HOME COMMUNICATOR

Have you ever skipped breakfast and felt hungry? Would you share your lunch with a classmate that forgot theirs? What are some needs that HCMS students have?  We discussed these and other questions in our family discipleship groups last week as we prepared to pack “snack packs” for the Hand2Hand Ministry that provides weekend food bags for kids in need. Packing the bags might have seemed like a simple act, but it became something much deeper: a tangible expression of care, compassion, and community.

This project beautifully reflected our theme for the year: Follow His Footsteps. Service is one of the most powerful ways we live that out. In choosing to serve others, students are modeling the humility, love, and intentional care that Jesus demonstrated.  Thank you for your support and for providing all of the snack donations that enabled us to bless Hand2Hand and the over 10,000 kids in West Michigan that they feed each week. 

I also want to offer a gentle challenge: look for opportunities to continue serving together as families. Whether it’s a small act of kindness, helping a neighbor, or volunteering your time at church or another ministry, these moments reinforce the same lessons your students are learning here—that serving others is both impactful and essential as we all seek to Follow His Footsteps. Thank you for partnering with us in shaping hearts that are willing to follow Jesus and to serve with compassion and love.

Evamarie Eggebeen
Middle School Nurturing Fatih Coordinator 

SCHOOL-WIDE NEWS

2026-2027 Enrollment – Due Friday!

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!

Kids’ Corner Registration for 2026-2027

Kids’ Corner registration for the 2026-2027 school year is now open! You can use this link to register. More information on Kids’ Corner can be found on the website. If you have any questions, you can reach out at kidscorner@4hcs.org

HCS Walkathon – This Friday!

Thanks for your hard work in getting pledges! If your child has not turned in their envelope and pledge form please have him/her do so tomorrow! Check the following schedule so you know when your child is walking.

Friday, May 1:  Unity Christian High School Athletic Track

  • Grades 6 & 7: 8:15-9:00
  • Grade  4 & 5: 9:15-10:00
  • Grades Y5, K & 8: 10:15-11:00 (Seaver & Shoemaker)
  • Grades K & 1: 11:15-12:00 (DeLong, Ymker, & Yonker)
  • Grades 2 & 3: 12:30-1:15

We are asking that all students bring a water bottle to the track and wear their HCS t-shirt.  We will have water jugs at the track if refills are necessary.  

Thank you to all the parents who have signed up to tally laps for grades 4th-8th.  We can not do this without you!  

Parents are welcome to walk with their students or cheer from the sidelines.   Encourage your child to do their best, not be the best! We are looking forward to a great day! 

Early Release 

Friday, May 8 is an early release day, with dismissal at 11:10 AM.  Our staff will be engaged in valuable professional development during this afternoon. Hudsonville Public buses will run as normal but students riding Unity buses will need to arrange for transportation home.

2025-2026 Yearbooks

This years’ Yearbook will be distributed on Friday, May 1.  Homeroom teachers will hand out yearbooks to students in their class who pre-ordered. Additional copies will be available for purchase for $35 each in the Elementary Office and Middle School Office while supplies last.

Parent Volunteering for Next School Year

Next week 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 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. 

  • Preview the signups HERE! 
  • Need help signing up?  View our quick guide on how to sign up for volunteer spots through SignUpGenius. 
  • Questions? Contact the HCS Parents’ Club Board – pcb@4hcs.org.

Employment Opportunities

If you are passionate about Christian education and are dedicated to following Christ, we invite you to consider one of the open employment positions

Scrap Metal Drive – This Weekend! 

This year’s Scrap Metal Drive will take place on May 1 and 2. The Scrap Metal Drive is a joint fundraiser that supports both HCS and Unity Christian’s Foundations. Drop off your scrap metal on Friday, May 1 from  1:00pm – 8:00pm and Saturday, May 2 from 10:00am – 2:00pm at Arrowaste Storage Yard – 1296 Chicago Drive. Thank you to Arrowaste for allowing us to host this event!

Summer Hiking

Anyone still interested in signing up for the hikes need to do so by May 1.  Those who have signed up will be getting a confirmation and the first update next weekend. 

Summer Art Camp 

If you have a student who has a passion for art and would like to continue fueling their creative fire in the summer, Mrs. Schaap is hosting a summer Art Camp. This camp is intended for grades 2-5 and will push students creatively and expand their art knowledge. Click the link to learn more and sign up. 

