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January 4, 2025 Update for Families
January 4, 2025 Update for Families
Dear WMAES Families,
Happy New Year! I hope you’ve all enjoyed a restful break with your loved ones. As we prepare to welcome everyone back to school, I want to express my gratitude for your continued support and partnership in making our school community strong.
Please take a few moments to review the important information below with your family to help ensure a smooth and positive start to the new year.
We’re excited to see everyone back soon and look forward to a wonderful year ahead!
Warmest regards,
Nathan VanDuinen
Elementary Principal
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.
Exciting Update: Transition to PBIS Rewards Starting January 6
Exciting Update: Transition to PBIS Rewards Starting January 6
We’re excited to share that when we return from break on January 6, we will officially transition to PBIS Rewards, an online platform designed to support and enhance our schoolwide Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) initiatives, replacing PowerSchool Behavior.
How PBIS Rewards Supports PBIS at WMAES
How PBIS Rewards Supports PBIS at WMAES
At West Michigan Academy of Environmental Science, our Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) plan plays a vital role in fostering a positive learning environment by teaching and reinforcing positive behaviors that help students thrive both academically and socially.
Our SOARing expectations—be Safe, Own your actions, Act responsibly, and be Respectful (SOAR)—guide students in their daily interactions and help build a strong school community. These expectations are central to our school culture and support students in making positive choices.
About PBIS Rewards
About PBIS Rewards
PBIS Rewards is an easy-to-use online platform that will:
Streamline how we recognize and reinforce positive behavior.
Track student progress in meeting our SOAR expectations.
Provide families with improved tools to stay informed and engaged in their child’s progress.
Gradual Rollout
Gradual Rollout
We’ll be introducing PBIS Rewards features step by step to ensure a smooth transition for students, families, and staff. More information about PBIS Rewards apps for students and families will be shared soon, along with details on how you can stay connected and informed.
We’re excited to see how PBIS Rewards will enhance our schoolwide commitment to PBIS and SOARing to success. Thank you for your continued partnership and support as we begin this new initiative!
Stay tuned for more updates!
WMAES Jan Breakfast 2025.docx - Google Docs.pdfWMAES Jan Lunch 2025.docx - Google Docs.pdf
Dollar No Uniform Day Friday, January 10
Dollar No Uniform Day Friday, January 10
♻️ Paper Gator Recycling Contest ♻️
♻️ 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!
January 17 - Noon Dismissal & End of Quarter 2
January 17 - Noon Dismissal & End of Quarter 2
No School on January 20 In Honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day
No School on January 20 In Honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day
We would like to remind you that there will be no school on Monday, January 20th, in observance of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day. This day serves as an important opportunity to pause and reflect on Dr. King's enduring legacy and his unwavering commitment to equality, justice, and unity.
At WMAES, we stand with Dr. King’s message of equality, respect, and education for all, striving to create a community where these values are lived and celebrated every day.
Popcorn Day January 24
Popcorn Day January 24
The WMAES Parent Team has once again made it possible for us to host a popcorn sale for students. Bags of popcorn are 50 cents. Families will still be able to sponsor an entire class for a donation of $10. Students are able to purchase multiple bags of popcorn if desired.
Kindergarten Round-Up & Preschool Open House
Tuesday, February 11, 2025 | 4:30–6:00 PM
Kindergarten Round-Up & Preschool Open House
Tuesday, February 11, 2025 | 4:30–6:00 PM
Join us for our Kindergarten Round-Up and GSRP Preschool Open House for the 2025–2026 school year!
Families will have the opportunity to:
Learn more about our exceptional kindergarten and free preschool programs
Meet our teachers and explore classrooms
Take a tour of our facilities
Feel free to share this event with families who may be interested. We look forward to welcoming you and your child!
Assistance Program INFORMATION
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.
Stay Informed: Weather-Related Updates
Stay Informed: Weather-Related Updates
As we enter the season of inclement weather, we want to remind you of the ways we will keep you informed about weather-related school cancellations. Your convenience and access to timely updates are our priorities! If you haven't already done so, now is a great time to opt in to receive text updates using the information below.
We communicate weather-related information through:
• School Messenger: Automated phone calls to the primary numbers on file with us.
• Email Notifications: Delivered directly to your inbox.
• Text Messages: If you’ve opted in to receive them.
• WMAES Social Media: Updates posted on Facebook and Instagram.
• Local News Outlets: Tune in to WZZM, WOODTV, and FOX 17 for closure information.
WMAES Text Updates Opt-In
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🌳 GSRP Nature Walk & Talk with WMAES! 🌳
🌳 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!
WMAES_2024_GSRP Nature Walks (2) (1).pdf
Uniform Online Ordering
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
A convenient printable format of Important dates for the 2024-25 school year can be found below
WMAES Families Calendar List 24-25.docxPage updated
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