ANNOUNCEMENTS THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2026

PSAT INFORMATION - Reminder - this Friday, October 9 is PSAT day. All freshmen, sophomores, and juniors will be testing. Seniors do not have school and are encouraged to use this day for a college visit. 

Important notes:

• Students will be dismissed at 10:45am. NOTE - if you have extended time, you will be here after 10:45am.
• There is NO afternoon transportation (home or to the CAT).
• Students need to come with their iPad fully charged.
• Students should get a good night's rest on Thursday night.
• Students should eat breakfast on Friday.
• Students should be in full uniform.

PICTURE RETAKE DAY - Retake Picture Day is coming up on Wednesday, October 14. If you're satisfied with your picture, no further action is required. If you purchased and were unhappy with your Picture Package, please bring your Picture Package to school on Retake Day. Your Retake Picture Package will be produced and shipped to the school four weeks after Retake Day. Please note, if you are photographed on the original and Retake Picture Days, the Retake picture will replace the original picture in certain products, like the yearbook.

Students who were absent for Picture Day should come to school prepared to have their picture taken. If you have not preordered, please use the Retake Order Code 0649DSF to place your order at https://inter-state.com/Order. To see your Order History, check your Inter-State Account. Find answers to Retake Day questions here.

CATHOLIC CHARITIES CHAMPIONS - Be a "Champion" for change! Current 11th and 12th grade students are invited to apply by Wednesday, Nov. 2 (All Souls Day) to champion the mission of Catholic Charities West Michigan. Rooted in the example of Christ, grow as a leader, strengthen your advocacy skills, and make a lasting impact through service in your community. Catholic Charities Champions (2026-27 App)  If you have questions or want help with your application please attend Mrs. Perry's Focus time on 10/20. 

FALL PLAY - For seven years a certain boy wizard went to a certain Wizard School and conquered evil. This, however, is not his story. This is the story of the Puffs...who just happened to be there too. A tale for anyone who has never been destined to save the world. Get your tickets HERE!

MARIO KART - The Kent County Cup – Mario Kart 8 Esports Tournament is happening Saturday, October 17 at Kent Career Tech Center! This is an awesome chance for high school gamers to represent their school, compete against students from across Kent County, and maybe even take home the trophy. This short video gives a great glimpse of the energy and excitement of our Kent County Cup tournaments.

Event Details:

• Date & Time: October 17 – Doors open at 9 a.m.
• Location: Kent Career Tech Center, 1655 E. Beltline NE, Grand Rapids (Parking lot #1)
• Competitors: 9th–12th graders in the Kent ISD service area (up to 64 players – spots are filling fast!)
• Cost: $5 per player; concessions available
• Registration is now OPEN.  

Why it matters: In addition to gaming, students will build real-world workforce skills like teamwork, communication, problem-solving, and strategic thinking - the same skills that matter in today’s high-tech careers. It’s a perfect example of how esports connect to future opportunities in STEM, IT, Healthcare, and more!

STEAM OPPORTUNITIES - Here are three exciting opportunities that will give you a glimpse into three very different career paths! Each opportunity has a limited number of spots available, so please let Mrs. VanderMolen know ASAP if you are interested in participating in one or more of them. Priority will be given to upperclassmen, but there will also be opportunities for underclassmen to participate. All three opportunities count toward your STEAM hours, making them a great way to explore potential career paths while earning those hours!

• Corewell Health High School Career Exploration Day - October 27th 11:30am to 2:30pm - This event is designed to connect high school juniors and seniors from across multiple counties with the diverse and dynamic world of healthcare. Throughout the day, students will have the opportunity to engage with Corewell Health leaders and team members from a variety of departments, gaining valuable insights into healthcare careers through interactive learning experiences and meaningful conversations.
• Buell Motorcycle Discover Manufacturing Tour - October 28th 11:30am  to 2pm - Tour a motorcycle manufacturing company producing several high performance models such as sport bikes, a touring, and a cruiser. All research and design is in the main facility along with all assembly of the different models. All models feature a liquid cooled v-twin engine capable of 185hp and 102 flb of torque. All models are hand assembled in Grand Rapids. 
• Van Andel Purple Community Lunch and Learn - November 3 10:30am to 2pm - Join us for the Van Andel Institute Purple Community Leadership Lunch & Learn. This unique opportunity allows you to hear directly from scientists working to unlock the mysteries of diseases like cancer and Parkinson’s. You’ll gain insight into real-world research and discovery, then roll up your sleeves for hands-on experiments in collaboration with VAI for Education — exploring science in a fun, interactive way to see how curiosity can lead to real and meaningful impact.

UPCOMING COLLEGE VISITS - Sign up in SCOIR at least one day before the visit

• Oakland University - Monday, October 12 at 1:30pm
• Grand Rapids Community College - Tuesday, October 13 at 11:10am
• Grand Valley State University - Tuesday, October 13 at 1:45pm
• Alma College - Wednesday, October 14 at 9:00am
• DePauw University - Wednesday, October 14 at 11:20am

SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES - Find more opportunities HERE

BEGINNING WITH BREAKFAST - A hot breakfast of the chef’s choice will be offered daily. All breakfast combos are served with fruit, juice, and milk

LOOKING AHEAD FOR LUNCH - Lunch Combos are served with an entree, fruit, veggie, and milk

• Thursday, October 8 - French Toast Sticks, Bacon, Veggie Juice, Orange
• Friday, October 9 - No Lunch - Half Day

BLESSING OF THE DAY - May you be blessed when you feel unprepared or unqualified for the task at hand and fear begins to take over your spirit. May it be then that you allow God's Spirit to take over your fear. May you step aside and leave room for God to fill in the spaces and the gaps. Then, having granted God entry, may you rejoice as you watch God work in you and through you and even around you. May the Spirit of God grace you and bless you. --Maxine Shonk, OP