HOME COMMUNICATOR
Every Wednesday, the middle school staff meets in Professional Learning Communities. It is a time of collaboration and discussion on curriculum, faith integration, and student needs. Though busy, it has quickly become my favorite day of the week, and last Wednesday was no exception. We were invited to share recent “God sightings,” and the resulting stories were truly remarkable. From teachers recounting the hand of God in their marriages and their journey into education, to personal experiences with anxiety, to stories involving children or grandchildren, it served as a powerful reminder of God’s active presence in our lives.
”That is why we send our kids to a Christian school.
During a break between the PLCs, I experienced a noteworthy ‘God sighting’ myself. A mother, who had been helping with the Grace Walk came into the office to sign out on the visitor sheet. All 5th graders complete the Grace Walk during Holy Week each year, stopping in four separate rooms to spend time in prayer and reflection on Christ’s gift on the cross. As she stood at the counter to sign out, she let out an audible sigh. The secretary waited and nervously asked, “is everything okay?”
Intrigued, I began eavesdropping as best I could. Her response surprised me. She sighed again, this time more mildly with a sense of peace, and said “I’m great…and that is why we chose Christian education for our kids.” She then shared how moving it was to witness the Grace Walk and how thankful she was that her daughter could participate in such an impactful experience. Her heart was filled with joy as she left for her day.
Nearing the end of another school year, I hope you have experienced some God sightings. Even amidst the imperfections of living in a broken world, I hope you can let out a breath and say with affirmation, “That is why we send our kids to a Christian school.”
Chris Achterhof
Elementary Principal
SCHOOL-WIDE NEWS
Early Release
This Friday, May 9 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.
2025-2026 Enrollment – PAST DUE
Parents of currently enrolled Kindergarten – 7th grade students (those going into 1st – 8th grade for the 2025-2026 school year) please complete this online enrollment form: 2025-2026 1st – 8th grade enrollment form. If you would prefer to complete a paper copy please let Linda Kellar in the admin office know (lkellar@4hcs.org) and forms will be mailed to you.
Parent Volunteering for Next School Year
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! On Wednesday, April 30 an email was sent to all parents/guardians explaining the volunteer requirements, sign-up process and a link to the SignUpGenius Form for the 2025-2026 school year! With hundreds of volunteer opportunities available, you are sure to find something that you will enjoy! TONIGHT, May 6 at 7:00 PM, volunteering opportunities will unlock for signups. Here is a link to some frequently asked questions- FAQ’s. Contact the Hudsonville Christian Parents’ Club Board with any other questions pcb@4hcs.org
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 5th, 6th, 7th or 8th grade student or for yourself, fill out this form by May 23.
Journey Project Parent Form
If you haven’t had a chance yet, we are asking all parents of students in K-8th grade to fill out the Journey Project Parent Input Form. Please complete the form for each of your children by Friday, May 16.
Faith formation is a partnership between home, school, and church. At the end of 8th grade, students complete a very special “Journey Project” that celebrates all the ways God has worked in their lives. Each year, teachers work with students to add pieces to their faith portfolio based on things that happened at school. This year, we are asking parents to provide information about events that happened outside of school that can also be added to their faith portfolio. We will continue this practice for each year that your child is a student at Hudsonville Christian.
The same form will be used for all of your children. When you complete the form for one child, simply click the “submit another response” link and you will be taken to a new blank form for your next child. Please complete this form for this current year only. Please reach out to Mary Jo Staal – mjstaal@4hcs.org or Evamarie Eggebeen – eeggebeen@4hcs.org if you have any questions.
HCS WALKATHON PLEDGES – DUE MAY 7
We are thankful for the HCS Community working together to raise $173,585 at the Walkathon! We want to remind you that all remaining Walkathon pledges are due Wednesday, May 7. Please remember to return your pledge form, envelope, and all money due. Thank you again for your tremendous support. Prizes earned for those who have turned in their pledge forms will be coming home within the next week.
Moms in Prayer
We want to invite you to join the Moms in Prayer this week Friday at the Middle School in the conference room from 8:00-9:00 a.m. Please check in at the main office. We will be praying this week for the staff and students in grades 6 – 8 this week. Join us in praying for our wonderful Middle School!
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 3 Year Old Preschool teacher on Tuesday / Thursday mornings for the 2025-2026 school year. We are looking for someone who loves the Lord and loves working with our youngest learners. Click here to find out more information on our website!
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
Golf Outing
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.
Camp Crazee Fun
Camp Crazee Fun is back! Click HERE for more information and the registration form. Forms will also be sent home with every student entering 3rd thru 8th grade. Any questions email Mr.Los dlos@4hcs.org
ELEMENTARY NEWS
Chapel
This week Friday, May 9, Mrs. Buteyn’s 2nd 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.
5th Grade Orientation
On May 13 & 14 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!
On 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.
