Dear Lakeside Elementary Families,

Last Tuesday evening the Lakeside Elementary choir performed the National Anthem at the East Grand Rapids Girls’ Varsity basketball game. Please take a look at the photos below that capture some great moments from their performance. Thank you to Mrs. Kline for leading the choir and preparing our fourth and fifth grade members for this wonderful event.

February is Kindness Month and to celebrate, elementary students will participate in Spirit Days this week. Throughout February, we encourage students to perform random acts of kindness for others. Consider writing a letter to a veteran or nursing home resident, sending a thank you note to a special person, performing a chore at home without being asked, etc. If families have pictures to share of students’ random acts of kindness, please email them to me at sthelen@egrps.org. I look forward to seeing their acts!  Below are the Spirit Week happenings for next week. 
 

Spirit Week- January 30- February 3

• Monday, January 30- Kindness is Warm & Fuzzy (Pajama Day)

• Tuesday, January 31- Crazy for Kindness (Wear mismatched clothes)

• Wednesday, February 1- Hats off for Kindness (Hat Day)

• Thursday, February 2- Kindness Shines Bright (Wear bright colors)

• Friday, February 3- Team Up for Kindness (Favorite team/East color)

  • This is also the 100th Day of School!

EGR Public Safety Update
East Grand Rapids Public Schools continues to partner with East Grand Rapids Department of Public Safety (EGRDPS) to support our students. Officer Troy Brown, current EGRDPS school liaison officer, and additional Public Safety officers often visit the school to spend time with students. You may even hear about these officers playing soccer at recess! Please ask your child about the Public Safety officers they see around the building and reiterate that they are another way that we ensure their safety each and every day.
 

Warm Clothing Drive:  January 24 - Febraury 3
As a kickoff to Kindness Month, Lakeside Elementary is partnering with a former Lakeside Lion to host a warm clothing drive to benefit the Alpha House of Grand Rapids. Alpha House provides various supports to families in need. Welcomed donations include new or gently used coats (men, women, and child) in all sizes. Additional warm clothing, such as hats, mittens, snow pants, and boots would also be very helpful. Donations can be dropped off in the large box inside the vestibule outside of the Lakeside office. Thank you for helping to support those in need.

                                              

Harry Potter Read Aloud Opportunity
We are seeking additional readers for upcoming Harry Potter Read Alouds. Every Thursday, from 11:40-12:05 p.m., students in grades 3, 4, and 5 are invited to the Learning Commons to hear Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. If you’re interested in reading to our students, please click here to sign up. All wizards and muggles are encouraged to join us! 

Calendar
Please click here for upcoming events at Lakeside Elementary. Listed below are some upcoming calendar events.

• Board of Education Meeting - Monday, February 13 at 6:00 p.m. in the EGRMS Learning Commons

• Mid-Winter Break: No Students K-12 on Friday, February 17 and Monday, February 20

Warm Regards,

Stephanie Thelen
Lakeside Elementary Principal
https://twitter.com/ThelenPrincipal

 Thank you teachers and staff!
Last Thursday the PTO asked Clique Coffee Caterers to spoil the teachers and staff of Lakeside with coffee and treats.  Thanks to our donors for helping us show the teachers and staff how much we appreciate them.   

Direct Your Dollars

If you shop at Spartan Nash stores, please consider bringing your receipts to the main office.  We will submit your receipts to the Direct Your Dollars program and earn money for Lakeside.  Please note, we need the entire receipt. If you would like to volunteer to help fold and/or count receipts please email lpto@egrps.org.

Thank you to everyone who has provided staff snacks this year. It is so appreciated by the teachers and staff! We need help filling the open slots in February and March. Please sign up if you are able to help. All details and instructions are on the  sign up . Thank you!