March 6 - Half Day for Students - Dismissal at 12:10 pm
March 6 - Parent Teacher Conferences 1-3 pm VIRTUAL ONLY
The Principal's Pen
Our Twelve Days of Giving was another success! With the generosity of our Willow Ridge community, we were able to collect over 2,000 items for local families in need this holiday season. THANK YOU!
January 5, 2026, is a professional development day for staff. So school will resume on Tuesday, January 6.
From all of us at Willow Ridge, we wish you all a splendid holiday break with relaxation, laughter, and great family time. Have a very Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!
Willow Ridge PBIS H.E.R.O. Headquarters!
This week we recognized our December H.E.R.O.'s of the Month!
These students were recognized for being a HERO by exhibiting Honesty, Encouragement, Respect and Ownership
Auggie Beuerle Harrison Steward Luna Van Horn Maya Wohlscheid
Ruby Garza
Madison Hughes
Luca Orrico
Riley Dayton
Zoey Kuhlman
Blake Zurek
Rayven Heaston
Anson LaCross
Jackson Williams
Riley Earley
Alessia Saunders
Coltyn Suchecki
Elizabeth Dyjach
Felicity Meyers
Teddy Trudeau
Aleen Abauwad
Jason Hong
Samuel Naranjo
Carter Schalk
Antonio Aguinaga
Melanie Fox
JD Senger
Jaxon Adams
Ben Kanaby
Iris Meeder
Rose Herman
Theo Kingery
Rory Westen
Jack Clarke
Hannah Detering
Yoshitha Vinothkumar
Eleanor Allison
Tanner Ulrich
Colt Wood
Alexis Jensen
Olivia Lee
Antonio Rouphael
Westley Bock
Kelsey Jacobsen
Reese Sinclair
Beatrice Cleveland
Calvin Kuhlman
Oaklyn Suchecki
Colden Castelein
Rileigh Scutt
Jayna Buzun
Mryan Ibrahim
Addison Onan
Zinnia Sheahan
James Lyons
Ruby Schupbach Abigail Yang
JoJo Salazar
Selah Temple
Emerson O'Keefe
Paddy O'Keefe
Emmy Smith
This week, we read books about the change of season from Autumn to Winter, continued work on our Thankful chain, and worked on jigsaw puzzles in the library.
Our schedule was juggled around a bit due to Santa’s Shop and classroom events, and I appreciate the students’ flexibility.
All students were offered the opportunity to check out a book before break, so I hope everyone has something they will enjoy reading during our time off. Many students have been checking out our cookbooks, project books and drawing books; I can’t wait to hear about their creations when we return to school in January!
Thursday: Sweet, Weidenbach, Rozycki, Oetting, Nelson
Friday: Ford
“You’re never too old, too wacky, too wild, to pick up a book and read to a child.” ~ Dr. Seuss
~ Mrs Garnaat
Snow Day Menu Changes
In the event of a snow day, the menu for the day students return will be what was planned for the snow day. The scheduled menu will resume the day after we return. This is done to have the least amount of waste.
Attendance / Absence Policy
All absences from school conflict with the continuity of learning and need to be avoided when possible. Regular school attendance is necessary to academic success and continuous and consecutive attendance in school is required by State law; 10-undocumented absences limit per school year. The 10-absence limit per school year includes both Explained Absence (AE) and Unexplained Absence (AU).
In order to help provide supports for students and families, GLPS closely monitors explained and unexplained absences. We also work with families to ensure that as many absences as possible are documented, because undocumented absences can trigger truancy considerations.
Documented Absence (AD) - Absence that includes a note from a professional (ie. doctor, dentist, lawyer, etc.) to explain the absence. Absences are only considered documented for the days identified in the note. For example, if a doctor excuses a student for Monday and Tuesday, but the student is absent on Wednesday and Thursday as well, only Monday and Tuesday’s absences are considered documented. Any absence that does not include a note from a professional is considered undocumented.
Explained Absence (AE) - Undocumented absence in which a parent/guardian calls the office or sends a note to alert the school their child will not be in attendance, but does not include a note from a professional (ie. doctor, dentist, lawyer, etc.). This is important because explained absences are necessary for schools to meet pupil accounting requirements.
