Black River Parents and Guardians - If you have access to Infinite Campus and are still not receiving email notifications, please watch this short video tutorial created by Mr. Jim on how to update your contact preferences. If you do not have Infinite Campus access or have forgotten your password, contact Kelli Heneghan at heneghank@brpsk12.org. 

Please take a moment to read this letter from Shannon Brunink, Head of School regarding Governor Whitmer's announcement today, Thursday, April 2, 2020. 

Today Ms. Robin is reading Try a Little Kindness by Henry Cole. Ms. Robin chose this book because we are spending a lot of time with our family right now and we can use this helpful reminder of things we can do to make it easier.

Dear BR Parents,

We want to do everything we can to support you throughout these uncertain times. You are an amazing community and we miss you all so much!

It is crucial to give yourself grace as we continue to navigate these uncharted waters together. Although we will certainly need your support in the coming weeks when it comes to academic progress, please remember to be there to support the emotional needs of your family. It's okay to struggle through this a bit as we figure things out-- we will all be figuring it out together.

Please take a moment to complete this survey. The data collected will help us determine which families may need assistance with technology at home.

Please only take this survey ONCE per household.

Thank you and take care!

Ms. Jamie reads the story ‘Pig the Tourist’ by Aaron Blabey. Enjoy!

Mr. Schwartz consolidated some of his 3D Animation class videos from their "Abstract Soothing" unit into one video. He thought we might all enjoy some calming images and sounds in these uncertain times.

Dear BR Community,

Some media sources have reported details they expect to come from Governor Whitmer regarding what schools will need to do for the rest of this school year.  While we continue to plan for how to best serve our BR students, we will not be rolling out plans until the executive order is actually given from our governor.  We do not want to give incorrect information based on anything other than the actual guidance from Governor Whitmer and the Michigan Department of Education.

Thank you all for your patience!

Due to the COVID 19 school campus closure, we ask that community members refrain from congregating/using our playgrounds or outdoor facilities, as these are not being sanitized. We have been contacted by our local authorities and they are doing their best to monitor these locations, but we really could use your assistance in making sure we all are following the best practices for community health.

Dear Families,

First off,  we miss you all so much!

As we wait for the final word from Governor Whitmer about the specifics to come about school expectations, please know that a lot of information will be coming through email very soon from Black River and your child's teachers.  Please be ready by making sure to check that your Infinite Campus contact information is up to date so you do not miss communications about our plans for continuing the school year.

Don't forget that Infinite Campus has an easy app to update preferences! Below is the link to app information:

https://www.blackriverpublicschool.org/News/2349

If you cannot access your Infinite Campus account please contact Kelli Heneghan at heneghank@brpsk12.org.

Looking to engage with your peers? Students and teachers alike are publishing fun and entertaining news for The Current, our student news website, which you can find at brpscurrent.com. 

New student polls are published each week, and commenting is open so that students can respond to each other's publications. This week's feature: Ms. Stephens' cat makes some observations about the new world order. 

Students can also submit their own work for publication here. Don't miss out!

No matter the changes we face in the days and months ahead - nothing is more important to us than the health and safety of our community. We miss you all and want you to know that we are here for you. Continue to take care of yourself - We are BR!

Storytime with BRPS Montessori Kindergarten Teacher, Ms. Ann

Ms. Ann is reading the perfect story, 'Waiting is not Easy' by Mo Willems. She chose this book because we are all having to be so patient during this time of uncertainty.

The Wide-Mouthed Frog' by Keith Faulkner and illustrated by Jonathan Lambert. Enjoy.

Enter your address on the OAISD address lookup map to find a Food Distribution near you.

Course registration for next year began before our unexpected closure.  The deadline to register for classes will be extended to a date when we are back in session.  The main offices are closed.  However, families are welcome to return forms by mail to:

Black River Public School
Attn:  Jennifer Wise
491 Columbia Ave.
Holland, MI  49423

Forms can also be faxed to 355-0057 or scanned and emailed to wisej@brpsk12.org.  (PDF copies rather than images are preferred for printing purposes)

Project Term course fees were due today, 3/23.  At this time, we do not know what the academic year will look like.  Please do not send in any payments at this time.  We will continue to update as we know more. 