Camp Crazee Fun

Camp Crazee Fun is for any student or friend entering 3rd-8th grade. Join Mr. Los for Crazee Fun June 1-4 at our elementary west gym. For more information and to register click HERE. ***PLEASE*** write checks payable to Dan Los.  Any questions please email Mr. Los – dlos@4hcs.org

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, May 1 we will have a special Walkathon Chapel at 8:15am. 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.

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. Unclaimed items will be donated to Revive over the summer. 

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! 

Tuesday, April 28 – Walkathon Theme Chapel – Joe Gruppen speaking

Friday, May 1 – No chapel – Walkathon

Tuesday, May 5 – Shane Schaap & Jon Huisman leading chapel

Hot Lunch 

Hot Lunch this Wednesday, April 29 will be Mr. Burger  for $4.50/burger (cheese/no cheese). Pop sold for $1.00 and chips $.50. 

Class selections – due this Friday!

An email was sent out on 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.

Vision Screening

On Tuesday, May 5, all 5th & 7th graders will be given a free vision screening provided by the Ottawa County Health Department. Vision screening remains an important part of ensuring that a student’s optimal learning capabilities are met. If your son/daughter wears glasses, even occasionally, please be sure they bring their glasses on screening day.

If you choose not to have your child participate in this free screening, you will need to either email msoffice@4hcs.org or call school at 616-379-0338. Documentation is needed from the parent/guardian to notify the Health Department of your decision to opt out of this service.

Spring Concerts

Please note the upcoming concerts:

  • The Spring Choir (6-8) &  Orchestra (5-8th) Concert will be Tuesday, May 12, 7pm  at Fair Haven Ministries.. Students should arrive at 6:40 pm wearing our black/white concert “uniform.”
  • The Spring Band Concert is coming up on Thursday, May 21, 7:00 pm, at Fair Haven Ministries.  Students should arrive at 6:40 pm wearing our black/white concert”uniform.”  This concert will feature the 5th, 6th, 7th-8th Bands playing alone and together. I expect the concert to last about one hour in length. There will be a rehearsal during the school day at Fair Haven in the afternoon. 

6th Grade Parents – Immunizations

Please note that additional immunizations are required for students going into 7th grade next year.  You can reference this LINK for additional information.  An email will be going out to all 6th grade parents as well. Please watch for this and contact the Middle School Office with any questions. The State of Michigan requires that immunizations or waivers MUST be up to date prior to starting school in the fall. 

8th Grade Parents

An email was sent out last week with all the details for the upcoming weeks.  Please reference this and let us know if you have any questions or concerns. 

COMMUNITY NEWS

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!

Unity Musical Theater Camp

Unity Musical Theater Camp will be held at Unity from June 1–4, 5:00–7:00 PM, and is open to students in grades 5–9. Participants will learn musical selections, develop skills in singing harmonies, and build confidence in expressive performance. The camp will also cover acting techniques, blocking, and foundational dance moves commonly used in Unity and Broadway productions. These skills are designed to support future auditions and performances at Unity. Attendees should wear comfortable workout clothing. To register, please visit the Unity website under Parent Resources or click this link .

Unity Christian Youth Football Registration

Registration is now open for our youth football program for boys in grades 3 – 8.  For more information on the program and schedule information, please see the document found at this link.  To sign up for youth football, please click here.  Registration and program details can also be found at unitychristianathletics.orgunder the “More” tab.  We look forward to the upcoming season, and feel free to contact us with any questions you may have!

IMPORTANT DATES

April 29
3rd grade trip to Lansing
April 30
4S Spring Celebration
May 1
Walkathon
May 4
3S/4S Open House
May 8
Early Release
May 12
6/7/8 Choir, 5/6/7/8 Orchestra Concert at Fairhaven
May 14
Ascension Day
May 15
5th grade trip to Greenfield Village
May 18-22
8th Grade exams/Faith Journey Projects
May 18-22
Last week of Preschool
May 21
5/6/7/8 Band Concert at Fairhaven
May 22
Limited Busing AM & PM
May 25
Memorial Day
May 26
8th Grade Class Trip
May 28
8th Grade Graduation at Fairhaven
May 29
Last day of School (Y5-7) Early Release
June 5
Report cards posted