Home Communicator – August 4, 2026

FACTS RenWeb

HCS utilizes FACTS RenWeb as our school management software program.  Parent login can be found at https://hv-mi.client.renweb.com/pw/. If you experience any difficulty signing in to FACTS RenWeb, please contact Lane Lems at llems@4hcs.org.

Student Allergy/Medical Condition

Parents, it is important that you update your student’s medical record form on FACTS Renweb parent portal. We would especially like you to include allergies (food, insect, other) or medical conditions (asthma, seizure, other) that may require attention by our staff during the school year.  Please describe the condition, tell us about the symptoms, alert us to medication that may have to be administered in such a situation and where it is located, what steps should be taken to care for your child. Please contact the office with any questions you may have.  To access this form on FACTS Renweb, follow these steps. 

• Login to FACTS Family Portal (District Code is HV-MI)
• Click on the Family tab
• Click on Family Home
• Click Family Demographic Form
• Under Student Medical, click on Student Medical Form for the child you wish to edit
• Edit and save information

Grandparents Day – Save the Date!

We are excited to celebrate Grandparents Day on Friday, October 30! This special day gives our students the opportunity to share a part of their school experience with their grandparents or other special guests.

To help us prepare invitations and event details, we ask that all families log in to the FACTS Family Portal and verify or update their grandparent information. Please add the names and mailing addresses of any grandparents you would like us to include.

• Login to FACTS Family Portal (District Code is HV-MI)
• Click on the Family tab
• Click on Family Home
• Click Family Demographic Form
• Under Grandparents, Click add Grandparent
• Edit and save information

Thank you for taking a few minutes to update your family’s information. We look forward to celebrating this special day with our students and their loved ones!

HCS Website & Communication 

The HCS website is an important resource for parent information. From the “Current Families” section of our website you can access the Home Communicator, the school calendar, homework links and updated documents as they become available.

Class Lists

Class lists will be  accessible through FACTS RenWeb tomorrow, August 5. Watch for an email with a link to view your students’ teacher and classmate information. 

School Supply Lists 

The lists showing supplies that are needed for students are available on our website.

• Preschool Supply List, 2026-27
• Elementary Supply List, 2026-27
• Middle School Supply List, 2026-27

Open House & Expo

Join us Monday, August 24 from 5:30-7:00 PM. The HCS Open House is a night for students in Y5s-8th grade and their parents to tour the school buildings, see their classroom, locker and to reconnect with or meet new families. An EXPO (at the elementary building) will feature many of HCS’s events and programs such as the Parents’ Club, Harvest Family Fun Day, Robotics and much more!  

First Day of School

Our first day of school is Wednesday, August 26 for students in Young 5s – 8th Grade.  School begins at 7:50 AM and dismissal is at 2:40 PM. Students may be dropped off starting at 7:30 AM.  Preschool classes begin September 8 & 9.

Busing

Bus routes and information will be coming from Hudsonville Public School and Unity Christian School soon! If you have questions about busing please contact the Hudsonville Public School Transportation Department or Unity Christian High School. 

Limited Busing

There are a few school days this year where we will not have regular busing from Hudsonville Public School.  Those days are as follows: 

• August 26 & 27 – PM only
• August 28
• November 20 – PM only
• February 15 & 16
• May 28
• June 4 – PM only

On Limited Busing days HPS will offer limited routes only. The following buses will run their regular route: 19, 76, 78

If your HPS bus number is not mentioned in this limited busing list, you will need to provide your own transportation on these days

Limited Busing for the first week of school

On August 26 & 27 morning routes will run as normal but afternoon busing will be limited. On Friday, August 28 both morning and afternoon routes will be limited. The following buses will run their regular route: 19, 76, 78 

If your HPS bus number is not mentioned in this limited busing list, you will need to provide your own transportation on these days. Unity busing is not affected by HPS limited busing, those routes will run as normal.

Early Release Dates

We will participate in some of Hudsonville Public’s early release dates again this year.  These dates will be on Friday afternoons and dismissal time will be at 11:10 a.m.  During these afternoons our staff will be engaged in valuable professional development.  The dates we will participate in early release are: 

• September 18
• December 11
• January 15
• February 12
• March 5
• April 30

Please note these days on your calendar.  Hudsonville Public buses will be running on these early release dates, but students riding Unity buses will need to arrange for transportation home.   

School Spirit Store – Get your HCS & Firehawk Gear!

