Thanks to the Thelen Family for the wonderful donation of books to our school!

Mark Your Calendars…PLEASE

May 14th and May 15th - Middle Friends Trip to Mackinac Island

May 18th - Enrollment Commitment forms due to Innocademy for all current families

May 21st - Innocademy Parent Meeting at New Building - BYOChair =)

May 28th - June 1st - Innocademy Memorial Week Recess. No School

June 3rd - Last day for hot lunch and transportation

Mackinac Island Trip Info

Students should plan on arriving to school tomorrow morning at 7am (no need to get there a moment earlier =). Also, knowing that we are arriving home approximately 11:30pm on Tuesday, if your student needs some extra sleep in time on Wednesday morning we are okay with that and will look for them around lunchtime. Looking forward to a great trip!

KCamp Registration - Due Monday, May 14th

Just a reminder that if your family has committed to Innocademy next year and you have a K friend that will be attending, information was sent home to you regarding this year’s Kindergarten Camp opportunity for June. All registrations for KCamp are due tomorrow, with payment. k-camp-inforegistration Please contact Leisa at leisa.lobbezoo@innocademy.com if you should have any questions. Thank you!

Innocademy Dance Camp

Miss Hope Burgess offered a dance camp last summer at the Innotec Gym for our Innocademy friends and we feel so fortunate that she is wishing to offer another one this year! Again, camp will be held at the Innotec Gym. Please see the attached link for registration information and details. hz-dance-for-him-final-flyer-2012 registration-for-dfh1

Innocademy Parent Meeting BYOChair

Just a reminder that our Innocademy Parent Meeting will be held on Monday, May 21st at 6:30pm. It will be held at our new location, 8485 Homestead, Zeeland. We have some pretty incredible renderings to share from our architect and the design team as well as updates on transportation, sports, food service, before/afterschool time and music opportunities. In light of the fact that there is no furniture at the new building we are asking that you please bring along a chair to use for the meeting. Thank you!

Innocademy’s List Updated

Innocademy’s List has been updated with an opportunity to participate in a daddy/daughter round up at Cran Hill Ranch. Please check out the page if you are interested. Password was emailed with the notice that the blog has been updated.

4th Annual Innocademy Golf Outing

HUGE thanks to Kevin Drooger and Kirk Sautter for offering to head up the committee for our 4th Annual Innocademy Golf Outing. However, Kevin and Kirk are currently a committee of TWO! We are planning the event for a Friday afternoon in mid-late August. If you would like to help on this committee (absolutely NO golf experience or knowledge necessary!! =) Please contact Kevin at kevin.drooger@siemens.com or Leisa at leisa.lobbezoo@innocademy.com. Thank you!!

“Snack Shack” To Open This Week at Innocademy

This week Tuesday, May 15th, Ms. Mel’s ELA group will begin selling snacks to Innocademy students in order to raise money for their East Coast trip. Snacks will be sold before school from 8:35 - 9:05. Snacks range in price from .25 - 1.00. Peanut free, healthy choices will be available for students to purchase at this time. Parents have the ability to purchase “punch cards” for their child/ren in any amount that is appropriate for their family.

For example “The Jones” family can put $10.00 on a punch card for all 3 of their students to purchase snacks each day for themselves.

If you are interested in a punch card for your child/ren, please contact Ms. Mel with your family’s name and the amount you would like to put on your punch card. If you would like to purchase a punch card, checks can be made to I.E.S. Cash will also be collected.

Thank you for helping us support or trip to help us learn more about the cool world we live in!

Regards,

The Green Room Readers

K Friends Learning Link

Please click on the link to learn more about the latest happenings in Ms. Heather/Ms. Robin’s group!

http://innoyoungfriendsblog.blogspot.com/2012/04/week-of-april-9th.html

Box Tops - One Last Mailing

Mrs. Kollen will be sending in one last batch of BoxTops for Education cut outs at the end of May. If you have any of these rattling around your home, please feel free to send those in by Friday, May 25th. Thank you Mrs. Kollen!

And Now A Word From Our Blog Committee…

Blog Committee

By Gabriel and Caleb M.

On April 20, 2012, we spoke with some  members of the Blog Committee. The Blog Committee  is made up of Caleb, Gabriel, Leah, Lauren, Emily, Josh, Parker, Hayden, Nick, Sydney, Kiersten and Berea. The Blog Committee works to highlight and share what our Foundation Friday Committees are all about as well as their current projects. The Blog Committee meets every Friday morning in the red/yellow room. Parker said, “it’s fun to learn about all the other committees”.

As part of the blog committee, Hayden and Nick work on their next big story during their Foundation Friday time.

Emily, Lauren and Leah begin the final copy of their blog committee report.

Josh and Parker share their story progress and brainstorm some ideas with Ms. Leisa.

Mr. Darryl from the Holland Rescue Mission visits the Green Pod to thank them for their EEE donation.

Practice Girls on The Run 5K! Way to go Olivia and Ms. Heather!!!

Jaylee and Becca run like the wind as they finish up the practice 5K! Nice job!!

Thanks to the Perez Family and Mrs. Marilynn Hoek (Ms. Mel’s Grandmother) for the wonderful donation of books to our school!

Mark Your Calendars…PLEASE

May 9th and May 10th - TulipTime 1/2 days - Early Dismissal 11:30am

May 14th and May 15th - Middle Friends Trip to Mackinac Island

May 21st - Innocademy Parent Meeting at New Building - RESCHEDULED FROM MAY 7TH

May 28th - June 1st - Innocademy Memorial Week Recess. No School

June 3rd - Last day for hot lunch and transportation

Mackinac Island Trip Info

Please see the attached link for a general packing guide. packing-list-contract-pdf The file also includes a student and (if applicable) chaperone expectation sheet that will need to be signed and returned prior to the trip. Thanks so much!

