HOME COMMUNICATOR
Our students’ days are filled with stories. They read stories as a class, they read stories they choose on their own, they hear stories told from friends, and their teachers share stories to engage them in their learning. Everyone loves a good story, whether you’re reading a story or listening to someone tell a story. Stories help people connect and remember.
”I love to tell the story
Of unseen things above,
Of Jesus and His glory,
Of Jesus and His love.
I love to tell the story,
Because I know ’tis true;
It satisfies my longings
As nothing else can do.2002 Agnus Dei Music CCLI #1597619
We tell the story of Hudsonville Christian School, which has served our community for over 100 years. We tell the story of God’s faithfulness in our own lives. We share stories about teachers who continue to make an impact for the kingdom for over 25 years. The most important story we tell at HCS is God’s story, the truth about who God is and our role in His story. Our commitment to teaching God’s story goes beyond the classroom. We foster an environment where students can openly express their faith, ask questions, and embark on a personal journey of spiritual growth. Our hope is that each student not only gains knowledge but also discovers their unique role in the larger narrative God is unfolding.
We pray that our students will tell God’s story by living out His teachings in their daily lives, and that they share stories from their day at school that point to God’s story. We pray that students see their role in God’s story and the gifts He has given them.
May God’s story be evident in every conversation & classroom at HCS, and may we never stop telling His story as we see it unfold here.
Partnering with you,
Jen Rysdam
Director of Curriculum & Instruction
ALL-SCHOOL NEWS
Parent Teacher Conferences
We are looking forward to conferences with our parents this week. School will be in session regular hours on both conference days. There will be no school for 3 School through 8th grade on Friday, February 16 and Monday, February 19.
Class Placement Requests
Soon after spring break, staff will begin constructing next year’s class lists. This is an involved process that requires input of all the staff members who know your child. Because parents have information that is important, we wish to provide an avenue for this input. If you have a request, you must fill out the online form to ensure that it will be considered throughout the process. Class Placement Request Form. Forms are due Friday, March 15.
HCMS Employment Opportunities
If you are interested in joining the dynamic staff at Hudsonville Christian Middle School, there are three employment opportunities for the coming 2024/2025 school year. Interested applicants should have a Bachelor’s degree in education. We are looking for someone who is passionate about working with middle schoolers, is team-oriented, and has a strong love for our Lord and Savior. If you or someone you know might be interested, the application can be found on our website.
Ski Club
Upcoming Ski Club dates are planned for February 23, March 1 and March 22. Buses will leave the middle school at 3:00pm on those days.
The 8th Grade Presents “Haphazardly Ever After”
Get ready for an enchanting experience as our talented 8th grade students take the stage in their production of “Haphazardly Ever After”! This one-of-a-kind fractured fairy tale farce promises laughter, whimsy, and a touch of royal chaos. In “Haphazardly Ever After,” a kind king and queen deal with a royal family that’s anything but ordinary — four moody, obnoxious children who hilariously fall short of their royal titles. We invite you to see the fun unfold on stage and support our HCS students! Performance dates March 7-9. Stay tuned for ticket information.
Summer Hiking Trips
Mr. Schnyders will once again offer summer hiking trips for students and parents. The Manistee hike will be June 27-29. A hike in the UP will be July 17-20. Mr. Schnyders will be by the elementary main office this Thursday during conferences from 4-8 if anyone wants to give input into the UP hike. If you are interested in either of these trips, mark your calendars and be watching for signup information early March.
Business Sponsorship Opportunity
Now is the time for your business to become an All-Event or Individual Event Business Sponsor for the 2024 calendar year. Please check out the information on our website and see how your business can partner with what God is doing at HCS this year! Contact Rachel Landstra with any questions!
Tuition Assistance – FACTS Program
Hudsonville Christian will again be participating in FACTS, a grant application program. Families who wish to apply for tuition assistance will need to use the FACTS application format online via their confidential website. The application fee will be paid by HCS. The FACTS organization will analyze the information of each applicant. Through FACTS, HCS has the ability to more evenly distribute available tuition assistance funds based upon factual information the families provide in the application. Please note that any additional information provided in the comments section at the end of the application is very helpful when making the decision for distribution.
Parents who have children in more than one EOCS school need only to fill out the application one time — the information will be available to the schools where their children attend. The FACTS online website application is available now. Please contact FACTS at 1-866-315-9262 with any questions. The deadline for submitting this application is March 31. For registration please go to www.factsmgt.com.
ELEMENTARY NEWS
Elementary Hot Lunch
The menu as well as other information on the Elementary Hot Lunch Program provided by JenHud Food Service can be found on the JenHud Food Service website.
