HOME COMMUNICATOR
A highlight for some 6th-8th graders is Ski Club. It is an opportunity for independence and entertainment with friends, and close to 120 students traveled with us last Friday night. Organizing that many middle schoolers into winter gear, ski rentals, busing, and lift tickets is no small feat, which could simply be described as ‘herding cats’.
As I walked through the lodge last Friday, I made eye contact with someone I recognized. It was a parent of some students who transferred to HCS this fall, so I asked him how it’s going for his kids at a new school. He paused as he contemplated his response, and then responded warmly, “…it’s been life-changing”. He shared his appreciation for how the other students had welcomed his kids with open arms. Similarly, he spoke of “the incredible teachers” and how his kids have changed for the better. They are now sharing insights and stories from school that they never shared in previous years, and their family is so thankful that their children are surrounded by people with similar values as what they try to instill at home. Overall, it has been a fit for his children, and for that, he was thankful.
The conversation was soon interrupted by a few students who couldn’t figure out how to attach their lift ticket to their jacket, but the words that, “joining HCS has been life-changing,” echoed in my mind the rest of the night. We are under no illusions; this is still middle school, and we still live in a broken world. So while every student’s journey is not written like this, we are confident that with the Spirit working alongside our staff and students, the result can truly be “life-changing.”
Chris Achterhof
Middle School Principal
SCHOOL-WIDE NEWS
Parent Teacher Conferences
This winter we are looking forward to conferences with our parents this week Tuesday and Thursday. School will be in session regular hours on all conference days. There will be no school for 3 School through Grade 8 on Friday, February 13 or Monday, February 16.
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 13.
Unified Basketball
Our HCS Unified basketball season is underway! Unified sports is an initiative of the Special Olympics that provides opportunities for students with and without disabilities to play sports together to promote skill development, friendship, and understanding. Our team includes students from grades 1-6. We are so grateful for the impact Unified has on our players and for all the support we have received from our school community!
You’re invited to cheer at a game!
- Exhibition game – TONIGHT! Tuesday, Feb. 10 at approx. 6:45 (between the girls JV and Varsity basketball games) at Unity Christian High School
- HCS vs. Zeeland Christian (elementary players)- Wednesday, Feb. 25 at 4:45 in the Elementary West Gym
- HCS vs. Sandy Hill (middle school players)- Monday, March 2 at 4:00 in the Elementary West Gym
8th Grade Play
The Hudsonville Christian 8th graders will be presenting the play Cactus Pass on March 5 and 6 at 7:00 pm and March 7 at 2:00 pm in the Middle School south gym. Tickets are on sale now! Click HERE for more information!
HCS Auction
Join us Saturday, March 7, 2026 for an unforgettable evening of food, fun, and community at this year’s Live Auction — everyone is invited! The Silent Auction opens Thursday, February 27 at 7:00 PM and runs through Saturday, March 7. Keep an eye out for the link to preview and bid on amazing items — coming soon!
We need a few more volunteers! If you would be willing to help us with the Auction set up on Friday, or at the dinner or sweet treats tables on auction night, please email auction@4hcs.org for more information!
Enjoy a delicious dinner featuring crowd favorites from JR Smoke Shack, sweet treats from Nantucket Bakery, drinks from 317 Coffee, and Huddy’s Ice Cream serving up hard ice cream with all the toppings.
Help Us Make the Auction Extra SWEET! Calling all bakers & candy lovers! We’re looking for donations for our auction Sweets & Treats table! Homemade treats or store-bought goodies are both welcome, and every donation helps support our school fundraiser. Thank you for sharing your talents (and treats!) to help make this auction a blessing to all! please drop off your item on Friday, March 6 or Saturday morning, March 7, to the HCS West Gym. The sweets & treats will be available to purchase for $25 at the auction on March 7, but come early because they won’t last long! Questions? Email Auction@4hcs.org
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!) and you might just have your wish come true! The winner will be announced at the LIVE AUCTION on Saturday, March 7. (Winner does not have to be present to win).
HCS 3 on 3 Tournament
We are excited to partner with our community and host the annual HCS 3 on 3 basketball tournament on March 21, 2026. Visit the event webpage for more information and team registration!
Staff Appreciation Week March 9-13
All HCS Parents AND Students: Since we certainly appreciate our HCS Teachers and Staff, the Parents’ Club Board would like to invite all HCS parents and students to express your appreciation for them during the week of March 9-13!
2026 Business or Family Sponsorship
We are so thankful for families and businesses that partner with us to make Christian education possible for our students each day! We invite you to consider becoming a 2026 HCS Sponsor. Your support provides meaningful resources for students while giving your business positive visibility within our school community. If interested, simply complete an online form or reach out to Julie Moes at advacement@4hcs.org. Thank you for helping us challenge minds and lives for Christ!