REMINDER - 1/2 Day Dismissal at 11:30 on Wednesday and Thursday

A reminder that, because of Tulip Time events and activities, we are dismissing at 11:30am on Wednesday and Thursday this week. This will be for both regular pick up as well as ZPS bussing.

Are My Shorts Too Short?

If your student would like to wear the shorter shorts, we simply ask that they also wear leggings underneath. Otherwise, shorts should be as long or longer than the longest point on a student’s hand as their arms hang relaxed at their sides. Thank you for your help.

Peanut Free Reminder

Due to severe allergies for some of our friends we are peanut free here at Innocademy for all snacks and lunches. We sincerely appreciate your cooperation.

Innocademy Parent Meeting Moved….

Our Innocademy Parent Meeting has been moved from Monday, May 7th at 6:30pm to Monday, May 21st at 6:30pm. It will be held at our new location, 8485 Homestead, Zeeland. We anticipate having some good information from our architect and the design team to pass along as well as updates on transportation, sports, before/afterschool time and music opportunities.

4th Annual Innocademy Golf Outing

HUGE thanks to Kevin Drooger for offering to head up the committee for our 4th Annual Innocademy Golf Outing. However, Kevin is currently a committee of ONE! We are planning the event for a Friday afternoon in mid-late August. If you would like to help on this committee (absolutely NO golf experience or knowledge necessary!! =) Please contact Kevin at kevin.drooger@siemens.com or Leisa at leisa.lobbezoo@innocademy.com

Deodorant Is Our Friend =)

Warmer weather + middle/older friends running full speed outside at recess + lots of people crammed in a small learning space= VERY strong smelling rooms =). Thanks for your help!

K Friends Learning Link

Please click on the link to learn more about the latest happenings in Ms. Heather/Ms. Robin’s group!

http://innoyoungfriendsblog.blogspot.com/2012/04/week-of-april-9th.html

Box Tops - One Last Mailing

Mrs. Kollen will be sending in one last batch of BoxTops for Education cut outs at the end of May. If you have any of these rattling around your home, please feel free to send those in by Friday, May 25th. Thank you Mrs. Kollen!

Hot Lunch

Just a reminder that the last full school day for ZPS will be June 3rd. If your student will continue to be a ZPS student next year the money in his/her lunch account will be rolled over to the next school year. If your student will be attending Innocademy next year, his/her lunch account will need to be paid in full prior to the end of our school year. Any funds remaining in the account will be refunded to you. If you have any questions regarding ZPS food service, please do not hesitate to call Tami Bush at 748-3148.  Thank you!

Faith shares with Blue Pod all about her trip to India! What an experience!

Ella shares with Red Pod all about her travels to Africa!

Thank you Lambers family for the GIANT donation of Post-Its!

Recess fun - Shootin’ Hoops!

…And jumping rope with friends!

… And hula hooping ’til we just can’t hula any more!

…And watching our teachers TRY to keep up with us! Go Ms. Kerri!

Doing a little math with Ms. Robin and Ms. Heather’s friends.

Kai shares his non-fiction book with Anna W.

Jennika shares her non-fiction work with Hannah F.

Kennedy shares her book with Skyla

Leah patiently explains the rules for the upcoming recess time “Nerd Off”

Cam, Ben Mu and Lizzy are some of our favorite nerds =)

…along with Ms. Nancy!

Thanks for the incredible turn out to the Green Pod “Parent’s Night Out” fundraiser on Friday evening. What fun!!!

Green Pod “Parent’s Night Out” budget in progress. Every good project begins with a plan!

DJ Jazzy Ben started us off with a fun game of “Simon Says”!

Ella, Janelle and Anna take a snack break during “Parent’s Night Out”

Balloon animals are tons of fun for the Herman Sisters!

Thanks also to Sydney and Sam’s Aunt who is generously donating her piano to Innocademy! Thank you!! If anyone else has musical instruments gathering dust, we’d be more than happy to accept your donation (and provide you a tax receipt! =)

Mark Your Calendars…PLEASE

Friday, May 4th - Rescheduled Nerd Day =)

Friday, May 4th - Payment for Mackinac Island Trip due to Ms. Amy

Friday, May 4th - Connecting Committee Coffee at Ms. Deb’s House after morning drop off

May 9th and May 10th - TulipTime 1/2 days - Early Dismissal 11:30am

May 14th and May 15th - Middle Friends Trip to Mackinac Island

May 21st - Innocademy Parent Meeting - RESCHEDULED FROM MAY 7TH

May 28th - June 1st - Innocademy Memorial Week Recess. No School

June 3rd - last day for hot lunch and transportation

Would You Like To Help?

We are in need of one or two more parents who would be willing to assist our hiring team in evaluating some top notch teaching candidates for next year. If you have questions or would be interested in volunteering, please email Mellissa at mellissa.zoerhof@innocademy.com . Thank you!

Innocademy Parent Meeting Moved….

Our Innocademy Parent Meeting has been moved from Monday, May 7th at 6:30pm to Monday, May 21st at 6:30pm. We anticipate having some good information from our architect and the design team to pass along as well as updates on transportation, sports and music opportunities.

K Friends Learning Link

Please click on the link to learn more about the latest happenings in Ms. Heather/Ms. Robin’s group!

http://innoyoungfriendsblog.blogspot.com/2012/04/week-of-april-23.html

Earth Day Fun

Collectively, Innocademy Students gathered 220.8 pounds of trash from the perimeter of the playground and creek area last Monday! Way to go everyone!

