HOME COMMUNICATOR
Sitting in my office a few weeks ago, a woman from a local business stopped in to bring some instruments to a few orchestra students. She is routinely at school signing in and out of the office with a few violins strapped to her back. She seems to enjoy her job and is often very cheerful.
She went on her way and after about 20 minutes, returned and signed out. As she did, she had a huge smile on her face and joyfully said that “she loves coming to HCS” because our school is “totally different.” She was struck by the fact that as she was walking down the hall to leave, there was a classroom door open with the teacher openly talking about God. “I never hear that in the other schools I go to,” she said, “it is amazing!”.
”...she had a huge smile on her face and joyfully said that “she loves coming to HCS” because our school is “totally different.”
Upon leaving, she commented that moments like this are what she loves about coming to HCS… and that her “future kids will definitely be going to a Christian school”.
It’s stories like this that make HCS different–not better, just different. Conversations about faith in math, science, PE, Spanish, ELA, social studies or art classes are different, and our prayer is they also make a difference. Because not only might they make a difference to the student sitting in the desk each day, they also might make a difference for someone visiting our school from a local business– simply walking past an open door.
Chris Achterhof
Middle School Principal
ALL-SCHOOL NEWS
The 2024 Auction is this week!
ONLINE BIDDING for our Silent Auction is available now! LIVE AUCTION is this Saturday, March 2! Doors open at 4:30pm, enjoy Wing Doozy for dinner and the live auction begins at 6pm! How does the auction work? All you need to know.
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 (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 (winner does not have to be present to win).
Teacher Experiences
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. (winners do not have to be present to win).
Calling all Bakers
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 but come early because they won’t last long!
HCS Annual Society Meeting
Save the date- The HCS Annual Society Meeting will be held on Monday, March 18 at 7 p.m. in the elementary library, and you are all invited to attend! In addition to voting on the budget and tuition scale, we will also elect school board members for the coming year.
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. Join us for performances on March 7, 8 & 9. 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. 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 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 staff and students in grades 7 and 8 this week. See you there!
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.
Pig in the Blankets are Back
Pig in the blankets will be for sale self-serve in the elementary school kitchen large double door freezer for $15/dozen! Checks made payable to HCS or cash can be placed in the green box on the top right side shelf. Thanks so much for supporting HCS!
HCS Employment Opportunities
If you are interested in joining the dynamic staff at Hudsonville Christian School, there are some employment opportunities for the coming 2024/2025 school year. We are looking for some ESS staff as well as a part time middle school counselor. If you are passionate about working with students, are team-oriented, and have a strong love for our Lord and Savior (or if you know someone who is), the application 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
All elementary students will gather in the west gym for chapel on 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.
Second Grade Parents
Does your child easily master classroom math? Or write for fun? Or read above grade level? SOAR is a program designed for students who easily master the goals of the classroom. Students receive additional instruction at their level with like ability peers in language arts and/or math. Each spring, 2nd grade students are identified for the program on the basis of parent and teacher nomination and additional testing at HCS. Forms to nominate your child are available to pick up at the elementary school main office. The forms are due by Friday, March 15. Contact Lisi Remy (lremy@4hcs.org or 460-7686) with any questions.
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.
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).
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.
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 library and details were included in the email. 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
The Parent orientation night for 4th and 5th grade parents will take place on Tuesday, March 12 in the library. 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. If you are unable to attend a recording of the night can be requested.
- Current 5th grade parents will meet at 5:30 pm.
- Current 4th grade parents will meet at 7:00 pm.
MIDDLE SCHOOL NEWS
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.
- Kara Helms leading chapel – Tuesday, February 27.
- Worship Team leading chapel – Thursday, February 29.
Hot Lunch
Hot Lunch this week Wednesday will be DJ’s pizza $2.50/slice (ham/pepperoni). Pop and chips will also be sold for $.50 each. The full menu/schedule is listed on our website.
Donuts
Donuts will be sold this Friday during break for $1.50.
6th Grade Skating Party
A skating party is scheduled for TODAY, 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 at Tarry Hall. Cost is $8.00 at the door – this includes rental of skates or roller blades. You may bring your own.
Ski Club
The Ski club outing that was scheduled for this coming Friday, March 1 is canceled due to the warm weather and lack of snow.
Sus Manos
Any middle school student can sign up to serve this Wednesday after school at this link: SUS MANOS. A bus will transport students there after school. Please bring a hat and have your ride ready to pick you up at the ministry at 5:00.
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 you can register at the following link: LEARN MORE HERE
PARENTS' CLUB NEWS
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.
COMMUNITY NEWS
Allendale Christian 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament
Allendale Christian School will be holding its annual 3-on-3 basketball tournament on Saturday, March 16, at Allendale High School! Proceeds will be donated to support the Mike & Jennifer Hoekstra Family. There are divisions for boys and girls for each grade level in 3rd through 8th grade. Please visit www.facebook.com/ACS3on3/ for more details and to access the online registration form. Early registrations ($120/team) runs through February 4. The registration deadline is March 6 – only a week away! We hope to see you there!”
Unity Christian Play
Unity Christian High School is proud to present the play Little Women. Performances are scheduled for 7:00 pm on February 29 and March 1 and at 5:00 pm on March 2. Performances will take place at the Hudsonville High School Auditorium on 32nd Avenue. Tickets are $8 each and can be purchased on our website (www.unitychristian.org) under “Parent Resources.” You are able to pick your own seats and pay online.
Attention Middle School Fishermen/Fisherwomen!
Do you have a child who is interested in competitive bass tournaments? Join Unity Christian’s Bass Fishing Club that competes in the Sportspersons Ministries International Middle and High School bass fishing series. The Saturday tournament dates are April 27, May 4, and May 11. Feel free to contact Chad Essebaggers at 616-209-7044 or Scott VanWyk at 616-915-3878 for more information on this club.
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!
Employment Opportunity
Hillcrest CRC is seeking a Director of Worship and Music to help lead and grow us in our worship life! This position involves planning worship services, coordinating musicians, and overseeing all aspects of our worship services and musicians. It involves working collaboratively with our pastors on worship planning. This is currently a half-time position, however we can discuss options. Please contact Kari Brinks, at Hillcrest CRC, at kbrinks@hillcrestcrc.org for any questions or to submit a resume.
