Zinser Elementary News
May 1

Zinser Elementary News May 1

05/01/26

Family Council News
We’re gearing up for an exciting Field Day and need your help to make it a success! We’re looking for volunteers to assist with games, activities, and keeping the day running smoothly. Morning shifts are available for Kindergarten– 2nd grade, and afternoon shifts for 3rd–5th grade. If you ’re able to stay the whole day, we’d love all-day volunteers too—lunch will be provided as a thank you! Please note: Only approved volunteers who have signed up in advance will be allowed to participate. For the safety of our students, if you do not sign up ahead of time, you will not be able to enter. Whether you can give a few hours or the full day, your support makes a big difference for our students. Sign up today and be part of the fun!
Each year, Zinser Family Council sponsors Teacher Appreciation Week at Zinser. We have some amazing things planned for our fantastic teachers and support staff for this year, May 4-8! If you would like to help us, please sign up with the link for the sign up genius, and bring these in to the school before the week of May 4. Venmo: @ZinserFamilyCouncil
At Zinser, we proudly promote kindness and appreciation as we CARE for one another each and every day. If there is a teacher or staff member you would like to recognize or encourage, please consider sending a positive referral! A few kind words can go a long way in brightening someone’s day. Simply email your message to bsjohnston@khps.org, and Mrs. Johnston will be happy to share your note of encouragement with the staff member. Let’s continue to lift each other up and celebrate the amazing work happening at Zinser! Thank you for helping us CARE for one another.

Panko, Zinser Therapy Dog
Would you like to help support Panko, our facility dog? If so, here is an Amazon Wish List with some of the things he needs! Thank you!

Bus Drivers Needed
We are currently seeking reliable and caring individuals to join our team as school bus drivers. This is a great opportunity to make a positive impact in our school community while enjoying competitive pay, paid training, and additional benefits. If you or someone you know may be interested, please contact us for more information or to apply CLICK HERE

Concession Help
We need your help with concessions for all spring sports! Please use the link here to see where you can sign up and support our teams. Thank you for your support—we truly appreciate it!

Attention 5th Grade Families
In the fall, 6th Grade camp is scheduled for October 21-23, 2026. Camp chaperone opportunities fill up quickly. 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 $175 per student and $117 per chaperone. The online payment option is up and running if you are interested in making payments for your future 6th grader. When you login to your child’s e-funds 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 over time if necessary. The final deadline for full payment is October 9, 2026. Please look for more information in future newsletters and in paperwork coming home with your 5th-grade child. All chaperones will need to have a background check on file.

Hand2Hand 2026 Summer Food Schedule
We're excited to offer Hand2Hand food all summer long! Stop by any locations to pick up food for children ages 3-18. No sign-up is needed-just come to a pick up location at the times listed. For pick up locations and more info visit h2hkids.org/summerfood.

Summer Writing Camps at GVSU
Give your future author, journalist, or poet the chance to explore the wonders of writing with some of West Michigan's finest teachers! Learn more and register at gvsu.edu/lmwp.

  • For students entering grades 3 - 12
  • In-person camps: Allendale and Grand Rapids
  • Dates: July and August 2026
  • Grand Rapids camps run Monday - Thursday, 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. for $190/student
  • New for 2026! Allendale camps run Monday - Thursday, 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m for $240/student!
  • Reduced tuition options available
  • Write Your College Essay Workshop for rising seniors

Camp Good Grief
Camp Good Grief is a free, day-long grief support program designed for children ages 8-17 who have experienced the death of a loved one. Camp Good Grief allows children to express their feelings, understand the grief process, and connect with other kids who have experienced loss. And just as important, the day is about having FUN. Held in natural spaces among acres of groomed fields and woods, Camp Good Grief combines exciting activities like zip-lining or kayaking, art, and music with conversation, grief education and emotional support. Space is limited, so please register early. Learn more and register at www.hom.org/camp-good-grief.

Adventure Point Summer 2026 Day Camp
We know adventure doesn’t always mean going far — sometimes it’s about discovering an incredible place you never knew existed, right in your own backyard. That’s the magic of Adventure Point – Grand Rapids, Summer Day Camp.
We provide more than just childcare — we deliver a true summer camp experience. Our campers spend their days exploring and creating lasting memories in a fun, safe, and engaging environment most visitors say “I never knew this existed”.
Our team of Professional Role Models and highly trained Camp Leaders bring years of resident camp expertise to every activity. We focus on helping campers grow in confidence, teamwork, and independence — all while having an amazing time outdoors.
You can expect a happy, tired camper full of stories at pick-up, and excitement each morning to return for another day of adventure! Learn more and register online.

Stop. Drop. Enroll!
The City of Walker will host its first Safety Town program this summer, giving young residents the chance to learn practical safety skills through hands-on activities with local first responders.
Registration is now open, with space limited to 20 participants in the inaugural session.
Safety Town is designed for children between kindergarten and 3rd grade and introduces them to everyday safety topics such as pedestrian awareness, bike safety, fire prevention, and basic first aid. The program uses an interactive “mini city” environment where children practice real-world situations like crossing streets, recognizing traffic signs, and responding to emergencies.
The four half-day program is planned for June 22-25 at Zinser Elementary and will run in morning sessions from 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., giving children repeated opportunities to practice safety skills while building confidence and independence. Learn more and register online.

Girl Scouts of Michigan Shore to Shore
Sign up for Extended Year Membership* Start in April and enjoy up to 5 extra months of fun, through September 2027! Girls entering K-12th grade in the Fall | $91 Adults $42 Visit gsmists.org for more information to get started.

First Tee West Michigan - Golf this Spring & Summer for FREE!
First Tee's life-skills education program is designed for new and beginning golfers of all ages and skill levels, with classes meeting six times for 90 minutes each class. Our trained coaches empower and inspire kids and teens through golf while also sharing how to manage emotions, set goals, and resolve conflicts. Visit firstteewestmichigan.org/grandrapids for more information and to register.

Berlin Fair Kids Day - Wednesday July 8
Come enjoy a market run by kids ages 5-17! From 1 pm-5 pm on July 8 at the Berlin Fairgrounds in Marne. Learn more at KidsMarkets.com

OLDER NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS

Drop-off/Pick-up
Please see the attached images of our Parking Lot and Neighborhood Map to help make drop-off and pick-up as safe and smooth as possible. 

VALUE. SUPPORT. EMPOWER. | EVERY STUDENT, EVERY DAY.
KEEPING
STUDENTS SAFE

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 Drills
FOR YOUR
CONVENIENCE

Life is busy. At Kenowa Hills, we partner with families to make life easier.

TRANSPORTATION BEFORE AND AFTER SCHOOL CARE
PERSONALIZED
LEARNING

Our 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 CLASSROOM
KNIGHT PRIDE
ATHLETICS

At 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 Boosters
IT'S A WORK
OF ART

The 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
Join us in our effort to STRIVE FOR LESS THAN FIVE
Absences Every School Year