HOME COMMUNICATOR
With the renovations and construction this past year, a lot has (obviously) changed at the middle school. Throughout this process, a collection of stones and trees memorializing former students, teachers, and administrators needed relocation. Many of these memorials were for people who were passionate about Christian education, and a few were tragically lost too soon. Respecting these memorials amidst the construction project was part of many conversations.
One of the memorials was for Dan Pott. Long time principal and superintendent, Dan was a beloved member of the community who lost his battle with cancer in 2019 at the age of 61. Dan’s passion for Christian education was evident throughout his career, and unfortunately, I never had the privilege to meet him. However, his name routinely comes up as part of conversations due to his incredible impact on Hudsonville Christian.
When Dan’s memorial rock was moved, one thing jumped out at me. Below three crosses and above a plaque with his name, three words are printed on steel letters that say “All God’s Children”. Over the last few years, the words have slowly faded but the message is still crystal clear. Dan was committed to the idea that Hudsonville Christian should be a place where “All God’s Children” should have an opportunity to get a Christian education.
Each week, teachers meet in Professional Learning Communities. There are often great conversations about student needs and how we can help students academically, socially or Spiritually at HCS. Amidst the discussions, those three words continued to resonate. The students entrusted to us each day are “All God’s Children”. Whether we are parents, friends or educators, we all have an extraordinary opportunity as part of a Christian community to shepherd “All God’s Children”.
Chris Achterhof
Middle School Principal
SCHOOL-WIDE NEWS
School Pictures
Middle School students will have their pictures taken today. Elementary school pictures will be taken this week Wednesday and Thursday. Please be sure to return your picture packet and payment if you plan to order pictures.
- Tuesday, September 10– Grades 5-8
- Wednesday, September 11– M/W 3 School, M/W 4 School, Nature Based 4 School, M/W/F Y5s, Grade 1, Grade 2.
- Thursday, September 12– T/Th 3 School, T/Th 4 School, Nature Based 4 School, T/TH/F Y5s, Kindergarten, Grade 3, Grade 4.
Early Release
Next week Friday, September 20 is an early release day, with dismissal at 11:10 AM. Our staff will be engaged in valuable professional development during this afternoon. Hudsonville Public buses will run as normal but students riding Unity buses will need to arrange for transportation home.
School Board Meeting
The next monthly School Board meeting is scheduled for September 16. Please use this as a reminder to pray for our school leadership and administrators. Thanks for your continued support!
Math Pentathlon
Does your child enjoy playing games? Each year HCS students in grades 1-7 meet on Tuesdays
to learn games and develop problem-solving skills. Students of all math abilities are welcome.
Payment and registration forms are due by Tuesday September 24. Student discounts available for parents volunteering as a coach. The parent/coach training is October 1 at 6:30pm. Click HERE for more information and to register. Questions? Call Kim Honore’ 616-893-9197 or Leslie Knoper 616-325-5790.
Moms in Prayer
Moms in Prayer is a group of Moms that meet at HCS on Fridays, 8:00-9:00 a.m. We alternate between the elementary and middle school buildings each week. We are privileged to approach the Throne of Grace on behalf of HCS staff, teachers, and students, including our own children. We pray in simple scriptural, conversational and confidential prayer and welcome any Moms to come join us! Our first meeting of the new school year will be Friday, Sept. 13 in the unused 3rd grade classroom near the main office at the Elementary School. Please check in at the main office and Mrs. Kellar will direct you. See you there!
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.
Pokemon Cards
Pokemon cards have become a source of distraction and issues for several students and it has taken away the spirit we are trying to foster during our break times at the elementary building. Because of this, we are asking that students leave their Pokemon cards at home instead of taking them to school. Thanks for your cooperation with this!
Elementary Playground Volunteers
We are in need of volunteers to help cover the elementary playground during recess! Having additional adults on the playground helps keep our kids safe. Please check out this Sign Up Genius link to sign up and earn volunteer points! Thank you for considering this important opportunity!
Elementary Cafeteria Helpers
Thank you so much to those who have signed up to help with the cafeteria! We are still in need of a few more parent/grandparent volunteers who are dedicated to helping out two or three times each month in the elementary cafeteria, which will be set up next Monday in the east gym. These people will be in charge of setting up the tables, helping students as needed, cleaning tables, changing trash bags after each group, and helping to put away the tables at the end of lunch. The time frame is from 10:45-12:45 to cover three different lunch periods. Sign up or find more information about earning your parent volunteer points by following this Sign Up Genius link.
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, September 10 – Heath Brower leading chapel
- Friday, September 13 – Heath Brower’s Homeroom leading chapel
Hot Lunch – IMPORTANT MESSAGE
As we look to our first hot lunch day on Wednesday September 18th, we have some important information to share with parents. Please keep in mind that hot lunch is an option, it is not mandatory. Click HERE for the complete menu schedule and information.
