HOME COMMUNICATOR
One of my favorite books to read with students is The Rabbit Listened by Cori Doerrfeld. In the story, the main character, Taylor, experiences a deep disappointment—his carefully built tower of blocks comes crashing down. One by one, different animals approach Taylor, each suggesting a way he should respond. But none of their ideas feel right to him. Then, a quiet rabbit appears. The rabbit doesn’t give advice or try to fix anything—it simply stays close. As the story unfolds, the rabbit listens as Taylor expresses his emotions, one by one, in all the ways the animals had suggested.
After I finish reading this book, I usually ask students to reflect and make connections. But with one particular student, I didn’t even have to ask. As soon as I closed the book, he said, “That rabbit reminds me of Jesus and how He is always close.” His unprompted response was exactly the connection I had in mind—and it’s a beautiful example of how students at HCS are learning to look for, and find, Christ in all things.
Of course, the comparison between Jesus and the rabbit isn’t perfect. But I love using this story as a reminder of who Jesus is—He draws near. He doesn’t demand, fix, or rush. He simply stays close. I also use this story to show students that we can be completely ourselves with God. Our emotions, no matter how big or overwhelming, are never too much for Him.
Jamie Kamp
Elementary School Counselor
SCHOOL-WIDE NEWS
Picture Retakes
Picture orders will be coming home later this week or early next week. Picture retakes will be Thursday, October 16 from 8:00-9:00 AM at the elementary school. Middle school students who need retakes will be transported to the elementary school to get their picture taken. If your child will be getting retakes, please return your entire photo packet from the first picture taking time. If your child will be getting their picture taken for the first time, be sure to send in their picture order form with them on this day.
No School for CEA Convention
There will be no school or Kids’ Corner for students on Thursday, October 23 and Friday, October 24 so that our teachers can participate in the Christian Educators Association Convention.
New Faith + Learning Event – Building Blocks of Faith with Dr. Robert J. Keeley
Join us Thursday, November 6, for a meaningful evening with Dr. Robert J. Keeley, local educator and author of Dear Parent: A Guide for Family Faith Formation. Dr. Keeley will share his practical and hope-filled “Building Blocks of Faith” framework—a tool currently used by HCS teachers to help students grow in Christ across all areas of learning. This event kicks off a new HCS event series that explores topics of faith + learning as we seek to partner together to challenge minds and lives for Christ. The event is free; attendees will receive a complimentary copy of Dear Parent while supplies last! Learn more about the event and RSVP online.
Unified Soccer
Come cheer for our HCS Unified soccer team (players from grades 1-6) as they play against Zeeland Christian on Wednesday, October 15! The game will be held at Zeeland Christian at 3:30 PM. Unified sports is a program of the Special Olympics that combines kids with and without disabilities to play sports together, promoting social inclusion and understanding. Go Firehawks!
Moms in Prayer
This week Friday Moms in Prayer will be meeting at the Elementary school from 8:00-9:00 a.m. Please check in at the main office and they will direct you where to go. We will be focused on praying for the staff and students in grades 3 and 4 this week. Join us in praising God, praying prayers of confession and thanksgiving, as well as praying specifically for God to work in these students’ lives. We’d love to have you!
Harvest Family Fun Day
Praise the Lord for the blessing of beautiful weather for the Harvest Family Fun day last Saturday! Whether you attempted to dunk a teacher, win a box of cereal, ring a pumpkin; whether you simply enjoyed a donut, or just watched the joy on kids’ faces, and embraced the community of Hudsonville Christian, it was such a fun day!! Thank you to all the families that donated cereal and pop, we appreciate you! Thank you to every volunteer that gave of their time and talents to serve. This event could not happen without each and every one of you! We are already looking forward to next year! See you in the Fall of 2026!
ELEMENTARY NEWS
Chapel
This week Friday, October 10, Mrs. Epker’s 3rd grade class will lead chapel from 10:00-10:25. Parents are welcome to join us and may enter through the west gym lobby doors.
