HOME COMMUNICATOR
Have you ever noticed something specific coming up over and over? I think most of us have experienced times when God keeps putting something before us, nudging us to take notice. Whether it’s a Bible verse, people, or certain situations, often, it’s a way of growing our understanding of Him and His teachings.
Recently while reading, I came across this quote by the author William Kent Krueger. “In the beginning, after he labored over the heavens and the earth, the light and the dark, the land and sea and all living things that dwell therein, after he created man and woman and before he rested, I believe God gave us one final gift. Lest we forget the divine source of all that beauty, he gave us stories.”
”How are you sharing your story?
Now, I realize the last part is not found in the Bible and we shouldn’t add to God’s word, but I found it interesting because stories are so much a part of our world. Storytelling was a powerful way Jesus taught people, often using parables- short simple stories illustrating a moral or spiritual truth. This wasn’t the last time the concept of stories would be placed in front of me. Over the next several weeks, the theme of story telling continued to pop up….
- My 8th grade son brought home a homework assignment that asked parents to share their story of when they came to know Jesus and other milestones in their faith journeys.
- I was signing that same son up for his Freshman classes at Unity, and I noticed a description on their website. “The purpose of the Unity Bible curriculum is to have students know Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. Through the study of the Bible, students will discover God’s redemptive story and understand their part in that story as they live out their faith individually and in community.”
- I was reading an article on ways to grow faith as a family and it suggested that sharing faith stories with each other reminds us that God is at work in our lives every day.
- Last week, Dan Landstra, Unity Bible teacher, led chapel at the Middle School. He started chapel by saying, “Let me tell you a story”.
All of these events made me wonder, how are these stories impacting our students? My prayer is that as students grow at HCS, they will continue to hear God’s story over and over. They will hear the stories of their teachers’ faith integrated into lessons and friends sharing stories of struggles that were overcome by turning to their faith. They will hear stories about a baby placed in a river, a den full of lions, a sinless man who gave up His life so we could be saved and have eternal life. That they will hear how their story is part of God’s story.
How are you sharing your story?
To get the stories going, ask questions of your child like these:
- What is your favorite Bible story, and why?
- Tell about a time when you felt God helping you.
- Where did you see God today?
Jenny Gorter
Director of Educational Support Services
SCHOOL-WIDE 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 14 and Monday, February 17.
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 14.
Employment Opportunities
If you are interested in joining the dynamic staff at Hudsonville Christian School, there are employment opportunities for the coming 2025/2026 school year. If you or someone you know might be interested in learning more, please visit our website.
8th Grade Play – Save the date!
The Hudsonville Christian 8th graders will be presenting the play, CSI: Neverland March 6 and 7 at 7:00 pm and March 8 at 2:00 pm in the Middle School south gym. General public tickets go on sale February 17. Ticket prices are $5.00 each. All seats are reserved. Click HERE for more information!
Summer Hiking Trips
If you are interested in the annual summer hiking trips, save these dates! The Manistee hike will be June 26-28 and the U.P. hike will be July 16-19. NOTE THE UP HIKE DATE HAS CHANGED. Information and sign ups will come late February.
Business Sponsorship Opportunity
Now is the time for your business to become an All-Event or Individual Event Business Sponsor for the 2025 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!
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 and 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 11 and Thursday, February 13. Our specialists will be available both evenings with the exception of a few teachers. Mrs. Kruyf (Music), Mrs. Remy (SOAR), and Mrs. Kamp (School Counselor) will be available Thursday, February 13 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. Keep an eye out for more information from your child’s teacher about specific instructions for classroom celebrations.
4th Grade Transition to Middle School
Middle School Orientation for Parents of Incoming 5th Grade Students–Tuesday, March 11, 2025; 7:00pm – Middle School Orchestra Room (Room 8). This orientation is designed for PARENTS having a child enter the middle school for the first time, but any parent of an incoming 5th student is welcome to attend.
Campers, Get Ready for Camp Firehawk!
Attention all adventurers! “Pack your gear” and save the dates for an unforgettable experience at Camp Firehawk on March 14 and 15 at HCS. This year’s Annual Father/Daughter and Mother/Son Nights are calling all Kindergarten through 4th-grade campers for a night of fun and excitement.
On Friday, March 14, the girls take center stage for Ladies Night at Camp Firehawk, then, on Saturday, March 15, it’s Lumberjack Night for the boys. Bring a special adult, dress for the theme, and get ready for games, laughter, and special moments around the campfire. Please turn in your RSVP form by February 28. We can’t wait to welcome all our adventurers to Camp Firehawk!
Recess Monitor Help
We are still in need of additional playground monitors for most days, especially before school on Wednesday and Thursday and snack recess on Thursday! If you are able to help please sign up here!
MIDDLE SCHOOL NEWS
Chapel
Students and staff will gather in the south gym for chapel from 7:55-8:25 AM on Tuesday and Friday. 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.
