This is what happened in the 2014 - 2015 School year
The Knapp Forest PTO Announces the 2014-2015 Acorn Award Winner
Every year the KF PTO Executive board selects a volunteer that goes over and beyond a typical volunteer. This person is being recognized as giving their time and energy to making Knapp Forest a better place for our children. This year's recipient is hard to surprise as she is involved in so many ways at our school. However, we did pull off the surprise to our very own, PTO executive board member, Carrie Everhart. The list is endless on how she has donated time and energy to so many different areas at Knapp Forest. Let me share some of the ways she has used her gifts and talents at Knapp Forest. She has served on our PTO Executive Board for three years as Treasurer and VP of Special Projects. She is one of the creative designers of our cool bulletin boards incorporating flashing lights and all kinds of special features. She has helped sew costumes for many of the KF musicals, she helped coordinate our very first KF Art night this year, she has spent countless hours helping her children's teachers in the classroom, and so much more!! She has the unique ability to be creative and detailed with numbers!! As this year's recipient, she has her name featured on a plaque in the KF Cafeteria and she will receive a $500 scholarship to go towards a project of her choice that will enrich Knapp Forest. Previous recipients have used this money for new picnic tables for our school, custom art for our front office, a gazebo for our garden and new bins for our kid's lunch boxes. We look forward to seeing how Carrie will splash Knapp Forest with her next creative idea!! Thanks so much Carrie!
Staff Appreciation Week May 4th - 8th.
It is that time again to celebrate our amazing staff at Knapp Forest. This week will be full of special treats for our staff. We could use your help to make this week a success. As in years past, a daily drawing will be held. Our plan is to give each staff member a special gift donated by our wonderful Knapp Forest Families! If you are interested, "grab an apple" off of "The Giving Tree" located outside the KF front office. These apples have specific gift ideas like car washes, salon gift certificates, store gift cards, etc. Purchase the suggested gift card and return it to the front office labelled "Staff Appreciation Drawing". Feel free also to just pick up a gift card or two of your choice to donate to the cause. We also will be ending this week by treating the staff to a homemade breakfast. If you would like to help with this event by bringing either food or supplies, click on the sign up genius here. http://www.signupgenius.com/go/20f0d4badab2caa8-staff1 If you would like to help out in other ways with this committee or have questions, feel free to contact one of our Staff Appreciation committee chairs, Christina Ford mailto:[email protected] or Kelly Ueland mailto:[email protected].
Ordering "Think Stretch" Summer Learning Books Now
Summer is a wonderful time for rest, recreation, and relaxation. However, time off from learning can take its toll quickly. The Knapp Forest PTO would like to support you in keeping learning going! It is time to order your "Think Stretch" summer learning books! See the attached flyer. This form due by May 15th in order to receive your books before Summer break!
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Cinco De Mayo
Cinco De Mayo is celebrated in style at Knapp Forest. Our very own Spanish teacher, Señora Neeley spends time with each grade level on special crafts and education to celebrate this fun Spanish holiday! Table tents are set up on lunch tables with fun facts about Cinco De Mayo. The day is extra memorable with churros served as an extra optional treat at lunch. Attached please find the ingredient label for the churros!
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Knapp Forest Art Night
Drop in on March 19th anytime between 5 - 8 pm for the Grand Opening of the Knapp Forest Art Gallery.
See all of the talented artists' works on display. Each KF student will have an art piece professionally matted and framed for sale at Art Night. The proceeds from the art sale will help fund Art Night.
During this event, help create an original KF masterpiece with our "hands on" Community Art Project.
See how art can be used to highlight important world wide issues with the Water Tank Project.
You won't want to miss this amazing new experience from Knapp Forest.
To volunteer for this fun event, please go to http://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0a4caeae2ea31-inaugural for a shift in our Knapp Forest Art Gallery.
See all of the talented artists' works on display. Each KF student will have an art piece professionally matted and framed for sale at Art Night. The proceeds from the art sale will help fund Art Night.
During this event, help create an original KF masterpiece with our "hands on" Community Art Project.
See how art can be used to highlight important world wide issues with the Water Tank Project.
You won't want to miss this amazing new experience from Knapp Forest.
