GRCES Iroquois

Grand Rapids Christian Elementary School Iroquois students stand and smile joyfully in the gym, singing. Principal John Barkel is featured in a circular inset portrait, welcoming students back to school.

Dear GRCES-Iroquois Parents and Friends,

I hope you are enjoying your summer! We are working hard to prepare for the return of students to the Iroquois campus. Oh, how we have missed them! Your children are a blessing, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to partner with you and their teachers to provide a wonderful Christian learning experience.

I'm excited to share our system-wide theme for this year: “Sing a New Song / Canta un cántico nuevo.” Throughout God’s Word, we read references to singing, worship, and praise to God. He gives us the ability to express our praises, sorrows, and hopes to Him through song and music. It is our hope and prayer that this theme will have a meaningful impact on your child’s life!

I am delighted to welcome you to a new school year. Your partnership in your child’s education is something we are deeply passionate about and incredibly grateful for—thank you! Let’s have a GREAT school year filled with learning, praising our Savior, and celebrating one another.

Thank you for sharing your children with us. Have a blessed remainder of your summer!

Your Partner in Christian Education,

John Barkel
Principal, GRCES Iroquois

Preschool Back to School Information

Welcome

Welcome to Preschool at the Iroquois Campus!

At Iroquois, we are anticipating a great start to a new school year with our youngest learners. Our teachers can’t wait to meet you and start exploring God’s world together through play and learning experiences.

What’s next:
Watch for updates from your child’s teacher in August.

In the meantime:
Review the info below to help your child start the year strong.

Questions? Contact me via email.

Jessie Connell
Preschool Director, GRCES Iroquois

Required Forms

These required forms must be submitted prior to the start of the school year. Your child will not be able to start school until these forms and documents have been submitted.

DUE DATE: Monday, August 11, 2025

You may send the completed forms in the mail, drop them off at the school office (1050 Iroquois Ave. SE, GR, MI 49506), or email them to the Iroquois Office. The office will be open from 9:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. starting Monday, August 4.

Upcoming Dates and Events

Iroquois Campus Family Calendar — Please note calendar dates are subject to change.

Monday, August 11 — Required forms due at the school office.

Thursday, August 21 or Friday, August 22 — Visiting Days (8:00–11:30 a.m.)

Visiting Day aims to ease your child's first-day jitters and address any parental concerns. It's a chance for your child to meet their teachers, familiarize themselves with the classroom, and ask any questions they may have.
Your scheduled date and time will be confirmed by your child’s teacher in August.
Visits are limited to one parent and your child(ren) - no siblings, please.

Monday, August 25 or Tuesday, August 26 — First Days of School!

Friday, August 29 - Monday, September 1 — No School, Labor Day Break

Schedule

Preschool and young fives times:

Classroom doors open: 8:10 a.m.
Half-Day: 8:25–11:00 a.m.
Full-Day: 8:25 a.m.–2:45 p.m.

Kids Care is currently full for the 2025-2026 school year, and there is a wait pool. If you wish to be added to the wait pool, please visit the website.

Before School Care: 7:00 a.m. — start of the school day
After School Care: End of the school day — 5:30 p.m.
Before and after school Kids Care begins the first full day of school
Pre-registration is required. Learn more about Kids Care and register here.

Supply List

Prepare the following items for your child(ren), all labeled with their name:

One spacious backpack to fit all school belongings, including winter gear.
A lunch box for full-day students; hot lunch purchase details coming in August.
A small blanket for rest time (full-day students only), manageable for independent use.
Outdoor gear suitable for any weather; ensure sturdy running shoes.
An extra set of clothing (shirt, pants, socks, underwear), labeled and stored in a gallon-size Ziploc bag with your child’s name.
A spill-proof water bottle - Ensure easy refill access.

For children attending Monday–Friday, they'll have individual lockers.

Those on Monday/Wednesday/Friday or Tuesday/Thursday schedules will share lockers and keep extra clothes in their backpack.

FAQ

What is the snack and meal plan?

Families are responsible for providing snacks and lunch for their child daily. The school offers a hot lunch option at a cost, including milk. Half-day students only require one morning snack.

