What's new this week?
Sign up for Summer Handbells
We are holding summer handbell classes starting June 15. These classes are available to anyone (even adults!) and are different from our regular classes in that you can pay for only the weeks you attend, and attendance is optional for these classes, so you can pick the dates you want to come. Classes are $10 per person per class. Classes are held on Wednesdays from June 15 to August 3. Sign up at your parent portal under Events.
Graduation Coordinator Wanted
We are looking for someone who loves to plan events and parties to help us plan our yearly graduations. This volunteer position would count as your Family Involvement. Ideally, this would be someone who would like to do it every year for a while. This person would need to coordinate with graduating families and help them plan the ceremony. Our graduations are student-driven, with the graduating families doing all of the work, but having a non-graduating parent in charge would allow for the parents of graduates to focus more on their own families during this special time of their lives and help the graduations run more smoothly with less frustration. Email office@wmhfa.org if this is something you would love to do!
Violin for sale
We're selling our violin. It was purchased from Marshall's in Kalamazoo and used for a year. It's a signature 4/4. I have the violin, a case, bow, tuner, violin stand and a couple books available. $750.
If interested, please email me at jcrabiel68@gmail.com
Thanks.
Jennifer Crabiel
Fall Registration Information
Have you signed up for classes yet?
Registration is open (click here!) Any families enrolling after August 1 will be charged a $25 late fee. Adding classes to your family's enrollment is not subject to the late fee, so if you're not sure of all of your classes, at least sign up for the ones you know. There is also no fee for changing class enrollment, so if you are waiting on audition results, you can still sign up for where you think your child will be. This really helps us out with our planning for fall. Thank you!
Sign up for your Instrument Fitting!
Our instrument fittings are a way for beginning students to try out all the different instruments to see which instrument they would enjoy learning. Get more information and sign up at wmhfa.org/instrument-fitting.
Parental Involvement
Our Parental Involvement signups are not yet ready. We will keep you posted when those are available for signup. Please remember that since we are a non-profit organization that is trying to keep tuition costs low, we need your help! Every family will need to help in some way during the school year.
Can Someone Other than the Parent Do the Work Assignment?
Absolutely! The work assignment is a Family responsibility. Responsible older children, grandparents, aunts & uncles or any responsible representative may work the assignment for the family.
Enrolling Undecided Beginners
If you have a beginner who has not yet been to an Instrument Fitting or does not know what instrument they will be playing, then register for the anticipated class and select “Undecided” for the instrument. Notify us when the instrument is known and we will make the correction.
Don't forget your Auditions!
Make sure you know whether your student needs an audition for next year. Information can be found here: https://www.wmhfa.org/audition-calendar.html
Audition Results
Audition results will be found HERE as they become available. If you have not yet had your audition, you may avoid the $25 late enrollment fee by registering for the class the student is seeking to be in. If the student does not qualify for the class, a correction can easily be made.
Class Fees Posted in August
If you have already enrolled, you may have noticed the class fees have not been posted to your account. Class fees will be posted in August and statements will be sent out. Reminder: a minimum payment of 50% is due by September 7. The remaining balance is due by November 30. If you are not sure what your bill will be, feel free to email office@wmhfa.org.
Need an Instrument?
Used instruments are available at our instrument fittings. We have Instrument Fittings scheduled for June 13, July 15, and August 1.
Upcoming Dates
Reminders From Last Week
Summer Orchestra Opportunities
Mrs. Code is once again offering lessons for violin, viola and cello using a teaching video subscription. Each video shows ways to practice new techniques and pieces. There is a violin fiddle tune series too! Here is the link to sign up Mrs. Code's Video Subscriptions Each video subscription delivers 10 video links throughout the summer.
Attention Viola Players
Mrs. Code and Crescendo Academy in Kalamazoo are planning a Viola Day called Violapalooza this summer. Date will most likely be July 3. Check www.violapalooza.com next month for all the specifics. There will be masterclasses, group playing and a special workshop by KSO violist Arturo Ziraldo. Ages 11-19 welcome.
We are holding summer handbell classes starting June 15. These classes are available to anyone (even adults!) and are different from our regular classes in that you can pay for only the weeks you attend, and attendance is optional for these classes, so you can pick the dates you want to come. Classes are $10 per person per class. Classes are held on Wednesdays from June 15 to August 3. Sign up at your parent portal under Events.
- 10-11am - Summer Handbells - Ages 7 and up - This class will be aimed at those with no experience with handbells, or for younger students (ages 7 and up.) Older, experienced players are also welcome.
