Home CommunicatorNews

Home Communicator – September 29, 2026

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

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

Get ready to lace up your skates for a roller skating party at Tarry Hall (3330 Fairlanes Ave SW, Grandville, MI 49418) 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. Snacks such as pizza, hot dogs, pretzels, ice cream, and mini donuts will be available for purchase at the concession stand. Accessible activities will be available for anyone who doesn’t want to skate. Payment will be made at the door (no need to send money to school), and Tarry Hall accepts cash, credit card, Apple Pay, and Google Pay. Flannel attire encouraged!

Please RSVP at this link if you plan to attend.

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 

This Saturday is the Harvest Family Fun Day event!! We cannot wait to see you! It runs from 3:00-5:00, stop by when you can. It is for the entire Hudsonville Christian School Community. Games, prizes, doughnuts, cider and lots of fun! The cost is $5 per student – cash or check only; NO Venmo (adults are free but donations are welcome). We have a limited number of prize bags available. If possible, please bring a backpack/cinch sac to hold your prizes. The event is held outside on the tar by the Early Education wing. Please do not park in the Early Education Lot! You may park/enter from either the bus loop parking lot, or Oak Street. If the event is moved inside, it will be held in the West Gym; please enter using the doors nearest the West Gym parking lot.

Any changes in location will be communicated via social media at the end of the week.

Volunteers: please watch your email for communications pertinent to the event. (Check your spam folder, if you do not hear from the volunteer coordinator)

Families: we still need help with donations:
Preschool – 3rd grade * One or more boxes of cereal
4th – 8th grade * A 12 pack of pop
Please bring these to the main connector (Elementary office) by 3:00 Friday, October 2.

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

Full HCS Calendar