessons they learn—persistence, adaptability, and resilience—are as enduring as the memories you’ll make together. Winter is a season of rest for nature, but it doesn’t mean our kids should hibernate too. Bundle up, step outside, and explore the magic waiting just beyond your door.
#TogetherWeRoar in all seasons!
Middle School & High School Robotics Opportunity:
Newaygo Middle School Students:
NC COGS Robotics Team
6-8th grade students interested in robotics, there is still
time to join! We have 2 robots and still need more
drivers, operators, and human players. We can teach you to drive the
robots in the next couple weeks!
Team Practice and Construction meets on Tuesday and Thursday at our
lab at 465 Clay St from 6PM-8PM.
We have been hard at work getting our robots ready, and our first
competition is approaching soon.
We will be competing at:
East Kentwood Freshman Campus, 6170 Valley Ln Dr
SE, Kentwood MI 49412.
This compeition is on Saturday, Nov 2 from 7AM to 6:30PM. It is free
for attendees.
Our 2nd comp will be at:
Ottawa Hills High School, 2055 Rosewood Ave SE,
Grand Rapids, MI 49506.
This competition is on Saturday, Nov 16 from 7AM to 6:30PM. It is free
for attendees.
Newaygo High School Students:
Dear Students, Parents, and Supporters of Brick and Mortar Team 9223,
We hope this message finds you well. After much thoughtful consideration, we are excited to announce that Brick and Mortar Team 9223 will be merging with NC GEARS Team 1918, a well-established and successful FRC Robotics team within our region.
While this decision comes with some changes, it is a significant step forward for our students, providing them with greater opportunities to grow and excel in the field of robotics.
NC GEARS has a long-standing history of success in the FIRST Robotics Competition, offering students a robust program supported by experienced mentors and a broad network of resources. By joining forces with NC GEARS, our students will gain access to even more industry knowledge, advanced training, and hands-on experiences that will better prepare them for future careers in STEM.
This merger is not just a practical step, but an opportunity for the students of Team 9223 to be part of something larger, with increased opportunities to collaborate, innovate, and compete at a higher level. With NC GEARS' well-developed infrastructure and mentorship programs, the sky's the limit in terms of what our students can achieve.
We deeply appreciate the dedication and passion that has been poured into Brick and Mortar Team 9223 over past couple seasons. This transition is not the end of that legacy, but rather a continuation and expansion of it under the banner of NC GEARS Team 1918.
We are confident that this move will create an even stronger community of learners and innovators. We look forward to seeing the incredible things that will come from this partnership and are excited for what the future holds for our students.
Thank you for your continued support, and please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions.
Sincerely,
Ben Gilpin
Superintendent of Newaygo Public Schools