May 9 2013

Pinewood Offers Terrific After-School Options for Students

It may have been the bananas and apples that got them going after school, but it was certainly the encouragement they received from Principal Rachael Postle-Brown that kept them moving forward. That’s because these students are staying after school with a goal: to increase reading fluency and mathematical know-how. And they’re doing it with the help of dedicated volunteers from Grand Valley State University, parents, and their principal.

Pinewood Elementary School’s math and reading support groups offer the additional academic practice some students need to hone skills and solidify new concepts. They explore strategies covered in class but approach them in new ways to increase their staying power. Using dice to conceptualize mixed numbers and working with number cubes to reinforce the significance of numerators and denominators were just two of the activities planned for this session.

Jenison Public Schools, Pinewood Elementary, After-School support

Principal Rachael Postel-Brown works with math students after-school.

While students whose learning styles are more tactical and hands-on appreciate the a more creative take on math, Mrs. Postel-Brown says it’s not just the techniques employed that help make the math stick — it’s the fact that parents are involved in supporting the process.

“Our parents are fantastic and so encouraging! We do our best to keep the lines of communication open and work together.”

The other component of the academic after-school program is focused on reading fluency. Mark Boersma, a Master’s Student at GVSU, uses the Read Naturally curriculum to help strengthen comprehension and reinforce the use of expression in reading.

“I’ve noticed a definite change,” Mr. Boersma says. “Right now we’re working on writing summary responses and are focusing on punctuation, capitalization, and spelling. We’re monitoring their progress, and by using a lot of repetition and reading interesting stories, we’re making advances.”

Mr. Boersma works with a student on reading fluency.

Over in the Pinewood gym, Dee Perry is providing care and individualized attention to kids in the before- and after-school program. Affectionately called “Mrs. D” by her students, this beloved woman spends her energies not on academics (although they do read many books!), but on childcare.

With hours of care from 6:45- 9 in the morning and again from 3:45 – 6 after school, Mrs. Perry has spent the last decade loving kids by providing them with a quiet reading space, help with homework, a snack to munch on, and playtime right at Pinewood Elementary. Currently there are forty-two students registered and thirty-eight actively attending. “Mrs. D” says she can’t wait to be with her group each and every day; they have truly become “her kids.”

“I just love interacting with and working with the kids! They make me laugh. I love seeing them grow and advance as people. It’s a great job!”

We applaud the dedicated time and effort that these adults invest in the lives of our students! They are indeed helping to shape our future!

Apr 11 2013

GVSU Partners With Bursley Elementary For Family Science Night

How long would it take you to make a bridge out of straws? And, upon finishing, could your product sustain the weight of a blackboard eraser? Or two?

Those were the questions filling the hallways of Bursley Elementary during their pre-Spring Break Family Science Night. Planned by Grand Valley State University students training to become teachers, each activity found its roots in or was adapted from Science Olympiad events.

Eliana Nichols, mom to 2nd grader Mackenzie (pictured above), enjoyed the evening and appreciated the learning that her daughter was able to do after school.

“My daughter has been talking about this for two weeks! She loves experiments and watching Myth Busters on TV — she’s a science nut!”

Jenison Public Schools, Bursley Elementary, GVSU, Science Night,

The Sanchez family stayed busy at the Cat-a-Pult station.

Activities included a sink or float experiment, reflection relay, barge building, working with magnets, creating paper rockets, and firing “Cat-a-Pults” as pictured above. The Sanchez family enjoyed launching plastic cats at the Cat-a-Pult firing range. Mother Heather was thrilled to have a night out that incorporated learning.

“It’s great to have something interesting and educational to do. We don’t have a lot of science stuff at home, per se, so nights like this are fantastic.”

Nights “like this” began in the mind of GVSU Associate Professor of Physics, Keith Oliver, in an effort to get his education students into real-world teaching situations sooner than they typically would in their program.

“Three years ago we were looking for an opportunity for our students to interact with elementary children before getting to the end of their program. Typically field placements come later on, but this gives our prospective teachers an opportunity early on. So now we plan roughly two Family Science Nights per semester!”

Principal Rané Garcia couldn’t have been more pleased with the effort put forth by Grand Valley’s team of students or the turnout of Bursley families who came to participate in the fun.

“I appreciate the opportunity to work with future teachers — its a win for the GVSU students, a win for the community, and a win for our students!”

Jenison Public Schools, GVSU, Science Night, Bursley Elementary

How many pennies does it take to sink a tin foil boat?

Rachel Eriks and daughter Erin see how far they can blow a paper airplane from a straw launcher.

