Home Communicator February 20, 2024

Early Release 

This week Friday, February 23 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.

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 15.

HCMS Employment Opportunities

If you are interested in joining the dynamic staff at Hudsonville Christian Middle School, there are three employment opportunities for the coming 2024/2025 school year. Interested applicants should have a Bachelor’s degree in education. We are looking for someone who is passionate about working with middle schoolers, is team-oriented, and has a strong love for our Lord and Savior. If you or someone you know might be interested, the application can be found on our website. 

The 8th Grade Presents “Haphazardly Ever After” 

Get ready for an enchanting experience as our talented 8th grade students take the stage in their production of “Haphazardly Ever After”! This one-of-a-kind fractured fairy tale farce promises laughter, whimsy, and a touch of royal chaos. Tickets are $5.00 each. All seats are reserved. Learn more about the play on our website. 

Families of the cast and crew, check your email for “Cast/Crew” separate ticket ordering instructions from the Directors.

Performance Information:

• Thursday, March 7, 2024 @ 7:00pm – Purchase Tickets
• Friday, March 8, 2024 @ 7:00pm – Purchase Tickets
• Saturday, March 9, 2024 @ 2:00pm – Purchase Tickets

All General Admission tickets can be ordered HERE. Please note that HCS is not able to offer the option of selecting your own seats. However, as much as possible, tickets purchased together, will be seated together.

Moms in Prayer

Find community, find purpose.  We are mothers who, together, bring all our concerns before our Heavenly Father. In prayer, we know that we are not alone and that gives us reassurance and hope. Let us stand with you in prayer for your children and for HCS.  This week Friday we will be meeting at the Middle School 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 5 and 6 this week.  See you there!

Summer Hiking Trips

Mr. Schnyders will once again offer summer hiking trips for students and parents. The Manistee hike will be June 27-29. A hike in the UP will be July 17-20. If you are interested in either of these trips, mark your calendars and be watching for signup information early March.

Business Sponsorship Opportunity

Now is the time for your business to become an All-Event or Individual Event Business Sponsor for the 2024 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! Contact Rachel Landstra  with any questions! 

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.

Chapel

This Friday we will have a special all school chapel. All elementary and middle school students will gather in the west gym for chapel this Friday at 9:00 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. 

4th Grade STEM Activity

If you have a 4th grader who enjoys creative thinking, problem solving, and working with others to accomplish a goal, this is the opportunity for them! 4th grade students are invited to participate in an after school STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) activity on Thursday, February 29. 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 Thursday, February 22 or when all the available spots are filled.

Girls with a Goal

Girls With a Goal, or GWAG, is an after school running program club for girls in 4th and 5th grade that builds spiritual and physical fitness as girls train to run a 5K. Practices begin March 4 and will be held on Mondays and Wednesdays from 2:50-4:00 pm. On Monday April 15 we will have our own local 5K run at HCS elementary. We would love for families to come and cheer! You can even make signs to cheer your daughter on while she races or come and run with her! The cost for GWAG is $25. This includes a shirt, snacks for after race day, and a medal/prize. Your 4th or 5th grade daughter will bring home information and registration forms this week. If your daughter is interested, please return the form and payment to the main office by Friday, March 1. 

Boys on the Run

Boys, are you ready for a new challenge? Searching for an encouraging community? Training to be a better athlete? Wanting to make some healthier goals and choices? Boys on the Run is for you! Boys on the Run is a new club at HCS looking to help boys grow with their spiritual, physical, and mental health, while providing a community of support and encouragement through the wonderful gift of running. Join us on Tuesdays and Thursdays, beginning March 5. An electronic sign-up will be going out to all fourth and fifth grade boy parents soon. Payment will be $25 in cash or check for a shirt and prize for finishing our very own 5K. All sign ups and payments will be due on Friday, March 1.  If you have any questions, please email Matt Borst (mborst@4hcs.org) or Justin Terpstra (jterpstra@4hcs.org). 

5th Grade Boys Sex Ed   

An invitation was emailed home about an opportunity for 5th grade boys and their fathers, or male role models, to attend the 5th grade boys Sex Ed night. The event will be happening on Tuesday, March 5 at 7:00pm.  This special evening will take place at the Middle School in the Band room and details were included in the email.  6th grade teachers, Jon Huisman and Shane Schaap, will be leading this informative time that will hopefully start a conversation that can be continued with your son. 

