Here is what happened in the 2013-2014 School Year!
KF Umbrellas are on sale now just in time for Spring. These umbrellas are black with a crimson Knapp Forest Hawks logo, backpack size and Totes brand. They are in stock and available at the KF front office for $15. Make checks payable to the KF PTO. Quantities limited.
Staff Appreciation Week is May 5th-9th
Staff Appreciation Week is fast approaching. This year, during the week of May 5-9, we will be celebrating our amazing Knapp Forest Staff with a variety of exciting activities. One idea that we would like to keep as a tradition is the Staff Daily Drawing. With the help of a few students, Mr. Haid will draw a staff members’ name at random and will award them with a fun “gift”. Most of these “gifts” come in the form of donations from wonderful parents like you. If you would like to donate something for the staff drawing, we would greatly appreciate it. Some examples of previous donations are: gift cards to local places to eat and places to shop, car wash gift certificates, massage gift certificates, 31 bags, etc. The teachers will be grateful for anything, so be creative and have fun with it! If you choose to donate a gift, please send it in to the office marked “Staff Appreciation Drawing”.
Our staff at Knapp Forest work so hard to create the best learning environment for our children. Let’s celebrate them! This committee could use a few more "helpers". If you like to pitch in and help with the details, this is a great committee to join in on the FUN!!! Contact Christina Ford at mailto:[email protected] to sign on to help out!!!
Our staff at Knapp Forest work so hard to create the best learning environment for our children. Let’s celebrate them! This committee could use a few more "helpers". If you like to pitch in and help with the details, this is a great committee to join in on the FUN!!! Contact Christina Ford at mailto:[email protected] to sign on to help out!!!
Knapp Forest Talent Show Friday March 14th!
Our 2014 Talent Show is in the books and was a HUGE success!! Our Knapp Forest kiddos shined in an extraordinary way!! Thanks to our out going Talent Show Committee chairs Leslie Ruppel and Jen Asselin for their awesome leadership over the last 3 years!! We could not have done it without you guys!! We love your tireless effort in making this talent show a special and encouraging place for kids to share their talents!!! You will be missed on this committee!!! Another shout out to our art teacher, Mrs. T for the new stage decorations!! They are fabulous!!! Check out our gallery of pictures from the event!!
Our Sister School-Lincoln School Towel Drive
The Knapp Forest Sister School committee held a towel drive for Lincoln School
February 18th - February 28th. We donated 8 large boxes of new or gently used beach or bath sized towels for Lincoln students to use at the therapy pool.
Do you know about our Sister School -- Lincoln School?
Lincoln School is operated by the Grand Rapids Public Schools system and serves students with special needs. Students range in age from 5-26 years and have a variety of physical and cognitive (learning) disabilities- severe, moderate, and autistic. Many students are medically fragile and depend on a highly qualified and caring staff to meet those basic needs.
Lincoln School staff incorporates a genuine and positive caring attitude to help their students achieve their highest educational potential. Most often, functional skills are emphasized to maximize each student’s level of independence.
When we donate a meal, diapers, clothing, etc., we are showing those students and their families that we care, and honoring the truth that we all deserve food, warmth, shelter, and hope.
A big thank you to our Sister School/Charitable Giving Committee Chairs Lisa Plante, Michelle Verbrugge and Colleen Endres for showing our KF students the joy of giving!!!
February 18th - February 28th. We donated 8 large boxes of new or gently used beach or bath sized towels for Lincoln students to use at the therapy pool.
Do you know about our Sister School -- Lincoln School?
Lincoln School is operated by the Grand Rapids Public Schools system and serves students with special needs. Students range in age from 5-26 years and have a variety of physical and cognitive (learning) disabilities- severe, moderate, and autistic. Many students are medically fragile and depend on a highly qualified and caring staff to meet those basic needs.
Lincoln School staff incorporates a genuine and positive caring attitude to help their students achieve their highest educational potential. Most often, functional skills are emphasized to maximize each student’s level of independence.
When we donate a meal, diapers, clothing, etc., we are showing those students and their families that we care, and honoring the truth that we all deserve food, warmth, shelter, and hope.
A big thank you to our Sister School/Charitable Giving Committee Chairs Lisa Plante, Michelle Verbrugge and Colleen Endres for showing our KF students the joy of giving!!!