Look at our icky hands!!! We LOVE picking up trash!

Alec hoists a LARGE piece of trash! Thank you!!!

Box Tops - One Last Mailing

Mrs. Kollen will be sending in one last batch of BoxTops for Education cut outs at the end of May. If you have any of these rattling around your home, please feel free to send those in by Friday, May 25th. Thank you Mrs. Kollen!

So…About Next year…..

We wanted to take a moment to let you know that, as enrollment coordinators for each school, Leslie and Leisa have been sharing enrollment information as decisions have been made. This is in an attempt to minimize the “next year” emails your family would receive if you’ve already made your decision. Please understand that the  Innocademy staff is completely supportive and understanding of the fact that each family needs to make the best decision for them. If you are making a transition next year we do not want it to be awkward or uncomfortable for either you or your student(s) for the remainder of this year. We love your student(s) and are excited for a wonderful rest of the year with him/her!

It’s Only April =)

Well….the warmer weather has apparently left us for a bit. However, in the classroom, it’s feeling a WHOLE lot like summer is just around the corner. We’d be ever so appreciative if you’d quickly help us reinforce the idea of doing our personal best each day as a leader of ourselves and what that might look like/sound like as we go through our day. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!

Hot Lunch

Just a reminder that the last full school day for ZPS will be June 3rd. If your student will continue to be a ZPS student next year the money in his/her lunch account will be rolled over to the next school year. If your student will be attending Innocademy next year, his/her lunch account will need to be paid in full prior to the end of our school year. Any funds remaining in the account will be refunded to you. If you have any questions regarding ZPS food service, please do not hesitate to call Tami Bush at 748-3148. Thank you!

Isabella C. proudly shows off the 7 laps she’s already completed during recess Mileage Club

Look at all these runners!!! 5 miles in only 3 recesses!!!! Way to go champions!

Blue Room Readers perform an Earth Day play with some great ideas for preserving our earth!

THANK YOU to all of our Innocademy Volunteers! Mrs. Wolters and Mrs. Drooger cheerfully count hot lunch orders on Friday.

“Mer, you are NOT going to believe how COOL this place is!”, says Kindy clutching Merideth.

Kindy, Trina, Cally and Jakobe are checking out the new digs at the Innocademy building!

Andrew, Jack B. and Bella represent the Innocademy student body on the Design Dream Team.

The entire “Design Dream Team” in action!

Thanks, Mrs. McNaughton, for making Indian Dahl for us to try! Yummm!

Thanks to the many volunteers we had sign up for the “Design Dream Team”! Should be an exciting adventure!

More details to come VERY soon regarding opportunities for your family to tour our new facility.

Mark Your Calendars…PLEASE

April 23rd - Happy Belated Earth Day! Please see below for suggestions from our Student Lighthouse Team about ways to be Earth Friendlier on Monday.

April 27th - Green Pod Sponsored “Parents Night Out” EEE Fundraiser 7-10pm

May 9th and May 10th - TulipTime 1/2 days - Early Dismissal 11:30am

May 14th and May 15th - Middle Friends Trip to Mackinac Island

May 28th - June 1st - Innocademy Memorial Day Recess. No School

June 3rd - last day for hot lunch and transportation

June 8, 15, and 22nd - No School on Fridays

June 21st - Family Fun Night at Dutch Village - Thank you Nelis Family!

Happy Belated Earth Day! MONDAY, April 23rd

Please see below for an idea developed on Friday from our Student Lighthouse Committee.

K Friends Learning Link

Please click on the link to learn more about the latest happenings in Ms. Heather/Ms. Robin’s group!

http://innoyoungfriendsblog.blogspot.com/2012/04/week-of-april-9th.html

Green Pod Hosts “Parent’s Night Out” Fundraiser

Green Pod is hosting a Parents Night Out to raise money for their EEE charities….Holland Rescue Mission.

Who? Innocademy kids and siblings ages 3-16

When? Friday, April 27 from 7:00-10:00pm

Where? Community Reformed Church

What? games, snacks, movie included

How much? $5 per kid ($4 per Green Pod kid because they are working part of the event)

Please see the Sign Up Genius link to sign up your student(s)!www.SignUpGenius.com/go/60B0B4BA8A92E5-parents/613229

Hot Lunch

Just a reminder that the last full school day for ZPS will be June 3rd. If your student will continue to be a ZPS student next year the money in his/her lunch account will be rolled over to the next school year. If your student will be attending Innocademy next year, his/her lunch account will need to be paid in full prior to the end of our school year. Any funds remaining in the account will be refunded to you. If you have any questions regarding ZPS food service, please do not hesitate to call Tami Bush at 748-3148.  Thank you!

Middle School Parent Meeting Minutes

Thanks to those of you who attended the Middle School Parent Meeting last Monday evening at the Barn at Prairie Winds. We had a fantastic discussion about the future of Middle School at Innocademy and plan to have more meetings like this in the future. Attached are the minutes of that meeting for anyone who, perhaps, doesn’t have a current middle school student, but would like to keep in the loop. middle-school-parent-meeting-4161

Arthur and Alex P. share a book during partner reading. Apparently, Alex is thinking quite deeply about something! =)

Carson and Trevin are having some good giggles over their shared book.

Hannah R., Stephanie and Gabriel are enjoying their selection, too!

Hunter C. gives Ryan some drawing pointers as they work together on Ryan’s non-fiction book about the Detroit Lions.

