Author: Cara Boss

The early spring temperatures have certainly made for some remarkably beautiful days to enjoy creation this winter. As we move through seasons throughout our year in Michigan, I’m always reminded that God is faithful through all of the fickle in our world. Temperatures fluctuate up and down and winds whip all about, yet our God is faithful and good. Generation after generation. As we begin to see the sap flowing in our maples and anticipate the arrival of buds, tangible experiences abound for our children to live into the words they have committed to memory: “For the Lord is good. His unfailing love continues forever, and his faithfulness continues to each generation.” Psalm 100:5.

Yours in Christ’s service,

Miska

Announcements

Swim Lessons

Holland Christian elementary students have the privilege of receiving swimming lessons each year through Holland Aquatic Center. These lessons are provided  during the school day for 2 weeks. First and second grade lessons will take place from April 8-19. We recognize this program can be a little uncomfortable for children because it could be new and unfamiliar. However, because our children are blessed to be raised in Michigan, surrounded by bodies of water, we believe this safety instruction is a blessing that we pray they will never need but feel responsible to equip them. If you find yourself pondering over the “why” of lessons, please listen to HC mom Jenny White on the why swim safety. HCAC Swim School welcome video could help you understand a bit about the logistics. Any questions please feel free to contact the office.

Spring Program

The South Side, Pine Ridge and Forest School all-school program will be held on March 14 at 6:30pm at Christ Memorial Church. Complete details on when and where your child needs to be will be given by their teacher.

Parent-Teacher Conferences

Parent-teacher conferences are coming up! You should have received an email with instructions on how to register for conferences on February 16. If you need these instructions again, please email the office.

• Monday, March 21, 4-8pm
• Thursday, March 25, 4-8pm

Book Fair at South Side

 March

• 1: Kids’ Stuff Resale
• 14: Spring program
• 17:  End of 3rd quarter
• 20: Parent-teacher conferences
• 21: Report cards live online
• 25: Parent-teacher conferences
• 29-April 7: No school: Spring break

April

• 8: Classes resume

“There’s joy and wonder everywhere when you see the world through the eyes of a child” ~Katrina Mayer

There’s truth in the old adage that a picture is worth 1000 words. I hope your heart captures 1000 descriptors from the above photo celebrating the formative years of our Forest Kids. Like you, I’m so grateful for our team of dedicated, patient, courageous and servant-hearted staff who create an environment day after day where our children can play, learn, discover, explore and connect with God and our world! You may have read a post on HC social media pages about a design thinking conversation that took place recently. Staff, parents and community members who are vested in our Forest program met together for hours and continued the work of examining the beauty of outdoor learning in the lives of our children. We’re working to create sustainability, consistency and celebrative support around our program and in the lives of our Forest Kids as they and our program grow! I remain so grateful to God for his providence and care in the lives of our children, staff and YOU, our families.

All joy and wonder,

Miska

Announcements

Wacky Wednesdays

Forest Kids, we have a few more Wacky Wednesdays left. Let’s finish strong!

• January 31 – Neon/Tie Dye Day – S’more Party Prize
• February 7 – PJ Day – Pizza Party Prize

Parent Teacher Conferences

Spring parent teacher conferences will be on March 21 and 25. More details and signup information will be coming as we get closer.

Save the Date: Spring Concert

March 14 will be our spring concert! This will be a combined event with South Side and Forest School. More details coming soon.

2nd Grade Lost and Found

There is a table outside the office at Pine Ridge that is growing! If your student is missing something, please check it out.

Kindergarten Enrollment for 2024-2025

Current Families of HC: Preschool and Kindergarten enrollment for the 2024-2025 school year will be open exclusively to current families from January 30th at 9:00 am to January 31st at 9:00 pm! We thank you for choosing Holland Christian.

Swim Lessons

The Holland Aquatic Center will be providing us with swim lessons again this year. Our 1st and 2nd graders will head to the pool April 8-19.

