HOME COMMUNICATOR
Before spring break, we had the privilege of diving into the Easter story with our students. We got to walk through the days of Holy week and retell God’s amazing love story for His children.
Down in preschool, our youngest students began to process what Jesus did on the cross. One morning when they were talking about Jesus on earth, one little girl excitedly retold the Easter story. She popped to her feet and said, “Jesus walked, walked, walked up the hill with the cross and the soldiers put the cross in the ground. They nailed Jesus to it and He said, ‘I’m going to die for each of the kids in every single class….and even the teachers…and even everybody!’” Her teacher asked what happened to Jesus after He died. She exclaimed, “He had to go up to heaven to make a new home for us, and when He comes back again He can pick us up and then we can stay there FOREVER!!”
”Hallelujah! The grave was empty on Easter morning, and we now have the hope of eternal life with our Savior.
Hallelujah! The grave was empty on Easter morning, and we now have the hope of eternal life with our Savior. May we remember Jesus’ suffering on the cross and experience the joy and excitement of Jesus’ resurrection! What a gift to know that He paid the price for our sin and that we get to live with Him forever!!
Praising our Risen Savior,
Julie Moes, Early Childhood Director
ALL-SCHOOL NEWS
School Board Update | March
Thank you to those who attended the HCS Society Meeting last month. For those who couldn’t participate, you can find a summary of agenda items in the March School Board Update. Additionally, the report highlights four ongoing School Board initiatives on which we value your prayer and partnership. We invite you to explore the report and to contact any of our School Board members with any questions or concerns.
2024-2025 Enrollment
It is now time to enroll your children at Hudsonville Christian School. If you intend to partner with HCS in Christian education next school year, please take the time to fill out the needed information to ensure enrollment for 2024-2025. Parents of currently enrolled Kindergarten – 7th grade students (those going into 1st – 8th grade for the 2024-2025 school year) please complete this online enrollment form 2024-25 Enrollment Form. If you would prefer to complete a paper copy of the enrollment and emergency contact forms, please let Linda Kellar in the admin office know (lkellar@4hcs.org) and forms will be mailed to you. Enrollment (online and paper) forms and enrollment fees are due by April 26, 2024. Thank you for your partnership in Christian Education as we strive to challenge minds and lives for Christ!
Kids’ Corner Enrollment
Kids’ Corner enrollment for the 2024-2025 school year will open on Monday, April 15. Links will be available on our website! If you have any questions, you can reach out at kidscorner@4hcs.org!
6th, 7th & 8th Class Registration 2024/2025
An email was sent out to parents of current 5th, 6th & 7th graders regarding Music and Fine Arts options for your child for the upcoming school year. If you have not already filled out this form please do so as soon as possible. This information is important as we form schedules for next year. The form was due before spring break. If you have any questions please contact the middle school office at 616-379-0338.
School Text Alerts
Our Parent Alert shortcode for text alerts has changed. The new shortcode number is 317065. Please add this number as a saved contact so that our text alerts do not display as an unknown sender.
Walkathon
These are the last couple days to collect pledges. Please remember to turn in your pledge sheet, money and envelope on Thursday, April 11. All online donations need to be completed also by Saturday, April 13 as well. Tax receipts for pledges will be sent to the donors so make sure their information is complete on the form. For those that donated online through Just Giving, you will automatically get a receipt from Just Giving. Thanks for your hard work in getting pledges!
All parents and grandparents are welcome to walk or cheer on their students during the walk.
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. We are looking forward to a great day. Thank you for your support! Encourage your children to do their best, not be the best!
Parent Volunteering for Next School Year
On Tuesday, May 7, volunteering opportunities for the 2024-25 school year will be sent via email to all parents/guardians of HCS students. You can find more information about the Parents’ Club volunteering point system on our website. With hundreds of volunteer opportunities available, you are sure to find something that you will enjoy! By volunteering you help keep tuition costs lower, provide additional technology for our students and demonstrate a desire to partner with the school in the training and teaching of our students! A reminder that all families are required to volunteer for a specific amount of points based on your child’s grade level. Thank you for all you’ve done this year for the school!
Moms in Prayer
Moms in Prayer invites you to have a profound impact on your children and HCS by praying specifically with other moms each Friday. This week Friday we will be meeting in the preschool lounge at the elementary building, 8:00-9:00 a.m. Please check in at the main office. We will be focused on praying for the early childhood, young fives and kindergarten classes and teachers this week. See you there!
Scrap Metal Drive
A Scrap Metal Drive will be held on Friday and Saturday, May 10 and May 11, to benefit the Education Foundations of Unity Christian High School and Hudsonville Christian School. The drive will be held at the Arrowaste Storage Lot, 1600 Chicago Dr, Jenison from 1pm-8pm on Friday and 8am-2pm on Saturday.
Summer Hiking Trips
If you are interested in going on either the Manistee or UP hikes this summer, please go to this link where you will find more information and can sign up.
HCS Returnables Shed
You are invited to drop off your returnable cans and bottles to the recycling shed at any time! The shed is located in the elementary school north parking lot off of Hillcrest Ave. Thank you for supporting our school!
ELEMENTARY NEWS
Chapel
All elementary students will gather in the west gym for chapel each Friday from 10:00-10:25 AM. Parents are welcome to join us and may enter through the west gym lobby doors.
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.
Hearing & Vision Screenings
Ottawa County Department of Public Health will be at Hudsonville Christian School this Thursday and Friday, April 11 & 12 to conduct hearing and vision screenings. Students in Grades K – 2 – 4 will have hearing screening while students in Grades 1 – 3 – 5 will have vision screening. If you would like to opt out of these screenings, please let Linda Kellar (lkellar@4hcs.org) or your child’s teacher know before Thursday.
