Forest Hills Schools Top Ten in Michigan MEAP Scores 2011

Forest Hills Schools Top Ten in Michigan MEAP Scores 2011

Forest Hills students have posted outstanding MEAP scores

for  the 2010-2011 year.  The Forest Hills students placed at

the top of the Kent County District and the State of Michigan

charts. 

Collins Elementary School

 

Mathematics

  • Gr 3 – 99%
  • Gr 5 – 96%
  • Gr 8 – 97%

Reading

  • Gr 3 – 96%
  • Gr 5 – 97%
  • Gr 8 – 96%

Writing

  • Gr 4 – 72%
  • Gr 7 – 75%

Science

  • Gr 5 – 96%
  • Gr 8 – 96%

 Social Studies

  • Gr 6 – 95%
  • Gr 9 – 92%

 

You can view all Forest Hills Public Schools test scores here

As state and federal governments have raised expectations

for student performance, Forest Hills students have recorded

higher levels of achievement. 

 

Forest Hills 8th Grade students placed in Top Ten scores in 2011

MEAP test results for reading and science.  Of the other Top Ten

ranking schools, Grand Rapids City High/Middle School placed First

in Reading, and Fifth in Science.

 

The school staff, parents and students should be be proud of the

effort and accomplishment for this year’s test scores.

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The authors of the this blog write about Grand Rapids Real Estate,

the Greater Grand Rapids MI area, and what it is like to live in West

Michigan. We believe:  Grand Rapids is a Great Place to Live!

ar125812212017642 Forest Hills Public Schools Post Outstanding 2010 MEAP Scores ar125812218972939 Forest Hills Public Schools Post Outstanding 2010 MEAP Scores ar125812225271331 Forest Hills Public Schools Post Outstanding 2010 MEAP Scores

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Foto Friday: M-21 Bridge Demolition in Progress Ada Michigan

Foto Friday: M-21 Bridge Demolition in Progress Ada Michigan

Living in Ada Michigan, we cross the Grand River on the M-21 Bridge

quite often, four times today.  The new temporary bridge is up and the

old bridge is being demolished.

 

Old_bridge_teardown

Bridge_materials

Bridgework

Bridge_from_fishingdock

Heavy construction vehicles, broken concrete, and lots of high water

make for a muddy work site.  This submerged dock is at the DNR fishing

site on the Grand River just north of the bridge, adjacent to the Amway

parking lot.

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The authors of the this blog write about Grand Rapids Real Estate,

the Greater Grand Rapids MI area, and what it is like to live in West

Michigan. We believe: Grand Rapids is a Great Place to Live!

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Wordless Wednesday – Sno-tastic Michigan

Front_walk_and_driveway

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The authors of the this blog write about Grand Rapids Real Estate,

the Greater Grand Rapids MI area, and what it is like to live in

West Michigan. Grand Rapids Michigan is a vibrant, growing

metropolitan area with a diverse business community, great medical

research & services, numerous universities, plus lively arts and

entertainment of all kinds.

We believe: Grand Rapids is a Great Place to Live!

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February-March 2011 Programs at Ada Township Parks, Ada Michigan

February/March Programs at Ada Township Parks, Ada Michigan

Ada Township Parks has just posted their 2011 winter schedule

of  programs for families and youth.

Family Events: Inside the Ada Township Park Learning Center.

“Feed the Birds” – Make your own Bird Feeder              

Saturday February 5       10:00 a.m. – 12 noon  

               $5/adult $3/youth

Learn to identify local winter birds and how to attract and

support them. Then build a bird feeder to take home and

put in your yard. Also, find out how to participate in the

Great backyard Bird Count!

Courtesy of Rhys’s Piece is on Flickr

Rulers of the Sky – Birds of Prey”

Wednesday March 16    6:30 – 7:30 p.m. 

$5/adult $3/youth

Join us for a special Birds of Prey presentation by John Ball zoo

with live birds. Raptors are magnificent creatures admired for

their strength and beauty. Get an up-close view of some of

nature’s incredible feathered hunters and learn about their

amazing adaptations.

**Pre-Registration required as seating is limited.               

Youth Events: With inside and outdoor activities so come

dressed to be outside!

Discovery Days (pre-school & parent)

Build a Bird Feeder       

Wednesday February 16 & Thursday February 17   

         10:00 a.m. – 12 noon          $5/youth       

Parents and preschools come together to learn what birds

eat in the winter plus take a walk outside to look for birds

and make 2 different bird feeders to take home.

