HOME COMMUNICATOR
A few weeks ago, I walked into my office and found a note, nicely placed on my desk. It was addressed to “Mrs. Brouwer and Mr. Principal”. Mrs. Brouwer is our school counselor, and Mr. Principal was me (perhaps they just have a tough time spelling Achterhof). Along with our names was a quote from a teacher that said, “spread kindness like confetti!”
”But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
Galatians 5:22-23 NIV
While the front caused me to smirk, looking inside turned my smirk into a smile. Here’s what it said:
Dear Mrs. Brouwer and Mr. Principal,
I would like to suggest something as a middle schooler, I feel like there are different tiers–
- Popular
- Unpopular
- Nerds
And I personally don’t like it.
So… I wanna make a group next year or this year, for people who don’t have that many friends or are “nerds” or “unpopular”. I would want to call us the “Fruits of the Spirit” because the fruits of the Spirit are: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control, and the group should be that! We hope you consider it!!! 😁😁😁😁
They signed the note at the bottom with their names and their homeroom teacher. What an incredible note, and how thoughtful of a few students to reach out to Mr. Principal (I later found out that they, in fact, didn’t know how to spell my name) to try to put a group like this together. Following up with them, we talked about what this might look like at HCMS, and I was once again reminded how much we can learn from middle schoolers.
While middle school can be tough, we hope and pray that this is a place of belonging for all students. Belonging socially and belonging to the Kingdom of God are foundational for what we do, and sometimes it takes a note on “Mr. Principal’s” desk to remind us.
Chris Achterhof
Middle School Principal
SCHOOL-WIDE NEWS
2026-2027 Enrollment
Enrollment links for grades 1-8 were sent to your email on March 23, 2026. We ask that you complete all online forms, including tuition payment plans, by May 1, 2026. For more information, including details about tuition deposits and answers to commonly asked questions, please visit our website. We’re here to support you every step of the way!
If you received an email for a preschool, Y5 or K student, please ignore that email. This online enrollment is only for those students going into grades 1-8 in the 2026-2027 school year. Thank you.
Kids’ Corner Registration for 2026-2027
Kids’ Corner registration for the 2026-2027 school year will open Wednesday, April 15. You can use the link under Admissions/Apply on the website. If you have any questions, you can reach out at kidscorner@4hcs.org.
HCS Walkathon – May 1
Please turn in your envelopes (including the completed pledge sheet and money) plus the online donations submitted, they are due TODAY! The Walkathon team appreciates you turning the pledges in as soon as possible so they are able to process everything! Thanks for your hard work in getting pledges!
Moms in Prayer
The Moms in Prayer group is joining together this week Friday to meet together at the elementary building from 8:00-9:00 a.m. Please check in at the main office and they will direct you to where we pray. Our focus will be praying for the students and teachers in the 4th and 5th grades. We hope to see you there!
Parent Volunteering for Next School Year
Save the Date! On Tuesday, May 5 (at 7:00 pm) volunteering opportunities for the 2026-27 school year will open to all parents/guardians of HCS students. A link to preview the signups will be coming on April 29! A reminder that all families are required to volunteer for a specific amount of points based on your child’s grade level. Those who do not sign up for their required points, or follow through on their sign ups will be charged an opt-out fee up to $300.00.
Summer Hiking Trips
Last chance to sign up for summer hiking trips. Students and parents of 4th through 8th graders interested in the summer hiking trips can find more information and a signup form here.
Employment Opportunities
Hudsonville Christian School is seeking applicants for an Elementary Paraprofessional, a Special Education teacher, a Kindergarten teacher and a 5th grade ELA and 8th-grade Foundations teacher. If you are passionate about Christian education and are dedicated to following Christ, we invite you to consider one of the open employment positions.
Pigs in a Blanket Sale
Pigs in a blanket are for sale in the admin. office at the elementary building for $15/dozen! Thanks so much for supporting HCS!
ELEMENTARY NEWS
Chapel
This week Friday, April 17, Ms. DeBoer’s 3rd grade class will lead chapel from 10:00-10:25. 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 for the remainder of the school year. Hot and iced coffee will be available by donation, with a suggested $3 contribution. You can pay with cash or simply tap your phone or card. Donations will be matched by The Rouge and Roots Salon and Spa and all proceeds will go directly to the Tuition Stabilization Fund. Enjoy some coffee and help support our school!
