Principal's Message
Dear Lakeside Elementary Families,
It is hard to believe that this is the last week of the 2021-2022 school year. As I reflect on this past year, I cannot thank you enough for your support in helping us to provide a welcoming environment and high-quality instruction for students. All of it would not be possible without your partnership. This week will be full of celebration as we remember all that has been accomplished when learning new things, building new friendships, and showing kindness to all. This Friday school will dismiss at 11:24 a.m. and students will not be eating lunch at school. If you have the opportunity this week, please stop by the Lost and Found near the Main Office to claim some of the many items left that may be yours. Any leftover items will be donated to a good home in mid-June. As our final piece of communication for the school year, report cards will be available to you on Friday, June 10.
Today was one of my favorite days of the year as staff, students, and parents came together to celebrate “Fun Day.” The weather could not have been more perfect as students and teachers traveled to different parent-led stations to play games, ride water rides, and try to dunk a teacher (or principal) in the dunk tank. Thank you to the Lakeside Elementary PTO for sponsoring this highly anticipated event and for all of the parent volunteers who dedicated their time to making this an afternoon our students will never forget!
In closing, I hope that your family has had a positive 2021-2022 school year and that you are able to enjoy some relaxation with loved ones over the next couple of months. I look forward to hearing stories from the students of your adventures. If you are near the school this summer and see my car, please stop in to say, “Hi.” Whatever your summer plans, the staff and I look forward to seeing you on Monday, August 22 for the first day of the 2022-2023 school year. Have a great summer!
  
Below are some reminders for our final few days:
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Last Day Dismissal Procedures: The last day of school, Friday, June 3, is a half-day. Hot lunch is not served on half days of school. Students will be released at 11:24 AM.
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Medication: Please pick up any medication your child has kept in the office by Wednesday, June 8. Any medication left after this date will be discarded.
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Lost and Found: All items in the Lost and Found will be donated after Wednesday, June 8.
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Yearbooks will be going home this week. If you did not order a yearbook for your student and would still like to, please click here to order directly from Geskus.
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2021-2022 Report Cards will be available via Skyward on Friday, June 110, 2022 at 8:00 a.m.
Retirements
This time of year is one for celebration, but can also be bittersweet as we say “goodbye” to some of our staff members transitioning from one adventure to another. At the end of this year, Mrs. Holly Brownley and Mrs. Tanya Paas will retire from the field of education. Mrs. Brownley has been an educator for 37 years, 32 of them being in East Grand Rapids. In recent years, Mrs. Brownley has served our students in special education as the Resource Room teacher. Mrs. Paas has dedicated 31 years to education all of them in East Grand Rapids. She has worked in buildings throughout the district serving in the paraeducator role and for the past four years has worked one-on-one with a Lakeside Lion. Thank you to Mrs. Brownley and Mrs. Paas for their combined 63 years of service and we wish you the best in the next chapter of your lives.
Important Calendar Dates
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June 1: Fifth Grade Farewell at 12:30 p.m. at the EGRHS Performing Arts Center (PAC)
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June 2: Fifth Grade Walk of Fame at 1:45 p.m.
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June 3: Last day; Dismissal at 11:24 a.m.
Important Back to School Dates for the 2022-2023 school year
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Friday, August 5: Email communication regarding the online registration process
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Tuesday, August 9: Email Communication with Welcome Back Information
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Wednesday, August 10: Teacher Placement Letters
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Friday, August 12: Classroom Lists Posted
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Tuesday, August 16: New Family Welcome for Grades 1-5 from 6- 6:30 p.m.
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Tuesday, August 16: New Family Orientation for Grades K-5 from 6:30- 7:00 p.m.
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Thursday, August 18: Meet and Greets from 2:30- 3:00 p.m.
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Monday, August 22: First Day of School; Dismissal at 11:24 a.m.
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Monday, August 22: Welcome Assembly at 9:00 a.m.
As always, please feel free to reach out with any questions to sthelen@egrps.org.
Warm Regards,
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 Lakeside Social Work Corner
Hello, EGR Elementary Families,
We are again brokenhearted as we learn about the tragedy that took place in Uvalde, Texas. The number of school shootings in our country is rising and with this comes fear, uncertainty, and anxiety. When these devastating events occur, it is difficult to know how to approach the topic with young children. As much as we want to protect them from the realities of the world, it is also important to give them space to understand and process this type of event. The district social workers wanted to reach out to offer our support and share a few articles that give helpful, actionable steps about how to navigate these sensitive conversations with your children.
