9/29: No School for students, Staff Professional Development Day
9/30: Early Release Tuesday, 2:30 Dismissal
- 2:30 -2:45 is for students with the last name A-I
- 2:45 - 3:00 is for students with the last name J- Z
10/1: Community Meeting for 3rd - 5th feat. TBD, 8:30 - 8:45 AM
10/2: Community Meeting for K - 2nd feat. Mandy's class
10/2: Family Team Meeting, 8:45 - 9:45 AM
10/3: School Picture Day - ordering information coming soon
10/4: GRCDC Family Fall Fest and Mum order pick up day, 1:00 - 3:00 PM
10/8: Community Meeting, K - 2nd feat. Parker's class, 8:30 - 8:45 AM (make up for missed meeting due to water main break)
10/9 & 10/10: No School for Students, Parent Teacher Conferences will be held during the day and evening
10/31: No School for Students, Staff Professional Development Day
|
Dear Families,
Grand Rapids Child Discovery Center is a free, public charter school. As such, almost the entirety of our budget comes from State School Aid- otherwise known as "per pupil" funding from the state of Michigan. By law the legislature is to pass a budget by July 1, yet they have not yet done so. Schools are entering the second month of the school year and not only have we not received any funds from the state, a budget has not yet been passed. This impacts all public schools across the state because it determines funding levels for classrooms, student services, and staffing.
Currently our state lawmakers are approaching an October 1 deadline to finalize a budget. At that deadline, the government could shut down if they do not reach an agreement. A shutdown would create uncertainty, stress, and chaos in public education at a time where there is already plenty of that to go around! The governor and some legislators shared yesterday that they have "reached an agreement" to pass a budget, though it has not yet passed- this is still good news.
Just in case, rest assured that we have funds in reserve to cover costs for a few weeks and we will remain open at this time, even if the state government shuts down. Further, breakfasts and lunches are currently funded by federal programs, so meals will remain free for all students at this time. We will continue, as always, to adapt as best we can for the children of our community.
We are so grateful for your partnership and all the ways you support your children, our staff, and our community. THAT is what "education based on relationships" means!
Sincerely yours,
Lisa
Lisa Nuyens, Executive Director
e. nuyensl@childdiscoverycenter.org
o. 616.459.0330
c. 517.206.3868 (text or VM)
|
Samantha Taylor is a dedicated community advocate who brings a professional focus on health and healing to her role on the GRCDC board. Though she doesn’t have a child currently enrolled at GRCDC, Sam was drawn to the school’s values and reputation for holistic, child-centered education. She views her service as a chance to support a learning environment that uplifts all families.
Sam works as a project manager at Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital, where she leads initiatives designed to improve care and patient outcomes. Her work requires organization, empathy, and strategic thinking—all of which she brings to her role on the board. Her insights help GRCDC stay aligned with its values while preparing for future growth.
Outside of work, Sam enjoys time with her family and supporting various nonprofits and volunteer causes. Her warm, approachable nature and commitment to service shine through in every aspect of her life—and her voice adds depth and heart to the board’s leadership.
|
Parent/Teacher Conferences: On 10/9 and 10/10, students do not have school, so teachers may meet with each family for conferences. Conferences are a special time for teachers and families to come together and focus on your child. We’ll celebrate strengths, talk about areas for growth, and share what we’re each noticing. Together, we’ll make a plan to support your child’s progress, using both your insights and the snapshot of how they’re approaching grade-level skills. Scheduling instructions below:
- Families will schedule the conference via ParentSquare from the teacher’s post. UPDATE: The sign ups were posted at 3:30 PM, then temporarily closed while some edits were made. They are all open now. If the sign up appears closed, make sure you open the post, scroll to the bottom and click on View all Sign-Ups, then all the slots will appear. (reference the photo below for help)
- Please reserve your child's conference time before Monday, October 6th. These conference slots are available on a first come, first served basis. If you do not schedule by October 6th, a time will be picked for you by your child's teacher.
-
PLEASE NOTE: There will be one slot per child during conferences. Families with 2 households please coordinate together to figure out the conference time. If you have questions or issues about scheduling, please contact Mrs. Rachel.