James is enjoying working on his hard cover illustration of his Great White Shark book.

Mr. Tim and Ms. Nancy were visiting the school they will be teaching at next year in India, but took some time out to Skype with us this week.

And speaking of Ms. Nancy being in India….THANK YOU to Ms. Cyndee for filling in full-time for Ms. Nancy this week!

Isaac and Ivan exploring tissue paper mosaics in art this week.

Working on some team building activities during the Girls on The Run Program with Ms. Heather and Ms. Robin.

Ms. Kelli and Ms. Sandra SO excited to finally hit “submit” on the $510K grant application. Keeping our fingers crossed and hoping for word of its acceptance by the end of May.

Thanks again to Mrs. Maddox (Thelen’s grandma) for her support in helping to bring our Author, Mrs. Ruth McNally Barshaw, to visit on Thursday. What a phenomenal gift of learning! If your family ordered an Ellie McDoodle book and did NOT bring it home, please let Ms. Kelli know at kelli.gunn@innocademy.com

Mrs. Ruth McNally Barshaw shows us how she illustrates and creates a book!

Thanks also to the DeMeester Family for donating books to our school! We love reading!!

Mark Your Calendars…PLEASE

May 9th and May 10th - TulipTime 1/2 days - Early Dismissal 11:30am

May 14th and May 15th - Middle Friends Trip to Mackinac Island

April 27th - Green Pod Sponsored “Parents Night Out” EEE Fundraiser 7-10pm

June 21st - Family Fun Night at Dutch Village - Thank you Nelis Family!

K Friends Learning Link

Please click on the link to learn more about the latest happenings in Ms. Heather/Ms. Robin’s group!

http://innoyoungfriendsblog.blogspot.com/2012/04/week-of-april-9th.html

Who’s Mr. Kyle?

Mr. Kyle is one fantastic guest teacher that we’ve employed for the month of April on M/W/F afternoons for Ms. Leisa’s group of mathematicians and social studies students. Ms. Leisa will be working with Ms. Kelli finishing up the Michigan Department of Education grant application as well as working on enrollment and additional charter tasks. Mr. Kyle is VERY excited to begin this assignment….although probably not as much as the students are looking forward to having him around (and Ms. Leisa is trying not to take offense! =) Thanks for being here, Mr. Kyle!

Green Pod Hosts “Parent’s Night Out” Fundraiser

Green Pod is hosting a Parents Night Out to raise money for their EEE charities….Holland Rescue Mission and Kony 2012.

Who? Innocademy kids and siblings ages 3-16

When? Friday, April 27 from 7:00-10:00pm

Where? Community Reformed Church

What? games, snacks, movie included

How much? $5 per kid ($4 per Green Pod kid because they are working part of the event)

Look for official sign up details to come soon!

Foundation Friday Committee Reports

The Blog Commitee has been working hard to put together a little blurb about all of our committees that meet each Friday morning.  These committees are based on our Innocademy Foundations and students have each chosen the one that best suits their passion. Please find our first reports below:

R4 Trash is Ready to Work With  Art

by Lauren, Emily and Leah

On Friday, November 11th we interviewed  the R4 Trash Committee. R4 Trash uses recycled materials to make ROCKN’ art! R4 Trash is located in the yellow room.  They are working on a tree for Innocademy that uses fabric, trash, and Juice Boxes.The R4 Trash Committee is made up of… Claire B., Alex S., Oliver, Anna L., Alyssa, Hannah F., Seth, Ethan H., Kayson, Hunter C., Hunter V., David, Tyrah, Lauren K., and Ms. Kerri.

Hannah F., age seven says, ” We recycle our materials to create art and it’s fun and energetic!”

Claire B. shows off one of the leaves for the tree.

The R4 Trash Committee Innocademy Tree  Project

Whitecaps Reading Ticket Bookmark

Just a reminder that in order for your student to receive his/her free tickets to the West Michigan Whitecaps Game on May 24th, they should turn in their order from on or before April 20th. You may send them to school anytime the bookmark is complete. If you have any questions, please contact Ms. Brenda at brenda.munro@innocademy.com

The Garden Committee made butter on Friday. Chloe, Ella, Angelina, Jakobe, Jonathan and Stephanie can’t wait to try it!!

Two thumbs up from Janelle and Ella C….. Butter is GOOD!!!

Thanks also for all of the donations of rakes for our adventure today! What great fun helping serve others! Outside of our neighbors we promised to help this year, we often caught your students performing random acts of kindness as we traveled down the streets!

Duct Tape Princesses, Olivia and Cally, take a break in the leaves we raked!

Look at the yard we helped clean!!!

Mark Your Calendars…PLEASE

May 14th and May 15th - Middle Friends Trip to Mackinac Island

March 30 - April 9th - Spring Break.

April 10th - School Resumes

April 9th - Innocademy Open House for Next Year - 6:30pm location TBD

April 27th - Green Pod Sponsored “Parents Night Out” EEE Fundraiser 7-10pm

June 21st - Family Fun Night at Dutch Village - Thank you Nelis Family!

Innocademy Charter Update

We are incredibly excited about this evening’s notification from LSSU indicating that they wish to authorize Innocademy as a charter school beginning  with the 2012-2013 school year! Thanks to Joel Smith and the Project Team for all of their work on this awesome endeavor!  Thank you also to Sandra DuPuis and the Grant Writing Team as our $520,000 grant rewrite is near completion and will be submitted by April 18th.

Many of our Innocademy Staff happened to be gathered together this evening when we received the GREAT news!

