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  • The 3rd grader who gave me a compliment in the cafeteria
  • A new song in chapel that left me in awe of my Creator
  • A warm, cozy office to enter into after 4 snow days

These 3 items made up my gratitude list last Friday. We might be tempted to focus on gratitude only in the month of November, but through a recent sermon series, my pastor challenged us to begin the habit of listing 3 items of gratitude as a daily spiritual practice. Neal Plantinga, in his recent book, Gratitude, defines gratitude as “a glad sense of being gifted with something by someone and thus being indebted to the giver.” The daily practice of expressing gratitude reminds us that God is the source of the things that bring us joy. Being grateful to God is not only our righteous duty, but it also makes us more faithful, joyful, generous, healthy, and content. 

As Christians, once we become aware of the importance of gratitude, we start to see occasions for it everywhere. We start to look for signs of God’s goodness all around us, and we slow down enough to notice them. As we entered back into the school year and began 2025, I’ve challenged myself to look for signs of God’s goodness at HCS and to slow down enough to notice them. Many of these items have made my daily gratitude list: For the 4th grader who grabbed her buddy’s hand as they walked down the hall, for the student I overheard saying kind things about someone else to a friend, for the genuine excitement of students watching a bird fly around in the hallway, for the teacher who bent down to listen to a concerned student, and so many more.

As the Curriculum Director, I have the privilege of witnessing how our students are not only learning academic content, but are also being taught to recognize God’s goodness in every moment and to practice gratitude in both big and small ways. In our classrooms, gratitude isn’t just reserved for Thanksgiving, it’s woven into the fabric of our daily interactions. From taking time each morning to thank God for the gift of another day, to praying for each other’s needs, to slowing down to recognize God’s goodness in all things, the practice of gratitude continues to bring us joy as we see the work God is doing at HCS. I invite you to join me in this practice as well. Let’s encourage our students to see every blessing- whether it’s a moment of joy or a challenge- as an opportunity to grow in gratitude to God.

Partnering with you,

Jen Rysdam
Director of Curriculum and Instruction

ALL-SCHOOL NEWS

Early Childhood Exploration Night 

If you are interested in information about 3 School, 4 School, Nature-Based 4 School, Young 5s, or Kindergarten at HCS, join us this Thursday, January 30 at our Early Childhood Open House. At this meeting for parents, you will have the opportunity to learn more about our Early Childhood and Kids’ Corner programs, meet the teachers, and visit classrooms.  Enrollment for the 2025-2026 school year will also begin that night!  

Parent Teacher Conferences

This winter we are looking forward to conferences with our parents February 11 and 13, 2025. The goal of Parent/Teacher Conferences at our school is to focus on the child so that the parents and teachers support each other in the nurturing of each child.  In the spirit of II Timothy 2:15 we continue this most important cause for our children and for the honor of God.

  • School will be in session regular hours on all conference days. 
  • There will be no school for 3 School through Grade 8 on Friday, February 14 

Elementary – NEW this year: Parents received an email last week Wednesday which included directions and a link to sign-up for their conference time(s) through PTCFast. Scheduling will close at midnight on Wednesday, February 5, 2025.  You will not be able to sign up online after that time.  Those not signed up will be assigned a conference time.  If you are not available on either night of conferences, please inform your child’s teacher so a conference can be arranged for another time and so the office staff won’t schedule on the 11th or 13th.

Middle School –  All Homeroom and Encore Teachers (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.  There are NO scheduled conference times for middle school students during the winter conference dates.  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.

Employment Opportunities

Early Childhood Director

Hudsonville Christian School is seeking a full-time Early Childhood Director for the 2025-2026 school year. This administrative position is responsible for overseeing the 3 School, 4 School, Nature-Based 4 School, and Kids’ Corner childcare. If interested, or would like more information, please contact Devon Brinks at dbrinks@4hcs.org or 616-669-6689.

Digital Copywriter and Social Media Coordinator

Are you passionate about storytelling, social media, and Christian education? HCS seeks a creative and dedicated individual to craft engaging digital content, manage our social media presence, and keep our website fresh and inspiring. This flexible, part-time role (12-16 hours per week) is perfect for a talented writer with a heart for sharing the story of God’s work at HCS. Join us in making an impact through Christ-centered storytelling! Review the full job description here. To apply, please send your resume, cover letter, and 2-3 writing samples to lfuller@4hcs.org.

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

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!

Running Club Volunteers

The Boys With A Goal running club is looking for a few more volunteers to help at practices in March and April from 2:50-3:50 sign up HERE

Moms In Prayer

This Friday moms will join together to pray for the first and second grade students and teachers. The Moms in Prayer will be meeting in the Middle School this week in the conference room across from the office. Please check in at the office. We invite you to join us and pray for these precious children.

All-State Performance

Congratulations to HCMS 8th grader Elijah Graeser on being selected to perform with the Michigan School Band & Orchestra Association’s All-State Middle School Band.  Elijah was selected from students who auditioned from across the entire state to perform in the clarinet section at the prestigious Michigan Music Conference last weekend.  Great work, Elijah!

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 23-26. Information and sign ups will come late February.

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.

