June 5 - Last Day of School (Half Day) - Dismissal at 12:10
The Principal's Pen
As you all are aware, Willow Ridge and the Grand Ledge community lost a true treasure. As I write this week's message, my eyes still sting with sadness over the loss of a dear friend. Mrs. Bedard was truly one of a kind. I have known Chong for nearly 15 years as she came to me as an undergraduate student to do college hours in my 4th grade classroom. From the get go, I could tell she was a natural teacher who connected with students in ways many others could not. Over the last 48 hours I have heard and read stories of her impact on how she made a difference for kids in her special way.
Her love for life, her family, her friends, and her students was palpable and contagious. She has been referred to as "joy personified" and I feel that is the best way to describe her. Her legacy of joy and fun will be carried on by her friends and students here at school. In deciding what to do regarding the Block Party it was clear to many of us that Chong would be upset if we canceled the event because she was all about the community and the joy for children; thus the decision to keep the event as scheduled. Many have asked what they can do to support the family, so to start, her dear friend Meredith Meeder who is in close communication with Chong's family has established a Venmo account for any monetary donations for the family and that information will be at the Block Party and the office for the upcoming weeks. There will also be the opportunity to donate by cash or check as well.
Thank you for your understanding in the cancellation of school on Thursday and Friday to give our staff space to process and grieve. I want to express a deep gratitude to Dr. Barnes, Dr. Gabriel, and the rest of the Central Office leadership team for their continued support during this tragedy. Monday will still be hard for us, but we have a clear procedure and plan to support the staff and the students when we all return to school.
The Willow Ridge Block Party is tonight from 6-8 pm. A highlight of the evening will be our Silent Auction, featuring a variety of unique items, including themed classroom baskets, classroom fingerprint plates, and special “Lunch with a Teacher/Staff” experiences.
Be sure to stop by the auction and place your bids! If you are a winner, cash and checks (payable to Willow Ridge PTA) are the only forms of payment that are accepted.
Staff Appreciation Week
We definitely felt loved earlier this week by the Willow Ridge PTA and Willow Ridge families for Teacher/Staff Appreciation Week! Monday we enjoyed coffee (courtesy of Toads) and pastries, Tuesday was a baked potato bar courtesy of Texas Roadhouse, and Wednesday we had root beer floats courtesy of A&W Grand Ledge. Families donated all kinds of drinks and snacks that will be enjoyed in the coming weeks. The main hallway and teacher workroom are filled with notes of love and appreciation from students and their families. Go to the Willow Ridge Elementary PTA Facebook page for photos!
Congratulations Heroes! You have run
2,655 miles! Keep up the great work!!
PTA Election Announcement – All Positions Open
We are excited to announce that our upcoming PTA election is approaching, and all officer positions are open for the next term. This includes:
President
Vice President
Treasurer
Secretary
If you would like to be added to the ballot, please send an email expressing your interest to ptawillowridge@gmail.com no later than May 11th. Voting will take place at the May 19th meeting.
Serving on the PTA is a great way to make a positive impact and stay connected with our school. We hope to hear from you!
Michigan Green School Certification
Michigan Green Schools supports and celebrates the achievements of PreK-12 schools in protecting the state's air, land, water, and ecosystems through their commitments to environmental education and stewardship actions. To earn MI Green Schools certification, a school must document the completion of at least 10 approved environmental activities throughout the school year. This program falls under the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE).
Several of our fourth grade students contributed to making WR become a Green School. Pictured are: Emerson O'Keefe, Levi Clayborn, Patrick O'Keefe, Mia Phillips, Brennan Cobb, Victoria Hall and Cameron Reynolds
Thank you to Mrs. Kohn for spearheading this project!
The library schedule may differ from normal for the last few weeks of school. Opportunities to check out books again before the final turn in date of May 21st will be offered if possible, and communicated to teachers and families in advance. If your student currently has books checked out, they may continue to read them with no need to renew or return until notified of a scheduled library visit or the due date of May 21st.
“We read to know we are not alone.” ~ William Nicholson
~ Mrs Garnaat
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 students arrive after
8:55, they 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.
The Impression 5 Summer L.A.B.S. program offers children hands-on experiences exploring scientific concepts through interactive experimentation, challenges, artistic expression, and play. The Summer L.A.B.S. program offers exciting sessions for ages 5 to 14. 5-year-olds who plan to attend Summer L.A.B.S. must have completed kindergarten by their first program date. Registration for Summer L.A.B.S. is open!
Grand Ledge Emergency Assistance Program (GLEAP) - The GLEAP Food pantry serves the GLPS district. ID & proof of residency required. Call ahead to place an order at least 1 hour before the pantry closes. Open Tue. 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM and Thu. 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 or 866-561-2500 for additional assistance.
Catholic Charities of Ingham, Eaton, and Clinton Counties - This charity has an active community kitchen, food pantry, & bread rack. Hot breakfast (9:00 - 10:30 AM) and lunch (11:30 AM - 1:00 PM) provided Mon. - Fri. at the Cristo Rey Campus. Make an appointment to access 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 - A list of the area food-focused nonprofits.