- 12-1pm - Summer Handbells - Ages 9 and up - This class will be aimed at older students or those with experience on handbells.
Graduation Coordinator Wanted
We are looking for someone who loves to plan events and parties to help us plan our yearly graduations. This volunteer position would count as your Family Involvement. Ideally, this would be someone who would like to do it every year for a while. This person would need to coordinate with graduating families and help them plan the ceremony. Our graduations are student-driven, with the graduating families doing all of the work, but having a non-graduating parent in charge would allow for the parents of graduates to focus more on their own families during this special time of their lives and help the graduations run more smoothly with less frustration. Email office@wmhfa.org if this is something you would love to do!
Violin for sale
We're selling our violin. It was purchased from Marshall's in Kalamazoo and used for a year. It's a signature 4/4. I have the violin, a case, bow, tuner, violin stand and a couple books available. $750.
If interested, please email me at jcrabiel68@gmail.com
Thanks.
Jennifer Crabiel
Fall Registration Information
Have you signed up for classes yet?
Registration is open (click here!) Any families enrolling after August 1 will be charged a $25 late fee. Adding classes to your family's enrollment is not subject to the late fee, so if you're not sure of all of your classes, at least sign up for the ones you know. There is also no fee for changing class enrollment, so if you are waiting on audition results, you can still sign up for where you think your child will be. This really helps us out with our planning for fall. Thank you!
Sign up for your Instrument Fitting!
Our instrument fittings are a way for beginning students to try out all the different instruments to see which instrument they would enjoy learning. Get more information and sign up at wmhfa.org/instrument-fitting.
Parental Involvement
Our Parental Involvement signups are not yet ready. We will keep you posted when those are available for signup. Please remember that since we are a non-profit organization that is trying to keep tuition costs low, we need your help! Every family will need to help in some way during the school year.
Can Someone Other than the Parent Do the Work Assignment?
Absolutely! The work assignment is a Family responsibility. Responsible older children, grandparents, aunts & uncles or any responsible representative may work the assignment for the family.
Enrolling Undecided Beginners
If you have a beginner who has not yet been to an Instrument Fitting or does not know what instrument they will be playing, then register for the anticipated class and select “Undecided” for the instrument. Notify us when the instrument is known and we will make the correction.
Don't forget your Auditions!
Make sure you know whether your student needs an audition for next year. Information can be found here: https://www.wmhfa.org/audition-calendar.html
Audition Results
Audition results will be found HERE as they become available. If you have not yet had your audition, you may avoid the $25 late enrollment fee by registering for the class the student is seeking to be in. If the student does not qualify for the class, a correction can easily be made.
Class Fees Posted in August
If you have already enrolled, you may have noticed the class fees have not been posted to your account. Class fees will be posted in August and statements will be sent out. Reminder: a minimum payment of 50% is due by September 7. The remaining balance is due by November 30. If you are not sure what your bill will be, feel free to email office@wmhfa.org.
Need an Instrument?
Used instruments are available at our instrument fittings. We have Instrument Fittings scheduled for June 13, July 15, and August 1.
Upcoming Dates
- Marching Band Camp - June 6 to 10 (Wednesday practices in May will be required for some students.)
- June 11 - Rockford Parade
- June 16 - Three Rivers Parade
- June 18 - Grand Ledge Parade
- July 4 - Schoolcraft Parade (potential open house at our new building?)
- July 16 - Ionia Parade
- July 30 - Byron Days Parade
- August 6 - Grand Haven Parade
- August 30/31 - Orientation for ALL families
- September 6/7 - First day of classes
Reminders From Last Week
Summer Orchestra Opportunities
Mrs. Code is once again offering lessons for violin, viola and cello using a teaching video subscription. Each video shows ways to practice new techniques and pieces. There is a violin fiddle tune series too! Here is the link to sign up Mrs. Code's Video Subscriptions Each video subscription delivers 10 video links throughout the summer.
Attention Viola Players
Mrs. Code and Crescendo Academy in Kalamazoo are planning a Viola Day called Violapalooza this summer. Date will most likely be July 3. Check www.violapalooza.com next month for all the specifics. There will be masterclasses, group playing and a special workshop by KSO violist Arturo Ziraldo. Ages 11-19 welcome.
Important Information
Weather Policy
Grand Rapids - Classes will be cancelled if Byron Center Public Schools are cancelled due to weather.
