A message from HCS
In education, there are lots of “fancy” words for things we see children learning every day. One you may have heard is executive functioning. These are the skills children use to manage themselves and get things done. They help children listen, follow directions, handle changes, manage their feelings, make choices, and become more independent.
As adults, we’ve had years to practice these skills. We’ve had lots of opportunities to manage our emotions, solve problems, and adjust when things don’t go as planned. Our young children are still learning all of this!
Play is an important part of that learning, and it’s a big reason we play so much—especially in Early Childhood.
During play, children practice taking turns, solving problems, following rules, managing big feelings, changing plans, and sticking with something challenging. They learn to work with others, communicate their ideas, and keep trying when things don’t go their way. These everyday moments help build skills they’ll use in the classroom and throughout life.
In our Preschool, Young 5s, and Kindergarten classrooms, you’ll see toys and games, opportunities for imaginative and cooperative play, and teachers observing, joining in, and asking questions as children play. What may look like “just play” is filled with opportunities to practice important life skills.
Play is also one of God’s gifts to us. He created us to learn, grow, connect with others, and find joy—and play gives young children a wonderful way to do all of those things. The next time you see your child playing, remember there may be more happening than meets the eye. They’re not just playing. They’re learning how to listen, work together, solve problems, manage their feelings, and enjoy the people and world God has given them.
Konni Lubbers
Early Childhood Director
IN THIS NEWSLETTER
All-School News
Announcements, news and events for all HCS families.
Pickup & Parking Reminders
We have received concerns from a few neighbors about HCS families using private driveways during drop-off and dismissal. We want to be respectful of those who live near our school, so here are a few reminders:
- DO use designated areas for student pickup, parking and turning around.
- DO NOT use neighborhood driveways to wait for students.
- DO NOT use neighborhood driveways to turn around at any time.
Thank you for helping us be good neighbors!
Parent/Teacher Conferences
Parent/Teacher Conferences are scheduled for this week Tuesday and Thursday evening for students in Young 5s – 8th grade. Childcare will be available in the elementary east gym during these times. There will be no school or Kids’ Corner for 3 School through 8th Grade on Friday, November 13.
Limited Busing
This Wednesday, November 11, in the afternoon only, the HPS bus routes will be limited. The following buses will run their regular route: Bus 4, Bus 19 & Bus 76. If your HPS bus number is not listed, you will need to provide your own transportation in the afternoon. Unity bus routes will run as normal.
HCS Spirit Gear Store
The HCS School Gear Store is back open! Shop your favorite HCS apparel and gear and show your Firehawk spirit. For guaranteed Christmas delivery, please place orders prior to November 16. Visit the store online to browse the latest offerings!
Parents’ Club Board | Open Meeting
As a parent/guardian of a student at HCS, you are a part of the Parents’ Club! The Parents’ Club Executive Board (PCB) hosts a “General Assembly” meeting to provide updates and information specific to Parents’ Club support services, events and fundraisers. You are invited to attend this meeting on Friday, November 20 from 8:00am-8:30am in the elementary west conference room.
Yearbook Order
Now is the time to order the HCS yearbook for your student! Orders are taken now for the all-color yearbook that students will receive in May 2027. The cost is $30 per yearbook and you must purchase it online through YearbookOrderCenter.com. Our school order number is 3469. Please note that you must order by November 30.
Pigs in the Blanket Sale
Pick up your Pigs in the Blanket today to have on hand for the upcoming holiday season! Only $18 for a dozen. Pick up anytime from the freezer in the hallway behind the Administration Office (Elementary Building). Thank you for supporting HCS!
Long Term Sub Needed-1st Grade
We are looking for a long term sub for a first grade classroom from early January to late March. This is a full time position. Teaching experience is preferred and a background in special education would also be helpful. If you are interested in this opportunity, or know someone who is, please fill out this short application form. If you have questions, please reach out to Tricia Kiepert, elementary school principal, at tkiepert@4hcs.org.
Employment Opportunity | Nature-Based 4 School Aide
We are seeking an aide to support our Nature-Based 4 School program as part of our Early Childhood team. The hours for this position are: Monday, Wednesday & Friday: 7:45 AM- 3:00 PM; and Tuesdays & Thursday: 7:45 AM – 11:00 AM. For more information and to submit an application, please visit our website.
