(616)784-2511
Transparency Report
Save the Date - June 5
Mark your calendars! On June 5, our Parent Group is organizing a fun-filled Field Day for our Middle School students.
Other Parent Group Fundraisers -more info coming soon!
Donut Sale April 25th
Pickle Sale May 19-22
Coin Wars May 21 - June 5th
Donut Sale June 6th
We’d love your support - there will be plenty of opportunities to volunteer and get involved! Stay tuned for more details coming soon.
Board Game Club is back at KHMS!
We would love for your student to join us. Wednesdays 3:00-4:00 in the LGI. Students must have a ride home. See Mrs. Weeks with any questions.
Northwest Tennis Academy - June 16 - 20
Join us at KHHS Tennis courts Monday, June 16 through Friday, June 20 for Tennis Academy. Specialized instructors. Cost includes a t-shirt and prizes - $30 per person. Deadline to register is May 29. For questions, call Bill at 214-1476.
9:30 am - 11:30 am: Pee Wee (PW), Beginners (B), and Intermediates (I)
12 pm - 2 pm: Advanced 1 (AD1) and Advanced 2 (ADV2)
Camp Good Grief - Wednesday, June 11 from 8 am-4 pm
Camp Good Grief is a free program designed for children ages 8-17 who have experienced the death of a loved one. Camp is held at Camp Newaygo and offers a vairety of camp activities and acres of groomed fields and natural woods for play. This experience combines art, music, and conversation with grief education and emotional support. All activities are facilitated by caring and qualified Hospice of Michigan grief professionals, music therapists, and volunteers. Breakfast, lunch, and snacks are included. Register by May 23, 2025. To register or get more info, visit https://www.hom.org/camp-good-grief/
We are opening our snack bar April 21!
We are excited to bring back these options! What you need to know:
Nurse Update
My name is Rachel Johnston, and I’m so happy to be serving as the middle school nurse at Kenowa Hills through the end of the school year. I’m truly looking forward to supporting our students, faculty, and staff in any way I can. As a mom of three energetic boys, I completely understand how busy and sometimes overwhelming this time of year can be. With so much going on, it’s easy to overlook the basics—like getting enough rest! That’s why I want to gently encourage all students and families to prioritize quality sleep. It can make a world of difference in how we feel, focus, and function each day.
Honor Roll
A huge shoutout to our amazing students who earned a spot on the Honor Roll and Honorable Mentions for the second trimester! Your dedication, perseverance, and hard work have truly paid off, and we couldn’t be prouder of you. Keep striving for excellence—your efforts do not go unnoticed!
MSU GATE (Gifted & Talented Education summer programs)
We invite families to explore the summer programs offered through MSU's Gifted & Talented Education programs! These enriching programs provide gifted students with the opportunity to dive into Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, & Mathematics through challenging, creative, and hands-on activities. For grades 4-10. Learn more at www.gifted.msu.edu or email gifted@msu.edu.
Washington DC Trip
Attention all current 5th and 6th grade students! There are approximately 10 open spots for the 2026 Washington DC trip before a waitlist is started. Please make sure you get registered if you want to experience this amazing opportunity. You MUST complete the information requested at sign up and pay the deposit or your seat is not confirmed. We are not able to hold seats if these two things are not completed. If anything is missing, you will receive a message from the committee. Please visit our website for details regarding the trip and feel free to email the committee at kh.dc.trip@gmail.com if you have any questions.
School Store
KHMS School store is officially open during select lunch periods. The school store will be open on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays during A Lunch. On Tuesdays the store is open during B and C lunch. Please come see us for school supplies, gum, and snacks!
MS Athletic Update
FinalForms: A current sports physical, dated after April 15, 2024, must be loaded on the FinalForms site to be cleared to participate by the first day of tryouts/practices. Participation fees of $70.00 can be paid online with FinalForms, eFunds, cash or check sent to the athletic offices before the start of each sports season. If you have not done so previously, please register at FinalForms and follow the prompts to create your account, create your students, and sign all your forms before the start of the participating sport. Get Started with the Parent Playbook.
Attendance
At KHMS if a student arrives to class within the first 10 minutes they will be marked TU (tardy unexcused). If they arrive after 10 minutes they will be marked unexcused for that hour. Please call the absence line 616-785-3225 or email, msattendance@khps.org for any attendance updates. Please call ahead if your student/s needs to leave early. We need to limit interruptions in the classroom. Please call in the morning and leave a message if needed, so a pass can be written. Students may not leave class without permission from the office.
Each month, students at Zinser focus on a character trait and spend time learning about it with their class. The focus in April was COMPASSION.
Penny War
Wednesday April 16 - Wednesday April 30, Zinser is holding a Penny War to raise money for local Walker charities in honor of Compassion month of April. Participation is by grade level. The winning grade recieves an extra recess and a special treak! Earn points by contributing pennies and sabatoge the other grades by contributing silver coins in their containers.
Family Council News
The next meeting will be on April 22. We will talk about Field Day, Special Person Day, and Teacher Appreciation. Anyone can join and we would love to have you!
6th Grade Camp - Oct. 7-9, 2025
In the fall, 6th grade camp is scheduled for October 7--9, 2025. Camp chaperone opportunities are filling up. If you would like to chaperone, please reach out to Erin Plants at eplants@khps.org. This is an amazing experience for our students and many parents appreciate the opportunity to volunteer and attend camp with their child. The three-day total cost for all lodging, food, and activities is $170 per student and $114 per chaperone. The online payment option is up and running if you are interested in making payments for your 6th grader. You can make payments over time if necessary, the final deadline for payment is September 26, 2025. You can make payments at efunds, under, "Student Fees/Optional Fees."
A camp coordinator will be available at the incoming 6th grade parent nights in May to provide more details and answer questions about this experience.
Vine Arts Summer Camp
From Open Parent Time, Family Activity, Workshops, and Summer Camp - there is something for everyone. Learn more and register here.
