March 6 - Half Day for Students - Dismissal at 12:10 pm
March 6 - Parent Teacher Conferences 1-3 pm VIRTUAL ONLY
March 13 - Popcorn Day
March 27-April 3 - Spring Break
April 6 - Teacher PD Day - No Students
April 7 - Classes Resume
The Principal's Pen
Well Jack Frost certainly came and paid us a visit! I hope you and your family were able to stay warm and enjoy the extra time together this week due to the weather. With the amount of snow we've had this week, the sledding hill has been open for sledding. Students must have all proper snow attire to go sledding (winter boots, snow pants, winter coat, hat, and gloves). The students really enjoy this opportunity and as long as we have enough snow and personnel available, we are happy to give this opportunity to our students.
Students continued wrapping up the NWEA assessment for reading and math. They also completed the DIBELS assessment for reading. Overall I'm very pleased with their growth!
We had our second of three required lock down drills this week. The students and staff did a great job with this drill and I appreciate Chris Chester's, Student Safety Supervisor, feedback and guidance on protocols for the drills.
Last week's PTA meeting is
being rescheduled to
Tuesday, January 27 at 6 pm
PLEASE JOIN US!!
Possession of Cell Phones, Smart Watches, and Other Electronic/Recording Communication Devices
The use of cell phones, smart watches, or any other ECD are prohibited to be used during the school day. It is recognized that some students may need access to these devices for transportation purposes after school and are therefore permitted after dismissal. During school, however, cell phones, smart watches, and other ECDs shall be turned off and stored away out of sight. If you are concerned that an electronic device might be stolen, broken or inappropriately used, please do not allow your student to bring it to school.
Family Word Wall
Our Family Word Wall is starting to take shape in our main hallway. Below are a few examples. We asked families to think about vocabulary that was common language in their homes and share it with our school. We encourage everyone to join in the fun and help our families learn more about the people in our community.
Wondering what happens if there is a holiday or snow day on your child’s library day? It really depends on the week! Sometimes, there is availability to reschedule the full library time or even just a few minutes to swap out books. Other times, schedules dictate that we just “skip” that week. When that happens, there will usually be a makeup day for those classes only, so that each class has the same number of opportunities to visit the library. These changes to the schedule are planned and communicated to the teachers and students in advance whenever possible. When there are planned changes to the schedule, I will also include them here in this newsletter.
Save the Date! The Scholastic Discovery Fair is coming to the Willow Ridge Library March 2-6. The Discovery Fair from Scholastic is a STEAM fair which highlights many nonfiction books, hands on science and art materials, and of course some of our favorite picture books, chapter books and graphic novels. The Discovery Fair takes place during the week of Parent Teacher Conferences and coincides with the Art & Science Fair being presented by Mrs. Wight and Mrs. Snyder. We look forward to showcasing and encouraging our students’ curiosity and creativity!
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
PTA News
Last week's PTA meeting is being rescheduled to Tuesday, January 27 at 6 pm.
The Daddy Daughter Dance is planned for February 6th. Registration information was sent home last week. We will need volunteers for this event before, during, and after. Please help make this night fun and sign up to help!
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!
Jan. 24 » International Day of Education
Jan. 27 » International Day of Commemoration in Memory of the Victims of the Holocaust
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.
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.
Please Be Safe, Drivers & Pedestrians!
Let’s keep everyone safe while walking and driving near our schools! Drivers must yield to pedestrians in crosswalks and slow down for conditions. Walkers should use sidewalks, crosswalks, and consider the designated safe routes. Be safe: slow your pace, share the space.
* 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 for ages 59 & under, Enrichment Center Activity Room
Additional Resources (updated 1/6/26)
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.