Employment Opportunities
If you are interested in joining the dynamic staff at Hudsonville Christian School, there are employment opportunities for the coming 2026/2027 school year. If you or someone you know might be interested in learning more, please visit our website.
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
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.
Parent Teacher Conferences
We are looking forward to conferences with our parents this week Tuesday and Thursday. Our specialists will be available both evenings. Mrs. Brinks (SOAR) will be available Tuesday evening, February 10, only, and Mrs. Kamp (School Counselor) will be available Thursday, February 12 only.
As a courtesy to our parents, we will once again offer complementary childcare for potty-trained children ages 3 through 4th grade for your child(ren)’s conference time. Please sign them in at the east gym five minutes before your scheduled conference.
Valentine’s Day Celebrations
As part of an ongoing effort to support our many students with dietary restrictions, we will continue to celebrate Valentine’s Day with activities that avoid candies and treats this year in Preschool-4th grade. Making this adjustment is a gift to many in our community. Thank you for partnering with us and with one another.
Roller Skating Party
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/Daughter skate will take place on Tuesday, March 3, from 6:15–8:15pm, and the Father/Son skate on Thursday, March 5, from 6:15–8:15pm. For more information and to RSVP click HERE.
4th Grade Middle School 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 graders. The Parent Orientation Night will take place on Tuesday, March 24, at 7:00 in the middle school Orchestra room. More information will be coming soon!
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!
- February 10 – 8th Grade Students leading chapel
- February 13 – No chapel
- February 17 – Tyler Prough & Kara Helms leading chapel
Hot Lunch
There is NO Hot lunch this week Wednesday (February 11). Be sure to have your child pack a lunch!
Parent/Teacher Conferences
There are NO scheduled conference times for middle school students during the winter conference dates. All Homeroom and Encore teachers (grades 5-8) 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.
Part time Staff will be available following days:
- Tuesday-Sara Jager, Jenn Velzen, Jen Large, Bri Buikema, Laura Mast, and Brian Knot
- Thursday-Brenna Brouwer
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.
5th Grade Boys Sex Ed Night – Date change
Please note that the date for the Boys 5th grade Sex Ed night has been changed from Tuesday, March 3 to Monday, March 2 in the Innovation space at the Middle school at 7:00 pm. Please refer to the email sent yesterday for more details.
6th Grade Band
The 6th grade band will be performing with the Pep Band at the Unity basketball game at 6:15 pm Thursday, February 12.
COMMUNITY NEWS
Unity Christian Bowling Team
Unity Christian is sponsoring a bowling team for boys and girls in 6th – 8th grade. Any student in 6th – 8th grade in one of the Eastern Ottawa Christian schools (EOCS) may sign up to play, regardless of experience. The season runs March 2-25 and practices will be at Hudsonville Lanes. Details and registration information can be found on the Unity Athletics website at this link: Middle School Bowling 2026. Email athletics@unitychristian.org with questions.
Unity Bass Fishing Club
There is a middle school division for Bass Fishing Tournaments in West Michigan. If you are interested in learning more about tournament opportunities and would like to order a UC Fishing jersey, please contact Chad Essebaggers by email or phone at cessebaggers@yahoo.com or 616-822-5787.
Unity Play – Cheaper by the Dozen
Unity Christian High School is proud to present the play Cheaper by the Dozen. Performances are scheduled for 7:00pm on February 26 and 27 and at 5:00pm on February 28. Performances will take place at the Hudsonville High School Auditorium on 32nd Ave. Early release tickets are on sale now for $14. General ticket sales begin February 16 for $8 each. Tickets are being sold online (www.unitychristian.org / Parent Resources). You can pick your own seats and pay online.
Employment Opportunity
Unity Christian High School is seeking an Assistant Director for Spiritual Life. A detailed job description and directions on how to apply can be found on Unity’s website (www.unitychristian.org / Connect / Employment Opportunities). Any questions can be directed to Krista Bosscher atunity@unitychristian.org.
Allendale Christian 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament
Allendale Christian School will be holding its annual 3-on-3 basketball tournament on Saturday, March 14 at Allendale High School! All athletes grades 3-8 are welcome to participate – divisions will be created based on grade level. Please visit www.facebook.com/ACS3on3/ for more details and to access the online registration form. Early bird registration ($20 discount) runs through February 2. The final registration deadline is March 4 (or tournament sell out). We hope to see you there!
Hudsonville Little League
Hudsonville Little League 2026 Spring Registrations are Open! Visit www.HudsonvilleLittleLeague.com for more information.
