Click here to download the Cedar Springs Public Schools 2011-2012 Winter Sports Schedules

Kind Hearts, Kind Hands at Trails On Thursday, October 21st, the Cedar Trails PTO held a “Fall Fun Night” where students came to school, dressed in their costumes, and took part in some trick or treating. As part of that night, members of the Cedar Trails staff put together some activities surrounding “Habits of Mind”(HOM). For one of the activities, all students AND their parents cut-out a “kind hand” representing HOM – Understanding and Empathy – to go on a wall in the motor room. Families also received a passport with further information about the habits and had those punched as they walked around the building. To culminate the evening, staff, students, and parents, helped to eat over 500 pieces of pizza in the cafeteria while watching a video about the “Red Hawk Kids Club” and “Habits of Mind.”

Morgan Nauta, a fifth grader at Cedar View Elementary, wanted to do something very special on her eleventh birthday. Morgan was turning eleven on 11/11/11. She used two Habits of Mind to develop her plan. She deeply understands how to treat others with respect and how to be creative, imaginative and innovative.
She decided to help the Veterans of the area by asking for donations for the gift shop opening soon at the Veterans’ Home in Grand Rapids. Morgan’s idea allowed her to gather eleven large rubber tubs (rather large ones) of goodies to donate to the cause.
Morgan had a special connection to the Veterans’ Home because both of her great grandfathers lived there at one point in their lives. Morgan, along with family members, delivered the tubs to the Veterans’ Home on November 21. The administration gave Morgan a beautiful plaque made to honor her efforts.
“I felt very happy to share all of the gifts with the Veterans’ Home. It was my best birthday ever. I think it better to give than receive,” said Morgan.
“It is really good to know Cedar View has such wonderful students who truly care about others,” remarked Mr. Mike Duffy, the school principal.

On Tuesday, November 22, nine students at Beach Elementary had the opportunity to have lunch with the Algoma Township Fire Department. All second and third grade students were asked to make a fire escape plan at home and then turn it in to their teacher. A drawing was held, for students who turned in their fire escape plan, to select students who would participate in the luncheon. A huge thank you to the firefighters for a great lunch!

The overarching theme this year at Cedar Trails is “Difference Makers.”  Students are receiving direct instruction about how they can make a positive difference at school. There are also assemblies during the year that allow classes to gather together and learn more about the “Habits of Mind.” The three habits supported at Trails this year are: managing impulsivity, understanding and empathy, and persistence. The students are learning the terminology and have hand motions to go with each of those habits.  Students who are being great role models with the habits are also selected as “Red Hawk Kids Club Winners” and are recognized bi-weekly on Friday.

The Red Hawk Way

I am Responsible,
I am Enthusiastic,
And Dedicated.
I am a Hard Worker.
I am an Achiever.
I am a Winner.
I am Kind.

I am a Red Hawk!!!

How the Red Hawk Kids Club works:

Elementary teachers/buildings will select students that best represent and demonstrate the qualities listed in the Red Hawk Creed – all of which tie to the Habits of Mind.
All students who are selected and their parents are invited to attend a varsity athletic event and are recognized at halftime for their outstanding character.

High School student athletes are involved at the elementary level

by working weekly in elementary classrooms: reading, tutoring and mentoring students.

Cedar Springs High School Student Volunteers
Invite you to Create

SHOE BOX GIFTS

HELP A SENIOR CITIZEN OR CHILD IN NEED

CREATE A SHOE BOX GIFT

* Wrap an Empty Shoe Box – Lid separately
* Fill the box with NEW toys, candy, personal items for a boy/girl or Senior Neighbor
* Label the box by age & gender

DONATE ITEMS

* Personal Care:  tooth brush/paste, shampoo, Bar soap, (travel sizes from hotels/motels)
* Hard Candy – extra Halloween candy
* Small toys, school & crafts supplies
* Single-serve snacks, coffee, tea bags

Senior Gifts will be delivered in the local community via North Kent Community Service/Senior Meals and throughout the world to needy Children by Samaritans Purse International Relief.

Shoe Box and Item DONATIONS accepted through Nov. 14th

Contact the CSHS Community Service office
@ 696-1200 x 1438 for more information

On a very warm Friday afternoon in September,  third graders from Beach Elementary walked to the high school football field where they all watched the Red Hawk Band perform their halftime program.  After the performance, the third graders were able to ask questions and just generally interact with the band members on the field.  The experience was made even better with the brownies that the Band Boosters provided.  It was a great experience for all!  A special thank you to the high school band and the Band Boosters for making this great time possible!

After 12 years at Hilltop, New Beginnings Alternative High School, along with R1TS, relocated over the summer to the vacant wing of Red Hawk Elementary.  This move has brought many exciting changes.  With additional room, and resources, the staff has been able to provide a library designed to offer students choice in reading material.  This is in conjunction with a new class being offered in the area of reading.  The early success of this program is evident in the increased participation and excitement students have shown in class.   In addition, the larger classrooms are more conducive to the lab setup required for the new math program we instituted 2 years ago. Technology continues to play a key role in our ability to offer a state of the art credit recovery program.  This improved facility has been a positive force in improving the students’ perception of their education and the importance of it.  This move has also proved to be beneficial to our R1TS programs.  The kitchen is much larger and better equipped and the students are in closer proximity to the R1TS retail store where they learn important work skills. These improvements have continued to strengthen our district’s mission with regards to our alternative high school as we strive to offer quality programs for all students.

November 11     Student Early Release Day (2 hrs)
November 22     End 1st Trimester
November 23     No School for Students and Staff
November 24-25    Thanksgiving Break
November 28     No School for Students