15 - Hudsonville Christian Schools

Home Communicator
January 15, 2013
Principal’s Note: “This year I will. . . “
So often at the beginning of the new year we make resolutions and set goals to try something different, do something better, make
improvements to the way we do things. We look at it as a fresh start with the new year. This is a worthy exercise as long as the goals are kept
in perspective and reachable. We have begun a new year and next week will start the beginning of a new semester. What follows are some
suggestions for students and potential conversation topics for you and your child as you focus on second semester.
Tips for a great year – Help your child make 2013 the best year ever! Encourage him/her to put learning first as he/she sets some “New
Year’s” goals. Suggest that he/she…
Keep Up – “I will complete assignments on time.”
Idea: Have your child make a stack of “To Do” sheets with dates at the top and a numbered list of lines underneath. Each day he/she can cross
off items as they are completed. Your middle schooler will feel a sense of accomplishment daily and more in control of schoolwork – and his/her
life.
Get Help – “I will ask for extra help when I need it.”
Idea: If your child doesn’t understand a math unit or falls behind in social studies, remind him/her to seek help right away. Middle school
teachers are usually available before school, during study halls, after school, or via phone call or email. Going to teachers will not only get your
middle schooler on track; it will also show his teachers that he/she cares about schoolwork.
Reach Out – “I will try something new.”
Idea: Suggest that your youngster join a club or pursue a new interest in school or outside of school. Trying new things will help your child
expand his/her knowledge and experiences – and build confidence at the same time.
Be Grateful – “I will intentionally focus on being grateful every day no mater what is going on in my life.”
Idea: Suggest that your child keep a gratitude journal. Each day list five things for which they are grateful that day. Then spend time in prayer
thanking God for these things.
Fire Up – “I will evaluate how I am doing showing that God’s Spirit is alive in me. “
Idea: Suggest that your child share with you and/or their friends the specific ways they are showing that God’s Spirit is alive in them. Talk about
other ways they can show this. Suggest that they reflect on where they are in their faith walk journey and spend time in conversation with God
about this.
We are so incredibly blessed to be a part of the HCS family. The partnership between families and the school is strong and vital in our mission
to stand firm while moving forward. Thank you for all you do to help us challenge our students’ minds and lives for Christ.
Serving together in Him and choosing joy,
“Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now,
you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving
Mary Broene the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.” I Peter 1:8 and 9
Middle School Principal
SCHOOL WIDE NEWS
PRESCHOOL/KINDERGARTEN/PRE-K
INFORMATION NIGHT
If you have a three, four or five year old child, mark your calendar
for 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, January 24 to attend our PKP Night at
the elementary school. At this parent meeting you will learn more
about our 3 School, preschool, pre-kindergarten, and kindergarten
programs and also get to meet the teachers in these areas. Mark
this date on your calendar and tell your friends and neighbors so
they can join us!
NO SCHOOL ON FRIDAY
Just a reminder that there is no school for elementary or middle
school students this week Friday for Records Day and staff
professional development.
TUITION ASSISTANCE — FACTS PROGRAM
Hudsonville Christian will again be participating in FACTS, a grant
application program. Families who wish to apply for tuition assistance
will need to use the FACTS application format online via a confidential
website (paper applications will also be available). The $30 per
application fee will be paid by HCS. The FACTS organization will
analyze the information of each applicant. Through FACTS, HCS has
the ability to more evenly distribute available tuition assistance funds
based upon factual information the families provide in the application.
Parents who have children in more than one EOCS school need only
to fill out the application one time — the information will be available
to the schools where their children attend. The FACTS online
website application is available now. Please contact FACTS at 1-866-
315-9262 with any questions. The deadline for submitting this
application is March 30.

SCHOOL WIDE NEWS (Continued)
END OF SEMESTER/REPORT CARDS
This week Thursday marks the end of the first semester for our
students. Report cards will be either sent out or posted on-line for
students next week Friday, January 25.