Exciting News, HCS Families! Our online school apparel store is now open! Check out a great selection of youth and adult items featuring HCS apparel and new Firehawk designs! Whether you’re looking for gear for your student or something for yourself, there’s something for everyone! The store is open until August 9, 2026.  

CHILDWATCH Attendance Line – 616-379-0332

If your child will not be at school when school begins each day, we ask parents to call the Childwatch line at (616) 379-0332 with information about the absence – whether it’s an appointment, illness, vacation, etc.  This number will connect you to the answering system and you can leave a message. 

Please be sure to call this number BEFORE school starts for the day. You can call this number the night before – or even in the middle of the night – to let us know your child will not be at school.  Thank you for helping attendance run smoothly!

Substitute Teaching

As we start planning for the new school year, we would like to build our list of people able to substitute teach in the Middle School and/or in the Elementary School. If you would be interested in subbing, please contact the Middle School office at 616-379-0338 or by email msoffice@4hcs.org or the Elementary office at 616-669-6689 or email cpalmbos@4hcs.org.

Volunteers Needed!

Auction Committee Members

The Parents’ Club Board is asking you to consider volunteering on the Auction Committee! We are in need of additional volunteers to help plan and facilitate the Auction that will take place in the spring of 2027! This is an important event for our school and a great way to build community!  If you are willing to serve in this way click HERE to sign up! Questions? contact pcb@4hcs.org or auction@4hcs.org.

Room Parent Volunteers

Thank you to the many parents who volunteered to be room parents this coming school year! We were able to fill the majority of the 90 available spots (2 room parents per class), but are looking for a few more volunteers. Serving as a room parent is a great way to get to know your child’s teacher and classmates (and a great way to get all your volunteer points!) If your child is in one of the classes below and you’re interested in learning more about being a room parent, please contact Andrea, our Room Parent Coordinator (roomparents@4hcs.org).

• Y5s – Shaun Havert = 1
• Y5s – Tara Lein = 2
• K – Lindsey Seaver = 1
• K – Heather Wolters = 2
• K – Jolynn Ymker = 2
• 1st – McKena DeJong = 1
• 1st – Emily Pettinga = 1
• 1st – Sadie Wierda = 2
• 2nd – Linsey Buteyn = 1
• 2nd – Emily Neher = 1
• 2nd – Jessica Van Kley = 1
• 2nd – Jill Wiechel = 1
• 3rd – Allyson Lorette = 2
• 3rd – Amara Thompson = 1
• 4th – Jae’l Brinks = 1
• 4th – Lauren Bushouse = 2
• 5th – Melissa Bronson = 1
• 6th – Cambrie Brouwer = 2
• 7th – Kevin Sills = 1
• 7th – Katie Heerspink = 1
• 8th – Heath Brower = 1
• 8th – Joel DeVries = 1

Elementary Playground Monitor

We are in need of volunteers to help cover the elementary playground during recess! Having additional adults on the playground helps keep our kids safe. Please check out this SignUpGenius link to sign up and earn volunteer points! Thank you for considering this important opportunity!

Elementary Cafeteria Volunteers

We are in need of 2 more volunteers to help in our cafeteria every other Friday! Check out this fun opportunity HERE! 

Employment Opportunity

Hudsonville Christian School is seeking an Assistant Finance Manager for the 2026-2027 school year. This part-time position (20 to 24 hours per week) will confidentially assist the finance manager with the financial records of the school, including but not limited to: coordinating financial accounting and reporting, qualifying and making payment of payroll, and bills and taxes in a timely manner.

If you or someone you know may be interested, please visit our website to view the full job description and application.

If you have any questions or would like to learn more about the position, please contact Devon Brinks via email (dbrinks@4hcs.org).

HCS Clay Shoot

Come out and support the Hudsonville Christian School Tuition Assistance Fund at our annual Sporting Clay Shoot​ at Blendon Pines on September 12.  It doesn’t matter if you’re a novice or an expert shooter, this promises to be a fun event with something for everyone. For more information or to register click HERE.

Harvest Family Fun Day- Save the Date!