Kalamazoo - Classes will be cancelled if Plainwell Public Schools are cancelled due to weather.
Email, Text, and Facebook posts will be sent out shortly after 6am to announce any cancellation of classes. Notices will also be posted on local television and radio websites. Please Note: WMHFA families come from all over West Michigan, therefore the weather in one area may be fine while another area may have hazardous roads. If classes are not cancelled, please use your discretion in deciding to make the drive. We want everyone to arrive safely!
Text Messages
We have a texting service for important notifications. You can adjust your texting options in your parent portal.
Parents: Go to Dashboard > Billing & Payments > Contacts > Edit > Basic Info > Contact Info, click to enable Allow text messaging? and click Save.
Students: Go to Dashboard > View (student name) > Edit (pencil) > Basic Info, click to enable Allow text messaging? and click Save.
Missing Classes
Important Worker Information
- Sign in at the Information Center when you arrive to work your assignment. If you do not sign in, it will be assumed that you did not show up for your assignment and you will be charged $20.
- Call if you are scheduled to work and are not able to make your scheduled assignment.
- KALAMAZOO WORKERS: Contact Sandy Rose at (269) 657-2186 to let her know. She will contact someone to fill in for you.
- GRAND RAPIDS WORKERS: Contact Sharon Jonker at 616-914-2353 to let her know. She will contact someone to fill in for you.
- Give at least a 24-hour notice if you are going to miss, unless it is an emergency or unexpected,
- Be aware that you may be called to fill in for someone during a semester you are not scheduled to work.
- There is a $20 charge for not calling in.
While we do take attendance in class, it is helpful for our instructors to know if your student will be absent and why. Absences can be reported through your parent portal. Under the menu, select Absences and Makeups. Our teachers will receive an email automatically if you do this, so there is no need to email them individually!
COVID Policy
While we cannot enforce masks or distancing due to the nature of our classes, we do ask you to take all possible precautions to keep our kids healthy.
- If your child is sick, even with a cold, please keep them home.
- Wash hands frequently.
- Cover coughs and sneezes.
- Don't touch other people's stuff.
You can check on your student's progress in class through the parent portal. We use the Absence feature to make notes about participation in class. You may notice your child has an absence for a day when you know they were actually there. However, if you look at the notes for that "absence" you will find more information. They may be marked as "IT" or "Insufficent Time." This means they didn't practice enough that week. You may find that their card wasn't signed by a parent ("NS" or "No Signature".) Or maybe they never turned their practice card in and were marked as "NC" or "No Card." If your child didn't get enough practice time but there was a valid reason, please write that in on the practice card and the room parents will note that on the record as well. Illnesses, vacations, or instruments in the shop would be examples of things that are valid reasons to not have enough practice time.
Important Dates
Orientation for fall
All families should plan to attend orientation this fall since there will be new information to share. Orientation will be August 30 in Kalamazoo and August 31 in Grand Rapids. Classes will start the following week on September 6/7.
Helpful Information for Parents
SmartMusic Information
You can get started at https://www.wmhfa.org/smartmusic-links.html and use the class code KUVHL-PHA2E to get access to the music.
New Sport Shirts
Do you want a new sport shirt that is not black or in stock? Sport shirts may be ordered in a variety of colors for $15. CLICK HERE to order a WMHFA sport shirt or other WMHFA apparel.
Need a larger shirt?
Anytime your child is outgrowing a polo shirt, you may bring in the clean shirt to swap out for the next size up.
I wish WMHFA had a place for parents to communicate with each other.
We do! There is a WMHFA Members only Facebook page where parents can post to ask each other questions, buy/sell used instruments, discuss carpooling possibilities, share photos and videos, etc. This is a private group and members and posts are only viewable by other members. If you'd like to join, go to https://www.facebook.com/groups/WMHFAMembers/ and request to join!
Emails from JackRabbit
Due to email regulations, all emails that come from JackRabbit (the database we use) must come from a jackrabbittech.com email address. However, even though it says noreply@jackrabbittech.com, you can still reply to the email! When you do, it will reply to the person who sent the email. Hopefully this will help alleviate any confusion you may have had about how to get hold of our teachers.
Private Lessons
We do not provide private lessons, but many of our instructors do. If you are interested, check out this list at www.wmhfa.org/private_instructors.html
Student/Parent Expectations
Dress Code
Please check over the dress code before coming to class. You can view that at https://www.wmhfa.org/dress-code.html. As a reminder, boys' hair needs to be no longer than collar-length, girls are not allowed to wear leggings or other tight pants, and no jeans are allowed. In a nutshell, students must dress to be neat, modest, and uniform.