MAP TESTING
Students in grades 2—8 will take part in MAP testing beginning next
Monday, January 21 through Friday, February 8.
PARENT/TEACHER CONFERENCES
Individual conferences for students in preschool through grade five will
be scheduled by our office for February 26 and February 28. Please
note that the due date for the conference form is Wednesday, January
30. Middle school conferences will be non-scheduled and you can
meet with your child’s teacher(s) these same evenings in the middle
school south gym. There is no school on March 1 for Records Day.
ON-LINE BUSINESS DIRECTORY
Do you have a business or provide a service that you would like to
advertise to the Hudsonville Christian School community? Then be
sure to complete the Business Directory form coming home today so
your business can be listed on the HCS website! There is no charge
for this advertisement. Forms should be returned to Michelle
DeGroot at the elementary office by February 15.
CAN YOU HELP WITH A TRANSPORTATION NEED?
A middle school student who is recuperating from health issues (noncontagious)
needs transportation to and from the middle school while
she is attending partial days. She lives only a couple of miles from
school (6583 Rollingview Drive). We would love to start as soon as
possible. Student must arrive at school on:
Mondays @ 9:10 a.m.
Tuesdays @ 9:50 a.m.
Wednesdays @ 9:10 a.m.
Student must be brought home from school on:
Wednesdays @ 10:25 a.m.
If you are willing and able to provide transportation for any or all the
times above, please contact Mary Broene at mbroene@4hcs.org or
669-7487.
M.S. EXPLORATORY WEEK — January 21 – 25
Transportation Needed! We have a small group that will need
transportation on Friday, January 25 to a local Chinese restaurant,
leaving school at 10:45; back by 12:15 (riders – 3). Please contact
the M.S. office at 669-7487 and let us know how many students
you could transport.
Crafting Supplies Needed — Do you have unused supplies?
There is a need for crafting supplies such as fabric remnants,
yarn and ribbons, scrapbook paper, twine, jars, plain picture
frames, felt, glitter, craft wreaths, Christmas ornaments, wood
scraps, old books, buttons, cabinet hardware, plain men’s XL
or larger t-shirts in various colors, scrapbooking supply items
like hole punches or rubberstamping supplies or cutout dies.
Our Trash to Treasure Exploratory class would love to
have donations of any unused chairs, side tables or other
small hard furniture that we will be repurposing or refinishing
for our class. Please contact Sara Jager (sjager@4hcs.org) if
you have items you would be willing to give to school.
Exercise Mats – We would like to borrow 15 mats. Please let us
know if you have any we could use for that week. They will be
returned to you cleaned and disinfected.
Please bring any items to the middle school office by 1/17.
MOMS IN PRAYER
All HCS moms are welcome to join together in a time of prayer on
Wednesday mornings. We meet in the elementary orchestra room
from 8—9 a.m., and you are welcome to come regularly or just drop
in when it works in your schedule. We hope you will join us!
SCHOOL WIDE NEWS (Continued)
SOCCER BALLS NEEDED FOR UGANDA!
The Fisher family has made a special request that we feel we can help
them with. The children of Uganda have a passion for soccer, but they
have no soccer balls to play with. We could truly bless the children
there and help the Fishers with their mission by sending them soccer
balls. So if you have a soccer ball that still holds air or would like to
purchase a new one, you can bring it to school and we will get it to
Uganda. There will be a box located near the front office. Thank you
for helping be the hands and feet of Jesus! If you have any questions
please contact Mr. Sills at ksills@4hcs.org. The balls need to be
collected by January 21.
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL NEWS
NUMBER/DAY SCHEDULE
January 16 Day #1 January 21 Day #3
January 17 Day #2 January 22 Day #4
January 18 No School January 23 Day #1
5th GRADE PARENT ORIENTATION TO M.S.