Unexplained Absence (AU) - Undocumented absence in which a parent/guardian does not call the office to alert the school their child will not be in attendance.
Attendance Policy - Undocumented Absences
A student's school will send a letter after 6 undocumented absences and after 10 undocumented absences in a school year, providing you with notice of the absences and outlining steps to help your child attend school regularly.
A student's school will communicate with families if the student has undocumented absences on more than 10% of the first 30 days.
Ten (10) or more days of undocumented absences in a school year can be sent to court. However, GLPS will make every effort to work with you and your student before it gets to that point.
Please note that school related absences, such as field trips or athletic events, are not factored into any truancy related processes.
Extra Clothes
PLEASE send your child to school with an extra set of clothes to keep in their locker for emergencies. This could mean they wet their pants, fell in the mud, spilled their lunch, etc. If they use those clothes, please send in another set to keep in their locker.
BREAKFAST IS ONLY SERVED UNTIL 8:55.
If you arrive after
8:55, you will not be
able to get breakfast.
Background Checks
If you are interested in working with students during the school day or chaperoning field trips, you need to complete the volunteer application here. This process will run a thorough criminal background check. Once approved, you will need to check in at the office using our Raptor system that will run your state issued ID and print you out a badge to wear. You will need to check in at the office and run your ID each time you volunteer.
Birthday Treats
Our classes do not have students bring in birthday treats. We have a number of food related allergies across the building so that is a practice we have not done for quite a number of years now. If your child wants to bring something for the class, it can be non-edible items like bookmarks, pencils, etc.
Absent Students
Illness Reminders
The office needs to be notified if your child will be absent or tardy. You can leave a voice message on the attendance line at 517-925-5812. In that message, please leave the following information:
* Student Name
* Teacher
* Reason for Absence (out of town, funeral, car trouble, sick, etc. If your child is sick, please leave the nature of the illness – fever, vomiting, pink eye, cough, respiratory trouble, head lice, etc.
PLEASE NOTE: Teachers can only mark students unexcused. The office has to change those to excused absences after you call in or bring your child to school. This can take some time to get all the absences updated. If your child is still marked unexcused after 11:00, please feel free to contact the office.
We ask that your child be 24 hours free of fever, vomiting or diarrhea before you send them back to school after they have been out sick. We appreciate your cooperation with this!
Is something missing? Please share with John Ellsworth, GLPS Director of Communications, any additional Recognitions & Acknowledgments you think we should include on this list or upcoming lists – email him at EllsworthJ@GLcomets.net.
STUDENT LIBRARY CARDS – Information for Families & Students - GLADL & GLPS
We are excited to announce the next step in our partnership between the Grand Ledge Area District Library (GLADL) and Grand Ledge Public Schools (GLPS) – STUDENT LIBRARY CARDS!
This program allows each GLPS student full privileges to access all of the resources of the Grand Ledge Area District Library. We are proud to join the growing number of schools and libraries across the State of Michigan that are partnering to increase access to resources to provide the best learning environment to help meet our students' informational and educational needs.
With their Student Library Card every GLPS student has access to the following materials:
Print books, DVDs, audiobooks – limit of 5 checkouts at a time
Interlibrary loan materials via MelCat (34 million items statewide)
Online resources
ebooks, audiobooks, graphic novels, magazines
foreign language learning resources, tutors, and online test preparation
Delivery — choose your school when you place your request online, and available GLADL items will be delivered within 48 hours or less!
Something for every student from Kindergarten to High School and tools for parents too!
HOW STUDENTS PROCEED...
I already have a GLADL library card.
If you already have an existing GLADL library account, then you are all set; you will now have the option to use either your School ID or your GLADL library card number.
I do NOT already have a GLADL library card.
You have been issued a Student Library Card automatically. You can now use your GLPS student ID to access any of GLADL’s resources.
What if I don't know my Student ID?
If you do not already know this information, you can obtain it by contacting your school.
What is my PIN number for my Student Library Card?
Your PIN has been set to 1234; you are welcome to log in and change it.