EARLY CHILDHOOD & KIDS' CORNER NEWS

Early Childhood Enrollment for 2025-2026

If you are interested in information about 3 School, 4 School, Nature-Based 4 School, Young 5s, or Kindergarten at HCS, join us this Thursday, January 30 at our Early Childhood Open House. At this meeting for parents, you will have the opportunity to learn more about our Early Childhood and Kids’ Corner programs, meet the teachers, and visit classrooms.  Enrollment for the 2025-2026 school year will also begin that night! 

ELEMENTARY NEWS

Chapel

This week Friday, January 31, Mrs. Pettinga’s 1st grade class will lead chapel from 10:00-10:25. Parents are welcome to join us and may enter through the west gym lobby doors. 

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

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. 

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. Official invites will be sent home with your camper in the next few weeks. We can’t wait to welcome all our adventurers to Camp Firehawk!

Urgent Need – 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, January 28 – Mary Broene leading chapel
  • Friday, January 31 – Mrs. Sietsema’s Homeroom
  • Tuesday, February 4 – Mrs. Mast/Mrs. Kamper leading chapel

Hot Lunch

There will be NO Hot Lunch in the middle school this week.  Remember to pack a lunch!!

7th Grade Winter Camp

The 7th graders will be leaving for winter camp TOMORROW, January 29.  Please drop students and their gear off at school tomorrow morning between 7:50-8am on the WEST side of school by the NEW entrance. Plan to pick up students promptly at 2pm on Friday, January 31 on the EAST side of school by the parent pick-up/drop-off loop.  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. 

ATTENTION: When you arrive in the morning, if there is a bus in the circle drive in front of school, you MUST proceed to the right around the loop and wait behind the bus until it leaves. If there is not a bus in the loop, you may stay to the left and directly enter the WEST parking lot.  Thank you!

Exploratory Week 

This is Exploratory week!  Many of our HCMS staff members are offering classes for the students to further explore God’s world and creation in different ways during this week.  Please know that for this week students will have an abbreviated regular class schedule in the morning and will have their exploratory classes in the late morning/afternoon.  Please limit appointments as much as possible!

EOCS Band Concert

The EOCS Band Concert will be held at Fair Haven Ministries next Thursday, February 6th at 7:00 pm.  Stay tuned for further details. 

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

Our next ski club outing will be this week Friday, February 7!  Watch for an email to sign your child up in the next week.  We will be collecting money for lift tickets and rentals on Thursday, February 6 during morning and lunch break. Please be sure to MAKE CHECKS OUT TO BITTERSWEET SKI RESORT (not HCMS) or bring exact cash. Final Ski Club date: Feb. 24

Awesome Arts Day

HCMS is hosting Awesome Arts Day on Friday, March 14. We are looking for more people to present 40 minute hands-on presentations in their area of expertise. Past presentations have focused on visual, performance, and literary arts. If you or someone you know may be interested and available from 8-10:30 am, please contact Sara Jager – sjager@4hcs.org.

COMMUNITY NEWS

Unity Christian New Student Nights

Unity Christian is holding New Student Nights on January 29, February 3, 10, 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.

Boys Lacrosse for Grades 3 – 8  

Are you looking for something fun, fast, and exciting for your son to do this spring?  Try lacrosse – the fastest sport on two feet!  The Unity/Jenison co-op begins this spring and all boys 3rd-8th grade in the EOCS are invited to join Jenison’s youth lacrosse program.  There will be an informational meeting for parents on Wednesday, January 29th at 6:00 pm in the Jenison Wildcat Fieldhouse.  Coaches will meet with parents to cover lacrosse basics, schedules, equipment needed, and goals for the season.   Boys are also invited to try lacrosse most Saturdays to see if they are interested in playing before committing to the season (equipment is available to try).  Boys 3rd-6th grade meet from 12:30-2:30 pm and 7th-8th grade meets from 2:30-4:30 pm in the Jenison Fieldhouse to work on lacrosse fundamentals.  No experience necessary!  Follow Jenison Boys Youth Lacrosse on Facebook for more information.

Unity Christian Flag Football for Boys Grades 2 – 7

Unity Christian will be hosting a Saturday afternoon Flag Football Camp on February 1, 8, 15, and 22 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 29.  Online registration and a flyer with more information can be found at https://unitychristianathletics.org/main/campsclinics/.

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. Early bird registration ($20 discount) runs through February 3. The final registration deadline is March 5. We hope to see you there!

Part-Time Job Opportunity

Dr. Jeremy Hess has opened a new location in Grandville treating snoring and sleep apnea with oral appliance therapy (an alternative to CPAP). We are looking for a caring medical/dental assistant who would enjoy working for a Christian business owner to fill a growing healthcare need in our community. Medical or dental assisting experience preferred. 2 days per week. Up to $25 per hour including PTO, paid holidays, and other benefits. Please send your resume to drhess@oasleep.com or text directly to 616.293.8414.

Hudsonville Little League

Hudsonville Little League 2025 Spring Registrations are Open! Click HERE for more information.

IMPORTANT DATES

January 27-28
Preschool Parent/Teacher Conferences (no school for 3S/4S/NB4S)
January 27-31
MS Exploratory Week
January 29-31
7th Grade Winter Camp
January 30
Early Childhood Exploration Night
February 6
EOCS Band Concert at Fair Haven Church
February 10 and 11
Limited Busing AM & PM
February 11 and 13
Parent/Teacher Conferences
February 14 and 17
Winter Break (no school for students)
February 28
Early Release