Fifth grade parents who will be having their first child come to our
middle school next year, please reserve the evening of Monday, March
18 at 7:00 p.m. for a special night at the Middle School. The 6th grade
staff, along with other middle school teachers will be welcoming you
to life at HCMS! We believe our middle school is a special place and
we want you to see why! All parents are welcome, but we are
focusing our discussion on those parents who will be walking our halls
for the first time. Do you know a new family who is interested in
becoming a part of HCMS…bring them along, we would love to meet
them! (This meeting is for parents only. Incoming 6 th grade students will be
visiting the M.S. at a separate time during a school day later in the spring.)
FIFTH GRADE SPELLING BEE
Congratulations to two of our fifth grade students, Shaelyn Mulder and
Evan Nieuwenhuis on the great job they did last week at the fifth grade
spelling bee. Shaelyn took first place and Evan was runner up, and
both will compete at the regional spelling bee on February 12.
MIDDLE SCHOOL NEWS
HOT LUNCH
Hot lunch this Wednesday will be Arby’s Roast Beef Sandwich $1.50
each, assorted chip selection for $.25/bag, and assorted drinks for
$.50/can.
CHAPEL HAPPENINGS
Thursday, January 17 Grade Level Chapels
Tuesday, January 22 Brittnee Blom leads chapel
SPELLING BEE BUZZ
Congratulations! Sam Landstra took first place and Nolan Snoeyink
took second place on January 9 at the middle school spelling bee. A
total of 25 students participated. It was a strong competition. It took
24 rounds with just Sam and Nolan to determine a winner. Truly,
they were both winners! They will represent HCS at the regional bee
on February 12.
INTERNATIONAL SCHOLASTIC ART &
WRITING AWARDS
The Scholastic Student Art Awards were announced recently at the
competition of art works at Kendall School of Art and Design in
Grand Rapids. We offer our congratulations to the following 8 th grade
students: Miranda Byl, Jacob Groenendyk and Carly Smidstra who
each received Honorable Mention Awards with their Hudsonville
Christian Middle School entries. Great work students!

MIDDLE SCHOOL NEWS (Continued)
7TH GRADE WINTER CAMP
Our 7th graders left this morning and will be exploring God’s
wonderful winter outdoor world at Spring Hill Camp in Evart,
Michigan. They will be returning to school Thursday afternoon.
Please pray for travel safety, favorable weather conditions, great fun,
and fellowship for the students, staff and parent volunteers. Parents of
7th grade students remember you need to pick your student up at
school on Thursday afternoon in order to get all their camp supplies
home. They will be back to school by 2:00 p.m. and may go right
home. Thanks for your cooperation.
EOCS COMBINED BAND CONCERT
The 7/8 Grade Band will again be participating this year in a combined
band concert and clinic for EOCS (Eastern Ottawa Christian Schools)
bands. The concert will be held at Fair Haven Ministries on Tuesday,
February 5, at 7:00 pm. The band will be joined by bands from Unity
as well as from Allendale Christian, Beaverdam Christian, Borculo
Christian, Jenison Christian. Each band will be featured alone as well
as in a combined mass band lead by guest conductor Mr. David Bass.
SYCAMORE REPORT CARD POSTING
The second nine week marking period ends Thursday, January 17.
Report cards will be available on-line after 4:00 p.m. on January 25. If
you would like a hard-copy of the report card, please email Cindy
Keuning or call the middle school office (669.7487) with your request
8TH GRADE GIRLS VOLLEYBALL
TOURNAMENT THIS SATURDAY
The 8th grade girls volleyball teams will be participating in an
invitational tournament at Ada Christian School on Saturday, January
19. This tournament begins at 9:00 a.m. and will be done around 1:00
p.m. There will be a gate fee of $5 per family; $2 adult; $1
student. Parents and families of our 8th grade girls teams are welcome
to watch these tournament games. (Parents Note: 8th Grade Girls
on the team will be taking a bus to Ada and should meet at the middle
school at 8:00 a.m. Saturday morning. Girls will need parent
transportation home after the tournament concludes.)