What if I don't want to receive a Student Library Card, or what if my family does not want me to have one?
Please contact the library at questions@gladl.org -- Please specify your child's name and student ID.
How can I request a book?
It’s easy to request a book through our online library catalog at gladl.org. Students can choose to have their item delivered to their school or pick it up at the public library.
How do we find ebooks?
We have ebooks, audiobooks, graphic novels, and more -- Check out all of our online resources on our website at gladl.org/SchoolTools
Modeled after the world-famous Young Americans’ workshop, this event offers students in 3rd -8th grades a chance to meet, rehearse and perform with Grand Ledge High School musical theatre students. REGISTER TODAY!
The students who participate in the workshop will learn fun musical pieces complete with choreography, have a chance to take part in real auditions, immerse themselves in a special workshop of their choice and hang out with the top performing artists at the high school. Also, at the conclusion of the event, students will demonstrate what they have learned and perform along with the high school directors in an amazing show for family and friends.
Registration Fee $100 ... fee includes: snacks both days, dinner on Saturday, performance t-shirt, and FREE admittance to the final performance for friends and family.
BE A BUS DRIVER – join the GLPS transportation team! Probationary pay begins at $21.50 per hour, then regular driver pay starts at $25.50/hour. GLPS bus drivers have access to SET-SEG Plum Health Center, and many health services are provided at no cost (or minimal cost if you have an HSA). $500 signing bonus distributed as follows: $250 disbursement once all hiring and training has been completed, then the remaining $250 disbursement 6 months from the date of hire or end of school year, whichever comes first. Paid Training is provided to obtain a Class B CDL with Passenger and School Bus endorsements. Must have a 10-year clean driving record. Apply today or contact Pete Bucholtz, Transportation Supervisor, and Nicole Freels, Assistant Transportation Supervisor / Dispatcher. Call them at 517-925-5300 or email them at bucholtzp@glcomets.net and freelsn@glcomets.net.
December 2025 - Food Resources
* 39ers Community Meal at Delta Township Enrichment Center - Call 517-484-5600 for the menu/to order a meal. Meal orders are required. Meals must be ordered before noon, the business day before the lunch you want to attend. If you have ordered lunch and are unable to attend, please call and cancel. M/W/F, 11:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m., $4 suggested donation for ages 60+, $7 charge ages 59 & under, Enrichment Center Activity Room
Additional Resources (updated 11/21/25)
Grand Ledge Emergency Assistance Program (GLEAP) - The GLEAP Food pantry serves the Grand Ledge School District. ID and proof of residency are required. Call ahead to place an order at least 1 hour before the pantry closes. Open Tuesday (10:00 AM – 5:00 PM) and Thursday (10:00 AM – 3:00 PM). 4980 Burt Ave. 517-627-4348
MI Capital Cares - Resource for finding the services and supports you need within your community. Select one of the service areas listed to search for the resources you need or call 2-1-1 at the toll free number 866-561-2500 for additional assistance.
Catholic Charities of Ingham, Eaton, and Clinton Counties - This charity has an active community kitchen, food pantry, and bread rack. Hot breakfast (9:00 - 10:30 AM) and lunch (11:30 AM- 1:00 PM) provided Monday - Friday at the Cristo Rey Campus. Call for an appointment to access the food pantry, 517-372-4700.
Helping Hands Food Pantry Charlotte - Clients are subject to low-income guidelines and residency requirements and are required to sign a statement attesting to their need and the accuracy of the information. Open Tuesday (11:00 AM - 5:30 PM), Wednesday (10:00 AM - 4:30 PM), and Thursday (9:00 AM - 4:00 PM). 621 Jefferson St, Charlotte. 517-543-8737
The Salvation Army - This location has a food / personal needs pantry and hot meals available. The food pantry is open Monday thru Friday (9:00 AM -12:00 PM and 1:00 - 4:00 PM). Walk-In only. Hot meals are served Tuesday - Friday (12:00 -1:00 PM). 525 N. Pennsylvania Ave. 517-484-4424
517 Living - Provides a list of the greater Lansing food focused non-profits.
