HOME COMMUNICATOR
Maycember is here! Our culture jokes about this play on words, blending the months of May and December to remind us that this season can feel just as busy as the holiday rush. The calendar quickly fills with late-night sports, graduations, end-of-the-year school events, and summer planning. Along with the packed schedules come plenty of big emotions as well — families celebrating accomplishments, seniors feeling bittersweet about moving on, and students and parents wondering what summer will bring. No matter what is filling your calendar or your heart right now, I imagine many of you are feeling the pressure of trying to fit it all in while keeping up with the endless details.
Although the classrooms and hallways at HCS are full of activity and year-end celebrations, we are striving to keep our mission — “Challenging Minds and Lives for Christ” — at the forefront of all we do. Over the past few weeks, we have had many opportunities to worship and glorify God in meaningful ways:
Walkathon: Students had a wonderful time running and walking around the track (and playground) to raise support for HCS. We are incredibly thankful for God’s provision through the generosity of our community, as more than $186,000 was raised to support our school and its mission!
Preschool Open House: It was a joy to welcome families to our preschool open house and see both familiar and new faces filling the halls. The wide-eyed excitement of the 3- and 4-year-olds was sweet to witness, along with a few understandable nerves as they explored their classrooms. Our teachers and staff did a beautiful job reflecting God’s love by meeting the children at their level and helping them feel that HCS is a fun, safe, and welcoming place to learn and grow.
National Day of Prayer: Our 2nd grade classes helped lead a meaningful observance of the National Day of Prayer through activities centered on prayer, worship, and reflection on our need for Jesus’ sacrifice. Classes rotated through stations where students listened to live worship music, journaled about their faith, and gathered around the cross to remember what Christ has done for us. It was a moving and impactful experience for both students and staff.
As the pace of this “Maycember” season continues, my prayer is that we would not lose sight of what matters most. In the middle of the busy schedules, celebrations, and end-of-year responsibilities, may we continue to make space to notice God’s goodness, celebrate the ways He is working in our school community, and keep our hearts centered on Christ. Thank you for partnering with HCS as we continue the important work of challenging minds and lives for Him.
Jenny Gorter
Director of Educational Support Services
SCHOOL-WIDE NEWS
This week is Firehawk Friday
Firehawk Friday is Friday, May 15! Show your HCS spirit by wearing your favorite HCS or Firehawk apparel!
2026-2027 School Calendar
The 2026–2027 HCS School Calendar is now available for viewing: 2026-2027 Calendar
As you review next year’s schedule, please note:
- Strong efforts were made to balance the calendar of UCHS and also HPS Transportation.
- Early release and limited busing dates remain subject to change based on the final HPS schedule release this summer.
- An updated calendar reflecting the most accurate early release and limited busing dates will be shared in our August letter to parents.
Memorial Day
We will have a full day of school on Friday, May 22 with dismissal at 2:40. HPS will run limited busing for the AM and PM routes. The following buses will run their regular route: 64/57, 78/9, 76. If your HPS bus number is not listed you must provide your own transportation to and from school on May 22. There will be no school on Memorial Day, May 25.
Last Day of School
The last day of school for grades Y5-7 will be Friday, May 29. It will be a half day, dismissing at 11:10 AM. HPS will run limited busing at 11:10. The following buses will run their regular route: 64/57, 78/9, 76. If your HPS bus number is not listed you must provide your own transportation home on May 29. Kids’ Corner will close at 11:10 AM that day.
Unity Christian Transportation
Parents of students who ride the Unity Christian buses, please watch for an email from Doug VanderPloeg regarding busing arrangements for the remainder of the school year.
Parent Volunteering
Thank you for all you’ve done for the school this year! Volunteering not only helps our school, but it helps families get to know one another and creates a sense of family within our school community! Click HERE to access the SignUpGenius forms for 2026-2027. Contact the Hudsonville Christian Parents’ Club Board with questions! pcb@4hcs.org
2026-2027 HCS Theme T-Shirt Order
Every year HCS makes school shirts featuring the theme for the academic year. All 3 School – 4th grade students receive an HCS theme t-shirt in September. There is no order form for 3 School – 4th grade students. A school shirt is not automatically ordered for Middle School students (grades 5th-8th), but any student who wants one is invited to order one using this link. One free shirt is made available for 5th – 8th grade students! Parents and family may also purchase shirts at the link above. All orders must be submitted by May 22.