“Whooo are you?” Owls in Michigan

Wednesday March 9 & Thursday March 10       

  10:00 a.m. – 12 noon        $5/youth

Learn about owls and their amazing adaptations.

Pretend to be an owl or a mouse while you play “Hide & Squeak”.

Young Explorers (ages 5-7):

Similar to Discovery Days, but geared for older age group.

Parents may drop off youth or stay to assist.

“Build a Bird Feeder“

Wednesday February 16              4:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.                                                      $5/youth

“Whooo are you?” Owls in Michigan

Wednesday March 9                      4:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.                                                      $5/youth

Junior Naturalist (ages 7 – 11)

“Snowshoes Stomp”                    

Saturday February 12     10:00 a.m. – 12 noon   $5/youth

Learn about the history of snowshoes and how some animals

survive with their own “built-in” snowshoes. Then venture

outside for a fun snowshoe walk through the Park.

Snowshoes provided. Parents may drop off youth or stay to assist.

 

Ada Township Parks & Recreation Department is offering

a variety of half day programs for families and youth

in February and March at the Ada Township Park Learning

Center.   Pre-registration is requested for all programs

by callings the Parks office at 616-676-0520 or emailing mfitzpatrick@adatownshipmi.com

Payment is due on the day of the event.

Mark Fitzpatrick, Director

616-676-0520 office, 616-862-0584 cell, 616-676-5870 fax

mfitzpatrick@adatownshipmi.com

www.adatownshipmi.com

 

___________________________________________________________________________________________________

The authors of the this blog write about Grand Rapids Real Estate,

the Greater Grand Rapids MI area, and what it is like to live in West

Michigan. Grand Rapids Michigan is a vibrant, growing metropolitan

area with a diverse business community, great medical research & services,

numerous universities, plus lively arts and entertainment of all kinds.

We believe: Grand Rapids is a Great Place to Live!

ar125812212017642 Forest Hills Michigan Top Best Buy Homes Jan 2011 ar125812218972939 Forest Hills Michigan Top Best Buy Homes Jan 2011 ar125812225271331 Forest Hills Michigan Top Best Buy Homes Jan 2011

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry   616-292-7263

OUR FLICKR PHOTOSTREAM

Copyright 2011 All rights reserved

Forest Hills Public Schools Top State of Michigan Rankings

Forest Hills Public Schools Top State of Michigan Rankings

_____________________________________________

The authors of the this blog write about Grand Rapids Real Estate, the Greater Grand Rapids MI area, and what it is like to live in West Michigan. Grand Rapids Michigan is a vibrant, growing metropolitan area with a diverse business community, great medical research & services, numerous universities, plus lively arts and entertainment of all kinds.

We believe: Grand Rapids is a Great Place to Live!

search for Grand Rapids homes Find Grand Rapids Home Value Grand Rapids Relocation Guide

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

                          Contact Terry   616-292-7263

OUR FLICKR PHOTOSTREAM

Ada Michigan Christmas Events Dec 2010

Ada Michigan Christmas Events Dec 2010

 

Ada Michigan is celebrating Christmas this year with a parade!

Snow is covering the ground, carols are being sung, and lights are

lit to keep the season jolly and get everyone is the holiday mood. 

 

 snowman

Parade Schedule:

10:30 am – Parade line up at Ada Dr/Thornapple Shopping Ctr.

11:00 am – Parade Begins  Route will start at Shopping Center,

turn right on Thornapple and end at Fire Station #1

11:30 am – Meet Santa, free hot chocolate and cookies at Fire

Station #1  (Thanks to Ada Fire Association and Ada Township Board)

Special Appearance by Santa’s favorite elf, Fireman Dave!

Fire barn #1 will be open for hot chocolate and cookies at 10:00am – 1:00 pm

So come before and after the parade to warm up !

 

Ada Historical Society Holiday Wreath Sale

Sat Dec 4th 1:00-5:30pm

Friday Dec 10th  1:-5:30pm

Sat. Dec 11th 9-5:30 pm

12 in, 16 in, Fraser fir; 12in, 16 in, 36 in Douglas Fir

Prices range from $20 – $50  Proceeds go to Ada Historical Society 

 

Sunday Dec 5th – Caroling on Ada Covered Bridge

by Genesis United Methodist Church   -  7 pm

_____________________________________________________________________________

The authors of the this blog write about Grand Rapids Real Estate,

the Greater Grand Rapids MI area, and what it is like to live in West

Michigan. Grand Rapids Michigan is a vibrant, growing metropolitan

area with a diverse business community, great medical research & services,

numerous universities, plus lively arts and entertainment of all kinds.