Label your things!
We have free instrument name tags available at the Information Desk. Please make sure all of your instruments have your name on them. We often find instruments left after classes are over, and occasionally kids will grab the wrong case. Name tags can really help with that.
We also have free music folders available at the Information Desk. Please put your name on these. You may also write your name in your WMHFA provided Method book to help make sure those get returned to the correct student. Cross off any other names on the book. (They will need to be returned once your student no longer needs it.)
Respecting Our New Facilities
Please remind your students to be respectful of our facilities. We have received reports of students rummaging around and playing with stuff that belongs to the church (specifically in Grand Rapids, but this also applies to all locations). If you see a student playing with anything they shouldn't be, please speak up and say something to them! We are trying very hard to build good relationships with our new facilities. We would hate for a few students deciding to mess around cause any facility regret that they invited us to use their space. This goes for every single facility that we use whether for classes or for concerts. Unless the facility has given outright permission for toys/equipment to be used, students are not to touch it.
We have also had issues with students playing with the pianos. No child is to play the pianos unless they are in lessons or class. This has been especially problematic with pianos in the hallways being played and disrupting lessons. Please be respectful of lessons and classes and keep the noise down in the hallways.
Social Hall Tables
We have limited space at our social hall tables. Please do not leave your stuff spread out at a table when you are not using it. If you cannot find a space at a table and someone has spread their stuff out and left it, you may feel free to consolidate it to one spot so you have a place to sit. Please make sure they didn't just step away for a minute though!
Loading Zones/Handicapped Parking
Please be mindful of where you are in the parking lot. Do not block handicapped parking for those who need it. Also, do not sit in the loading zones by the doors. You may drop your students off or pick them up, but do not sit and wait for them. This makes it very difficult for other families who need to use the loading zone areas. Find a parking spot until they come out, then you may go pick them up.
Student's Name Badges
Students will all receive photo IDs which will be required to be worn at all times on WMHFA property.
Kids wandering hallways and outside
We had several reports in Grand Rapids this week of students wandering in the hallways downstairs and banging on windows when chair tests were going on. They were also wandering outside and banging on classroom windows. This is REALLY detrimental to the student who is already nervous and trying to play. It is also very distracting if there are lessons happening. Our students need to be more responsible about this or we will have to be more strict about rules about students being carefully supervised when they are not in class. I'm sure your students don't want to have that happen, so please impress upon them the importance of not disturbing classes, lessons, or any other activities happening in the rooms.
Parents, it would probably be helpful if we could have more coverage of all areas of the building. If you are just hanging around reading a book or playing on your phone, would you consider finding a vacant hallway where you could be an adult presence that would discourage this kind of behavior?
We have a beautiful outdoor space in Grand Rapids where kids can run around and play outside. Kids, please don't spoil this by acting irresponsibly. Be respectful of the plants, people's vehicles, windows, etc. Parents, please talk to your students about how to behave if there are no adults in sight. If you don't feel your students should be unsupervised at any time, please talk to the social hall monitors and let them know your student is not allowed to leave the social hall area at any time unless they are going directly to class.
GR - More student behavior issues
We are having trouble with students not cleaning up after themselves. After lunch, you must return your tray and take care of your trash. Clean up any food messes you have. If there is a mess beyond your control, please inform a room monitor so they can help. Also, students are playing with games in the Merge and not putting the pieces away when they are done. If this continues, we will not be able to allow students to play with those items. Please work with your students so they learn the value of leaving a room in better condition than when they arrived.
Help wanted!
GR - Yearbook Help Needed
In order to offer our families a yearbook, we need parents and/or students to make that happen. If you would like to help us with that, email office@wmhfa.org. This may count as a family involvement position.
Work Assignment Position Available
We need someone to help us sell our extra items. We have a variety of extra stuff we no longer need (kitchen items, old tonor cartridges, office supplies, apparel, etc. We would love to have some help finding people who would like to pay to take this stuff off our hands. If you like to sell things on eBay, Craig's List, etc., we could use your help! We also would like to set up an online auction to allow WMHFA families first dibs at these items. This would be a great job for someone who is still looking for something they can do from home. Contact office@wmhfa.org if you are interested.
Fundraising Information
Amazon Smile
You can make a difference while you shop Amazon. Simply shop at smile.amazon.com/ch/81-0626181 and AmazonSmile donates to West Michigan Home School Fine Arts Association Inc.