It’s a Hudsonville Christian School tradition! This year’s event takes place on Saturday, October 3, from 3:00-5:00 rain or shine. We would love to see everyone from preschoolers to 8th graders come out for doughnuts/cider/popcorn and cotton candy. If you cannot stay the entire time, we would still love to have you stop by anytime between 3 and 5! Come to play fun games, jump in the bounce house, win awesome prizes and spend time together connecting as a school community! There is a small cost of $5 per child (adults are free). We are so thankful for the volunteers that have signed up to make this day a fun and successful event. We do still have just a few more spots available that we’re looking to fill. If you are interested in serving, please click here to be taken to the sign up genius page. Be sure to watch the Home Communicator in the coming weeks for additional information and details about this fun day. Volunteers please keep an eye on your email for details concerning the event. If you have questions please email Jenni Walters at jenniwalters@sbcglobal.net

Kids’ Corner 

Kids’ Corner will be opening on August 26 for the school year!  Please note that it will be open from 7:00 am-5:45 pm Monday-Friday and will be closed when the rest of school is closed.  We recommend that preschool students wait to begin their Kids’ Corner schedule until their 3 School and 4 School classes start the week of September 7.  Waiting allows students to meet their teacher and classmates, establish school routines, and begin with their normal school schedule.  However, if your enrolled KC child needs child care before Preschool starts, you may use this google form to fill out your needed care from August 26 – September 3.  Please fill out the form by Monday, August 17 so we can staff accordingly.  

Preschool Parent Orientation

We will be having a short parent orientation for 3 School and 4 School parents on Monday, August 31.  This parent-only night will be a time to meet your child’s teacher, learn about the class, and ask any questions you have.  Parent Orientation details for your child’s class will be mailed to you in a packet coming soon!  

Preschool Family Kickoff & Classroom Visit 

Join us on Tuesday, September 2 from 5:30–7:30 p.m. as we kick off an exciting year of preschool with a fun-filled evening for the whole family! Enjoy snacks, activities, and time to connect with other HCS preschool families as we celebrate all that God has in store for this school year.

During the evening, each family will have a scheduled 30-minute classroom visit where your preschooler and one parent (or special adult) will meet the teacher, explore the classroom, and get a glimpse of what preschool is all about.

More details about your visit time will be coming from your child’s teacher. 

Rain Plan: If the weather doesn’t cooperate, our outdoor activities will be canceled. Classroom visits and treats will still take place indoors as scheduled, so we look forward to seeing you rain or shine!

Y5-5th Grade Playground Visits – Tuesday, August 18

Want a fun way for your children to reconnect with children in their grade and meet those who are new to HCS?  Bring them to their specific grade’s playground time on Tuesday, August 18!  Feel free to bring older or younger children along!

• Y5s/K- 9:00-10:00
• 1st/2nd- 10:00-11:00
• 3rd/4th- 11:00-12:00

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. Hot lunch will be offered at the elementary school starting on the first day of school. Stay tuned for more information coming soon regarding Breakfast options, process and procedures.

Student Drop-off/Pick up and Parking Information

Please take note of the parking and bus loop areas so that we can work together to ensure the safety of our students.  If you have any questions please feel free to contact the office at 616-669-6689.

Bus Loop – All buses (HPS and Unity) will run through the bus loop, which is in the north parking lot off of Hillcrest behind the elementary school.  You may see some HCS staff vehicles parked in the middle of this lot, but parents should not enter this lot to park or drop off/pick up their student(s) at all during the day.  This area is strictly for bus traffic, so please help us keep our students safe by adhering to this.  

Parent Loop– The parent parking area and drop off/pick up location is the circle drive off Oak Street. Parents may line up around this loop along the walkway to drop off or pick up their students.  The curb along the sidewalk is reserved for those doing a quick drop off or pick up. It is not for parking. Please do not park on the curb by the flagpoles, and please do not double park in the loop. If you do park in a parking spot to drop off or pick up your student, please walk your student across the parking lot so they are not walking alone in front of other traffic. During busy drop off and pick up times, please exit Right (West) only out of this lot to ensure safe traffic flow.

Parent Loop Updates

We love seeing parents connect and students having fun with friends after school! To keep things safe and smooth in the parent loop, please note that:

• Quick hellos are perfect at the curb!
• Longer chats or playtime? Please park in a designated spot and move away from high-traffic areas. The nature space is a great place for kids to run while parents catch up!
• When exiting the parent loop, you must turn RIGHT only. This keeps traffic flowing safely and quickly for everyone.

Thanks for helping us keep students safe and friendships growing!

West Parking Lot – Please consider this option when dropping off and picking up your older children.  Choosing to use this option helps to keep our children (and parents) safe by reducing some of the congestion near the main entrance.

