Updates for Elementary Families

June 16, 2026

Dear WMAES Families,

We hope your summer is off to a wonderful start! We have a great event coming up tomorrow: our Nature Walk and Campsite Pioneering Demo. Families can still register, and we hope you’ll consider joining us for this fun opportunity to explore campus, connect with others, and enjoy some hands-on outdoor learning. More details are included below.

In this update, you’ll also find helpful information for both new and returning families, including our 2026–2027 school calendar, uniform purchasing information, recommended supply lists, Green Kids child care registration details, upcoming opportunities to explore campus, and more.

Thank you for choosing and supporting WMAES. We are grateful for our school community and look forward to staying connected with you throughout the summer!

Warmest regards,

Nathan VanDuinen

Elementary Principal

Sync the WMAES Calendar with your Phone or Device

Important dates for the coming school year have been added to our school calendar on AddEvent—including breaks, early release days, family events, and more! We encourage all families to follow the calendar to stay informed and organized throughout the year.

You can follow the calendar by clicking “Follow Calendar” above this post or by visiting:
https://www.addevent.com/calendar/MF615307

Our calendar is hosted through AddEvent and is fully compatible with:

Apple Calendar (iPhone, iPad, Mac)
Google Calendar (Android devices and Gmail accounts)
Outlook
Office 365
Yahoo Calendar
Any calendar app that supports iCal or .ics feeds

Once added, all events will sync directly to your personal calendar—and any updates we make will automatically be reflected on your end. It’s a simple, reliable way to stay connected and never miss an important date!

Reminder: Join Us This Wednesday for a WMAES Summer Community Event

We are excited to remind you about our upcoming summer community event this Wednesday, June 17, from 10:00–11:00 AM.

Current families, new families, prospective families, and anyone interested in learning more about West Michigan Academy of Environmental Science are invited to join us for a Nature Walk and Campsite Pioneering Demo Featuring Hand Tools.

This event is a great opportunity to enjoy our beautiful outdoor campus, connect with other WMAES families, meet members of our school community, and experience some of the hands-on environmental learning that makes our school unique.

We also encourage you to invite friends, neighbors, or family members who may be interested in learning more about WMAES. This is a wonderful chance for them to see our campus and get a feel for what makes our school such a special place to learn and grow.

Event Details:
Wednesday, June 17
10:00–11:00 AM
Nature Walk and Campsite Pioneering Demo Featuring Hand Tools

Families can register here:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc9kJtwlevDL7ZexfWQ-Fg6Se6i5oUpDOAJtT3HFsufB9H7uQ/viewform?usp=header

We hope to see many of you there!

Gently Used Uniform Top Donations Appreciated

We are currently accepting donations of gently used WMAES uniform tops to help support students and families in our school community.

Items we are seeking include: Kids’ uniform shirts, hoodies, or fleece jackets.

If you have gently used uniform tops your child has outgrown and would be willing to donate, they may be dropped off in the Elementary Office from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM, Monday–Thursday, throughout the summer.

These donations make a meaningful difference for our families. Thank you for supporting WMAES!

Green Kids Before & After Care Registration Aug 3

We would like to inform everyone that Green Kids child care registration will open on Monday, August 3 at 7:00 PM. The registration link will be emailed to families and made available on the main WMAES website at that time. We are sharing this information now so you can plan accordingly.

As capacity will be limited, availability will be determined on a first-come, first-served basis in order of registration. Shortly after registering, you will be notified if space is available for your child or if they will be placed on a waitlist until space becomes available.

More information—including the Green Kids handbook and required registration forms—will be provided following the start of online registration. Thank you!

Limited Additional Spots Available: 2026 Summer Enrichment Program

We are excited to offer a limited number of additional spots in our 2026 Summer Enrichment Program for interested families or returning 2025-2026 WMAES students.

This program is designed to support continued academic growth in a fun and engaging environment. Students will focus on essential math and ELA skills while also enjoying outdoor activities each day.

This opportunity is intended for students who would benefit from additional support with foundational skills from the grade level they just completed. If your child has demonstrated an academic need in these areas, we invite you to express your interest using the registration form below.

Space is limited and will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. We will follow up as soon as possible to notify families if space is available for their student.

