HOME COMMUNICATOR
Have you ever wondered what happens when a student is sent to the principal’s office? Some of you might have memories from when you were in school of the nervous walk down the hallway, convinced that life as you knew it was about to change. Others might remember the mystery of what exactly went on behind that office door, hoping you never had to make a visit. Thankfully, the truth is usually much less dramatic—and much more redemptive—than childhood imaginations suggest.
”Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
Ephesians 4:32 NIV
When students come to my office to work through a behavior situation, my goal is not simply to hand out consequences but to help them understand their story in light of God’s bigger Story. We typically start by carefully untangling what really happened. I often show a picture of a tangled up pile of yarn at this point and remind them that telling the truth makes straightening out the yarn so much easier and helps us move forward toward fixing the problem.
From there, we work through a behavior reflection process. This helps students uncover the reasons why certain choices were made and the impact of those choices on themselves and others. After that, we look for ways to repair what has been broken. Sometimes this comes in the form of an apology for hurtful words or actions and sometimes we have to work to repair a relationship or replace something that was physically damaged. I love to show a before and after picture to students of a piece of furniture in need of restoration as we talk about fixing up what is broken. Finally, we think together about new options for the next time a similar situation arises.
This process mirrors the overarching theme of God’s story that students are learning about in class. When God created the world, He designed us to live in harmony with Him and one another. The Fall reminds us that sin twists our desires and actions, leading to brokenness. Yet through Redemption, Christ makes forgiveness possible and shows us a better way. And as we seek Restoration, we get to participate in God’s renewing work by practicing forgiveness, making peace, and trying again. Even a discipline conversation, then, becomes a small reflection of the gospel. My hope is that each behavior conversation not only helps students to make better choices in the future, but also gives an opportunity to point children to the grace and hope of Jesus.
Ephesians 4:32 – “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
Tricia Kiepert
Elementary Principal
SCHOOL-WIDE NEWS
Pig in a Blanket Sale!
Pigs in a blanket are available and for sale while they last!!! They will be for sale in the main office at the elementary school for $15/ dozen! Thanks so much for supporting HCS!
Moms in Prayer
Moms in Prayer invites you to come join us in prayer Friday, Oct 3. 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 and teaches the precious first and second grade students. See you there!
Faith Campaign 2025
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.
Harvest Family Fun Day
This Saturday, October 4th, from 3-5 is our Harvest Family Fun Event! Preschool – 8th grade and families!! Plan on attending rain or shine. Even if you cannot come the entire time, feel free to stop in anytime between 3 and 5. The event is held on the basketball courts behind the early childhood wing. Parking is available in the bus loop parking lot. You may also park on Oak Street. Volunteers will be stationed at both the bus loop parking entrance, or if you enter from Oak Street (walk alongside school) to get you checked into the event. If the weather looks questionable, the event will be held in the West gym and communicated by Friday afternoon. There is a small cost of $5 per child, cash or checks are accepted. (No charge for adults, but donation boxes will be available.) Cotton Candy/donuts and cider/popcorn, dunk tank, 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 check your email (or spam folder). Instructions will be sent by Friday afternoon with what to expect the day of, as well as any communication concerning a change in location due to weather.
Donations: 2 of the games we play are dependent on your donations! Please bring the following to the elementary main connector by October 3rd. Stop in and say hello to Mrs. Kellar, she can direct you to the tables that are set up in the hallway outside of her office. Thank you for your help!!
- Preschool – Grade 3: One or more boxes of cereal
- Grade 4 – 8: 12 pack of pop
ELEMENTARY NEWS
Chapel
This week Friday, October 3, Ms. Ritsema’s 2nd grade class will lead chapel from 10:00-10:25. 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. Make deposits and monitor your account through the Family Portal. If you have questions please contact the food service at foodservice@hpseagles.net.
Love Bazaar Volunteer Opportunity
The Love Bazaar is seeking committee members to join our amazing team. Come be a part of the best day ever, and get involved by celebrating Christmas all year long! Committee members have the JOY of planning, shopping and sharing
the LOVE of CHRIST with our elementary students on this amazing day. If you would like more information, or have any questions, please contact Kristin Power at kpower@4hcs.org or click HERE to sign up!
MIDDLE SCHOOL NEWS
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!
