Announcements
WMHFA Concert Tickets on Sale Now!
All concert attendees will need a ticket for the concert. Concert Ticket prices are $5/seat (children under 3 that are small enough to sit on laps will not need a ticket). Performing students will not need a ticket.
Tickets may be purchased the following ways:
Grand Rapids families need to be aware that seats may be limited. We will do our best to accommodate every person who wants to attend, but you may want to purchase your tickets in advance to be sure there will be room.
Technology willing, all concerts will be live-streamed.
Kalamazoo Concert information has been emailed out. Check your parent portal if you missed it. Grand Rapids information coming soon.
Retake Days and Picture pick-up
Picture retake day is November 29/30. If you missed the first picture day or you didn't like how they turned out, plan on having your student's picture taken after Thanksgiving.
Picture packages are in and may be picked up at the desk.
Solo & Ensemble Signups coming in January!
Solo & Ensemble is a non-competitive festival where music students can play band/orchestra instruments or piano as a solo or with a group of 2 or more students in front of a judge who provides valuable feedback for improving and developing skills. Students do not compete with one another for a “place” (1st, 2nd, 3rd, etc) but against a standard of musical excellence for a rating. WMHFA Solo & Ensemble is open to any home-schooled students with at least one year of experience on their instrument.
This is a fabulous experience your student will not want to miss. You can see more information at wmhfa.org/solo--ensemble. Signups will start in January, but you can prepare now by selecting your music and scheduling your accompanist!
Are you a vocalist instead? Our students are allowed to participate in the MSVMA Vocal Solo & Ensemble as well! If you are interested in finding out more information, please email Mrs. Beason at lbeason@wmhfa.org.
Grand Rapids Symphonic Band Tickets
Dr. Harrison is a member of the Grand Rapids Symphonic Band. They have several performances throughout the year, and students get free admission with a voucher. Tickets for parents are $5. You can see the schedule and print a ticket voucher at their website at https://www.grsymphonicband.org/concerts--tickets.html. Their next performance is December 10 at 7pm.
Upcoming Dates: (See all dates at https://www.wmhfa.org/calendar.html)
All concert attendees will need a ticket for the concert. Concert Ticket prices are $5/seat (children under 3 that are small enough to sit on laps will not need a ticket). Performing students will not need a ticket.
Tickets may be purchased the following ways:
- At the Information Table. Save time standing in line at the concert by purchasing your tickets early.
- At the door, the night of the concert.
Grand Rapids families need to be aware that seats may be limited. We will do our best to accommodate every person who wants to attend, but you may want to purchase your tickets in advance to be sure there will be room.
Technology willing, all concerts will be live-streamed.
Kalamazoo Concert information has been emailed out. Check your parent portal if you missed it. Grand Rapids information coming soon.
Retake Days and Picture pick-up
Picture retake day is November 29/30. If you missed the first picture day or you didn't like how they turned out, plan on having your student's picture taken after Thanksgiving.
Picture packages are in and may be picked up at the desk.
Solo & Ensemble Signups coming in January!
Solo & Ensemble is a non-competitive festival where music students can play band/orchestra instruments or piano as a solo or with a group of 2 or more students in front of a judge who provides valuable feedback for improving and developing skills. Students do not compete with one another for a “place” (1st, 2nd, 3rd, etc) but against a standard of musical excellence for a rating. WMHFA Solo & Ensemble is open to any home-schooled students with at least one year of experience on their instrument.
This is a fabulous experience your student will not want to miss. You can see more information at wmhfa.org/solo--ensemble. Signups will start in January, but you can prepare now by selecting your music and scheduling your accompanist!
Are you a vocalist instead? Our students are allowed to participate in the MSVMA Vocal Solo & Ensemble as well! If you are interested in finding out more information, please email Mrs. Beason at lbeason@wmhfa.org.
Grand Rapids Symphonic Band Tickets
Dr. Harrison is a member of the Grand Rapids Symphonic Band. They have several performances throughout the year, and students get free admission with a voucher. Tickets for parents are $5. You can see the schedule and print a ticket voucher at their website at https://www.grsymphonicband.org/concerts--tickets.html. Their next performance is December 10 at 7pm.
Upcoming Dates: (See all dates at https://www.wmhfa.org/calendar.html)
- November 29/30 - Retake Day
- December 6 - Last day of class for Kalamazoo
- December 6 - Kalamazoo Christmas Concert at 7pm
- December 13 - Grand Rapids Orchestra/Choir/Handbell Concert at 7pm
- December 14 - Last day of class for Grand Rapids (Orchestra/Choir/Handbells classes still meet!)