2nd Grade STEM Activity
If you have a 2nd grader who enjoys creative thinking, problem solving, and working with others to accomplish a goal, this is the opportunity for them! 2nd grade students are invited to participate in an after school STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) activity on Wednesday, April 24. 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 Tuesday, April 23 or when all the available spots are filled.
Incoming 5th & 6th Grade Students/Parents Hot Lunch Survey
In middle school hot lunch is offered one day a week, on Wednesdays, beginning on September 18th. This is an optional opportunity for your child to purchase pizza, Chick Fil A, and Mr Burger Please look for a schedule at the beginning of the 2024-2025 school year. A very important part of ‘how’ we make hot lunch work is student surveys on what they will and will not purchase. NEW THIS YEAR- Entering 5th and 6th grade students must complete this survey with their parents. A paper copy is available that can be filled out and returned to the middle school office or emailed to Kim Racey at kracey10@gmail.com. Please complete and or return forms by MAY 30, 2024. We really need parent cooperation with turning these in timely.
Living Water Art Show
The HCS Living Water Art Show is coming up next week! Save the date for April 18 from 6:00-7:30. All students will have at least 2 pieces of art displayed in the show so this is a wonderful family event. We are excited to show off our work that has been created for God’s glory this year!
Summer Tutoring
A list of teachers that are available for summer tutoring can be found on our website.
MIDDLE SCHOOL NEWS
Chapel
Students and staff gather in the south gym for chapel each Tuesday & Thursday from 7:55-8:25 AM. 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.
- Jennifer Hoekstra leading chapel – Tuesday, April 9.
- Staff Praise and Worship leading chapel – Thursday, April 11.
Hot Lunch
Hot lunch this week Wednesday will be Culver’s chicken tenders. (2pk/$3.00) Pop and chips are sold for $.50 each. The full menu/schedule is listed on our website.
Donuts
Donuts will be sold during break this week Friday for $1.50.
Library
The library will be closing for the school year after spring break. All books were due back on April 8. Thank you for your understanding, and we’ll see you next year in the new library space!
Sus Manos Service Project
Any middle school student may now sign up to serve at Sus Manos this Wednesday after school. A bus will transport students there after school and they will need to be picked up AT SUS MANOS by 5:00. Here is the link to sign up: SUS MANOS
EOCS 8th Grader Mixer
Please save the date: April 26 for a night of bowling and bonding!
Location: Hudsonville Lanes
Time: 7:15-9:15 pm
Cost: $10 per student (shoes and all the bowling you can for 2 hours)
Food: Up to each student. Bring $ as the snack bar will be open.
COMMUNITY NEWS
Unity Christian New Student Co-Curricular Night
Unity Christian will hold a Co-Curricular Night for incoming freshman/new students on Tuesday, April 16 starting at 7:00 p.m. 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, Robotics, the play, the musical, and more to learn about areas where they might like to become involved at Unity. A schedule for the evening will be emailed to parents of incoming 8th graders following spring break. We look forward to seeing you on April 16, and feel free to contact us at 669-1820 or athletics@unitychristian.org with any questions you may have!
Unity Christian Sports Physical Night
Unity Christian will host a Sports Physical Night on Tuesday, April 30 from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at the high school. A sports physical is required for all 7th and 8th grade Unity Christian Youth Football athletes. Per MHSAA rules, all students who wish to participate in athletics next year must provide school with a physical dated after April 15, 2024 PRIORto tryouts/practice for their first sport. 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 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 main office.
Unity Christian Summer Sports Camps
Registration for Unity’s Summer Sports Camps for students ages 3 – 12th grade opens on Wednesday, April 10. The registration link and schedule of camps can be found at unitychristianathletics.org under “Camps & Clinics”. Please contact Unity’s Athletic Office at 669-1820 or athletics@unitychristian.org with any questions you may have!
- Register between April 10 – May 8 – Receive a 15% multi camp discount on four or more camp registrations and can pay by check/cash (due May 15) or credit card.
- Register between May 9 – June 5 – Only credit card payment accepted.
- Register June 6 or after – $10 late registration fee and only credit card payment accepted.
- Please register your child in the grade they will be entering in fall of 2024.
New Unity Christian Boys Volleyball and Speed & Agility Summer Camps
- Boys Volleyball Camp from July 15-18 for 6th-8th graders (12 – 2 p.m.) and 9th – 12th graders (2:30 – 4:30 p.m.).
- Speed & Agility Camp for boys and girls in grades 6 – 8. The camp will meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays from June 11 – July 25 (excluding July 2 & 4; boys meet from 9-10 a.m., girls from 10-11 a.m.). In this camp participants will work on improving their ability to run faster and change direction. Workouts will consist of sprinting, plyometrics (jumping), strength training, and reaction drills. Participants will take a pre and post-test in the 40-yard dash, vertical jump, broad jump, and pro agility, with results showing their improvement as they prepare for sports in fall 2024.
Employment Opportunity
Post Family Farm in Hudsonville is looking to hire energetic ADULTS for seasonal work for our spring season. Our Spring season runs from May 1, 2024 – May 18, 2024. Opportunities include donut makers, tour guides, and Saturday festival workers. Donut making involves working with several others in our bakery making donuts, filling orders and running the cash register. Tour guides take a group of children, teachers and parents around the farm both on and off a tractor (training provided). Festival workers may work in donuts, office, tickets or drive tractors to the pumpkin patch. No previous experience is required for any position. Work days and hours are very flexible to fit your schedule. Please contact Julie at Post Family Farm, if you have any interest in working in a fun, farm atmosphere.
Phone – 616/669-1964, email – tours@postfamilyfarm.com.
