HOME COMMUNICATOR
I recently revisited a report from Educational Testing Services titled The Family: America’s Smallest School. Though published in 2007, its findings remain relevant today. The authors identified four family-related factors that explain much of the difference in student achievement across states and countries: time spent watching television, time parents spend reading to their children, family structure, and school attendance.
One finding that stood out, and certainly I was not surprised with, was how U.S. students compare globally. Eighth graders in the United States spend less time reading for enjoyment and more time on TV and screens than students in many other countries. Over one-third of U.S. eighth graders spend four or more hours each weekday on these activities. Other related reports share that the amount of hours spent is much higher today! This report also showed that children who are read to regularly and who develop strong reading habits achieve greater academic success.
Parental involvement was another key factor. I’d suggest that it is one of the most important factors. When parents attend school events, volunteer, and support learning at home, students are far more likely to succeed.
Students at Hudsonville Christian School generally leave well prepared for high school academically, and many of these factors are evident in our community. The report serves as a reminder to monitor screen time, read with and encourage our children, and stay actively involved in their education.
The authors affirmed a truth HCS has embraced since our founding in 1917: families play a vital role in children’s development. God’s plan for preparing young people to serve Him is guided by the Holy Spirit and begins with faithful nurture in the home.
In His service,
Devon K. Brinks
Superintendent
SCHOOL-WIDE NEWS
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!
Limited Busing
On February 9 & 10 HPS busing will be limited. The buses listed below will run their regular route. If your HPS bus number is not listed, you will need to provide your own transportation to and from school on these days. Unity bus routes will run as normal.
- Bus 64 AM/Bus 57 PM (Route 57)
- Bus 78 AM/Bus 9 PM (Route 78)
- Bus 76
Parent Teacher Conferences
This winter we are looking forward to conferences with our parents on February 10 and 12, 2026.
Elementary – Parents will schedule their Y5 – 4th grade child(ren)’s conference(s) online through PTCFast. You should have received an email with a link and instructions on how to schedule your conference time with your child’s homeroom teacher. If you did not receive this link, please contact Linda Kellar (lkellar@4hcs.org) .
Middle School – All Homeroom and Encore Teachers (5-8) will be available in the south gym to meet with parents in cafeteria-style conferences from 3:30 – 5:45 p.m. and from 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. There are NO scheduled conference times for middle school students during the winter conference dates. The cafeteria-style meetings are meant to be short 7-10 minute discussions to allow all parents access to staff members in a timely manner. If you require a longer conference with a particular teacher, please be sure to connect with them via email or by calling the middle school office at 616-379-0338 to make this request and set up an individual conference on a different date and time.
HCS Auction
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!
HCS Auction Tuition Raffle – Don’t Miss Out!
Wouldn’t it be a DREAM to have a $0 tuition cost for ONE WHOLE YEAR? Buy raffle tickets now (1 for $25 or 5 for $100!) and you might just have your wish come true! The winner will be announced at the LIVE AUCTION on Saturday, March 7st (winner does not have to be present to win).
HCS 3 on 3 Tournament
We are excited to partner with our community and host the annual HCS 3 on 3 basketball tournament on March 21, 2026. Visit the event webpage for more information and team registration!
2026 Business or Family Sponsorship
We are so thankful for families and businesses that partner with us to make Christian education possible for our students each day! We invite you to consider becoming a 2026 HCS Sponsor. Your support provides meaningful resources for students while giving your business positive visibility within our school community. If interested, simply complete an online form or reach out to Julie Moes at advacement@4hcs.org. Thank you for helping us challenge minds and lives for Christ!
Moms in Prayer
Friday morning from 8:00-9:00 am moms will be joining together to pray. This week 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’ll be coming before the throne of grace on behalf of the third and fourth graders and their teachers. The Moms in Prayer group would love to have you join us, there’s room for you! Please check in at the office.
Employment Opportunities
Teaching position – Upper Elementary
Hudsonville Christian Elementary School is seeking applicants for a full-time teaching position in upper elementary for the 2025-2026 school year. Interested applicants should have a Bachelor’s degree in elementary education and a valid teaching certificate. Varying levels of experience are welcome. We are looking for team-oriented candidates who have a strong love for Jesus and are passionate about working with all of God’s children. Please complete the application form to apply. Questions may be directed to Mrs. Tricia Kiepert at tkiepert@4hcs.org. Applications will be accepted through Friday, January 30.
Kids’ Corner Coordinator
Hudsonville Christian Early Childhood is seeking a coordinator for our child care program. This includes before and after school care as well as school day care for our youngest students. The coordinator is responsible for overseeing daily operations, supporting staff, ensuring a safe and nurturing environment for children, and partnering with families in a Christ-centered setting. Please complete the application form to apply. Questions may be directed to Mrs. Konni Lubbers at klubbers@4hcs.org. Applications will be accepted through Friday, January 30.
