North Godwin News
Week of May 6, 2024
Steve Minard, Principal
Kristi Bast, Secretary
Telephone (616) 252-2010 and Fax (616) 252-2011
TEACHER APPRECIATION WEEK THIS WEEK! May 6th -- May 10th!
Parents and Guardians--
This week is NATIONAL TEACHER APPRECIATION WEEK across the country. Please join us in celebrating the incredible and inspiring teachers that serve, protect, and educate our North Godwin students each day. Our teachers dedicate themselves to their jobs before school, during school, and after school. As the old saying goes..."a teacher's job is never done." We know that our teachers take pride in their ability to help students learn and grow in a safe, progressive, and compassionate environment. Aside from their primary responsibilities as directors of student learning, our teachers are also taking on other roles in our school and in their profession. They are working with colleagues, family members, academic coaches, community members, and others to set clear and obtainable standards for the knowledge, skills, and values we should expect America's children to acquire. They are participating in day-to-day decision making in our school, working side-by-side to set priorities, and dealing with organizational and emotional problems that affect their students' learning. They coach, they mentor, they guide, they set high expectations, they protect, they listen, and they teach!
We could not be prouder of the teachers that serve our school and we invite you to join with us in celebrating them this week!
IMPORTANT SAFETY REMINDER FOR PARENTS!
Parents and Guardians,
Although we are nearing the end of the school year, the safety of our students remains steadfast and paramount.
Parents, it is not adviseable during drop-off or pick-up to stop in the street on 34th Street OR Buchanan Avenue. The safest way to drop-off and pick-up a student is in our parking lot under the supervision of our staff safety team. Please, DO NOT stop in the middle of the road when heading eastbound or westbound on 34th Street, or northbound or southbound on Buchanan Avenue to drop-off or pick-up a student. This places the child in the middle of the road trying to negotiate traffic or cut between buses to get to the curb, which is extremely dangerous. If you must drop your student off on 34th street or Buchanan Avenue, pull to the curb and do NOT block our bus lanes, parking lot entrances, or moving traffic behind your vehicle. Students should walk from the curb to the crossing guard on the corner of 34th and Buchanan Avenue to cross the street.
As a school district we take the safety of all of our students very seriously. Thank you for your efforts and understanding to uphold safety protocols for our students.
Our NEXT Early Dismissal will be on Wednesday, May 22, 2024!
Parents and Guardians --
There will be an EARLY DISMISSAL for all students next week on Wednesday, May 22, 2024. Parent pick up begins at 1:30 PM. Buses depart and the final bell rings at 1:45 PM. Please plan accordingly and arrive on time!
Thank you!
2024 Girls on the Run Celebration 5K
Our Girls on the Run team has worked incredibly hard this year to prepare for their BIG event! Parents are invited to come downtown for the annual 5k run to celebrate the culmination of the GOTR program for girls, coaches, and their families! This event takes place on Saturday, May 18, 2024 from 8:00 AM - 12:00 NOON. LOCATION: Calder Plaza, 300 Monroe Ave NW, Grand Rapids.
Run, North Godwin Girls, Run!
TEAM 21 After School Program LAST DAY is Thursday, May 23, 2024!
Parents and Guardians of our TEAM 21 Students,
The last day of TEAM 21 After-School Programming is Thursday, May 23, 2024!
NORTH GODWIN END OF YEAR FIELD TRIPS
5th Grade
May 15 -- Camp Tuhsmeheta (Mrs. Hill, Miss Shannon, and Mrs. Whelan / Miss O’Brien)
May 16 -- Camp Tuhsmeheta (Mrs. Lossing and Ms. Meyers)
May 17 -- 5th Grade "Move Up Day" trip to visit Godwin Middle School
May 20 -- North Godwin Elementary Track & Field Day
May 21 -- North Godwin Elementary Track & Field (RAIN MAKE-UP DAY)
4th Grade
May 20 -- North Godwin Elementary Track & Field Day
May 21 -- North Godwin Elementary Track & Field (RAIN MAKE-UP DAY)
May 30 -- Hillcroft Park
3rd Grade
May 20 -- North Godwin Elementary Track & Field Day
May 21 -- North Godwin Elementary Track & Field (RAIN MAKE-UP DAY)
May 22 -- John Ball Zoo
May 28 -- Hillcroft Park
Just Write Celebration & End of Year Picnic on Wednesday, May 29, 2024
Parents and Guardians,
North Godwin Elementary will host our annual Just Write Celebration and End of Year Picnic on Wednesday, May 29, 2024. This is an opportunity for our students to showcase their writing accomplishments for all to see. The Just Write walk will be immediately followed by a picnic lunch to celebrate the end of a wonderful school year! Festivities take place by grade level as follows:
3rd Grade
10:30 AM --Just Write Walk
11:00 AM--Picnic Lunch
4th Grade
11:15 AM -- Just Write Walk
11:45 AM -- Picnic Lunch
5th Grade
11:45 AM -- Just Write Walk
12:15 PM -- Picnic Lunch
Congratulation to the Godwin Heights High School Graduating Class of 2024!