- Tuesday, September 30 – Matt Koets leading chapel
- Friday, October 3 – Mark Elffers -Zutphen CRC leading chapel
- Tuesday, October 7 – Joy Duimstra & Allie Leerar leading chapel
Hot Lunch
Hot lunch this week Wednesday, October 1 will be Pizza Ranch pizza sold for $2.50/slice – cheese and bacon will be the options. Pop will be sold for $1.00/can (limit one) and chips for $.50/bag. Please send money with your child that day – smaller bills are better. Here is the Link to the Middle school Hot lunch schedule/menu.
Donuts
Donuts will be sold during break this Friday, October 3 for $1.75.
5th Grade Girls & Mothers
Mothers/Other trusted females, please plan to attend the 5th Grade Girls Sex Ed. night with your daughter on Monday, October 6. An email was previously sent out with an invitation and additional information. This informative evening will be taking place at 7:00 pm in MM the Middle School Orchestra room. If you have any questions or concerns please do not hesitate to reach out.
Skating Parties
7th Grade students will be having a skating party Monday, October 13 at RollXscape – buses will provide transportation to and from the event. Parents need to pick students up at 6 pm at HCMS. Cost is $10and includes skate rental(you can bring your own if you prefer). Students may bring extra money for the snack bar and arcade.
8th Grade students will be having a skating party Wednesday, October 15 at RollXscape – buses will provide transportation to and from the event. Parents need to pick students up at 6 pm at HCMS. Cost is $10 for EVERYONE who enters the building. Students may bring extra money for the snack bar and arcade.
7th Grade Winter Camp Chaperone Sign-up
In January, our 7th grade students will be heading off to Winter Camp. The camp runs from January 28-30 (Wednesday-Friday). An email was sent yesterday to all 7th grade parents with information about being a chaperone. If you are interested in being a chaperone, please complete the form linked in the email. If you have any questions, please call the middle school office.
Robotics
5th-6th Robotics sign ups are due October 8. Students must pick up forms from the MS office and they can be returned to the MS office or Mrs. Tackitt. Parent meetings will be Oct 14 and 15 at 7pm in the West Connector at the Elementary Building. Please plan on attending one of the meetings for information regarding this year’s program.
Competition Drone Meeting – Any parents and students (grades 5-8) who are interested in participating on a Competition Drone team are invited to attend a Competition Drone meeting on Oct 16 at 7 pm in the West Connector at the Elementary building.
If you have any questions, please contact Jennifer @ robotics@4hcs.org.
COMMUNITY NEWS
Unity Christian High School Employment Opportunity
Unity Christian High School is seeking a full-time Custodian of Outdoor and Indoor Facilities. A detailed job description and directions on how to apply can be found on Unity’s website (www.unitychristian.org / Connect / Employment Opportunities). Any questions can be directed to Krista Bosscher at unity@unitychristian.org.
revive
Employment Opportunity! Revive is seeking to expand its weekly shopping hours to include early evenings Monday –Friday and later afternoons on Saturdays. This means we are looking to hire additional help to manage the store during those new hours. This is a paid position for 10-20 hours per week, including Saturdays, as well as covering occasional staff vacations or sick days. If you are interested, please contact Jenny at revive at 616-662-3375 or jwalters@unitychristian.org. Reach out with any questions or to express your interest! It’s a great place to work with a great team!
Volunteers! Revive is also welcoming new volunteers anytime for a variety of tasks! If you would like to do something fun and meaningful, revive is the place! Volunteering here means you are supporting your kids and grandkids in their commitment to Christian education while working in areas that interest you and are rewarding. Plus, you’ll love getting to know the revive volunteer family! Stop by to see what we’re all about and to pick up a volunteer form! Or check us out online: www.reviveresale.org as well as Facebook and Instagram. Let us know if you have any questions: 616-662-3375 or email us at: revive@unitychristian.org.
Heritage Christian 3 on 3
The annual Heritage 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament for grades 3-8 will be held on Saturday, November 8, 2025! Start getting your teams together & sign up at the following link: Heritage Christian 3on3 Sign Up The registration deadline is October 11th.
Mom-to-Mom Sale
Jenison Christian is having their annual Mom-to-Mom Consignment Sale on Saturday, October 4! Shop from 9:00 am–12:00 pm for gently used kids’ and maternity clothing, baby gear, toys, books, and more. Come back at 12:30 pm for the popular $10 Grab Bag Sale—fill a paper bag with all you can carry!
