A message from HCS
In one of our preschool classrooms, a simple sign reads, “Made to color, created to worship.” I love the reminder that something as ordinary as coloring can be an expression of the gifts God has given us. It also makes me think about the many ways our students play—and how play and learning are often woven together.
We could fill in that sign with so many words: Made to build. Made to jump. Made to create. Made to run. Made to imagine. Made to explore. These are all ways children play, learn, connect with others, and experience the world God created.
At Hudsonville Christian, play looks different from preschool through eighth grade. For our youngest students, it may be building a tower, pretending in a dramatic play center, exploring nature, or creating with art materials. As students grow, play may look more like a game, a challenge, competition, creativity, humor, or finding a new way to solve a problem. Whatever its form, play gives students opportunities to use their bodies and minds, develop relationships, discover their gifts, and engage with the world around them.
God made our students with incredible minds, bodies, creativity, and gifts—and when they use those gifts to learn, create, connect, and grow, they are reflecting the One who made them. Play is not separate from learning. It can be one way our students experience the joy of learning and, in doing so, worship their Creator.
Jenny Gorter
Educational Support Services Director
IN THIS NEWSLETTER
All-School News
Announcements, news and events for all HCS families.
No School October 14-16
There will be no school or Kids’ Corner for students October 14-16. On Wednesday our staff will take part in our strategic planning process. On Thursday and Friday teachers will participate in the Christian Educators Conference.
Moms in Prayer
This week Friday, October 9, Moms in Prayer will be meeting at the Elementary school from 8:00-9:00 a.m. Please 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 grades 3 and 4 this week. Join us in praising God, praying prayers of confession and thanksgiving, as well as praying specifically for God to work in these students’ lives. We’d love to have you!
Long Term Sub Needed-Library/ELA
Hudsonville Christian Middle is looking for a long term sub from mid-November through mid-February. This would be a full time position, supervising the library for half of the day and teaching a few ELA classes. If you are interested in this opportunity, or know someone who is, please reach out to Chris Achterhof, middle school principal, at cachterhof@4hcs.org.
Long Term Sub Needed-1st Grade
We are looking for a long term sub for a first grade classroom from early January to late March. This is a full time position. Teaching experience is preferred and a background in special education would also be helpful. If you are interested in this opportunity, or know someone who is, please fill out this short application form. If you have questions, please reach out to Tricia Kiepert, elementary school principal, at tkiepert@4hcs.org.
Early Childhood News
Announcements, news and events for HCS preschool families.
Nothing new to see here!
Check back next week for any important announcements!
Elementary School News
Announcements, news and events for families of elementary school students
Chapel
This Friday, October 9, Mrs. Wiechel’s 2nd grade class will lead chapel at 10:05 AM in the West gym. Parents are welcome to join us and may enter through the West gym lobby doors. Coffee will be served in the West gym lobby before and after every chapel. Hot and iced coffee is available by donation (cash or card) with proceeds going to the Tuition Stabilization Fund. Enjoy some coffee and help support our school!
Father Daughter / Mother Son Rollerskating
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/Son skate will take place on Wednesday, November 4, from 6:15–8:15pm, and the Father/Daughter skate on Thursday, November 5, from 6:15–8:15pm.
The cost is $9 per skater, with no charge for non-skaters; skate rentals are $4, or you’re welcome to bring your own skates. Snacks such as pizza, hot dogs, pretzels, ice cream, and mini donuts will be available for purchase at the concession stand. Accessible activities will be available for anyone who doesn’t want to skate. Payment will be made at the door (no need to send money to school), and Tarry Hall accepts cash, credit card, Apple Pay, and Google Pay. Flannel attire encouraged!
Please RSVP at this link if you plan to attend.
Middle School News
Announcements, news and events for families of Middle School students.
Chapel
Students and staff will gather for chapel from 7:55-8:25 AM in the south gym on Tuesdays and Fridays. Parents are welcome to join us!
- Friday, October 9 – Tiffany Kamper and Laura Mast lead chapel
- Tuesday, October 13- 7th grade students lead chapel
Hot Lunch
DJ’s breadsticks are available for hot lunch this Wednesday, October 7. Check the schedule for upcoming menu items.
Donuts
Donuts will be sold during break on Friday, October 9 for $1.25 (note the price change, we were able to get a price reduction).
5th & 6th Grade Robotics
Applications for 5th and 6th graders are available in the Middle School Office and are due back by October 13. The season runs November–February, with practice twice a week, 4 league nights in Jan/Feb, and 1 all-day tournament. New this year, every team needs an adult coach (or 2 families co-coaching). Students with a volunteer coach get preference when forming teams.
Upcoming Events
Upcoming Events for HCS families
Unified Soccer
Come cheer for our HCS Unified soccer team (players from grades 2-7) as they play against Zeeland Christian on Monday, October 12 at 3:45 at the HCS Elementary soccer field. Unified sports is a program of the Special Olympics that combines kids with and without disabilities to play sports together, promoting inclusion and friendship. Go Firehawks!
Grandparents’ Day
We are excited to celebrate Grandparents’ Day on Friday, October 30! This special day gives our Young Fives through 8th Grade students the opportunity to share a part of their school experience with their grandparents or grandfriends! Invitations have been mailed to grandparents if their address was entered into FACTS RenWeb. Additional invites are available in the administrative office or you can pass along this link to our website which includes all the event details.
Community News
Community News for HCS families
Unity Christian Community Pig Roast
Unity Christian is hosting a Community Pig Roast at Unity on Friday, October 9, from 4:00-6:30pm. Unity alumni will be able to claim tickets for free entry into that evening’s Homecoming Football Game for themselves and their immediate family at the pig roast. This event is free but we ask that attendees register to attend so we can prepare enough food for our guests. We can’t wait to see you there!
The Children’s Business Fair is back!
Join us on October 10th for a fun day of creativity, entrepreneurship, and community! Kids ages 5–14 are invited to become entrepreneurs for the day by registering for their very own booth. They can create and sell handmade products, crafts, baked goods, and more! Have a young entrepreneur at home? Claim a booth before they sell out! Or simply come shop, encourage these amazing kids, and support our local young entrepreneurs! Click Here for more info! We’d love to see you there!
STEM Workshop at Cornerstone University
Join us for Created to Discover: Where Faith and Science Intersect, hosted by Cornerstone University professors and current students! Visiting students and their families can participate in hands-on demonstrations in their area of interest including: NURSING & HEALTH • ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE • KINESIOLOGY INTERSECT • MATHEMATICS • ENGINEERING & TECHNOLOGY. Date: Thursday, Nov. 5, 2026 Time: 6-8 p.m. Location: Cornerstone University Campus Space is limited! Learn more and register by scanning the QR code. Cost: Free Grades: 6-12 (and parents). Register and learn more: https://www.cornerstone.edu/news-events-blogs/events/stem-workshop/
Heritage Christian 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament
The annual Heritage Christian 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament for grades 3-8 will be held on Saturday, November 7, 2026! Start getting your teams together & sign up at the following link: Heritage Christian 3 on 3 Sign Up
Registration deadline is October 10th.
Important Dates
October 13 – MS Fall Fitness Feat
October 14 – Strategic Planning Day (no school for students)
October 15-16 – CEA Convention (No school for students)
October 20 – Band/Orchestra/Choir Concert @ FH
October 28 – Limited busing PM
October 30 – End of First 9 Weeks
October 30 – Grandparents’ Day
