GODWIN HEIGHTS HIGH SCHOOL
Weekly Newsletter September 11th 2026
Upcoming School Dates
September 11th
- Community Tailgate ~ 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM
(More Information Below)
September 14th - 18th
- National Coordinators Appreciation Week
- Soak a Senior Fundraiser
September 14th
- Board of Education Meeting ~ 6:00 PM @ Admin. Bldg.
September 16th
- Early Release for Students at 1:10 PM
September 16th
- Class Meetings
September 18th
- Senior Fundraiser @ Panda Express
NO PARKING ZONE
Godwin Heights High School has made an important update to its parking policy to help ensure the safety and accessibility of our school. Please take a moment to read the attached letter for details regarding parking and the bus loop.
ANNOUNCING PARENTSQUARE !
Official Parent / School Communication Tool is now PARENTSQUARE
September 9, 2026
Dear Godwin Families,
We are excited to share that we are moving to ParentSquare as our primary tool for direct, 2-way communication between teachers and families.
Because our district already relies on ParentSquare for schoolwide updates and alerts, transitioning our classroom messaging to ParentSquare creates a seamless experience by unifying all your school communications in one single location. You will now receive all school and classroom messages in your preferred language—whether by email, text, app, or web browser.
As part of this shift, we will no longer be using TalkingPoints. However, ParentSquare includes all the features you already rely on from TalkingPoints—such as instant 2-way direct messaging and real-time language translation.
There is nothing you need to do to begin receiving messages—ParentSquare automatically connects using the phone number and email address you provided in our school system.
However, for an even better experience, you can download the free ParentSquare mobile app or access it online at www.parentsquare.com. Here you can see all Godwin posts sent to you in one place, customize your 2-way communication preferences, and update phone numbers or email addresses.
Thank you for your continued partnership in supporting your student’s success!
Sincerely,
Chad Conklin
Superintendent
FEEDING AMERICA FOOD TRUCK DATES for GODWIN HEIGHTS COMMUNITY
Our Feeding America truck distributions will be once a month on WEDNESDAYS! Food trucks start at 4:45 pm in front of the high school. If you have your own bags, you are encouraged to bring them!
Here is the schedule for the rest of the year:
Wednesday, October 7. 2026
Wednesday, November 4, 2026
Wednesday, December 2, 2026
Senior Reminders
- Seniors need to turn in their parent-signed senior contracts
- Seniors are not allowed to be off campus for lunch without a gold ID from the office
- Seniors must be in attendance 85% of the time to participate in senior events, including but not limited to homecoming, prom, and graduation
Sports News
Fall Sports Underway
With the school year in full swing, our fall sports teams are already out there competing and representing Godwin Heights!
Winter sports will be here before you know it, so now is a great time to start thinking ahead. If you’re interested in playing a winter sport or want more information about opportunities available at Godwin Heights, reach out to Athletic Director Kimble to get connected.
Stay involved and keep an eye out for more information as winter sports get closer!
Dates and Events
9/11
Boys Middle School Soccer v. Kelloggsville (Away) - 4:30PM
Boys Varsity Football v. Comstock Park (Home) - 7:00PM
9/12
Girls Varsity Volleyball v. Zion Christian (Away) - 9:00AM
9/14
Girls Middle School Volleyball v. Kelloggsville (Away) - 4:00PM
Girls JV Volleyball v. Lee (Away) - 5:00PM
Girls Varsity Volleyball v. Lee (Away) - 6:00PM
9/15
Boys JV Soccer v. NorthPointe Christian (Away) - 4:30PM
Boys Varsity Soccer v. NorthPointe Christian (Away) - 6:00PM
Godwin Heights Community Tailgate
Join us this Friday, September 11, for the Godwin Heights Community Tailgate! Gates open at 5:00 PM, with free food and drinks available from 5:00–6:30 PM. Everyone attending the tailgate will receive FREE admission to the Varsity Football game at 7:00 PM.
We will also take time to honor the life and legacy of 2019 Godwin Heights graduate Marshawn Kneeland, including an opportunity to view a special mural honoring his legacy.
Come out, support our Wolverines, connect with the Godwin community, and help us honor Marshawn's lasting legacy. Go Wolverines!
Click the button below for full event details.
Girls in Aviation Day 2026
Interested in aviation or aerospace? Join us for Girls in Aviation Day 2026 on Saturday, September 19th from 10:00 AM–1:00 PM at Avflight GRR!
This free event is open to all ages and genders and will feature STEM activities, demonstrations, static displays, airfield tours, drones, exhibits, and more. Come explore the world of aviation and discover what opportunities are out there!
Scan the QR code on the flyer to register!
Color Guard Classes
Interested in learning how to spin a flag, dance, and perform? Color Guard Classes are open to both beginners and advanced students ages 5–18!
Classes begin Thursday, September 24th and run every Thursday through December 17th at Rogers Lane Gymnasium. Students will learn flag spinning, routines, teamwork, coordination, and more, with opportunities to participate in a competition and parade.
See the flyer for class times, registration, costs, and additional information.
Baton Twirling Classes
Interested in learning how to twirl a baton, dance, and perform? Baton Twirling Classes are open to both beginners and advanced students ages 4–20!
Classes begin Wednesday, September 23rd and run every Wednesday through December 16th at Rogers Lane Gymnasium. Students will learn baton twirling, routines, teamwork, coordination, and more, with opportunities to participate in competitions and parades.
Registration takes place on the first day of class, and classes are $10 per week. Batons will also be available for purchase for $35. See the flyer for class times and additional information.
Special Diet & Food Allergy Information
Keeping our students safe during breakfast and lunch is important. If your child has a food allergy, intolerance, or other special dietary need, please review the resources below. The Parent Special Diet Guide provides helpful information, while the Special Diet Statement should be completed when a special dietary accommodation is needed at school.
Please review the forms and contact Food Services via the Main Office with any questions.
Resources for Godwin Families
Godwin Heights Public Schools is committed to the safety of all students. We have policies in place to safeguard information and privacy. While we value the unique diversity within our school community, we understand that recent actions and rhetoric can elicit fear for many students and families. Should your child need academic or social-emotional support, please know our staff is here to help.
For families who may need additional support or have specific questions about
immigration policies, we encourage you to connect with trusted local resources:
• Hispanic Center of West Michigan: (616) 742-0200 | hispanic-center.org
• Michigan Immigrant Rights Center: (734) 239-6863 | michiganimmigrant.org
• Refugee Education Center: (616) 247-9611 | refugeeeducationcenter.org
• Kent County Welcome Plan: kentcountynewamericans.orgContact Us!
Website: https://www.godwinschools.org/
Location: 50 35th Street Southwest, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
Phone: 616-252-2050
Facebook: facebook.com/godwinhighschool
Twitter: @GodwinSchools