We believe: Grand Rapids is a Great Place to Live!

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Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry   616-292-7263

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Keeping Halloween Fun – Grand Rapids Michigan

Keeping Halloween Fun – Grand Rapids Michigan

Halloween is one of the most exciting holidays as a child.

What costume to wear?  Where will we go Trick or Treating?

Can my friends go?  How much candy will I get?  Can I eat it tonight?

Halloween 2007

Yes, I am in disguise with our little Yorkie on a past Halloween.

We like to get into the fun while answering the door to Trick-or-Treaters.

With all the excitement of costumes and candy, it is helpful to review

some safety tips.

Hope your Halloween is Safe, Spooky and FUN!

  • Have a plan –know where to go, how long, and stick to it
  • Accompany your children, if too young to go alone
  • Safety in numbers – have older children travel in groups
  • No short cuts through alleys, parking lots or back yards
  • Make sure costumes are bright colors and not too long
  • Dark costumes should have reflective strips applied
  • Use make-up instead of masks, so children can see
  • Only approach homes that have lights on and Halloween Decorations out
  • Don’t let children go inside homes – get candy on the porch or steps
  • Obey traffic laws and carry flashlights
  • Be aware of candles, fire hazards to costumes and fake hair
  • Hair spray may be better than a wig
  • Use a small bag so child doesn’t trip or fall
  • Save candy until you get home and can inspect it
  • Make sure all candy is sealed in original wrappers
  • Say no to Strangers – kids should never accept rides or get into a car

If you still need a little inspiration for a costume, this has some topical ideas

and this site has oodles of suggestions for home made costumes.

If you are a procrastinator, this site has some last minute ideas.

_ Pumpkins __________________________________________________________________________________________________

The authors of the this blog write about Grand Rapids Real Estate, the

Greater Grand Rapids MI area, and what it is like to live in West Michigan.

Grand Rapids Michigan is a vibrant, growing metropolitan area with a diverse

business community, great medical research & services, numerous universities,

plus lively arts and entertainment of all kinds.

We believe: Grand Rapids is a Great Place to Live!

search for Grand Rapids homes Find Grand Rapids Home Value Grand Rapids Relocation Guide

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry   616-292-7263

OUR FLICKR PHOTOSTREAM

Ada Michigan M-21 Bridge Construction Scheduled

Ada Michigan M-21 Bridge Construction Scheduled

The beginning of construction of the new bridge over the Grand River

approach in Ada Michigan will begin this fall.  MDOT will have a public

open house to keep interested parties up-to-date on the progress on

October 4th, 2010  7:00 pm at Community Church.

M 21 bridge over Grand River Ada MI

Bridge Information over the Grand River in Ada

M-21 Bridge Construction Update:

To view a PDF of MDOT’s M-21 Bridge Construction Update, please click here.

To view an aerial view of the project, please click here.

MDOT TO HOLD OPEN HOUSE IN ADA FOR THE NEW M-21 BRIDGE

WHAT:The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) is hosting

an open house-style meeting to provide an overview of the M-21

(Fulton Street) bridge replacement project over the Grand River in

Ada Township. Interested parties will have the opportunity to learn

details and ask questions about upcoming construction.

WHO: MDOT staff; residents and interested stakeholders.
WHEN:
Monday, October 4, 2010
WHERE:
Community Reformed Church, 7239 Thornapple River Drive, Ada, MI 49301
SPECIAL ACCOMMODATIONS: (616) 464-1800

BACKGROUND:
Scheduled for construction in 2011, the project will reconstruct the

M-21 bridge over the Grand River in Ada Township. MDOT has been

working with township officials, residents and businesses to find

the most effective way to safely maintain traffic through Ada

Township during construction. This marks the first reconstruction

project of this bridge since it was originally built in 1957.