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.
IMPORTANT: Please be sure to include the student’s full name on any lunch money that is sent to school. Thank you!
Cookies
This week Friday morning students will have the opportunity to purchase freshly baked chocolate chip cookies for $.25 each (limit 4).
Follow His Footsteps Art Show
Save the Date for the Following His Footsteps Art Exhibit on Thursday, April 23 from 6:00- 7:30. Every student from Y5-4th grade will have art displayed throughout the school (including the well-loved Black Light Exhibit!). We cannot wait to celebrate the artistic abilities in every student!
Lost and Found
Please remind your child(ren) to check out the lost and found items in the hall by the lower elementary office to see if anything belongs to them. Parents – please check out the lost and found when you are at school.
MIDDLE SCHOOL NEWS
A/B Schedule
Due to some schedule changes, the middle school A/B rotation has been modified. A/B DAY ROTATION
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!
- April 14 – Cade Popkin – Grace Community Church
- April 17 – Family D Group: Hand 2 Hand packing
- April 21 – 6th Grade Students
Class selections – Next Year
An email was sent out yesterday, April 13 describing the classes offered/required for each grade, as well as a link to select which classes your child would like to take next year. This information is essential as we plan and start working on scheduling for next year. We ask that you complete the class selections by Friday, May 1. If you have any questions or concerns please reach out to the Middle school office at 616-379-0338 or msoffice@4hcs.org.
Cookies
This week Friday morning students will have the opportunity to purchase freshly baked chocolate chip cookies for $.25 each (limit 4).
Hot Lunch
This WEDNESDAY APRIL 15th – Hot lunch will be FREE to anyone who wants it. DJ’s Pizza (2 slices max) of either pepperoni or ham. We will also have a gluten free (not celiac friendly) pepperoni option. Pop $1.00 a can (limit 1) will still be available to purchase.
2026-27 Hot Lunch Survey – Due this Friday!
A very important part of how we make hot lunch work is student surveys on what they will and will not purchase. ALL students entering 5th-8th grade must do this survey with their parents. The links for the google form(s) can be found below. EACH grade has a specific form, please choose the appropriate link for the grade your child(ren) will be entering for the 2026-2027 school year (NOT their CURRENT grade). A form needs to be completed for each child- EVEN IF YOUR CHILD WILL NOT PURCHASE HOT LUNCH. This survey can be completed in under 5 minutes. Please complete forms by APRIL 17, 2026. If you have any questions or concerns, please email Jill Besselsen – Jill.besselsen@gmail.com
2026-2027 Hot Lunch Survey 5th Grade ONLY
2026-2027 Hot Lunch Survey 6th Grade ONLY
2026-2027 Hot Lunch Survey 7th Grade ONLY
2026-2027 Hot Lunch Survey 8th Grade ONLY
Cookies
This week Friday morning students will have the opportunity to purchase freshly baked chocolate chip cookies for $.25 each (limit 4).
COMMUNITY NEWS
Unity Christian Spring Events for 8th Grade Students
Unity will hold a Co-Curricular Night for incoming freshmen on Wednesday, April 15 at 7:30 PM. Students and parents will have the opportunity to meet with the coaches and organizers of Unity athletic teams and activities, such as Student Council, Science Olympiad, the play, the musical, and more to learn about areas where they might like to become involved at Unity. See this link for a schedule for the evening.
If your student is interested in participating in athletics at Unity, we will be hosting a Sports Physical Night on Wednesday, April 22 from 6:00-8:15 PM. All students who wish to participate in athletics next year must provide Unity with a physical dated after April 15, 2026. There will be a sign up sent out for a time slot, so keep an eye out for an email coming soon for that. The cost for this sports physical is $15, payable that evening to Unity Christian High School. Students seeking a physical need to arrive with a physical form that is filled out on both sides with all signatures complete before they will be examined. You can find a physical form at this link, or they can be picked up at Unity’s Athletic Office.
Please feel free to contact athletics@unitychristian.org with any questions you may have and we look forward to seeing you at these events this spring!
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 15 at this link. We look forward to hosting your students at Unity sports camps this summer!
