A message from HCS
As a child, there were certain days when I knew what was coming, and my body seemed to know it before I could even put words to it. My parents divorced when I was very young, and the weekend exchanges between homes were difficult for me. As those exchanges drew closer, my stomach would hurt, my hands and legs would shake, I would lose my appetite, and it became hard to think about much of anything else.
Looking back, I can now put a word to what I was experiencing: anxiety.
Our next Faith and Learning Conversation, on Thursday, November 19 at 7:00 p.m., will focus on this very topic: Understanding Childhood Anxiety. Caleb Jones, a counselor with West Michigan Wellness Group, will join us to talk about anxiety in children and adolescents and how we can better recognize it, understand it, and help our children work through it.
Our children face their own challenges daily. Their circumstances may look very different from mine, but anxiety is very real for many children. As parents, one of our greatest desires is not to remove every difficult thing from our children’s lives. We know we cannot do that. Instead, we want to equip them to face difficult things with healthy tools, trusted people around them, and the confidence that they do not walk through those challenges alone.
At Hudsonville Christian, we believe Christian education is strongest when home, church, and school are working together, each fulfilling its important role. Our Faith and Learning Conversations are one way we seek to partner with you as parents by providing resources to help us better understand and support our children.
We will never be able to control every circumstance our children face. But together, we can continue learning how to walk faithfully beside them. I hope you will join us.
Devon Brinks
Superintendent
IN THIS NEWSLETTER
All-School News
Announcements, news and events for all HCS families.
No School October 14-16
There will be no school or Kids’ Corner for students October 14-16. On Wednesday our staff will take part in our strategic planning process. On Thursday and Friday teachers will participate in the Christian Educators Conference.
Parent/Teacher Conferences
Parent/Teacher Conferences are scheduled for November 10 & 12 for students in Young 5s – 8th Grade. An email will be sent today with instructions and a link to schedule your child(ren)’s conference(s). The deadline to sign up is October 28.
Harvest Family Fun Day
What a beautiful day the Lord gave to us, to be in community with one another! To all who came to enjoy food, fellowship, play games or try to dunk a teacher, thank you! What joyful noise filled up the space that was shared between families. To all the volunteers that gave up their time and shared their gifts of serving the HCS community, thank you! Thank you too, for all the donations of cereal and pop!! We all came together for fun and fellowship, but God deserves all the glory! We look forward to seeing you all again in the Fall of 2027. Blessings upon your school year!
Long Term Sub Needed-Library/ELA
This position has been filled!
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.
Early Childhood News
Announcements, news and events for HCS preschool families.
Preschool 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. Mark your calendars for either Monday or Tuesday, November 23 or 24. More details to come!
Elementary School News
Announcements, news and events for families of elementary school students
Father Daughter / Mother Son Rollerskating
Get ready to lace up your skates for a roller skating party at Tarry Hall (3330 Fairlanes Ave SW, Grandville, MI 49418) for students in grades Young Fives through 4th grade and their parent or special friend. The Mother/Son skate will take place on Wednesday, November 4, from 6:15–8:15pm, and the Father/Daughter skate on Thursday, November 5, from 6:15–8:15pm.
The cost is $9 per skater, with no charge for non-skaters; skate rentals are $4, or you’re welcome to bring your own skates. Snacks such as pizza, hot dogs, pretzels, ice cream, and mini donuts will be available for purchase at the concession stand. Accessible activities will be available for anyone who doesn’t want to skate. Payment will be made at the door (no need to send money to school), and Tarry Hall accepts cash, credit card, Apple Pay, and Google Pay. Flannel attire encouraged!
Please RSVP at this link if you plan to attend.
Middle School News
Announcements, news and events for families of Middle School students.
Fall Fitness Feat
The Fall Fitness Feat will be taking place on October 13 at 1:40pm. Students, please dress appropriately for the weather and bring proper shoes for running. Parents are welcome to come and cheer along the route. Runners will start across the street at Hughes Park, run through the neighborhood and finish at the basketball courts.
Did you know this event has been happening for over 40 years? Mr. Brinks himself participated when he was a student here. The event was previously known as the Turkey Trot and first place runners used to get a turkey, 2nd place runners would receive turkey brats and 3rd place runners would receive turkey franks! This is a fun tradition from generation to generation. This event is a great opportunity to get outside and take in God’s beautiful creation with the bodies he has blessed us with.
A Note From the Janitor – Lost and Found
The lost and found at the middle school has become a growing issue. By the end of last school year, 6 large boxes of unclaimed items such as sweatshirts and shoes, and 70 water bottles were donated to REVIVE. In an attempt to reduce clutter and lost items, our Janitor, Dean Ritsema, has placed a tub by the Gatorade machine and one in each locker room for left-behind items. Please talk to your child about making sure to keep track of their belongings and checking the tubs if they are missing something. On October 14, all items left in the tubs will be brought to REVIVE. Please remind your child to check before then.
Upcoming Events
Upcoming Events for HCS families
Save the Date: November 19 is our next Faith + Learning Conversation
Understanding Anxiety: Anxiety doesn’t always look like worry, and recognizing it can make a big difference in how we support our kids and teens. Join us Thursday, November 19, when we’ll welcome Caleb Jones, MA, LPC, a local counselor and former youth pastor, to explore practical, Christ-centered ways to help students navigate worry (big and small), build resilience, and grow in confidence. Learn more.
Community News
Community News for HCS families
Unity Christian – Middle School Swim Team
Unity Christian High School is excited to sponsor a Middle School Girls Swim Team for EOCS students in grades 6–8 this fall! The season runs from October 19 through December 8, 2025, and provides a great opportunity for girls to develop their swimming skills, build friendships, and compete in meets. Details and registration information can be found on the Unity Athletics website here: MS Swim 2026
Jenison Christian School’s Fall Arts & Crafts Fest + NEW! Little Makers Market
Grab a friend and come shop unique handmade art, jewelry, baked goods, gifts and more! And NEW this year, we are featuring a Little Makers Market where kids showcase and sell their crafts! Saturday 11/7 9am – 2pm at Jenison Christian School. Free Admission!
STEM Workshop at Cornerstone University
Join us for Created to Discover: Where Faith and Science Intersect, hosted by Cornerstone University professors and current students! Visiting students and their families can participate in hands-on demonstrations in their area of interest including: NURSING & HEALTH • ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE • KINESIOLOGY INTERSECT • MATHEMATICS • ENGINEERING & TECHNOLOGY. Date: Thursday, Nov. 5, 2026 Time: 6-8 p.m. Location: Cornerstone University Campus Space is limited! Learn more and register by scanning the QR code. Cost: Free Grades: 6-12 (and parents). Register and learn more: https://www.cornerstone.edu/news-events-blogs/events/stem-workshop/
Important Dates
October 13 – MS Fall Fitness Feat
October 14 – Strategic Planning Day (no school for students)
October 15-16 – CEA Convention (No school for students)
October 20 – Band/Orchestra/Choir Concert @ FH
October 28 – Limited busing PM
October 30 – End of First 9 Weeks
October 30 – Grandparents’ Day