Knapp Forest family fun night at El Barrio on February 25th
PTO KF Family Fun Night was a success at El Barrio on February 25, 2014. Families supported KF at El Barrio, which is owned and operated by a KF family and is located at 545 Michigan St NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503. 15% of all sales between 5-9 went to support our staff and students through the PTO. Check out their delicious menu online. http://www.elbarriomexicangrill.com/menu/share-plates/
Box Tops goal for the year is to earn enough for a classroom set of Tubano drums!!! Did we make our goal?
Box tops are in for the year and we are waiting for our totals!!! At our last Box Top collection back in October of 2013, Knapp Forest collected $1,100 for our school. Our goal for the 2013/2014 school year is $3,000. We can use this cash to buy whatever our school needs. This year we plan to buy a class room set of cool new drums for our music program here at Knapp Forest! All of our kids have had an opportunity to try the new drums out in music class this year. We borrowed them from Orchard View. The kids have raved about them!!
Don't forget…we can also earn cash for our school with online shopping through the Box Tops Marketplace. This is no additional cost to you. Click on the No Brainer Fundraiser tab above and look for the section on Box Tops to see how.
If you have any questions about Box Tops, please let me know. You can contact me at http://[email protected] Many thanks to all who participated! Together we are ensuring our kids' success!! Jen Elms. PTO Box Tops Committee Chair
Don't forget…we can also earn cash for our school with online shopping through the Box Tops Marketplace. This is no additional cost to you. Click on the No Brainer Fundraiser tab above and look for the section on Box Tops to see how.
If you have any questions about Box Tops, please let me know. You can contact me at http://[email protected] Many thanks to all who participated! Together we are ensuring our kids' success!! Jen Elms. PTO Box Tops Committee Chair
BOOK FAIR "FIESTA" February 3rd and February 6th is a success!!
- The book fair on February 3 & 6,11:30-8:30 with the theme Fiesta went off without a hitch! Parents and kids enjoyed the new location in the front hallway near the main door. We appreciate our Book Fair Chairs: Kay Gil, Mavis Hembrough, Kelly Ueland and Gretchen Verplank! Another job well done! The Book Fair benefits all Knapp Forest Families. Proceeds go towards earning "Free books" for our media center. Mrs. Doctor, our Media Center guru, keeps our library stocked with interesting and relevant books for our kid's enjoyment!!! Thanks to our Book Fair committee, our staff and to the families who indulged in book fair purchases!!! Keep those kids reading!!!
PTO General Meeting - January
The PTO was excited to have Michael Reiffer as our speaker for our PTO General Meeting on Thursday NIGHT, January 30th at 7 pm in the Cyber Cafe. He spoke on a topic that I guarantee is on the hearts and minds of most parents at Knapp Forest. How do we manage technology for our children in a healthy and safe way? How is this technology effecting our kids and their futures? Technology is everywhere and it seems like the kids can't get enough of these computerized devices!!! Michael Reiffer is a counselor, a clinical social worker, an engaging presenter, consultant, husband and father of 4. He has over 17 years experience working with individuals, couples, children and families. His treatment areas include relationships, parenting, family issues, depression, anxiety, stress management, anger management and trauma and abuse resolution. He presented to us…...
"Handle with Care"
Wisely managing and understanding high technology devices is THE parenting issue of this generation. This presentation addressed both parenting and developmental impacts of high technology on the modern family. Specific attention was paid to developmental and achievement issues, social media usage, peer relationships and parenting strategies. It was informative, relevant and interactive!
Thanks to all of those that braved the nasty weather to hear Michael's interesting and thought provoking presentation!
"Handle with Care"
Wisely managing and understanding high technology devices is THE parenting issue of this generation. This presentation addressed both parenting and developmental impacts of high technology on the modern family. Specific attention was paid to developmental and achievement issues, social media usage, peer relationships and parenting strategies. It was informative, relevant and interactive!
Thanks to all of those that braved the nasty weather to hear Michael's interesting and thought provoking presentation!
Upcoming Cultural Arts events at Knapp Forest
CHINESE NEW YEAR
On January 31st several 1st grade classes along side their 6th grade buddies will celebrate Chinese New Year with great foods and fun!
