HOME COMMUNICATOR
Last year, our staff looked deeper at a faith-nurturing framework that Laura and Robert Keeley developed for their book Dear Parent: A Guide for Family Faith Formation. This framework, entitled The Building Blocks of Faith, has been part of how we challenge minds and lives for Christ at Hudsonville Christian for several years. We have seen God use the practical tactics and intentional questions from this framework to produce great conversations and good fruit in the lives of our students. Again and again, teachers expressed a desire to share this encouraging book with parents.
Out of this desire, and because partnering with parents and churches is integral to who we are, we’re excited to bring Dr. Robert Keeley to HCS to share about the Building Blocks of Faith framework. This event will take place in November and, thanks to the generosity of our HCS community, we’ll also be giving away a limited number of Dear Parent books at the event—free to attendees, while supplies last! You can read more about the event and RSVP on our website.
This event is a part of a new series of community events HCS will host throughout the year to help us all—as teachers, parents, and the community—learn about and discuss topics that help students grow in faith and learning. We’re calling the series: Faith + Learning Conversations, and we hope to see you there!
In His Service,
Mary Jo Staal
Elementary Media Specialist & Nurturing Faith Coordinator
SCHOOL-WIDE NEWS
Picture Retakes
Picture retakes will be this Thursday, October 16 from 8:00-9:00 AM at the elementary school. Middle school students who need retakes will be transported to the elementary school to get their picture taken. If your child will be getting retakes, please return your entire photo packet from the first picture taking time. If your child will be getting their picture taken for the first time, be sure to send in their picture order form with them on this day.
Cookies
This week Friday morning students will have the opportunity to purchase freshly baked chocolate chip cookies for $.25 each (limit 4).
School Board Meeting
The next monthly School Board meeting is scheduled for Monday, October 20. Please use this as a reminder to pray for our school leadership and administrators. Thanks for your continued support!
No School for CEA Convention
There will be no school or Kids’ Corner for students on Thursday, October 23 and Friday, October 24 so that our teachers can participate in the Christian Educators Association Convention.
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.
Parent/Teacher Conferences
Parent/Teacher Conferences are scheduled for November 11 & 13 for students in Young 5s – 8th Grade. Parents will schedule their child(ren)’s conference(s) through a link that will be emailed to this week. Instructions on how to schedule your conference time(s) with your child’s homeroom teacher will be provided. 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.
New Faith + Learning Event – Building Blocks of Faith with Dr. Robert J. Keeley
Join us Thursday, November 6, for a meaningful evening with Dr. Robert J. Keeley, local educator and author of Dear Parent: A Guide for Family Faith Formation. Dr. Keeley will share his practical and hope-filled “Building Blocks of Faith” framework—a tool currently used by HCS teachers to help students grow in Christ across all areas of learning. This event kicks off a new HCS event series that explores topics of faith + learning as we seek to partner together to challenge minds and lives for Christ. The event is free; attendees will receive a complimentary copy of Dear Parent while supplies last! Learn more about the event and RSVP online.
Unified Soccer
Come cheer for our HCS Unified soccer team (players from grades 1-6) as they play against Zeeland Christian on Wednesday, October 15! The game will be held at Zeeland Christian at 3:45 PM. Unified sports is a program of the Special Olympics that combines kids with and without disabilities to play sports together, promoting social inclusion and understanding. Go Firehawks!
Moms in Prayer
On Friday the 17th join the Moms in Prayer who will be meeting in the conference room at the middle school building, from 8:00-9:00 a.m. Please check in at the main office. We will be focused on praying for the teachers of the 5th and 6th graders as well as the students in these grades. We can’t wait to gather and lift them up to the Lord. We’d love to see you there!
ELEMENTARY NEWS
Chapel
This week Friday, October 17, Ms. Vos’ 4th grade class will lead chapel from 10:00-10:25. Parents are welcome to join us and may enter through the west gym lobby doors.
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.
