GRCES Iroquois Campus

Welcome to Preschool at the Iroquois Campus!

Our preschool teachers are anticipating a great start to a new school year with our youngest learners. Your child will become part of our preschool family, learning and growing in a community centered on the discovery of God’s world.

We will provide a safe, joyful space where your child is seen, supported, and challenged. We can’t wait to meet you and start our play-filled journey together!

What’s Next

• Watch for updates from your child’s teacher in August.
• In the meantime, review the information below to help your child start the year strong.

Jessie Connell
GRCES Iroquois Preschool Director

Required Documentation Due

Monday, August 10, 2026

Please see the Required Forms section for a complete list of required documents.

Visiting Days

Thursday, August 20, or Friday, August 21, 2026, from 8:00–11:30 a.m.

Visiting Day aims to ease your child’s first-day jitters and address any parental concerns. It is 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; no siblings, please.

First Days of School

Monday, August 24, or Tuesday, August 25, 2026

Labor Day Break

Friday, September 4–Monday, September 7, 2026

Prepare the following items for your child, labeled with their name:

• One spacious backpack to fit 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 weather; ensure sturdy running shoes
• An extra set of clothing: shirt, pants, socks, and underwear, labeled and stored in a gallon-size Ziploc bag with your child’s name
• A spill-proof water bottle that is easy for your child to refill

Children attending Monday–Friday will have individual lockers. Children on Monday/Wednesday/Friday or Tuesday/Thursday schedules will share lockers and keep extra clothes in their backpack.

The following documents must be turned in to the school office no later than Monday, August 10, 2026:

• The Health Appraisal Form, filled out and signed by a doctor
• An official copy of your child’s up-to-date immunization record from your child’s doctor or a certified waiver
• A copy of your child’s birth certificate
• The Child Information Record

Your child will not be able to start school until these forms and documents have been submitted. You may send these in the mail, drop them off at the school office, 1050 Iroquois Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506, or email them to the Iroquois Office at grcesdocuments@grcs.org.

The office will be open 9:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. starting Monday, August 10.

What is the snack and meal plan?

Families are responsible for providing two 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 Preschool Bathrooming Readiness Policy.

What does rest time look like?

Rest time is for children attending full-day preschool. After lunch, the children transition into a time of rest or quiet time. We provide rest mats. Your child may bring a small blanket and/or personal nap item. We will offer books, music, or a quiet and independent activity. Rest time is about 40–45 minutes. We encourage you to communicate with your child’s teacher about their sleep needs.

How should my child be prepared for outdoor time and weather?

Being outside in God’s creation is important for your child’s whole development. We go outside in many types of weather. Please keep an eye on the weather with us, making sure your child is prepared for that day.

How does drop-off and pick-up work for preschool?

To drop off your child, you will need to park and enter the building through the main entrance. Parking can be limited in the lot; street parking is available. Walk along with your child to their locker, then escort them to the classroom door and sign them in each morning. Drop-off is between 8:10–8:25 a.m.

Pick-up at the end of the school day is at a designated location outside the school at 2:45 p.m. Your child’s teacher will communicate this plan with you in August.

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 parents leave. Minimize your own 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?

• 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 the Bathrooming Readiness Policy for more ideas.

Do you have before or after-school care?

Kids Care is our before and after-school care program. It is full for the coming school year, and there is a wait pool. If you wish to be added to the wait pool, visit the website.

What if I have more questions?

Many of your questions can be answered by your child’s teacher as we begin the school year. There will be time to ask questions at your child’s classroom visit. If you have questions about your enrollment or readiness, please contact Jessie Renz, Admissions Director.

All required forms must be submitted before the start of the school year. Please note that your child will not be permitted to begin school until all required forms and supporting documents have been received.

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

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

GRCES Iroquois Bell Times

Half Day Release Time: 12:10 p.m.

GRCES Iroquois Preschool Times

Calendars

Use the printable school supply list for K–4th grade supplies.

We are celebrating the start of the school year with an Open House for students and parents on Monday, August 17, 2026. This is always a great time for children to meet their new teachers and see their new rooms.

Assigned Times

• 4:30–5:00 p.m.: 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 a social gathering.

Please review the parent drop-off and pick-up details for K–4 students and families.

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

GRCES is a community dependent on parent and 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!

The GRCES bi-weekly Home Bulletin will be delivered via email to you and will include important PTO sign-up links as well as information regarding fun PTO-sponsored events throughout the year. Please don't hesitate to contact us by email if you have any questions. We would also love to hear from you if you're interested in supporting our PTO and helping make a difference in our school community.

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!

Volunteering at the GRCES - Iroquois is rewarding for you, helpful for us, and meaningful for your child. There are many ways to get involved at Iroquois.

The Volunteering at Iroquois guide details both whole-school and classroom opportunities for getting involved, along with guidelines and expectations for working with students.

Each volunteer must complete a Volunteer Clearance Form each school year.

Bus routes with student pick-up and drop-off locations will be determined by Grand Rapids Christian Schools or Grand Rapids Public Schools. This information will be communicated via email from the GRCS Transportation Department.

Questions regarding busing should be directed to the GRCS Transportation Department at 616.574.5710 or transportation@grcs.org.