Updates for Elementary Families

April 3, 2025 Update for Families

Click Subscribe below at add our WMAES Family Calendar to any calendar app on the device of your choice. You can also click here to visit the calendar page and view information about subscribing.

Important: OEAA Assessment Electronic Device Use Policy

As we approach state testing season, it’s critical that all students and families understand the expectations around electronic device use during assessments. The Michigan Department of Education requires schools to follow strict policies to protect the security, reliability, and fairness of all state tests.

Key highlights of the policy:

Students are not permitted to use or access personal electronic devices (like cell phones, smartwatches, earbuds, or tablets not used for testing) during testing or breaks.
Any access to unauthorized devices during testing—whether or not the device is used—can result in the test being invalidated.
Headphones with advanced technology (such as those with voice command or app access) are not allowed.
All electronic devices must be stored securely away from students during testing.
If a student needs a medical device that has electronic capabilities, accommodations must be made in a one-on-one testing setting.

These rules are in place to ensure the validity of the testing process and to protect student results.

Please take a moment to review the full OEAA Electronic Device Use Policy, which is available below.

OEAA Assessment Electronic Device Use Policy.pdf

M-STEP TESTING

Once each year, students in 3rd grade and above take a high-quality state summative assessment, M-STEP. Summative assessments measure what students know and are able to do at specific grade levels and in specific subject areas. All of these are online assessments that students will take using their Chromebooks. The tests are given to determine where students are in their grade level so teachers and staff can develop customized learning plans for each student. Your child’s teacher will be in contact with you regarding the testing schedule for their classroom. Please review the documents from the Michigan Department of Education provided below for more information concerning Michigan’s required assessments.

Here are some suggested ways to support your student’s preparation for summative assessments:

Make sure your student gets a good night's sleep the night before and eats a healthy breakfast the morning of the test.
Remain positive. Talk to your student about the test and the importance of taking their time and doing their best.
Remind your student that the test results are only used to give you and their teachers information about the progress they have made.

Talk to your child about their experience. What did they learn from the test? How was their experience?

State Superintendent Letter to Parents.pdf

What_Parents_Should_Know.pdf

Student_Testing_What_Parents_Can_Do_to_Help_Students_Prepare.pdf

Spring Break April 4 - April 11

April Menus

WMAES Breakfast April 25 - Google Docs.pdf

WMAES Lunch April 2025.pdf

Lost & Found Reminder

Please take a moment to check the Lost & Found! All unclaimed items will be donated after Friday, April 25th. Be sure to stop by before then if you're missing anything!

Snack Donations for M-STEP Testing

After Spring Break, our 3rd–5th grade students will begin taking the M-STEP Assessments. A quick snack break during testing can help students stay focused and energized.

We are asking for donations of individually packaged snacks listed at the sign up link below to help support our students during these sessions. Donations can be dropped off at the front office anytime before April 18.

Thank you in advance for your generosity and support!

To sign up to donate, please use the following link:

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A054CACAB2DA75-55787538-3rd5th#/

Be a Part of the WMAES Family!

At WMAES, we take pride in our welcoming, supportive school community where students grow, explore, and thrive. From our hands-on environmental learning experiences to the strong connections between staff, students, and families, there’s something truly special about being a part of WMAES!

Enrollment for the 2025-26 school year is now open! If you have a younger sibling ready to start school or know a family looking for an engaging, nature-focused education, now is the time to apply.

Apply today! wma-es.com/enroll

Help us welcome more families into our amazing community—please share with anyone who may be interested!

🌳 GSRP Nature Walk & Talk with WMAES! 🌳

We invite you and your little ones to join us for our monthly Nature Walk and Talk! These events are a wonderful opportunity for children ages 1–4 and their caregivers to explore nature on our beautiful 62-acre campus. Each session includes a short, guided hike and exploration in our outdoor classroom featuring a sand area, magnet wall, mud kitchen, and more!

Dates & Times:

February 7, March 14, April 18, May 9, July 11
Time: 9:00 - 10:30 AM
Where: Meet us at the outdoor classroom space to the left of the Elementary building.