Program Details
Dates: July 6–July 30
Schedule: Monday–Thursday
Time: 8:00 AM–12:00 PM
Meals: Free breakfast and lunch provided daily for every student

Students will participate in hands-on learning focused on key math and literacy skills, along with outdoor play and enrichment activities to support a well-rounded summer experience.

Interested families can register here:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSevYRvsWftNR0yssHdOutriTjok2--oAYNzM0W77Ejh1rn-Jw/viewform

We look forward to hearing from you!

Recommended Supply Lists

To help families with back-to-school planning, our staff has put together updated recommended supply lists for each elementary grade. The lists can be found in the folder linked below.

These lists were thoughtfully created by our teachers to include items that may support your child’s learning and organization throughout the school year. Please know that these are recommendations only and are not intended to create a burden for families. We understand that back-to-school shopping can feel overwhelming, and families should always feel free to do what works best for their situation.

Our hope is that these lists provide a helpful starting point and make the process a little smoother as we prepare for a great school year together!

Uniform Apparel Online Store and Uniform Policy

We’re pleased to share that our uniform provider has all WMAES uniform apparel available for online ordering—with free shipping to your home!

Just click the link below and click “Shop Now”—then navigate to the Uniform category to explore all that’s available. We’re especially excited to let you know that several new, lower-cost uniform t-shirt options have been added for your convenience.

Shop Now: https://wmaesapparel.secure-decoration.com/

As a reminder, here are our uniform policy guidelines:

Uniform requirements include:

A WMAES uniform top
Solid color pants or shorts, or solid jeans or jean shorts
Closed-toe shoes

Please note:

The WMAES top must be the outermost layer
All clothing must be free of writing, adornments, and rips/tears/holes
Uniforms with the old logo will be fully grandfathered in. Students may continue wearing their previous uniform items.

Thank you for partnering with us and for your continued support of our uniform policy!

Daily Logistics for elementary students

Students may arrive beginning at 7:45 AM and enter through the elementary main entrance. Students will go directly to their classrooms upon entering. All students should be in their classrooms by 8:00 AM.
Parents may not enter the building with students at drop-off but may accompany them on the sidewalk as they wait to enter.
If you are accompanying your student on the sidewalk at arrival, you must park your vehicle in a parking space.
As the school year begins, many staff members will be available to walk students to their classrooms as needed.
All elementary classes will be dismissed at 2:45 PM. At dismissal, they will be standing with their teacher on the designated area of the sidewalk for their class.
At dismissal, you must park and walk to your child's teacher to pick up your student. Please be prepared to identify yourself to your child's teacher as necessary.

Don’t miss our annual Pig Roast and Open House on Tuesday, August 18 from 5:00–7:00 PM!

We’re excited to welcome families back to campus for our annual Pig Roast and Open House. This is a great opportunity to kick off the school year together with a meal, connect with teachers, explore our facilities and campus, drop off supplies, and access helpful resources to start the year strong.

Families are welcome to:

Meet their child’s teacher
Explore our facilities and campus
Visit classrooms
Drop off school supplies

Please label supplies in advance when possible to help teachers get everything organized for the first day of school.

We’ll also have an information table available with the following forms:

Elementary Parent Volunteer Form (We can also copy your ID that night).
Medication Administration Form (This must be signed by a doctor for all medications, including prescribed and over-the-counter medications).
Elementary Information Update Forms (To make sure we have your current phone numbers and contact information).
Elementary Sibling Pick-Up Form (For families where a 6th grader or older will pick up a younger sibling).
Permission to Walk Home Form

Save time! All of these forms are also available online at www.wma-es.com under the Parents & Students section. You’re welcome to print them at home and drop them off at the event.

If you are submitting a Medication Administration Form, completing it ahead of time means you can drop off your child’s medication at the Pig Roast. Please make sure the form is signed by a doctor, whether it is for prescribed or over-the-counter medication.

Stay Connected with WMAES!

Please take a moment to add our school’s phone number to your contact list: 616-791-7454. This helps ensure that you recognize calls coming from West Michigan Academy of Environmental Science.

We also kindly ask that you make sure your phone is set to allow calls from the school. It’s important that we’re able to reach an adult family member during the school day if needed.

