HOME COMMUNICATOR
To be honest, these are not always quotes you might hear from a teacher when it comes to a day of professional development. However, HCS teachers are not the norm! Last week Friday, fueled by tacos and chocolate, our staff engaged in a TECH-stravaganza professional development afternoon. Teachers were given the option of various sessions they could attend based on their interests and grade levels. Consultants from OAISD as well as current HCS teachers shared their knowledge on a variety of technology-related topics.
”“I’m so excited for PD on Friday!”
“I LOVED PD today!”
Teachers grew in their understanding of how to utilize our partnership with Ottawa Area Intermediate School District to bring STEM projects into our classrooms, including a wide variety of tools we can borrow for instruction in the classroom (robots, drones, games, and so much more!). Teachers also gained knowledge on ways to create inclusive classrooms through supportive technologies. They had fun learning how to add closed captioning to their screens, how to use supports built into chromebooks & iPads, and how to change the audio voices when utilizing text to speech tools! Our staff also engaged in great discussions on how to use some of the programs and tools we have to further meet the needs of the students we serve.
We appreciate the opportunities we have to provide professional development for our teachers during our early release days throughout the year. The professional growth of teachers is vital not only for their own development but also for nurturing a generation of learners. This growth is grounded in the call to serve and inspire others. Our teachers at HCS are filled with knowledge and tips and tricks to share with their colleagues, but most importantly, a desire to learn and grow as they challenge minds and lives for Christ.
Partnering with you,
Jen Rysdam
Director of Curriculum and Instruction
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. Parents of students in Young 5s-8th grade were sent an email with event information yesterday. To ensure that our grandparents receive all the details, we ask that you forward that message to them. All of the Grandparents’ Day information can also be found on our website.
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!
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 TODAY. 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
This Friday you are welcome to join Moms in Prayer at the Elementary School from 8:00-9:00 a.m. Check in at the main office and they will direct you where to go. We will be focused on praying for the Young 5s and Kindergarten classes! We will pray prayers of praise, confession, thanksgiving, and specifically for staff, faculty, and students.
Elementary ESS Paraprofessional Position
We are seeking a motivated and caring person to join our Educational Support Service Team as a paraprofessional. As a vital part of our ESS team, you will work closely with the ESS coordinator and/or special education teacher to support students requiring specialized instruction. Responsibilities would include working with students individually and in groups, assisting with implementing lessons, providing accommodations, and building relationships with students. Candidates should hold a teaching certificate or have experience in the field and be flexible in adapting to the changing demands of student needs. If you have any questions or to apply, please contact Jenny Gorter, Director of Educational Support Services, at jgorter@4hcs.org by September 27th.
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.
Cookie Day
This week Friday morning students will have the opportunity to purchase freshly baked chocolate chip cookies for $.25 each (limit 4) to support the work of our Global Awareness Committee.
Volunteer at the Elementary
- Playground Volunteers – We are in need of volunteers to help cover the elementary playground during recess. We especially need help 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!
- Cafeteria Helpers – The new cafeteria style lunch has been a success! Thank you so much to those who have signed up to help! 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. 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. Sign up or find more information 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 24 – Joy Duimstra & Allie Leerar leading chapel
- Friday, September 27 – Leerar 8th grade Homeroom leading chapel
- Tuesday, October 1 – Staff Praise Team leading chapel
Hot Lunch
Hot Lunch is this Wednesday, September 25. They will be serving DJ’s Pizza $2.50/slice. Click HERE for the complete menu schedule and information. Please keep in mind that hot lunch is an option, it is not mandatory. 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.
Cookies
Cookies will be sold at break this Friday, September 27 for $.25 each (limit 4).
6th Grade Trip to Saugatuck Dunes
Our 6th grade students and staff will be headed to the Saugatuck Dunes this week Tuesday and Thursday to continue their study of the Dunes ecosystem! Homerooms 6A (Helms) and 6B (Huisman) will be going on Tuesday, September 24 and homerooms 6C (Sietsema), 6D (Schaap), and 6E (Brouwer) will be going on Thursday, September 26. Students will be hiking through the state park and experiencing what each zone has to offer in this very unique ecosystem found right here in Michigan. This trip is a highlight for a lot of 6th grade students as they interact with their classmates, teachers, and the beautiful creation that the Lord has blessed us with. There will be Pizza provided for $1 a slice and pop $1 per can. Please send money along with your child on the day that they are going to the dunes.
5th Grade Girls & Mothers
Mothers/other trusted females, please plan to attend the 5th Grade Girls Sex Ed. night with your daughter on Tuesday, October 1. An email was previously sent out with an invitation and additional information. This informative evening will be taking place at 7:00 pm in the Middle School Orchestra room. If you have any questions or concerns please do not hesitate to reach out.
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 9th and 11th, 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
PARENTS' CLUB NEWS
Harvest Family Fun Day
Saturday, October 5th from 3-5 is our Harvest Family Fun Day Event. Plan on attending rain or shine. The event takes place on the playground (inside it will be held in the West gym). We would love to see everyone come out for food, fun and community. Even if you cannot come the entire time, please feel free to stop in anytime between 3 and 5. There will be a small cost of $5 per child (adults are free). Cotton candy/donuts and cider/popcorn, bounce house, tons of fun games and prizes! If you have a cinch sack/backpack you are encouraged to bring it with you to use for prizes. Volunteers: Please continue to check your inbox (or spam folder) for communications coming to you in the next few weeks! These contain details regarding the event and the game/food area that you are serving in.
Still looking to help out? Please sign up here!
Donations: 2 of the games we play are dependent on your donations! Please bring the following to the elementary main connector by October 4th. Thank you for your help!!
- Preschool – Grade 3: One or more boxes of cereal
- Grade 4 – 8: 12 pack of pop
COMMUNITY NEWS
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!
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.
