HOME COMMUNICATOR
Hudsonville Christian School likes to have fun! This weekend, many of our students came to school on a Saturday. The Harvest Family Fun Day was an opportunity for fun and fellowship, allowing students and families to connect with their Hudsonville Christian family. This isn’t the only fun event you may have seen at HCS last week. The middle school students planned a special day for their veggie groups that included games like “Hide the Veggies” (ask your middle schooler about that one). They also celebrated Plaidurday by wearing plaid on Friday (I didn’t even know there was a day for that!). In the elementary teachers’ lounge, staff tackled a tough issue by voting for what part of the candy corn is the bottom (I think the large yellow part won). Other fun events included the opening of the new middle school playscape, 7th and 8th grade volleyball games, and a Unified Soccer scrimmage.
I love being part of the HCS family, as a parent and a staff member, where we participate in events filled with laughter, fun, and love. These interactions help strengthen relationships and offer a sense of belonging. The Bible tells us that God wants us to have joy in life. Even when the world around us is full of turmoil, we should be in community with fellow believers and honor the life and salvation that God has granted us.
I look forward to the school year ahead at Hudsonville Christian, a community I enjoy life with.
Jenny Gorter
Director of Educational Support Services
SCHOOL-WIDE NEWS
Grandparents’ Day – October 18
We are excited to invite our grandparents or special friends to join us for our Grandparents’ Day celebration on Friday, October 18. All of the Grandparents’ Day information can be found on our website. 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!
Parking Attendant Volunteers – We are in need of a few more volunteers to help with parking at the elementary building on Grandparents’ Day! If you would be willing to help please sign up HERE!
Parent/Teacher Conferences
Parent/Teacher Conferences are scheduled for November 12 & 14 for students in Young 5s – 8th Grade. Forms are being sent home with students. Please return the sheet to school by Friday, October 11. You will be notified of your conference time(s) by mail in three to four weeks. 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!
Picture Retakes
Picture orders will be coming home later this week or early next week. Picture retakes will be Thursday, October 17 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.
No School for CEA Convention
There will be no school or Kids’ Corner for students on Thursday, October 24 and Friday, October 25 so that our teachers can participate in the Christian Educators Association Convention.
Busing
- On Friday, October 11 Unity Christian will run combined routes in the afternoon. The afternoon shuttle to Unity will not be running.
- On Monday, October 21 HPS busing will be limited. The following buses will run their regular route: 57, 60, and 78/10. If your HPS bus number is not mentioned in this limited busing list, you will need to provide your own transportation to and from school on this date. Unity bus routes will run as normal.
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 2024. The cost is $25 per yearbook and you must purchase it online through Herff-Jones at www.YearbookOrderCenter.com. You must enter our school order number that is 3469. Please note that you must order online by Friday, November 1.
Moms in Prayer
This week Friday Moms in Prayer will be meeting at the Elementary school from 8:00-9:00 a.m. Please check in at the main office and they will direct you where to go. We will be focused on praying for the staff and students in grades 3 and 4 this week. Join us in praising God, praying prayers of confession and thanksgiving, as well as praying specifically for God to work in these students’ lives. We’d love to have you!
Harvest Family Fun Day
What a fantastic day!! Praise the Lord for the blessing of beautiful weather! Thank you to every single volunteer that gave of their time and talents to serve at a game, or serve food. This event could not happen without you!! Thank you to all the families that donated cereal and pop, enjoyed a donut, played the games, watched the joy on kids faces, and embraced the community of Hudsonville Christian. We cannot wait to begin planning for next year! See you in the Fall of 2025!
ELEMENTARY NEWS
Chapel
All elementary students will gather in the west gym for chapel on Friday from 10:00-10:25 AM. 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.
Cookies
This week Friday morning students will have the opportunity to purchase freshly baked chocolate chip cookies for $.25 each (limit 4).
Wednesday Morning Playground Volunteers
We are in need of volunteers to help monitor the elementary playground on Wednesday mornings before school. For more information or to sign up follow this Sign Up Genius link. Thank you for considering this important opportunity!