What are the potty training requirements?
Our preschool requires children to be fully potty trained and bathroom independent. Please read our NEW Preschool Bathrooming Readiness Policy.

What does rest time look like?

After lunch, the children transition into a time of rest or quiet time. We will provide a rest mat. Your child may bring a small blanket. We will offer books, music, or a quiet independent activity. We encourage you to communicate with your child’s teacher about their sleep needs.

How should my child be prepared for outdoor time and different types of weather?
Being outside in God’s creation is important for your child’s whole development. We go outside in all types of weather. Please be aware of the weather to make sure your child is prepared.

How do teachers handle a child’s separation anxiety?
Children handle separation differently, and our staff is equipped to support them. Try a brief and positive goodbye routine to ease the transition, as lingering can prolong distress. Typically, children settle within minutes after their parents leave. Minimize your anxiety, as children may sense it and struggle more. Don't hesitate to seek advice from your child’s teacher for additional strategies.

How can I get my child ready for preschool?
Children may need several weeks to adapt to a new environment. To foster independence for your child, consider these strategies:

Practice zipping coats and backpacks.
Encourage independent use and unpacking of lunch items.
Guide them in following one to two step directions.
Help them master taking shoes on and off.
Share and enjoy read-aloud stories together, promoting listening skills.
Review Bathrooming Readiness Policy for more ideas.

Do you have before or after-school care?
Kids Care is our before and after-school care program. If you wish to be added to the wait pool for the 25-26 school year, visit the website.

What if I have more questions?
Your child’s teacher will be a great resource to answer questions as we begin the school year. There will be time to ask questions during your child’s classroom visit. If you have any questions about your enrollment or readiness, please contact Jessie Renz, Admissions Director.

K-4th Grade Back to School Information

Required Forms for Kindergarten Students and New Families

These required forms must be submitted prior to the start of the school year. Your child will not be able to start school until these forms and documents have been submitted.

DUE DATE: Monday, August 4, 2025

These forms can be handed in directly to the school office, faxed to 616.574.6510, or scanned and emailed.

Questions?

If you have questions about required forms, please contact our main office.

Bell Times

GRCES Iroquois	Monday — Friday
Busses Arrive	7:45–7:55 a.m.
First Bell	8:03 a.m.
School Begins	8:10 a.m.
School Dismisses	3:10 p.m.

Half Day Release Time — 12:10 p.m.

GRCES Iroquois Preschool Times

MORNING	8:25–11:00 a.m.
AFTERNOON	12:15–2:45 p.m.

Preschool Half Day Release Time — 11:00 a.m.

Calendars

School Supply List

Open House for K-4 Students and Families

We are celebrating the start of the school year with an Open House for students and parents on Monday, August 18. This is always a great time for children to meet their new teachers and to see their new rooms. Please see below for your assigned time:

4:30–5:00 p.m. - All NEW families.
5:00–5:30 p.m. - Last names beginning with A-G
5:30–6:00 p.m. - Last names beginning with H-R
6:00–6:30 p.m. - Last names beginning with S-Z

Please join us on the playground for ice cream and social gathering.

Parent Drop Off and Pick Up for K-4

Parent Teacher Organization (PTO)

The Grand Rapids Christian Elementary School Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) would like to extend a warm welcome to all new and returning families! We are a volunteer organization made up of parents and staff who have the privilege of supporting our school community throughout the year.

GRCES is a community dependent on parent/guardian involvement. Your contributions—through sharing your time, knowledge, and resources—make a difference. We encourage you to prayerfully consider how you can volunteer at GRCES this year!

We look forward to a great school year! Look for the weekly home bulletin email. This communication will include important PTO sign-up links as well as information regarding fun PTO-sponsored events throughout the year.

We are thankful for the blessing of a strong Christian community at GRCES and for the support of families. Thank you for your continued faithful commitment to our staff and students!

Ready to get involved or have questions?
We’d love to hear from you! Reach out to us anytime via email and let us know how you'd like to help make this year meaningful for our students and staff.