To volunteer for this fun event, please go to http://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0a4caeae2ea31-inaugural for a shift in our Knapp Forest Art Gallery.
Spring Cultural Arts at Knapp Forest
* March 19th - 3rd grade welcomes the Mackinaw State Park as they expand our student's study of Michigan history!
* March 27th - 6th grade classes are going downtown for a back stage tour of DeVos Hall!
* April 29th - 1st and 2nd grade classes are going to the Civic Theatre's Performance of Alexander and The No Good Very Bad Day!
* Ugandan Children’s Choir performing at Knapp Forest on Tuesday, March 12th at 1 pm and again at 2 pm for all grades. Please join us!
* March 27th - 6th grade classes are going downtown for a back stage tour of DeVos Hall!
* April 29th - 1st and 2nd grade classes are going to the Civic Theatre's Performance of Alexander and The No Good Very Bad Day!
* Ugandan Children’s Choir performing at Knapp Forest on Tuesday, March 12th at 1 pm and again at 2 pm for all grades. Please join us!
Knapp Forest Volunteer Name Badges
You still have time to get your KF Volunteer Name Badge. Order forms are available in the office. They come with a Knapp Forest lanyard, and cost $5.00. The badges are available to order through March 20. Don’t miss your chance!
March is Reading Month
March is Reading Month! Our theme this year is “Imagine That...” and the focus is Fantasy~all things fantasy fiction. There will be lots of fun activities for students to participate in all month long, with encouragement of reading leading the way.
All through March there will be weekly activities, such as: “Golden Ticket Fridays”, “Mystery Readers”, fun theme days, and a book exchange where students bring a book to exchange for a new one they haven’t read. To kick off the month, Friday, March 6 will be “Dress like your favorite fantasy book character”.
*Coming home today, is a picture frame handout that your student can get creative and decorate with their favorite fantasy book-setting, characters, etc. Please return this picture frame to your teacher Monday morning. These pictures will adorn their teacher’s classroom door and a “best decorated door” will be chosen.
Please watch for detailed information in your email. Should you have any questions, please contact Becky Carpenter at [email protected] or Taimaa Saab at [email protected]
Thank you and happy reading!
All through March there will be weekly activities, such as: “Golden Ticket Fridays”, “Mystery Readers”, fun theme days, and a book exchange where students bring a book to exchange for a new one they haven’t read. To kick off the month, Friday, March 6 will be “Dress like your favorite fantasy book character”.
*Coming home today, is a picture frame handout that your student can get creative and decorate with their favorite fantasy book-setting, characters, etc. Please return this picture frame to your teacher Monday morning. These pictures will adorn their teacher’s classroom door and a “best decorated door” will be chosen.
Please watch for detailed information in your email. Should you have any questions, please contact Becky Carpenter at [email protected] or Taimaa Saab at [email protected]
Thank you and happy reading!
No Brainer Fundraiser Opportunities
Spartan Stores (D&W) are doing Cash for Class the weeks of: Jan 18-24, Feb 15-21 and March 15-21. A percentage of your purchases made using the YES card will be credited to our KF account at no additional cost to you! Just do your normal grocery shopping and use your YES card!
YES rewards members need to visit www.dwfm.spartanstores.com, and sign in to your YES Rewards account to link your card to Knapp Forest. This is an easy way to earn money for Knapp Forest. If you don’t already have a YES card, you can pick one up at D&W and sign up. Thanks in advance for linking up those YES cards!
YES rewards members need to visit www.dwfm.spartanstores.com, and sign in to your YES Rewards account to link your card to Knapp Forest. This is an easy way to earn money for Knapp Forest. If you don’t already have a YES card, you can pick one up at D&W and sign up. Thanks in advance for linking up those YES cards!
Knapp Forest Charitable Giving
Teddy Bear Collection: February 11 - February 25
Share some love this Valentine's Day with a child in need by donating a NEW stuffed bear to Hug-A-Bear of Kent County. Stuffed bears can be brought to school between February 11th-25th. Collection boxes will be located in the main hallway of the school.
Share some love this Valentine's Day with a child in need by donating a NEW stuffed bear to Hug-A-Bear of Kent County. Stuffed bears can be brought to school between February 11th-25th. Collection boxes will be located in the main hallway of the school.
