A message from HCS
Last Wednesday was a big day for our middle school students. The halls were buzzing all morning, and the anticipation was palpable. The reason? Chick-fil-A nuggets were being sold at lunch for the very first time. As I walked toward the doors just before the bell rang, a herd of over 100 7th and 8th graders was clustered outside, waiting to be let in. Not so patiently, they rushed inside, eager to be the first in line.
In a busy world of being first, getting ahead, and often doing so at the expense of others, our students are inundated with this mindset. Social media, Netflix, advertisements, and algorithms, all teach our students to “Have it their way”. They are told they must be first, and that individual success is the ultimate goal of life.
Yet being humble and valuing others above ourselves (Philippians 2: 3-4) is quite countercultural.
In our Professional Learning Communities last week, teachers discussed Heidelberg Catechism, Q&A #55, which says “Each member [of our community] should consider it a duty to use these gifts readily and joyfully for the service and enrichment of the other members.”
We see this lived out in beautiful ways around our school. I recently heard stories of 8th graders checking with 5th graders from their family group, wondering how a test earlier in the day went. A teacher shared a story about a student who spent 25 minutes helping a classmate prepare a presentation, turning a stressful moment into a story of success and confidence. I saw students get genuinely excited for a teammate who scored the first goal of his career on a penalty kick in the final game of the season.
We pray that our students grow to love God and love others, even in a world that often teaches something different. We continue to strive to bring a taste of Heaven to Earth, even on the days when it involves a crowd of hungry teenagers pushing to be first in line for Chick-fil-A.
Chris Achterhof
Middle School Principal
IN THIS NEWSLETTER
All-School News
Announcements, news and events for all HCS families.
Limited Busing
October 28, in the afternoon only, the HPS bus routes will be limited. The following buses will run their regular route: Bus 4, Bus 19 & Bus 76. If your HPS bus number is not listed, you will need to provide your own transportation in the afternoon. Unity bus routes will run as normal.
Grandparents’ Day
To help us ensure a smooth visit, please provide your child(ren)’s teacher’s name and room number so that our guests can easily find them. We will have maps and helpful staff available to guide everyone.
Due to limited space and parking we ask that parents refrain from attending the Grandparents’ Day events and chapel. We invite you to join us via livestream or watch the chapel at a later time. Thank you for your cooperation and for helping us create a wonderful experience for our students and their guests!
New this year, Grandparent Gear is available to order!
Halloween
The policy on Halloween at HCS is that we do nothing to support it in classroom activities or decorations.
Report Cards
The first nine-week marking period will end on Friday, October 30. Report cards will be posted to RenWeb on Friday, November 6 for students in 1st-8th grade. If you have questions about accessing this information through RenWeb, please contact Lane Lems – llems@4hcs.org.
Parent/Teacher Conferences
Parent/Teacher Conferences are scheduled for November 10 & 12 for students in Young 5s – 8th Grade. An email was sent last week with instructions and a link to schedule your child(ren)’s conference(s). The deadline to sign up is October 28.
Picture Retakes
Picture retakes will be Thursday, November 5, 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.
Pigs in the Blanket Sale
Pigs in the Blanket are available to purchase! $18 for a dozen. Available anytime in the freezer in the hallway behind the main elementary office. Cash or check. Pick up yours today! Thank you for supporting HCS!
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 2027. 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 November 30.
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
Chapel
This Friday we will have a special Grandparents’ Day Chapel. Due to limited space and parking we ask that parents refrain from attending. We invite you to join us via livestream or watch the chapel at a later time. Thank you for your cooperation and for helping us create a wonderful experience for our students and their guests!
Fall Flannel Skating Party
Get ready to lace up your skates for a roller skating party at Tarry Hall 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. Payment will be made at the door, and Tarry Hall accepts cash, credit card, Apple Pay, and Google Pay. Snacks will be available for purchase at the concession stand. Accessible activities will be available for anyone who doesn’t want to skate. Flannel attire encouraged!
Please RSVP at this link if you plan to attend.
Love Bazaar
Do you hear what I hear? Love Bazaar 2026 is on the calendar! That’s right, the big day is December 4! We are kicking off the great CHRISTmas season with a fun day for the kids in 3 School-4th Grade to shop for their families! If you signed up to volunteer, please check your email for important information.
Middle School News
Announcements, news and events for families of Middle School students.
Chapel
Students and staff will gather for chapel from 7:55-8:25 AM in the south gym on Tuesdays and Fridays. Parents are welcome to join us!
- Friday, October 30 – All School Grandparents’ Day chapel
- Tuesday, November 3 – 6th grade students
Hot Lunch
Wednesday, October 28 – DJs Pizza (ham/pepperoni) $2.50/slice, Pop – $1.00/can (limit 1), Chips – $.50/bag
Upcoming Events
Upcoming Events for HCS families
Grandparents’ Day
We look forward to seeing our grandparents and grand-friends this Friday, October 30! Grandparents of students in Young 5s through 8th grade are invited to join us from 8:15–11:30 a.m. for a special morning at HCS. Visit our Grandparents’ Day webpage for the full schedule and event details.
Faith & Learning Conversation: Understanding Childhood Anxiety MOVED to January 14, 2027
Community News
Community News for HCS families
Cross-train Volleyball
The Cross-train Volleyball League offers local 5-8th grade girls the opportunity to improve their volleyball skills in a ten week league. Experienced coaches facilitate fundamental skill development, position training, and team play in a faith-based environment. The league is coordinated by Hope Hoezee, Unity Christian Varsity Volleyball Assistant. Click HERE for registration information and a schedule.
Fall Volleyball Clinic
Hope Hoezee, Unity Christian Varsity Volleyball Assistant Coach, will be leading a Fall Volleyball Clinic on November 14 for 5th-8th grade girls. This clinic is meant to be an introduction to the game and develop fundamental skills.
Where: HCS West Gym
Time: 5th-6th grade 8:30-11:00am
7th-8th grade 11:00am-2:00pm (will have a 15 minute break)
Cost: $25
Registration: Please fill out and turn in this form with payment into the HCS office. The deadline to register is November 9th.
Saturday Boys Basketball Camp
Unity Christian will be hosting a five-week program for boys in 4th-6th grades on Saturday mornings from November 7 through December 12. Each session will teach fundamental basketball skills and provide team competition.
Details and registration information can be found on the Unity Athletics website here: Boys Saturday Basketball 26-27
Unity Christian Musical
Unity Christian High School is proud to present the musical Frozen. Performances are scheduled for 7:00pm on November 12 and 13 and at 5:00pm on November 14. Performances will take place at the Hudsonville High School Auditorium on Allen Street. This is a show all ages will love! Tickets can be purchased HERE. You are able to pick your own seats and pay online.
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, November 7th from 9am – 2pm at Jenison Christian School. Free Admission!
Important Dates
October 28 – Limited busing PM
October 30 – End of First 9 Weeks
October 30 – Grandparents’ Day
November 5 – Picture Retakes
November 6 – Report cards posted
November 10 & 12 – Y5-8th Parent/Teacher Conferences
November 11 – Limited busing PM – TT
November 13 – No School
November 16-20 – MS Spiritual Emphasis Week
November 20 – Limited busing PM
November 25-27 – Thanksgiving Break (No school)