Student Led Conferences Were A Major Success

Thanks to all of our families for another incredible turnout; 100% attendance and LOTS of fun sharing with your family. When asked about what they liked about conferences, one of our younger friends, Kayson, said it was hard to describe, but it felt good. “It feels like you won something!”.

Maddie shares her growth and learning with her mom and dad at conferences this week.

K Friends Learning Link

Please click on the link to learn more about the latest happenings in Ms. Heather/Ms. Robin’s group!

http://innoyoungfriendsblog.blogspot.com/2012/03/week-of-march-5th.html

Early Entrepreneurs Experiment Project

Red Pod has wrapped up their sucker sales, Blue Pod enjoyed two successful Market Nights (THANK YOU!) and will be having a clearance sale for the remainder of their items after break and Green Pod is looking forward to their “Parent’s Night Out” fundraiser scheduled to take place on April 27th! If you haven’t yet had the opportunity to check out the EEE link here it is: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OuTjIy4MxPY

Mackinac, Boston and East Coast, Oh, My!

Our middle and older friends are busily and eagerly learning as much as they can about the history, economy and  geography of these regions in preparation for their field experiences this spring. They are excited to share their knowledge and information so please ask them about it! =). Ms. Kelli is emailing travelers this week with more details on budget and itinerary.

Foundation Friday Committee Reports

The Blog Commitee has been working hard to put together a little blurb about all of our committees that meet each Friday morning.  These committees are based on our Innocademy Foundations and students have each chosen the one that best suits their passion. Please find our first reports below:

The Garden Committee Gets Planting

By Kiersten, Sydney and Berea

On November 18, 2011 we interviewed the Garden Committee. This committee is made up of Angelina, Marielle, Selah, Celicia, Stephanie, Elijah G, Jonathan, Kyle M., Levi and Mason. The Garden Committee planted tulip bulbs and they are getting bigger. The committee meets every Friday morning in the orange room. Claire says “I like the Garden Committee because I like to grow stuff”. Their goal is have a garden at Ms. Mel’s house again this year.

Connecting With Friends…..New and Old!

By Gabriel and Caleb M.

On Friday November 11, 2011 the Connecting Committee was skyping with Ms. Brenda from Texas. Ms. Brenda was once a teacher at Innocademy Mexico and recently moved with her family to Texas. The Connecting Committee is made up of Kaleb A., Caleb K., Kenna, Anna W., Kennedy, Stella, Sydney, Alex Ha, Lizzy, Celia, Maddie De, Kate and Jennika. The Connecting Committee meets every Friday morning in the red room from 9:00-9:30. The Connecting Committee connects with people all around the world through skyping and pen pal letters.

Whitecaps Reading Ticket Bookmark

Just a reminder that in order for your student to receive his/her free tickets to the West Michigan Whitecaps Game on May 24th, they should turn in their order from on or before April 20th. You may send them to school anytime the bookmark is complete. If you have any questions, please contact Ms. Brenda at brenda.munro@innocademy.com

First Annual Duct Tape Day Is A Hit!

Today was Innocademy’s first Duct Tape Day hosted by the Student Lighthouse Committee. Fingerless gloves (thanks Hunter C. for teaching us how to make these!), bows, earrings, bracelets, necklaces, shirts, shorts, ties and hats all made appearances. Thanks Lighthouse Committee!!

Kai, Sydney, Emily, Caleb and Kelly show off their favorite duct tape accessories!

Hunter makes a special fingerless glove for Kai.

Leah and Kiersten get their game on!

Captain Duct Tape (aka Alec H.) makes an appearance.

Remember When?

Thought it might be fun to take a trip down memory lane.  So….remember when?

…we took our 8th graders to visit their pen pals in Honduras last year?

…and then we visited and worked at their beautiful school for a few days?

…our older friends visited Memphis and were able to study about Dr. Martin Luther King?

….and visited the Mighty Mississippi River and St. Louis?

…and studied about the geology of Mammoth Caves?

…we went on our own “Innocademy Amazing Race” through Zeeland?

…. we were visited by our friends from Haiti and they sang for us and taught us to dance?

…we worked at the “Feed My Starving Children” event?

Huge thanks to the Smith Family for their donation of a computer monitor to Ms. Brenda!

Mark Your Calendars…PLEASE

March 26th and March 27th - Student Led Conferences

March 26th and March 27th - EEE Market Night at Innocademy 5-7pm

March 29th - Raking Day in the AM and Duct Tape Day! Wear your favorite duct tape items

March 30th - April 9th - Spring Break. School resumes on Tuesday, April 10th.

May 14th and May 15th - Middle Friends Trip to Mackinac Island

April 9th - Innocademy Open House for Next Year - location TBD

April 27th - Parent’s Night Out - Hosted by Green Pod 7-10pm

June 21st - Family Fun Night at Dutch Village - Thank you Nelis Family!

Beginning of the Day Reminder

For the safety of our students, and in an effort to respect the time of our teachers who are busily preparing for the day of learning, please remember that our before school activities (recess and devotions) do not begin until 8:35 each morning (Middle School begins at 7:30am and students MUST enter through the front doors of Roosevelt, not Innocademy). Because there is no outside recess coverage by Innocademy staff until that time, it is important that students do not arrive before 8:35 (8:30 for devotions students). Thanks so much for your cooperation.

K Friends Learning Link

Please click on the link to learn more about the latest happenings in Ms. Heather/Ms. Robin’s group!

http://innoyoungfriendsblog.blogspot.com/2012/03/week-of-march-5th.html

Thursday - Service Raking Day/Duct Tape Day

Thursday is our next scheduled service day. Please bring in rakes, labeled with your family name, beginning on Wednesday and we will head out to help our neighbors on Thursday morning.

