HOME COMMUNICATOR
When I was a kid, my family spent one week every summer at a tiny cabin on Fremont Lake. I looked forward to this trip every year and took part in many preparations. I made elaborate checklists for the family so we wouldn’t forget any essentials and started packing weeks in advance. My dad and I took our annual outing to the Towne Club Pop center and got our wooden case filled with the family’s favorite flavors. My mom set pennies on the kitchen windowsill to mark how many days until we finally left on our trip. I would remove a penny each day and it felt like an eternity. It was hard to concentrate on anything else because I was consumed with excitement!
Fast forward to today. It’s May, and many students (and possibly a few parents and staff members) are experiencing that pennies-on-the-windowsill feeling as the school year comes to a close. It can be difficult for students to concentrate when the freedom of summer is so near, so our teachers work hard to make learning especially fun and engaging in these last few weeks of school.
Here are just a few things that have been or will be happening at the elementary building in the month of May:
- Michigan Museum presentations
- Releasing the salmon in a nearby creek
- Participating in the National Day of Prayer
- Solving problems and designing solutions in STEM activities
- Celebrating and sharing this year’s work and growth
- Grade level worship times
- Watching tadpoles turn into frogs
- Planning worship for the last chapel of the year
The work our staff is doing day in and day out is so important. God is working through their words, their actions, their stories, their Bible lessons, their devotions, their faith conversations….all of it. My prayer is that they will finish this year strong, continuing to show their students who Jesus is and the importance of having a relationship with Him. Please join me in praying for our incredible staff as they finish this school year!
In His service,
Tricia Kiepert
Elementary Principal
SCHOOL-WIDE NEWS
Memorial Day
We will have a full day of school on Friday, May 23 with dismissal at 2:40 PM. HPS will run limited busing for the AM and PM routes. The following buses will run their regular route: 57, 60 and 78. If your HPS bus number is not listed you must provide your own transportation to and from school on May 23. There will be no school on Memorial Day, May 26.
Last Day of School
The last day of school for grades Y5-7 will be Friday, May 30. It will be a half day, dismissing at 11:10 AM. HPS will run limited busing dismissal. The following buses will run their regular route: 57, 60 and 78. If your HPS bus number is not listed you must provide your own transportation home on May 30. Kids’ Corner will close at 3:00pm that afternoon.
Unity Christian Transportation
Parents of students who ride the Unity Christian buses, please refer to the email from Doug VanderPloeg regarding busing arrangements for the remainder of the school year.
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. We will be praising God for his goodness, faithfulness and asking his blessing on our summer months. We hope to see you there!
2025-2026 HCS Theme T-Shirt Order
This fall all students in 3 School – 4th Grade will receive an HCS t-shirt to wear for field trips, chapels and other activities no need to order! Middle School students, 5th-8th grade, are given the option to order one free of charge and parents, if you want to order a theme t-shirt for yourself, there is a cost of $6.00 each. To order a 2025-2026 HCS Theme T-Shirt for a Middle School student or for yourself, fill out this form by May 23.
Parents of 2nd-8th grade students
NWEA® MAP® Growth™ test family reports will be mailed home early June. Please keep an eye out for them.
Report cards
Parents, please note that report cards will be emailed on Friday, June 6 for all grades. This is a shift from the previously published date of May 30.
Summer Office Hours
This summer, the administrative office and middle school office will be open Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 9 AM to 3 PM.
We want to hear from YOU!
In an effort to partner with you, HCS would value parent feedback on our communication practices. Please take a moment to fill out a short survey as we make strides to better connect with you throughout the school year.
Golf Outing – August 4
Tee up for a day of leisure and connection at the annual HCS Golf Outing! On August 4, you are invited to Railside Golf Club for a round of fun to support our school. To sign up as a golfer or sponsor for this event, please visit our website for more information.
Employment Opportunities
We are seeking a full-time (40–50 hours/week) Head Custodian for our Middle School building for the 2025-2026 school year. The ideal candidate is a self-starter who will take pride in maintaining a clean, safe, and well-cared-for facility through year-round cleaning and maintenance. If you’re interested or would like more information about the position, please contact Devon Brinks, Superintendent, at dbrinks@4hcs.org.
We are looking for a motivated and caring person to join our Elementary Educational Support Service Team as a paraprofessional. As a vital part of our ESS team, you will work closely with the ESS coordinator and/or special education teacher to provide support to students who require specialized instruction. Responsibilities would include working with students individually and in groups, assisting with implementing lessons, providing accommodations, and building relationships with students. Candidates should hold a teaching certificate or have experience in the field and be flexible in adapting to the changing demands of student needs. This position will be part-time between 20 and 25 hours a week. If you have any questions regarding this opportunity, please reach out to Jenny Gorter, Director of Educational Support Services at jgorter@4hcs.org
Camp Crazee Fun
Camp Crazee Fun is back! Click HERE for more information and the registration form. Deadline is May 30. Any questions email Mr. Los.
HCS Returnables Shed
You are invited to drop off your returnable cans and bottles to the recycling shed at any time! The shed is located in the elementary school north parking lot off of Hillcrest Ave. Thank you for supporting our school!
ELEMENTARY NEWS
Chapel
This week Friday, May 23, Mrs. Brinks’ 1st grade class will lead chapel 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 and other information on the Elementary Hot Lunch program provided by JenHud Food Service can be found on the JenHud Food Service website.