Spring Street Parking Lot – The Spring Street parking lot, which runs west off from School Street is for Early Childhood parking only. Parents coming for Kids’ Corner Childcare, 3 School, and 4 School are the only ones who should use this parking lot.  

Birthday Treat Guidelines for Y5s -4th Grade

Students in Young 5s through 4th grade are welcome to celebrate their birthday by bringing in either a food treat or a non-food item to share with their classmates.

If you choose to send a food treat, we ask that it be individually packaged by the manufacturer with the ingredient list and nutrition facts included for the teacher’s reference. Thank you for following these guidelines, as they help create a safe and consistent experience for all students.

Please note that some grade levels may choose to recognize birthdays in another way.  If this is the case, your child’s teacher will communicate the birthday celebration procedures for their classroom.

Elementary Employment Opportunities

To provide consistency in a few key areas at the elementary school, the following paid positions are available. If you are interested in discussing any of these opportunities, please reach out to Tricia Kiepert, Elementary Principal, at tkiepert@4hcs.org. 

Crosswalk Safeties – The Parent Loop parking lot will be getting a makeover and crosswalks will soon be added for foot traffic to travel safely to and from the building. We are looking for individuals who are available in the afternoons from 2:30 to 3:00 to monitor the crosswalks and help students get where they need to go safely. 

Breakfast Monitors – As we look to offer breakfast to students before the school day starts, we are looking for individuals who are available in the mornings from 7:15 to 8:00 to set up tables, monitor students, take down tables, and clean up.

Recess Staff – We are looking for one person to join our amazing lunch recess team. This position is for Mondays through the school year from 11:30-1:00, with opportunities to sub on other days if desired. 

Hot Lunch 

Hot lunch will be available at the middle school on Wednesdays starting September 23.  Click this link to view the Hot lunch schedule for the upcoming year. Until then, remember your middle school student will need to pack a lunch everyday. 

PE Shirts

If your child is going into 5th grade, is new to HCMS, or simply missing their PE shirt, now is the time to order one!  All middle school students MUST wear a school PE shirt for every PE class. Please complete one of the two Google Forms below by Thursday, August 21.

• 5th Grade Students: An email was sent out yesterday to all 5th grade parents regarding PE shirt ordering.  ALL parents must fill out THIS FORM. One PE shirt is included in the activity fee on your tuition statement, so no payment is necessary unless additional shirts are desired..
• 6th, 7th and 8th Grade Students (OPTIONAL): Please fill out THIS FORM if you wish to purchase an additional PE shirt.  All shirts cost $8.00 and money should be brought to the middle school office. 

***NEW STUDENTS: A PE Shirt is needed for PE class, so you should purchase a shirt from the above link.

5th Grade Band/Orchestra Students

A few weeks ago, you should have received an email from Mr. Knot (band) or Mrs. Jager (orchestra). Please reach out to them if you did not receive the information. Remember that students will need their instruments at the start of the school year, and there will be a parent meeting on Monday, August 24 at 5:00 in the band/orchestra rooms.

Student Drop-off and Bus Loop Information

Please refer to this very important information in the Hudsonville Christian School Parent Handbook. Your cooperation with this traffic pattern is very important for the safety of our students, staff and parents.  

• NO VEHICLES – except buses – are to use the circle drive in front of school from 7:00 a.m. – 8:00 a.m. and from 2:15 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. on school days.
• The student loading area for students being dropped off and/or picked up by vehicles other than buses, is on the east side of the middle school building.
• All traffic must enter and exit on Van Buren Street.  The east driveway is for entering traffic only. Please use both lanes, and zipper merge into one lane as you near the parking lot. This is to avoid cars waiting on Van Buren Street.
• When dropping off or picking up students, please pull as far forward as possible to the corner/south end of the sidewalk along the parking lot. This helps keep the traffic flow moving.  
• The second driveway is for exiting traffic. There is both a right and left turn lane exiting onto Van Buren Street. 
• Parents may NOT drop off or pick up their children on Van Buren St. in front of school

MEERA in the Middle School

We are excited to launch our new MEERA class in the middle school this fall. Manufacturing and Engineering Education (MEERA) is a trades-focused class, focusing on manufacturing, CNC machining, welding, and some robotics/coding. Stop by the innovation space during the open house on August 24 to see the setup!