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, October 8 – Matt Koets leading chapel
- Friday, October 11 – Roode 7th Grade Leading chapel
- Tuesday, October 15 – Mr. Huisman/Mr. Schaap leading chapel
Hot Lunch
Hot Lunch this Wednesday, October 9 will be Jet’s Pizza (cheese or pepperoni) $2.50/slice. Click HERE for the complete menu schedule and information.
Upcoming Hot Lunch Special
On October 30, the Hot Lunch Team is offering McDonald’s Cheeseburgers and Fries for $4.50. Your student received an email with a link telling them about this. If your child would like to order lunch on the 30th, they must use the link in the email to sign up by October 15.
Cookies
Cookies will be sold at break this Friday, October 11 for $.25 each (limit 4).
Fall Band, Choir & Orchestra Concert
A combined Band, Orchestra, Choir concert will be held at 7:00 pm on October 15, 2024 at Fair Haven Church. The call time for the orchestra is 6:30, and the call time for band and choir is 6:40. Students must be in formal concert attire (black pants/skirts, black shoes and a plain white top). Dress code applies. See you there!
7th Grade Winter Camp Parent Chaperone Sign-ups
7th Grade Winter Camp will be held January 29-31, 2025. We are accepting applications for Parent Chaperones. An email with a sign-up link will be sent home today. If you are interested, fill out the form and submit it. Deadline to apply is October 23 at 4:00pm.
Robotics
The Robotics season for the IQ program (5th/6th grade) and Aerial Drones (5th-8th grade) will be starting soon!
The IQ season will be starting at the beginning of November with sign ups due by October 11th. If you signed up already, you should have received an email already confirming and there is no need to sign up again. New this year we will be running a Pre-Season Camp for those who are new to the IQ program. This will be a 2-day camp, October 7th and 9th, from 3:00-4:30 pm in the Robotics Room. This is not required to participate in the Robotics season but recommended for those who have not participated in the past.
The Drone season will also be starting in November with flexible practice times to help accommodate the students doing both Robotics and Drones. Sign ups are due by October 11th.
- Schedule of events
- Add the calendar to your phone or mail program
- Sign up for IQ and/or Drones
- Sign up for the IQ Pre-Season Camp
Questions? Please contact Jennifer at robotics@4hcs.org
COMMUNITY NEWS
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 1. To register go to this link. An information sheet with more details can be found at www.unitychristianathletics.org
Fall Arts and Crafts Festival
You are invited to attend Jenison Christian’s annual Fall Arts & Crafts Festival at the school on Saturday, November 2 from 9:00 am – 2:00 pm. Find unique handmade art, jewelry, baked goods, gifts and more! Admission is free. For more information or vendor inquiries contact craftshow@jenisonchristianorg
When God’s Story Becomes Your Story
Please join us Saturday, November 2, for a Biblical Theology Workshop with Nancy Guthrie. 9:00 am – 3:00 pm at First Byron CRC, 8541 Byron Center Ave SW, Byron Center. To register and for more information go to nancyguthrie.com and click under workshops. You may also email office@firstbyroncrc.org with any questions!
Internet Safety Workshop
Attention Parents and Students (6th Grade and Up)! The Rush Creek and Grand Valley Cadet Councils are excited to invite you to a special workshop on Internet Safety with expert Al Vandenbosch. The event will take place on October 10 at 7:00 PM at Messiah Christian Reformed Church, 2900 Springdale St, Hudsonville, MI 49426. Al Vandenbosch, who works for Ottawa County, will help you understand the dangers that our children face when they are on the internet. Join us as we all learn about these dangers, the consequences of decisions, and how to protect children. This workshop will cover essential topics such as safe browsing habits, identifying and avoiding online scams, protecting personal information, and cyberbullying prevention. This event is open to all students in 6th grade and higher, and it is not limited to boys—everyone is welcome. No registration is necessary—just come as you are! We look forward to seeing you there!
Heritage Christian School 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament
The annual Heritage 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament will be held on Saturday, November 2, 2024. Gather your teams and sign up at the following link: 3on3 Registration. Sign up deadline is October 12.
