HOME COMMUNICATOR
“What brings you joy in teaching?” This is a question we’ve been talking about with our teachers over the past month. Teaching encompasses a wide variety of elements and responsibilities. Some are fun and exciting, and others are challenging and tiring. In all honesty, sometimes those that are challenging and tiring can become the focus, and it can be difficult to keep a positive mindset. We talk to our students about a growth mindset and staying focused on the positive, yet somehow it’s harder to do that ourselves. So, in order to switch our focus a bit and set the tone for a great school year, we’ve been talking about what brings us joy in teaching. Here are a few examples of what our staff has shared in response to this question:
”May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Romans 15:13 NIV
“Quiet, calm mornings when we can focus and set our tone for the day”
“Genuine curiosity from students”
“The proud look when students accomplish something or finally understand a concept they’ve been struggling with”
“Building community in my classroom”
“Getting students excited about serving others”
“Being able to show God’s design through His created order”
“Working with an amazing team of Christian colleagues”
“Seeing students hold each other accountable with their Christ-like attitude and effort”
…and so many more. I wrote the responses on post-it notes and put them all over the door in my office. Most people entering my office start reading them and smile. It also makes me smile when I look up and see those moments of joy. I know that the joy we find in teaching goes way beyond the lightbulb moments, the times that students make us laugh, and the times we laugh at ourselves when we make a mistake in front of our students. There is a quiet joy in guiding others, in witnessing moments of discovery, and in helping students see their God-given potential. This joy doesn’t come from perfection or smooth days, but from knowing that God is working through us, even in our imperfections. We might not see the full fruits of our labor immediately, but we trust in His timing and purpose. The joy that we have in teaching comes from a joy that is grounded in the Holy work that God has called us to at HCS.
It is my prayer that we all find joy in both the exciting moments and the challenging moments as we acknowledge the joy that comes from following and serving our Savior each day.
Partnering with you,
Jen Rysdam
Director of Curriculum and Instruction
SCHOOL-WIDE NEWS
Thanksgiving Break
There will be no school for 3 School through eighth grade November 27-29. Kids’ Corner and our school offices will also be closed. Thank you!
Moms in Prayer
The Moms in Prayer group believes that through prayer God releases His power on behalf of our children and school. Our faith is in a living God who hears and answers our prayers. This week Friday we will be meeting at the Elementary School from 8:00-9:00 a.m. Check in at the main office and they will direct you where to go. We will be focused on praying for our amazing Specials and Core 2 teachers this week. We look forward to praying with you!
ELEMENTARY NEWS
Chapel
All elementary students will gather in the west gym for chapel each Friday from 10:00-10:25 AM. Our Chapel Committee will be leading chapel this week Friday, November 22. 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.
Thanksgiving Food Collection
The elementary students are participating in a food drive for the Love Your Neighbor Food Pantry this week! Please bring non-perishable food or toiletry items to school November 18-20. 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!
Cookies
This week Friday morning, students will have the opportunity to purchase freshly baked chocolate chip cookies for $.25 each (limit 4).
Hat Day
After an elementary school vote between Hat Day and Mismatch Day, the results are in… and Hat Day won! Get ready to show off your favorite hat this Friday, November 22.
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. 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 2. We do ask that everyone attend only ONE of the programs. Thank you for your cooperation with this!
Seating at the Christmas Celebration – The doors will open at 6:00 p.m. We ask that out of respect for everyone attending, please no saving of seats before the doors open. Thank you for your help in making this a wonderful celebration of the gift of God’s Son.
Love Bazaar
It’s beginning to look a lot like Love Bazaar time! December 6, students will get a special opportunity to shop for their families! This week your child will bring home a packet of information regarding their class shopping time. Please have your kids make their shopping list, and check it twice, to ensure that it has their immediate family only. We are also collecting boxes of all sizes, tissue paper, gift bags and bubble wrap so don’t throw out your boxes of Frosted Flakes, they’re grrrreat for wrapping gifts! Drop them off to the Love Bazaar box by the main office. The Love Bazaar Committee thanks you for your help in making this a great kickoff to the CHRISTmas Season!
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 19 – Ben VanderKodde – Grace Adventures leading chapel
- Friday, November 22 – Lexi Roode and Cyndy Hoogeboom leading chapel
- Tuesday, November 26 – Dean Ritsema and Bob Meengs leading chapel
Hot Lunch
Hot lunch on Wednesday, November 20 will be Jets Pizza $2.50/slice (cheese/pepperoni). Chips and pop available.
Cookies
Cookies will be sold during break on Friday, November 22.
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.
Spiritual Emphasis Week
Spiritual Emphasis Week will be taking place in the middle school December 2 – 6. Please be in prayer for the teachers as they lead the students through this special week and that the students may experience the Spirit working in their hearts during this time.
COMMUNITY NEWS
Holly Jolly Christmas Market
The Holly Jolly Christmas will take place at Zutphen CRC (3223 40th Ave. Hudsonville, MI) on Saturday, December 7 from 9:00am – 2:00pm. Shop over 50 vendors of local crafters and businesses. You will find live Christmas trees, winter porch pots, handmade poured soaps and candles, gourmet jerky, Christmas decor, boutique items and more! Grab a friend for a day of Christmas shopping fun complete with lunch, hot cocoa bar, raffle drawings, and a festive atmosphere! All proceeds benefit our Youth Missions Fund.
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!
