Documentation of Grand Rapids Child Discovery Center Activities and Events

Dear Friends and Followers of the GRCDC - as we all prepare for a much needed break - I send the following photographs of our events, milestones, work, learning and play of the past few months. Wishing all of you the happiest of holidays and a joyous New Year. - emm

Studio Time working with clay

Collaboration comes in many forms

Tools and Materials

Fall Provocation with Japanese Maple Branches - Acer Japonica

K-1st Study of Emotions

Studio Weaving Study

Spirituality and the Reggio-Emilia Approach at the Grand Rapids Child Discovery Center

“The essence of all religions is one. Only their approaches are different.” - Mahatma Gandhi Religion is present in the thoughts of many members of our community at this time of year, but for different reasons. Each of us observes different holidays, celebrations, rituals and traditions. Our school is no different. Like a church, a school is not the building in which it is housed; it is the people, the community, that give it identity and purpose. The members of the community work together, believing in overarching principles, which enable us to reach our common goals. The Grand Rapids Child Discovery Center is founded on the principles of the Reggio Emilia Approach which is founded on spiritual awareness, but not religion. Our school observes this aspect of the approach in many ways, chief among them the Image of the Child, but also through acceptance, respect and acknowledgement of all personal family viewpoints and beliefs. For this reason, the school, since its inception has made an intentional decision to celebrate the seasons not holidays. This does not mean anyone is censored or unable to practice their faith individually, but as a community we focus on nature and the traditions central to the times of the year. -emm

Parental Involvement at the Grand Rapids Child Discovery Center

“Wisdom is knowing what to do next; virtue is doing it.”- David Star Jordan Parental Involvement at the GRCDC: I am asked by parents on an almost daily basis, “what can I do to help?” Each time I am asked I smile, because I know there are hundreds of things parents can do to help, and I know all I have to do is ask, and the help will be there. We are very fortunate that we have such involved and interested parents, and that the involvement of our parents is exceptional. I realize that when a parents asks me this it helps me realize that while the needs are obvious to those of us here each and every day, they are not always so clear to parents who have very busy lives, careers, other children, and sometimes school of their own. I always try to take a step back and remember what it was like for me when my four now grown children were in elementary school. It was difficult, as a young mother, when my oldest child started school, to know how to “break in” and volunteer. It was intimidating, even as friendly and welcoming as the school was, there was still the uncertainty of, “do I know enough?”, “who do I contact?”, “what do I have to offer?”. While it was scary, I conquered my fear, and noticed a request in the school newsletter for someone to help with hallway bulletin boards. I saw this as my chance and took it on. From that experience grew many years of helping with classroom parties, painting signs for the football team, helping at the Ice Cream Social, and many other school events. I am also a single parent, and have worked full-time since my daughter was 2 years old. It has always been a struggle to find the time to help, but I have done it because it was important for my children and for me. The friends and memories I have made along the way have been lovely benefits of my involvement in my children’s education. Many of our parent volunteers are here because they noticed a need and asked if they could help out. For example, Israel Gentry, father of Belli, Discovery C and Victoria, Discovery E, stands guard at the back entrance every morning, making sure the children get in the building safely, you may even see him shoveling snow off the steps in the winter months. This was his suggestion, and it is such a comfort knowing that if I cannot make it to breakfast, Mr. Israel will be there. Currently, we are looking for volunteers for the following: - Winter Celebration – December 20th – contact Sara Dews, Discovery F - School Improvement Team Members – contact Erin Melcher - Health and Sex Education Curriculum Advisory Board – contact Erin Melcher - Breakfast, Lunch and Recess Support – Contact your child’s Discovery for times - Fundraising Committee – contact Erin Melcher - Diversity Week – February - contact Sana Amash and Molly Swartz, Discovery B - Open House – March – contact Anne Rasch and Molly Parker, Discovery A - Portfolio Day – April – contact Peg Jefchak and Andrew Kleinschmit, Discovery D - End-of-Year-Celebration – June – contact Brooke Streu, Discovery E The first step is the most difficult, but I encourage everyone to take that step, go to a Family Team meeting, reach out to another parent in your child’s class, check out the school Facebook page, come eat breakfast or lunch with your child, and by all means – never be afraid to ask or offer.