Early Childhood Administrative Assistant
Hudsonville Christian School’s Early Childhood program is seeking a warm, organized, and detail-oriented part-time Administrative Assistant to support our Early Childhood program. This individual will serve as a welcoming presence for families, provide administrative support to the Early Childhood Director and staff, and help ensure smooth daily operations in a Christ-centered school environment. Please complete the application form to apply. Questions may be directed to Mrs. Konni Lubbers at klubbers@4hcs.org. Applications will be accepted through Friday, January 30.
Elementary ESS – Special Education Teacher
Hudsonville Christian School is seeking applicants for a part-time (.45 FTE) Special Education Teacher for the 2026–2027 school year. This position provides the opportunity to work with students across a range of grade levels who have identified learning disabilities. The Special Education Teacher will develop and implement individualized education plans, collaborate closely with parents and colleagues, and support inclusive learning environments that meet the unique needs of each student. Please complete the application form to apply. Questions may be directed to Mrs. Jenny Gorter at jgorter@4hcs.org. Applications will be accepted through Friday, January 30.
Educational Support Services (ESS) Coordinator – Elementary
We are seeking a full-time Educational Support Services (ESS) Coordinator to support our elementary students and staff through leadership and coordination of our Intervention/MTSS and Special Education programs. This unique role combines limited direct instruction with a primary focus on program oversight, collaboration, and staff leadership.
Please complete the application form to apply. Questions may be directed to Mrs. Jenny Gorter at jgorter@4hcs.org. Applications will be accepted through Friday, January 30.
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 & KIDS' CORNER NEWS
Early Childhood Enrollment for 2026-2027
If you are interested in information about 3 School, 4 School, Nature-Based 4 School, Young 5s, or Kindergarten at HCS, join us this Thursday, January 29 at our Early Childhood Open House. At this meeting for parents, you will have the opportunity to learn more about our Early Childhood and Kids’ Corner programs, meet the teachers, and visit classrooms. Enrollment for the 2026-2027 school year will also begin that night!
ELEMENTARY NEWS
Chapel
This week Friday, January 30, Ms. Wierda’s 1st grade class will lead the chapel at 10:05. 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.
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.
Roller Skating Party
Get ready to lace up your skates for a roller skating party at Tarry Hall (3330 Fairlanes Ave SW, Grandville, MI 49418) for students in grades Young Fives through 4th grade and their parent or special friend. The Mother/Daughter skate will take place on Tuesday, March 3, from 6:15–8:15pm, and the Father/Son skate on Thursday, March 5, from 6:15–8:15pm. For more information and to RSVP click HERE.
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 27 – 8th grade leading chapel
- January 30 – Laura Mast & Tiffany Kamper leading chapel
- February 3 – Kevin Sills & Justin Terpstra leading chapel
Hot Lunch
There is no Hot lunch this week Wednesday due to Exploratory week and 7th grade Winter Camp. Make sure your child brings lunch!
Ski Club
If your student purchased a lift ticket or ski rentals last week, they can stop by the office to get their refund. We have two scheduled ski club outings remaining (February 6 & 20). Buses will be provided both nights.
Exploratory Week
Exploratory week is happening this week! 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 this 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.
8th Grade Unity Mixer
The next 8th grade Unity Mixer is happening this Friday, January 30! Students planning to attend need to meet at Unity at 5:00 pm in the Cafeteria/Commons area by the main entrance. Unity’s staff will lead a few games and then have FREE pizza and pop for all 8th grade students. Basketball games start at 6:00 pm and all students get free passes!
Griffins Game
HCS night at the Grand Rapids Griffins!! On Friday, February 27th, members of our 7th and 8th grade choirs will be singing the National Anthem at the Grand Rapids Griffins game at 7 pm. Order forms for the tickets will be available in the middle school office. Tickets are $15 and money (check or cash) can be turned into the middle school office along with your order form. Make sure checks are made out to Hudsonville Christian. Orders are due by Friday, February 6th.
Band Concert
Combined Band Concert: The 7th-8th Grade Band will be part of the Eastern Ottawa Christian Schools (EOCS) Combined Band Concert on Thursday, Feb. 5, 7:00 pm, at Fair Haven Ministries, This Concert will feature Bands from Allendale, Borculo, Hudsonville, Jenison, Lamont, and Unity Christian Schools. Students should plan to arrive at 6:40 and wear their black/white “concert” uniform.
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!
Employment Opportunity
Ivanrest Christian Reformed Church is seeking a part-time Worship Coordinator to help plan and lead meaningful, Christ-centered worship alongside our pastor, staff, and volunteers. This role is ideal for someone with musical gifts, worship leadership experience, and a heart for mentoring others. Please share this opportunity with anyone you believe would be a good fit. Job descriptions are available on our website; applications are due by February 8.
Family Math Fun Festival
Hope College’s Department of Mathematics and Statistics invites you to Family Math Fun on Saturday, March 7. The festival includes engaging activities for students in grades K-8 and their parents. It features a wide variety of interactive tasks that will engage families in creative problem solving. For more information click HERE.
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.
Hudsonville Little League
Hudsonville Little League 2026 Spring Registrations are Open! Visit www.HudsonvilleLittleLeague.com for more information.