Parent/Teacher Conferences
Scheduled conferences will take place at our elementary school on Tuesday, February 13 and Thursday, February 15. You should have received your conference time(s) by mail. Our full-time specialists will be available both evenings. Mrs. Kamper (Y5s/K Spanish) will be available at the middle school both evenings. Mrs. Remy (SOAR) will be available on Thursday, February 15. Mrs. Kamp (School Counselor) will be available at the middle school on Thursday, February 15. Mrs. Jager (Orchestra) and Mr. Knot (Band) will be available at the middle school on Tuesday, February 13.
As a courtesy to our parents, we will once again offer complementary childcare for potty-trained children ages 3 through 5th grade for your child(ren)’s conference time. Please sign them in at the east gym five minutes before your scheduled conference.
4th Grade STEM Activity
If you have a 4th grader who enjoys creative thinking, problem solving, and working with others to accomplish a goal, this is the opportunity for them! 4th grade students are invited to participate in an after school STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) activity on Thursday, February 29. We will meet in the Elementary library after school and will be finished at 4:00. The cost, which covers materials and a snack, is $2 and can be paid at the STEM class or sent in ahead of time (LABELED PLEASE) to your child’s teacher. Go to the sign up genius to register your child. The STEM activity is limited to the first 24 students. We would also appreciate the assistance of a few parent volunteers. If you are willing to help, please sign up in the parent slot on the form. Registration for this opportunity closes Thursday, February 22 or when all the available spots are filled.
Girls with a Goal
Girls With a Goal, or GWAG, is an after school running program club for girls in 4th and 5th grade that builds spiritual and physical fitness as girls train to run a 5K. Practices begin March 4 and will be held on Mondays and Wednesdays from 2:50-4:00 pm. On Monday April 15 we will have our own local 5K run at HCS elementary. We would love for families to come and cheer! You can even make signs to cheer your daughter on while she races or come and run with her! The cost for GWAG is $25. This includes a shirt, snacks for after race day, and a medal/prize. Your 4th or 5th grade daughter will bring home information and registration forms this week. If your daughter is interested, please return the form and payment to the main office by Friday, March 1.
Boys on the Run
Boys, are you ready for a new challenge? Searching for an encouraging community? Training to be a better athlete? Wanting to make some healthier goals and choices? Boys on the Run is for you! Boys on the Run is a new club at HCS looking to help boys grow with their spiritual, physical, and mental health, while providing a community of support and encouragement through the wonderful gift of running. Join us on Tuesdays and Thursdays, beginning March 5. An electronic sign-up will be going out to all fourth and fifth grade boy parents soon. Payment will be $25 in cash or check for a shirt and prize for finishing our very own 5K. All sign ups and payments will be due on Friday, March 1. If you have any questions, please email Matt Borst (mborst@4hcs.org) or Justin Terpstra (jterpstra@4hcs.org).
5th Grade Boys Sex Ed
An invitation was emailed home about an opportunity for 5th grade boys and their fathers, or male role models, to attend the 5th grade boys Sex Ed night. The event will be happening on Tuesday, March 5 at 7:00pm. This special evening will take place at the Middle School in the Band room and details were included in the email. 6th grade teachers, Jon Huisman and Shane Schaap, will be leading this informative time that will hopefully start a conversation that can be continued with your son.
4th & 5th Grade Middle School Parent Orientation Night
As we move further into the second semester we are starting to think about next year! With this comes a transition from the elementary to the middle school for 4th & 5th graders this year. The Parent orientation night will take place on Tuesday, March 12 in the middle school Orchestra room.
- Current 5th grade parents will meet at 5:30 pm.
- Current 4th grade parents will meet at 7:00 pm.
This orientation is designed for parents having a child in middle school for the first time – although all parents are invited. The purpose of this evening is to introduce parents to the 5th & 6th grade staff and give them an overview of the year ahead. Please put this date on your calendar. If you are unable to attend a recording of the night can be requested.
Game On Extravaganza!
Get ready to score big at our sporting extravaganza, Game On! Kindergarten – 5th grade students and their champions are invited to join us for an action-packed evening of bonding and fun at HCS. Lace up your sneakers and get in the game with a lineup of activities to keep your adrenaline pumping, including an obstacle course, dodgeball matches, basketball showdowns, creative plays in friendship bracelet making, temporary tattoos, and a concession stand serving victory snacks. Whether you’re a mom, dad, or someone special, this is your chance to huddle up with your young athlete for an unforgettable night of Game On! Save the date for Mothers/Special Person and Daughters on March 22 from 6-7:30pm and Fathers/Special Person and Sons on March 23 from 6-7:30pm. Gear up for the competition by wearing matching colors or sporting your favorite team jerseys together. Register by March 8 with the forms sent home with your student.