Dance Summer Camp - June 23-26
Summer 2025 Dance Camp is here and we can't wait to see you! Come dance with us this summer at the Studio by Benji. Dancers will have the opportunity to learn key skills from various different syles of dance, work on developing technique, and participate in strengthening exercises. June 23-26 for ages 9-12 and 13+, and August 4-7 for ages 5-8. $115 per camper. Learn more and register online.
Special Someone Dance - Saturday May 3, from 6 pm-8 pm @ Central
Join us for a magical Knight. Crafts, photo booth, snacks, & of course dancing. 4 years old - 6th grade welcome, $30 for one adult and child, $10 per additional child. Cash or checks to Kenowa Hills Dance. Return the form to your child's school by Friday, May 2nd. To obtain the form or for questions, email khdtfundraising@gmail.com.
Parking Lot Notes: MAP
➔ Please consider utilizing our bus transportation option to avoid the busy parent pick-up lot
➔ Always look to pull up in line and when possible to help with the flow of traffic.
◆ Tell your child(ren) to look for the correct car and be ready. If your child is late to the class sign and you’ve pulled past it, you can circle around the lot and keep your car moving.
➔ Thank you for those turning right only! We know it’s an inconvenience, but we believe it will help speed up the line and be safer in the long run ( We have a couple accidents a year with vehicles turning left)
➔ Drop off starts at 8:30; children may exit vehicles a few minutes early to get traffic flowing, and must wait by their grade sign until the 8:30 bell.
➔ We do have two lanes in the parking lot. Please only use the right lane for drop off and pick up, the inside lane is a pass by lane only! Please pass by with caution.
DROP OFF EXPECTATIONS:
DISMISSAL EXPECTATIONS:
The school day ends at 3:37
Attendance/Drop Off - Pick Up
Our start time is 8:35 am! We need your help getting students here on time! Any students arriving after 8:40 will be marked tardy. Any students arriving after 9:05 am without an excused call/absence will be marked unexcused for the morning session. Please call our attendance line at 616-453-2461 opt.1 or email ziattendance@khps.org to communicate your student’s absence, early leave time, or late arrival. STRIVE FOR FIVE!!!
Students of the Week
Freshman:
Braiden Harmsen & Ryhanna West
Sophomores:
Grayson Fellows & Ava DeArmond
Juniors:
Cohen Byrne
Seniors:
Zach Lake & Amy Rosales-Gonzalez
Junior/Senior Prom 2025 - April 25, 2025
Important Notes:
Student Services Financial Connection:
FAFSA: The FAFSA competition continues with some amazing updates! Nearly 65% of eligible students have completed their FAFSA, that is over 100 students! Mr. Bierema’s group is the first to reach 100% completion! Learn how to read your award letter here!
Upcoming Events:
April 17: SAT Testing
May 2: College Decision Day
May 9-13: KCTC response letters
May 20-21: KCTC Acceptance Days
May 28: Graduation
June 11: Last day of School
Scheduling: Time to start thinking about next year— scheduling kicks off this May! Some brand new courses will be offered this fall!
Summer School: My School at Kent will be providing our summer school courses this year for students who are in credit recovery or are on an accelerated plan. This link has the information to get you started!
Health: Health class will be offered this summer for incoming 9th-12th graders. Information about enrollment will be available soon!
More: Please check out our website for general student services information, including academics, scholarships, and so much more!
Kenowa Athletics
Kenowa Athletics has partnered with GO FAN for purchasing tickets for our sporting events online. Use the link below to purchase tickets for any home sporting event and away events at schools that also use GO FAN. Link to Kenowa GO FAN page or use this web address: https://gofan.co/app/school/MI10157
You can view the Kenowa Hills Athletic Schedules at kenowahillsathletics.com. Ticket prices are $5 for adults and students for all home events.
Student Services on the Web: Please check out our website for general student services information including academics, scholarships, and so much more! https://khps.org/student-services
Parking/Drop Off
Just a reminder that student drop-off and pick-up is on the north side of the parking lot. Parking lots are labeled. Please do not drop off or pick up in the bus loop.
Athletics - High Sports are back!!
You can view the KH Fall Athletic Schedules at kenowahillsathletics.com. All tickets are $5.00 each, students (age 5 and above) and adult. We offer online tickets through GoFan and will also have cash sales available. ONLY KH students get into home athletic events for free if wearing Kenowa Hills swag and/or theme night with a valid student ID! PreK-8th grade students must be accompanied by an adult. You are responsible for supervising your own children.
Attendance
The county-wide Strive for 5 is still our goal for every student. Students with excessive chargeable absences will not be allowed to attend dances and/or other extracurricular activities. Please refer to the Student handbook for more information as to which kind of absences count against them. Students over 5 minutes late to class other than their first hour are considered absent. The rest of our attendance policy can be found in our student handbook.
If your student is going to be absent, late, or needs to leave early, please call the attendance line at 616-784-2400 Ext. 2 or you can email at hsattendance@khps.org. Please call ahead if your student needs to leave early. It is important to have limited interruptions into the classroom. Please call in the morning and leave a message if needed, so a pass can be written. Students
may not leave class without permission from the office.
Food Service Changes
We are excited to share that KHPS will be participating in the MI School Meals Program and will be offering breakfast and lunch to all students at NO COST starting this fall. Although meals are free, we encourage all families to complete the Education Benefit Form found here. You may be entitled to additional benefits.
Save the Date - June 5
Mark your calendars! On June 5, our Parent Group is organizing a fun-filled Field Day for our Middle School students.
Other Parent Group Fundraisers -more info coming soon!
Donut Sale April 25th
Pickle Sale May 19-22
Coin Wars May 21 - June 5th
Donut Sale June 6th
We’d love your support - there will be plenty of opportunities to volunteer and get involved! Stay tuned for more details coming soon.
