HOME COMMUNICATOR
My pastor preached on giving recently. He mentioned that this topic typically puts the pastor on shaky ground as some consider giving to be too personal of a topic. But as he proceeded, he suggested that giving is not a personal, private topic, but rather it is a public reflection of a community’s heart condition, a blessing to our Lord, and a way to further the Kingdom.
Hudsonville Christian Community, your heart beats for the Lord and His work. As a partner with you in advancing His kingdom through Christian Education at HCS for more than 5 years now, I never cease to be amazed as I witness the Lord moving among this community through giving. Generosity and cheerful giving characterize this community, and the opportunity to participate in what God is doing is met with enthusiasm and gratitude with no thought to personal gain or public recognition. It is a beautiful thing, and it is making an eternal impact.
”Please join us this week in celebrating the many ways God is working through the HCS Community
Because of your heart condition, HCS Community, you are making it possible for our 1st grade children to learn about God’s Big Words such as Sacrifice, Truth, Perseverance, Grace and Forgiveness and how to be more like Jesus. Because of your generosity, you are helping our 5th grade students participate in Grace Walk each year, walking their way through Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross and reflecting in journals about how His sacrifice changes everything. Because of your partnership, you are making it possible for our Middle School Student Leaders to pray their way through leadership decisions and carry them out the way our Savior did through service and sacrifice. Because of your faithfulness, you are making room for families who could otherwise not be here if it wasn’t for your gift to tuition assistance.
Please join me this week in celebrating the many ways God is working through the HCS Community and join me in giving thanks for how the mission of Christian education can be sustained each year through the generous hearts of our community. We look forward to gathering with you for one of our fundraising events, the HCS Auction, coming up on Saturday, March 2.
Rachel Landstra
Mission Advancement
ALL-SCHOOL NEWS
End of Semester/Report Cards
Last week Friday, January 19 marked the end of the first semester for our students. Report cards will be posted in RenWeb for students in 4 School – 8th Grade on Friday, January 26.
Early Release
This week Friday, January 26 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.
School Board Candidates
The Hudsonville Christian School Board is receiving names for possible candidates to serve as board members for a three-year period beginning July 2024. Please submit names of qualified candidates to Devon Brinks, Superintendent, by email at dbrinks@4hcs.org or the school office (669-6689) by Friday, February 2, 2024.
Parent Teacher Conferences
This winter we are looking forward to conferences with our parents February 13 and 15, 2024 for students in Young 5s – 8th grade. 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 16 and Monday, February 19.
Joy Jars
Last Thursday, JOY99 joined us at school to raise money for JoyJars. During the 3 hours that they were broadcasting live from HCS, there was $2,430 raised!! GOD IS GOOD. Thank you for donating and supporting a great organization. Congratulations to Mr. Meengs’ class, you’ll be having pizza in the upcoming weeks for being drawn as the winning class for the pizza party!
Moms in Prayer
Moms in Prayer invites you to have a profound impact on your children and HCS by praying scripturally with other moms each Friday. This week 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 our young 5’s and kindergarten classes this week. See you there!
Long Term Sub Needed
We are looking for a long term sub to teach in the middle school. The position will teach 7th grade English Extensions as well as an 8th grade Careers class (the curriculum is already planned). This sub starts after Spring Break (April 8) and would continue through the end of the school year. It is a part time position with the following schedule:
- Monday/Wednesday: 8:40-1:15
- Tuesday/Thursday/Friday: 8:40-11:15
Please reach out to Chris Achterhof (cachterhof@4hcs.org) if you or anyone you know is interested.
Employment Opportunity – Finance Assistant
HCS is seeking a Finance Assistant to join our team as a part-time or full-time position. If interested, or desire to learn more about the position, please contact Devon Brinks, Superintendent at dbrinks@4hcs.org or at 616-669-6689.
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.
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-5th 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.
5th Grade Spelling Bee
Congratulations to Laura Brothers, Quinn Fuller, Ben Hughes, Clara Kuipers, Madilynn Penning, Jack Richardson, Joshua Verbree, Ella VerLee, Hannah Voorhees and Christian Ypma for being one of the top 2 spellers in their 5th grade class. We will be having a 5th grade spelling bee this Thursday, January 25.