Upcoming WMAES Community Events

We are excited to welcome current families, new families, prospective families, and anyone interested in learning more about West Michigan Academy of Environmental Science to join us for several upcoming community events this summer.

These events are designed to give families a chance to enjoy our beautiful outdoor campus, connect with other WMAES families, meet members of our school community, and experience some of the hands-on environmental learning that makes our school unique.

Wednesday, June 17 | 10:00–11:00 AM
Nature Walk and Campsite Pioneering Demo Featuring Hand Tools

Families are invited to enjoy a nature walk and see a demonstration connected to outdoor skills and hands-on learning.

Register Here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc9kJtwlevDL7ZexfWQ-Fg6Se6i5oUpDOAJtT3HFsufB9H7uQ/viewform?usp=header

Wednesday, July 22 | 11:00 AM–1:00 PM
Berry Picking and Jam Making

Join us for a new summer favorite as families have the opportunity to pick berries and learn more about the jam-making process.

Register Here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSepyD_nIb97F5WmA7_lnx_cm1qi08seFi3rQJV9I1z914SrMA/viewform?usp=header

Wednesday, August 5 | 5:30–6:30 PM
Popsicles on the Playground

Come enjoy a relaxed evening on the playground with popsicles, connection, and time for students and families to meet others before the school year begins.

Register Here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfg9Vlbx7gOCtfgJY9aQn8bLj0fIryr6f9X0TSRLuPXcbrcpw/viewform?usp=header

New at WMAES: Forest Bathing, a Guided Mindfulness Experience Where You “Bathe” Your Senses in Nature

Join us for Forest Bathing at WMAES!

Forest bathing is a guided experience designed to help you slow down, quiet your mind, and connect with nature through your senses. Led by Rachel Lynn, a WMAES parent, nature enthusiast, and certified Forest Bathing Guide, each session will include gentle activities, quiet reflection, breathwork, mindfulness, and time to be fully present in the forest.

A note from Rachel:

“Hi, I’m Rachel, a mom, nature enthusiast, and certified Forest Bathing Guide. I became a guide after recognizing the need for safe, supportive, and community-based healing experiences in nature. Over the last several years, I’ve spent time exploring many of West Michigan’s forests and nature preserves, discovering a peace and grounding that modern life often pulls us away from.

Through slow, mindful, and intentional time in nature, I found a deep sense of connection and healing. My hope is to guide others in building a nourishing relationship with nature and remembering that we are part of it. The forest is here to support us. Let’s accept the invitation and return to nature together.”

All sessions will meet by the WMAES greenhouse behind the elementary building.

Upcoming Sessions:
Monday, June 22 at 10:00 AM
Monday, July 20 at 10:00 AM
Monday, August 17 at 10:00 AM

Cost: $15 per session
Adults only (please note child care will not be available)
Limit of 10 attendees per session

What to Bring:
Yoga mat or blanket
Water bottle
Bug spray for biting forest insects

Rachel will also have some of her homemade, all-natural mosquito spray available to purchase.

What to Expect:
Group introductions
Introduction to forest bathing
Exploring the senses
Digital detox with no phones
Silent walk
Barefoot grounding
Breathwork exercise
Savasana/meditation
Closing reflection

Come slow down, breathe deeply, and experience the calming support of nature.

Assistance Program INFORMATION

We are pleased to continue our efforts in supporting our students through our assistance programs. Our resources have expanded this school year, and we want to ensure you are aware of the benefits available to our entire community.

Our new counseling service, the School Assistance Program (SAP), is offered through Pine Rest, a professional mental health service. This program provides five free, confidential counseling sessions per episode of care and is available 24/7 to anyone in the student’s household.

To access this service, simply call 800.442.0809, press 1, and follow the prompts. Be sure to mention, “I have an SAP with West Michigan Academy of Environmental Science.”

To learn more about all the benefits provided by this program, please watch the introduction video. Click the link below or paste the URL into any browser:

SAP Video – Password: SAPOrientation
URL: https://vimeo.com/video/956870695?share=copy

Please note that all services provided through the SAP are 100% confidential. We hope this resource can support you and your family whenever needed.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

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