Jelly Bean Trail - Orchard Hill Church - Saturday, April 19
Join on on Saturday, April 19 from 10 am - 2 pm. Reserve your spot at tinyurl.com/jellybeantrail25
Northwest Tennis Academy - June 16 - 20
Join us at KHHS Tennis courts Monday, June 16 through Friday, June 20 for Tennis Academy. Specialized instructors. Cost includes a t-shirt and prizes - $30 per person. Deadline to register is May 29. For questions, call Bill at 214-1476.
9:30 am - 11:30 am: Pee Wee (PW), Beginners (B), and Intermediates (I)
12 pm - 2 pm: Advanced 1 (AD1) and Advanced 2 (ADV2)
We are opening our snack bar April 21!
We are excited to bring back these options! What you need to know:
Supporting Our Staff & Students
This year, we established a Parent Activities Account, which helps fund various initiatives, including providing meals for our staff during conference week. Your generosity in supporting this effort is greatly appreciated—thank you!
April Testing
As we approach April, our Spring Testing Month, please take a moment to check in with your student about their Chromebook to ensure they are prepared.
Thank you for your support in helping students be prepared for testing!
Honor Roll
A huge shoutout to our amazing students who earned a spot on the Honor Roll and Honorable Mentions for the second trimester! Your dedication, perseverance, and hard
work have truly paid off, and we couldn’t be prouder of you. Keep striving for excellence—your efforts do not go unnoticed!
Hearing & Vision Screening by Appointment
Please call 616-632-7047 for an appointment. Fuller Clinic - Annex Building, 700 Fuller Avenue NE, Grand Rapids MI 49503. Screenings will take place in the Annex building located behind the main Health Department building. Kindergarten entrants will need documentation of Hearing & Vision screening.
MSU GATE (Gifted & Talented Education summer programs)
We invite families to explore the summer programs offered through MSU's Gifted & Talented Education programs! These enriching programs provide gifted students with the opportunity to dive into Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, & Mathematics through challenging, creative, and hands-on activities. For grades 4-10. Learn more at www.gifted.msu.edu or email gifted@msu.edu.
Washington DC Trip
Attention all current 5th and 6th grade students! There are approximately 10 open spots for the 2026 Washington DC trip before a waitlist is started. Please make sure you get registered if you want to experience this amazing opportunity. You MUST complete the information requested at sign up and pay the deposit or your seat is not confirmed. We are not able to hold seats if these two things are not completed. If anything is missing, you will receive a message from the committee. Please visit our website for details regarding the trip and feel free to email the committee at kh.dc.trip@gmail.com if you have any questions.
In order to celebrate March is Reading Month, Student Council is sponsoring two activities:
School Store
KHMS School store is officially open during select lunch periods. The school store will be open on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays during A Lunch. On Tuesdays the store is open during B and C lunch. Please come see us for school supplies, gum, and snacks!
MS Athletic Update
FinalForms: A current sports physical, dated after April 15, 2024, must be loaded on the FinalForms site to be cleared to participate by the first day of tryouts/practices. Participation fees of $70.00 can be paid online with FinalForms, eFunds, cash or check sent to the athletic offices before the start of each sports season. If you have not done so previously, please register at FinalForms and follow the prompts to create your account, create your students, and sign all your forms before the start of the participating sport. Get Started with the Parent Playbook.
Attendance
At KHMS if a student arrives to class within the first 10 minutes they will be marked TU (tardy unexcused). If they arrive after 10 minutes they will be marked unexcused for that hour. Please call the absence line 616-785-3225 or email, msattendance@khps.org for any attendance updates. Please call ahead if your student/s needs to leave early. We need to limit interruptions in the classroom. Please call in the morning and leave a message if needed, so a pass can be written. Students may not leave class without permission from the office.
Same Day Visits with Nurse Michelle - affordable & super convenient!Adventure Team - Bike & Life SkillsFamily STEAM Event & Open House - Western Michigan University (Grand Rapids)
El Aztecas Fundraiser - Zinser Elementary
Medication Form
ALL students must have this form completed by a doctor and guardian if they are taking medication at school.
Central Nurse
Michelle Sikkema, BSN, RN
Central Elementary - Kenowa Hills Public Schools
616.453.6351 ext. 6342
msikkema@khps.org
Important Dates
May 26 - Memorial Day: No school
May 28 - Commencement for Class of 2025
June 6 - Central Field Day
June 11 - Last Day of School: Half Day
Volunteers
If you would like to volunteer or visit the school during school hours (this includes reading with students, helping teachers, attending a classroom party, watching a class play production and so forth), you must complete a background check for the new school year.
Background checks must be completed in person at any KH front office. Please bring a state-issued photo ID.
Drop-off & Pick-up Reminders
We show Respect, We all stay Safe, Central SHINES! Earliest drop-off time is 8:30 am and school begins at 8:35 am. School ends at 3:37 pm. Please see the attached flyer for our Procedures Map and more information.
Students of the Week
Freshman:
Emmanuel Kagande and Abby Beauvais
Sophomores:
Rhyan Bowers and Marney El erbrock
Juniors:
Brycen Arnold and McKenzie Price
Seniors:
Owen Lane and Olivia Morse
Junior/Senior Prom 2025 - April 25, 2025
Important Notes:
Student Services Financial Connection:
FAFSA: The 2025-2026 FAFSA is now open! It only takes around 30 minutes to complete! File your FAFSA HERE! In order to digitally sign the FAFSA, students and parents/guardians will need a FSA ID. You can create one HERE! NOTE: The FAFSA will use 2023 tax return information! MI Student Aid is offering virtual financial aid presentations available HERE!
More: Please check out our website for general student services information including academics, scholarships, and so much more!
Kenowa Athletics
Kenowa Athletics has partnered with GO FAN for purchasing tickets for our sporting events online. Use the link below to purchase tickets for any home sporting event and away events at schools that also use GO FAN. Link to Kenowa GO FAN page or use this web address: https://gofan.co/app/school/MI10157
You can view the Kenowa Hills Athletic Schedules at kenowahillsathletics.com. Ticket prices are $5 for adults and students for all home events.