Our staff and students congratulate the fine work and dedication of our Godwin Heights High School graduating class of 2024. Our North Godwin Elementary students lined the hallways to clap and cheer for the upcoming graduates as they made their way through our school, donned in caps and gowns, for the annual "Senior Walk" through our middle school and elementary buildings. It is an emotional and happy moment for the seniors to reminisce about their younger years in the district's other buildings, and for our staff to see their former students "all grown up" and ready to head out into the world on the wings of their education and hard work.
Godwin Heights Summer Meals Program
Dear Parent/Guardian,
School may be out, but school meals are still in! We will be serving BREAKFAST & LUNCH to anyone 18 years or younger in the community.
We want to make sure that everyone knows that Godwin Heights Public Schools’s summer meal program does not require registration or identification – all students need to do is come by to receive a happy and healthy meal.
Monday through Thursday June 10th - July 26th, no meals the week of July 4th, Godwin Heights students and families can visit the following sites to enjoy meals:
● Godwin Middle School 7:30 am-8:00 am for Breakfast & 10:30 am-11:00 am for Lunch
● North Godwin Elementary 8:30 am-9:00 am for Breakfast & 11:15 am-11:45 am for Lunch
● West Godwin Elementary 8:45 am-9:55 am for Breakfast & 11:15 am-11:45 am for Lunch
If you aren’t already using Nutrislice, I encourage you to download the app or visit Godwin Heights Public Schools’s Nutrislice site. Through Nutrislice, you can view what’s on our summer menus, including nutrition information, allergens, and photos. The app is free and available from the App store (iOS) or Google Play (Android) and you can search for your menus or find them on the web at https://godwinschools.nutrislice.com.
We’re committed to making sure that meals aren’t something that any child or family should be concerned about this summer and can’t wait to feed the kids in the Godwin community! Please feel free to pass the information on to others. This summer we’re able to serve anyone 18 years old and younger throughout Wyoming and not just those who attend Godwin Heights Public Schools.
Should you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us.
Thank you,
Jamie Schumaker
North Godwin Elementary TEAM 21 Summer School 2024
Parents and Guardians,
North Godwin, in partnership with the TEAM 21 program, will once again operate summer school 2024 for our students. Space is limited. Preference will be given to students who are most in need of academic support and growth.
The morning segment of the program focuses on academics and the afternoon segment of the program focuses on arts, activities, physical education, teamwork and group play.
Summer School Dates and Information
Mondays through Thursdays ONLY
Start date: Monday, June 10, 2024
End date: Thursday, July 25, 2024
No programming during the week of July 1 -- July 5, 2024 in observance of Independence Day
8:30 AM - 3:00 PM
Applications are available in the main lobby. Digital copies of the application are linked below:
English
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1Ij1I6fiuxk2sQyaTbtDkiEya7Xrpb0zAha4DYTL2wZ0/edit
Spanish
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1SDH3ybGwGAhCzyIEIE5C0uXjDiviPMBGq2HeUt4vM4U/edit
EXCELLENT OPPORTUNITY FOR OUR CURRENT 5th GRADE STUDENTS WHO ARE MOVING UP TO GODWIN HEIGHTS MIDDLE SCHOOL for 2024-2025!
The TRIO Educational Talent Search program of Grand Valley State University is currently accepting new 6th-8th grade scholars at the Godwin Heights Middle School.
This FREE program assists scholars by providing workshops and individual meetings at their schools 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! We will have some summer opportunities available that we will release information on soon.
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
For any questions or further details please contact Lester Anderson 616-331-7114, andelest@gvsu.edu or lester.anderson@godwinschools.org
FEEDING AMERICA MOBILE FOOD PANTRIES
One in every 9 people. At least 261,000 people in West Michigan and the Upper Peninsula are food insecure—meaning they don't have consistent access to enough food for an active, healthy life. Food insecurity exists for a variety of reasons, and anyone can experience a bout of it. Feeding America West Michigan, believes hunger is unacceptable and that their community has the power to change lives—one meal at a time. That’s why they've assembled a network of partners that they work alongside on their mission to relieve hunger and increase food security in West Michigan and the Upper Peninsula.
Our Godwin Heights Feeding America truck distributions will now be every month on TUESDAYS! Same time, same place, 4:00 pm in front of the high school, just one day later each month. Here is the schedule for the rest of the year:
Wednesday, May 8, 2024
Wednesday, June 12, 2024
Wednesday, July 10, 2024
Wednesday, August 7, 2024
Wednesday, September 11, 2024
Wednesday, October 9, 2024
Wednesday, November 13, 2024
Wednesday, December 11, 2024
If you have your own bags, please bring them!
