HOME COMMUNICATOR
“Mrs. Fuller, can we pray for you?”
Two 8th-grade students asked me this before I was to speak at a recent Middle School chapel. This question alone is wonderful! But there is more: I’ve been praying specifically for these two girls since the second grade. They are two of my daughter’s best friends, and for more than 7 years I have prayed that God would use them for His glory and that He would use them to speak Truth in love to my daughter.
”The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.
James 5:16b NIV
And then, a few weeks ago, they prayed for me. They prayed that Christ would use me for His glory at Chapel. They prayed that God would use my devotion to speak Truth to their classmates.
Isn’t God awesome?!
He is at work in the lives of our students, and He is at work in us! He hears our prayers! So, keep praying. Pray for your student, their teachers, their peers, and the leadership of HCS.
“The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.” James 5:16b
Layne Fuller
Direcotor of Marketing and Communications
ALL-SCHOOL NEWS
School Board Candidates
The Hudsonville Christian School Board is receiving names for possible candidates to serve as board members for a three-year period beginning July 2024. Please submit names of qualified candidates to Devon Brinks, Superintendent, by email at dbrinks@4hcs.org or the school office (669-6689) by Friday, February 2, 2024.
Long Term Sub Needed
We are looking for a long term sub to teach in the middle school. The position will teach 7th grade English Extensions as well as an 8th grade Careers class (the curriculum is already planned). This sub starts after Spring Break (April 8) and would continue through the end of the school year. It is a part time position with the following schedule:
- Monday/Wednesday: 8:40-1:15
- Tuesday/Thursday/Friday: 8:40-11:15
Please reach out to Chris Achterhof (cachterhof@4hcs.org) if you or anyone you know is interested.
Employment Opportunity – Finance Assistant
HCS is seeking a Finance Assistant to join our team as a part-time or full-time position. If interested, or desire to learn more about the position, please contact Devon Brinks, Superintendent at dbrinks@4hcs.org or at 616-669-6689.
Parent Teacher Conferences
This winter we are looking forward to conferences with our parents February 13 and 15, 2024 for students in Young 5s – 8th grade. The goal of Parent/Teacher Conferences at our school is to focus on the child so that the parents and teachers support each other in the nurturing of each child. In the spirit of II Timothy 2:15 we continue this most important cause for our children and for the honor of God. School will be in session regular hours on both conference days. There will be no school for 3 School through 8th Grade on Friday, February 16 and Monday, February 19.
Elementary: Students brought home a conference form last week. The completed forms are due tomorrow, January 17, 2024. You will be notified of your conference time(s) by mail.
Middle School: There are NO scheduled conference times for middle school students during the winter conference dates. Homeroom Teachers will be available in the south gym to meet with parents in cafeteria-style conferences from 3:30 – 5:45 p.m. and from 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. Core 2 staff members are also available in the south gym during conference times for parents of all middle school students grades 6, 7 and 8. The cafeteria-style meetings are meant to be short 7 -10 minute discussions to allow all parents access to staff members in a timely manner. IF you require a longer conference with a particular teacher, please be sure to connect with them via email or by calling the middle school office at 616-379-0338 to make this request and set up an individual conference on a different date and time.
Joy 99 JoyJars
This Thursday, from 1-4pm, the JOY99 JoyBus will be at the elementary school to collect donations for JoyJars. Bring your kids by and color some cards for the children who are fighting cancer. You can play Plinko and win Joy t-shirts and other fun prizes while you’re there! You could win your class a pizza party too. Stop by and drop your teacher’s name into the raffle. Can’t wait to see you there. (We’ll announce the pizza lunch winner and totals next week!) Check out the organization here : https://negu.org/about/
HCS 3 on 3 Tournament
Hudsonville Christian School is excited to partner with our community and host the first annual 3 on 3 HCS basketball tournament on March 9, 2024. Registration is now open! Please send any questions to 3on3@4hcs.org.