Student Services on the Web: Please check out our website for general student services information including academics, scholarships, and so much more! https://khps.org/student-services
Parking/Drop Off
Just a reminder that student drop-off and pick-up is on the north side of the parking lot. Parking lots are labeled. Please do not drop off or pick up in the bus loop.
Athletics - High Sports are back!!
You can view the KH Fall Athletic Schedules at kenowahillsathletics.com. All tickets are $5.00 each, students (age 5 and above) and adult. We offer online tickets through GoFan and will also have cash sales available. ONLY KH students get into home athletic events for free if wearing Kenowa Hills swag and/or theme night with a valid student ID! PreK-8th grade students must be accompanied by an adult. You are responsible for supervising your own children.
Attendance
The county-wide Strive for 5 is still our goal for every student. Students with excessive chargeable absences will not be allowed to attend dances and/or other extracurricular activities. Please refer to the Student handbook for more information as to which kind of absences count against them. Students over 5 minutes late to class other than their first hour are considered absent. The rest of our attendance policy can be found in our student handbook.
If your student is going to be absent, late, or needs to leave early, please call the attendance line at 616-784-2400 Ext. 2 or you can email at hsattendance@khps.org. Please call ahead if your student needs to leave early. It is important to have limited interruptions into the classroom. Please call in the morning and leave a message if needed, so a pass can be written. Students
may not leave class without permission from the office.
Food Service Changes
We are excited to share that KHPS will be participating in the MI School Meals Program and will be offering breakfast and lunch to all students at NO COST starting this fall. Although meals are free, we encourage all families to complete the Education Benefit Form found here. You may be entitled to additional benefits.
Medication Form
ALL students must have this form completed by a doctor and guardian if they are taking medication at school.
Central Nurse
Michelle Sikkema, BSN, RN
Central Elementary - Kenowa Hills Public Schools
616.453.6351 ext. 6342
msikkema@khps.org
Important Dates
March 27-29 - KHHS Musical: Footloose
April 4-11 - Spring Break: No school
May 26 - Memorial Day: No school
May 28 - Commencement for Class of 2025
June 6 - Central Field Day
June 11 - Last Day of School: Half Day
Volunteers
If you would like to volunteer or visit the school during school hours (this includes reading with students, helping teachers, attending a classroom party, watching a class play production and so forth), you must complete a background check for the new school year.
Background checks must be completed in person at any KH front office. Please bring a state-issued photo ID.
Drop-off & Pick-up Reminders
We show Respect, We all stay Safe, Central SHINES! Earliest drop-off time is 8:30 am and school begins at 8:35 am. School ends at 3:37 pm. Please see the attached flyer for our Procedures Map and more information.
Save the Date - June 5
Mark your calendars! On June 5, our Parent Group is organizing a fun-filled Field Day for our Middle School students.
Other Parent Group Fundraisers -more info coming soon!
Donut Sale April 25th
Pickle Sale May 19-22
Coin Wars May 21 - June 5th
Donut Sale June 6th
We’d love your support - there will be plenty of opportunities to volunteer and get involved! Stay tuned for more details coming soon.
Supporting Our Staff & Students
This year, we established a Parent Activities Account, which helps fund various initiatives, including providing meals for our staff during conference week. Your generosity in supporting this effort is greatly appreciated—thank you!
April Testing
As we approach April, our Spring Testing Month, please take a moment to check in with your student about their Chromebook to ensure they are prepared.
Thank you for your support in helping students be prepared for testing!
Thank You!
Thank you to our Environmental Studies Classes for getting outside this week to enjoy the beautful weather and to pick up trash around the school.
Hearing & Vision Screening by Appointment
Please call 616-632-7047 for an appointment. Fuller Clinic - Annex Building, 700 Fuller Avenue NE, Grand Rapids MI 49503. Screenings will take place in the Annex building located behind the main Health Department building. Kindergarten entrants will need documentation of Hearing & Vision screening.
MSU GATE (Gifted & Talented Education summer programs)
We invite families to explore the summer programs offered through MSU's Gifted & Talented Education programs! These enriching programs provide gifted students with the opportunity to dive into Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, & Mathematics through challenging, creative, and hands-on activities. For grades 4-10. Learn more at www.gifted.msu.edu or email gifted@msu.edu.
Washington DC Trip
Attention all current 5th and 6th grade students! There are approximately 10 open spots for the 2026 Washington DC trip before a waitlist is started. Please make sure you get registered if you want to experience this amazing opportunity. You MUST complete the information requested at sign up and pay the deposit or your seat is not confirmed. We are not able to hold seats if these two things are not completed. If anything is missing, you will receive a message from the committee. Please visit our website for details regarding the trip and feel free to email the committee at kh.dc.trip@gmail.com if you have any questions.
In order to celebrate March is Reading Month, Student Council is sponsoring two activities:
School Store
KHMS School store is officially open during select lunch periods. The school store will be open on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays during A Lunch. On Tuesdays the store is open during B and C lunch. Please come see us for school supplies, gum, and snacks!
MS Athletic Update
FinalForms: A current sports physical, dated after April 15, 2024, must be loaded on the FinalForms site to be cleared to participate by the first day of tryouts/practices. Participation fees of $70.00 can be paid online with FinalForms, eFunds, cash or check sent to the athletic offices before the start of each sports season. If you have not done so previously, please register at FinalForms and follow the prompts to create your account, create your students, and sign all your forms before the start of the participating sport. Get Started with the Parent Playbook.
Attendance
At KHMS if a student arrives to class within the first 10 minutes they will be marked TU (tardy unexcused). If they arrive after 10 minutes they will be marked unexcused for that hour. Please call the absence line 616-785-3225 or email, msattendance@khps.org for any attendance updates. Please call ahead if your student/s needs to leave early. We need to limit interruptions in the classroom. Please call in the morning and leave a message if needed, so a pass can be written. Students may not leave class without permission from the office.
Each month, students at Zinser focus on a character trait and spend time learning about it with their class. The focus in March was ENCOURAGEMENT.