Urgent Before School Recess Help!
We are still in need of additional playground monitors especially before school on Wednesday and Thursday! If you are able to help please sign up HERE or email Cindy Palmbos.
EARLY CHILDHOOD AND KIDS' CORNER NEWS
Early Childhood Open House
If you are interested in information about 3 School, 4 School, Nature-Based 4 School, Young 5s, or Kindergarten at HCS, join us for our Early Childhood Open House this Thursday, January 25 at 6:30 PM. At this meeting for parents, you will learn more about our Early Childhood and Kids’ Corner programs and also get to meet the teachers in these areas. We will kick off our enrollment for the 2024-2025 school year that night!
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.
- No chapel Tuesday, January 23 due to 6th grade Medieval day.
- Jen Large leading chapel – Thursday, January 25.
Hot Lunch
Hot Lunch this week Wednesday will be Pizza Ranch pizza (cheese/bacon) $2.50/slice. Pop and chips will also be sold for $.50 each. The full menu/schedule is listed on our website.
7th Grade Winter Camp
As a result of the snow days we have had, 7th grade Winter Camp has been rescheduled to Wednesday, January 31 – Friday, February 2. 7th Grade students are to arrive between 7:50-8am Wednesday morning Jan. 31. Students will then be picked up promptly at 2pm Friday, Feb. 2. If you have any questions do not hesitate to contact the school. We look forward to this time of fellowship and adventure for our 7th graders.
Middle School Spelling Bee
The middle school Spelling Bee is scheduled for this Thursday, January 25. Each grade level can qualify up to eight students. Information is available from the 6th-8th grade language arts teachers. If you have any questions, contact Joy De Windt at jdewindt@4hcs.org.
Orchestra Music ‘Til Midnight
Happening this Friday, January 26 there is the opportunity for all orchestra students to participate in Orchestra Music ‘Till Midnight. This fun event will go from 8:30 pm till 11:30 pm and the cost is $10. There will be games, open gym, rehearsal, clinic, pizza and snacks. This is highly recommended as they will be preparing for the festival happening on March 5. Please turn in the permission slip ASAP.
Concession Sales
The middle school student leaders will host a concession stand after school and for the girls’ basketball games on Thursday, January 25, and on Monday, February 12. Plan to get your snacks there and support our students!
Sus Manos Gleaners
The next Sus Manos service project will be after school on Wednesday, January 31. The homerooms of the Zesty Zucchinis (Ms. Helms and Mr. Machiela) get the first chance to sign up at this link: SUS MANOS
Ski Club Members
As communicated recently via email, for those of you who signed up for the ski club, you are able to use your ski club card any Friday or Sunday afternoon. Future scheduled ski club dates are: 02/02, 02/09, 02/23 & 03/01 with a potential make-up date of 03/22.
PARENTS' CLUB NEWS
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).
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.
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. Lace-up your sneakers and get in the game with a lineup of activities that will 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 up 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. Registration flyers will be sent home soon. Let the games begin!
COMMUNITY NEWS
Unity Christian New Student Nights
Unity Christian is holding New Student Nights on January 24, 29, February 5, 7, and 12. All 8th grade families should have received a packet in the mail as well as an email with a link to sign up. If you have not received the packet and email and are interested in signing up for an evening, please contact Julie Essebaggers at jessebaggers@unitychristian.org or 616-669-1820.
Unity Christian Flag Football for Boys Grades 2 – 7
Unity Christian will be hosting a Saturday afternoon Flag Football Camp on February 3, 10, 17, and 24 for boys in 2nd through 7th grades. Instruction will be given on basic skills, fundamentals, and rules of football, but most of the time will focus on playing flag football. No experience is necessary, and players of any level are encouraged to participate. Boys in 2nd-3rd will meet from 12 – 1 p.m., 4th-5th will meet from 1:15 – 2:15 p.m., and 6th-7th will meet from 2:30 – 3:30 p.m. Cost is $35, and the deadline to register is January 31. Online registration and a flyer with more information can be found at https://unitychristianathletics.org/main/campsclinics/.
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! There will be 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. We hope to see you there!
