A message from HCS
Have you ever noticed how hard it can be to be fully present—even when we really want to be? Maybe you’ve experienced multiple people trying to talk to you at the same time, a phone that’s going crazy with notifications, or any number of screens that captivate our attention the moment the day begins. There is always something else to see, hear, check, or think about. For our students, this is becoming part of everyday life, too. Learning to put distractions aside and be fully engaged in the moment is an important skill, and it is one we have many opportunities to practice at school.
Being present can look pretty simple: looking at someone when they are speaking, listening to a friend’s story, noticing what is happening around us, or giving our best attention to the task in front of us. These small moments matter. When we give someone our attention, we communicate that they matter. When we slow down enough to notice the world around us, we have an opportunity to see and appreciate God’s creation and the work He is doing in our lives. As we help our children learn to be present, we are helping them grow not only as students, but also as people who can listen well, love others, and make the most of the moments God places in front of them. Perhaps this week, we can all look for a few opportunities to put the distractions aside, slow down, and be fully present with the people around us.
Tricia Kiepert
Elementary Principal
IN THIS NEWSLETTER
All-School News
Announcements, news and events for all HCS families.
Check out the New HCS Parent Portal
We’ve made it easier to find the HCS resources you use most! The new HCS Parent Portal puts the school calendar, A/B schedules, lunch information, homework links, and more in one convenient place. Even better, add it to your phone’s Home Screen and use it just like an app whenever you need it.
ADD THE PARENT PORTAL TO YOUR PHONE using these quick instructions for iPhone or Android.
As a reminder, the Current Families page provides a more complete resource for families to see what is happening this week at HCS, access important forms, and find policy and volunteering information.
Moms in Prayer
Moms in Prayer invites you to come join us in prayer Friday, Oct 2. This week we 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 staff that ministers to our precious first and second grade students. See you there!
Long Term Sub Needed-Library/ELA
Hudsonville Christian Middle is looking for a long term sub from mid-November through mid-February. This would be a full time position, supervising the library for half of the day and teaching a few ELA classes. If you are interested in this opportunity, or know someone who is, please reach out to Chris Achterhof, middle school principal, at cachterhof@4hcs.org.
Kids’ Corner Daytime Staff Needed
Hudsonville Christian School is seeking applicants for Kids’ Corner childcare support staff for Monday and Thursday afternoons from 12:30-2:45 PM . Interested applicants must have a love for God and His children, be 18 years of age and enjoy working on a team. Apply here or contact Konni Lubbers. Applications will be accepted through October 5, 2026.
Faith Campaign 2026
Our annual Faith Campaign is underway and we are deeply grateful for the faithful prayers and generous support you have shared with us year after year! Once again, we trust that God will lead and guide our school as we carry out our mission to challenge minds and lives for Christ. Our Faith Campaign raises money to assist families through our tuition assistance program as well as care for and maintain our school buildings. We invite you to prayerfully consider supporting us in this mission as we seek to make Christian Education accessible and sustainable to all families. You can find out more information or donate online here: hudsonvillechristian.org/give/
Elementary Chapel Coffee Bar Partner
Are you a business or individual interested in matching the Elementary Chapel’s coffee bar proceeds for a month? All proceeds support the Tuition Stabilization Fund. As a monthly match partner, your name would be mentioned in the Home Communicator and displayed at the coffee bar. Contact Rachel Grysen at rachel.grysen@gmail.com for more info!
Thank You from the Clay Shoot Committee
We are incredibly grateful for your generous support of our Clay Shoot fundraiser! Because of your generosity and participation, we were able to raise over $40,000 for our school! Your support makes a meaningful difference and helps provide valuable opportunities and resources for our students. We are so thankful for everyone who donated, participated, volunteered, sponsored, and helped make this event a big success!
Early Childhood News
Announcements, news and events for HCS preschool families.
This little light is shining!
Check back next week for any important announcements!
Elementary School News
Announcements, news and events for families of elementary school students
Chapel
This Friday, October 2, Mrs. Caryl’s 3rd grade class will lead chapel at 10:05 AM in the West gym. Parents are welcome to join us and may enter through the West gym lobby doors. Coffee will be served in the West gym lobby before and after every chapel. Hot and iced coffee is available by donation (cash or card) with proceeds going to the Tuition Stabilization Fund. Enjoy some coffee and help support our school!
Young 5s, Kindergarten & 1st Grade Parent Orientation
Join us for an evening designed to give parents an inside look at what it means to Challenge Minds and Lives for Christ in Young 5s, Kindergarten, and 1st Grade. We’ll share how we approach curriculum, faith formation, student support, independence, and behavior—all with the goal of helping your child grow in knowledge, faith, and confidence. We hope you’ll join us at 6:30 pm on Monday, October 5! Questions? Email Tricia Kiepert, Elementary Principal, at tkiepert@4hcs.org. Please RSVP by September 30.
Father Daughter / Mother Son Rollerskating
Grab your favorite flannel and join us for two fun-filled nights of roller skating at Tarry Hall! Y5–4th grade families are invited to enjoy a special evening together at either Mother–Son Night on Wednesday, November 4, or Father–Daughter Night on Thursday, November 5. Click here for more info. and to RSVP. We hope you’ll join us for an evening of skating and family fun!