As we grow up, we are constantly finding ourselves in NEW situations which can make us nervous or anxious. In these times, it's important to hear from people who BELIEVE IN US!! The encouraging words and actions from loved ones can make ALL the difference in helping us remember to believe in our abilities! Parents can encourage their children by creating a supportive and loving environment, focusing on effort and strengths, setting realistic goals, and fostering a positive communication style, all while being a positive role model.
Family Council News
The next meeting will be on April 22. We will talk about Field Day, Special Person Day and Teacher Appreciation. Anyone can join and we would love to have you!
The Roller Skating Party has been re-scheduled! Mark your calendars for May 7th!
Washington DC Trip
Attention all current 5th and 6th grade students! There are approximately 10 open spots for the 2026 Washington DC trip before a waitlist is started. Please make sure you get registered if you want to experience this amazing opportunity. You MUST complete the information requested at sign up and pay the deposit or your seat is not confirmed. We are not able to hold seats if these two things are not completed. If anything is missing, you will receive a message from the committee. Please visit our website for details regarding the trip and feel free to email the committee at kh.dc.trip@gmail.com if you have any questions.
El Aztecas Fundraiser
Join us for lunch or dinner on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, dine-in or take-out, and 15% will go back to Zinser Elementary. Present the flyer upon purchase. 3040 Walker Ave NW.
6th Grade Camp - Oct. 7-9, 2025
Every year, 6th graders have the privilege of attending 6th grade camp. Our campers travel to Grace Adventures in Mears, MI, along the shores of Upper Silver Lake. Students, staff and chaperones spend three days and two nights participating in activities that build strength, character, and friendships. The courses offered have been selected to provide a cross-section of outdoor skills, environmental awareness, teamwork, and goal-oriented tasks. Some of campers’ favorite activities include horseback riding, rock climbing, laser tag, and ropes courses. We are excited about the team-building opportunities this experience will provide our incoming sixth grade students to come together and get to know more about themselves and each other.
We do need parent volunteers. Parents who have attended in the past have given us great feedback, thoroughly enjoy the experience, and often want to attend again with their younger children or even sometimes when they do not have children attending. If you are interested in chaperoning 6th grade camp, you must be able to travel out to camp with and return with the group, stay the entire time, and remain with your day and cabin groups while at camp. We do require a background check to be on file with the district, which is something that has to be submitted annually, so you will need to submit a new one for the 25-26 school year. The cost for chaperones is $114. This covers room and board as well as participation in activities when space is available. This is first-come, first-serve, so if you know you want to be a chaperone, you can email Erin Plants (information included at the bottom of this letter)
The cost of camp this year is $170 per student. You can pay the full amount for your child starting now, or make installment payments until the deadline. We have a link in your student’s efunds account set up for your convenience. When you login to your child’s efunds account, there is a link to Student Fees/Optional Fees. Once you select that, you will see a link to make a 6th grade camp payment. This is NOT the same as the donation link on the homepage. We know this is early, but we want to give families time to make small payments if necessary. The final deadline for full payment is September 26, 2025. More information regarding fundraising and donation opportunities will be out later this year and early in the fall.
Please contact Erin Plants at the Middle School with any questions or concerns you may have. We will have more information about possible fundraisers and specific camp information later this year and again in the fall.
Sincerely, Erin Plants (eplants@khps.org)
Aquinas Youth Basketball Shooting Camp
April 7, 9 am-12 pm and April 8, 10 am-1 pm - Boys and Girls K-5th Grade (as of fall 2024). Registration can be found at aquinasmbbcamps.com or email Carl Gibbons at gibbonsc@aquinas.edu.
Special Someone Dance - Saturday May 3, from 6 pm-8 pm @ Central
Join us for a magical Knight. Crafts, photo booth, snacks, & of course dancing. 4 years old - 6th grade welcome, $30 for one adult and child, $10 per additional child. Cash or checks to Kenowa Hills Dance. Return the form to your child's school by Friday, May 2nd. To obtain the form or for questions, email khdtfundraising@gmail.com.
FREE Family Open House - AMP Lab @ WMU
Open the door for your kids to explore the future of STEAM with even more hands-on activities - exciting robotics demonstrations, 3D Printing, motorized Lego building, and brand new interactive experiences for all ages! Saturday, April 12 from 10 am-2 pm at the AMP Lab @ WMU: 200 Ionia Ave SW, Grand Rapids.
Parking Lot Notes: MAP
➔ Please consider utilizing our bus transportation option to avoid the busy parent pick-up lot
➔ Always look to pull up in line and when possible to help with the flow of traffic.
◆ Tell your child(ren) to look for the correct car and be ready. If your child is late to the class sign and you’ve pulled past it, you can circle around the lot and keep your car moving.
➔ Thank you for those turning right only! We know it’s an inconvenience, but we believe it will help speed up the line and be safer in the long run ( We have a couple accidents a year with vehicles turning left)
➔ Drop off starts at 8:30; children may exit vehicles a few minutes early to get traffic flowing, and must wait by their grade sign until the 8:30 bell.
➔ We do have two lanes in the parking lot. Please only use the right lane for drop off and pick up, the inside lane is a pass by lane only! Please pass by with caution.
DROP OFF EXPECTATIONS:
DISMISSAL EXPECTATIONS:
The school day ends at 3:37
Attendance/Drop Off - Pick Up
Our start time is 8:35 am! We need your help getting students here on time! Any students arriving after 8:40 will be marked tardy. Any students arriving after 9:05 am without an excused call/absence will be marked unexcused for the morning session. Please call our attendance line at 616-453-2461 opt.1 or email ziattendance@khps.org to communicate your student’s absence, early leave time, or late arrival. STRIVE FOR FIVE!!!