- December 15 - Grand Rapids Band/Colorguard Concert at 7pm
- January 3/4 - Classes resume
Reminders from Last Week
Reminder - No food in the Classrooms
A smashed cookie was found in the Worship Center at Corinth on Wednesday. We don't have enough time after classes to go around and vacuum every single room after we are done. Please keep food in the designated areas only and be sure to clean up after yourself!
A smashed cookie was found in the Worship Center at Corinth on Wednesday. We don't have enough time after classes to go around and vacuum every single room after we are done. Please keep food in the designated areas only and be sure to clean up after yourself!
Important Dates
See our Calendar.
Grand Rapids Symphonic Band Tickets
Dr. Harrison is a member of the Grand Rapids Symphonic Band. They have several performances throughout the year, and students get free admission with a voucher. Tickets for parents are $5. You can see the schedule and print a ticket voucher at their website at https://www.grsymphonicband.org/concerts--tickets.html.
Grand Rapids Symphonic Band Tickets
Dr. Harrison is a member of the Grand Rapids Symphonic Band. They have several performances throughout the year, and students get free admission with a voucher. Tickets for parents are $5. You can see the schedule and print a ticket voucher at their website at https://www.grsymphonicband.org/concerts--tickets.html.
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 Schoolcraft 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.
Absences
Missing Your Work Shift
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!
Sickness 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.
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.
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.
WMHFA Mobile App
You can access your WMHFA account on your mobile device by downloading the WMHFA App from Google Play or the App Store. Search for WMHFA to find the app.
Hallway/Social Hall/Study Hall reminders
Fundraising Information
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 @ LAMP Homeschool Center 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 and July
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!
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.
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:
$4 Meal Deal (Pizza, 2 sides, and beverage)
$1.50 per slice of pizza
$0.50 per side, snack, or beverage
A Ten Meal Punch Card may be purchased for $36
Kalamazoo Lunch
All families are invited to participate in Kalamazoo's Potluck Lunch. You can also choose to bring lunch for just your family as well. Participating families are asked to bring
1 main dish + 1 side dish each week they participate.
In addition, please bring one kitchen/table service item per semester to facilitate the potluck. See list in the Kitchen on Tues for needed items.
**Please note: ALL potluck items must be cooked/prepared beforehand. Electrical outlets & a microwave are available for food warming. NO REFRIGERATION is available at this time.
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
Grand Rapids - Classes will be cancelled if Byron Center Public Schools are cancelled due to weather.
Kalamazoo - Classes will be cancelled if Schoolcraft 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.
Absences
Missing Your Work Shift
- All workers must 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 will not count towards your minimum time. Those who are working odd jobs or offsite will need to sign-in online. Go to https://forms.gle/6oYVaCW8kcLKXYD96 to record the hours you are working.
- 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 Amanda Smith at (616) 431-1880 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!
Sickness 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.
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.
WMHFA Mobile App
You can access your WMHFA account on your mobile device by downloading the WMHFA App from Google Play or the App Store. Search for WMHFA to find the app.
Hallway/Social Hall/Study Hall reminders
- Students must be in Social Hall or Study Hall. No wandering, running, or sitting in the halls.
- Please keep the noise level down in the area around classes, especially the HUB or Chapel Lobby in Grand Rapids, when classes or lessons are in session. In Grand Rapids, go around the HUB when colorguard has a class. Please do not walk through the class.
- Food & drink only in designated areas. In Grand Rapids, this is the Gym and the Cafe.
- The nursery is only for parents with small children. Older children should be in the study hall or social hall.
- Students are not to use an empty classroom for group practicing without getting permission from the information desk. If permission is obtained, a parent must stay with the students at all times. Students are not to be in any area without adult supervision.
- No students are to be outside unsupervised. If you are supervising children outside, please keep them away from windows where lessons or classes are taking place.
Fundraising Information
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 @ LAMP Homeschool Center 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 and July
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!
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.
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:
$4 Meal Deal (Pizza, 2 sides, and beverage)
$1.50 per slice of pizza
$0.50 per side, snack, or beverage
A Ten Meal Punch Card may be purchased for $36
Kalamazoo Lunch
All families are invited to participate in Kalamazoo's Potluck Lunch. You can also choose to bring lunch for just your family as well. Participating families are asked to bring
1 main dish + 1 side dish each week they participate.
In addition, please bring one kitchen/table service item per semester to facilitate the potluck. See list in the Kitchen on Tues for needed items.
**Please note: ALL potluck items must be cooked/prepared beforehand. Electrical outlets & a microwave are available for food warming. NO REFRIGERATION is available at this time.
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