● Work on the project should begin on or about October 11. This will

require reducing traffic to one lane in each direction on the existing

bridge, while preparations are made to construct the temporary bridge,

immediately south of the existing bridge.
● Progress deadlines contained in the bid specifications for the project

include the following completion deadlines:
– Traffic will be diverted to the 2-lane temporary bridge, with one lane

of traffic in each direction, in April, 2011.
– The new replacement bridge is scheduled to be open, with one lane

of traffic in each direction by October 21, 2011.
– The new bridge will be completed and fully open to 4-lanes of traffic

plus pedestrian/bicycle lane, by November 30, 2011.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

The authors of the this blog write about Grand Rapids Real Estate, the

Greater Grand Rapids MI area, and what it is like to live in West Michigan.

Grand Rapids Michigan is a vibrant, growing metropolitan area with a diverse

business community, great medical research & services, numerous universities,

plus lively arts and entertainment of all kinds.

We believe: Grand Rapids is a Great Place to Live!

search for Grand Rapids homes Find Grand Rapids Home Value Grand Rapids Relocation Guide

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry   616-292-7263

OUR FLICKR PHOTOSTREAM

Ada Parks October 2010 Programs – Spooky & Batty

Ada Parks October 2010 Programs – Spooky & Batty

 

Bats of the World 

Thursday Oct. 21  6:30 – 7:30 pm

Ada Township Park Learning Center  Ada MI

$4 Adult   $3 Child

A special presentation by the Organization for Bat Conservation

with live bats and an exciting multimedia presentation about bats from

around the world. Learn about the benefits of these fascinating creatures,

their unique adaptations, sound waves, ecosystems, food webs,

conservation and world geography. Live bats to be shown including

a local  brown bat and large fruit bat – known as the “ Flying Fox”

with a 4 foot wingspan.

Reservations required – space is limited.  Ada Parks & Recreation Dept.

616-676-0520 or email mfitzpatrick@adatownshipmi.com

 

Baby Bat, Vlermuis by Peet

http://www.flickr.com/photos/peetvs/2457201198/ 

 

Creatures of the Night Hike

Saturday October 23   Start times from 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm

Ada Township Park – $3 per person

Sign up your family or a group for a start time between 6:30 and 8:00 pm,

one departs every 15 minutes. Arrive at the Shelter at Ada Park to be

guided through the trails where you will “ encounter” a series of spooky

( and some not so spooky” creatures who will tell you in a fun way about

their lives in the wild.  Snacks and a craft included after the hikes.

Pre-registering with the Park office for a designated start time

recommended. Ages 4 through adult suggested.  Costumes optional.

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The authors of the this blog write about Grand Rapids Real Estate, the Greater Grand Rapids MI area, and what it is like to live in West Michigan. Grand Rapids Michigan is a vibrant, growing metropolitan area with a diverse business community, great medical research & services, numerous universities, plus lively arts and entertainment of all kinds.

We believe: Grand Rapids is a Great Place to Live!

search for Grand Rapids homes Find Grand Rapids Home Value Grand Rapids Relocation Guide

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

                          Contact Terry   616-292-7263

OUR FLICKR PHOTOSTREAM

Ada Township Michigan Parks Planning Sessions

Ada Township Michigan Parks Planning Sessions

Ada Township has scheduled open public planning sessions

to get input on their future Recreation Plan for Ada Township Parks.

The strategic plan is updated every five years.  This plan will be a

guide for master park plans, land acquisition goals, recreations

programs and use.

Roselle Park trails Ada MI

If you have any suggestions, observations, or ideas, please attend one

of the public sessions:

Thursday September 23, 2010 7:00 – 8:30 pm

At the Ada Learning Center in Ada Township Park

1180 Butterick Ave. Ada MI

Saturday October 2, 2010  11:00 am  and 1:00 pm

At Roselle Park during River Festival

1010 Grand River Dr. Ada MI

A copy of the current 2007 Recreation Plan is available at

www.adatownshipmi.com

Comments may also be sent by direct mail to: P.O. Box 370,

7330 Thornapple River Dr., Ada, MI 49301,

or emailed to:mfitzpatrick@adatownshipmi.com

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_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

The authors of the this blog write about Grand Rapids Real Estate, the Greater

Grand Rapids MI area, and what it is like to live in West Michigan. Grand Rapids

Michigan is a vibrant, growing metropolitan area with a diverse business community,

great medical research & services, numerous universities, plus lively arts and

entertainment of all kinds.

We believe: Grand Rapids is a Great Place to Live!

search for Grand Rapids homes Find Grand Rapids Home Value Grand Rapids Relocation Guide

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry   616-292-7263

OUR FLICKR PHOTOSTREAM