Forest School Newsletter – December
Our Forest typically bustles with the busyness and chatter of engaged learning and discovery. As we approach the advent season, however, there may be some unique morning routines. An observer might find moments when the classroom lights are turned off. The noise is stilled. The classroom or Forest takes on a special atmosphere. Something important and unique is happening. Upon closer observation, one will notice the season of advent is being explored and observed. The class and teacher are gathered together around candlelight. Emotions are engaged. Voices are hushed. The Holy Spirit is moving among even our littlest ones. Candles are being lit to demonstrate for our children that, in the midst of the darkness, God is here. God is with us. In some of the reflections of peace, hope, joy and love, our children are heard offering their own reflections about what this means in their own lives to experience God in the darkness and in times of waiting. God is our ‘known’ in the unknown. God is found in the waiting. There is beauty even in the ashes. Our children share how they see the hand of God even in the midst of their version of chaos. Already they are learning what is means to be a people in waiting and claiming the promises of a God who reigns even in the mess. Our God is present in the chaos. God’s love and light are stronger than the anger and bleakness we sometimes see in this world. As an adult observer bearing witness to these precious moments, my soul is stirred and my eyes cloud with tears. It is both inspirational and humbling to hear our little ones speak God’s truth in the simplest of terms. Despite what it may seem to us at times, this is a simple truth: God is with us. Always. In all things. I encourage you to talk with your children in this advent season. Take a moment to still from the Christmas hustle bustle. Sit together in God’s presence and in God’s light. Our children are exploring and claiming a powerful truth in this advent season. While we wait in hope for a day that is coming in which shalom will be restored, we bask in the light of truth that God is here with us.
All peace and joy,
Miska
/ Announcements
School Supplied Snacks
The USDA has created a federal program feeding all school children lunch, at no cost to families, during this pandemic. Two SNACKS will now also be offered to all school children each day. You may choose to keep your snacks at home. We’ve got your child covered (and well fed!)
Student Absences
Please report to us if your child(ren) is going to be absent. This needs to be done each day they will not be in school. Also, we would appreciate it if they were reported in by 8:45 AM, but you can call and leave a message anytime before that time. If you do not call us, and if the child’s teacher does not know about the absence, we will try to call you. This policy is to protect your child; we want to ensure your child’s safe arrival at school.
Hot Lunch Menu
Champs Books Have Arrived!
We have Champs coupon books for $30.00 in the Rose Park or Middle School office. These make wonderful Christmas gifts!
/ Calendar
View the full Holland Christian Calendar
December
Dec 21-Jan 4 – Christmas Break
/ Requested Announcements
Little Maroons
Due to the current safety protocols, our kindergarten through sixth grade Little Maroons basketball programing will be postponed till after Christmas break. Current registrations will be automatically registered for the new dates. City of Holland Recreation will also be postponing our 5/6er programing as well, but more specific information will be coming from them as well. The dates we are planning on at this point for our grade levels are the following:
K-2: Skill Sessions on 1/9, 1/16 and 1/23:
(10:30-12pm: Girls at Pine Ridge & Boys at High School)
3-4: Skill Sessions on 1/9, 1/16 and 1/23 & League Play 1/30, 2/6, 2/13 and 2/20:
(8:30-10am: Girls at Pine Ridge & Boys at High School)
5-6: Skill Sessions on 1/9, 1/16 and 1/23 & City of Holland Dates Coming:
(12:30-2pm: Girls at Pine Ridge & Boys at High School)
More information about specific safety protocols may be communicated as we get closer to January, but the plan is to continue with our current practice of wearing face masks, 1 spectator per participant, distancing, and washing of hands and equipment.