Great Lakes News - April 20, 2026

Great Lakes Families,

We have another busy and exciting week ahead at Great Lakes! Please take a moment to review the upcoming events:

Monday, April 20
Panther PRIDE Breakfast for 3rd–5th grade students
PTO Meeting at 7:00 p.m.

Tuesday, April 21
We are excited to host a special celebration recognizing the Asian American community at West Ottawa. This event takes place in the cafeteria at Harbor Lights and is an opportunity to come together as a district to celebrate the cultures, traditions, and contributions that strengthen our community.
The evening will include:

5:30–6:15 p.m. – Food, local vendors, and community connection
6:15–7:00 p.m. – Cultural performances, including a dragon dance, fashion, martial arts, and more

Wednesday, April 22
Half day for students (Professional Development). Dismissal is 12:02. Boys and Girls Club is cancelled on this afternoon as well. All students will need to go home after school.

Thursday, April 23
West Ottawa Elementary Art Show at Holland Area Arts Council (5:30-7:30)

Lastly, this coming week our 3rd–5th grade students continue their M-STEP testing. If your child is in one of these grades, please review the attached schedule for their specific testing days. Consistent attendance during this time is very important, and we appreciate your support.

Thank you for your continued partnership,

Mr. Brummel

Upcoming Dates:

April 20 - Panther PRIDE Breakfast (3rd-5th Grade Students)
April 20 - PTO Meeting (7:00pm)
April 22 - 1/2 Day for Students --> Dismissal 12:02pm
May 7 - Tulip Time 1/2 Day

This is the time of year when families are asked to complete student enrollment for the 2026–27 school year. This information helps the district plan for staffing, class sizes, and student supports for next fall. While next school year may seem far away, many important decisions are made in the coming months. Your timely response helps us prepare for a strong start to the school year.

Steps for completing online registration...

1. Login into Infinite Campus / Don’t have Infinite? Click Here. / Forgot your password? Click Here.

Having issues logging in? Email helpdesk@westottawa.net

2. Once logged in, click in the top left corner. Click “More” -->“Online Registration” --> “Start”.

3. Review and update each section on the Online Registration.

4. Once you have submitted the Online Registration, double check it is complete by going back to the “Online Registration” tab and under Status it should say “Complete”

If you have any questions regarding registration, please reach out to our office directly. Our team is ready to assist with getting this completed and answering any questions you may have!

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Parent Portal Instructions and Questions.pdf

How to Enroll for 26-27 School Year.pdf

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Great Lakes PTO

@GreatLakesWO

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Morning Drop Off - As we did last year, we are not allowing students to be dropped off at school prior to 8:30 AM. Students dropping off early will need to wait at the front doors until they open at 8:40am. In order to ensure a safe and orderly start to the school day students will head directly into the building and our staff will assist them to their classrooms.

If your child is in lower elementary (Young K - 2nd grade), you will drop them off in the circle drive. If your child is in upper elementary (3rd - 5th) or if you have children in both upper and lower elementary you will be dropping them off at the event parking lot. If you need to get out of the vehicle to help your child, please park and walk with them to the drop off area.

Afternoon Pick Up - There are two options for students that do not ride the bus home and have someone that is picking them up at the end of the day. This procedure has not changed in the last ten years. However, it is very important for all parents or adults picking up their child from school to be aware of the procedures and to follow the procedures.

Option 1 is getting in the parent pick up line (the line starts in the Event/North Parking Lot) and waiting in your car for your child. This option is sometimes the slower option, but it does not require the driver to get out of their car.
Option 2 is parking in the Event/North Parking Lot (in the designated parking spaces, not the middle row) and walking your child to your car once they are released from school. For safety reasons, your child may not walk to your car without you.

Please do not park in the loop and walk over to pick up your child. Your patience and support during these parts of the day make all the difference. With icier roads ahead, please monitor your speed and surroundings as well. Thank you!!!!