Also, Thursday is Duct Tape Day. Students may wear any duct tape items they have (bows, wallets, belts, etc). Students can also bring duct tape if they’d like to learn to make a bracelet or bow at recess time.

Technical Difficulties - Email

For some of our staff, returning email has been a problem during the day. For reasons unknown, they are receiving emails, but not able to send them out. We are doing our best to figure out this technical issue and appreciate your patience as we are doing our best. Thank you.

EEE Market Night and Sucker Sales

In order to raise money for the EEE project, students in the Red Pod have been selling suckers at lunch recess. Suckers will continue to be on sale next week for $0.25.

Students in the Blue Pod have been putting together projects to sell at our Market Night on March 26th and March 27th from 5-7pm. They will be selling bracelets, mini kite kits, duct tape items, gadgets, temporary tattoos and popcorn! Most items are $0.50. If you would like to sign up to help the students staff the market that evening or sign your student up to be one of the staffers either of those evenings, please click on the sign up genius link. http://www.signupgenius.com/go/60B0C4EAEAD229-eeemarket Currently there are LOTS of open positions that need to be filled.

Green Pod EEE Event - Parent’s Night Out!

Peanut Butter Reminder

Just a reminder that one of our friends has a severe peanut allergy and, for that reason, we ask that students bringing a lunch to school (or snack items) please save all peanut products for home. We understand that this can be an inconvenience, especially at lunchtime, but appreciate your cooperation. Thank you.

Some of our students were able to meet and welcome Ben from Benjamin’s Hope on Friday! Thanks for visiting Innocademy, Ben!

Alyssa, Sydney, Emily and Kelly work on the scavenger hunt through the museum.

Miriam tests her scientific skills under the pressure of a spinning chair! Way to go astronaut!

Nathan feels what it’s like to walk with only 38% of his body weight on the surface of Mars.

Ben and Blake try to keep warm during the harsh winters of the Civil War.

March 26th and March 27th - Student Led Conferences

March 26th and March 27th - EEE Market Night at Innocademy 5-7pm

May 14th and May 15th - Middle Friends Trip to Mackinac Island

April 9th - Innocademy Open House for Next Year - location TBD

June 21st - Family Fun Night at Dutch Village - Thank you Nelis Family!

Beginning of the Day Reminder

For the safety of our students, and in an effort to respect the time of our teachers who are busily preparing for the day of learning, please remember that our before school activities (recess and devotions) do not begin until 8:35 each morning (Middle School begins at 7:30am and students MUST enter through the front doors of Roosevelt, not Innocademy). Because there is no outside recess coverage by Innocademy staff until that time, it is important that students do not arrive before 8:35. Thanks so much for your cooperation.

K Friends Learning Link

Please click on the link to learn more about the latest happenings in Ms. Heather/Ms. Robin’s group!

http://innoyoungfriendsblog.blogspot.com/2012/03/week-of-march-5th.html

Technical Difficulties - Email

For some of our staff, returning email has been a problem during the day. For reasons unknown, they are receiving emails, but not able to send them out. We are doing our best to figure out this technical issue and appreciate your patience as we are doing our best. Thank you.

Dress Code Reminder

With the BEAUTIFUL weather comes the desire for all of us to unpack those t-shirts, shorts and flip-flops! Whooo hoooo! Please keep in mind that shorts/skirts should fall just at or below the fingertips as arms are hanging at the sides and shirts/sundresses should have sleeves or straps that measure at least 2 fingers wide on each side and are long enough to cover the midsection/bellybutton. Thank you for your help/cooperation.

Mackinac Island Trip Info

Sounds like, perhaps, some families did NOT receive the information below. Many apologies!!! Special thanks to Jacquelyn McNaughton for all of her help in planning this fantastic adventure!

Thank you so much for your patience and excitement in the planning of this trip!  Attached you should find the most updated itinerary and budget.  That said, the final number of travelers will impact what the final expense will be.  (The more travelers the more there are to split that transportation expense.  So, that line item may increase.)  We will send out the FINAL budget before Spring Break.  Payment for the trip will be due on Friday, May 4.

Click below to complete the survey by next Monday, March 19 to indicate if your child IS or IS NOT going on this trip:

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/FQ3HLW7

EEE Market Night and Sucker Sales

In order to raise money for the EEE project, students in the Red Pod have been selling suckers at lunch recess. Suckers will continue to be on sale next week for $0.25.

Students in the Blue Pod have been putting together projects to sell at our Market Night on March 26th and March 27th from 5-7pm. If you would like to sign up to help the students staff the market that evening or sign your student up to be one of the staffers either of those evenings, please click on the sign up genius link. http://www.signupgenius.com/go/60B0C4EAEAD229-eeemarket Currently there are LOTS of open positions that need filling. Thank you!

Grand Rapids Public Museum Visit - March 23rd

Just a reminder that if your student is a Blue or Orange Room ELA Student (Ms. Nancy/Ms. Kelli/Ms. Cyndee/Ms. Leisa/Ms. Leslie) we will be traveling to the Grand Rapids Public Museum next Friday, March 23rd to view some Michigan History up close as well as visit the Mars Exhibit currently on display. Cost for the trip is $7 per student and $11 for adults. If you have not yet sent in money for your student, please do so asap or contact one of the teachers listed above if the cost is a concern for your family. We will be leaving Innocademy approximately 9:30am and returning approximately 3:00pm. Students should bring a sack lunch, drink and snack for the day. If you would like to volunteer to chaperone/drive that day, please click on the sign up genius link. http://www.signupgenius.com/go/60B0C4EAEAD229-grpublic Thank you!

