HOME COMMUNICATOR
I attend a small church in Holland. It’s the church I grew up in. On Christmas Day, there was a gift in my mailbox. I don’t know who it was from, but it was clearly from someone in my church who knows me. In that gift, I was reminded of one of the reasons I attend my church: I belong there. I am known and loved by my church family.
”So in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.
Romans 12:5 NIV
I thought back on that gift yesterday as I watched teachers welcome students back to school. Teachers asked about vacations, gifts, and what students did over break. I listened as teachers asked very specific questions that reflected their understanding of and care for each student. I watched classroom families reunite and celebrate being together again. Students are known and loved in our school, and our prayer is that they know they belong.
As a staff, teachers have been intentionally learning about the Building Blocks of Faith and working to bring them into their classrooms. The first building block, “I Belong,” was evident as teachers welcomed students back yesterday.
A new year often calls for new goals or resolutions. After receiving that gift on Christmas and watching students and teachers reconnect yesterday, my goal for 2026 is to help people around me feel known, loved, and like they belong. What does that look like? Maybe it’s being more intentional about truly listening when someone is talking, noticing what someone enjoys and asking about it, or simply offering a smile to someone who might otherwise go unnoticed. Scripture reminds us in Romans 12:5, “So in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.”
Belonging is so important, so why not make it a goal to help people around you—at school, at home, at church, or even at the grocery store—know that they belong.
In Him,
Mary Jo Staal
Elementary Media Specialist & Nurturing Faith Coordinator
SCHOOL-WIDE NEWS
Early Release
Next week Friday, January 16, is an early release day, with dismissal at 11:10 AM. Our staff will be engaged in valuable professional development during this afternoon. Hudsonville Public buses will run as normal but students riding Unity buses will need to arrange for transportation home.
Early Childhood Exploration Night is Coming!
If you are interested in information about 3 School, 4 School, Nature-Based 4 School, Young 5s, or Kindergarten at HCS, mark your calendars for 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, January 29 to attend our Early Childhood Open House at the elementary school. At this meeting for parents, you will learn more about our Early Childhood and Kids’ Corner programs and also get to meet the teachers and visit classrooms. Enrollment for Early Childhood opens this night. Please mark this date on your calendar and tell your friends and neighbors so they can join us!
HCS Auction – SAVE THE DATE!
This year’s live Auction will be on Saturday, March 7, 2026. The Auction Committee is seeking donations of unique experiences (VIP tours, lessons, tickets, vacation spots, etc) to add to this year’s Auction! If you or someone you know may be interested in giving back to our school in this fun and memorable way, please reach out to auction@4hcs.org. If you are interested in purchasing an item for the auction and need ideas, take a look at our Amazon Wish List!
Middle School Hot Lunch Program – New Coordinators Needed!
The middle school hot lunch program can not run without volunteers. After five years, our current coordinators, Kim Racey and Lori Rotman will be stepping down. Parents Club is looking to fill this 2-person coordinator role to begin May 1, 2026. The full duties of the coordinators would begin during the 2026-2027 school year as the roles are transitioned out. Beginning in May will allow the new coordinators the ability to work with Kim and Lori as preparations are made for the 2026-2027 school year. Due to the nature of this role, this would be at least a three year commitment. If you think this is something you would be interested in, please contact Kim (kracey10@gmail.com) or Lori (loriannro@gmail.com) for more information.
HCS Returnables Shed
You are invited to drop off your returnable cans and bottles to the recycling shed at any time! The shed is located in the elementary school north parking lot off of Hillcrest Ave. Thank you for supporting our school!
EARLY CHILDHOOD & KIDS' CORNER NEWS
3 School and 4 School Conferences
Conferences for 3 School and 4 School will be held on January 27 & 28. There will be NO SCHOOL for 3 School and 4 School on January 27 or 28. Please watch your email to sign up for a conference time with your child’s teacher.
Kids’ Corner – January 27 & 28
Kids’ Corner will remain open on January 27 and 28 for those who are contracted for Kids’ Corner. KC parents will receive a google form to sign you if your preschool child needs care these two days.
Winter Gear
Children who attend Kids’ Corner will go outside every day. Please send your child with labeled winter gear to keep them warm!
