HOME COMMUNICATOR
Last Friday was one of the busiest days of the year at Hudsonville Christian School, as we celebrated Grandparent’s Day—a truly wonderful occasion. We welcomed an estimated 2,400 grandparents and special friends, many of whom traveled from near and far to join their grandchildren for this special event. The gymnasium and our two buildings were filled with love and support, a beautiful testament to the commitment these families have to their grandchildren and to the school.
The support of grandparents and other family members is crucial as we continue to invest in the hearts and minds of our students.
Psalm 78 encourages believers to pass on the truths of Scripture to the next generation. We are called to share the stories and messages of the Bible with our children and to tell them how the Lord has been real and powerful in our own lives. Has God met your daily needs, perhaps in unexpected ways? Tell your children. Has He protected you from harm in a tangible way? Share that story with them. Has the Holy Spirit spoken to you through Scripture or a sermon? Make your children aware of it. If God’s Word is central to your life, show them by having daily devotions together.
In verses 5 and 6, the psalmist emphasizes that God commands fathers to teach their children, so that each generation can pass on the knowledge of God to the next. As parents and grandparents, it is both a joy and a serious responsibility to share the message of salvation in Jesus Christ with our children and grandchildren.
What a blessing it is that parents and grandparents are not alone in this important task. The church and schools offering Christian education each operate to serve as vital partners for parents in fulfilling this responsibility. For over 100 years, Hudsonville Christian School has been dedicated to partnering with families to “Challenge Minds and Lives for Christ,” and we will continue this partnership for generations to come.
In His service,
Devon Brinks
Superintendent
SCHOOL-WIDE NEWS
No School for CEA Convention
There will be no school or Kids’ Corner for students on Thursday, October 24 and Friday, October 25 so that our teachers can participate in the Christian Educators Association Convention.
Halloween
The policy on Halloween at HCS is that we do nothing to support it in classroom activities or decorations.
Report Cards
The first nine-week marking period will end on Wednesday, October 23. Report cards will be posted to RenWeb on Friday, November 1 for students in 1st-8th grade. If you are not able to access the report card by computer or must have a hard copy, please call the elementary office at 616-669-6689 or middle school office at 616-379-0338. If you experience problems or have questions about accessing this information through RenWeb, please contact Terry Steenstra at tsteenstra@4hcs.org.
Yearbook Order
Now is the time to order the HCS yearbook for your student! Orders are taken now for the all-color yearbook that students will receive in May 2025. The cost is $25 per yearbook and you must purchase it online through Herff-Jones at www.YearbookOrderCenter.com. You must enter our school order number that is 3469. Please note that you must order online by Friday, November 1.
Parent/Teacher Conferences
Parent/Teacher Conferences are scheduled for November 12 & 14 for students in Young 5s – 8th Grade. You will be notified of your conference time(s) by mail. Childcare will be available during your conference time. School will be in session regular hours on both conference days. There will be no school for 3 School through 8th Grade on Friday, November 15. Kids’ Corner will also be closed on that day. Thank you!
Revive Resale
It’s Pay Day! Revive is so excited to be able to bless our Eastern Ottawa Christian Schools with a total of $723,060 for this school year! That’s a total of $260 for every student, our highest payout yet! And for Hudsonville Christian that equals a total of $237,640! God has been so good to Revive with a wonderful year of donations, shoppers, and record sales numbers, and the money that results is a joy to pass on to our Christian school families. Since opening in 2010, Revive has been able to give our schools a total of $3,770,580! Praise God for His provision! Thank you for being an important part of that by donating to Revive, shopping, and even volunteering! Your contribution matters! To keep up on the happenings of Revive, find us on Facebook or Instagram or visit our website at www.reviveresale.org.
ELEMENTARY NEWS
Elementary Hot Lunch
Information on the Elementary Hot Lunch program provided by JenHud Food Service can be found on the JenHud Food Service website.
Wednesday Morning Playground Volunteers
We are in need of volunteers to help monitor the elementary playground on Wednesday mornings before school. For more information or to sign up contact Jules Schmuker.
Lost and Found
Please remind your child(ren) to check for their lost items in the hall by the lower elementary office. Parents – please check out the lost and found when you are at school.
MIDDLE SCHOOL NEWS
Chapel
Students and staff will gather in the south gym for chapel from 7:55-8:25 AM on Tuesday and Friday. 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.
- Tuesday, October 22 – Mrs. Heerspink’s Homeroom leading chapel
- Friday, October 25 -No school/No chapel
- Tuesday, October 29 -Matt Borst and Jen Large leading chapel
Hot Lunch
Please note, there will be no hot lunch this week.
Hot Lunch Volunteers
The Hot Lunch Committee is in need of two additional volunteers! Volunteers would serve once every 5 weeks and earn 10 points. Please sign up here if you are willing to help!