Author Visit - April 12th - Thank You Mrs. Maddox!

Today one of the students in your family should have brought home a yellow Ellie McDoodle order form (for those of you who have readers/writers in the Blue and Orange Rooms there is also a pink 1/2 sheet attached =). The author/illustrator of Ellie McDoodle, Ruth McNally Barshaw, will be visiting our school on Thursday, April 12th thanks, in part, to the generosity of Mrs. Maddox  (better known as “Grandma” by the Thelen kiddos)! If your family is interested in purchasing one or more of Ms. Barshaw’s books, please fill out the form and return to school by next Friday, March 23rd and she will bring the signed books with her when she visits on the 12th!

Do You Have A Computer Monitor Hanging Around Your House That You Do Not Need?

Ms. Brenda would LOVE to be able to utilize it here at school. Please contact her at brenda.munro@innocademy.com and she will be happy to make certain you are issued a tax receipt for the value of your donation. Thank you!

Happy Pi Day ! 3.14! Kai shows off his Pi bracelet and Cherry Pie!

Nyrisha works on putting her beads on her Pi bracelet during math….and making sure they don’t roll away!

Innocademy Alumnae, Mr. Alec, shares information about fish with our youngest friends!

Sam and Jack L. work on making a kite kit for EEE Market Day.

Nyrisha, Bella, Celia, Lizzy and Eleanor spend recess working on making bracelets for EEE Market Day.

Wow! Thanks so much to everyone that took part in the “Special Person” lunch day last Monday. How fun to see everyone cheering at the Rock, Paper, Scissors Tourney! All of your smiles and high fives helped make it a fantastic event!

Ms. Nancy and Ms. Heather square off during the final of the teacher tourney on Monday morning!

Cam (The Ham! =) and his dad enjoy lunch

Hannah and her mom share some quality time together.

Jaylee and her Aunt having fun!

Kaden and his dad do some bonding.

The Vongphrachanh Family enjoys lunch together.

Ethan shares some lunch with his mom and little brother.

Kelly B. and Jeff L. square off in quite a heated match of R/P/S! Wow!

Mark Your Calendars…PLEASE

March 16th - Connecting Committee Coffee at Deb Weiss Gelmi’s home after drop off on Friday morning. Younger siblings are welcome to come! 10313 Lynwood Lane, Zeeland.

March 26th and March 27th - Student Led Conferences

April 9th - Innocademy Open House for Next Year - location TBD

May 14th and May 15th - Middle Friends Trip to Mackinac Island

May 24th - Innocademy Family Night at West Michigan Whitecaps.

June 21st - Family Fun Night at Dutch Village - Thank you Nelis Family!

Beginning of the Day Reminder

For the safety of our students, please remember that our before school activities (recess and devotions) do not begin until 8:35 each morning. Because there is no outside recess coverage by Innocademy staff until that time, it is important that students do not arrive before 8:35. Thanks so much for your cooperation.

K Friends Learning Link

Please click on the link to learn more about the latest happenings in Ms. Heather/Ms. Robin’s group! http://innoyoungfriendsblog.blogspot.com/2012/03/week-of-march-5th.html

Student Led Conference Appointment Forms

Your student should have brought home a green form on Friday indicating the conference time for each child in your family. If you did not receive your form, please contact your child’s ELA teacher asap. If, for some reason, the time(s) outlined on your appointment form will not work for your family, please contact a teacher asap so that we can reschedule. Also, this is probably a GREAT time to remind you that if you ever desire a sit down meeting with any of your child’s teachers, we are always willing to schedule that at any point during the school year.

Adventures in Art from Ms. Cynthia - A.K.A. “Ms. Art Rocks!”

We have been exploring the world through some groovy (and very educational) art. The past few months, we have been discovering the regions and eras of these Master Artists: Henry Matisse (French) cut paper and collage. Piet Mondrain (Dutch) line and bold colors Fused within each lesson we cover the elements of art: Space, Line, Texture, Value, Color, Form, and Lines. Additional projects we did to to enhance our learning were cool snowman with texture and our cityscapes  with semi-monochromatic hues and layers of line. Lines are everywhere!

iPad Chargers…..Where Oh Where Could They Be? Help Please!

Unfortunately, we are missing at least 6 of 13 chargers. We would love your help if you wouldn’t mind checking at home? The Innocademy chargers have a (probably faded =) sharpie markered number on the plug. Your student may have accidentally brought one home if he/she has ever checked out an iPad to use overnight. These cords are able to charge iPods and iPhones as well. Thanks for your help!

Innocademy Spotlight - The Weiss-Gelmi Family

Parents/Guardians:  Michael Gelmi and Deb Weiss-Gelmi Kids (age/grade/pod/family):  Lia Weiss-Gelmi, age: 7.5, 2nd grade, green pod, Ms. Kelli Kids (not attending Inno… Names and Ages): Everett and Emerson, 5 months Parent’s Occupation(s): Michael: elementary principal, Deb: teacher, currently home with twins Hobbies/Interests: yoga, running, reading baseball/softball, sports in general, travel, camping Favorite way to spend time as a family: playing board games, laughing, reading together, eating out, camping, swimming, traveling

Ms. Nancy, of the African American Cultural Center, shares with us what the inside of Dr. Martin Luther King’s study may have looked like.

Blake, Olivia and Noah help their Garden Club group during Foundation Friday.

Jared and Jakobe enjoy some Flashlight Reading on Friday!

Huge thank you to the Lambers Family for their donation of highlighters this week! And to Mrs. Wolters for the boxes of pencils! We love office supplies!