4th  & 5th Grade Middle School Parent 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 & 5th graders this year.   The Parent orientation night will take place on Tuesday, March 12 in the middle school Orchestra room.  

• Current 5th grade parents will meet at 5:30 pm.  
• Current 4th grade parents will meet at 7:00 pm.  

This orientation is designed for parents having a child in middle school for the first time – although all parents are invited. The purpose of this evening is to introduce parents to the 5th & 6th grade staff and give them an overview of the year ahead.  Please put this date on your calendar.  If you are unable to attend a recording of the night can be requested.

Game On Extravaganza!

Get ready to score big at our sporting extravaganza, Game On! Kindergarten – 5th grade students and their champions are invited to join us for an action-packed evening of bonding and fun at HCS. Lace up your sneakers and get in the game with a lineup of activities to keep your adrenaline pumping, including an obstacle course, dodgeball matches, basketball showdowns, creative plays in friendship bracelet making, temporary tattoos, and a concession stand serving victory snacks. Whether you’re a mom, dad, or someone special, this is your chance to huddle up with your young athlete for an unforgettable night of Game On! Save the date for Mothers/Special Person and Daughters on March 22 from 6-7:30pm and Fathers/Special Person and Sons on March 23 from 6-7:30pm. Gear up for the competition by wearing matching colors or sporting your favorite team jerseys together. Register by March 8 with the forms sent home with your student.

Chapel 

Students and staff will gather in the south gym for chapel from 7:55-8:25 AM on Tuesday and Thursday. 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.  

• Jamie Kamp leading chapel – Tuesday, February 20.
• No chapel (Bible Class)- Thursday, February 22.

Hot Lunch

Hot Lunch this week Wednesday will be Mr. Burger.  $4.50/Burger (cheeseburger/burger).  Pop and chips will also be sold for $.50 each.  The full menu/schedule is listed on our website. 

Faces and Our Cultures Program 2024

For many years, our school has participated in a cultural exchange program for Guatemalan students through Faces and Our Cultures. We are excited to continue the program once again next fall. The Faces And Our Cultures program is designed to provide Guatemalan students the opportunity to spend 7 weeks in our community. Over the years, we have had a number of Guatemalan ambassadors come to our campus and many have built lasting relationships with their host families. We are looking for host families to host this fall. Each participant will attend Hudsonville Christian for seven weeks as a full-time student, have their own schedule, and will participate in all aspects of the school day.  These student ambassadors are fluent in English and will arrive on Sunday, October 20th and depart on Saturday, December 14th. All the school related costs will be covered by the Faces Program.  Host families kindly provide homestay and make them part of their family’s routine for 7 weeks. Each child will need a host home and the assigned child will be the same age and sex of the host child. To learn more, click HERE.

Ski Club

There will be ski club this Friday, February 23! Check the email that went out for additional information and sign-up link.  Please note that this is also an Early Release day.  If your child plans to attend, be sure to have them back at school by 3pm.  Lift tickets and rentals will be purchased at break on Thursday.  We will be watching the weather/ski conditions and will notify parents by Thursday evening if this scheduled ski club needs to be canceled. Make sure your student brings their ski club card with them! Upcoming Ski Club dates are planned for March 1 and March 22. 

6th Grade Skating Party

A skating party is scheduled for Tuesday, February 27th from 3:00 – 5:00pm.  Buses will take the students to Tarry Hall Roller Rink in Grandville, BUT parents need to pick students up at 5:00pm!  Cost is $8.00 at the door – this includes rental of skates or roller blades.  You may bring your own.

Sus Manos

Any middle school student may now sign up to serve at Sus Manos this week Thursday, February 22 or next week Wednesday, February 28.  Get information and sign up at this link: SUS MANOS

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 Executive Board (PCB) hosts “General Assembly” meetings to provide updates and information specific to Parents’ Club support services, events and fundraisers. The spring meeting is March 6 from 8:00am-8:30am in the elementary west conference room. We would love to see you there!