How To Talk To Kids About School Shootings linked here
Helping Children Cope With Frightening News linked here
Please know that East Grand Rapids Public Schools does everything we can to ensure the safety of our students, teachers and staff.
We hope that these resources provide a sense of guidance for you and your families, as we grieve and process this terrible loss together. Please do not hesitate to reach out if you are in need of additional support.
Sending joy, smiles & warmth,
Chad Jackson
School Social Worker
Lakeside Elementary
616.235.7553 ext. 4139
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"You Did That!" Impact Statement Now Available on Foundation Website, EGRSF.org
During the 2021-22 school year, the Foundation Board of Directors approved more than 30 classroom enhancement grants.
Some of those grants are already providing extraordinary educational opportunities at all of our schools. Others will provide classroom enhancements in the future.
The "You Did That!" page on our website includes a complete list of the grants, along with the names of the teachers, students, and staff members who applied for them. For most, you can click on the name of the grant to read an article describing how it has benefited our students. Many of the articles include testimonials from teachers and students about how the grant has helped them.
Now, if you or a friend is wondering exactly what the Foundation does, just visit the "You Did That!" page under "What We Do" on egrsf.org.
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 District Device Program
The Engage 1:1 program at grades 6-12 is built around the BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) model but it also offers an option for families to secure a district-provided device. Students who utilize the district-provided device option will be provided with a district-owned device to use during the 2022-2023 school year after completing the necessary application.
Once a student application is approved, students will receive their district-provided device prior to the beginning of the school year. Prior to receiving the device both the student and the parent will be asked to sign an agreement regarding responsibilities and submit a $50 deposit. The district is responsible for the maintenance and repair of the devices throughout the school year.
*Note-You must fill out an application each year. If you plan to roll over your deposit from a previous year, you must fill out the application as well.
Please visit the 2022-2023 Engage District Device Application here.
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 First Lego League (FLL) Sign-Up for the 2022-2023 School Year
EGRPS is excited to announce the continuation of First Lego League at each of the three elementary buildings during the 2022-2023 school year. This promotional video was shown in classrooms. Sign-up for current EGRPS students in grades K-5 is now open and ends on this Friday, June 3 at noon. Anyone trying to enroll past Friday will be put on a wait list. Please fill out this form to enroll your interested child(ren) on a First Lego League team for the 2022-2023 season. FLL is made possible by parent volunteers who serve as co-coaches. In order to make this school-sponsored, extracurricular offering possible, there must be two co-coaches per team. If you are interested in assisting with FLL, please indicate so on the Google Form. A technical background is not needed and training will be provided in August for all parent coaches.
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 School Supplies for the 2022-2023 school year
As we start planning for the 2022-23 school year, I want to share information with you regarding school supplies. First, purchasing school supplies is voluntary and not required for your child to attend school. Below is a link to the suggested list of supplies from teachers that students will use throughout the school year. In addition, some of these school supplies may be used as “community” supplies and shared with the entire class and some may be used by just your child. Each grade level uses a combination of community supplies and individual supplies.
If your family wishes to purchase school supplies, listed below are some different purchasing options you might consider. As always, we encourage the East Grand Rapids community to purchase their supplies from local vendors and stores that are homegrown in Michigan.
Here are some options for purchasing school supplies for the 2022-2023 school year:
Thank you for your continued support of both the school district and our local businesses.
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Additional Items
 Camp East 2022
Registration for Camp East is now open! For more information about these summer child care programs, please click here.
It's spring, the time of year for outdoor yardwork! Please support our student-athletes by buying your yard mulch through the Team Boosters Mulch Sale, orders will be accepted through June 1.
City of EGR Open Houses
Please join city officials to learn about parks projects, mobility improvements and other city-sponsored initiatives and to provide feedback on projects of interest to the entire community. Each open houses will have several stations to discuss various park projects, traffic improvements, zoning changes, and other plans. Topics will vary, so attend as many as you can.
June 13: 6-7 pm at City Hall. Topics: TBD
June 27: 6-7 pm at City Hall. Topics: TBD
Sign up to receive the City's East Express e-newsletter for specific topics for each open house and dates for future input sessions. Notices won't be mailed for each project, so sign up today at:
Our district is a proud partner of School News Network; visit their site for news items about EGR and other local schools!
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ROAR! - The Event