Moms in Prayer
This week Friday the Moms in Prayer will be gathering for our final week of community prayer. We will be meeting at the Elementary School in the outdoor pavilion from 8:00-9:00 a.m. Check in at the main office and then head outside. We will be praising God for his goodness, faithfulness and asking his blessing on our summer months. We hope to see you there!
HCS Walkathon was a HUGE Success
We praise Him for the overwhelming support of the HCS Community in helping us raise $186,006.38 at the Walkathon (including sponsor donations)! The preschoolers raised $13,954 to be used for our Early Childhood Program. The Walkathon Committee would like to express appreciation to the following people for their help in making the event a success:
- To our great students for working hard at getting pledges and hitting our goal of over $100,000.
- To our teachers for challenging and encouraging kids to get pledges.
- To our parents for supporting their kids in this event, and to many who came to encourage the kids out at the track, and for the beautiful weather!!
- To all the staff members who helped the committee get things ready.
- To our business sponsors whose support helped make this event possible; Gemmen’s Ace Hardware, Ascent Wealth Partners, BlueTrust, Creekside, Elite Electrical Services, Generation Three Financial, Gebben’s Concrete & West Michigan Poured Walls, Hi-Tech Fasteners, Langerak Roof Systems, Kessel & Bouwens Orthodontics, SoundOff Signal, TMI Compressed Air Systems, VanTimmeren Family Dentistry, Watermark Advisory Group, Alliance Investment Management, Auto Body Xperts, Bareman & Associates, Bolhouse LLC, Complete Roofing and Repair, Cottage Home, Dean Boiler, DeWent Redi-Mix, DeYoung Developments, DHE, Fusion Properties, Healthy Choice Family Chiropractic, Higher Health Chiropractic, Hop Insurance Agency, Inontime, Kroll Furnace, Lakewood Construction, OVD Insurance, Rise Roofing, Riverbend Body Shop, Rush Creek Advisors, S&G Properties, Sunrise Acres Farms and West Michigan Shredding.
- Above all, to our Heavenly Father who has placed us in this place at this time with a wonderful community to raise our children!
Per lap pledge forms are due TODAY! All prizes will be going home this week for those who have turned in their pledges. Thank you again for your overwhelming support of Hudsonville Christian School through the Walkathon this year!
Yearbooks
2025-2026 Yearbooks are available for purchase for $35 each in the Elementary Office and Middle School Office while supplies last!
Employment Opportunities
If you are passionate about Christian education and are dedicated to following Christ, we invite you to consider one of the open employment positions.
Summer Art Camp
If you have a student who has a passion for art and would like to continue fueling their creative fire in the summer, Mrs. Schaap is hosting a summer Art Camp. This camp is intended for grades 2-5 and will push students creatively and expand their art knowledge. Click the link to learn more and sign up.
Camp Crazee Fun
Camp Crazee Fun is for any student or friend entering 3rd-8th grade. Join Mr. Los for Crazee Fun June 1-4 at our elementary west gym. For more information and to register click HERE. ***PLEASE*** write checks payable to Dan Los. Any questions please email Mr. Los – dlos@4hcs.org
Robotics
Robotics sign ups are now open for students entering 7th and 8th grade in the fall. Students can pick up a form from the middle school office. Forms are due May 29. Sign ups for students entering 5th and 6th grade will take place after school starts in the fall.
Summer Camp Opportunities
Coding Camp – For students entering 5th grade and up. We will be using the Robolink Zumi robots and learning about the sensors on the robot and how we can use them to have Zumi navigate through town. Camp will run June 8-12 from 10am-12pm, and cost is $75. Sign up here by May 29. Camp size will be limited to 10 students to ensure all students are able to have a robot to work with. A second session may be added in August if needed.