PCB Positions

The PCB is looking to fill 3 board positions for the 2024-2025 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 2024, fill out this questionnaire. by March 8, 2024. Email pcb@4hcs.org with any questions. 

HCS 3 on 3 Tournament 

Hudsonville Christian School is excited to partner with our community and host the first annual HCS 3 on 3 basketball tournament on March 9, 2024. Registration is now open! Please send any questions to 3on3@4hcs.org.

HCS Auction 

PRE-REGISTER for the HCS Auction by this Thursday, Feb 22 to be entered to win a $100 Amazon gift card!

•  ONLINE BIDDING for our Silent Auction begins Friday, February 23 at 7pm.
• See you at the LIVE AUCTION on Saturday, March 2! Doors open at 4:30pm, Live Auction 6pm.
• SHARE THIS LINK with family & friends, coworkers & neighbors, and ask them to join in the bidding!

How does the auction work? All you need to know.

View the most current items on our website.

Questions? Email The Auction Committee

Purchase Dinner Tickets Now for a Deal

Order your dinner tickets now and SAVE! Enjoy Wing Doozy at this year’s auction, happening Saturday, March 2. Doors open at 4:30pm. Live Auction begins at 6pm! Early bird dinner pricing through Friday, Feb 23 so don’t wait! Learn more and purchase dinner tickets NOW at hudsonvillechristian.cbo.io (login and search “dinner”).

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 hudsonvillechristian.cbo.io and you might just have your wish come true! Winner announced at the LIVE AUCTION on Saturday, March 2nd (winner does not have to be present to win).

Teacher Experiences

You each received a flyer showcasing the AWESOME teacher experiences you can win at this year’s auction! Every teacher is donating a unique experience, so be sure to check them out at hudsonvillechristian.cbo.io by searching “teacher” and buying your $5 raffle ticket!!

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, March 1 or Saturday morning, March 2, to the HCS West Gym. All decadent desserts will be available to purchase for $25 at the auction on March 2nd, but come early because they won’t last long! Questions? Email Auction@4hcs.org

Box Tops bonus offers for February

• Earn 3 Bonus Box Tops on Betty Crocker Sheet Pan Dinner Starter when you buy any 1 participating Betty Crocker Sheet Pan Dinner Starter product between 02/01/24 – 02/29/24.
• Earn 4 Bonus Box Tops on Cheerios when you buy any 2 participating Cheerios products in a single transaction between 02/01/24 – 02/29/24.
• Earn 3 Bonus Box Tops on Betty Crocker Brownie Mix when you buy any 2 participating Betty Crocker Brownie Mix products in a single transaction between 02/01/24 – 02/29/24.
• Earn 6 Bonus Box Tops on Fruit by the Foot, Gushers & Fruit Roll-Ups when you buy any 3 participating Fruit by the Foot, Gushers and/or Fruit Roll-Ups products in a single transaction between 02/01/24 – 02/29/24.
• Earn 3 Bonus Box Tops on Pillsbury Cinnamon Rolls when you buy any 2 participating Pillsbury Cinnamon Rolls products in a single transaction between 02/01/24 – 02/29/24.

Remember to scan your receipt into the Box Tops app within 2 weeks of purchase. Thanks for your help in earning money for HCS.

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 4 – 25, 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 $80, and the deadline to register is February 28.  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 Christian Clay Shoot

Unity Christian’s Annual Clay Shoot is coming March 9, 2023, at Blendon Pines. This event is for shooters, wanna-be-shooters, never-thought-I’d-do-this shooters and non-shooting friends! Registration will start at 8:30am, and the event starts at 9am. The cost is $75/shooter ($50/student shooter). Register a team of 5 or sign up as an individual  and we will put you in groups!  Registration deadline is February 14.

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 10.   We look forward to hosting your students at Unity sports camps this summer!

Free Play Group

Ridgewood CRC (next to the Georgetown Township Library) will offer a free playgroup on Monday mornings through March from 9:30- 10:30 AM for children ages 0-5 and their caregiver(s).  There is a bounce house, a large open space with fun toys and activities, and coffee and snacks provided. Enter through door “N.”  No need to sign up; just show up! We hope to see you there!