HOME COMMUNICATOR
Six-Seven Everywhere
I didn’t realize just how often the numbers six and seven appear in a day until recently. Just last week, I found myself adjusting the heat in my car from 67° to 68° just so no one could comment on it. I can only imagine the enjoyment this meaningless meme, uttered repeatedly, brings teachers.
As a person who thinks a lot about words and messages, I can’t help but laugh at how quickly and pervasively something can spread. It’s a great reminder that what we repeat shapes what others remember and influences behavior.
At HCS, we often repeat our mission: Challenging Minds and Lives for Christ. And for good reason: It is a reminder to us, and a proclamation to the community that we exist for Christ. When our students, staff, and families reflect Christ in what we say and do, that’s what people remember most.
So maybe “6-7” doesn’t really mean anything but at HCS, we get to give everything we do meaning by pointing it back to Christ. That’s a message worth repeating at least 6 or 7 times.
Layne Fuller
Director of Marketing and Communications
SCHOOL-WIDE NEWS
Halloween
The policy on Halloween at HCS is that we do nothing to support it in classroom activities or decorations.
Report Cards
The first nine-week marking period ended on Wednesday, October 22. Report cards will be posted to RenWeb this Friday, October 31 for students in 1st-8th grade. If you have questions about accessing this information through RenWeb, please contact Lane Lems – llems@4hcs.org.
Limited Busing
On Friday, October 31 HPS busing will be limited. The following buses will run their regular route:
- Bus 64 AM/Bus 57 PM (Route 57)
- Bus 78 AM/Bus 9 PM (Route 78)
- Bus 76
If your HPS bus number is not listed, you will need to provide your own transportation to and from school on the 31st. Unity bus routes will run as normal.
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.
Parent/Teacher Conferences
Parent/Teacher Conferences are scheduled for November 11 & 13 for students in Young 5s – 8th Grade. Parents should have received an email with instructions and a link to sign up for a conference with your student’s homeroom teacher. Please only sign up with their homeroom teacher and any additional teachers your child might have will communicate with the homeroom teacher. Scheduling will close at midnight on Friday, October 31, 2025. You will not be able to sign up online after that time. Those not signed up will be assigned a conference time.
Childcare will be available at the elementary school during your conference time. School will be in session regular hours on both conference days. There will be no school for 3 School through 8th Grade on Friday, November 14. Kids’ Corner will also be closed on that day.
Yearbook Order
Now is the time to order the HCS yearbook for your student! Orders are taken now for the all-color yearbook that students will receive in May 2026. The cost is $30 per yearbook and you must purchase it online through YearbookOrderCenter.com. Our school order number is 3469. Please note that you must order by Sunday, November 30.
Moms in Prayer
Moms in Prayer are moms who love to get together and bring all our praises and concerns before our Heavenly Father. In prayer, we know that we are not alone and that gives us reassurance and hope. On Friday, October 31 we will be meeting at the Elementary School from 8:00-9:00 a.m. 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 7th and 8th grade this week. Join us in praying for these loved students!
Parents’ Club Board – Open Meeting
As a parent/guardian of a student at HCS you are a part of the Parents’ Club! The Parents’ Club Executive Board (PCB) hosts a “General Assembly” meeting to provide updates and information specific to Parents’ Club support services, events and fundraisers. You are welcome to attend this meeting on Friday, November 21 from 8:00 am-8:30 am in the elementary west conference room.
EARLY CHILDHOOD & KIDS' CORNER NEWS
Coffee and Praise and Worship
Preschool parents are invited to join us for a special coffee and praise & worship time with our preschool classes. Enjoy coffee, fellowship, and a meaningful time of worship alongside your child. You may attend on the day that best fits your schedule: Monday, November 24 or Tuesday, November 25 — starting at 10:00. Coffee will be served in Room 83 with praise and worship following in the East Gym at 10:20. We look forward to celebrating God’s goodness together with our preschool families! Please complete this survey so that you can be pre-registered with our school visitor system for this event.
ELEMENTARY NEWS
Chapel
This week Friday, October 31, Mrs. Van Kley’s 2nd 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.
Love Bazaar
Do you hear what I hear? Love Bazaar 2025 is on the calendar! That’s right, the big day is December 5! We are kicking off the great CHRISTmas Season with this fun day for the kids Preschool-4th Grade to shop for their families! If you signed up to volunteer this year, please check your email soon for important information regarding how your shift will look. Also, be sure to find a replacement if you are no longer able to fulfill your shift.
Lost and Found
Our elementary lost and found is filling up! Please remind your child(ren) to check out these items in the hall by the lower elementary office to see if anything belongs to them.
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 28 – Mary Jane Geers -Moms in Prayer leading chapel.
- Friday, October 31 – Worship -Student Praise Team
- Tuesday, November 4 – Bethany Norris (GEMS)
Hot Lunch
This week Wednesday, October 29, DJ’s pizza will be sold for $2.50/slice. 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 best. Here is the Link to the Middle school Hot lunch schedule/menu.
Conferences
Parent/Teacher conferences will take place on November 11 & 13. Parents should have received an email to sign up for a conference with your child’s home room teacher. The following part-time teachers will be available for conferences on Tuesday, November 11 on a drop-in basis, no appointment required:
Brenna Brouwer-Counselor Sara Jager- Orchestra
Bri Buikema-Foundations Jen Large-PE
Brian Knot-Band
Robotics
Sign-ups for the competitive drone program are currently underway for students in grades 5-8. For more information, or to sign up, please contact Jennifer at robotics@4hcs.org. The deadline to sign up is November 3rd. First practice will be November 7th.
COMMUNITY NEWS
Cross-train Volleyball
The Cross-train Volleyball League offers local 5th-8th grade girls the opportunity to improve their volleyball skills in a nine week league. Experienced coaches facilitate fundamental skill development, position training, and team play in a faith-based environment. The format includes weekly practices and four match dates. The league is coordinated by Hope Hoezee, Unity Christian Varsity Volleyball Assistant. Registration opens November 1st via Signup Genius (participants must register via Signup Genius first and then send in paperwork). The league runs January 20-March 28, evaluations are January 6 and 8. Space is limited. Click HERE for information on registration times, registration links, and a schedule. Email crosstrainvb@gmail.com with questions.
Girls Volleyball Clinic
Cross-train volleyball will be offering a 2 day volleyball clinic for girls in the 4th-8th grades on November 15 and 22 in the HCS West Gym. The clinic will focus on fundamental skill development and match play. Registration form with payment may be turned into the HCS office. The registration deadline is November 10.
Boys Saturday Basketball Clinic
Unity Christian will be hosting a five-week program for boys in 4th-6th grades on Saturday mornings from November 8 through December 13. Each session will teach fundamental basketball skills and provide team competition. Details and registration information can be found on the Unity Athletics website.
Holly Jolly Christmas Market
Zutphen’s Holly Jolly Christmas Market is just around the corner! Join us for a festive day of Christmas cheer at the Holly Jolly Christmas Market on Saturday, December 6 from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM at Zutphen CRC (3223 40th Ave. Hudsonville, MI 49426). Shop local vendors, find unique handmade gifts, live Christmas trees, Christmas planters, and enjoy delicious treats, hot cocoa bar, a fun raffle, and lunch. Proceeds go toward the Zutphen Youth Missions Fund. It’s the perfect way to kick off your Christmas season, bring your friends and family! Find us on facebook at Zutphen’s Holly Jolly Christmas Market for more information.
