Meadow Ridge Newsletter - February 7, 2025

FEBRUary character trait: initiative

Definition: Doing something without being asked, because it needs to be done 

Challenge: Start your homework or do a chore before you are asked 

Reflection: Your attitude determines your direction 

January Students of the Month

conference Bookings

We are looking forward to conferences on Tuesday, February 25th & Thursday, February 27th. To streamline scheduling, all conferences will be in-person. 

Follow the below steps for scheduling your conferences! 

Book Conferences

You can also scan this QR Code: 

After filling out your information, you will be able to identify teachers by the grade they teach in the drop-down menu as well as special teachers and ancillary staff. When you choose a grade, you will be able to choose your child’s teacher and a time that works for you. You can go through this process for each of your children. We suggest that if you have multiple children, please put a gap of time between the meetings. You will then get an email confirmation with your time.

Please note that we will not have child care available on either date.

hopper's happenings

Winter Outdoor learning

Soon classes will be joining Mrs. Dzirbowicz outdoors for a lesson about animals in the winter. Temperatures may be low, so let’s talk about one of the golden rules for enjoying our outdoor lesson adventures: wearing the right clothing for the cold!

Why is it so important?

When we’re warm and dry, we can focus on exploring, playing, and learning in nature.

Here’s a quick checklist to keep everyone safe and warm:

• Base Layers: Thin, thermal tops and leggings are a game-changer! They trap heat without being bulky.
• Mid Layers: long sleeve t-shirts, joggers, Fleece or woolly sweaters for extra coziness.
• Outer Layers: Waterproof coats and pants to keep the wind and snow out.
• Accessories: Hats, waterproof gloves, and thick socks are a must.
• Footwear: Sturdy waterproof boots with good grip keep little explorers steady and dry.

Top Tip: Dress in layers—it’s easier to peel one off if we get too warm!

Nature is even more magical when we’re ready to embrace it!

Check the schedule below to make sure your student is prepared for their outdoor learning lesson.

office Reminders

NOROVIRUS

Recently we have seen our numbers of Norovirus, often called the stomach flu, increase. Common symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramping, fever, body aches, and weakness.

If your child has these symptoms they should stay home from school until 48 hours have passed since their symptoms have stopped per the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. More information can be found at the Kent County Health Department website. It is recommended that you consult with your child’s physician if you have any concerns.

Thank you for your cooperation. Your district nurses,

Kelly Theaker, BSN, RN 

Phone: (616) 863-6031 ext 7030

ktheaker@rockfordschools.org 

Jennifer Collins, BSN, RN

Phone: (616) 863-6140 ext 1015

jcollins@rockfordschools.org

Drop Off/Pick Up Procedures

Student Drop Off

• Student drop off starts at 8:25 am.
• Our drop off zone is right in front of the building along the circle drive.
• Students should not be dropped off early to wait outside the building.
• For the safety of our kids, please do not drop students off outside of this area as we have staff in specific spots to help with car doors.
• If you want to walk your student to the building, please park your vehicle in one of the parking spots in the second or third level in our parking lot and walk them to the building.

Student Pick Up

If you are using our car line for pickup and are the first car please wait at the light post with the red dot until 3:25 p.m.  At 3:25 p.m., please pull up to the drop off loop and head all the way down the front sidewalk to wait for your students.

If you are parking and walking up to the building to pick up your student, please park in one of the spots in our parking lot.

Meadow ridge Elementary PTO Updates

Upcoming events

• Friday, February 7th: PTO Popcorn Friday
• Thursday, February 13th: Kindergarten Enrollment Opens
• Thursday, February 13th: Valentine's Day Parties
• Friday, February 14th & Monday, February 17th: No School - Mid-Winter Break
• Tuesday, February 18th: Yearbook Candid Picture Day
• Tuesday, February 18th - Friday, February 21st: Outdoor Learning Lessons
• Thursday, February 20th: 1st Grade Field Trip - Grand Rapids Public Museum
• Tuesday, February 25th: Parent Teacher Conferences 4-8pm
• Wednesday, February 26th: Early Release - 1:30pm Dismissal
• Thursday, February 27th: Parent Teacher Conferences 4-8pm

Enrollment opens 2/13/25

Enrollment for the 2025/2026 school year opens February 13th.  Children who turn five years old on or before December 1, 2025 are eligible to enroll for the 2025/2026 school year.