UPCOMING SPORTS—GIRLS BASKETBALL,
SWIMMING, BOYS WRESTLING
Basketball tryouts for the 8th grade girls’ team will take place
for girls signed up on Monday, January 28 and Tuesday, January 29,
2:45 – 5:00 p.m. Commitment forms and signup sheets are posted at
the middle school. Please be sure to discuss this opportunity with
your daughter. Commitment forms are due 1/17/13!
Basketball practice will begin for the 7th grade girls signed up
from 2:45 – 4:30 p.m. on Monday, February 4 and Wednesday,
February 6. Commitment forms and signup sheets are posted at the
middle school. Please be sure to discuss this opportunity with your
daughter. Commitment forms are due 1/17/13!
Information regarding wrestling and swimming will be coming soon.
PARENTS’ CLUB NEWS (Continued)
SADER SUPPER
Mark your calendars for a fun night out for all HCS
families! Hospitality will again be hosting a Sader Supper in the
Elementary gym prior the Unity Christian High School
Varsitybasketball games on Friday, February 1. Starting at 5:00 p.m.
there will be supper and face painting. We encourage families to head
next door to attend the game immediately following supper. Everyone
come wearing your Unity gear or navy and white apparel. More
details coming soon!
FAIR NEWS
Check out the Fair News sheet that is coming home today. If you
have not signed up already, the fair sign up sheet is available by the
elementary kitchen. Stop by soon to get your choice fair spot!
FROM YOUR 2013 HCS AUCTION COMMITTEE
As one of our largest fund-raisers, the annual auction is an important
and fun event for parents and our extended HCS community. All
proceeds benefit the HCS Parent’s Club. The auction committee and
volunteers are receiving many generous donations! Here are just a
few:
Howard Miller tabletop clocks
Weekend vacation getaways at Tom and Susan Montsma’s
cottages at Silver Lake
An estate plan from attorney Jim Wesseling (value $1,200)
Sessions at Century Driving School
Handmade and one-of-a-kind items from Septemberfest crafters
Football signed by Washington Redskins quarterback Kirk
Cousins
We are still receiving donations! To donate, please contact Mary Jane
Geers (669-2773) or Laura Landstra (662-1840). And for more auction
info and pictures visit www.hudsonvillechristian.org. We look forward
to seeing you all on Saturday, February 23 rd !
SWEETHEART SWIRL
There is excitement in the air as the planning for this “Sweet
Celebration” is in full swing! This is sure to be a memorable evening
for girls Pre-K - 5 th and their special sweetheart! Look for your
invitation coming home today! RSVP with payment is due back
February 1. Parents’ Club is excited to start a new HCS tradition!
We hope to see you swirling with your sweetheart!
PARENTS’ CLUB NEWS
MARKET DAY
Want some healthy meal ideas? Check out some of the items Market
Day has for you and your family! Everyone who orders this month
will receive a free "eat well" guide to give you some great recipes and
healthy eating tips. All orders need to be done online by next
Tuesday, January 22 and orders will be ready for pick up at the
elementary school gym on Monday, January 28 from 4:30-5:30.
CAN YOU HELP MAKE PIGS?
We are planning on making pigs again on Wednesday, January 30, and
we need six people to help! If you are available from 9 a.m. to 10:45
a.m. to help, please call Mary Miedema at 669-8856.

PARENTS’ CLUB NEWS (Continued)
CASH FOR CLASS
Cash for Class is this week at D&W and Family Fare stores. During
this week purchases made with your “yes” card will automatically be
credited to Hudsonville Christian’s account, but your “yes” card needs
to be linked our HCS group. If you are already a “yes” member and
have an on-line account, you can log in to your account by entering
your email address and password under “Returning Members” and go
to your “My Profile” page to link to the HCS group name. If you are a
“yes” member but do not have an on-line account set up yet, visit
www.myyesrewards.com and click on “First Time to Site”. You can
follow the steps to complete your on-line account registration.
During this process you will be able to link to the HCS group name.