Knapp Forest PTO introduces a new Fundraising App that makes money for KF and doesn't cost you a dime!
The PTO is introducing a new way to earn free money for Knapp Forest while you do your normal daily shopping.
Basically, you download the Benefit Mobile app onto your phone and purchase digital gift cards stored on your phone. There are no more plastic cards to keep track of. There is a large selection of gift card options including Amazon, American Airlines, Barnes & Noble, Starbuck's, Game Stop, The Gap, Target and Lowe's to name a few.
Visit www.benefit-mobile.com for a full listing of stores, and for directions to download the free app. You purchase digital gift cards quickly and easily with the app on your phone, even as you are in the checkout line! Once purchased, digital gift cards instantly deliver a barcode or card number for mobile redemption. Instead of a typical credit card where the entire purchase price goest to the retailer, the Benefit app pushes a percentage to Knapp Forest. KF can earn anywhere from 2-25% on the back end. Starting this new year, will you give this a try? Start by selecting one or two stores that you frequent often, like Starbucks or Target. You will see how easy it is to help our school financially and not spend a dime! Come to our next PTO General Meeting on Thursday, Januray 29th at 9 am to learn more. Bring your device and we can show you how easy it is!
Basically, you download the Benefit Mobile app onto your phone and purchase digital gift cards stored on your phone. There are no more plastic cards to keep track of. There is a large selection of gift card options including Amazon, American Airlines, Barnes & Noble, Starbuck's, Game Stop, The Gap, Target and Lowe's to name a few.
Visit www.benefit-mobile.com for a full listing of stores, and for directions to download the free app. You purchase digital gift cards quickly and easily with the app on your phone, even as you are in the checkout line! Once purchased, digital gift cards instantly deliver a barcode or card number for mobile redemption. Instead of a typical credit card where the entire purchase price goest to the retailer, the Benefit app pushes a percentage to Knapp Forest. KF can earn anywhere from 2-25% on the back end. Starting this new year, will you give this a try? Start by selecting one or two stores that you frequent often, like Starbucks or Target. You will see how easy it is to help our school financially and not spend a dime! Come to our next PTO General Meeting on Thursday, Januray 29th at 9 am to learn more. Bring your device and we can show you how easy it is!
Snow days have postponed our next PTO General Meeting Twice!!
Stay tuned for an updated date for out next PTO General Meeting in the KF Media Center (which is upstairs)! Our very own Matt Meyer and Tim Greenlee, fifth grade teachers will be sharing with us on what is happening at KF with our math program. It is bound to be energetic and fun with these two together on board! We will also be closing our meeting learning about our new Benefit Mobil app fundraising tool! One of our KF parents, Derik Lolli has created a mobile app for your phone that helps by donating free money to KF while you shop! Bring your mobile device and we can get you started! It is easy!
"Under The Sea Book Fair" arrives to KF soon!
Our second Book Fair of the year will be here before you know it! The Scholastic "Under the Sea" Book Fair is: January 30th - February 5th. Classes will be visiting Friday, January 30th and Monday, February 2nd. The book fair will be open during conferences on Monday and Thursday evening, and all lunch hours on Thursday. Fifty percent of all sales go to our fantastic Media Center to buy more and more BOOKS for our kiddos to check out from the library! So shop 'til you drop!!
Got Talent?….Sign up for the KF Talent Show
The final preparation for the Talent Show is the Dress Rehearsal. Your child must attend the Dress Rehearsal to participate in the Talent Show.
2nd-3rd graders: Wednesday March 4 from 3:45-5:00 pm in the gym.
4th, 5th and 6th graders: Thursday March 5th from 3:45-5:30pm in the gym.
This is a very large group of kiddos, so please read below for instructions for the Dress Rehearsal:
When you arrive at the dress rehearsal please check in with a volunteer to receive your number. The children will then sit on their corresponding number on the floor in front of the stage. We need to start right at 3:45 so please be on time.
Parents must come to the gym at 5:30 to pick up their child in person. Please be on time because we cannot be responsible for children after the Dress Rehearsal has ended.
