Friday, January 23, 2026

January 23, 2026

 UPCOMING EVENTS AND REMINDERS

*Are you looking for a way to volunteer? As a school, we would love to give you the opportunity to volunteer and supervise our class for lunch. You would arrive at 11:25, take students through the hot lunch line, and then supervise the class as they eat lunch. Students would be dismissed to the playground for recess at 12:05. If you are interested in helping, please check our sign up! Thank you!

* Share the warmth! 

January 26th-30th Donate new socks!

Pine Ridge is helping in a very real and urgent need. When the weather turns cold, socks matter more than you think. Every person who stays at Central Church’s Warming Center receives a brand-new pair of socks for warmth, comfort, and dignity. You can help make that happen. If you can help please bring your new socks to school and drop them off at the school office.


GOOD TO KNOW:

  • New socks only (no used socks, please)

  • All sizes welcome

  • Crew or warm socks are best

  • Every pair donated goes directly to someone staying overnight at Central Church’s WarmingCenter



* Running Club Opportunities

For boys: TTQ is a fun, high energy after school program designed exclusively for boys in 3rd-5th grade; it incorporates strength and stretching exercises, activities designed to help develop a healthy lifestyle along with training for a 5K. The Spring season begins the week of March 16th, with a final 5K on May 16th. This  TTQ Flyer has the contact information for Kristen Chan to sign up to be a coach.


For girls, there is Pine Ridge Girls Running Club; a club organized and run by parent volunteers. It follows much the same organization of TTQ with 2 practices a week, held right after school. This running club will culminate in the Tulip Time Run on Saturday, May 2. Please contact the Pine Ridge office if you can help us by being a coach for this event!


* Learning Opportunities for Parents and Educators

The ODC Network is launching a meaningful 4-part speaker series in 2026 featuring nationally-renowned experts who will explore how technology is reshaping our lives and offer practical ways to restore balance for ourselves, our families, and our communities.


Through the generosity of local donors, tickets for the talks in Holland are free (one per email address) and can be reserved HERE.


Additionally, Hope College has opened a lecture to the public that aligns with recent reflections on the impact of technology. The Saint Benedict Institute will host speaker Dr. Jared Ortiz on “The Monk and the Machine: How St. Benedict Can Help Us Preserve Our Humanity in the Digital Age,” on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at 7 p.m. in Winants Auditorium at Hope College. 


Please feel free to share this with your family, friends, and colleagues who may be interested 🙂



* Forest Family Night Hike

We hope you can join us for a special evening in the forest with your family from 6:00-7:30pm on Thursday, February 19! The FS Parent Board has planned a nighttime hike at the FS campus. Families are encouraged to bring headlamps/flashlights and sleds depending on weather conditions. No RSVP is necessary for this event.



OUTDOOR LEARNING SCHEDULE FOR NEXT WEEK
Monday: Sassafras Ridge
Tuesday: on campus
Wednesday: Riley Trails
Thursday: on campus
Friday: on campus