Early Childhood News
Announcements, news and events for HCS preschool families.
Preschool Praise and Worship
We’d love to spend some time together as we head into Thanksgiving! Come enjoy coffee and fellowship with other preschool families before we gather for a special time of praise and worship with all the classes.
Choose the day that works best for you. Coffee begins at 10 with Praise and Worship following at 10:20.
- Monday, November 23— Register Here
- Tuesday, November 24 — Register Here
A quick note about check-in: Everyone attending will need to check in through our Raptor Visitor System and wear a visitor badge. Please note the Raptor System is separate from our school information system Facts/Renweb.
When you register using the link above, please let us know whether you are already in the Raptor Visitor System. If you are, we can have your badge pre-printed and ready for you when you arrive. If you aren’t yet in the system, we encourage you to stop by the Early Childhood office ahead of time to register if you are able. This will help make check-in quick and easy that morning.
We’re looking forward to a sweet morning of coffee, connection, thanksgiving, and worship together!
Elementary School News
Announcements, news and events for families of elementary school students
Elementary Specialists at Parent Teacher Conferences
Our specialist teachers (Art, Library, Music, P.E. & Spanish) will be available both Tuesday & Thursday evenings. Emma Jo Brinks, SOAR teacher, will be available Tuesday evening. Jules Schmuker, Outdoor Education teacher, and Jamie Kamp, School Counselor, will be available on Thursday evening.
Thanksgiving Food Collection
The elementary students will be participating in a food drive this November for the Love Your Neighbor Food Pantry. Please drop off non-perishable items by November 24. Some of their most needed items include: boxed cereal, canned black or pinto beans, cream of chicken soup, chicken or beef broth, snack cup fruit or pudding, all purpose cleaner, deodorant, kitchen trash bags, tissues, sandwich bags. No expired food please!
Lost and Found
Our elementary lost and found is bursting with discarded 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.
Love Bazaar
HCS, hold onto your jingle bells because the Love Bazaar is heading your way December 4! We are excited to celebrate the CHRISTmas season with a great day for students to shop for their families! If you are signed up to volunteer this year, you should have received an email with important information on what to expect on this big day. We ask that you please find a replacement if you are unable to fulfill your shift. We are also collecting boxes of all sizes, wrapping paper, tissue paper, gift bags, and bubble wrap so keep those boxes of Pop-Tarts, they’re a perfect size to pop a gift in! While dropping off your donations by the main office give Mrs. Kellar a jolly wave! The Love Bazaar Committee wants to thank all who are helping to make this day special!
Middle School News
Announcements, news and events for families of Middle School students.
Chapel
Chapel will take place each day next week during Spiritual Emphasis Week. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday, students will gather in the south gym from 8:00–8:30 AM. Parents are welcome to join us.
Middle School Specialists at Parent Teacher Conferences
Our specialist teachers (Art, Library, Music, PE & Spanish) will be available during conferences. They do not have scheduled times; however, they will be available for walk-ins. Please note, Brian Knot (Band) and Sara Jager (Orchestra) will only be available Tuesday night and Laura Mast (Art) will only be available Thursday Night.
Hot Lunch
No Hot Lunch will be served this week.
Upcoming Events
Upcoming Events for HCS families
Elementary Christmas Celebration – Save the Date
Mark your calendars and plan to join us on Monday, December 7 for the Elementary Christmas Celebration held at Fair Haven Church beginning at 7 p.m. This program will involve our elementary students in 1st – 4th grades. If you are unable to attend in the evening or would rather come during daylight hours, you are welcome to attend our matinee at 12:30 pm on December 7.
Community News
Community News for HCS families
Nothing new to pencil in!
Check back next week for any new announcements.
Important Dates
November 10 & 12 – Y5-8th Parent/Teacher Conferences
November 11 – Limited busing PM
November 13 – No School
November 16-20 – MS Spiritual Emphasis Week
November 20 – Limited busing PM
November 25-27 – Thanksgiving Break (No school)
December 1 – Orchestra (with UCHS) @ JPAC
December 2 – Limited busing PM
December 4 – Love Bazaar (4S-4th Grade)
December 7 – Elem. Christmas Celebration @ FH
December 11 – Early Release
December 16 – Limited busing PM
December 16 – MS Band/Choir @ FH
December 21 -January 3 – Christmas Break (No school)