Music must be sent to [email protected] by Friday February 21st or it will be assumed you do not need music. Please put “Talent Show Music” in the subject line. The music must be in MP4 format - Youtube videos will not work.
*If your child has decided not to participate in the Talent Show, please let us know by Friday, February 21st.
Thank you Parents for all of your support of the Talent Show! We know it will be amazing!!!
Talent Show is Friday, March 13th
Grades 2-3: 10:00 AM Grades 4-6: 1:30 PM.
2nd-3rd graders: Wednesday March 4 from 3:45-5:00 pm in the gym.
4th, 5th and 6th graders: Thursday March 5th from 3:45-5:30pm in the gym.
This is a very large group of kiddos, so please read below for instructions for the Dress Rehearsal:
When you arrive at the dress rehearsal please check in with a volunteer to receive your number. The children will then sit on their corresponding number on the floor in front of the stage. We need to start right at 3:45 so please be on time.
Parents must come to the gym at 5:30 to pick up their child in person. Please be on time because we cannot be responsible for children after the Dress Rehearsal has ended.
Music must be sent to [email protected] by Friday February 21st or it will be assumed you do not need music. Please put “Talent Show Music” in the subject line. The music must be in MP4 format - Youtube videos will not work.
*If your child has decided not to participate in the Talent Show, please let us know by Friday, February 21st.
Thank you Parents for all of your support of the Talent Show! We know it will be amazing!!!
Talent Show is Friday, March 13th
Grades 2-3: 10:00 AM Grades 4-6: 1:30 PM.
Knapp Forest Ski Club
If you ordered punch passes from Cannonsburg, the paper work has been turned in. You can pick up passes at the Cannonsburg ticket office. Tell them your name and school, they will issue the punch pass to you. The passes are good to use any time during the 2014-2015 season only. Please do not lose them because they will not be able to reissue you another punch pass.
*You don't have to sign up or pay additional money to join the actual Ski Club. We have picked some days to meet and ski and snowboard together. This is simply a chance for everyone to go out and enjoy being together.
*If you didn't buy a punch pass, you can still join your friends on the Ski Club dates. Cannonsburg sells passes there as well. You can also rent ski and snowboard equipment. We receive discounts on rental gear and lessons.
Please email: [email protected] for more detailed information about the discounted rentals and lessons.
*Food/snacks/drinks are not provided. There is a snack bar and ski shop where you can buy food and get gear for skiing and snowboarding. Many families like to bring snacks or drinks from home as well.
*On our Ski Club dates, there will be some tables in the ski lodge that will have Knapp Forest signs on them. When you aren't out making turns on the ski hill you can come in and get warm and visit with friends.
* Ski Club is not a drop off program. Transportation is not provided through the school. You are responsible for getting your kiddos to and from Cannonsburg.
Mark your calendars! Our Knapp Forest Ski Club dates are:
If you have any questions, please email: [email protected]
*You don't have to sign up or pay additional money to join the actual Ski Club. We have picked some days to meet and ski and snowboard together. This is simply a chance for everyone to go out and enjoy being together.
*If you didn't buy a punch pass, you can still join your friends on the Ski Club dates. Cannonsburg sells passes there as well. You can also rent ski and snowboard equipment. We receive discounts on rental gear and lessons.
Please email: [email protected] for more detailed information about the discounted rentals and lessons.
*Food/snacks/drinks are not provided. There is a snack bar and ski shop where you can buy food and get gear for skiing and snowboarding. Many families like to bring snacks or drinks from home as well.
*On our Ski Club dates, there will be some tables in the ski lodge that will have Knapp Forest signs on them. When you aren't out making turns on the ski hill you can come in and get warm and visit with friends.
* Ski Club is not a drop off program. Transportation is not provided through the school. You are responsible for getting your kiddos to and from Cannonsburg.
- There will not be a Ski Club supervisor assigned to watch and take care of your kiddo(s).
Mark your calendars! Our Knapp Forest Ski Club dates are:
- January 9
- January 16
- January 30
- February 6
If you have any questions, please email: [email protected]
JUNIOR GREAT BOOKS
Blue sign-up flyers for Junior Great Books were sent home last week in the backpacks. They are due back to the office tomorrow, Friday, December 12. Please keep in mind that we will be unable to accept any late requests, as we need to organize the small groups before the Holiday break, so we can get started when we return. Thanks for your understanding!