Mar 7 2013

Sandy Hill Gets Thumbs Up for “Pure Michigan” Night

Chances are, when it comes to “mittens,” you’ve been seeing more than just your child’s this month. There has been an explosion in state pride products, ranging from Love Michigan’s bumper stickers, to Michigan Awesome’s “Smitten with the Mitten” sweatshirts, to the soothing voice-over of Tim Allen’s Pure Michigan Commercials.

Last week Thursday, Sandy Hill tipped its hat to our great state in their own “Pure Michigan Family Night.” The night kicked off with Keynote book illustrator Tom Woodruff offering drawing tips in the gymnasium. With several books to his credit, Tom set the stage for the evening by spending the entire day at Sandy Hill, customizing illustration lessons for each grade level.

Pure Michigan, Wax Museum, Sandy Hill Elementary School, Jenison Public Schools

Children’s Book Illustrator Tom Woodruff

“I’ve been drawing all day long! Today we’ve done everything from shipwrecks to ocean adventures to fairy tales!” he shared excitedly.

“Going to schools is so fun. I get infused with their energy and am fueled by the kids. I love to draw and I know they do, too. My goal is to raise awareness across the disciplines and show how art can link to science and history and provide a springboard for other learning.”

Fifth grade students also used the evening to put their wax museum on exhibit. They waited expectantly for the drawing session to wrap up so they could bring history alive.

Lauren Slagter, posing as Ben Franklin, was thrilled with a social studies project that allowed so much creativity and drama. “I love performing in the costumes — it’s really cool to educate people about the dates of Ben’s life, his marriage and family, and other important information about him. The hardest part was writing the paper!” she said.

Drysen Geoghegan brought James Madison to life, saying, “I didn’t have to worry about being nervous about with this project. I just did my best!”

Embodying Anne Hutchinson, a fighter for religious freedom, was Grace Weeldreyer. “The coolest part of the wax museum was practicing our parts and working on it in class. The hardest part was memorizing my entire presentation!”

Over in the “Pioneer Days” break-out session, students watched a short video and then had the opportunity to shake their own whipping cream into fresh butter! Quinn Palmer (pictured left) was impressed with the results:

“Just the fact that you do it all yourself — you don’t just go to the store to buy it– is cool. You make your own and really savor it,” he said.

The pioneer days room also gave families the opportunity to use a butter churn and create simple toys once enjoyed by children long ago.

Other breakout sessions included Great Lakes Activity, Economics Activity, Family Destinations in Michigan, and Orienteering Scavenger Hunt in addition to the Wax Museum and Pioneer Days.

Teacher coordinator Julie Allerding was thrilled with the results and was quick to credit the generosity of the Jenison Education Foundation for awarding her a grant to not only make the night a possibility, but a success. The grant provided funds for snacks and refreshments, as well as supplied for all of the wonderful activities that were planned for the two-hour event.

As Keynote presenter Tom Woodruff said last Thursday night, “Michigan is a place I hate to leave and I’m always glad to get back to.” We applaud Sandy Hill and their team of teachers who made us feel the same way!

Dec 13 2012

“Secret Santa” Lands Sleigh In Jenison

Schools throughout the district have been sneaking and selling and stacking and wrapping for weeks, giving children in Jenison the opportunity to shop for their loved ones before Christmas.

Last week the students at Bursley elementary had their turn, entering a school gymnasium that had been transformed into a virtual mall by hard-working parent “elves.” With gifts ranging from 25¢ to $5, students could shop at a comfortable price point, all the while participating in the joy that comes from giving.

Jen Postema, Bursley parent and mother of four, heads up the Santa Sale, and says the months of shopping and storing goodies is all worth it when she sees little faces light up.

“This is all for the kids — there are just so many students in our school who wouldn’t otherwise be able to afford Christmas gifts. It’s awesome to see them enjoy the experience.”

Working roughly seven months out of the year with help from her co-chair, Tara Manciu, these women begin shopping right away on December 27 to scrounge up the best after-Christmas deals on goodies that might otherwise be priced from $30-$40 in department stores. At Bursley, a school of 450 students, deluxe items like bamboo cheese boards and bubbling foot soakers waited to be snatched up for dimes on the dollar.

“I love watching the kids and seeing the excitement that they have. A few years ago we sent out a questionnaire to parents and the feedback we received was overwhelmingly positive. Parents love this. It’s nice that kids can get good items for a great price,” said Tara.