Hello Black River Community,

As Governor Whitmer continues to make important decisions regarding our state's health, we want you all to know that you and your families are on our minds as we go through this together. Questions keep coming in about grades and online learning.  These are great questions but unfortunately we do not yet know the answers to them. In her press conference today, Governor Whitmer said that schools would be getting more guidance soon. We promise to share whatever we can about these important issues as we receive the guidance that will define our options for you and your family. Thank you and stay healthy.

Some of you have been reaching out with questions about why our offerings to students have been supplemental instead of graded coursework.  Please see the letter from the Michigan Department of Education regarding what a public school may count as instruction.  Please bear with us as Black River and all of the other public schools look to find answers for working with students during the closure.  

Making sure our parents and community members have access to free, digital platforms is one way to help keep our students engaged and learning during this difficult time. Below are sites that have been shared by teachers and parents to help fill our days with meaningful activities. Please contact Kelli Heneghan at heneghank@brpsk12.org if you have a site to add to our growing list.

Online Resources for BRPS Parents and Caregivers  

Since many things have been cancelled, we are working on refunding people who may have paid for an activity that did not take place or return donations for events that were cancelled.  Please be patient as we work through multiple platforms that were used for these payments and donations. More information coming soon!

OTTAWA COUNTY, MI - K-12 school districts throughout the Ottawa area are working to ensure that all students throughout the OAISD service region are included in meal distribution plans during the school closure period amid the COVID-19 emergency.  Below is information to be shared with families:

• Parents may participate in ANY of our local district food service plans now through April 5, 2020.  Refer to the links below for specific information for each district.  Most are offering multiple pick up opportunities to receive meals for multiple days to limit the number of trips required. 
• Though some local district sites refer to all children “age 18 & under,” they realize that Special Needs includes students “up to age 26” and are prepared to serve these families.
•  There is NO cost for the meals, regardless of whether or not the family qualifies for the Free/Reduced     Lunch Program.Children do NOT need to be present with the parent(s) to pick up meals.
• For planning purposes, some districts are requesting advance information.  Please encourage parents to visit the district links below as soon as possible to assist in these efforts.

BLACK RIVER FAMILIES SHOULD UTILIZE THE CLOSEST SCHOOL DISTRICT

If you received a notice that your child is accepted to BRPS for the 2020-2021 academic year, we want you to know that while the 2020-2021 Enrollment Packets were originally due today, March 16, 2020, we understand that it may be difficult for you to submit your required paperwork by the deadline. 

If there will be a delay with submitting paperwork, please contact us immediately via phone (please leave a voice-mail) or email confirming your intention to complete your child's enrollment process at Black River:  klundern@brpsk12.org, 616-355-0055 x116. If you have access to mail the enrollment paperwork, please send your packet to the following address:

Black River Public School
Attn: Nicole Klunder
491 Columbia Avenue
Holland, MI 49423

We are also accepting paperwork via fax at 616-355-0057 or by electronic submission (scan and submit a PDF or jpg photo) and email to klundern@brpsk12.org. Below is a useful free phone app that can easily scan and email multiple page documents.

TurboScan - Apple

TurboScan - Google Play

BRPS Families, Even though school is not in session, we want to be sure that families know that we still have counseling staff and social workers available to assist your children.  Please reach out to them over email regarding non-emergency situations:

Kim Richardson, Social Worker at richardsonk@brpsk12.org
Lauren Green, Social Worker at greenl@brpsk12.org
Karen Scranton, Social Worker at scrantonk@brpsk12.org
Tricia Schrotenboer at schrotenboert@brpsk12.org

In the event of an actual emergency, 911 and OK2SAY are the best ways to get help for someone in need.  The police would also be happy to help through their non-emergency number of 1-800-249-0911 if that is more appropriate.

Dear Black River Community,

We have been looking into possibilities for us to provide meals for children in the area during this time of school closure.  In doing so, it has been apparent that since our food service is outsourced out of Caledonia, it would be much more efficient for us to promote the offerings and serve more kids through the offerings Holland Public Schools is making available to all area children.  Here is the information from their website:

Holland Mayor Honors Black River We the People Team!