Junior Great Books is a children's voluntary "book club”, and is great fun! Over a six week period, these kiddos meet during their lunch and recess to discuss stories and discussion questions they have reviewed at home. The program is available for children in grades 1-6, and each small group is comprised of between 8 to 10 children.
Blue sign-up flyers for Junior Great Books were sent home last week in the backpacks. They are due back to the office tomorrow, Friday, December 12. Please keep in mind that we will be unable to accept any late requests, as we need to organize the small groups before the Holiday break, so we can get started when we return. Thanks for your understanding!
Junior Great Books is a children's voluntary "book club”, and is great fun! Over a six week period, these kiddos meet during their lunch and recess to discuss stories and discussion questions they have reviewed at home. The program is available for children in grades 1-6, and each small group is comprised of between 8 to 10 children.
CULTURAL ARTS EVENTS
Our kiddos continue to get the opportunity for great fun, learning, and exposure to the cultural arts through our Cultural Arts committee! Some upcoming events are:
*On Monday, December 15th the 5th Grade headed downtown to watch the student performance of the brand new Nutcracker. What a great way for them to experience a ballet and enjoy the Holiday season at the same time!
*On Friday, December 19th we welcomed back the very talented, fun and awesome, Tony Reynolds and his Band, for a holiday music concert. This concert was for the whole school, and was a great way for us to “kick off” the holiday break! We are all looking forward to having Tony back to Knapp Forest!!!!!
*When we return in January, our Kindergarten classes wi headed to The Little Red Riding Hood Lollipop Concert, put on by the Grand Rapids Symphony.
Our kiddos continue to get the opportunity for great fun, learning, and exposure to the cultural arts through our Cultural Arts committee! Some upcoming events are:
*On Monday, December 15th the 5th Grade headed downtown to watch the student performance of the brand new Nutcracker. What a great way for them to experience a ballet and enjoy the Holiday season at the same time!
*On Friday, December 19th we welcomed back the very talented, fun and awesome, Tony Reynolds and his Band, for a holiday music concert. This concert was for the whole school, and was a great way for us to “kick off” the holiday break! We are all looking forward to having Tony back to Knapp Forest!!!!!
*When we return in January, our Kindergarten classes wi headed to The Little Red Riding Hood Lollipop Concert, put on by the Grand Rapids Symphony.
The PTO Cultural Arts Committee brings in local performers to "Wow" our KF Students!
Mr. David Hall from the Grand Rapids Symphony performed at Knapp Forest on Thursday, November 20th sharing his Marimbamania for the entire school. This multi-cultural musical performance included world music education with special attention to marimbas (African Xylophones). The kids were enthralled! Watch out! They may be asking for these special instruments for their next gift!
It was another Knapp Forest Hawk Walk Success!
Once again, thanks to our KF Families, our 2014 Hawk Walk was a huge success! Thanks for your generosity, and for your donations toward prizes and teacher gift cards. We exceeded our goals with student participation at 86%,which is a new record!!!, As a result or reaching our goals, Mr. Haid had to give in to the student demands and sing the National Anthem for all students and race one lucky student on a rugged course riding … Green Machines. Yes, you heard it right. Mr. Haid and a student raced on Green Machines. All the kids and staff joined us at the track on Friday, October 24th and cheered lucky student winner, Parker, from Mrs. Johnson's class in a green machine race against Mr. Haid. The course had twists and turns and squealing from students and green machine tires!! Both competitors had crews on hand mid way through the race to check tires and offer encouragement! But…in the end the winner was…..Parker!! Mr. Haid, you need to practice your green machine skills. Even that fancy racing uniform did not get you the big WIN!!! Matter of fact, we are not sure that was even you singing the National Anthem as promised. We would like to hear it again, and have a few student representatives confirming that it was indeed you behind the microphone!!
The PTO wants to especially thank our Hawk Walk Chairs, Rick Armbruster and Cheryl Denenberg. Their dedication to our school and their creative ideas helped make this year's fundraiser truly come together in a BIG way.
