The elementary grades at Black River Public School follow the Montessori Method of instruction, with accommodation made for standardized testing requirements. This method differs from the style of instruction to which most parents and students are accustomed, and it forms a perfect foundation for Black River's educational mission and teaching philosophy.

In making a school choice for your child, parents are invited to carefully read our Montessori information, ask questions and visit our classrooms to inform yourselves fully about what you should expect from the Black River elementary program.

Click HERE to read a summary of the Montessori Method and how it is used at Black River.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

ACCELERATED READER
For reference, a partial list of Accelerated Reader titles can be found HERE by title and HERE by author.

ELEMENTARY CAR LINE
Please click HERE for elementary car line procedures.

Rat Pack Order: Click HERE for printable form.

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Welcome parents! In order to help promote a great year at Black River, we have just a few simple reminders.

School hours
Promptness is appreciated. Class begins at 8:00am, so it is helpful to have your child (children) here on time.

After school
Teachers will bring the students out to the driveway at 3:10pm (please watch for updated carline procedure coming soon to this web page). If you need to pick up your child early, please make arrangements prior to the end of the school day. The arrangements may be made by contacting Kate Vanderleek at 616.355.0055, ext. 167. At 3:15pm, any remaining students will be escorted to the Commons Area were there will be a teacher on duty until 3:30pm. If you should require after school child care, the Urban Ministry is directly behind the school. It is also helpful to make prior arrangements with teachers, should you desire a meeting with them after school.

Lunch and snacks
Snacks! Students are responsible for bringing their snacks. Healthy, manageable, non-distracting snacks are encouraged. Typically, snacks are shared only when it is a birthday celebration, in which case, prior arrangements may be made with teachers. Children who do not participate in the hot lunch program are asked to bring their own lunches. There will be no access to vending machines for elementary students. Children will be asked to take home what they do not finish instead of throwing it away. We prefer no trading of food during lunchtime.

Additional reminders
• Children are encouraged to bring a refillable water bottle.
• Trading cards, money, and toys need to stay at home.
• Hats, bandannas, and caps are not permissible.
• Field trip permission slips should be signed.
• Specials: Spanish will be offered two times a week. Physical education, music, and keyboarding (not Lower Elementary) will run on a weekly basis schedule. Art will be offered one time a month.


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HOW CAN YOU HELP?

Books Needed for Accelerated Reader!
We utilize the very popular Accelerated Reader program. We can always use more books - and they're expensive! Please check your closets and bookcases to see if you have some of titles you'd be willing to donate to the elementary reading program.