Students of the Week
Freshman:
Miles VanDop and Eden Hrycyk
Sophomores:
Jagger Hibma and Brianna Kersting
Juniors:
Brennan Gustinis and Jil Uzarski
Seniors:
Kyle Clarence Debs Reyes and Adalynn Gracia
Junior/Senior Prom 2025 - April 25, 2025
Important Notes:
Student Services Financial Connection:
FAFSA: The 2025-2026 FAFSA is now open! It only takes around 30 minutes to complete! File your FAFSA HERE! In order to digitally sign the FAFSA, students and parents/guardians will need a FSA ID. You can create one HERE! NOTE: The FAFSA will use 2023 tax return information! MI Student Aid is offering virtual financial aid presentations available HERE!
More: Please check out our website for general student services information including academics, scholarships, and so much more!
Kenowa Athletics
Kenowa Athletics has partnered with GO FAN for purchasing tickets for our sporting events online. Use the link below to purchase tickets for any home sporting event and away events at schools that also use GO FAN. Link to Kenowa GO FAN page or use this web address: https://gofan.co/app/school/MI10157
You can view the Kenowa Hills Athletic Schedules at kenowahillsathletics.com. Ticket prices are $5 for adults and students for all home events.
Student Services on the Web: Please check out our website for general student services information including academics, scholarships, and so much more! https://khps.org/student-services
Parking/Drop Off
Just a reminder that student drop-off and pick-up is on the north side of the parking lot. Parking lots are labeled. Please do not drop off or pick up in the bus loop.
Athletics - High Sports are back!!
You can view the KH Fall Athletic Schedules at kenowahillsathletics.com. All tickets are $5.00 each, students (age 5 and above) and adult. We offer online tickets through GoFan and will also have cash sales available. ONLY KH students get into home athletic events for free if wearing Kenowa Hills swag and/or theme night with a valid student ID! PreK-8th grade students must be accompanied by an adult. You are responsible for supervising your own children.
Attendance
The county-wide Strive for 5 is still our goal for every student. Students with excessive chargeable absences will not be allowed to attend dances and/or other extracurricular activities. Please refer to the Student handbook for more information as to which kind of absences count against them. Students over 5 minutes late to class other than their first hour are considered absent. The rest of our attendance policy can be found in our student handbook.
If your student is going to be absent, late, or needs to leave early, please call the attendance line at 616-784-2400 Ext. 2 or you can email at hsattendance@khps.org. Please call ahead if your student needs to leave early. It is important to have limited interruptions into the classroom. Please call in the morning and leave a message if needed, so a pass can be written. Students
may not leave class without permission from the office.
Food Service Changes
We are excited to share that KHPS will be participating in the MI School Meals Program and will be offering breakfast and lunch to all students at NO COST starting this fall. Although meals are free, we encourage all families to complete the Education Benefit Form found here. You may be entitled to additional benefits.
Zinser BLITZ!
Working Together in Our Neighborhood - March 22, 9 am-2 pm
BLITZ is an acronym for: Be Love - Inspire Teachers (& Staff) @ Zinser
Join us to clean up the quad and refresh the staff lounge at Zinser on March 22 between 9 am-2 pm. Pizza lunch will be provided at 11:30 am. Bring work gloves, pruning shears, hedge trimmers, rakes, shovels, brooms, gardening hoes, yard waste bags, and simple tools (electric drill, screwdriver, etc)
Family Council Update
Get ready for an unforgettable night of entertainment! Join us for our School Talent Show on March 25th from 6:30 - 7:30 PM in the school gymnasium. Come cheer on our amazing students as they showcase their incredible talents—singing, dancing, comedy, magic, and more! You won’t want to miss this evening of fun and creativity. Bring your friends and family and support our talented performers! See you there!
The Roller Skating Party has been re-scheduled! Mark your calendars for May 7th!
Washington DC Trip
Attention all current 5th and 6th grade students! There are approximately 10 open spots for the 2026 Washington DC trip before a waitlist is started. Please make sure you get registered if you want to experience this amazing opportunity. You MUST complete the information requested at sign up and pay the deposit or your seat is not confirmed. We are not able to hold seats if these two things are not completed. If anything is missing, you will receive a message from the committee. Please visit our website for details regarding the trip and feel free to email the committee at kh.dc.trip@gmail.com if you have any questions.
El Aztecas Fundraiser
Join us for lunch or dinner on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, dine-in or take-out, and 15% will go back to Zinser Elementary. Present the flyer upon purchase. 3040 Walker Ave NW.
Girl Scouts - Monday March 24 | 6 pm-7 pm
Get a fun spring preview of what being a Girl Scout is all about! Girls in grades K-5 are invited to join in on crafts and activities while parents and caregivers learn how to get involved as troop leaders. 3275 Walker Ave NW. *This is not a drop off event and preregistration is required. RSVP by March 23rd.
6th Grade Camp - Oct. 7-9, 2025
Every year, 6th graders have the privilege of attending 6th grade camp. Our campers travel to Grace Adventures in Mears, MI, along the shores of Upper Silver Lake. Students, staff and chaperones spend three days and two nights participating in activities that build strength, character, and friendships. The courses offered have been selected to provide a cross-section of outdoor skills, environmental awareness, teamwork, and goal-oriented tasks. Some of campers’ favorite activities include horseback riding, rock climbing, laser tag, and ropes courses. We are excited about the team-building opportunities this experience will provide our incoming sixth grade students to come together and get to know more about themselves and each other.
We do need parent volunteers. Parents who have attended in the past have given us great feedback, thoroughly enjoy the experience, and often want to attend again with their younger children or even sometimes when they do not have children attending. If you are interested in chaperoning 6th grade camp, you must be able to travel out to camp with and return with the group, stay the entire time, and remain with your day and cabin groups while at camp. We do require a background check to be on file with the district, which is something that has to be submitted annually, so you will need to submit a new one for the 25-26 school year. The cost for chaperones is $114. This covers room and board as well as participation in activities when space is available. This is first-come, first-serve, so if you know you want to be a chaperone, you can email Erin Plants (information included at the bottom of this letter)
The cost of camp this year is $170 per student. You can pay the full amount for your child starting now, or make installment payments until the deadline. We have a link in your student’s efunds account set up for your convenience. When you login to your child’s efunds account, there is a link to Student Fees/Optional Fees. Once you select that, you will see a link to make a 6th grade camp payment. This is NOT the same as the donation link on the homepage. We know this is early, but we want to give families time to make small payments if necessary. The final deadline for full payment is September 26, 2025. More information regarding fundraising and donation opportunities will be out later this year and early in the fall.
