HOME COMMUNICATOR

A couple of weeks ago, I had the privilege of attending 7th grade winter camp. The forecast called for frigid temperatures, so I came prepared—hand and foot warmers, a heated vest, wool socks, and more layers than I could count. And while the weather was certainly cold, God was so good. In those chilly days, we saw Him at work in powerful and unmistakable ways.

While we were there, students had the opportunity to participate in winter activities, build community with friends, and have a meaningful time of devotions, worship, and prayer. On Thursday night, God moved in a special way. Students had the opportunity to share parts of their story that had shaped their faith, and we watched student after student share in real and vulnerable ways. It was difficult to hear about some of the painful things these students have had to walk through at a young age, but there was so much beauty in the sanctuary that night. As students shared about loved ones’ cancer diagnoses, losing grandparents, being teased at school, or not knowing where they belong, students walked over to surround their friends and classmates. They offered hugs, shared tears, and prayed together. It was a beautiful image of the body of Christ. 

Middle school is not easy. These students are discovering who they are and where they fit, all while navigating daily pressures that can feel overwhelming. That night, Mr. Lowe reminded students that they do not walk through these difficult journeys alone. God meets them in the hard places and He gives them one another—to love, support, and encourage more authentically because they understand what each other is carrying.

Winter camp may be behind us, and it is easy to return to our normal routines. However, we were all challenged to come home changed—to live our faith boldly, to share our burdens with one another, and to keep Christ at the center of everything we do. God’s Spirit continues to move at HCS, and I am deeply grateful to be part of a school community that faithfully points our students to Him. 

With gratitude,

Julie Moes
Mission Advancement Director

SCHOOL-WIDE NEWS

Early Release 

Next week Friday, February 27 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.

Vacations and Make-Up Work

Please notify teachers and the office in advance if you know your children will miss school due to a vacation. When students miss school due to a vacation, teachers will give work that was missed to the students when they return to school. The ease (or difficulty) of providing work in advance varies from grade to grade and from subject to subject. Therefore, if a teacher finds it convenient to do so, he/she may provide some work in advance.  However, parents should not expect this.  

Moms in Prayer

Find community, find purpose.  We are mothers who, together, bring all our concerns before our Heavenly Father. Let us stand with you in prayer for your children and for HCS. This week we will be meeting at the Elementary School from 8:00-9:00 a.m. Check in at the main office and they will direct you where to go. We will be focused on praying for the staff and students in grades 7 and 8 this week. See you there!

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!

  • 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 HCS Auction — everyone is invited! Doors open at 4:30 pm for dinner and item preview, and the live auction will begin at 6:15! 

Silent Auction – Online Bidding

The Silent Auction opens Thursday, February 27 at 7:00 PM and runs through Saturday, March 7. Click HERE to register and preview all the amazing items – Coming soon!  

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. Dinner will be available for purchase  from 4:30-6:00 at the auction for $12 per person or $40 per family. 

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! 

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.  The winner does not have to be present to win.

We need a few more volunteers! If you would be willing to help us with the auction set up on Friday, or at the sweet treats table on auction night,  please email auction@4hcs.org for more information!

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! 

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.

Summer Tutoring 

A list of teachers that are available for summer tutoring can be found on 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

Chapel

This week Friday, February 20, we will have a special all school chapel at 9:45 in the elementary West gym.  Parents are welcome to join us and may enter through the West gym lobby doors. 

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.

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.  This parent orientation night will take place on Tuesday, March 24 at 7:00 PM in the middle school Orchestra room. 

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 17 – Tyler Prough & Kara Helms leading chapel
  • February 20  – 9:45 AM – All School Chapel – Lent at Elementary 

Hot Lunch 

Hot lunch this week Wednesday will be DJ’s breadsticks ($2.50/6pk, chips $.50 & pop $1.00 (limit of 1).

Donuts 

Donuts will be sold during break this Friday for $1.75.

Ski Club 

We have our final ski club outing scheduled for this Friday, February 20!  Lift tickets and ski rentals will be sold during break Tuesday -Thursday.  Check your email for more details.

5th Grade Boys Sex Ed Night

The Boys 5th grade Sex Ed night is on Monday, March 2.  Check your email for additional information regarding this special night, and reach out to the Middle School office with any questions.

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 Opportunities

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.

Office & Communications Coordinator at Evergreen Ministries – This role serves as the office and communications hub of our church —supporting staff and ministry leaders, coordinating shared rhythms of communication, and ensuring day-to-day office operations run smoothly. We are seeking someone who is organized, creative, and eager to help our ministries flourish. For more information visit: egm.org/employment

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!

IMPORTANT DATES

February 27
Early Release
February 27
8th Grade Choir sings @ GR Griffins Game
March 2
5th Boys Sex Ed. Night
March 5, 6, 7
8th Grade Play
March 7
HCS Auction
March 9-13
Staff Appreciation Week
March 12
Dan Landstra / Parent Event
March 16
HCS Society Meeting
March 17
5th/6th/7th/8th Orchestra Fiddle Fest @ Fairhaven
March 20
Early Release
March 20
MS Sensational Science Day
March 20
End of Third 9 weeks
March 21
3 on 3 Tournament (grades 3-8)
March 24
MS Orientation - 4th Grade Parents
March 23-27
5th Grade Grace Walk
March 27
Report Cards Posted