Check out the pictures from this fun and exciting event!!!
The PTO wants to especially thank our Hawk Walk Chairs, Rick Armbruster and Cheryl Denenberg. Their dedication to our school and their creative ideas helped make this year's fundraiser truly come together in a BIG way.
Check out the pictures from this fun and exciting event!!!
Mark your calendars for the next PTO General Meeting
All our invited to join us for our first PTO General Meeting of the year on Friday, November 7th at 8:45 for coffee with a speaker to follow at 9 am. One of our favorite speakers, Michelle Becker, from our very own FHPS staff returns to share... Reading Strategies to help your children LOVE to read!! You won't want to miss this!! Michelle provides a wealth of well researched information that is beneficial for all KF kids and their families! Please join us upstairs in the Media Center!!
Help our Sister School November 5th - November 18th
6th Annual Food & Supply Drive for Lincoln School
Help our Sister School by donating any of the requested items during our Food & Supply Drive! Items can be brought to school between November 5th and 18th. Collection boxes will be located in the main hallway of school.
Non-perishable food items for Thanksgiving baskets
Wet wipes
Laundry detergent (powder)
Size 6 diapers
Applesauce and pudding cups for dispensing medication
Dixie Cups (small)
Questions? Please contact Colleen Endres (446-1629) or Michelle Verbrugge (430-8772)
Help our Sister School by donating any of the requested items during our Food & Supply Drive! Items can be brought to school between November 5th and 18th. Collection boxes will be located in the main hallway of school.
Non-perishable food items for Thanksgiving baskets
Wet wipes
Laundry detergent (powder)
Size 6 diapers
Applesauce and pudding cups for dispensing medication
Dixie Cups (small)
Questions? Please contact Colleen Endres (446-1629) or Michelle Verbrugge (430-8772)
Book Fair Arrives to Knapp Forest in November!
Book Fair will take place on November 7th, 10th and 13th. Come support Knapp Forest and see what Sir Read-A-Lot has to offer at this year's Scholastic Book Fair!
2013/2014 Knapp Forest PTO Acorn Award Winner
Each year the PTO awards a super volunteer at Knapp Forest with the Acorn Award. Last year the award went to Becky Ogg, who goes above and beyond for our kiddos. She has been volunteering in Ms. Luehr's 3rd grade class for the past 5 years. Her dedication and love for the children at Knapp Forest is a true sight to be seen. She helps them with math and other special projects, just to name a few.
Thank you Mrs. Ogg for all you do! Mrs. Ogg receives her name on a special plaque at Knapp Forest, and a $500.00 grant to use toward making Knapp Forest a better place for our kids. Mrs. Ogg used her grant to purchase two picnic tables for the KF playground. The kids have been enjoying having a new spot to enjoy eating lunch and hanging out with friends!
Thank you Mrs. Ogg for all you do! Mrs. Ogg receives her name on a special plaque at Knapp Forest, and a $500.00 grant to use toward making Knapp Forest a better place for our kids. Mrs. Ogg used her grant to purchase two picnic tables for the KF playground. The kids have been enjoying having a new spot to enjoy eating lunch and hanging out with friends!
Some Knapp Forest 2014 KF Hoodies Sizes Still Available!
2014 spirit wear sales went well! Our last order has been placed for the year. We do have a few leftover sizes available. We have size Youth Small and Adult Medium and Adult Larges . Print and fill out the order form below and make checks payable to the KF PTO for $25.
/uploads/1/1/6/9/11693948/knapp_forest_spirit_wear_order_form.docx
2014 spirit wear sales went well! Our last order has been placed for the year. We do have a few leftover sizes available. We have size Youth Small and Adult Medium and Adult Larges . Print and fill out the order form below and make checks payable to the KF PTO for $25.
/uploads/1/1/6/9/11693948/knapp_forest_spirit_wear_order_form.docx
KF Umbrellas are on sale now. 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 open house for $15. Make checks payable to the KF PTO. You can also print an order form below and send it in with your child to the KF front office. Umbrellas will be sent home with your child in their backpacks.
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Think Stretch Summer Awards have been distributed
We had over 90 Gold Medal winners!! Way to go KF students! Way to keep your brains working over the summer!