Dear Lakeside Elementary Families,

 

Last week we had fun kicking off Kindness Month with Spirit Week. Please enjoy the pictures below of our staff and students getting into the spirit!
 

        
              

Friday, February 4 was the 100th Day of School! Our kindergarten students had a special visit from Zero the Hero who reviewed with them counting by ones, tens, fives, and twos before “flying” out to visit other schools. Please enjoy these cute photos that capture the fun in action.

                 

Throughout this week East Grand Rapids High School students involved in a program called Pioneer Partners will be visiting Lakeside Elementary to read and work with our young students. This morning the Pioneer Partners visited Mrs. Faris’ first grade classroom and Mrs. Kirk’s third grade classroom. Our students were excited to work with these “big kids” and the high school students commented on how enjoyable it was to be back in the elementary classrooms. Thank you to the Pioneer Partners program for providing us with this unique partnership opportunity.

     
                  

Third Grade Walk Through Time Wax Museum
This Thursday, February 10, Lakeside third grade students will host “A Walk Through Time” Wax Museum in the gymnasium. Historically, this has been exclusively a second grade event that is now moving to third grade. All students not involved in the museum will have the opportunity to visit the gymnasium with their grade level or lunchroom cohort in 30-minute increments that afternoon. If you wish for your child(ren) not to attend this event, please contact the main office. 
 

Conference Scheduling
As we head into spring it is the time of year to schedule conferences. Parents/guardians will be given the choice whether they want to attend conferences virtually via Zoom or in-person. Conferences are scheduled for Thursday, March 10 and Tuesday, March 15.  Information on conference scheduling will be sent the week of February 14.  
 

Valentine’s Day Reminder
Next Monday, February 14, classes will hold Valentine’s Day activities. To remain consistent with our policy regarding food in the classroom, we strongly recommend non-food based treats be considered if your child chooses to give valentines to his or her classmates. If Valentines are sent that include candy or pre-packaged treats, those items will be placed in backpacks to be enjoyed at home. Please refer to the Parent Handbook, linked here, for additional information regarding food in the classroom and thank you for helping keep all students safe.


COVID-19 Update

• Per the January 11, 2022 Kent County Public Health Order:

  • All students/staff who test positive for COVID-19 are required to isolate at home for 10 days starting from the date when symptoms developed or upon the date of a positive test, if asymptomatic.

  • Unvaccinated household close contacts must quarantine for 10 to 15 days

    • Household close contacts may attend work/school beginning on day 11 if wearing a well-fitted mask through day 15. Those unable or unwilling to wear a mask must continue to quarantine at home for days 11-15 of quarantine before returning to work/school.

  • Vaccinated household close contacts may continue attending school if they are symptom free and wear a well-fitted mask for 15 days. 

  • Any household close contacts with symptoms, regardless of vaccination status, must quarantine. 

  • The KCHD recommends but does not require a five day quarantine for close contacts at school regardless of vaccination or masking status. 

• Masks are strongly recommended and encouraged as we continue to navigate through COVID-19.

• To ensure the safety of everyone, please continue to review the student health screener daily prior to sending your child(ren) to school. Families should follow the guidelines listed in the health screener. 

  • As a reminder, if any unvaccinated members in your household have a concerning symptom for COVID-19, all unvaccinated members of your household should stay home until healthcare evaluation or testing results are back.

• District information on COVID-19 is available on our website linked here. 

• The Kent County Health Department updates a toolkit regularly with guidance for schools. Please see the most updated toolkit (1.18.22) found here. 

• COVID Related Absences Procedure:

  • If a student is absent for 1-2 days, please have your student continue reading and using IXL (grades 1-5) at home.  

  • If a student is absent for 3-5 days, please have your student continue reading and using IXL (grades 1-5).  The school will also contact you regarding additional work that can be completed at home.  

  • If a student is out for more than five consecutive days due to illness or quarantine for COVID, a more structured plan will be in place. This includes sending a device home and, potentially, Homebound Services with a teacher.  

Important Calendar Dates

• February 7:  Board of Education Mtg at 6:00 p.m. @ EGRMS Learning Commons

• February 8:  PTO Meeting at 8:30 a.m. in the Learning Commons
   

As always, please feel free to reach out with any questions.

Warm Regards,