HOME COMMUNICATOR
As we head into Parent Teacher Conferences this week, I am reminded of what a gift it is to partner with parents in not only the educational development of their children, but also in the formation of faith. As a staff, we are reading through the book Dear Parent by Laura and Robert Keeley, and in our first discussion, we explored the question, “Who helped you grow in faith when you were a child?” The variety of answers from our teachers was incredible: parents, grandparents, Sunday School teachers, coaches, youth group leaders, pastors, neighbors, friends, and teachers. What a blessing to hear the variety of people that have poured into the formation of faith that brought our staff to where we are today.
In the book, Laura and Robert Keeley write, “…according to research by the Fuller Youth Institute, children and young people benefit immensely when they have at least five non-family adults who care about how their faith grows” (page 15). As a staff, we do not take it lightly that we are a part of the formation of faith in our students. We feel the weight of this responsibility every day and cling to the strength and guidance that we know only comes from our Heavenly Father. We have meaningful discussions and prayer about how to fan the flame of faith in our students, we encourage each other to continue to grow in our own faith, and we are intentional about teaching through a lens of faith.
There were many times during our first meetings about Dear Parent that I thought, “I wish parents could hear this conversation and see the hearts of these incredible teachers.” The teachers of Hudsonville Christian are deeply committed to challenging minds and lives for Christ. Please say a prayer for the staff at Hudsonville Christian today as we partner with parents, not only during Parent Teacher Conferences this week, but each day as we follow God’s call to be a part of the faith formation of every student who walks our halls.
Mary Jo Staal
Elementary Media Specialist & Nurturing Faith Coordinator
SCHOOL-WIDE NEWS
November School Board Update
Parents, we invite you to review the November School Board Update. This report includes updates on key initiatives the Hudsonville Christian School Board has focused on over the summer and fall. Additionally, you can read about the board’s priorities and ongoing efforts to support the mission and students of HCS during the 2024-25 academic year. If you have questions for the School Board, please contact Chad VanSomeren, School Board President.
Parent/Teacher Conferences
We look forward to seeing you at the Parent/Teacher Conference this week! Conferences are scheduled for November 12 & 14 for students in Young 5s – 8th Grade. Childcare will be available in the elementary east gym 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 15. Kids’ Corner will also be closed on that day.
Spirit Store
Our online spirit store is open just in time for Christmas! Click HERE to order HCS gear, perfect for gifts and showing school spirit.
ELEMENTARY NEWS
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.
Elementary Specialists at Parent Teacher Conferences
Our specialist teachers (Library, Music, P.E. & Spanish) will be available both Tuesday & Thursday evenings. Lisi Remy, SOAR teacher, will be available on 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 November 18-20 for the Love Your Neighbor Food Pantry. Please bring non-perishable food or toiletry items to school on one of these three days. Some of their most needed items include: Chicken Helper, Mac & Cheese, Granola Bars, Cooking Oil, Broth, Cold Cereal, Pudding Cups, Stuffing, and Canned Mandarin Oranges. No expired food please!
Christmas Celebration
Mark your calendars and plan to join us on Monday, December 2 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. We are opening up our afternoon matinee at 12:30 pm on December 2 for those who cannot attend at night or would rather come during daylight hours. We do ask that everyone attend only ONE of the programs. Thank you for your cooperation with this!
Love Bazaar
HCS, hold onto your jingle bells because the Love Bazaar is heading your way December 6! 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!
Lost and Found
The lost and found, located by the lower elementary office, is getting full! When you are at school for conferences this week, remember to stop by and check if anything belongs to 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, November 12 – Breakfast Club 7th grade (no chapel gathering)
- Friday, November 15 – No school
- Tuesday, November 19 – Ben VanderKodde -Grace Adventures leading chapel
Hot Lunch
Hot lunch on Wednesday, November 13 will be Pizza Ranch Pizza $2.50/slice (cheese/bacon). Chips and pop will also be available.
Parent Teacher Conferences
Our specialist teachers will be available at conferences. Full time staff will be available both nights. Please see the list below for which nights our part time staff will be available.
- Tuesday, Nov. 12: Brian Knot – Band Director, Sara Jager -Orchestra Director, Jennifer Large – PE
- Thursday, Nov. 14: Laura Mast – Art, Jenn Velzen – 5th/6th SOAR Math/ELA
**Please check the Lost and Found table for any items that might belong to your child!
Middle School Thanksgiving Collection
The Student Leaders have chosen the Samaritan’s Purse Operation Christmas Shoebox Drive for its Thanksgiving project. Use this Link to view the items needed.
8th Grade Skating Party
Mark your calendars for the 8th Grade skating party on Monday, November 18! The students will leave school at 3:00pm and ride buses to RollerXscape in Holland and return to school at 5:15pm for parent pick up. The cost for entry and skates is $10.00.
PARENTS' CLUB NEWS
November Update
The Parents’ Club Board (PCB) hosted its general assembly last Friday, November 8th. This was an opportunity to share what the PCB does. We shared our budget for the year and talked about the events that make this possible. Our next general assembly will be in the spring and you are invited to join!
Highlights of our monthly board meeting included reviewing teacher wish lists and blessing them with much needed supplies for their classrooms, debriefing on some of the successful past events (Grandparents Day!) and planning for upcoming events (Love Bazaar, Auction, 3v3 tournament) as well as supporting our staff through conferences and the holiday season! What a joy it is to continue to support and encourage our staff! If you have any questions, please reach out to pcb@4hcs.org.
COMMUNITY NEWS
Unity Christian High School Parent Presentation Rescheduled
Dan Landstra’s parent presentation “Tell Me About My Kid!” that was originally scheduled for Thursday, November 21 has been changed to Wednesday, January 15, 7:00 – 8:30 pm, at Unity Christian.
Dan Landstra, Unity’s Director for Spiritual Life, will give a “front row” look at the world of middle school and high school students. Based on actual questions from parents within our community, we will learn how our students navigate life and faith, what factors influence them most, and what parents can do to guide students through a complex world. Please mark your calendars for this special presentation!
Unity Christian Fall Musical
Unity Christian High School is proud to present the musical Funny Girl. Performances are scheduled for 7pm on November 14 and 15 and at 5pm on November 16. Performances will take place at the Hudsonville High School Auditorium on Allen Street. This is a show all ages will love! Tickets are on sale for $8 each. All tickets are sold online on our website (www.unitychristian.org) under “Parent Resources.” You are able to pick your own seats and pay online.
Unity Spirit Store
Unity Christian High School’s ONLINE SPIRIT STORE is open now through Sunday, November 17! This online merchandise is not available in the spirit store at school. All online sales are final.
Employment Opportunity
H.U.G.S. Ranch (Byron Center) is seeking a part-time Office Assistant (average 20 flexible hours a week Monday through Thursday). Your role will involve managing finances, fostering relationships, answering phone calls, planning events, and keeping our office organized and clean. If you’re detail-oriented, passionate about serving, and thrive in a supportive environment, we want to hear from you! Send your resume to hugsranch2006@gmail.com if you are interested!