Please contact Erin Plants at the Middle School with any questions or concerns you may have. We will have more information about possible fundraisers and specific camp information later this year and again in the fall.
Sincerely, Erin Plants (eplants@khps.org)
Aquinas Youth Basketball Shooting Camp
April 7, 9 am-12 pm and April 8, 10 am-1 pm - Boys and Girls K-5th Grade (as of fall 2024). Registration can be found at aquinasmbbcamps.com or email Carl Gibbons at gibbonsc@aquinas.edu.
Special Someone Dance - Saturday May 3, from 6 pm-8 pm @ Central
Join us for a magical Knight. Crafts, photo booth, snacks, & of course dancing. 4 years old - 6th grade welcome, $30 for one adult and child, $10 per additional child. Cash or checks to Kenowa Hills Dance. Return the form to your child's school by Friday, May 2nd. To obtain the form or for questions, email khdtfundraising@gmail.com.
FREE Family Open House - AMP Lab @ WMU
Open the door for your kids to explore the future of STEAM with even more hands-on activities - exciting robotics demonstrations, 3D Printing, motorized Lego building, and brand new interactive experiences for all ages! Saturday, April 12 from 10 am-2 pm at the AMP Lab @ WMU: 200 Ionia Ave SW, Grand Rapids.
Parking Lot Notes: MAP
➔ Please consider utilizing our bus transportation option to avoid the busy parent pick-up lot
➔ Always look to pull up in line and when possible to help with the flow of traffic.
◆ Tell your child(ren) to look for the correct car and be ready. If your child is late to the class sign and you’ve pulled past it, you can circle around the lot and keep your car moving.
➔ Thank you for those turning right only! We know it’s an inconvenience, but we believe it will help speed up the line and be safer in the long run ( We have a couple accidents a year with vehicles turning left)
➔ Drop off starts at 8:30; children may exit vehicles a few minutes early to get traffic flowing, and must wait by their grade sign until the 8:30 bell.
➔ We do have two lanes in the parking lot. Please only use the right lane for drop off and pick up, the inside lane is a pass by lane only! Please pass by with caution.
DROP OFF EXPECTATIONS:
DISMISSAL EXPECTATIONS:
The school day ends at 3:37
Attendance/Drop Off - Pick Up
Our start time is 8:35 am! We need your help getting students here on time! Any students arriving after 8:40 will be marked tardy. Any students arriving after 9:05 am without an excused call/absence will be marked unexcused for the morning session. Please call our attendance line at 616-453-2461 opt.1 or email ziattendance@khps.org to communicate your student’s absence, early leave time, or late arrival. STRIVE FOR FIVE!!!
Medication Form
ALL students must have this form completed by a doctor and guardian if they are taking medication at school.
Central Nurse
Michelle Sikkema, BSN, RN
Central Elementary - Kenowa Hills Public Schools
616.453.6351 ext. 6342
msikkema@khps.org
Important Dates
March 27-29 - KHHS Musical: Footloose
April 4-11 - Spring Break: No school
May 26 - Memorial Day: No school
May 28 - Commencement for Class of 2025
June 6 - Central Field Day
June 11 - Last Day of School: Half Day
Volunteers
If you would like to volunteer or visit the school during school hours (this includes reading with students, helping teachers, attending a classroom party, watching a class play production and so forth), you must complete a background check for the new school year.
Background checks must be completed in person at any KH front office. Please bring a state-issued photo ID.
Drop-off & Pick-up Reminders
We show Respect, We all stay Safe, Central SHINES! Earliest drop-off time is 8:30 am and school begins at 8:35 am. School ends at 3:37 pm. Please see the attached flyer for our Procedures Map and more information.
Mark your calendar: Paint Kenowa Green Spirit Days February 24 - 28.
Sickness is Hitting Central Hard! - Reminders from Nurse MichelleConference Letter (English and español)From our Central PTO: Conferences are around the corner.....we are looking for some help with providing dinner for our teachers on these long days and also to stock the lounge for our staff!Girls On The Run coaches needed - heidi.roberts@girlsontherun.org$1 Hat Day - ThursdaySUNS Field Trip - KHSO Basketball TournamentMorning - Knight Chats with Superintendent Hopkins - New Dates!Field Day - Save the Date!Washington D.C. Trip 2026 - current 5th graders!Same Day Appointments - HealthBarFuture Kindergarteners!Call Central's Front Office to schedule your screening.(616) 453-6351
Medication Form
ALL students must have this form completed by a doctor and guardian if they are taking medication at school.
Central Nurse
Michelle Sikkema, BSN, RN
Central Elementary - Kenowa Hills Public Schools
616.453.6351 ext. 6342
msikkema@khps.org
Important Dates
February 12 - Count Day: Full day of school
February 14-18 - Midwinter Break: No school
March 1 - Read-A-Thon begins
March 27-29 - KHHS Musical: Footloose
April 4-11 - Spring Break: No school
May 26 - Memorial Day: No school
May 28 - Commencement for Class of 2025
June 6 - Central Field Day
June 11 - Last Day of School: Half Day
Volunteers
If you would like to volunteer or visit the school during school hours (this includes reading with students, helping teachers, attending a classroom party, watching a class play production and so forth), you must complete a background check for the new school year.
Background checks must be completed in person at any KH front office. Please bring a state-issued photo ID.
Drop-off & Pick-up Reminders
We show Respect, We all stay Safe, Central SHINES! Earliest drop-off time is 8:30 am and school begins at 8:35 am. School ends at 3:37 pm. Please see the attached flyer for our Procedures Map and more information.
