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HOME COMMUNICATOR

Summer is one of my favorite times of the year – but not for the obvious reasons you may think. Of course we appreciate the change in routine, slower mornings, the Michigan sunshine, and opportunities to travel. But summer also fuels our work as leaders at HCS. Summer is a time for us to reflect on the completed school year and look forward to a new one to come. Summer provides us with time to meet and talk about our mission and vision and how we can live it out even better than we’ve done in the past. Summer brings the creation of new schedules, new professional development plans, preparing for new students, supporting new teachers, and replenishing our snacks for staff meetings.

This past summer, over 30 teachers participated in an optional summer book study. They chose to spend part of their summer learning and growing professionally with their colleagues. They participated in important conversations about curriculum updates and how to support students as readers and writers, using research to drive their work. The excitement in the air at each meeting was contagious – laughter, sharing stories of summer adventures, connecting with colleagues, and even shedding some tears as colleagues navigated difficult situations in their lives. But the way teachers showed up for the meetings, engaged in meaningful conversations, and demonstrated a growth mindset about making some shifts in their teaching was astonishing. Our teachers and staff at HCS are 100% committed to serving here. They are refueled and refreshed from summer break, and have jumped right into routines, curriculum planning, and team meetings. More importantly, they are welcoming your students into their classroom communities and exemplifying Christ through all they do each day.

As we shift out of summer mode and transition into a new school year, I want to thank you for allowing us to be a part of your child(ren)’s educational journey. We look forward to watching them grow academically and spiritually this year!

In Christ,

Jen Rysdam,
Director of Curriculum & Instruction

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