This program is designed to run rain, snow, or shine, so please dress accordingly. No sign-up is required; simply meet us at the designated spot, and we'll begin our adventure together! 🌞🌧️❄️

To stay in the loop and receive reminders, please fill out this short form: Nature Walk & Talk Interest Form

Have questions? Feel free to reach out to Jamieson Schultz at jamiesonshultz@choiceschools.com.

We hope to see you there and can't wait to explore and learn together!

Save the Date for Reduce, Reuse, Reimagine Family Literacy Night and Open House

Save the Date! Family Literacy Night & Open House

Join us for a FREE evening of fun, learning, and exploration!

📅 April 22
🕔 5:30 - 7:00 PM
📍 West Michigan Academy of Environmental Science

Indoor & outdoor literacy-focused activities for all ages
Explore our beautiful campus as we celebrate Earth Day
Tours available for new and interested families
Special Feature: WMAES Elementary Enchanted Pond-Themed Art Show – enjoy student artwork inspired by the beauty of nature

This event is free and open to all. More details to come—stay tuned!

Elementary Art Updates

Students have been looking forward to the clay unit all year and we are in need of some donations to make it possible. Thank you for considering donating a sculpey clay pack for your child's class! We could not do it without your amazing support!

Sculpy clay can be purchased at Michaels, Joanns or amazon

Here is a link for the clay: https://www.michaels.com/product/sculpey-iii-30-color-oven-bake-clay-sampler-10179054?michaelsStore=5804&inv=1

You can send your child in with your donation or send it in the mail, but please be sure to note who it is from so that your child's class can receive it.

Here is a link to sign up! https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F0D44AAA72AA3F85-55697477-sculpey

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!

Please save the date for our WMAES Elementary Enchanted Pond Art Show during the next family night/open house on Tuesday, April 22. More information to come! Please email Mrs. Thompson if you are interested in helping set up or take down the art show! Volunteer forms will need to be approved with Ms. Renee in the office. melissathompson@choiceschools.com

Sincerely,

Mrs. Thompson

Order Your Elementary Yearbook Today!

Parents, don’t miss out on this special offer! Order your elementary yearbook before April 3, 2025, and receive two free custom pages to personalize with your family’s favorite memories.

Important: All custom pages must be submitted to TreeRing by April 3, 2025 to take advantage of this free offer.

Make your child’s yearbook even more personal and meaningful! 💙📖

📍 Order here: TreeRing Yearbook Purchase

♻️ Paper Gator Recycling Contest ♻️

Help WMAES support our sustainability efforts and win $5,000 for the school to use toward supplies!

From January 11 to April 11, 2025, Paper Gator will award $5,000 to the school with the largest increase in recycled paper products.

The following recyclable paper items are eligible:

✅ School/office paper
✅ Newspapers
✅ Magazines
✅ Junk mail
✅ Soft and hard cover books
✅ Shredded paper
✅ Paperboard (e.g., tissue boxes, cereal boxes)
✅ Cardboard (12x12 or smaller)
✅ Wrapping paper (no foil or sparkles)

Drop-off Location: Paper Gator dumpsters are located behind the school, accessible via the Wilson driveway.

Whether you're tidying up after the holidays or diving into spring cleaning, every little bit helps us reach our goal!

Happy Recycling!

Assistance Program INFORMATION

We are excited 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.

WMAES Text Updates Opt-In

Please refer to the information below for everything you need to know to sign up for text updates from WMAES. We look forward to being able to utilize texting as a convenient means of providing links to our newsletters, reminders about upcoming dates, weather-related closing notifications, and more. As shown in the flyer below, simply text Y or Yes to 67587 from a number you have on file with the office to get signed up. Coming soon, we will also be sending a one time opt-in message to all numbers on file who have not opted in to provide the option of doing so at that time.

SMS Text Opt-In Flyer 67587 Eng and Esp.pdf

Uniform Online Ordering

Purchase uniform apparel any time from the convenience of home with free shipping.

Online Uniform Store Link: WMAES Apparel

You can also enter the URL https://wmaesapparel.secure-decoration.com/ in any browser to access the store.

A convenient printable format of Important dates for the 2024-25 school year can be found below

WMAES Families Calendar List 24-25.docx

Click here For Our PRevious Update

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