Tuesday Morning Playground Volunteers
We are in need of volunteers to help monitor the elementary playground on Tuesday mornings before school. For
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, October 14 – Evamarie Eggebeen leading chapel
- Friday, October 17 – 7th Grade Students leading chapel
- Tuesday, October 21 – Family D-Groups
Hot Lunch
This week Wednesday, October 15, Mr. Burger will be sold for $4.50/burger. Pop will be sold for $1.00/can (limit one) and chips for $.50/bag. Please send money with your child that day – smaller bills are best. Due to the Fall Fitness Feat, there will be no hot lunch next week, October 22. Here is the Link to the Middle school Hot lunch schedule/menu.
8th Grade Skating Party
8th grade students will have a skating party this Wednesday, October 15. Buses will provide transportation to and from Rollxscape Skating Center. Admission is $10 for everyone who enters the building and includes skate rental (or you can bring your own skates). Students may bring extra money for the snack bar and arcade. Parents must pick students up at 6 pm at HCMS.
6th-8th Band/Choir/Orchestra Concert
The Band/Choir/Orchestra concert is on Tuesday, October 21 at 7:00pm at Fair Haven Church. Students
need to arrive by 6:40 for the concert, and wear their concert uniforms (Black on the bottom and solid white top). We are excited to share with friends and family all the work the students have done over the beginning weeks of school. Please join us for a wonderful evening of music!
Fall Fitness Feat
We’re excited to host our annual Fall Fitness Feat on Wednesday, October 22 at 11:30am! Parents are invited to come cheer on the students along the race course. To ensure the safety of all participants, we ask that you park at Hughes Park or along the road leading up to the park. Please do not park in the school parking lot or front drive. The event will take place rain or shine, so please make sure your child is dressed appropriately for the weather and comes prepared for the day’s activities. Important Reminder: Hot lunch will not be available on this day, so please plan accordingly.
7th Grade Winter Camp Chaperone Sign-up
Our 7th grade students will be heading off to Winter Camp Wednesday, January 28-Friday January 30. An email was sent to all 7th grade parents with information about being a chaperone. If you are interested, please complete the form linked in the email. Chaperone sign-ups are due Wednesday, October 22. If you have any questions, please call the middle school office.
Conferences
Parent/Teacher conferences will take place on November 11 & 13. Watch for an email to sign up for a conference with your child’s home room teacher. 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 Jenn Velzen-5/6 Soar
Robotics
5th-6th Robotics – Parent meetings will be Oct 14 and 15 at 7pm in the West Connector at the Elementary Building. Please plan on attending one of the meetings for information regarding this year’s program.
Competition Drone Meeting – Any parents and students (grades 5-8) who are interested in participating on a Competition Drone team are invited to attend a Competition Drone meeting on Oct 16 at 7 pm in the West Connector at the Elementary building. If you have any questions, please contact Jennifer @ robotics@4hcs.org.
COMMUNITY NEWS
Cross-train Volleyball
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. The format includes weekly practices and four match dates. The league is coordinated by Hope Hoezee, Unity Christian Varsity Volleyball Assistant. Registration opens November 1st via Signup Genius (participants must register via Signup Genius first and then send in paperwork). The league runs January 20-March 28, evaluations are January 6 and 8. Space is limited. Click HERE for information on registration times, registration links, and a schedule. Email crosstrainvb@gmail.com with questions.
Unity Middle School Swim Team
Unity Christian High School is excited to sponsor a Middle School Girls Swim Team for all EOCS students in grades 6–8 this fall! The season runs from October 22 through December 9, 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 2025. For any questions, email athletics@unitychristian.org.
Preschool Playgroup
Ridgewood CRC is hosting a free preschool/toddler play group on Monday mornings from October 6 through November 17. Come and enjoy snacks, coffee, a bounce house, and lots of space to run and play from 9:30 – 10:30 on Mondays. No need to RSVP, just come when you can!
