iXplore FAQs

Grand Rapids Christian Middle School FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS What is iXplore Week? Taking place the week of April 13-­‐17, 2015, Grand Rapids Christian Middle School is excited to host "iXplore Week", an interim week of exploratory and hands-­‐on learning that promotes a sense of discovery, creativity, curiosity, connection, reflection, and responsibility for 5th through 8th grade students. Who are the instructors/leaders of the classes and experiences? GRCMS teachers and staff are the instructors for all iXplore classes. The specific instructors and leaders of each class will email parents in January to provide a general overview of the class and provide additional details for your child’s planned experience. Prior to iXplore week, instructors and leaders of each class will meet the students in their classes for a time of devotions (during the time that is our normal, weekly chapel). Instructors and leaders will then spend time getting to know their iXplore students, setting expectations and providing an overview of what they will experience and learn. How were students enrolled/registered for classes and experiences? Generally speaking, classes and experiences were designed for 7th & 8th graders OR 5th & 6th graders. Students in 5th through 8th grade were given the opportunity to select their top five choices of classes/experiences for iXplore Week. In rare cases, students received their third or fourth choice class. Middle school students were expected to get parent permission and parent agreement before selecting classes. How do I know which class or experience my child will have? Class assignments have been posted at GRCMS since November 2015. Parents will also receive notice of your child’s confirmed class or experience via email (from the instructors/leaders) . AT THIS POINT IN OUR PLANNING PROCESS, STUDENTS ARE NOT ALLOWED TO REQUEST A CHANGE/SWITCH TO ANOTHER CLASS. What does the school day/week look like for students who aren’t traveling? Students who ARE NOT traveling overnight with their classes or groups will come for a regular school week, Monday through Friday from 7:45 AM to 2:50 PM daily, at GRCMS. Will hot lunch be served that week? Yes. There will be no disruption to hot lunch service during iXplore Week. Will there be GRCS & GRPS transportation that week? Yes. There will be no disruption to bus transportation during iXplore Week. What are plans for the afternoon, large-­‐group activities? Fifth grade students will learn about the Oregon Trail. Sixth graders will learn how to save money and the basics of financial stewardship. Seventh grade students will hear from guest speakers, learning and exploring ways to decrease negative social dynamics. Eighth graders will participate in Diversity Day activities, led by Chaplain Mark Kuiper and students from Grand Rapids Christian High School. Will I need to complete or sign any permission slips or forms for my child to participate in iXplore Week? Parents may need to sign a permission slip/form if your child is being transported by volunteers OR if they are a part of one of the groups that is traveling and staying somewhere overnight. The instructors and leaders of classes will communicate this directly to parents. What are the costs for the classes and/or experiences? Generally speaking, most classes are at no to low cost. If there is a cost associated with the class or experience your child will have, you will be notified by the instructor. Will my child’s medical needs be attended to? Yes. If your child is traveling at all, you will need to complete a “Medical Information & Consent Form.” Without this Form, the student will NOT be able to participate. As instructors and class leaders are informed of every child’s medical needs, they will attend to them appropriately. Medical information on our students is held and kept confidential by GRCMS staff. How can I get involved or support the week? After you receive email communication from the instructors and leaders, you will know more about opportunities to volunteer as a chaperone, support person, or driver.