HOME COMMUNICATOR
Last Thursday, we gathered for our Exploration Night Open House to share about how God is at work at HCS and to kick off early childhood enrollment for the 2024-2025 school year. Lots of families came to hear about our programs, walk our halls, and meet our teachers!
During the night, Betsy Haarsma, one of our HCS parents, shared how she has seen HCS as the intersection of faith and learning. She explained how her 3rd grader, 1st grader, and 4 Schooler have all grown in countless ways academically, and how she has seen their faith being nurtured daily through chapels, classroom worship, studying God’s Word and Creation, and through prayer.
”Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.
Deut. 6:4-9 NIV
One sweet story that Betsy shared was about her son who is in 4 School. Earlier this fall, Betsy had a big interview she had to do to get into nursing school, and she told her kids how nervous she was. Her son from the backseat exclaimed, “Mom, it’s okay to be nervous. But I have a verse from school for that. ‘When I am afraid I will trust in you.’” (Ps. 56:11)
What a gift to have Scripture written on the hearts of these little ones!! We are so thankful for the opportunity to walk alongside our students as they grow in their knowledge and their faith. As we study God’s world, learn letters and sounds, and learn how to interact with new friends and peers, HCS will continue to teach everything through the lens of Scripture!
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.” Deut. 6:4-9
Praising God for His Word,
Julie Moes
Early Childhood Director
ALL-SCHOOL NEWS
School Board Update
The HCS School Board met on January 22, 2024. Click HERE to view a summary of the meeting. The next meeting is scheduled for February 19, 2024. Thank you for your prayers and support of our school leadership and administrators.
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.
Moms in Prayer
We live in a culture that seeks to blind our children to the reality of God’s love for them. Praying with other moms for our children and our school breaks through these barriers, impacting them for Christ. This week Friday Moms in Prayer 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 1 and 2 this week. See you there!
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. In “Haphazardly Ever After,” a kind king and queen deal with a royal family that’s anything but ordinary — four moody, obnoxious children who hilariously fall short of their royal titles. We invite you to see the fun unfold on stage and support our HCS students! Stay tuned for ticket information.
Performance Dates:
- March 7th, 7pm
- March 8th, 7pm
- March 9th, 2pm
Location: Hudsonville Christian School, Middle School South Gym
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.
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.
EARLY CHILDHOOD AND KIDS' CORNER NEWS
Early Childhood Enrollment
Early Childhood enrollment is NOW OPEN! We will have an open enrollment window until January 31, and classes will be formed on February 1. You will be notified about class placement at the beginning of March! You may visit our website for additional information on our early childhood classes. If you have any questions, you may reach out to Julie Moes, our Early Childhood Director, at jmoes@4hcs.org.
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 Results
Congratulations to each of our 5th grade students who participated in our Spelling Bee last Thursday! Special congratulations to Clara Kuipers who took first place this year and to Ben Hughes who was our second place winner. They will both go on to compete at the Regional Spelling Bee!
5th Grade Greenfield Village Trip
Due to a busing conflict, the 5th Grade Greenfield Village Trip has been moved to May 17, 2024.
Before School Recess Help!
We are still in need of additional playground monitors before school on Monday & Thursday. The staff appreciates this time before school to prepare for the school day. If you are able to help them in this way, please sign up HERE or email Cindy Palmbos.
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.
- Lexi Roode leading chapel- Tuesday, January 30.
- 8th Grade Homeroom – Brower leading chapel – Thursday, February 1.
Hot Lunch
Hot Lunch this week Wednesday will be Culvers chicken tenders $3.00/2 pk. Pop and chips will also be sold for $.50 each. The full menu/schedule is listed on our website.
Donuts
Donuts will be sold during morning break this Friday for $1.50.
7th Grade Winter Camp
As a result of the snow days we have had, 7th grade Winter Camp has been rescheduled to this week 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.
Drone Competitions
The Drone team sign up is open! If you are interested in participating in the drone program, please fill out this form: https://forms.gle/tmNz7mbT2Tun1vgF9. (This form needs to be completed by the student.)
Practices will be on Tuesday and Thursday after school (3-4) starting Feb 5. This year there are 2 options for competing.
- 1 Tournament on March 9th (Saturday) at Grandville (Fennville is also an option if needed).
- Drone League at Grandville– 4 nights with a 5th Finals/Judging night. Feb 21, 28, March 6, 12, 13. 5:45pm-8:30pm)
If you are interested in participating be sure to submit the form by Feb 1. Contact robotics@4hcs.org with any questions.
Middle School Spelling Bee
Congratulations to each of our middle school students who participated in our Spelling Bee on Thursday, January 25, 2024. We are proud of all your work to prepare and be part of the Bee. Special congratulations to Olivia Vredevoogd who took first place this year and to Kyler Bebej who was our second place winner. They will both go on to compete at the Regional Spelling Bee!
Concession Sales
The middle school student leaders will host a concession stand after school and for the girls’ basketball game on Monday, February 12. Plan to get your snacks there and support our students!
Sus Manos Gleaners
Any middle school student may now sign up to serve at SUS Manos this week Wednesday, January 31 at this link: SUS MANOS. So far this year our HCMS students have helped process 214,000 servings of pasta and 80,000 servings of produce at eleven different service projects. Our students are difference makers!
Ski Club
Our next scheduled Ski Club outing is this Friday. An email was sent out yesterday to all Ski Club members with a form to complete if you plan to go. All forms should be submitted by Wednesday night. Money for lift tickets and rentals will be collected during break and lunch on Thursday.
PARENTS' CLUB NEWS
HCS AUCTION – 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).
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
8th Grade Unity Christian Mixer
Future UC Saders – Our next mixer event will be on Friday, February 9th at Unity Christian High School. Join other 8th graders from local schools before the Boys and Girls Varsity Basketball games. Meet at 5:00 pm in the main gym. Pizza and Water will be provided for FREE! Plan to stick around for the basketball games, starting at 6:00 pm. All 8th grade students will get into the games for free. Please reach out to Julie Essebaggers at Unity with any questions. Thanks and see you on the 9th!
Unity Christian New Student Nights
Unity Christian is holding New Student Nights on 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/.
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, event starts at 9am. The cost is $75/shooter ($50/student shooter). Register a team of 5 or sign up as an 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!
IF:Gathering at Evergreen Ministries
Evergreen Ministries will be hosting the IF:Gathering for the 8th year on February 24, 2024. This is a one day women’s event focusing on Because of Jesus. We want to create the opportunity for you to experience Jesus. We want you to remember His character, power, mystery, love and delight. You will be encouraged by speakers live streamed from Dallas, engaged in a time of worship, and have an opportunity to participate in a community celebrating what Jesus has done. A $15 fee will cover the event, snacks, and lunch. We invite you to join us, sign up today: IF: Hudsonville Registration
Group Therapy Coming to Love Your Neighbor
Group Therapy will now be offered at Love Your Neighbor in Hudsonville for adults in our community struggling with anxiety or depression. Sessions follow an 8 week repeating cycle, and anyone can join a group at any time. $5 per session. Learn more or register here.
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!