MIDDLE SCHOOL NEWS
Chapel
Students and staff will gather in the south gym for chapel from 7:55-8:25 AM on Tuesday and Thursday. Parents are welcome to join us! If you would like to view the Middle School Chapels at a later time, you can also find recordings on our Vimeo channel- Chapel.
- Breakfast Club instead of chapel – Tuesday, February 13.
- Dan Landstra leading chapel- Thursday, February 15.
Hot Lunch
Hot Lunch this week Wednesday will be Jets pizza $2.50/square (cheese/pepperoni). Pop and chips will also be sold for $.50 each. The full menu/schedule is listed on our website.
MS Parent/Teacher Conferences
There are NO scheduled conference times for middle school students during the winter conference dates. Homeroom Teachers 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. 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.
Core 2/ESS Parent/Teacher Conference Availability
The following teachers are available BOTH Tuesday 2/13 AND Thursday 2/15: Sarah Bolt (ESS), Matt Borst (PE), Anna Schreur (Music/Choir), Joy DeWindt (ELA), Tiffany Kamper (Spanish). Available ONLY on Tuesday 2/14: Tammy Holwerda, Sara Jager (Orchestra), Laura Mast (Art), Brian Knot (Band). Available ONLY on Thursday 2/16: Jamie Kamp, Jennifer Large (PE) Kristen Koetje (ESS/Life Skills).
Sus Manos
The AMAZING AVOCADOS can now sign up to serve at Sus Manos Gleaners on Thursday, February 22. That is the homerooms of Mr. Prough, Mrs. Roode, and Mrs. Sietsema. Use this link: SUS MANOS.
7th Grade Choir
The 7th Grade Choir will be participating in a clinic today at Jenison Christian School. Students get to perform and work with Clinician Scott Bosscher, Artistic Director for the Grand Rapids Choir of Men and Boys. Additionally, students will have the opportunity to listen and evaluate other choirs, and also perform a combined piece with the different schools attending. Please pray this off-campus learning experience will be both educational and meaningful for our 7th Grade Choir Students!
8th Grade Choir
The 8th Grade Choir will be participating in the District Choral Festival at the end of March! A finalized date, location and time will be shared soon. Choir Members will sing two pieces of contrasting nature and they will be judged on tone quality, pitch, rhythm, diction, interpretation and presentation elements. Additionally, students will sight-read a piece of music and sing it for the first time. All parents, grandparents, and friends are welcome to attend. Stay tuned for more information!
7th/8th Orchestra
7th/8th Grade Orchestra will be headed to the Band and Orchestra Festival, March 5 at Calvin University. They will be performing three pieces for different judges and be rated on how they play as a group, as well as being judged on how well they sight-read a piece of music they have never seen before. The students will be playing at 9:25 that morning, and parents/grandparents are more than welcome to attend to cheer us on and listen!
PARENTS' CLUB NEWS
General Assembly Meeting
As a parent/guardian of a student at HCS you are a part of the Parents’ Club! Two times each year the Parents’ Club Executive Board (PCB) hosts “General Assembly” meetings to provide updates and information specific to Parents’ Club support services, events and fundraisers. The spring meeting is March 6 from 8:00am-8:30am in the elementary west conference room. We would love to see you there!
PCB Positions
The PCB is looking to fill 3 board positions for the 2024-2025 school year. The mission and goal of the PCB is to display good stewardship as we raise and allocate funds that benefit our children in a Christ-centered education as well as to promote fellowship and the spirit of unity among parents, faculty and staff. Our 9-seat board is composed of current HCS parents that must attend monthly meetings and fulfill various assigned tasks. If you are interested in joining the Parents’ Club Board for a 3 year term starting in the fall of 2024, fill out this questionnaire. by March 8, 2024. Email pcb@4hcs.org with any questions.
HCS 3 on 3 Tournament
Hudsonville Christian School is excited to partner with our community and host the first annual HCS 3 on 3 basketball tournament on March 9, 2024. Registration is now open! Please send any questions to 3on3@4hcs.org.
HCS Auction
PRE-REGISTER for the HCS Auction by Thursday, Feb 22 to be entered to win a $100 Amazon gift card!
- ONLINE BIDDING for our Silent Auction begins Friday, February 23 at 7pm.
- See you at the LIVE AUCTION on Saturday, March 2! Doors open at 4:30pm, Live Auction 6pm.
- SHARE THIS LINK with family & friends, coworkers & neighbors, and ask them to join in the bidding!
How does the auction work? All you need to know.
View the most current items on our website.
