Bauer Bits
September 16, 2022
From the Principal's Desk
Reacting vs. Responding
(adapted from a recent newsletter by George Raveling)
In life we occasionally deal with people who get upset with us. What we do next is most important.
It may be because of our beliefs, a criticism or some other perceived slight — but how we navigate the situation will make all the difference in the world.
Reacting consists of:
• Being overly emotional and borderline irrational because of a slight
• Immediately raising our voice or possibly using unkind language
• Saying something hurtful that can’t be taken back
• Allowing our ego to balloon after we feel insulted
Responding means:
• Pausing briefly before we say or do something rash
• Speaking coherently and not raising our voice
• Intelligently articulating the problem with the behavior
• Forming a logical resolution
In essence, when we deal with someone who is angry, it’s crucial to remember that the first 30 seconds are most important — and we can’t act on what may be our short-term impulses in the moment.
We must respond, not react.
Pause, breathe, construct some logical thoughts, then address the conflict.
It’s the most efficient way to extinguish what could otherwise be some fatal flames. As a great coach once shared with me; be a thermostat not a thermometer!
Mark your calendar
- Wednesday, September 21st: School Pictures
- Friday, September 23rd: Walk-a-thon
- Monday, September 26th - Friday, September 30th: Homecoming Spirit Days (see below)
Please check the HPS Student Calendar for early release dates and breaks for the 2022-23 school year!
School Pictures
School Pictures will be taken on Wednesday, September 21st. Picture packets were sent home this week. Every students' picture will be taken for the yearbook. Even if you do not want to order pictures, please send your packet back in with your student on picture day. Thank you!
If your student is absent, retakes will be taken on Thursday, October 27th.
WALK-A-THON
The countdown to Walk-a-thon is on… NEXT WEEK Friday, September 23rd is the big day! Support of this fundraiser allows the Bauer Parent Club to sponsor so many of the special activities that the kids enjoy like field trips, 5th (and 4th) Grade Celebration and social events like Girls’ & Boys’ Nights!
We have such a fun Walk-a-thon planned this year! There are treats around the track during the event, some amazing raffle prizes and everyone’s favorite: the chance to dunk Mr. Meersma on the day of the Walk-a-thon! (Only donations made by September 22nd at midnight will count to determine how many attempts your child will have to dunk Mr. Meersma!)
So far, we have 55% of students registered online and have already raised $15,115 (50% of our goal). The top 3 classrooms are Windeler, Machiela and Kopka. There are 17 school superstars so far. We’re off to a great start, but still need to raise $14,885 to reach our goal!
There is STILL TIME to register your student(s) and share their fundraising page!
Walkathon registration in 3 easy steps:
Go to www.getmovinfundhub.com to login/register. It’s quick and easy! (Use school identifier: 5d31d162a753e and follow the prompts.)
Use the share tools to email or text your student’s personalized fundraising webpage with 10-15 friends and family members.
Use the share tools to post on Facebook - you’ll be surprised how many people will click the link and donate in support of your student.
Homecoming Spirit Days
Show your school spirit during Homecoming week! The theme is Trip to Greece!
- Monday, September 26th: Airport Travel (Comfy Day)
- Tuesday, September 27th: Island Day (Hawaiian shirts, beach theme)
- Wednesday, September 28th: Blue & White Day (think the flag of Greece)
- Thursday, September 29th: Dancing Queen/70s Day
- Friday, September 30th: Hudsonville Gear Day
PE
- Mrs. Kinsman
Bauer Parent Club
MEETING:
We had a great first Bauer Parent Club meeting on Tuesday, September 13th. We had 30 people in attendance and nearly every classroom was represented! Meeting minutes have been posted to the Bauer Parent Club Facebook page and are also available to view here. It was a close race, but Mrs. Vanderbur’s class had the most parents in attendance at this first meeting and are the winners of a pizza party from Bauer Parent Club!
VOLUNTEERING:
If you’re interested in helping with some of our fun parent club sponsored events this year, please fill out this form to share how you might want to get involved. All volunteers must complete a background check. The link can be found here. This must be completed at least 24 hours in advance.WatchD.O.G.S.:
There are still plenty of days left to volunteer with WatchD.O.G.S. this year! Don’t sleep on this amazing opportunity to be a positive role model within our school. The link to sign up for available dates can be found here. If you have additional questions, please reach out to the Bauer WatchD.O.G.S. committee at beswatchdogs@hpseagles.net.Heritage Christian School Fall Children's Clothing and Toy Sale*
The Heritage Christian School Fall Children's Clothing and Toy Sale will be held on Saturday, October 1, from 9:00am to 12:00pm. Items for sale include infant to teen clothing, snow gear, outdoor/indoor toys, books, games, shoes, baby equipment, maternity, and more. Delicious baked goods are also for sale! Located in the large gym at Heritage Christian at 6340 Autumn Dr., Hudsonville. Hope to see you there!
*This is NOT school-sponsored.
Bauer Elementary
Email: ehuizen@hpseagles.net
Website: hudsonvillepublicschools.org
Location: 8136 48th Avenue, Hudsonville, MI, USA
Phone: 616-669-6824
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BauerElementary
Twitter: @BauerElementary