News Article

Message from the MHSAA:

The Michigan High School Athletic Association has directed all member schools to suspend activities in all sports for all seasons– effective Monday, March 16 through at least Sunday, April 5 – to fall in line with Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s order that all schools close for the next three weeks in order to deter the spread of COVID-19.

All athletic activities to be halted include practices, scrimmages and competitions/games, as well as strength training, conditioning and any other organized sessions and activities in all MHSAA in-season and out-of-season sports.

BR Families,
Please see the attached update letter and parent resource.

Dear Black River Theater Company (BRTC) Parents, Families, and Friends, 

We are so excited to see your talented kids’ creativity play out in Seussical. Whether on stage or behind the scenes, this is an amazing group of kids! As many of you know, the BRTC receives no funding from the school for any of the yearly productions. What you may not realize is that for every production, including Seussical, we, the BRTC, pay for the theater space, the rights for the show, costumes, sets, props, etc. and this costs thousands of dollars!

 The spring Black River Theatre Company fundraiser for 'Seussical the Musical' is May 13, 2020. Please stop by Panera in Holland any time (yes, ALL DAY!) on Wednesday, May 13 and mention the BRTC fundraiser and they receive 20% of whatever is purchased.

We are excited to announce our 2020 Black River Summer Camp dates! 

2020 Black River Summer Camps and Enrichment Opportunities General Information and Schedule

2020 Black River Summer Camp Registration Form

On behalf of the Black River Theatre Company students, we'd like to invite you to attend our spring production of Suessical the Musical. The performances are Friday, May 15 at 7:00pm and Saturday, May 16 at 2:00pm and 7:00pm at Cityside Middle School, Lokers Auditorium in Zeeland. 

2020-2021 Black River Public School Open Enrollment for grades K-12

Open Enrollment ended on February 26, 2020.   All applications received by February 26 at 4pm will be included in the enrollment lottery.

Families are still encouraged to apply using the post lottery application.  All applications received post lottery will be added to the wait list for the applicable grade level.  If an opening occurs, families will be contacted.

For more information regarding open enrollment and our lottery please visit our admissions page.  Any questions regarding admissions or enrollment, please contact our Enrollment Coordinator, Nicole Klunder, at klundern@brpsk12.org or 355-0055, ext. 116.

Stop the Silence! Black River Parents and Guardians - If you are worried about a student, don't be afraid to speak up by contacting the Ok2Say Hotline to leave an anonymous tip - OPEN 24/7 including weekends and before/during school hours. Specially trained technicians receive the tips and filter the information to the appropriate agency. Please use this resource if you have a concern during a time school is not in session. Contacting 911 with a concern is also an option. These methods will be the quickest way to ensure student safety. Thank you! 

Phone: 855-565-2729     Text: 652729 (OK2SAY)     Email: ok2say@mi.gov

Stay up-to-date on BRPS current events and news by adding the Stay Connected App to your phone! Features include:

• Headline News and Information
• Calendar of Events
• School and Staff Directory
• School Notifications for Closings and Delays

Please click on the preferred link below to download the website application:
Click Here for Apple SchoolPointe Stay Connected App
Click Here for Android SchoolPointe Stay Connected App

It's time to start thinking about ordering this year's yearbook. We are working with a new company this year. Jostens offers a $5.00 incentive if you order your yearbook early. The Elementary Yearbook is $20.00 when ordering early, and the High School Yearbook is $45.00 when ordered early.

Below you will find the links to follow to order each yearbook. Please make sure that you click on the correct link for the yearbook you are ordering.

Elementary Yearbook $20.00 If ordered before October 11, 2019

https://jostensyearbooks.com?REF=A04358704  

High School Yearbook $45.00 if ordered before October 11, 2019

 https://www.jostens.com/apps/shop/yrbk_ra_flash.asp?CID=134713&PFID=2019060504151176394&affiliateId=1028585

If you have any questions, contact Joy Shirk, the yearbook adviser at  shirkj@brpsk12.org  

Infinite Campus has released two new and improved mobile apps: Campus Student (for students) and Campus Parent (for parents). Download your free app for real-time access to grades, assignments, schedules, announcements and more. 

School Code: 231963
District ID: PWHTPS

Download on the App Store

Get it on Google Play