Volunteers help children shop, pay for items, and then ensure that everything gets wrapped and labeled for a true “Secret Santa” delivery. Jen Postema notes that more volunteers are needed for next year, however, with growing class sizes and more kids shopping. There is even talk of re-structuring Santa’s Sale to accommodate the increased foot-traffic and immensity of the undertaking.

In true Christmas charity,Bursley’s Parent Club, who sponsors the event, wants to make certain that all students who want to shop are able to do so. Working closely with Principal Rané Garcia, the parent club was able to set aside $500 in scholarship money this year which was distributed confidentially through the school office.

If you are the recipient of a Santa Sale item this Christmas, will you take the time to thank your child’s parent club for all their hard work? Their efforts help to promote generosity and thoughtfulness in your child and in the hearts of hundreds of students in Jenison Public Schools each year.

Nov 29 2012

Sandy Hill Partners With GVSU for “Love to Read” Program

Sandy Hill, GVSU, teacher candidates, Jenison Public Schools, Kathy Keehn, Jill Warren

Rebecca Rosevear works with her second grader at Sandy Hill.

Like so many others in education, Grand Valley State University Professor Jill Warren knows that receiving one-on-one support is the key to lifting some students to greater academic success. However, with teachers already balancing heaping plates and managing bulging class sizes, one-on-one support is often difficult to provide consistently within the classroom.

Professor Warren understands that what’s needed now more than ever is support. That’s why she is thrilled to be teaming up with Ms. Kathy Keehn, principal of Sandy Hill, to provide outstanding before-school tutoring for students in the “Love to Read” program.

“I have been so impressed with Kathy. She is so knowledgeable and has high, yet realistic expectations for students. She’s also incredibly consistent and keeps us totally apprised of what’s going on. I’m thrilled to be sending GVSU kids to Jenison!” Professor Warren exclaimed.

Grand Valley students enrolled in the College of Education have committed to working in local schools as part of their English 308 requirements.

Twice a week, these tutors travel to Sandy Hill to spend an hour working with students. With their before-school hour of tutoring time, they slate a thirty minute slot for each of the two students assigned to them. They are responsible to plan a lesson that builds on concepts already introduced in class.

Oftentimes this experience allows Grand Valley teacher candidates their first glimpse of education from the other side of the lens. Working with students in this venue them a better sense of what teaching is really about–especially considering that much has changed since they were on the receiving end of a classroom desk.

“I’m so fortunate to have been at Sandy Hill,” said GVSU junior Jamie Rozema, who has enjoyed her time so much that she has offered to stay on beyond her required hours.

Students are seeing the benefits, too, spurring the elementary school to continue the partnership into 2013. The “Love to Read” program is making a difference for everyone involved!

“By partnering with Sandy Hill and being nurtured by intelligent and caring individuals like Kathy Keehn, my students are getting the best of the best. The students gain a new appreciation of teaching to the whole child while being welcomed by your community of learners, teachers, families, and staff members. I am grateful [for Jenison's] partnership with Grand Valley!” –Professor Warren.

Oct 18 2012

Sandy Hill 6th Graders Prepare for Camp Pendalouan

With fall solidly underway, Sandy Hill’s sixth graders are looking forward to strengthening friendships, learning survival skills, and enjoying the crisp morning air outside their cabins at Muskegon’s Camp Pendalouan.

For some, this experience will be their first “roughing it” in rustic cabins and spending most of the day outside. For others, the time away will be a fun respite from books and homework. But for others, going to camp will be more than that. For some, going to camp provides a unique opportunity to fit in and become part of the Jenison family.

Calista Busscher was a sixth grade student last year who had just transitioned to Jenison Public Schools from another district. Having already moved once as a young girl from Tennessee, Calista knew how difficult changing schools could be.

Yet the prospect of going to camp was a bright spot in Calista’s semester. She knew that that her days would be filled with new adventures and that camp would provide the opportunity to get to know teachers better and discover more about herself.

Now a seventh grader, Calista looks back on her sixth grade Camp Pendalouan experience as a turning point in her year. She recalls the team building games that helped her form new friendships and gushes over the welcoming, positive environment which envelopes the camp.

Calista counts the encouragement she received as one of the highlights that will stay with her forever, and says that the conversations she had away from school added depth and meaning to her relationships.

“It was a blast!” She exclaimed.

If your Sandy Hill student is preparing for his or her trip, information can be found HERE.

Remember to check the packing list and read through all details carefully. Additionally, all camp fees are due next Friday, October 26.