Mark Your Calendars…PLEASE

March 5th - No school for Roosevelt Students - NO TRANSPORTATION OR HOT LUNCH

March 5th - Parent/Grandparent Lunch/Recess Day at Innocademy

March 26th and March 27th - Student Led Conferences

June 21st - Family Fun Night at Dutch Village - Thank you Nelis Family!

Parent Meeting Minutes

I promise these are on their way….we were waiting to iron out some final field trip dates prior to sending out the minutes. Thanks for your patience!

K Friends Learning Link

Please click on the link to learn more about the latest happenings in Ms. Heather/Ms. Robin’s group!

http://innoyoungfriendsblog.blogspot.com/2012/03/week-of-february-27th.html

March 5th - Parent/Special Person Lunch and Recess at Innocademy

Similar to the fall, we are having another recess/lunch with a favorite special person day at Innocademy! If you are communicating to your favorite people, please have them plan on joining us from 11:45-1pm for some special fun! GAME ON for a super fun Rock, Paper, Scissors tournament and then lunch (that they bring) with your student. Looking forward to a great day!

Innocademy Yearbook Message

Hi Families!  The yearbook committee is running in FULL FORCE right now.  Each week, we are hoping to begin a new page in our book (which will go on sale in May and be delivered at the end of June)!  What we are in need of are ANY pictures that you would like to see in the book that shows off all of the AMAZING events that have happened this year so far (including the Holiday Extravaganza, Fall Festival at Community Reformed, Stewardship events like raking and Food Pantry, any field trips that have taken place, or any other picture you feel would show our kiddos enjoying their time learning!!) or will happen in the future.  Please keep this invitation in the forefront of your mind as you continue to take pictures at events!  You are welcome at ANY TIME to pass those along to me via email, flash drive or if you are a Drop Box user (this is a fast and EASY EASY way to share those photos with me quickly!!!).  If you have questions on how to get pictures to me, please feel free to send me an email or give me a call at leslie.rindfliesch@innocademy.com or 405-8869:-)  Thanks so much for your help!  This really makes our yearbook easier to put together and fun to look through:-)  ~Leslie

Coke Rewards - Bonus Points Update From Mrs. Wolters!!!

Coke is once again matching points donated to Innocademy.  The dates are March 6&7 only for donating the points.  Last time we earned about 2000 points doing this! Great participation!

Innocademy Spotlight - Kephart Family

Names:  The Kephart Family

Parents:  Micah and Lisa

Kids:  Isabella (9, 3rd grade, blue pod); Selah (6, 1st grade, blue pod)

Not attending Inno:  Caedmon (5)

Parents Occupation:  Micah is the founder and CEO of Poetice International, a non-profit that uses the arts and education to combat the AIDS crisis in sub-Saharan Africa.  For more information, visit poetice.org. Lisa is the Mosaic teacher at Innocademy.

Hobbies/interests:  Micah enjoys movies, vegetarian cooking, and all things Apple/Mac-related; Lisa likes to read; Isabella enjoys reading and writing, as well as playing soccer and running; Selah likes drawing, coloring, and playing with her siblings and friends; Caedmon likes reading, animals, and legos.

Favorite way to spend time as a family:  tent camping, visiting far-away family and friends, and hanging out at home

Innocademy Spotlight -  Harmsen Family

Names:  Lucas and Alex Harmsen

Parents/Guardians:  Matt and Jenn Harmsen

Kids (age/grade/pod/family): Lucas: 12, 6^th grade,  Alex 10, 4^th Grade

Kids (not attending Inno… Names and Ages)

Parent’s Occupation(s):   Matt works at Innotec .  Jenn works in the accounting department at Young Champions of America.

Hobbies/Interests:  hiking, bike riding, snowboarding, reading, and camping

Favorite way to spend time as a family:  One of our favorite places to go bike riding is at

Pigeon Creek.  They have a bunch of great trails for riding.

Any Upcoming Family News you would like to share:  We are looking forward to our trip to Dayton, Ohio.  The boys are competing in the Michigan vs. Ohio Karate Tournament.

Innocademy Spotlight -  Meeuwsen Family

Parents: Eric and Katie

Kids:  Karinda - 8 soon to be 9/ 3rd grade/ Green Pod/ Ms. Kelli,  Kylie  7 / 1st grade / Green Pod / Ms. Kelli

Parent’s Occupation(s):  Eric is General Manager of the soybean processing plant, soybean oil refinary in Zeeland and Nebraska Corn Processing in Cambridge, Nebraska. Katie teaches the girls when we are in Nebraska and organizes a worship service once a month for church.

Hobbies/Interests:  Karinda and Kylie love to play with friends more than anything. They also love to play American Girl dolls, Barbies and Wii. Karinda joined the swim team in Nebraska and really enjoyed that. Kylie loves to play with her baby dolls.

Favorite Way To Spend Time As A Family: We enjoy boating in the summer and snowmobiling in the winter. In between times we play soccer in the yard. We spend a lot of time in the car traveling back and forth between Nebraska and Michigan. Not sure we enjoy it or could call it a hobby. It is family bonding time, for sure.

Any Upcoming Family News You Would Like To Share: I would just like to thank everyone at Innocademy for working so hard, being so flexible and being soooo wonderful. The school has been such a blessing to our family.

Claire and Miriam celebrate Dr. Seuss’ birthday!

Alyssa shows off the characters from her Dr. Seuss partner story.

Trevin and Carson share a Dr. Seuss story.

The staff took a tour of Innotec this week. BIG fun and LOTS learned! Thank you, Mike!

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