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 Tuesday and Friday. Parents are welcome to join us!
- Friday, October 2 – Nate Meldrim from Messiah CRC leading chapel
- Tuesday, October 6 – Kristen Koetje and Katie Heerspink leading chapel
Hot Lunch
Pizza Ranch Pizza is available for hot lunch this Wednesday, Sept. 30. Check the schedule for upcoming menu items.
If you have not yet filled out a survey for Chick-Fil-A Nuggets, please do so with the links below. This helps us to make sure we order the right amount of food on hot lunch days. Thank you!
Hot Lunch Survey Chick-Fil-A Nuggets FIFTH GRADE ONLY
Hot Lunch Survey Chick-Fil-A Nuggets SIXTH GRADE ONLY
Hot Lunch Survey Chick-Fil-A Nuggets SEVENTH GRADE ONLY
Hot Lunch Survey Chick-Fil-A Nuggets EIGHTH GRADE ONLY
5th Grade Girls & Mothers Night | Oct. 5
5th grade girls and their mothers (or another trusted female) are invited to Sex Ed. Night on Monday, October 5, at 7:00 PM at the Middle School. An invitation, with additional information, was emailed previously. Contact the MS Office with questions.
Robotics Signup for 5th & 6th Grade
Applications for 5th and 6th grade students interested in participating in Robotics are now available for the students to pick up from the Middle School Office. All applications are due back to the Middle School Office, or Mrs. Tackitt, by October 13th.
The season will run November-February with teams meeting 2 times a week for practice, 4 league nights in January and February, and 1 all day tournament in January or February. ***NEW THIS YEAR*** All teams will be required to have a parent/adult coach (or 2 families co-coaching). Coaches can be parents, grandparents, family friend, etc., who are over 18 and pass the required background check. Coaches will be responsible to attend practice with their team and be at league nights/tournaments with them. If we do not have enough coaches, students who have an adult volunteering to coach will be given preference when forming teams.
Upcoming Events
Upcoming Events for HCS families
Harvest Family Fun Day
Join us on Saturday, October 3, from 3:00-5:00 rain or shine. Stay for the entire time, or come when you can! We would love to see everyone from preschoolers to 8th graders come out for doughnuts/cider/popcorn and cotton candy. Come play fun games, jump in the bounce house, win awesome prizes and spend time together connecting as a school community! There is a small cost of $5 per child (adults are free). Please continue to watch the Home Communicator and social media pages in the week leading up to the event for important details and reminders!
We are asking for your help with donations :
- Preschool-3rd grade – One or more boxes of cereal
- 4th – 8th grade – One 12 pack of pop
Items should be dropped off at the Administration Office (Elementary Building) by October 2 at 3pm.
Unified Soccer
Come cheer for our HCS Unified soccer team (players from grades 2-7) as they play against Zeeland Christian on Monday, October 12 at 3:45 at the HCS Elementary soccer field. Unified sports is a program of the Special Olympics that combines kids with and without disabilities to play sports together, promoting inclusion and friendship. Go Firehawks!
Grandparents’ Day – Volunteers Needed
We are looking forward to Grandparents’ Day on October 30. We are in need of a few more parking volunteers at the elementary building. Click here or contact Cindy Palmbos to sign up!
Community News
Community News for HCS families
The Children’s Business Fair is back!
Join us on October 10th for a fun day of creativity, entrepreneurship, and community! Kids ages 5–14 are invited to become entrepreneurs for the day by registering for their very own booth. They can create and sell handmade products, crafts, baked goods, and more! Have a young entrepreneur at home? Claim a booth before they sell out! Or simply come shop, encourage these amazing kids, and support our local young entrepreneurs! Click Here for more info! We’d love to see you there!
STEM Workshop at Cornerstone University
Join us for Created to Discover: Where Faith and Science Intersect, hosted by Cornerstone University professors and current students! Visiting students and their families can participate in hands-on demonstrations in their area of interest including: NURSING & HEALTH • ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE • KINESIOLOGY INTERSECT • MATHEMATICS • ENGINEERING & TECHNOLOGY. Date: Thursday, Nov. 5, 2026 Time: 6-8 p.m. Location: Cornerstone University Campus Space is limited! Learn more and register by scanning the QR code. Cost: Free Grades: 6-12 (and parents). Register and learn more: https://www.cornerstone.edu/news-events-blogs/events/stem-workshop/
Heritage Christian 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament
The annual Heritage Christian 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament for grades 3-8 will be held on Saturday, November 7, 2026! Start getting your teams together & sign up at the following link: Heritage Christian 3 on 3 Sign Up
Registration deadline is October 10th.
Important Dates
October 1 – 6th Grade Dunes Day 2
October 3 – Harvest Family Fun Day
October 5 – Y5s, K, 1st Parent Orientation Night
October 5 – 5th Girls Sex Ed. Night
October 13 – MS Fall Fitness Feat
October 14 – Strategic Planning Day (no school for students)
October 15-16 – CEA Convention (No school for students)
October 20 – Band/Orchestra/Choir Concert @ FH
October 28 – Limited busing PM
October 30 – End of First 9 Weeks
October 30 – Grandparents’ Day



