Apple Bites

What a fun week at Thornapple! Our students had a blast showing their school spirit during Spirit Week, and we loved seeing all the creativity and PRIDE throughout the building. 💚🤍

Thank you to all of our families who joined us for conferences this week. We appreciate the time to connect, celebrate your child’s progress, and work together to support their continued growth.

We hope to see many of you tonight at the tailgate, parade, and Homecoming game! Let’s keep the Ranger PRIDE going and enjoy a fun night together as a community! 💚🤍

Heather Fix

Thornapple Principal

Join Board Game Club!

Calling all 2nd–4th graders! Come learn new board games, make friends, and enjoy some friendly competition! Board Game Club is a fun way to practice teamwork, problem-solving, strategic thinking, and good sportsmanship. All experience levels are welcome, we’ll learn together!

We’ll meet every other Wednesday from 3:45–5:00 p.m., beginning October 21 and continuing until holiday break in December.

Ready to roll? Fill out the form below!

(Filling out the form does not guarantee a spot)

Sign Up Link

• Oct. 9th: FHC homecoming!
• Oct. 30th: Fall party and parade in the PM

Mark your calendars! On Friday, November 6, 2026, all FHPS 3rd graders are invited to the Fine Arts Center from 9:30 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. for the free "You Belong Here" Experience, hosted by the District Shared Voices Committee.

During this special event, 3rd graders will explore meaningful ways to strengthen their school community. Students will learn what impacts a sense of belonging, how to foster inclusion in their own school buildings, and how to bring these important lessons back to their peers.

Permission slips will be sent home on October 5th.

The Plumfield Book Fair is back the week of November 9-13! Mark your calendars for Book Fair shopping and Donuts with Grown-ups on Nov. 11.

• Plumfield Book Fair - Week of November 9-11
• Donuts with Grown-ups - Wednesday, November 11 at 7:15-8:15am

Each week, our teachers and staff nominate students who go above and beyond in showing Ranger PRIDE—demonstrating Persistence, Respect, Inclusivity, Dependability, Everyday. These students earn a certificate, a small prize, and the honor of having their picture displayed on our entry bulletin board.

Help us celebrate this week’s amazing winners who help make Thornapple a better place every day! 🌟

Join the PTO for the 2026-2027 school year! If you are interested in an open position, please email us at thornappleptoshare@gmail.com.

Click here to view our most recent newsletter: https://app.smore.com/n/bn2k4

Please remember to check our website for additional opportunities for youth. These range from athletics to the fine arts, additional educational programming, non-profit camps and organizations, and much more.

ODYSSEY OF THE MIND - it's not too late! Sign-ups are still being accepted for students who love to build cool stuff, perform, write stories, or otherwise use their limitless imagination. Click here for the form to sign up ASAP. Need more information? Contact your OM Coordinator, Marti Atwater, at matwater@fhps.net.

BIKE DRIVE

The COMETS - your Forest Hills high school FIRST Robotics students - are again seeking donations of adult bicycles (26" or larger wheel) in almost any condition. We have supported Upcycle Bikes, a Grand Rapids non-profit organization, since its founding. (See Robotics is about building community' FHS robotics team continues giving back and Robotics students provide smooth bike rides for refugees and youth in need - School News Network | A Window into Your Public Schools) Bicycles are refurbished and then provided by Upcycle at no cost to those in need of transportation. Help us help Upcycle by bringing your bikes to the Fine Arts Center on Saturday, October 17 (1:00 - 3:00) or Sunday, October 18 (3:00 - 5:00). If you can't make it on those dates but have a bike to donate, please email marti.atwater@fhrobotics.org to arrange a pickup time. Thank you for your support!