Sandy Hill sixth graders, led by camp directors Jon Mroz and Angela Cullin, will depart for their adventure on TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 6 and will return FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 9. Parents, you’re able to pick your camper up from school that Friday at approximately 12:30 pm.

We send them out with our wishes for a wonderful experience!

Jul 26 2012

Jenison’s 6th Grade ACT Students Say “Goodbye”

It was a warm spring day when Jenison’s sixth grade ACT students filed into Karen Weaver’s classroom for the final time. The mood was thankful. Innocent.

Next year they’ll find themselves moving from room to room in a much larger school, but deep down they’ll always be knit together. They’ll always be family. That’s because this handful of students has been learning and growing together since they began their third grade year.

This past year was a special one for ACT and for the community they touched. Working together, the classes began a Kindness Project. They brainstormed ways to show compassion to individuals who needed an extra smile or a helping hand, and then they encouraged the recipient to “pass it on.”

What began with collecting phone books for Habitat for Humanity slowly expanded to include gathering canned goods, preparing meals for elderly neighbors, and planting money in geocaching locations, to name a few. With students directing 90% of the projects, Mrs. Weaver guided and reminded them that “…kindness is the right thing to do!”

Students involved in the ACT program have shown gifts in the areas of academic studies, leadership, creativity, and motivation. Once admitted, they spend one morning or one afternoon a week with Mrs. Weaver in a small setting which focuses heavily on mathematics, logical thinking, creative problem solving, and project-based learning. They also compete in the Continental National Math Competition regularly, and this year’s 4th grade was recognized as having the highest score in the midwest!

But more than the accomplishments or projects, the one resounding message shared by these kids was that they’ll miss this place of safety and inclusion. One student shared, “It’s very comfortable to be in here — it’s always fun to learn something new.”

Another admitted, “I can be myself. I don’t have to worry about fitting in. People accept me here.”

After years of operating like pseudo brothers and sisters, these kids now feel the sting that comes with change. And what they’ll miss most is the teacher who helped the pieces fit together a little bit tighter; who sat close by while they wrestled through a challenge or brainstormed a different solution to an old problem.

They’ll miss the teacher who delivered an extra slice of sunshine every week to kids who couldn’t wait to bask in the light.

“I can’t remember school without ACT. It’s going to be really sad to leave. You just feel warm and happy being in here … and so much is because of Mrs. Weaver.”

Jul 5 2012

Yvette Smith and Hunter Change Lives at Pinewood

Mrs. Smith with Hunter

It isn’t often that you enter school to the steady rhythm of a wagging tail, but at Pinewood Elementary it happens every day for the students in Mrs. Smith’s classroom.

Therapy dog “Hunter” is beloved by all, but is held in especially high regard by the special education students that have the opportunity work with him and experience the love that only dogs can give.

Mrs. Smith explained that “kids with severe emotional needs on the verge of crisis are de-escalated when they get a wet muzzle on the face or have tears licked from their cheeks.” For some, it seems, Hunter is a veritable hug on four legs with a heart bigger than they can imagine.

For one 4th grader, taking Hunter out for recess provides the security he needs to feel comfortable in a large group of his peers. The support that Hunter lends allows this student to adapt socially in ways he couldn’t alone. Having a dog near him has made going outdoors more fun and less scary. A victory!

Mrs. Smith said this is not unusual — that students who typically don’t enjoy time outside flourish when Hunter’s black, silky coat stands close by. He offers reassurance without words. Petting him allows kids to relax; to take a deep breath.

Hunter has proven so helpful, in fact, that students in Mrs. Smith’s classroom actually earn the right to sit by him while reading or earn the right to take him outside. For many students, that’s a powerful incentive to stay on track while in class. Time with Hunter has become a strong motivator to be respectful and behave appropriately.

Hunter was trained by West Michigan Therapy Dogs and has been used at Pinewood for a year. According to Mrs. Smith, not many other area school use animals as therapy, but she has found the benefits to be undeniable.

“I’ve had a student who so successfully managed his behavior with the help of Hunter that the parents of that student went out and got their own dog to have at home!”

Thank you, Mrs. Smith, for thinking outside the box and approaching the needs of our special education students with creativity and compassion. They are lucky to have you…and Hunter!

Jun 14 2012

Pinewood Elementary Welcomes New Principal

New principal, Rachael Postle-Brown, enjoys Pinewood’s Field Day.

If there’s one thing that Mrs. Rachael Postle-Brown is passionate about, it’s seeing students who are involved in their learning, who are engaged, and who are having fun. As Donna Bergeon retires, we welcome Rachael to the Pinewood staff and are eager to graft her into the JPS family.

