Weekly Good News

Last week Thursday, September 21st, MS Cross Country and Community Helpers joined forces to help clean up our community. The joint effort was so much fun for both groups and a great way to meet other people. The amount of trash collected was definitely a way to help make our community shine! Great work, students!

WHS juniors and seniors visited Grand Rapids Community College this week. Students enjoyed an admissions presentation, walking tour of campus, and also stopped by the Albert P. Music Center. Campus visits are a great opportunity to see and feel what college life is really like.

Students in Mr. Oostindie's 5th grade math class are hard at work and using newly acquired Versatiles for independent math practice. Versatiles are a tool that was introduced this week to K-5 teachers who are members of our district mathematics committee. Versatiles will be used to support elementary math instruction with students for independent practice, small group instruction, intervention, and enrichment with mathematics.

The September character trait with Capturing Kids Hearts is Empathy. Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of another.

As you may have heard, our neighboring school district of Martin unexpectedly lost a second grade student last Friday. His name is Justin Lee Slagter Jr., also known as “JJ.” When Mrs. Nykerk heard about this tragedy, she decided to reach out to JJ's teacher, Jennifer Jonker. Mrs. Jonker described JJ as being "a great young man who was kind to everyone. In his short life he has impacted so many people, me included. He gave the best hugs, stood up for kids who were being bullied, made friends with everyone, and was loved by so many.” Mrs. Nykerk's second grade classroom at Steeby Elementary decided to show empathy by making and coloring 36 pictures for all the second graders at Martin Public Schools, even the ones not in JJ's classroom. We love being able to support neighboring communities!

After working all summer long to update the footprint and paint the Fitness Center, the new equipment finally arrived this week. The fitness center was initially redone 12 years ago, and since then hundreds of students and community members utilize the facility everyday!

The Wayland Union Varsity Dance Team held their first team bonding experience of the season. The team worked together to create a scarecrow that will be displayed throughout October in Downtown Wayland. Be sure to check it out!

In correspondence to Capturing Kids Hearts, September was the month of Empathy at Steeby Elementary. Throughout the month, each 2nd and 3rd Grade teacher had the difficult task of choosing 1 student from their classroom that demonstrated outstanding empathy skills. On Wednesday, September 27th, the school hosted an assembly to acknowledge those individuals.

2nd grade winners were Clara Butler, Charlotte Joslyn, Aleigha Vandermolen, and Claire Dutcher

3rd grade winners were Joselyn VanNortwick, Orrie Veltman, Ryan Card, Cali Wendt, Macie Burns, and Niles Thompson.

Congratulations students, keep up the good work!

It's been a VERY good Friday for our 26 Innovation Grants and National Conference Grants recipients courtesy of the Wayland Union Education Foundation. Members of the Education Foundation and Administrators had the pleasure of going around the district to present our staff members with their grant certificates. Congratulations to everyone who was awarded today, Wayland thanks you for continuing to go above and beyond for our students! And a huge THANK YOU goes out to the Education Foundation for your continued support of innovative learning!

• Friday, September 29th, WUHS Thespian Society One Act Play, 3pm
• Friday, September 29th, WUHS Thespian Society One Act Play, 7pm
• Friday, September 29th, Varsity Football, 7pm, Away at Forest Hills Eastern
• Saturday, September 30th, Boys JV Soccer, 8am, Away at Plainwell
• Saturday, September 30th, Freshman Volleyball, 8:30am, Away at Ionia
• Saturday, September 30th, Varsity Equestrian, 9am, Away at Berrien Springs
• Saturday, September 30th, Boys Varsity Soccer, 10am, Away at Plainwell
• Saturday, September 30th, Marching Band Competition, 7pm, Otsego HS
• Sunday, October 1st, Varsity Equestrian, 11am, Away at Berrien Springs
• Monday, October 2nd, Girls Varsity Golf, 10am, Away at Grand Rapids Catholic
• Monday, October 2nd, 7th Volleyball, 4pm, Home
• Monday, October 2nd, 8th Volleyball, 4pm, Away at TK
• Monday, October 2nd, Boys JV Soccer, 5pm, Home
• Monday, October 2nd, Boys Varsity Soccer, 6:45pm, Home
• Tuesday, October 3rd, Boys Varsity Tennis, 4pm, Away at Sparta
• Tuesday, October 3rd, MS Cross Country, 4pm, Away at Byron Center West
• Tuesday, October 3rd, Freshman and JV Volleyball, 5pm, Home
• Tuesday, October 3rd, Varsity Volleyball, 6pm, Home
• Wednesday, October 4th, Official Student Count Day
• Wednesday, October 4th, Steeby Donuts with Grownups, 8:10am
• Wednesday, October 4th, 8th Volleyball, 4pm, Home and Away at Pinewood
• Wednesday, October 4th, 7th Volleyball, 4pm, Home and Away at TK
• Wednesday, October 4th, 7th Football, 5pm, Home
• Wednesday, October 4th, Boys JV Soccer, 5pm, Home
• Wednesday, October 4th, 8th Football, 6:30pm, Home
• Wednesday, October 4th, Boys Varsity Soccer, 6:45pm, Home
• Thursday, October 5th, Boys Varsity Tennis, 8:30am, Away at South Christian
• Thursday, October 5th, JV Football, 4:30pm, Away at Kenowa Hills
• Thursday, October 5th, Girls Varsity Swimming, 6pm, Away at Grand Rapids Union

For the most updated information, please check the district and athletic calendars.