HOME COMMUNICATOR
Empowering middle school students to lead or plan events can be rewarding. We have made concerted efforts at the middle school to give students opportunities to take ownership of their events, their learning, and their faith. From homerooms leading chapel, to the worship team singing and playing in the band, to student leaders planning events for the school, we want to give students these opportunities. While invigorating to see the successes, allowing students this freedom can also lead to stress or frustration. Perhaps you feel this also as you ask them to empty the dishwasher or mow the lawn.
Last month, the middle school had a dress up day with student-led games during break. Despite planning the games for weeks, student leaders were finalizing the rules and laminating posters five minutes after the bell rang in the morning. Procrastination and lack of initiative reared its head early that morning. Although it was frustrating to watch, it was a good learning experience for these students as we debriefed during lunch.
Each Wednesday, the middle school staff meets in Professional Learning Communities. While some are focused on helping specific students or centered around curriculum development, some are aimed at integrating faith into the classroom. In these PLCs, we have been reading the book by Laura and Robert Keeley, titled Dear Parent: A Guide for Family Faith Formation. The book is used to facilitate conversations with teachers and challenge them to intentionally integrate faith into their classrooms. We often say that we should still be a Christian school, even if we removed devotions and chapels. In the book, the Keeleys compare faith formation in students to sailboats. Teachers (and parents) play a crucial role in building their boat, but at some point we need to step back and “help kids in our care to be ready to feel the wind of the Holy Spirit in their lives whenever and wherever it blows.” (pg. 12)
As adults, we often just “do it ourselves”. Typically it is quicker, clearer, and easier. But as our students enter their early teenage years, it is healthy to empower them–not only to empty the dishwasher but to make their faith their own.
Chris Achterhof
Middle School Principal
SCHOOL-WIDE NEWS
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 8 from 8:00 am-8:30 am in the elementary west conference room.
Parent/Teacher Conferences
Parent/Teacher Conferences are scheduled for November 12 & 14 for students in Young 5s – 8th Grade. You will be notified of your conference time(s) by mail. Childcare will be available 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. Thank you!
Spirit Store – Coming Soon!
We’re opening another online school store just in time for Christmas! This will be another limited-time opportunity to order HCS gear, perfect for gifts and showing school spirit. Keep an eye on your email for details and ordering information!
Moms in Prayer
The Moms in Prayer group knows that in prayer, we are not alone in praying for our children and that gives us reassurance and hope. Let us stand with you in prayer for your children and for HCS! This week Friday the 8th, we will be meeting in the Middle school conference room from 8:00-9:00 a.m. Please check in at the main office. This week we will pray for the Education Support Staff who tirelessly bless HCS. We hope to see you there!
ELEMENTARY NEWS
Chapel
All elementary students will gather in the west gym for chapel each Friday from 10:00-10:25 AM. Mrs. VanKoevering’s 1st grade class will be leading chapel this week Friday, November 8. 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.
Elementary Specialists at Parent Teacher Conferences
Our specialist teachers (Art, 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.
Love Bazaar
Hold on to your jingle bells because the Love Bazaar is heading your way December 6! That’s right, we will be kicking off the CHRISTmas Season with a great day for the students to shop for their families! If you signed up to volunteer this year, please check your email for some important information regarding how your shift will look. The Love Bazaar Committee wants to thank all who are helping this year, it’s going to be a fun and festive day!
Lost and Found
The lost and found, located by the lower elementary office, is getting full! When you are at school for conferences next 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 5 – 7th grade Homeroom (Lowe) leading chapel
- Friday, November 8 – Mrs. Bolt/Mrs. Atallah leading chapel
- Tuesday, November 12- Breakfast Club 7th grade (no chapel gathering)
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.
Donuts
Donuts will be for sale in the Middle School on Friday, November 8 for $1.50 each.
Hot Lunch
Hot lunch on Wednesday, November 6 will be Mr. Burger Cheeseburgers for $4.50 each. Chips and pop available.
Hot Lunch Volunteers The Hot Lunch Committee is in need of two additional volunteers to serve once every 5 weeks and earn 10 points. Please sign up here if you are willing to help!
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 in the Middle School for any items that might belong to your child!
COMMUNITY NEWS
Unity Christian High School 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.
The Cross-train Volleyball League
The Cross-train Volleyball League offers local 5-8th grade girls the opportunity to improve their volleyball skills in a nine week league. Experienced coaches facilitate fundamental skill development, position training, and team play in a faith-based environment. Format includes weekly practices and four match dates. The league is coordinated by Hope Hoezee, Unity Christian Varsity Volleyball Assistant. The league runs January 21-March 22, evaluations are January 7 and 9. Space is limited. Please see the attached paperwork for the registration links and a schedule. Registration opens November 9th via SignUpGenius (participants must register via SignUpGenius first and then send in paperwork). Email crosstrainvb@gmail.com with questions.
Boys Saturday Basketball Program
Unity Christian is pleased to offer a Saturday Basketball program for boys in grades 4 – 6. This program will be held on November 9, 16, 23 and December 7 & 14. Each session will teach fundamental basketball skills and provide team competition. Fourth grade boys will meet from 9:00 – 10:00 a.m., and 5th/6th graders will meet from 10:15 – 11:45 a.m. The cost to participate is $45 for 4th grade and $55 for 5th/6th grades, and the deadline to register is November 6. To register go to this link. An information sheet with more details can be found at www.unitychristianathletics.org under “Announcements”.