ABE LINCOLN'S B-DAY / THEATRE
On February 12th (in honor of Lincoln's birthday) the entire 2nd and 3rd grade classes will be going to a Circle Theatre performance, Honest Abe. The show will celebrate the 16th President of the United States and how the elements of his good character helped shape our nation. The play is downtown at the Gerald R. Ford Museum.
FEBRUARY - AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY MONTH
On February 28th all students (K - 6) will enjoy Tony Reynolds in an assembly that explores the history of African American Music!
On January 31st several 1st grade classes along side their 6th grade buddies will celebrate Chinese New Year with great foods and fun!
ABE LINCOLN'S B-DAY / THEATRE
On February 12th (in honor of Lincoln's birthday) the entire 2nd and 3rd grade classes will be going to a Circle Theatre performance, Honest Abe. The show will celebrate the 16th President of the United States and how the elements of his good character helped shape our nation. The play is downtown at the Gerald R. Ford Museum.
FEBRUARY - AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY MONTH
On February 28th all students (K - 6) will enjoy Tony Reynolds in an assembly that explores the history of African American Music!
Happy New Year Knapp Forest Families!!
Welcome back after an EXTRA LONG break!!! The PTO has so many exciting things to look forward to in 2014. Mark your calendars for our next PTO General Meeting. We heard your requests and have scheduled an amazing speaker for an EVENING event on Thursday, January 30th at 7 pm. More details below. Looking forward into the next few months, we will host an all school assembly for black history month with the amazing Tony Reynolds. First grade will celebrate Chinese New Year in a special way and second/third graders are looking forward to seeing "Honest Abe" at the Circle Theater. Our Book Fair comes back in early February during our conference nights. Lastly, our annual Talent Show is already underway for a March14th showtime. Knapp Forest does not slow down this time of year. We have BIG plans and you are invited to get involved!!! Here's to 2014!!
Knapp Forest welcomed our first ever STEM Museum
What is a STEM Museum? STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) education creates critical thinkers, increases science literacy, and enables the next generation of innovators. This innovation and science literacy depends on a solid knowledge base in the STEM areas. It is clear that most jobs of the future will require a basic understanding of math and science. Here at KF, we are off to a great start in exposing our kiddos to these concepts. In December, we turned our KF gym into a STEM museum featuring multiple hands on stations for grades 2nd - 6th. The kids loved it and we were even featured on the news. Check us out!! http://www.mlive.com/news/grand-rapids/index.ssf/2013/12/testing_theories_students_get.html.
PTO General Meeting - November
We had our first PTO General Meeting on
November 22nd. KF Staff and kiddos shared two new PTO sponsored events that began this year that we plan to continue yearly for future KF generations. The sixth grade teachers and students gave us the scoop on the 6th Grade's Camp Henry 2 night camping experience in September. Mrs. Johnson and students shared the 4th grade week long zoo lab experience at John Ball Zoo! Both experiences were beyond expectations!! Planning is underway for next year for both events!! The PTO board provided the following update on the state of the PTO.
Support Your Favorite College at KF November 15th
On November 15th the PTO invites all students to join us as we celebrate working hard and aspiring to become anything they dream!
In celebration of our Knapp students' college hopes we encourage every child to support their college allegiance by sporting their favorite university gear!
In celebration of our Knapp students' college hopes we encourage every child to support their college allegiance by sporting their favorite university gear!
Scholastic Book Fair, A Reading Oasis
The Scholastic Book Fair is just around the corner, November 11th thru the 15th. Our fall theme is A Reading Oasis! Please remember to shop the fair UPSTAIRS in the Media Center before or after your child's parent/teacher conference. 50 cents of every dollar you spend at the fair goes to our Media Center for books and supplies. On conference nights, November 11th and 14th, the book fair will be open from 3:40-8:00. See you there!
Sister School Supply and Food Drive
The annual Sister School Supply & Food Drive began on November 4 thru November 15. Lincoln School welcomed non-perishable food items for Thanksgiving baskets, wet wipes, laundry detergent, size 6 diapers, applesauce and pudding cups.
Knapp Forest Families pulled through with their generosity!! Thanks for being willing to lend a helping hand!!!
Knapp Forest Families pulled through with their generosity!! Thanks for being willing to lend a helping hand!!!
Mr. Haid survived a night on the roof!