Upcoming Hot Lunch Special
On October 30, the Hot Lunch Team is offering McDonald’s Cheeseburgers and Fries for $4.50. Your student received an email with a link telling them about this.
Fall Fitness Feat
The Fall Fitness Feat will be taking place this week Wednesday, October 23 at 11:20 am. Parents are welcome to come cheer the students on along the race course however we ask that you park at Hughes Park or the road leading up to the park in order to ensure the safety of all our participants. Please do not park in the school parking lot or front drive. The event will be happening rain or shine so please make sure your child dresses for the weather and comes prepared. Just a reminder, there will not be hot lunch offered on this day.
Foosball Table
Do you have an old foosball table that is no longer used? Is it in good condition that would be enjoyable for middle schoolers? If you have one that you might be willing to donate to the middle school, please reach out to the middle school office at: msoffice@4hcs.org
7th Grade Winter Camp Parent Chaperone Sign-ups
7th Grade Winter Camp will be held January 29-31, 2025. We are accepting applications for Parent Chaperones. An email with a sign-up link was sent home last week Tuesday. If you are interested, fill out the form and submit it. Deadline to apply is tomorrow, October 23 at 4:00pm.
PARENTS' CLUB NEWS
Parents’ Club Board – Open Meeting
As a parent/guardian of a student at HCS you are a part of the Parents’ Club! The Parents’ Club Executive Board (PCB) hosts a “General Assembly” meeting to provide updates and information specific to Parents’ Club support services, events and fundraisers. You are welcome to attend this meeting on Friday, November 8 from 8:00 am-8:30 am in the elementary west conference room.
Monthly Update from the PCB
The school year is off to a great start for the Parents’ Club Board (PCB) and we are excited to share all of the work God is doing through our Board! We look forward to another year living out our mission of blessing students, supporting staff, building community, and raising funds! Any questions- please reach out to pcb@4hcs.org.
- Volunteers
There are 855 volunteer opportunities this year at HCS! Currently, 645 are filled which means 200+ volunteer positions are still open. More than 100 families volunteer above and beyond the requested 25 points. Several families volunteer for more than 100 points! The Parents’ Club Board greatly appreciates our parent volunteers as their efforts help keep tuition costs down, assure our programs and events run smoothly, and build a stronger community. Please consider volunteering for one (or more) open positions!
- Fall Events
The Clay Shoot, Septemberfest & Harvest Family Fun Day events were all great successes.
- Funding
We have approved providing funds for many things such as our annual tuition assistance gift, new sports uniforms, new playground equipment, building needs, tech equipment, field trips and more! We couldn’t provide this without the money our events earn, so again, Thank You to those who give, attend, and volunteer!
COMMUNITY NEWS
Cross-train Volleyball
Cross-train Volleyball is offering a Girls Volleyball Clinic for 4th-8th grade girls on November 9th and 16th in the HCS West Gym. The clinic will focus on fundamental skill development and match play. The clinic is led by Hope Hoezee, Unity Christian Varsity Assistant Coach and Coordinator of Cross-train Volleyball. Click HERE to print the registration form. The deadline to register is Friday, November 1.
MS Girls Swim Team
Unity Christian is sponsoring a swim team for all EOCS female students who are in 6th – 8th grade. Participants will practice and improve their swim skills, and there will be three swim meets. The cost for this program is $80, and it begins on Wednesday, October 23. If you enjoy swimming this is an exciting opportunity for you! A printable flyer with more details of the program can be found here and, on our website, unitychristianathletics.org. You can register for this program at this link.
Boys Saturday Basketball Program
Unity Christian is pleased to offer a Saturday Basketball program for boys in grades 4 – 6. This program will be held on November 9, 16, 23 and December 7 & 14. Each session will teach fundamental basketball skills and provide team competition. Fourth grade boys will meet from 9:00 – 10:00 am, and 5th/6th graders will meet from 10:15 – 11:45 am. The cost to participate is $45 for 4th grade and $55 for 5th/6th grades, and the deadline to register is November 1. To register go to this link. An information sheet with more details can be found at www.unitychristianathletics.org
Fall Arts and Crafts Festival
You are invited to attend Jenison Christian’s annual Fall Arts & Crafts Festival at the school on Saturday, November 2 from 9:00 am – 2:00 pm. Find unique handmade art, jewelry, baked goods, gifts and more! Admission is free. For more information or vendor inquiries contact craftshow@jenisonchristianorg
When God’s Story Becomes Your Story
Please join us Saturday, November 2, for a Biblical Theology Workshop with Nancy Guthrie. 9:00 am – 3:00 pm at First Byron CRC, 8541 Byron Center Ave SW, Byron Center. To register and for more information go to nancyguthrie.com and click under workshops. You may also email office@firstbyroncrc.org with any questions!