Drone Camp– For students entering 5th grade and up. We will be learning how to fly and code a drone! If you think you might be interested in joining the drone team next year, this is a great way to learn more about the program. Camp will run August 3-7 from 10am-12pm, and the cost is $75. Sign up here by July 27. Camp size will be limited to 6 students to ensure students are able to have a drone to work with. A second session may be added if needed.
If you have questions or need more information, please email – robotics@4hcs.org
Pigs in a Blanket Sale
Pigs in a blanket are for sale in the admin. office at the elementary building for $15/dozen! Thanks so much for supporting HCS!
ELEMENTARY NEWS
Chapel
This week Friday, May 15 the middle school student praise team will lead us in a special all school chapel at 9:45 in the elementary west gym. Parents are welcome to join us and may enter through the west gym lobby doors.
Coffee will be served in the west gym lobby before and after every chapel for the remainder of the school year. Hot and iced coffee will be available by donation, with a suggested $3 contribution. You can pay with cash or simply tap your phone or card. Donations will be matched by The Rouge and Roots Salon and Spa and all proceeds will go directly to the Tuition Stabilization Fund. Enjoy some coffee and help support our school!
Elementary Hot Lunch
Information on the Elementary Hot Lunch program provided by JenHud Food Service can be found on the JenHud Food Service website. Make deposits and monitor your account through the Family Portal. If you have questions please contact the food service at foodservice@hpseagles.net.
Breakfast is also served from 7:30-7:50am each morning, before the school day begins. Breakfast is open to any Y5 – 4th grade student. Students who currently pay full price for meals will pay $2.00 for a school breakfast. Students whose families have an approved Free/Reduced meal application will receive breakfast at NO CHARGE. Refer to your parent email for more details.
Cookies
Due to the all-school chapel, cookies will not be sold this week Friday. Instead, elementary students will have the opportunity to purchase freshly baked chocolate chip cookies next week Friday, May 22 for $.25 each (limit 4).
5th Grade Band and Orchestra
Last week Mr. Knot and Mrs. Jager introduced the Band and Orchestra instruments to the entire 4th grade. This week students have the opportunity to try several of the instruments. Based on student interest and director recommendations, students will receive a letter with an instrument recommendation and more information. An online form will be sent to all of the 4th grade families confirming a final instrument choice. Please contact Mr. Knot (Band Director) or Mrs. Jager (Orchestra Director) with any questions.
5th Grade Orientation
This Thursday, May 14, our Middle school Student Leaders will visit the 4th graders at the elementary giving them the inside scoop on Middle school life and answer any questions they might have. On May 18 & 19 current 4th grade students will take a tour of the Middle school. They will have a chance to check out the classrooms, meet the 5th grade teachers and get a sneak peek at what being a middle schooler looks like!
Blacklight Dodgeball
After careful consideration during the planning process, Mr. Los has decided that Blacklight Dodgeball will not be offered to parents this year due to the supervision and safety connected to the event. We understand this activity has been enjoyed by many students in the past, and we appreciate your understanding as alternative opportunities and activities are planned for students to enjoy in the future.
Lost and Found
Please remind your child(ren) to check out the lost and found items in the hall by the lower elementary office to see if anything belongs to them. Parents – please check out the lost and found when you are at school. Unclaimed items will be donated to Revive over the summer.
MIDDLE SCHOOL NEWS
Chapel
Students and staff will gather for chapel from 7:55-8:25 AM in the south gym on Tuesday and Friday. Parents are welcome to join us!
Tuesday, May 12 – Kyle DeVries – Hudsonville Reformed Church leading chapel
Friday, May 15 – All School Chapel (Elementary West Gym- 9:45)
Tuesday, May 19 – 5th Grade Students
Hot Lunch
Hot Lunch this Wednesday, May 13 will be Chick Fil A Chicken Sandwiches – $4.50/sandwich. Pop sold for $1.00 and chips $.50. THIS WILL BE THE LAST HOT LUNCH OF THE YEAR!!