Note from the Principal
Welcome back! The 2024-2025 school year is off to a great start. I want to start by saying thank you to all our families who attended the open house and making that event a huge success for our community. It was great to see our returning families and meet many of our new ones! We had a positive and successful 2023-24 school year and plan to continue to build upon our successes this year by focusing on building positive relationships with students and making sure they have at least one adult they have a strong connection with, utilizing best practices in reading and math to support student learning both in large group and small group settings and improving upon our systems and structures to support those students who need additional intervention.
This past week I have loved seeing the smiles on our students' faces from the start of each day until the end. Our classrooms are developing positive classroom cultures and students are doing well learning and following our classroom and school procedures. One of the joys of my job is to visit classrooms to see students learning and to engage with the children in the hallways, on the playground and in the lunchroom. I have enjoyed reconnecting with returning students and getting to know our new ones. It is such a treat to celebrate the fun of being young and learning together.
As we settle into the school year, I would like to encourage parents to be mindful of the amount of screen time their child has as well as the importance of reading at home each night for at least twenty minutes. In addition, it is important to remember that students may tire quickly at this time of the school year as they come off of summer break and have to adjust to the rigor of our seven-hour school day. In order to assist your child with being well-rested, it is essential that they have routines at home that allow them to receive a sufficient amount of rest for their developmental age.
Every other week you should receive a similar update from me that includes our building newsletter called “Alpine’s Announcements”. Please take the time to review these newsletters as they often provide information about upcoming events, opportunities to help out at school, and situations that could use your attention. I certainly hope your children have shared some positive things about the first week of school. Should you have questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to your child's teacher with classroom items, our Transportation Department with bus items, or the office with building wide items.
Your partner in education,
Jason Snyder
Knights Run For Education Fundraiser
The KH Education Foundation is holding a 5K Run/Walk to raise money on Saturday, October 12 at Central Elementary. Proceeds benefit the KHEF to fund grants that empower teachers to implement creative projects and programs to enhance our students' learning experience.
For more information or to make a donation or become a sponsor, contact Rob Conat at board@khedfoundation.org or call 810-730-0266. Checks payable to Kenowa Hills Education Foundation can be mailed to 2325 4 Mile Rd NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49544.
Youth Wrestling 2024-25
Registration begins October 11 at kenowahillsyouthsports.org. Practices begin January 7, 2025 and season runs through March 13. Advanced tournaments on Sundays and Beginner tourneys held on Friday evenings. Practices are held on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6-7:15 pm for beginners (0-1 year experience), and 6-8:15 pm for Advanced (2+ years experience.) Price is $110 for the season and includes MYWAY Membership. NEW this year - Girls Wrestling! Stay tuned!
Baton Twirling Classes
Come join the fun and learn how to twirl a baton! Baton twirling is making a comeback as the latest and greatest sensation!
Dates: Every Tuesday beginning September 24 through December 17
Times: Ages 4-7, 6:15-7:00 pm, Ages 8-20, 7:00-7:45 pm
Registration: On Sept. 24 at the first class
Location: Coit Creative Arts Gymnasium, 617 Coit Ave. NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Cost: $9/week to be paid at each class. $10 Registration fee to be paid at first class. Batons will be available for purchase at class for $35. Payment plans for batons available. $20 the first week, then $5 each week until paid off.
Students can earn awards and have an opportunity for competition and parades! It can also lead to students becoming a majorette for their school and a scholarship to college! Questions, call 616-460-1747, or email athleticssens@aol.com or visit our website at www.athleticsensations.com.
K-5th Grade Fall Dance Clinic
Saturday, October 5, from 1-3:00 pm at Central Elementary Gym (enter through the main doors and head to the gym.)
Cost: $30.90 and includes a t-shirt.
Register here.
*Students perform at the varsity home football game held October 11 at 7:00 pm. Questions: email KHDTfundraising@gmail.com.
Fall 2024 Junior Kickers (Birth Year 2020-2016)
September 23 - October 26
Junior is a youth soccer program run by licensed PASS coaches. It is a fun and friendly way to your children to start developing their soccer skills. Trainings are Mondays at 6:30 PM held at the Alpine Sports Complex with optional weekend games.
Register Now
More info at: PASSsoccerclub.com
2nd Annual KH Craft Fair - November 2
Home & Seasonal Decor, t-shirt printing, custom ornaments, baked goods, sweets, and so much more!
9:00 am - 3:00 pm at Kenowa Hills High School
Entry $3 and supports the SANP Class of 2025. For questions or to participate, email khendricks1114@gmail.com
GENERAL ALPINE INFO
MORNING ARRIVAL EXPECTATIONS FOR PARENTS
Nothing is more precious than your children. Find out how we work to ensure students feel safe, valued, and that they belong.
Safety and Security Commitment to Anti-Bullying Creating Inclusive Environments Safety DrillsLife is busy. At Kenowa Hills, we partner with families to make life easier.
TRANSPORTATION BEFORE AND AFTER SCHOOL CAREOur Personal Mastery educational experience has redefined education and has gained attention around the state and nation. Personal Mastery provides your child with personalized attention from teachers. Instead of teaching to a broad group of students without an understanding of their individual strengths and weaknesses, Personal Mastery allows teachers to interact with students individually or in small groups to help them better address their weaknesses. In this way, we strive to help your child reach their full potential.
PERSONAL MASTERY SPECIAL EDUCATION ENGLISH LEARNERS TECHNOLOGY IN THE CLASSROOMAt the home of the Knights, athletic programs are a vital part of building character, drive, commitment, and teamwork for our student athletes.
UP-TO-DATE SPORTS INFO ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT YOUTH SPORTS Athletic BoostersThe arts build pride and community at Kenowa Hills. From our Marching Knights to musical performances at our Performing Arts Center, we believe the student experience really is a work of art.
FINE ART PROGRAMS PERFORMING ARTS CENTER