Thank you for helping our school in this way!
COMMUNITY NEWS
ZUMBA CLASSES AT HCS
Zumba classes will NOT be held on January 17 but will resume on
Monday, January 21 at 7:00 p.m. in the HCS elementary gym for a new
five-week session on Monday and Thursday nights.
HUDSONVILLE LITTLE LEAGUE
Hudsonville Little League sign-ups are now open at
www.hudsonvillelittleleague.com. Deadline is January 19 at 1 p.m. In
person sign-ups are on January 16 (5-9) and January 19 (9-1) at Unity
Christian High School.
COMMUNITY NEWS (Continued)
WINTER BOWLING FOR ALL AGES!
Hudsonville Lanes is offering a new Winter bowling session for kids
of ALL ages (including adults). It will be held on Thursday afternoons
at 4:30 p.m. beginning January 17 or Saturday mornings at 10:00 a.m.
beginning January 19. More information and a sign-up sheet are
available on their website hudsonvillelanes.com. You can also can also
call the center at 669-9380, ask for Doug Boomsma.
STARLIGHT MINISTRIES HOPESTARS 3 ON 3
BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT
Sign up forms are available for Starlight Ministries Hopestars 3 on 3
basketball tournament being held on Saturday, March 2 at Hudsonville
Christian Middle School. This tournament is for teams in grade 5
through adult, and the cost is $60 per team with registration required.
Concessions are available. Deadline for registration is February 18,
and registration forms are available by the school offices or at
www.starlightmin.org.
WALK THRU THE BIBLE OLD TESTAMENT SEMINAR
Friday, January 25 (7-9:30pm) - Saturday, January 26 (9am-12pm)
Adult Seminar: 6th grade - adult; Children's Seminar: 1st - 5th
grade
Cost: $20/adult, $15/child (maximum $60/family)
Grace Community Church on New Holland in Hudsonville
For more information contact Grace Community Church at 616-
669-6507 or e-mail anna@solagrace.org. For a registration form
go to http://www.solagrace.org/walkthru.
UNITY CHRISTIAN SUMMER SPORTS CAMP SCHEDULE
Unity Christian will be offering various sports camps this summer for
kids ranging from age four to high school seniors. Many families are
already planning their summer vacations, so the schedule of these
sports camps is available currently by the school office or at Unity’s
website at www.unitychristian.org under Summer Sports Camps 2013
in the Athletics heading. Registrations will begin in March when the
camp registration booklet becomes available online at the summer
camps link.
UNITY CHRISTIAN GIRLS BASKETBALL CAMP
Unity Christian will be offering a Saturday basketball camp for girls in
grades 7 and 8 on February 2 and 9, from 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Cost
is $20. Information on the camp is available by your school office and
can also be found on Unity's website at http://www.unitychristian.org/
Portals/0/PDF/athletics/SADRSAT2%20GRL%207th-8th.pdf. Deadline
to enroll is Wednesday, January 30.
UNITY CHRISTIAN FLAG FOOTBALL CAMP
Unity Christian will be offering a Saturday flag football camp for boys in
grades 2 through 7 on February 2, 9, 16, and 23. Cost is
$20. Information on the camp is available by your school office and
can also be found on Unity's website at http://www.unitychristian.org/
Portals/0/PDF/athletics/Flag%20Football.pdf. Deadline to enroll is
Monday, January 28.
UPCOMING EVENTS AT HCS
January 15-17 7th Grade Winter Camp January 24 Preschool/PK/Kindergarten Info Night
January 17 End of First Semester January 25 Report Cards Sent Home/Posted
January 18 Records Day (no school for students) February 4-6 Kindergarten Screening
January 21—Feb. 8 MAP Testing Window February 5 EOCS Band Concert at Fair Haven
January 23—25 MS Exploratory Week February 8 Winter Break (no school for students)
Hudsonville Christian School 3435 Oak Street, Hudsonville, MI 49426 616/669-6689 www.hudsonvillechristian.org