Spring Concerts
Please note the upcoming concerts:
- The Spring Choir and Orchestra Concert- Join us TONIGHT for the MS Spring Fling, featuring the 5th–8th grade orchestras and the 6th–8th grade choirs. The concert will begin at 7:00 PM at Fair Haven and promises to be a wonderful evening of music and praise. Students should arrive no later than 6:40 PM dressed in their concert uniforms, which include black bottoms and a solid white top. We hope you can attend and enjoy this special performance!
- The Spring Band Concert is coming up on Thursday, May 21, 7:00 pm, at Fair Haven Ministries. Students should arrive at 6:40 pm wearing our black/white concert “uniform.” This concert will feature the 5th, 6th, 7th-8th Bands playing alone and together. I expect the concert to last about one hour in length. There will be a rehearsal during the school day at Fair Haven in the afternoon.
5th Grade Greenfield Village Trip
The 5th Grade will be traveling to Greenfield Village this Friday, May 15. The buses leave from the middle school at 7:00 am. Please watch for detailed information to come from your 5th Grade teachers.
End of Year Details
As we wrap the year up, please help your child take care of final details. Any Lunch IOUs or library fines MUST be paid before the end of the year. Any library books or other borrowed items should be returned to the proper location or teacher.
Lost and Found
There are many lost and found items in the middle school. Please encourage your child to look through the items displayed at school for their belongings! Parents, you are also welcome to stop by and look for anything belonging to your student. We will donate any unclaimed items on June 12!
Summer Orchestra Lessons – Now Enrolling! ☀️🎶
Keep your music going strong all summer long! Our Summer Orchestra Lessons are the perfect way to stay sharp, build new skills, and have fun playing.
– Open to all levels – beginners to advanced (even if you want to start late)
– Focus on technique, tone, and ensemble skills
– Violin, viola, cello, and bass students welcome
Avoid the “summer slide” and come back even stronger in the fall! Please fill out this Google Form: Summer Lesson Form
Class selections – Next Year
An email was sent out on April 13 describing the classes offered/required for each grade, as well as a link to select which classes your child would like to take next year. This information is essential as we plan and start working on scheduling for next year. The class selections were due on Friday, May 1. If you have not submitted your selections, please do so right away! If you do not have your selections we will be unable to schedule your child’s classes.
6th Grade Parents – Immunizations
Please note that additional immunizations are required for students going into 7th grade next year. You can reference this LINK for additional information. An email will be going out to all 6th grade parents as well. Please watch for this and contact the Middle School Office with any questions. The State of Michigan requires that immunizations or exemptions MUST be up to date prior to starting school in the fall.
COMMUNITY NEWS
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 at this link. We look forward to hosting your students at Unity sports camps this summer!
Unity Musical Theater Camp
Unity Musical Theater Camp will be held at Unity from June 1–4, 5:00–7:00 PM, and is open to students in grades 5–9. Participants will learn musical selections, develop skills in singing harmonies, and build confidence in expressive performance. The camp will also cover acting techniques, blocking, and foundational dance moves commonly used in Unity and Broadway productions. These skills are designed to support future auditions and performances at Unity. Attendees should wear comfortable workout clothing. To register, please visit the Unity website under Parent Resources or click this link .
Unity Christian Youth Football Registration
Registration is now open for our youth football program for boys in grades 3 – 8. For more information on the program and schedule information, please see the document found at this link. To sign up for youth football, please click here. Registration and program details can also be found at unitychristianathletics.orgunder the “More” tab. We look forward to the upcoming season, and feel free to contact us with any questions you may have!
Cornerstone Soccer Summer Camp
Cornerstone is offering a faith-based environment where players are cared for and their joy for the game of soccer is grown. Join current Cornerstone University head coach, Sam Tracey for the coed Cornerstone Soccer Summer Camp June 22-25! Gain experience both on the collegiate grass game field as well as the turf softball and baseball fields. It will be a week full of skill development, competition, and tons of fun! ANY soccer experience is welcome at our camp. Click here for more information and registration.
