HOME COMMUNICATOR
Out with the old and in with the new…
January is usually a month to consider all things “new.” New schedules, disciplines, rhythms, exercises, and goals. It can become a bit overwhelming. Ironically, being new to the Admissions Coordinator position at HCS this year has encouraged me to look back on all things old. This took me back to our Statement of Belief. Yes it is updated throughout the years 🙂, but it remains an integral part of learning at HCS.
”Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.
Hebrews 13:8 NIV
Who are we at HCS? This is such an important piece of our story to present as new families inquire about our school. Yes, we are a school that meets Michigan state standards for education, but we are also a school who shepherds children’s hearts. We teach in a way that reveals how Christ is the Lord of all, and how God shows himself to us in every sphere of life. We have the responsibility to help kids understand their place in God’s story and how He equips them through a relationship with Him. We are a partnership of school, parents, and churches. What an incredible gift it is to know these things are unchanged and at the core of who HCS is.
Hebrews 13:8 reminds us “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.”
Often reflecting back is helpful as we jump into something new. So in the midst of all the changes of the New Year for ourselves and our families we can rest on one thing that is constant and true, Jesus Christ. All praise to Him!
Abbie Walters
Admissions Coordinator
ALL-SCHOOL NEWS
School Board Update
Click HERE to view a summary of the school board meeting from December 18, 2023. At this meeting the board approved the 2024-2025 school calendar. The next meeting is scheduled for January 14, 2024. Thank you for your prayers and support of our school leadership and administrators.
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 will bring home a conference form this week. The completed forms are due Wednesday, 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
It’s back! The JOY99 Joy Bus will be at the Elementary on January 18, 2-4pm broadcasting LIVE to promote JoyJars. Stop by to win prizes and maybe even get yourselves on the air! Check out the organization here: https://negu.org/about/
Moms in Prayer
Does your New Year’s resolution include praying more? What if you could learn how to pray more effectively? Moms in Prayer invites you for a time of guided, powerful, biblically-based, conversational prayer. Grow in your faith in the goodness of God, while making a profound difference in the lives of your children and their school. Come and see what the Lord is doing as we meet on Fridays, 8:00-9:00 a.m. This week we will be meeting in the preschool lounge at the elementary school – check in at the office. Please visit MomsInPrayer.org to learn more about this life-transforming, 40-year-old, global ministry.
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. Please watch your 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.
Winter Gear
Children who attend Kids’ Corner will go outside every day. Please send your child with labeled winter gear to keep them warm!
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.
Recess Monitor help January – May
We are still in need of additional playground monitors before school in the mornings and during recess. If you are able to help please sign up HERE.
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.
- Chapel Committee leading chapel Tuesday, January 9.
- Sarah Bolt leading Chapel – Thursday, January 11.
Hot Lunch
Hot lunch this week Wednesday will be Subway 6” sub sandwich (Ham/Turkey) /$5.00 each.. Pop/chips sold $.50 each. The full menu/schedule is listed on our website.
Ski Club
Ski club will be starting this week Friday, January 12! An email went out yesterday with more details to those that signed up for the Ski club. Please check your email and let the Middle school office know if you have any questions.
Future dates will be as follows: Feb. 2, Feb. 9, Feb. 23, March 1 & make-up date March 22.
Sixth Grade Medieval Unit
Sixth graders have received their roles for Medieval Day which is scheduled for Friday, January 12, 2024. Parents are invited to the costume parade from 8:00 to 8:45 that morning. If you can help during medieval week, check out the schedule and sign up at: MEDIEVAL UNIT PARENT HELP.
Exploratory Week
Exploratory week will be happening next week January 15-19! 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 next 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.
Middle School Fundraiser/Coin Wars
Prior to Christmas Break the Middle school students raised money for the Mosaic Project with a coin war. We are pleased to announce that the total raised was $3507! The generosity and enthusiasm of our students is such a blessing! The money raised will be used to renovate a shipping container into a classroom as well as purchase school supplies for impoverished and orphaned children in South Africa.
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 Sponsored Boys Middle School Swim Team
Unity Christian is pleased to offer a swim team for boys in 6th – 8th grade. This program will begin on January 10 and will conclude on February 22. Practices will be held at Hudsonville High School (old pool), and four meets are planned. The cost to participate is $95. Please go to Unity Christian High School (unitychristianathletics.org) under Camps and Clinics for more information and an online registration link.
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.
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!