Below are the menu items and prices for this year:
- All pizza (DJ’s, Pizza Ranch, Jet’s)- $2.50 per slice
- Mr. Burger- $4.50 – plain or with cheese
- Chick-fil-A- $4.50 chicken sandwich (with or without pickle)
Pop ($1.00 each, limit one can) and chips ($.50 each) will be offered each week, these can be purchased without purchasing the main entree item. Please also note that we only keep a limited amount of cash on hand, it makes it much easier if students have small bills.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding the hot lunch program please contact Kim or Lori.
Donuts
Donuts will be on sale at break time on Friday, September 13 for $1.50 each.
Boys Basketball sign-ups
An email was sent out to parents of all 7th & 8th grade boys with information about basketball signups. If your child is interested in participating make sure to sign him up!
PARENTS' CLUB NEWS
HCS Returnables Shed
You are invited to drop off your returnable cans and bottles to the recycling shed at any time! The shed is located in the elementary school north parking lot off of Hillcrest Ave. Thank you for supporting our school!
Septemberfest
Come out and support our school at the annual show on September 21 from 9am to 2pm at the Hudsonville Fairgrounds. This will be your one stop shop! Come and get your donut, grab some lunch and shop our 150+ vendors. Tickets are $3; kids 12 and under free. Strollers are welcome. VIP tickets are available that will allow you early entry at 8:15am before the crowds. The VIP passes also include a shopping bag full of local business coupons. There are only 100 available so get yours soon; visit the Septemberfest Facebook page for more information! Cost for VIP bags is $10. Please help us spread the word by finding us on Facebook, liking it, and sharing us with your friends. Search Septemberfest Arts and Craft Show on Facebook. We can not wait to see you all there!
The Septemberfest committee is in need of 3 volunteers on Saturday Sept. 21st from 2-3pm to help clean up after the event. Please sign up or email Becky.
Harvest Family Fun Day
We would love to see all the HCS preschool through 8th graders, and parents come out for an afternoon of food, fun and community! Plan on attending this fun-filled afternoon rain or shine. Outside it is held on the tar behind the early education wing. (Inside would be in the West Gym) Fantastic prizes and fun games like the pumpkin walk, basketball free throw, cereal walk, plinko, bounce house. Donuts, cider, popcorn, cotton candy. Even if you cannot come the entire time please stop by anytime between 3 and 5. There will be a small cost of $5 per child (adults are free).
We still are in need of 30+ more spots filled in order to make this event happen. It is only possible with the help of our HCS families! Please go to the sign up genius page for our event to sign up as soon as possible! Volunteers please watch your inbox (or check your spam folder) for incoming email communications over the next few weeks regarding the event! Thank you for signing up to help, we appreciate you! Please email jenniwalters@sbcglobal.net with any questions
Auction
We are in need of additional volunteers to help plan and facilitate the Auction that will take place in the spring of 2025! This is an important event for our school and a great way to build community! If you are willing to serve in this way click HERE to sign up! Questions? contact pcb@4hcs.org or auction@4hcs.org.
COMMUNITY NEWS
Unity Christian Mum Sale
Support the Class of 2025 and purchase your fall mums through the Graduation After Party Committee’s mum Sale! 8” mums are $12 and 12” mums are $25. Available in red, orange, yellow and multicolor. Mums will be on sale through September 13. All mums need to be picked up on September 21 between 10:30am and 12:30pm at Hudsonville Reformed Church. Order HERE.
Mom-to-Mom Sale
Join us Saturday, October 5, for the annual Jenison Christian School Mom-to-Mom Consignment Sale! Shop our conveniently sorted sale to find great deals on gently used children’s clothing (size infant through teen), maternity clothing, baby items, books, games, toys, and sports equipment. The sale will run from 9:00 am – 12:00 pm, and then close briefly before re-opening at 12:30 for a 15 minute grab bag sale (a big hit last year!). You will be able to purchase a paper grocery bag for $10 that you can fill with items remaining at the sale.
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!
A Weekend Away, A World of Difference
JH Outback Grand Rapids is an adventure packed weekend that is life-changing for parents and their teen children. Immersed in an undistracted environment that focuses on building connection and communication to last a lifetime!! You will bond through shared goals, challenges and a deeper understanding of life purpose and biblical values. September 27-29, 2024 at TimberWolf Lake Lodge in Lake City, Michigan. Sign up at www.jhoutback.com
Employment Opportunity
Post Family Farm in Hudsonville is looking to hire energetic ADULTS for seasonal work for our fall season. Our Fall season runs from September 4, 2024 – November 2, 2024. Opportunities include donut makers, tour guides, Weekday Festival workers and Saturday Festival workers. Donut making involves working with several others in our bakery making donuts, filling orders and running the cash register. Tour guides take a group of children, teachers and parents around the farm both on and off a tractor (training provided). Festival workers may work in donuts, office, tickets, drive the pumpkin train or drive the tractor to the pumpkin patch. No previous experience is required for any position. Work days and hours are very flexible to fit your schedule. Please contact Julie at Post Family Farm, if you have any interest in working in a fun, farm atmosphere. Phone – 616/669-1964, email – tours@postfamilyfarm.com.
