Friday, December 19, 2025

Message from our Principal

Hello Green Bear Families,

Dear Families,

As we round up the first half of this year and head into winter break, I would like to take a moment to thank you for your continued partnership and support throughout the year. Our school remains a special place because of the students, families, and staff who work together every day to create a safe, caring, and joyful learning community.

This season offers us time to reflect, connect with loved ones, and celebrate in ways that are meaningful to each family. We honor and respect the many traditions represented in our school and wish you peace, rest, and happiness during this time.

We look forward to welcoming students back healthy, refreshed and ready to learn on Jan 5, 2026.

On behalf of the entire staff, we wish you a safe, relaxing, and joyful holiday season.

Rose Gaiffe

Elementary Principal

rgaiffe@ohschools.org

Friday, December 19: End of Quarter 2

Monday, December 22 - Friday, January 2: Winter Break

Monday, January 5: First Day of 3rd Quarter

Friday, January 9: Candid Picture Day!

Friday, January 16: Early Release at 1:00 p.m.

Monday, January 19: Martin Luther King Day - No School

Monday, February 16: President's Day - No School

Friday, December 19: End of Quarter 2

Monday, December 22 - Friday, January 2: Winter Break

Monday, January 5: First Day of 3rd Quarter

Friday, January 9: Candid Picture Day!

Friday, January 16: Early Release at 1:00 p.m.

Monday, January 19: Martin Luther King Day - No School

Monday, February 16: President's Day - No School

Winter Break Reminders:

NO SCHOOL: Saturday, December 20 - Sunday, January 4

Thank you to our custodial staff, who have been cleaning up and disinfecting our school during this high spike in illnesses. They will be doing a deep clean of the building over break. We look forward to having a germ-free environment for our students to come back to on Monday, January 5.

Please note that during break, the elementary office team will be on break. Any communications to the office will be responded to when we return.

The next Green Bear Bulletin will be sent on January 9th.

Happy Holidays!

Support the bands!

The Ottawa Hills Band Boosters Organization (OHBBO) is the district's newest support organization. OHBBO invites you to the inaugural meeting on Wednesday, Jan. 7, at 7 p.m. in the jr./sr. high school library (upstairs right above the main office). All are welcome! Information about membership and events coming soon. Questions or want to help? Email OHBBO at OHBBO.mail@gmail.com.

Students in Grades 4-6 can sign up to help out backstage with this year's production. New this year, we are limiting the number of junior stage crew to 15 students. Please click on the link to register your student for stage crew. The form will automatically stop accepting responses after 15. If you would like to join the waitlist after the form closes, fill out the waitlist form, and we will be in touch if a spot becomes available.

Extra! Extra! Read All About It: Newsies Jr. Tickets for Sale

The tickets for Newsies Jr. are now live! New this year - $5 off student tickets with promo code. Please see this article for specifics.

Newsies Jr. is a high-energy musical inspired by the real-life Newsboys Strike of 1899. When newspaper publishers raise prices at the newsboys’ expense, a spirited group of young “newsies” bands together to stand up for what’s right. Led by the determined Jack Kelly, the kids discover the power of friendship, courage, and using their voices to make a difference. Filled with upbeat songs, lively dance numbers, and an inspiring message, Newsies Jr. is a fun, uplifting show for audiences of all ages.

Newsies Jr. Stage Crew Sign Up

Purchase Newsies Jr. Tickets Here

Don't be Late! School Starts at 8:10

A reminder to parents: The entry doors on Indian Road close promptly at 8:10 a.m. All students arriving after 8:10 must enter the front office doors and will be marked tardy. Please help your child and our teachers start the day on a positive note by making sure your child is in the building before 8:10 a.m. every morning.

Please help us out at dismissal time by making the office aware of any alternative pick-up procedures for your child by 12 p.m. that day. We want to make sure your child is aware of any changes well in advance of class dismissal time.