Moms in Prayer
God is Great! “So I will show my greatness and my holiness and make myself known in the eyes of many nations.” Ezekiel 38:23a Moms in Prayer groups span the world in more than 150 countries. Each group will use the same prayer sheet the week of Jan 14-20. Praying in unity, we will cry out to God for the children and schools throughout the world. Please join us at the middle school this week Friday at 8 AM. See you there!
HCS Auction Tuition Raffle – Don’t miss out!
Wouldn’t it be a DREAM to have a $0 tuition cost for ONE WHOLE YEAR? Buy raffle tickets now (1 for $25 or 5 for $100!) at hudsonvillechristian.cbo.io and you might just have your wish come true! Winner announced at the LIVE AUCTION on Saturday, March 2nd (winner does not have to be present to win). BUY TICKETS NOW: hudsonvillechristian.cbo.io.
EARLY CHILDHOOD AND KIDS' CORNER NEWS
Early Childhood Exploration Night is Coming!
If you are interested in information about 3 School, 4 School, Nature-Based 4 School, Young 5s, or Kindergarten at HCS, mark your calendars for 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, January 25 to attend our Early Childhood Open House at the elementary school. At this meeting for parents, you will learn more about our Early Childhood and Kids’ Corner programs and also get to meet the teachers in these areas. Please mark this date on your calendar and tell your friends and neighbors so they can join us!
3 School and 4 School Conferences
Conferences for 3 School and 4 School will be held on January 22 & 23. There will be NO SCHOOL for 3 School and 4 School on January 22 or 23. Parents have received an email to sign up for a conference time with your child’s teacher.
Kids’ Corner – January 22 & 23
Kids’ Corner will remain open on January 22 and 23 for those who are contracted for Kids’ Corner. Please email kidscorner@4hcs.org if your child will need care on those days.
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
The menu as well as other information on the Elementary Hot Lunch Program provided by JenHud Food Service can be found on the JenHud Food Service website.
Cookies
This week Friday morning students will have the opportunity to purchase freshly baked chocolate chip cookies for $.25 each (limit 4).
Urgent Before School Recess Help!
We are still in need of additional playground monitors especially before school on Wednesday and Thursday! If you are able to help please sign up HERE or email Cindy Palmbos.
Game On Extravaganza!
Get ready to score big at our sporting extravaganza, Game On! Kindergarten – 5th grade students and their champions are invited to join us for an action-packed evening of bonding and fun. Lace-up your sneakers and get in the game with a lineup of activities that will keep your adrenaline pumping, including an obstacle course, dodgeball matches, basketball showdowns, creative plays in friendship bracelet making, temporary tattoos, and a concession stand serving up victory snacks. Whether you’re a mom, dad, or someone special, this is your chance to huddle up with your young athlete for an unforgettable night of Game On! Save the date for Mothers/Special Person and Daughters on March 22 from 6-7:30pm and Fathers/Special Person and Sons on March 23 from 6-7:30pm. Gear up for the competition by wearing matching colors or sporting your favorite team jerseys together. Registration flyers will be sent home soon. Let the games begin!
MIDDLE SCHOOL NEWS
Chapel
Students and staff will gather in the south gym for chapel from 7:55-8:25 AM on Tuesday and Thursday. 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.
- Lance Machiela leading chapel Tuesday, January 16.
- No Chapel – Thursday, January 18.
Hot Lunch
No Hot Lunch this week Wednesday due to Exploratory week and 7th grade Winter Camp. The full menu/schedule is listed on our website.
Cookies
This week Friday morning students will have the opportunity to purchase freshly baked chocolate chip cookies for $.25 each (limit 4).
Exploratory Week
Exploratory week is happening this week! Many of our HCMS staff members are offering classes for the students to further explore God’s world and creation in different ways during this week. Please know that for this week students will have an abbreviated regular class schedule in the morning and will have their exploratory classes in the late morning/afternoon.