Mrs. Postle-Brown received her undergraduate training at Kalamazoo College where she also completed a semester abroad, studying Spanish in Madrid. From the halls of K-College, Rachael continued on to student teach in Portage before working in Huron Valley Schools’ K-12 Expulsion Program.

Her work in the Expulsion Program opened the doors for Mrs. Postle-Brown move into a Teacher-Leader and Strategic Planning position within the district. This role allowed her to experience the best of both worlds: half-days of teaching and half working on curriculum, professional development, and long-term planning.

After five years in the Teacher-Leader position, Rachael moved to Charlotte schools where she invested four years as an assistant principal.

But we all know that the public side of educators only tell half the story. Mrs. Postel-Brown is also a wife, mother, volunteer, and coach. She has two daughters: one who is going into first grade and another who is two-and-a-half years old. She enjoys working at her local library, teaching Wednesday night Bible class at her church, and taking her girls to dance and soccer. With this busy life she still finds time to continue her own education and is even contemplating a PhD!

As for the coaching, it’s a little known fact that Rachael led an alternative high school boys basketball team to the state semi-finals!

Mrs.Postle-Brown has already added to the Pinewood story by taking part in their spring field day where she was able to interact with students, meet parents, and even decorate a few cookies.

If you see Rachael around the district, please introduce yourself and offer the kind welcome that makes Jenison feel like family!

May 17 2012

Pinewood Watch D.O.G.S

Watch D.O.G. Henry Diaz lends a hand at Pinewood Elementary School

When Henry Diaz first heard about Watch D.O.G.s it was in a gymnasium filled with dads wanting to make a difference. Having moved to Michigan recently from another state with poor public schools and lackluster parental involvement, he was awed by the sight of a hundred fathers eagerly signing up to give away their time for free.

Watch D.O.G.S. was officially unveiled this past October by a group of parents who wanted to impact the lives of students by increasing the number of male role models at school. They kept it simple: come for pizza, learn about the program, sign up to help. In one night nearly two dozen dads declared themselves Watch D.O.G.S., and in the coming weeks more names came rolling in. To date over 48 fathers have scrawled their name on the calendar declaring, “I’ll be there.”

Watch D.O.G.S. commit to an entire day monitoring the halls, offering one-on-one assistance to students, eating lunch with a table of new faces, playing soccer at recess, and stepping in to help whenever extra hands are needed. Principal Bergeon makes a point to schedule the dads in their own children’s classrooms as well as giving them opportunities to impact lives in other areas.

Mr. Diaz shared that it was so interesting to see the different learning styles in kids, noting that the “hands-on equations” being tackled in one of the classrooms made math so much easier. “I wish I would have learned this way!” he confessed.

Henry uses math manipulatives with a Pinewood student

Henry was impressed with the program from the start, but being in the school and walking the halls solidified his commitment. He walked with confidence and kindness, high-fiving his daughters’ friends and calling them by name. Every young face that met his broke into a smile and excitedly said, “Hi Mr. Diaz!”

“In this particular school–the kids are very well behaved. There are lots of visual clues and verbal reminders which are so helpful. Students seem to police themselves. It’s been great. I’ll definitely be back!”

Watch D.O.G.S. know that giving up a day at work doesn’t come without a price. They know that playing kickball at recess might result in dusty shoes; lunch in the cafeteria might mean giving up Starbucks or hot soup at Panera.

But they also recognize that it means being a friend; talking to a child who’s waiting to be noticed. It means showing love when you don’t have to; extending kindness to a room full of little strangers. It means being a hero to your own kids just because you’re there.

Is there any better way to make a difference?

~ ~ ~

To learn more about this national program, visit www.fathers.com. Ask your parent club how you can start one at your school, or if you’re a Pinewood Elementary dad, contact the office to sign up.

Central Office Sentinel

Spotlighting the good things happening in Jenison Public Schools

Category Archives: Elementary Highlights

Pinewood Offers Terrific After-School Options for Students

GVSU Partners With Bursley Elementary For Family Science Night

Sandy Hill Gets Thumbs Up for “Pure Michigan” Night

“Secret Santa” Lands Sleigh In Jenison

Sandy Hill Partners With GVSU for “Love to Read” Program

Sandy Hill 6th Graders Prepare for Camp Pendalouan

Jenison’s 6th Grade ACT Students Say “Goodbye”

Yvette Smith and Hunter Change Lives at Pinewood

Pinewood Elementary Welcomes New Principal

Pinewood Watch D.O.G.S

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