- Students who receive special education services with Ms. Danielle will have a conference with Ms. Danielle in addition to the conference with the classroom teacher. You will schedule both conferences in ParentSquare.
- Parents have the opportunity to book a conference with Ms. G (Studio), Ms. Jaclyn (Music), and Mr. G (Movement). This is optional and will be filled on a first come, first served basis. You will schedule this in ParentSquare as well.
|
School Pictures on 10/3 update: School Picture ordering envelopes are scheduled to be delivered to the school on Monday. The forms will be sent home either Monday or Tuesday, depending on when we receive the shipment. In the meantime, here is a copy of the order form so you can see the pricing and package options. We will send a post next week with ordering instructions. You are not obligated to purchase photos, all students will have their photos taken for school records and a class picture. The class picture is free and will be sent home after the new year. |
|
ParentSquare Skill Corner - FAQ's: Have a question about ParentSquare but don't know where to find it? Start here with ParentSquare's FAQ's
|
Family Team Meetings:
- The next Family Team meeting is Thursday October 2 after Community Meeting (next week!)
- Dates for the year are: October 2, October 20, November 13, December 18, January 15, February 12, March 12, April 16, May 14
Upcoming Events & Opportunities:
- Fall Fest is Saturday October 4 from 1:00pm - 3:00pm. Volunteers are needed to run a variety of stations. Volunteer sign ups are available in the Family Team GRCDC Narwhals Group on ParentSquare. If we cannot fully staff stations, Fall Fest offerings will be adjusted accordingly. You can also sign up to donate apple cider and water here, too. We are hosting a food drive for the Grand Rapids Pride Center at Fall Fest. Donations of non-perishables and/or grab & go meals are welcome. Items like soup, easy mac, canned meat, ramen, peanut butter are requested.
- Mum Order Pickup: Thank you for supporting our fall fundraiser! Proceeds go toward funding school-wide events like Fall Fest as well as Connected by Curiosity project work by our students. Pickup will be Thursday 10/2 and Friday 10/3 at dismissal as well as at Fall Fest on Saturday 10/4.
- Book Swap: Take a book, leave a book! No book to leave? Take a book anyway! Find the book swap carts near the office on Thursday 10/9 and Friday 10/10 during conferences. Book-themed stickers will be available for purchase for $1 to help sustain this initiative; payment through GiveButter.
- Lunch is On Us Volunteers: Each month, classes sponsor a catered meal for GRCDC staff. Volunteer help is needed to run these lunches; shifts are available to set up, monitor, and clean up. Volunteer sign ups are available in the Family Team GRCDC Narwhals Group on ParentSquare.
- Take Me Outside Week: Family Team is participating in Take Me Outside Week October 20-24. Be on the lookout for more information about casual evening events you and your family can attend.
Let's Connect
We want to hear from you! If you have an idea, question, or suggestion for the Family Team email us at grcdcfamilyteam@gmail.com.
|
Lego Club - Grades 3-5:
Calling all builders, creators, and LEGO lovers! Join us for LEGO Club, where imagination meets engineering. Each week, students will take on fun building challenges and team up for creative projects. Club meeting dates and time:
Lego Club - Grades K-2:
Get ready to build, create, and imagine! LEGO Club is the perfect place for young builders to explore their creativity through fun, hands-on activities. Each session includes exciting building challenges, free play, and teamwork. Club meeting dates and time:
|
- If you are experiencing a housing crisis or issue, please contact us at 616-459-0330 and our Homeless Liaison will reach out to you.
-
Families Supporting Families! We want to support our families. We are collecting the information for any family-owned businesses within our community. If you own a business, please fill out this survey. We will add you to the directory once we receive your information.
-
OK2SAY: If you receive a threat or know of a threat of violence against your community, please contact your local law enforcement or call 9-1-1. Non-emergency tips can be submitted the following ways:
- Call: 8-555-OK2SAY, (855-565-2729 )
- Text: 652729 (OK2SAY)
-
Email: OK2SAY
- Visit: OK2SAY website
- OK2SAY Mobile App: Available for download for Apple, Google and Android mobile devices.
|
|
|
Additional settings for Safari Browser.