True to his word, our fearless leader and principal, Scott Haid, spent the night on the roof. Since we raised our fundraising goals and we had over 70 percent participation, he had no choice but to commit to his word and sleep on the roof. This was no easy task as Mother Nature played a nasty trick that night. There was sleet and ice and the temperatures were brutal. His WORD is his WORD and he followed through on his commitment. Rumor has it that he had a few visitors throughout the night. He used his handy dandy fishing pole to retrieve homemade cookies and goodies from caring students and their families. Thanks Mr. Haid for ALL you do for the students of this school! The question is... how can we top this feat next year? Students---Put on you thinking hats for Mr. Haid and Hawk Walk 2014. Now that we know he will sleep on the roof in frigid temperatures, he will SURELY do most anything!!
Mr. Haid is going on the roof!
MR HAID IS GOING ON THE ROOF TONIGHT!
Hawk Walk 2013 is in the books and was fantastic. The weather was perfect and the kids had a lot of fun. Thank you to all our wonderful Knapp Forest families that made this event a smashing success! Between parents that volunteered, came to the event and supported your kiddos, our families SHOWED UP for Hawk Walk 2013!
The fundraising portion of the Hawk Walk succeeded at record levels. 80% of Knapp Forest families contributed to the Hawk Walk exceeding both participation and dollar amount goals! Way to go!
So thank you for making this year’s Hawk Walk the BEST EVER! Knapp Forest is truly a one of a kind school and we feel fortunate to have such involved parents!!
These are the class prize announcements:
- Most Donations Challenge (Pizza Party): Notaro
- Highest Participation Challenge with all these classes at 100% participation (Pizza Party): Elzinga, Greenlee, Martin, Meyer, Burns
- 6th Grade Pumphouse Challenge: Notaro
- 5th Grade T-Shirt Challenge: Conroy
So sad that the weather is iffy, Mr. Haid!! A promise is a promise! Hope you enjoy your night on the roof!!! NIGHT NIGHT!!!
Hawk Walk 2013 is in the books and was fantastic. The weather was perfect and the kids had a lot of fun. Thank you to all our wonderful Knapp Forest families that made this event a smashing success! Between parents that volunteered, came to the event and supported your kiddos, our families SHOWED UP for Hawk Walk 2013!
The fundraising portion of the Hawk Walk succeeded at record levels. 80% of Knapp Forest families contributed to the Hawk Walk exceeding both participation and dollar amount goals! Way to go!
So thank you for making this year’s Hawk Walk the BEST EVER! Knapp Forest is truly a one of a kind school and we feel fortunate to have such involved parents!!
These are the class prize announcements:
- Most Donations Challenge (Pizza Party): Notaro
- Highest Participation Challenge with all these classes at 100% participation (Pizza Party): Elzinga, Greenlee, Martin, Meyer, Burns
- 6th Grade Pumphouse Challenge: Notaro
- 5th Grade T-Shirt Challenge: Conroy
So sad that the weather is iffy, Mr. Haid!! A promise is a promise! Hope you enjoy your night on the roof!!! NIGHT NIGHT!!!
Children's book author, Deborah Diesen visits Knapp Forest!
Younger students of Knapp Forest welcomed children's book author, Deborah Diesen. Deborah Diesen is an American children’s book author. Her book The Pout-Pout Fish was chosen by Time magazine as a Top 10 Children’s Book of 2008. It was also selected for the Michigan Reads! literacy program. Diesen lives in Grand Ledge, Michigan.
Deborah was welcomed by students' art of Mr. Fish (one of Deborah's main characters), as well as applause, questions about writing & publishing books and attentiveness as she read her beautifully crafted stories.
Deborah was welcomed by students' art of Mr. Fish (one of Deborah's main characters), as well as applause, questions about writing & publishing books and attentiveness as she read her beautifully crafted stories.
Are you a Knapp Forest Newcomer? Read this!!
We have two new resources for the newcomers to our school.
If you are new to our school, contact Kristen Soet at [email protected] . Or if you are specifically a new Kindergarten family, contact Emily McAlpine at [email protected].
Both Kristen and Emily look forward to reaching out to our "newbies" to make you comfortable and answer any questions you may have at Knapp Forest! They will make sure to keep you informed of events at Knapp Forest and just "be there" as another way for you to connect with Knapp Forest!