- Tuesday, February 11 -Breakfast Club – 8th grade
- Friday, February 14 – No School
Hot Lunch
Hot lunch this week is Jet’s Pizza (Pepperoni/Cheese) $2.50/slice
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 and Brian Knot (starting at 4:15)
Thursday- Laura Mast
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.
7th/8th Grade Band Festival
The seventh and eighth grade band will be participating in a band festival on Wednesday, February 19. This event will take place during the school day and students will be bused to and from Covenant Christian High school. The Band will be stopping at the Jenison/Grandville McDonald’s on the way back to school. Parents can check their email for more information as we get closer to the date.
5th Grade Boys Sex Ed Night
Each year Hudsonville Christian School schedules an evening for our 5th grade boys and their fathers (or another male role-model) to meet for an introduction to sex education. The meeting will be on Tuesday, March 4, at 7:00 P.M. in the orchestra room at the Middle School building. Please reserve the night! An email was sent out on February 7th.
8th Grade Unity Mixer night
Unity Christian Varsity Basketball Night
- Date: Friday, February 21
- Time: Starts at 5:00 pm
- Location: UC Gym
Details: Meet in the gym for a few mixer games, and then some food. FREE pizza and pop for 8th graders! FREE admission to both Varsity games that night. Girls start at 6:00 pm, boys follow. Have a ride ready when you plan to leave.
Earth Day PaperGator Contest
PaperGator Competition!! We have a chance to earn up to $5,000.00 for our school by collecting as much paper in our PaperGator as we can from January through April! It’s called the PaperGator Earth Day Contest! Spread the word to your family and friends to fill up the middle school PaperGator located in the west parking lot off of the bus loop.
After School Parent Pick-up Reminder
Students MUST wait on the sidewalk for their parents to pull up and pick them up after school. No one should be walking through traffic out to the field/fence area to bypass the wait and meet up with their vehicle in line. This is a serious safety concern so please follow these guidelines. Thanks for your understanding.
Volunteer Opportunity
The middle school is looking for a few volunteers to help supervise students during their lunch breaks. Volunteers will wander hallways and outside supervising students to ensure safety and that breaks are going smoothly. For more information or to sign up click HERE.
Ski Club
Final Ski Club date: Feb. 21
Awesome Arts Day
HCMS is hosting Awesome Arts Day on Friday, March 14. Stay tuned for details.
PARENTS' CLUB NEWS
Parents’ Club Board Positions
The PCB is looking to fill 3 board positions for the 2025-2026 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 2025, fill out this questionnaire by March 14, 2025. Email pcb@4hcs.org with any questions.
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 Board (PCB) hosts “General Assembly” meetings to provide updates and information specific to Parents’ Club support services, events and fundraisers. The spring our meeting will be held during the HCS Society Meeting on Monday, March 17. We hope to see you there!
HCS Auction
This year’s live Auction will be on Saturday, March 1, 2025. The 2025 Auction Committee is seeking donations of unique experiences (VIP tours, lessons, tickets, vacation spots, etc) to add to this year’s Auction! If you know of anyone who may be interested in giving back to our school in this fun and memorable way, please reach out to auction@4hcs.org. If you are interested in purchasing an item for the auction and need ideas, take a look at our Amazon Wish List!
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, February 28 or Saturday morning, March 1, to the HCS West Gym. All decadent desserts will be available to purchase for $25 at the auction on March 1st, 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!) at https://2025hcsauction.cbo.io and you might just have your wish come true! Winner announced at the LIVE AUCTION on Saturday, March 1st (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 second annual HCS 3 on 3 basketball tournament on March 8, 2025. Visit the event webpage for tournament rules and team registration information!
Staff Appreciation Week March 10-14
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 10-14!
COMMUNITY NEWS
Raising Kids in a Digital Age
Parenting middle schoolers has never been easy, but today’s digital world brings new challenges. From social media and online dangers to identity and cultural pressures, navigating this stage of life requires wisdom and guidance. Join us for an important event featuring Dan Landstra from Unity Christian High, as he provides Biblical advice for parents and youth leaders on raising kids in today’s world. This event is for parents, youth leaders, and mentors—no children, please. Hosted by the Grand Valley and Rush Creek Cadet Councils. Spread the word and join us for this vital conversation!
📅 Thursday, February 13
📍 Bethany URC – 5401 Byron Center Ave SW, Wyoming, MI 49519
⏰ 7:00 PM
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 3 – 26, 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 $85, and the deadline to register is February 26. 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 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. We look forward to hosting your students at Unity sports camps this summer!
SpringHill Day Camp
This summer, SpringHill Day Camp is bringing all the camp fun to Hudsonville. This camp is designed for current Kindergarteners through 5th Graders. It will take place at Forest Grove Reformed Church on July 28 through August 1 from 9am to 4pm. Pre- and aftercare is available as well. Registration is open now! To learn more or to register, click HERE!
Allendale Christian 3-on-3
Allendale Christian School will be holding its annual 3-on-3 basketball tournament on Saturday, March 15 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. Registration deadline is March 5. We hope to see you there!
Hudsonville Little League
Hudsonville Little League 2025 Spring Registrations are Open! Click HERE for more information.