Elementary Hot Lunch
Information on the Elementary Hot Lunch program provided by JenHud Food Service can be found on the JenHud Food Service website. Make deposits and monitor your account through the Family Portal. If you have questions please contact the food service at foodservice@hpseagles.net.
Tuesday Morning Playground Volunteers
We are in need of volunteers to help monitor the elementary playground on Tuesday mornings before school. For more information or to sign up please contact Cindy Palmbos. Thank you for considering this important opportunity!
MIDDLE SCHOOL NEWS
Chapel
Students and staff will gather for chapel from 7:55-8:25 AM in the south gym on Tuesday and Friday. Parents are welcome to join us!
- Tuesday, October 7 – Joy Duimstra & Allie Leerar leading chapel
- Friday, October 10 – Breakfast Club chapel
- Tuesday, October 14 – Evamarie Eggebeen leading chapel
Hot Lunch
This week Wednesday, October 8, DJ’s breadsticks will be sold for $2.50/6 breadsticks. Pop will be sold for $1.00/can (limit one) and chips for $.50/bag. Please send money with your child that day – smaller bills are better. Here is the Link to the Middle school Hot lunch schedule/menu.
7th & 8th Grade Skating Parties
7th Grade students will be having a skating party Monday, October 13 and 8th grade students will have a skating party Wednesday, October 15. Buses will provide transportation to and from Rollxscape Skating Center. Admission is $10 for everyone who enters the building and includes skate rental (or you can bring your own skates). Students may bring extra money for the snack bar and arcade. Parents must pick students up at 6 pm at HCMS.
Fall Fitness Feat
We’re excited to host our annual Fall Fitness Feat on Wednesday, October 22- time to be determined! Parents are invited to come cheer on the students along the race course. To ensure the safety of all participants, we ask that you park at Hughes Park or along the road leading up to the park. Please do not park in the school parking lot or front drive. The event will take place rain or shine, so please make sure your child is dressed appropriately for the weather and comes prepared for the day’s activities.
Important Reminder: Hot lunch will not be available on this day, so please plan accordingly.
7th Grade Winter Camp Chaperone Sign-up
Our 7th grade students will be heading off to Winter Camp Wednesday, January 28-Friday January 30. An email was sent to all 7th grade parents with information about being a chaperone. If you are interested, please complete the form linked in the email. Chaperone sign-ups are due Wednesday, October 22. If you have any questions, please call the middle school office.
Robotics
5th-6th Robotics – sign ups are due October 8. Students must pick up forms from the MS office and they can be returned to the MS office or Mrs. Tackitt. Parent meetings will be Oct 14 and 15 at 7pm in the West Connector at the Elementary Building. Please plan on attending one of the meetings for information regarding this year’s program.
Competition Drone Meeting – Any parents and students (grades 5-8) who are interested in participating on a Competition Drone team are invited to attend a Competition Drone meeting on Oct 16 at 7 pm in the West Connector at the Elementary building. If you have any questions, please contact Jennifer @ robotics@4hcs.org.
COMMUNITY NEWS
Unity Christian High School Employment Opportunity
Unity Christian High School is seeking a full-time Custodian of Outdoor and Indoor Facilities. A detailed job description and directions on how to apply can be found on Unity’s website (www.unitychristian.org / Connect / Employment Opportunities). Any questions can be directed to Krista Bosscher at unity@unitychristian.org.
Heritage Christian 3 on 3
The annual Heritage 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament for grades 3-8 will be held on Saturday, November 8, 2025! Start getting your teams together & sign up at the following link: Heritage Christian 3on3 Sign Up The registration deadline is October 11th.
Preschool Playgroup
Ridgewood CRC is hosting a free preschool/toddler play group on Monday mornings from October 6 through November 17. Come and enjoy snacks, coffee, a bounce house, and lots of space to run and play from 9:30 – 10:30 on Mondays. No need to RSVP, just come when you can!
