We were pleased to welcome students back from winter break last week! Please enjoy this edition of our Multilingual Learner Family Newsletter. This newsletter contains information about how we support our multilingual learners, important updates, resources/activities, and upcoming community events. Please use the translate button at the top or top right corner if it might be helpful for you.

Thank you for your support!

FHPS Instruction Team

Between January 27, 2025, and April 4, 2025, your child and other English Language Learner (ELL) students in kindergarten through 12th grade in the State of Michigan will participate in the annual ACCESS for ELLs English language proficiency test. This required test evaluates students' skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing to measure their academic language proficiency in English. The results help us provide the necessary support for your student's English language development. You can find additional information and translated versions of this letter online (at the bottom of the webpage linked below). If you have any questions, please contact your child’s teacher, the principal, or the Instruction Office.

Here’s information from Colorin Colorado about supporting literacy at home, whether your students are babies, toddlers, preschoolers, or in elementary school. The tips are available in 13 different languages.

NWEA MAP Skill Plans in IXL are an effective way to help students develop specific academic skills at home. MAP assessment data is used to identify student’s current abilities, highlighting areas that need improvement. These areas are then added to IXL Skill Plans, which offer personalized, interactive exercises to reinforce learning.

Click below to learn more about the different digital platforms used in Forest Hills Public Schools.

Being bilingual is a superpower! Here are just some of the benefits:

• enhanced attention

• improved memory and multitasking

• adaptability

• greater resilience

• delayed cognitive decline and protection against Alzheimer’s disease

Here’s an article for more information and research:

The Cognitive Benefits of Being Bilingual

All absences MUST be reported to your student’s school. Here is an example of an absence note and the information you should share when reporting an absence. You may submit your absence via phone call, email, handwritten note). Please click the picture above if you'd like a printed copy.

Check out these community events around the Grand Rapids area:

• World of Winter, January 10-March 2: Enjoy stunning art installations, interactive exhibits, and live performances, all outdoors in downtown Grand Rapids. Almost all of the events are free. This year’s festival features large-scale, light-based art installations from all over the world, impressive during the day but dazzling after dark – a treat for all ages.

• The Nature of Color, Grand Rapids Public Museum, now through April 13 Explore how color functions in nature, including how it influences emotions, perception across cultures, the history of color production, and its role in survival and reproduction for plants and animals.

• Little Red Riding Hood, January 25th, 10 a.m. (English) & 11 a.m. (Spanish) ($10 ticket)
  A collaboration with Grand Rapids Ballet, featuring choreography by Artistic Director James Sofranko. Presented in partnership with the West Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Tickets are available through TICKETMASTER or Symphony Box Office- Not available at FAC Box Office.

• Mary Poppins, FHE Musical, February 6, 7, and 9, 7-9 p.m. with an additional show on the 9, 3-5 p.m.

• Peter Pan, FHC Musical: March 20, 21, and 22, 7-9 p.m. with an additional show on the 22, 3-5 p.m.

Click here to check out a guide to navigating the following:

• Child Care
• Citizenship
• Community Navigation
• Cultural and Country Organizations
• Education
• Employment
• Health
• Housing

Opportunities Available for Learning

High-quality early care and learning programs mean that children are growing and learning in safe and healthy environments. It ensures they receive the services and support they need to thrive and get ready to enter kindergarten. In Michigan, licensed childcare centers and providers are required to follow health and safety requirements governed by the Child Care Licensing Bureau (CCLB). Below are programs that support Michigan's efforts in providing high-quality child care.

• Great Start to Quality (Michigan's Tiered Quality Rating and Improvement System) www.greatstarttoquality@ecic4kids.org 877-614-7328

• Early Childhood Investment Corporation (ECIC) www.ecic4kids.org 571-371-9000

Options for Early Child Care and Education Programs

In Michigan, there are several types of early care and education programs available for families and their young children from birth through five years old.

• Child Care Centers: Child care centers are run by an individual, agency, or organization and offer a variety of activities and opportunities for children to build socially and emotionally. Each child carecenter has its own requirements and fees.

• Public Prekindergarten (PreK or DK): PreK/DK is a program for four-year-old children to provide them with the opportunity to prepare for kindergarten academically and socially. Contact your local school system to apply. Income information may be requested when you apply but is not necessarily a factor in enrolling your child. All children who are four years old by September 1st of the current school year are welcome to apply.

• Head Start: Head Start programs provide free learning and development services to children ages birth to five from low-income families. Early Head Start and Head Start welcome children with disabilities. Some Early Head Start programs also provide prenatal services for pregnant women. For more information contact Head Start at: hs4kc.org

• Adult English Classes

  You can take classes to improve your English, study for a high school diploma, learn computer and digital skills, or prepare for the workplace. These classes are for individuals 18 years or older.

  To find an adult education program in your area, visit:

  • Learn English with Kent County Adult Education: kentisd.org/students/adult-education/learn-english/

  Earning a High School Diploma after 18 Years of Age

  • Speak to a high school counselor about the possibility of finishing required high school classes before turning 20.

  • Complete the General Equivalency Diploma Test (GED®) ged.org: You must be 18+ years old.

  • Complete the High School Equivalency Test (HiSET)hiset.org: You must be 18+ years old.

  • Complete the Adult High School Program kdl.org/community-resources/adult-education/: You must be 21+ years old.

  Employment and Training

  If you are interested in finding a job or job training, visit the following websites for more information:

  • United States Department of Labor: JOB SEEKERS dol.gov/agencies/eta/job-seekers

  • Community Resources: Employment kdl.org/community-resources/employment/

  • Supported Employment Programs in Grand Rapids: findhelp.org/work/supported-employment–grand-rapids-mi

  Driver’s Licence Support

  Interested in obtaining a Driver’s License but need support? Check out this website for Toolkits designed to help navigate the complex process.

  • Arabic

  • Burmese

  • English

  • Kinyarwanda

  • Punjabi

  • Spanish

  • Swahili

  • Vietnamese

With the start of a new school year, access to affordable internet is crucial for students' success. The National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA) offers a helpful resource called Honor Roll of Low-Cost Internet Plans that features top providers offering reliable, low-cost internet plans. These plans have been carefully evaluated using NDIA's Grading Internet for Good (GIG) system, which assesses affordability, speed, data allowances, and customer protections. The Honor Roll lists providers that meet high standards for supporting low-income households, making them ideal for back-to-school needs.

To explore the full list of preferred low-cost internet plans, visit the NDIA Honor Roll page. For more information on how these plans were selected and scored, check out the NDIA GIG website. These low-cost plans offer a valuable resource for parents seeking to provide their children with reliable online access, helping to support their educational needs throughout the school year.

Getting Started with Libby
Kent District Library is proud to continue to offer you a wide selection of digital titles for you to access anytime, anywhere through Libby, the one-tap reading app.

For those who have not yet tried the Libby app, all you need to get started is your Kent District Library card number. The Libby app is easy to use and will guide you through the setup process and get you connected to our library in just a few minutes. You can visit the help site, or Libby Academy within the app for assistance.

New to ebooks and audiobooks?
In just a few taps, you can start reading or listening instantly on your phone or tablet. The digital library is available 24/7 without leaving home and is free from our library. Choose from bestsellers, fiction, nonfiction, books for kids, and more. Download the Libby app to get started.

Please reach out if you have any questions, concerns, or to share any celebrations!

Email: instructionoffice@fhps.net or nubik@fhps.net

Website: www.fhps.net
Location: 6590 Cascade Road Southeast, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
Phone: 616.493.8806
Twitter: @FHPSlearning