Incoming 5th Grade Students – Hot Lunch Survey
In Middle School, hot lunch is offered one day a week, on Wednesdays, beginning in September. This is an optional opportunity for your child to purchase pizza (DJ’s, Jets, Pizza Ranch on rotation) DJ’s breadsticks (new for 2025-2026), Chick Fil A, and Mr. Burger. 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. 2025-2026 Hot Lunch Survey 5th Grade ONLY Please complete by WEDNESDAY, MAY 14th. 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
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.
Ice Cream Buckets
We are in need of ice cream buckets – preferably with lids – to be used in the elementary building. If you have a few of these lying around, we’ll take them off your hands! Please bring them to the Admin. Office. Thank you!
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, May 6 – 5th Grade Homeroom – Neher
- Friday, May 9 – No chapel (Early Release)
- Tuesday, May 13 – Breakfast Club
Hot Lunch
Hot lunch this week is Pizza Ranch pizza ($2.50/slice). PLEASE NOTE:There will be no more IOU’s given out for the remainder of the school year in an attempt to have them all paid off by the end of the school year.
5th-8th Grade Choir & Orchestra Concert
Our concert is next week Tuesday, May 13 at 7:00. This concert features the 5th-8th Grade Orchestras and the 6th-8th Grade Choirs. Please join us at Fair Haven for this wonderful evening.
The students need to arrive between 6:30 – 6:40, they need to wear Black on the bottom, a solid white top, black shoes/black socks. We will have a rehearsal at the church in the morning. Choir students will sit with parents when not performing. Details will be sent home in an email later this week.
Congratulations to the following students: Rowan Geenan, Brinley Crump, Jasmine VandenHoek, Kayla Ymker, Marcus Portenga, Sam VanderMolen, Jack denHollander, Lexi VandenBerg, and Elizabeth Power for participating in the MSBOA Solo and Ensemble. All the students performed for a judge and all students medaled. Congratulations on your hard work, representing HCS well at the festival and using your talents God has given you. We are so proud of each one of you!
5th – 8th Grade Band Concert
The 5th-8th Grade Bands will be presenting their Spring Concert on Thursday, May 15, 7:00 pm, at Fair Haven Ministries. Band students should arrive no later than 6:45 wearing their black and white concert “uniform.” Each Band will perform several selections alone and one song together. Please join us for this wonderful evening of music!
Fine Arts Class selections – Next Year
An email was sent out April 21 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 submission of the form with your selections was due Friday, May 2. If you have not yet completed this please do so ASAP! If you have any questions or concerns please reach out to the Middle school office at 616-379-0338 or msoffice@4hcs.org.
Incoming 5th-8th Grade Students/Parents Hot Lunch Survey
Hot Lunch will continue to be offered one day a week, on Wednesdays next year. This is an optional opportunity for your child to purchase pizza (DJ’s, Jets, Pizza Ranch on rotation) DJ’s breadsticks (new for 2025-2026), Chick Fil A, and Mr. Burger. 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.
The links for the google form(s) can be found below. EACH grade has a specific form, please choose the appropriate link for the grade your child(ren) will be entering for the 2025-2026 school year (NOT their CURRENT grade).
2025-2026 Hot Lunch Survey 5th Grade ONLY
2025-2026 Hot Lunch Survey 6th Grade ONLY
2025-2026 Hot Lunch Survey 7th Grade ONLY
2025-2026 Hot Lunch Survey 8th Grade ONLY
Please complete forms by WEDNESDAY, MAY 14th. If you have any questions or concerns, please email Kim Racey at kracey10@gmail.com
6th Grade Students
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.
COMMUNITY NEWS
Employment Opportunity
Unity Christian High School is seeking an athletic department administrative assistant. The individual must have a highly flexible daily/weekly schedule along with being able to work some afternoons, evenings, and weekend times. The hours/week will be anywhere between 25-40 hours. The position requires technological proficiency in a variety of mediums. The individual will be relationship driven and possess high multitasking abilities. All interested individuals must submit a cover letter and resume via email to unity@unitychristian.org All questions should be directed to athletic director, Jeff Engbers – (616) 669-1820.
Unity Christian Summer Sports Camps
Registration for Unity’s Summer Sports Camps for students ages 3 – 12th grade opens on Tuesday, April 15. The registration link and schedule of camps can be found HERE. Please contact Unity’s Athletic Office at 669-1820 orathletics@unitychristian.org with any questions you may have!
- Register between April 15 – May 7 – Receive a 15% multi camp discount on four or more camp registrations and can pay by check/cash (due May 14) or credit card.
- Register between May 8 – June 4 – Only credit card payment accepted.
- Register June 5 or after – $10 late registration fee and only credit card payment accepted.
- Please register your child in the grade they will be entering in fall of 2025.
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!
IMPORTANT DATES
Limited Busing PM
Report Cards Posted