Cookies
This week Friday morning students will have the opportunity to purchase freshly baked chocolate chip cookies for $.25 each (limit 4).
Library Books
All books must be returned by Tuesday, May 27. If you have any questions, please contact Miss Staal at mjstaal@4hcs.org
Blacklight Dodgeball
This week, join your child during their PE time in the East Gym. Please come dressed in neon and tennis shoes and check in at the main office. Any questions, please email Mr. Los- dlos@4hcs.org
4th Grade Parents
Today, May 20, 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.
Band and Orchestra
On Friday, May 16, Mr. Knot and Mrs. Jager introduced the Band and Orchestra instruments to the entire 4th grade. This week students will 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.
Hot Lunch Survey
In Middle School, hot lunch is offered one day a week, on Wednesdays, beginning in September. A very important part of how we make hot lunch work is student surveys on what they will and will not purchase. A form needs to be completed for each child- EVEN IF YOUR CHILD WILL NOT PURCHASE HOT LUNCH. This Form was due MAY 14th however a large number of families have not submitted this. IT IS VERY IMPORTANT WE HAVE THIS INFORMATION SO THAT WE CAN ORDER THE CORRECT AMOUNT OF FOOD. If you have any questions or concerns, please email Kim Racey at kracey10@gmail.com
Summer Tutoring
A list of teachers that are available for summer tutoring can be found on our website.
Lost and Found
Our elementary lost and found is bursting with items. Please remind your child(ren) to check out these 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. All unclaimed items will be donated to Revive.
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! 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, May 20 – Reflections Chapel
- Friday, May 23 – Staff Praise and Worship Chapel
Cookies
This week Friday morning students will have the opportunity to purchase freshly baked chocolate chip cookies for $.25 each (limit 4).
Hot Lunch
Hot lunch has concluded for the year please make sure your student packs a lunch Wednesday!
Hot Lunch Survey – Overdue
A very important part of how we make hot lunch work is student surveys on what they will and will not purchase. A survey needs to be completed for each child- EVEN IF YOUR CHILD WILL NOT PURCHASE HOT LUNCH. Please choose the appropriate link for the grade your child(ren) will be entering for the 2025-2026 school year (NOT their CURRENT grade).
The survey was due MAY 14. WE STILL NEED RESPONSES FROM QUITE A FEW FAMILIES! This information is necessary for the proper amount of food to be ordered. If you have not completed the survey please do so ASAP! If you have any questions or concerns, please email Kim Racey.
8th Grade Class Trip & Graduation
Tuesday, May 27 – Class Trip (May 29 is rain date)
- Drop off at school by 7:50 AM / Pick up at school at 7:20 PM
Wednesday, May 28 – Graduation rehearsal, ceremony, and after-party
- Drop off at school by 7:50 AM / Pick up at Fairhaven Church at 10:30 AM
- Students arrive at Fairhaven Church by 6:30 PM /Graduation ceremony is at 7:00 PM
- Drop off at Urban Air at 9:00 PM / Pick up at Urban Air by 11:00 PM
6th Grade
Service Project
As part of their year-end Justice Unit, students will be serving at various community organizations on the morning of May 29, and then celebrating together at Millenium Park. They also will be collecting these items: egg cartons, canned goods, and toiletry items for Jehovah Jireh: size 5, size 6 diapers, and diaper wipes for the Family LIFE Center, and decorated lunch bags for Kids’ Food Basket. Parents, look for the handout that was sent home today.
Immunization Requirements
There are immunization requirements for students prior to starting 7th grade. An email with additional information, including which immunizations are needed, was sent out a few weeks ago. Please keep this in mind when scheduling your child’s future appointments. Contact the Middle school office with any questions 616-379-0338.
Lost and Found
Two tables have been set up near the Middle school office with all the remaining Lost and Found items. Please take a moment to stop in or have your child stop and check to see if any of the items might belong to you. Anything remaining once school has concluded for the year will be donated to Revive.
COMMUNITY NEWS
Unity Christian Summer Sports Camps
The registration link and schedule of Unity’s summer sports camps can be found HERE. Please contact Unity’s Athletic Office at 669-1820 orathletics@unitychristian.org with any questions you may have!
Unity Christian Musical Theater Camp
Musical Theatre Camp will take place at Unity Christian High School June 2-5 from 5:00-7:00 pm! Come learn musical songs and how to sing in parts while being expressive, acting and blocking skills that will help you in future Unity auditions and productions, and common dance moves from Unity and Broadway shows. Sign up HERE. Remember to wear workout clothes.
Unity Christian Youth Football for Grades 3 – 8
Registration for Unity Christian Youth Football is now open! We will have 3rd/4th grade team(s), 5th/6th grade team(s), two 7th grade teams, and an 8th grade team. Practices for 3rd-6th grades will begin on August 11 and grades 7 & 8 will begin on August 18. To plan accurately for the number of teams we will have in the fall, we ask that you register your player by June 1. For more information and to register online, Click HERE. Feel free to contact Unity’s Athletic Office at 669-1820 or athletics@unitychristian.org with any questions you may have!
Calvin University Girls Basketball Camp
Join us for the Calvin University Women’s Basketball Camps this summer! Click here for more information and registration.