Kids’ Corner Job Opportunity
Kids’ Corner is looking for after school staff to supervise preschool – 4th grade students. Applicants must be 16 years or older, enjoy working with kids and are a dependable team player. Hours are flexible starting at 2:40, to work no later than 6:00. Please apply online or email klubbers@4hcs.org.
ELEMENTARY NEWS
Chapel
This week Friday, January 9, Ms. Thompson’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.
Cookies
This week Friday morning students will have the opportunity to purchase freshly baked chocolate chip cookies for $.25 each (limit 4).
Recess Monitor Help
We are in need of 1 or 2 additional playground monitors on Tuesdays before school from 7:20-7:50 AM & Wednesdays during snack recess from 9:10-10:10 AM. If you are able to help please contact Cindy Palmbos in the elementary office.
Valentine’s Day Celebrations
As part of an ongoing effort to support our many students with dietary restrictions, we will continue to celebrate Valentine’s Day with activities that avoid candies and treats this year in Preschool-4th grade. Making this adjustment is a gift to many in our community. Thank you for partnering with us and with one another. Keep an eye out for more information from your child’s teacher about specific instructions for classroom celebrations.
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!
- January 6 – CIRCLE Chapel
- January 9 – No chapel (6th Grade has Medieval day)
Hot Lunch
There will be no Hot Lunch this week Wednesday. Make sure your child packs a lunch.
Cookies
Cookies will be sold during break this Friday for $.25 each (limit 4).
Sixth Grade Medieval Day
Sixth graders have received their roles for Medieval Day which is scheduled for Friday, January 9, 2026. Parents are invited to the costume parade from 8:00 to 8:45 that morning. If you plan to join us, please park in the East parking lot and check in at the middle school office. If you can help during medieval week, check out the schedule and sign up at: Volunteer sign-up Medieval week
Ski Club Outing
Our next ski club outing will be this week Friday, January 9. A sign up link and additional information was sent out last week Friday to ski club members. Lift tickets and rentals will be sold Tues.-Thurs. during morning and lunch break. Transportation will be provided. Buses will leave school at 3pm and return around 9:15pm.
COMMUNITY NEWS
Revive Resale Fundraiser at Ziggi’s Coffee
Ziggi’s Coffee in Hudsonville is now open and TODAY, January 6, Ziggi’s is helping raise funds to support Revive Resale! Stop by to show your support and 20% of all proceeds will be donated to Revive!
Saturday Girls Basketball Camp
Unity Christian will be hosting 6 weeks of basketball programming with skill development and game play for 5th – 8th graders. The dates for this will be Jan 17, 24, 31, and Feb 14, 21, 28, with an invitation to attend the Unity Christian Girls Basketball game as well. Details and registration information can be found on the Unity Athletics website here: Saturday Girls Basketball Camp
Faith & Science Event at Cornerstone University
Cornerstone University invites students in grades 6–12, and their families, to attend Created to Discover: Where Faith & Science Intersect. Demonstrating how science points back to God, the Creator, the evening will include hands-on breakout sessions in Nursing & Health, Environmental Science, Engineering & Technology, Kinesiology, and Mathematics. This free event takes place on February 23, 2026, from 6:30–8:00 p.m. on Cornerstone’s campus in Grand Rapids. Learn more and register online today.
Baton Twirling Classes
Come join the fun and learn how to twirl a baton! Our baton twirling classes not only focus on teaching children how to
twirl a baton, our classes encourage teamwork, poise, hand-eye coordination, as well as help children build their self-esteem. Students learn baton twirling tricks in class as well as routines. Students will also have an opportunity to be in a competition and parades.
Dates: Every Thursday beginning February 12th and ending May 28th
Times: Ages 4-7, 6:00-6:45 p.m.
Ages 8-20, 6:45-7:30 p.m.
Registration: February 12th at baton class.
Location: Rosewood Reformed Church Gymnasium- 2795 Rosewood Street, Jenison, MI 49428
Cost: $10/week to be paid at each class. $11 registration fee to be paid at first class. Batons available for purchase at class for $35.
Questions? Call (616) 460-1747, e-mail athleticsens@aol.com, or visit our website at www.athleticsensations.com.
