HOME COMMUNICATOR
If you’ve spent more than five minutes in education, you know we love our acronyms. PLCs, MTSS, UDL, SCECH, STEM, PBL-new initiatives often come with new letters to learn, sometimes faster than we can fully memorize them. Even seasoned educators occasionally find themselves nodding along while quietly thinking, Wait… what does that one stand for again? Acronyms help us name complex work, organize our thinking, and stay focused—even if they also require the occasional refresher.
In the middle of all those letters, we do have a few that show up often: HCS. Not because they represent a program or initiative, but because they point to a shared calling. Our work in curriculum and instruction—aligning standards, strengthening teaching practices, and refining assessment—is ultimately about forming students who love God, love others, and see their learning as part of God’s bigger story. As Scripture reminds us, “He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together” (Colossians 1:17). While our tools and frameworks may change, Christ remains the one who gives coherence and purpose to our teaching.
So yes, acronyms will continue to come and go (and new ones will undoubtedly appear). But beneath all of them is something far more enduring: a community grounded in Christ, teaching students made in the image of God, and trusting that God is doing more in our classrooms than any acronym could ever capture.
In Christ,
Jen Rysdam
Director of Curriculum & Instruction
SCHOOL-WIDE NEWS
Early Release
This 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.
End of Semester/Report Cards
This week Friday, January 16 marks the end of the first semester for our students. Report cards will be posted in RenWeb for students in 4 School – 8th Grade on Friday, January 23.
Moms in Prayer
Join with other moms to pray fervently for our children and our school this week Friday. 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 lifting up in prayer the staff and students in the Young 5s Kindergarten and Kindergarten this week. We’d love to see you there!
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.
Middle School Sensational Science Day-Presenters Needed
On Friday, March 20, Hudsonville Christian Middle School is having a Sensational Science Day. We look forward to this special day of emphasizing the wonder and beauty of science in God’s world. The morning will be divided into four, 35 minute sessions. If you, or someone you know, would be interested in presenting, please contact the middle school office at: msoffice@4hcs.org.
Early Childhood Exploration Night
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!
EARLY CHILDHOOD & KIDS' CORNER NEWS
3 School and 4 School Conferences
Conferences for 3 School and 4 School will be held on January 26 & 27. There will be NO SCHOOL for 3 School and 4 School on January 26 or 27. Please watch your email to sign up for a conference time with your child’s teacher.
Kids’ Corner – January 26 & 27
Kids’ Corner will remain open on January 26 and 27 for those who are contracted for Kids’ Corner. Preschool KC parents should have received a google form to fill out if your preschool child needs care these two days.
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 16, our chapel committee will lead us in a praise and worship chapel! 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.
Urgent 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.
Art Show – Save the Date!
Mark your calendars for the annual Art Show on Thursday, April 23 6:00-7:30. Every student from Y5-4th grade will have art displayed throughout the school, so you won’t want to miss it. We cannot wait to celebrate the artistic abilities in every student!
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 13 – Michelle VandeSteeg (Oasis Trails) leading Chapel
- January 16 – No chapel – Early Release Day
Hot Lunch
Hot lunch this week will be Jets Pizza $2.50/slice, pop $1.00/can, chips $.50/bag.
Semester/Schedule Change
Next week Monday, January 19 will be the start of our second semester here in the Middle school. With the change of semester comes a change in schedules. Please review your student’s schedule with them and let the office know if you have any questions or concerns.
Exploratory Week
Exploratory week will be happening January 26-30! Many of our HCS staff members are offering classes for the students to further explore God’s world and creation in different ways during this week. Please know that for this week students will have an abbreviated regular class schedule in the morning and will have their exploratory classes in the late morning/afternoon.
7th Grade Winter Camp
The 7th graders will be going to winter camp Wednesday, January 28-Friday, January 30. Students are to arrive between 7:50-8am Wednesday, January 28, and must be picked up promptly at 2pm Friday, January 30. If you have any questions do not hesitate to contact the school. We look forward to this time of fellowship and adventure for our 7th graders. Students should be dropped off and picked up in the parent pickup loop by the tunnel doors in order to unload and load their belongings.
COMMUNITY NEWS
Allendale Christian 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament
Allendale Christian School will be holding its annual 3-on-3 basketball tournament on Saturday, March 14 at Allendale High School! All athletes grades 3-8 are welcome to participate – divisions will be created based on grade level. Please visit www.facebook.com/ACS3on3/ for more details and to access the online registration form. Early bird registration ($20 discount) runs through February 2. The final registration deadline is March 4 (or tournament sell out). We hope to see you there!
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.