Concert Program Advertising
Earn 50% of every ad sale! – Deadline will be a few weeks before winter and spring concerts. Full, half, & quarter page and 2 line ads available for your favorite companies. Ads appear in both Kalamazoo and Grand Rapids concert programs. Stop by the desk to request a form, or visit wmhfa.org/advertising-options!
Scrip Table Hours:
Tuesdays @ Plainwell First Baptist between 9:30 am - 1:30 pm
Wednesdays @ Corinth Reformed between 9:30 am - 1:30 pm
Summer Marching Band hours are at the Grand Rapids location:
Wednesdays, June 8 - August 3
9:00 am - 10:30 am
Want to start Scrip now? Simply go to your computer, go to www.shopwithscrip.com,
click on "Join a Program" and enter our ONE TIME enrollment code 9D8AF44A1551
Create a profile and read and accept the terms. Start saving money!
Lunch Information
Grand Rapids Lunch
For your convenience, WMHFA makes a pizza lunch available every week for a very reasonable price.
Lunch may be purchased as follows:
$3.50 Meal Deal (Pizza, 2 sides, and beverage)
$1.25 per slice of pizza
$0.50 per side, snack, or beverage
A Ten Meal Punch Card may be purchased for $32.50
Kalamazoo Lunch
Lunch will be a potluck style while we meet in Plainwell. You can continue to bring lunch for just your family as well. We will re-evaluate after the move to Schoolcraft.
Due to local Allegan County regulations, we are not allowed to cook any food at the church that will be fed to the "public". Although we are a private organization utilizing the church, we do not want to take any chances compromising the church.
Potluck lunch will open in the kitchen at 11:45am. Potluck criteria:
1) Bring 1 main dish + 1 side dish
2) All food must be precooked & heated. No oven/microwave cooking.
a) Crock pots/instant pots/heating stones/insulated casserole dish bags/etc. are welcome to keep food warm
b) Cold foods/dishes welcome & can be refrigerated until mealtime
3) Bring your own drink
4) Wash your own dishes at home
5) Please drop your dishes off in the Kitchen no later than 11:30 to provide enough time to set out and organize food options.
6) The line will form in the hall outside the fellowship hall (lunch room) & kitchen area at 11:40am.
7) If your child needs a lunch before 11:45am, or will not have time to stand in line before a 12:15pm class, than an adult may come between 11:15-11:35 to prepare a plate for them. Please have them eat outside or sit with them in the Fellowship Hall to ensure they stay quiet and don't interrupt the class.
If Intermediate band is disrupted we will not be able to let anyone into the Fellowship Hall until after class gets out. The curtains will be closed between band and the eating area to muffle movement, but they do not do a good job of muffling voices.
ALL food must be kept in the fellowship hall (lunch room) or taken directly outside through the entrance doors, under the awning, by the kitchen.
Thank you to our program sponsors!
These organizations support West Michigan Homeschool Fine Arts. Let them know you appreciate that as you give them your business!
Grace Home School Association
The Homeschool Building - HSB Announcements
ServiceMaster of Kalamazoo
Reformation Heritage Books
Boerkoel Painting, LLC
Grand Valley State University Music, Theater, and Dance
Susan M. Dennis DDS
Just Take a Bite LLC
Kalamazoo Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery
Kalmazoo Valley Community College
CranHill Ranch
Kalamazoo Chamber Music Workshop
WMU College of Engineering and Applied Sciences
Montell Construction
Code Studio Strings
David Crandell, DDS
Hallgren Orthodontics
Amish Furniture and Gifts Warehouse
Homeschool Performing Arts
Cornerstone University
Bair Lake Bible Camp
David Stricklen - Author
Grace Home School Association
The Homeschool Building - HSB Announcements
ServiceMaster of Kalamazoo
Reformation Heritage Books
Boerkoel Painting, LLC
Grand Valley State University Music, Theater, and Dance
Susan M. Dennis DDS
Just Take a Bite LLC
Kalamazoo Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery
Kalmazoo Valley Community College
CranHill Ranch
Kalamazoo Chamber Music Workshop
WMU College of Engineering and Applied Sciences
Montell Construction
Code Studio Strings
David Crandell, DDS
Hallgren Orthodontics
Amish Furniture and Gifts Warehouse
Homeschool Performing Arts
Cornerstone University
Bair Lake Bible Camp
David Stricklen - Author