If you are new to our school, contact Kristen Soet at [email protected] . Or if you are specifically a new Kindergarten family, contact Emily McAlpine at [email protected].
Both Kristen and Emily look forward to reaching out to our "newbies" to make you comfortable and answer any questions you may have at Knapp Forest! They will make sure to keep you informed of events at Knapp Forest and just "be there" as another way for you to connect with Knapp Forest!
FHPS at ArtPrize 2013!
Another successful FHPS ArtPrize entry FHPS had with 7,000 Leaves of Love. Our art teachers in combination with our FHPS community created “a tangible act of love” with an interactive art exhibit that was a “MUST SEE”! Thanks to our KF Art Teacher, Sharon Tabaczka and other FHPS staff, our students were able to participate in an international ART competition with art from around the world! ArtPrize has put Grand Rapids on the map as a "PLACE TO BE" for art!!
Knapp Forest Opening Night with the Griffins
Knapp Forest Opening night with the Griffins was a HUGE success. Knapp Forest Families showed up in groves with KF spirit wear shining through the stadium. It was an exciting nail biter finish that had people on their feet. Thanks for coming out for a night of family fun!! Thanks Rita Tomaszewski for coordinating this event for our families!! Look for more opportunities to spend time with other KF friends and families on our PTO listservs that come out weekly.
Knapp Forest 2013 - 2014 Angry Hawks Spirit Wear!
Spirit wear has been delivered to the classrooms. We still have a few left especially in Adult Large and Extra Large. They are $20. If you want to see if your size is available, contact Kristen at mailto:[email protected]
/uploads/1/1/6/9/11693948/knapp_forest_spirit_wear_order_form.docx
Spirit wear has been delivered to the classrooms. We still have a few left especially in Adult Large and Extra Large. They are $20. If you want to see if your size is available, contact Kristen at mailto:[email protected]
/uploads/1/1/6/9/11693948/knapp_forest_spirit_wear_order_form.docx
Acorn Award Update September 2013
If you read the article directly below, you can learn about the PTO Acorn Award given out last spring to our outstanding volunteer, Mr. Bob Meyer, Sr. As part of that award, Mr. Meyer was given a $500 scholarship to be used in improving our school. He chose to purchase the painting, entitled, "Spoken For" by local watercolor artist, Jan Upp. Several years ago, he was in the Fire and Water Art Gallery in Lowell when he spotted this watercolor painting. He instantly felt that nostalgic feeling of his youth and thought that this painting belonged in a school. So, as he searched for what he wanted to do for Knapp Forest, he was reminded of this painting. He inquired and was told that the artist had passed away. He was able to contact her family and find this painting. The Upp family was fond of the idea that this painting would end up in a school and offered the painting for the amount awarded to Mr. Meyer. Now, we get to enjoy the beauty of a water color by a talented local artist in our very own building. Make sure to come in and take a look! Knapp Forest is made up of amazing staff, families and volunteers. Thanks Mr. Meyer, Sr. for all the heart you put into selecting this painting to be enjoyed in our hallways at Knapp Forest!
The PTO Acorn Award
The PTO Acorn Award is rewarded each Spring to an AMAZING Knapp Forest Volunteer. Several years ago, the PTO took notice that we had volunteers that went above and beyond. We wanted to show them our appreciation. We created the Acorn Award. This year, the award goes to Mr. Bob Meyer, Sr. He is near and dear to the hearts of many of our kiddos here at Knapp Forest. He also happens to be the father of Mrs. Martin and Mr. Meyer who teach 5th grade and just happen to be twins. Mr. Meyer, Sr. spends countless hours investing in the lives of our 5th and 6th grade students. He is a great listener and shares his love of history and social studies with the kiddos. The kids are always spouting historical knowledge to their parents that they learn from Mr. Meyer Sr. His students showered him with cards, sixth grade created a poem in his honor and one student even wrote a song which several students performed "Live". Not only will Mr. Meyer, Sr. have his name on a plaque at school, he will be awarded a $500 scholarship to go to improving our school in any way he sees fit. We look forward to seeing what he comes up with as we know he will give it thoughtful consideration!! That's just the type of guy he is!! Thanks Mr. Meyer, Sr. You have truly made Knapp Forest a special place to be for our 5th and 6th grade students!!