Questions? Email The Auction Committee
Purchase Dinner Tickets Now for a Deal
Order your dinner tickets now and SAVE! Enjoy Wing Doozy at this year’s auction, happening Saturday, March 2. Doors open at 4:30pm. Live Auction begins at 6pm! Early bird dinner pricing through Friday, Feb 23 so don’t wait! Learn more and purchase dinner tickets NOW at hudsonvillechristian.cbo.io (login and search “dinner”).
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!) at hudsonvillechristian.cbo.io and you might just have your wish come true! Winner announced at the LIVE AUCTION on Saturday, March 2nd (winner does not have to be present to win).
Teacher Experiences
You each received a flyer showcasing the AWESOME teacher experiences you can win at this year’s auction! Every teacher is donating a unique experience, so be sure to check them out at hudsonvillechristian.cbo.io by searching “teacher” and buying your $5 raffle ticket!!
Calling all Bakers
Every year our school community helps out by donating delicious baked goods to sell at the auction. If you have the gift of baking and want to donate a dessert, please drop off your item on Friday, March 1 or Saturday morning, March 2, to the HCS West Gym. All decadent desserts will be available to purchase for $25 at the auction on March 2nd, but come early because they won’t last long! Questions? Email Auction@4hcs.org
Box Tops bonus offers for February
- Earn 3 Bonus Box Tops on Betty Crocker Sheet Pan Dinner Starter when you buy any 1 participating Betty Crocker Sheet Pan Dinner Starter product between 02/01/24 – 02/29/24.
- Earn 4 Bonus Box Tops on Cheerios when you buy any 2 participating Cheerios products in a single transaction between 02/01/24 – 02/29/24.
- Earn 3 Bonus Box Tops on Betty Crocker Brownie Mix when you buy any 2 participating Betty Crocker Brownie Mix products in a single transaction between 02/01/24 – 02/29/24.
- Earn 6 Bonus Box Tops on Fruit by the Foot, Gushers & Fruit Roll-Ups when you buy any 3 participating Fruit by the Foot, Gushers and/or Fruit Roll-Ups products in a single transaction between 02/01/24 – 02/29/24.
- Earn 3 Bonus Box Tops on Pillsbury Cinnamon Rolls when you buy any 2 participating Pillsbury Cinnamon Rolls products in a single transaction between 02/01/24 – 02/29/24.
Remember to scan your receipt into the Box Tops app within 2 weeks of purchase. Thanks for your help in earning money for HCS.
COMMUNITY NEWS
Middle School Bowling Team
Unity Christian is pleased to offer a Middle School Bowling team for boys and girls in grades 6 – 8. This program will run after school on Mondays and Wednesdays from March 4 – 25, and will consist of instruction and skill building, intra-squad matches, and a match formatted like high school with individual and baker games. It will be held at Hudsonville Lanes, and all experience levels are welcome! The cost to participate is $80, and the deadline to register is February 28. Please go to https://www.unitychristianathletics.org/main/campsclinics/ for more information/schedule and an on-line registration link. Information can also be found at www.unitychristianathletics.org under the “Camps and Clinics” tab.
Unity Christian Clay Shoot
Unity Christian’s Annual Clay Shoot is coming March 9, 2023, at Blendon Pines. This event is for shooters, wanna-be-shooters, never-thought-I’d-do-this shooters and non-shooting friends! Registration will start at 8:30am, event starts at 9am. The cost is $75/shooter ($50/student shooter). Register a team of 5 or sign up as an individual and we will put you in groups! Registration deadline is February 14.
Unity Summer Sports Camp Schedule and Registration Information
Unity Christian will be hosting several summer sports camps for students ages three to 12th grade. Our summer camp schedule is currently available on our website at this link, and registration will open on April 10. We look forward to hosting your students at Unity sports camps this summer!
IF:Gathering at Evergreen Ministries
Evergreen Ministries will be hosting the IF:Gathering for the 8th year on February 24, 2024. This is a one day women’s event focusing on Because of Jesus. We want to create the opportunity for you to experience Jesus. We want you to remember His character, power, mystery, love and delight. You will be encouraged by speakers live streamed from Dallas, engaged in a time of worship, and have an opportunity to participate in a community celebrating what Jesus has done. A $15 fee will cover the event, snacks, and lunch. We invite you to join us, sign up today: IF: Hudsonville Registration
Free Play Group
Ridgewood CRC (next to the Georgetown Township Library) will offer a free playgroup on Monday mornings through March (except February 19) from 9:30- 10:30 AM for children ages 0-5 and their caregiver(s). There is a bounce house, a large open space with fun toys and activities, and coffee and snacks provided. Enter through door “N.” No need to sign up; just show up! We hope to see you there!