Annual Track & Field Day -- Monday, May 20, 2024
Our annual North Godwin Elementary Track & Field Day will be held on Monday, May 20, 2024 at Godwin Heights High School Godwin Carl P Bahre Football and Track Field 3501 Hillcroft Ave SW, Wyoming MI 49548. Students will walk with their teachers to the track field at specific times throughout the day. We encourage student to dress in comfortable clothing and tennis shoes. If it is a sunny and warm day, we also encourage sunscreen.
In the event that it rains on this day, we will move Track and Field Day to Tuesday, May 21, 2024.
Godwin Heights 2023-2024 School Year Calendar
May 22 ~ Early Release @ 1:45 PM
May 24 ~ 1/2 day of school -- Dismissal at 11:45 AM MEMORIAL WEEKEND
May 27 ~ No School -- MEMORIAL DAY
May 31 ~ 1/2 DAY OF SCHOOL -- DISMISSAL AT 11:45 AM -- LAST DAY OF SCHOOL
A Parent's Guide to Keeping Kids Home From School
Parents and Guardians,
When your child is sick, it’s important to know when they should stay home from school. If they have a contagious virus or disease, keep them home. This will help them get better faster and keep their teachers and classmates from getting sick.
Talk to your child’s doctor or health care provider if you are unsure if they should stay home from school. 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.
If your child has a fever, they must stay home from school until they have been FEVER-FREE for 24 hours WITHOUT medication! Thank you!
Click below!
STRIVE FOR LESS THAN 5 DAYS ABSENT!
The data for students who are chronically absent is clear: Students who miss more than 10 percent of school time, just two days a month, are far less likely to be proficient than their peers who regularly attend school.
Across Kent ISD, approximately 13 percent of students are chronically absent. Like the national studies, the prevalence of chronic absenteeism varies widely from school building to building and district to district but, in virtually every instance, it is greater in buildings and communities serving the economically disadvantaged.
The effects of chronic absenteeism are profound. Kent ISD researcher Sunil Joy found these students are much less likely to become proficient in math or reading. Just one in four are likely to be proficient in math at eighth grade. Worse, low-income students who are chronically absent have just a 10 percent chance of being proficient. Even more startling is the effect on African-American students, with just 3 percent likely to be proficient if they are chronically absent.
While truancy is well known and understood, chronic absenteeism is less familiar, as most absences are excused by parents and, until recently, were rarely challenged by educators. That began to change approximately a decade ago through the work of education researcher Hedy Chang, who is now the executive director of Attendance Works, a national nonprofit seeking to help schools and communities combat chronic absenteeism.
Chang’s research led to the publication in 2008 of “Present, Engaged and Accounted For: The Critical Importance of Addressing Chronic Absence in the Early Grades.” This report revealed that one in 10 kindergarten and first-grade students nationwide miss nearly a month of school each year. In some cities, the rate is as high as one in four elementary students. Research across Kent ISD reveals just 40 percent of chronically absent children in kindergarten through second-grade are proficient on third-grade reading tests.
Our district is working hard to get at this problem. The value of the Strive for Less Than 5 campaign is its uniform message to all children, families and community partners. Attendance is important, and parents and their children should strive for fewer than five absences a year.
Attendance Policy
The normal attendance expectations for any given child in the Kent County Intermediate School District are as follows:
> that a child miss not more than 10 days of Excused Absences for the entire school year,
> that a child have no Unexcused Absences for the entire school year
> that a child have not more than 5 Tardies combined with Leave Early check-outs per semester.
> that a child have no Suspensions for the entire school year.
Godwin Heights Public Schools are held by law to report tardies and absences in excess of the guidelines listed above to the Kent Intermediate School District Office of Truancy and School Attendance-State Law Enforcement Division.
The primary rationale for positive attendance is the strong relationship between student attendance and student achievement. Chronic student absences reduces even the best teacher's ability to provide learning opportunities. Students who attend school regularly have been shown to achieve at higher levels than students who do not have regular attendance. This relationship between attendance and achievement may appear early in a child's school career. A recent study looking at young children found that absenteeism in kindergarten was associated with negative first grade outcomes such as greater absenteeism in subsequent years and lower achievement in reading, math, and general knowledge.
Poor attendance has serious implications for later outcomes. High school dropouts have been found to exhibit a history of negative behaviors, including high levels of absenteeism throughout their childhood, at higher rates than high school graduates. These differences in absentee rates were observed as early as kindergarten, and students who eventually dropped out of high school missed significantly more days of school in elementary school than their peers who graduated from high school.
North Godwin Elementary
Email: bast@godwinschools.org
Website: www.godwinschools.org
Location: 161 34th Street Southwest, Wyoming, MI, USA
Phone: 616-252-2010
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NorthGodwin/