• 2nd Grade – 9:00am-10:00am
• 1st Grade – 10:00am-11:00am

Illness Reminders

Please remember that we do have a 24-hour policy for any fever, vomiting, or diarrhea. For colds and coughs, please use your discretion as we know these things can linger.

Absences

Please call 616.820.3505 or email the school office EVEN IF you have let your student’s teacher know any time before 8:30am to let us know each day your child will be absent. You may leave a voicemail at any time and it will be checked in the morning when the office opens.

Important Website Links

• School calendar
• School Supply Lists
• Hot Lunch Information
• Medical Information & Forms
• School Transportation
• Before & After School Programs
• Elementary Handbook
• PowerSchool

Upcoming Dates:

February:

• 16: No school: Professional Development
• 19: No school: Professional Development

March:

• 14: Spring Concert: South Side, Pine Ridge & Forest School
• 21: Parent Teacher Conferences
• 25: Parent Teacher Conferences
• 29: No school: Spring Break Starts

April:

• 1-5: No school: Spring Break
• 8: School resumes

It’s nearly time to ring in the new year! I always find the close of one year and the dawning of the new to be a natural time to thank God for faithfully walking beside us day by day both in the past and forevermore. Through the hard and through the joys, God is good. As a new year dawns, we lay all of our hopes and all of our purpose at God’s feet. We pray that God would continue to hold you and your dear ones close in the new year.

As we look to the new year our team also begins planning for the 2024-2025 school year. We will soon be in the process of creating class lists for the 2024-2025 school year. Many staff members put a great deal of effort into creating balanced lists for the upcoming school year. Children are paired with teachers and friends in an environment that allows for new relationships to form and flourish. Our priority is each child would be placed in the best learning environment to meet their developing needs. Among other criteria we weigh the following when carefully creating a new class community:

• Academic progress/needs
• Relational values/needs with teachers’ style
• Behavioral balance
• Friend balance/new friends

We deeply value your partnership and input but, in order to create a balanced class community, we are not able to accept teacher requests. We commit to give our best to provide each child with a healthy, balanced home away from home and thank you for your understanding.

All joy be yours in the new year,

Miska

Announcements

Wacky Wednesdays

Forest Kids, get ready for some wackiness coming after Christmas Break! Wacky Wednesdays are back, starting January 17! The class with the highest percentage of participation each week will earn a class party.

• January 17 – Camo/Camper Day – Popcorn Party
• January 24 – Favorite Team Day – Hot Cocoa Party
• January 31 – Neon/Tie Dye Day – S’more Party Prize
• February 7 – PJ Day – Pizza Party Prize

2nd Grade Lost and Found

There is a table outside the office at Pine Ridge that is growing! If your student is missing something, please check it out.

Kindergarten Enrollment for 2024-2025

Current Families of HC: Preschool and Kindergarten enrollment for the 2024-2025 school year will be open exclusively to current families from January 30th at 9:00 am to January 31st at 9:00 pm! We thank you for choosing Holland Christian.

Swim Lessons

The Holland Aquatic Center will be providing us with swim lessons again this year. Our 1st and 2nd graders will head to the pool April 8-19.

• 2nd Grade – 9:00am-10:00am
• 1st Grade – 10:00am-11:00am

Illness Reminders

Please remember that we do have a 24-hour policy for any fever, vomiting, or diarrhea. For colds and coughs, please use your discretion as we know these things can linger.

Absences

Please call 616.820.3505 or email the school office EVEN IF you have let your student’s teacher know any time before 8:30am to let us know each day your child will be absent. You may leave a voicemail at any time and it will be checked in the morning when the office opens.

Important Website Links

• School calendar
• School Supply Lists
• Hot Lunch Information
• Medical Information & Forms
• School Transportation
• Before & After School Programs
• Elementary Handbook
• PowerSchool

Upcoming Dates:

January:

• 8: School resumes
• 12: End of 2nd quarter
• 15: No school: MLK Day

February:

• 16: No school: Professional Development
• 19: No school: Professional Development