Blogs

June 1, 2020

Dear GRCDC Families,

As a school leader, and (just as importantly) as a mama, it is hard to put into words the feelings and experiences of the last two weeks in our country and our city. Our shared values at the Grand Rapids Child Discovery Center are inspiration, potential, connection, and equity. All of these values are challenged in the face of police brutality, racial violence, and senseless loss of life. We, as a community, cannot be silent in such times. I want GRCDC families of color to know that our school community stands with you and against oppression and violence and I want to challenge our white families to continue the work of education, activism, and acts of solidarity that are so important for change.

Talking to children about the killing of George Floyd, the actions of Amy Cooper, the protests across the country, and the historical and current context of all of this can seem daunting as a parent. However, at GRCDC we hold the image of the child as strong, full of potential, and powerful. We know that children can grapple with complex ideas and are wired for justice. We also know that in our silence, children will fill in the blanks. Children of all races need to have conversations with their families, caregivers, and educators to process what they are seeing and hearing.

Here are some resources that you may find helpful:

In addition to talking with and supporting your children, this is a difficult time for adults as well. The trauma of COVID-19 has been compounded in many of our families and stress is high. Please remember, help is available:

Resource List WMCAT has created a robust list of resources available in West Michigan and beyond. Categories on this list include:

Food/Meal Info
Shelter/Housing Resources
Utilities + Internet Resources
Volunteer Opportunities
Recursos en Español
Links to fun and free activities

Also, GRCDC staff are here to help support you and your children, as well. Please fill out one of these surveys to request support. OR, just email me or call/text me and I will connect you with resources for what you need- heynel@childdiscoverycenter.org or 517-206-3868.

Social Emotional Support Direct Request – Please fill out if your child could use a one time or more regular check in with social/emotional support from school staff. This is not from a professional counselor or therapist, but rather a member of staff checking in and supporting as requested or necessary.
Mutual Aid Request/Offer Survey – Take this survey if you are seeking assistance or connection or if you want to offer assistance or connection.

GRCDC families- you are loved, you are missed, and you are heard. Our work continues.

Onward,

Lisa Heyne

School wide Enrichment Activities K-5 #4 and Continuity of Learning Plan Update

April 14, 2020April 14, 2020 Comments off

Notes to the Narwhal Nation

Hello Narwhals!

Here is our last set of optional, enrichment activities to keep your learners actively engaged while our staff prepares for a more structured distance learning beginning April 20. Below you will find direct links to grade specific non-technology based activities by grade level. Please let your child’s teacher know if you have any questions!

We are happy to announce that our Continuity of Learning Plan was approved yesterday! We are spending this week in professional development and clarifying all the details with teachers and staff. I am so proud of the hard work, courage, and love being shown by the GRCDC staff. We are truly building a Distance Learning experience that we hope is flexible and experience as a good addition to your family life right now, and not a stressor.

The week of April 20: Your child will have a class meeting and check in time with their teacher which is not optional. You will receive an email from your child’s teacher with an invite to the class meeting. These will be at the same time every week and will be scheduled on a different day for each grade level, so siblings won’t have conflicts in sharing one device. This week will be a time to connect to the teacher, to connect with classmates, and begin having a more structured schedule. We will also post a Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Lesson and a virtual Community Meeting.

The week of April 27: Each day students will have two, on demand video mini lessons to watch and assignments based on the common, school-wide schedule below. These lessons and assignments will not be optional enrichment- this will be new content organized on our grcdc.org website. Classrooms will continue to have weekly LIVE class meetings. Stay tuned for more details!

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Math

Literacy

SEL Lesson

Literacy

Math

Literacy

Math

Literacy

Math

Studio

Enrichment:

Reading