HOME COMMUNICATOR
I wish imparting faith to my kids was easier. Lately I’ve been anxious about the faith of my kids. They’re getting older, the voices of the world seem to be getting louder and I can’t help but feel like my voice is getting smaller. Perhaps you have the same feelings as me and wish you could just give your kids your faith, so that they don’t need to make the wrong choices, but can just know everything you do. I’ve walked a road over my life and have learned so much from many, many different people and experiences that have shaped my faith. It hasn’t always been easy and it’s definitely not always been nice. But I do know the truth, very firmly now in my old age – I belong to God, I know God’s story, I have hope in his plan and I have been gifted by Him to do good work.
”Wisdom belongs to the aged, and understanding to the old.
Job 12:12 NIV
These are the building blocks of faith that a group of us parents heard on Thursday night. Dr. Keeley shared with us about how we can help in the growth of our kids’ faith. In his book Dear Parent, he shares the most important things that kids need to know.
- It starts with a sense of belonging. They belong to God first, to their family, their churches, their school, their friends.
- They also need to know God’s story – the Bible, but also God’s story that is being worked out in their lives and in the lives of their parents, family, friends and teachers. They are part of God’s story of faithfulness and knowing the experiences of others, the evidence of God’s presence, helps their faith grow.
- They also need to have hope. Not a wish kind of hope, but a joyful knowing that God is God and we are in his hands. There is peace and contentment that comes from that kind of hope.
- The faith of our kids also grows when they understand that God has created them uniquely and gifted them for his work. Their response to the gifts of salvation and grace is evident in how they do the work of the Lord. God has a plan and purpose for them.
I hate to even think about the fact that I am not close to young anymore, but according to Job 12:12 “Wisdom belongs to the aged, and understanding to the old.” This rings true to me. I have a very different faith now, after walking my road with Jesus, than I did when I was young and I’m sure you can say the same. It will be that way for our kids too, so the best we can do is share what we know of God’s story, His faithfulness, His great love for us, and His plan for each of us. Together in our families, churches and our school we are a team committed to feeding and watering the faith of our kids, trusting God and his plan for each one. It’s a joy to be part of a school where faith is weaved into each day’s learning.
Konni Lubbers
Early Childhood Director
SCHOOL-WIDE NEWS
Parent/Teacher Conferences
We look forward to seeing you at Parent/Teacher conferences this week! You should have received an email confirming your conference times. Conferences are scheduled for November 11 & 13 for students in Young 5s – 8th Grade. Childcare will be available at the elementary school during your conference time. School will be in session regular hours on both conference days. There will be no school for 3 School through 8th Grade on Friday, November 14. Kids’ Corner will also be closed on that day.
2026 CEA Date Change
The full 2026-2027 school calendar will be shared with families in January. In the meantime, please note an important change for next school year: The CEA Convention will take place a week earlier than normal, on October 15 and 16. There will be no school for students on these days.
HCS Employment Opportunity
We are seeking a part-time aide to join our 5-day kindergarten classroom for the remainder of the 2025–26 school year. This role will involve supporting the classroom teacher by helping guide students during learning and play, offering additional encouragement, and fostering a warm, joyful environment where each child can thrive. The ideal schedule for this position is Monday and Wednesday mornings and full days on Tuesday and Thursday. We are looking for someone who loves Jesus and desires to nurture young, energetic learners in their growth. Prior classroom experience is helpful but not required. If you are interested in this opportunity, please fill out this short Google form. We would love to hear from you!
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 welcome to attend this meeting on Friday, November 21 from 8:00 am-8:30 am 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 2026. 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 Sunday, November 30.
EARLY CHILDHOOD & KIDS' CORNER NEWS
Coffee and Praise and Worship
Preschool parents are invited to join us for a special coffee and praise & worship time with our preschool classes. Enjoy coffee, fellowship, and a meaningful time of worship alongside your child. You may attend on the day that best fits your schedule: Monday, November 24 or Tuesday, November 25 — starting at 10:00. Coffee will be served in Room 83 with praise and worship following in the East Gym at 10:20. We look forward to celebrating God’s goodness together with our preschool families! Please complete this survey so that you can be pre-registered with our school visitor system for this event.
ELEMENTARY NEWS
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.
Elementary Specialists at Parent Teacher Conferences
Our specialist teachers (Art, Library, Music, P.E. & Spanish) will be available both Tuesday & Thursday evenings. Jules Schmuker, Outdoor Education teacher will be available on Tuesday evening, and Jamie Kamp, School Counselor, will be available on Thursday evening.
Boots and Snow Pants
Please be reminded of our guidelines for boots and snow pants. Young 5s – 2nd grade students should have snow pants and boots at school for when the playground conditions warrant wearing them. If the playground is snowy and/or wet these students must wear these items. If they don’t have boots or snow pants, they will still go out but will need to stay on the blacktop. Students in grades 3 & 4 may use their own discretion regarding boots and snow pants, but if they choose to get wet, they will not be permitted to call home for dry clothing.
Lost and Found
Our elementary lost and found, located in the hall by the lower elementary office, is filling up! Please check it out when you are at school for conferences this week!
Thanksgiving Food Collection
The elementary students will be participating in a food drive this November for the Love Your Neighbor Food Pantry. Please bring non-perishable food or toiletry items to school by November 24. Some of their most needed items include: toilet paper, tissues, dish soap, laundry detergent, 13 gallon trash bags, sandwich bags, deodorant, toothpaste, cold cereal, granola bars, peas/carrots combo, mandarin oranges, tortillas, refried beans, taco seasoning, canned pasta, corn beef hash, cooking oil. No expired food please!
Love Bazaar
HCS, hold onto your jingle bells because the Love Bazaar is heading your way December 5! 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, 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
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, November 11 – 6th Grade Students leading chapel
- Friday, November 14- no school
- Tuesday, November 18 – Student Leaders Giving Project
Hot Lunch
Please note: There will not be hot lunch this week Wednesday, be sure to pack a lunch!
Conferences
The following part-time teachers will be available for conferences on Tuesday, November 11 on a drop-in basis, no appointment required:
Brenna Brouwer-Counselor Sara Jager-Orchestra
Bri Buikema-Foundations Jen Large-PE
Brian Knot-Band
COMMUNITY NEWS
Love Your Neighbor SNAP Relief
In response to the pause in SNAP benefits, Love Your Neighbor is holding weekly food distribution for the estimated 4,500 families in our community who lost this critical resource. For more information and how you can help, click HERE.
Holly Jolly Christmas Market
Zutphen’s Holly Jolly Christmas Market is just around the corner! Join us for a festive day of Christmas cheer at the Holly Jolly Christmas Market on Saturday, December 6 from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM at Zutphen CRC (3223 40th Ave. Hudsonville, MI 49426). Shop local vendors, find unique handmade gifts, live Christmas trees, Christmas planters, and enjoy delicious treats, hot cocoa bar, a fun raffle, and lunch. Proceeds go toward the Zutphen Youth Missions Fund. It’s the perfect way to kick off your Christmas season, bring your friends and family! Find us on facebook at Zutphen’s Holly Jolly Christmas Market for more information.