7th Grade Winter Camp
7th grade Winter Camp will be taking place this week Wednesday-Friday (01/17-01/19). 7th Grade students are to arrive between 7:50-8am Wednesday morning Jan. 17. Students will then be picked up promptly at 2pm Friday Jan. 19. If you have any questions do not hesitate to contact the school. We look forward to this time of fellowship and adventure for our 7th graders.
Sus Manos Gleaners
Any sixth or eighth grader may sign up to serve after school at Sus Manos this week Thursday. Check out this link: SUS MANOS
Middle School Spelling Bee
The middle school Spelling Bee is scheduled for Thursday, January 25, 2024. Each grade level can qualify up to eight students. Information is available from the 6th-8th grade language arts teachers. If you have any questions, contact Joy De Windt at jdewindt@4hcs.org.
COMMUNITY NEWS
Unity Christian New Student Nights
Unity Christian is holding New Student Nights on January 22, 24, 29, February 5, 7, and 12. All 8th grade families should have received a packet in the mail as well as an email with a link to sign up. If you have not received the packet and email and are interested in signing up for an evening, please contact Julie Essebaggers at jessebaggers@unitychristian.org or 616-669-1820.
Girls Basketball Camp
Unity Christian is pleased to offer a basketball camp for girls in 5th – 8th grades. This program will be held Saturday mornings on January 27, February 3, and February 10. Each session will teach fundamental basketball skills and provide team competition. Grades 5 & 6 will meet from 9:00 – 10:00 a.m., and grades 7 & 8 will meet from 10:00 – 11:30 a.m. The cost to participate is $35 for 5th/6th and $45 for 7th/8th, and the deadline to register is January 17. Please go to https://unitychristianathletics.org/main/campsclinics/ for more information and an online registration link.
Unity Christian Flag Football for Boys Grades 2 – 7
Unity Christian will be hosting a Saturday afternoon Flag Football Camp on February 3, 10, 17, and 24 for boys in 2nd through 7th grades. Instruction will be given on basic skills, fundamentals, and rules of football, but most of the time will focus on playing flag football. No experience is necessary, and players of any level are encouraged to participate. Boys in 2nd-3rd will meet from 12 – 1 p.m., 4th-5th will meet from 1:15 – 2:15 p.m., and 6th-7th will meet from 2:30 – 3:30 p.m. Cost is $35, and the deadline to register is January 31. Online registration and a flyer with more information can be found at https://unitychristianathletics.org/main/campsclinics/.
Allendale Christian 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament
Allendale Christian School will be holding its annual 3-on-3 basketball tournament on Saturday, March 16, at Allendale High School! There will be divisions for boys and girls for each grade level in 3rd through 8th grade. Please visit www.facebook.com/ACS3on3/ for more details and to access the online registration form. Early registrations ($120/team) runs through February 4. The registration deadline is March 6. We hope to see you there!”
Because Parenting Matters
We invite you to a morning packed with energetic, engaging, and knowledgeable speakers. Harbor Churches would love to host you on January 27, 2024 at Fair Haven Church for a morning where you will find yourself encouraged, supported and cheered on as we do some of the most important work there is: raise children. This conference was created to equip parents with kids of all ages and in many different family situations. Our mainstage teaching will give parents practical and relevant tools to implement in their homes. In addition, we will host several breakouts to give specific teaching for various situations and parenting stages. It’s a great opportunity to get equipped to care for your family at every stage. We will also have a panel where your specific questions will be addressed and talked through. Check out our website for more information and our breakout session lists! $15 includes conference admission, snacks, and other goodies!
National Girls and Women in Sports Day Event-Middle School Girls
In honor of 2024 National Girls and Women in Sports Day, Hope College Athletics invites West Michigan-area middle school girls, grades 6-8, to attend a special evening of events to celebrate the energy and the achievements of girls and women in sports. Middle school girls are invited to play and learn with Hope female student-athletes and mentors on Wednesday January 31 from 5:00 p.m. to 6:15 p.m. at the Dow Center. This clinic is FREE, but registration is required as space is limited. REGISTER HERE if interested. Registration for this event closes on Tuesday, January 23, 2024.
