Author: Kelli Kruithof

The middle school year is off to a great start!

On Wednesday, we had our first chapel, where we talked about building community in our middle school through the story of Zacchaeus. We connected his story to our Student Commitments, which are posted on the wall in the Alley and included in our Student Handbook under “Student Commitments.” Each student will also receive a copy to keep.

As we begin a new school year, it is important for each of us to focus on building a strong and caring community. Middle school is a place where every student should feel known, valued, included, and cared for. Our Student Commitments give us practical ways to live this out each day—through kindness, forgiveness, honoring the image of God in one another, and looking for opportunities to include others.

My hope is that these commitments will become more than words on a wall. I pray they will shape the way we treat one another and help make HCMS a community where everyone knows they belong.

Attached below are some pictures from our 6th grade orientation! One of the highlights of the day was having our 8th grade House Leaders lead the 6th graders around the school on a scavenger hunt. Our House Leaders did a wonderful job welcoming the 6th graders, helping them get acclimated to a new school building, and making them feel at home. It was a great example of our students building community and caring for one another!

We are looking forward to partnering together for another school year.

God bless,

Tom Strikwerda, Principal

September at HCMS

Parent Night

Parent Night is coming up Wednesday, September 2 6:30-7:30. This is an important night for you to meet your child’s teachers, hear their heart and passion for teaching in a Christian School, and learn about what your child will be learning about! This is a great first touch-point in working together in your child’s middle school year.

MS Chapel

Middle School Chapel will take place at the high school most Wednesdays from 8:30 to 9:15. Please keep this in mind when scheduling appointments.

House System

Today, 6th graders and new students and staff were put into a house (Dunes, Lake, Lighthouse or Windmill), and now students can earn points for various positive things. We will also have our first house competition–house tug- of-war–on Thursday.

Parent Team

Hey Parents! Want to stay connected with what’s going on in the middle school?! Join our parent team! We will meet once a month on Fridays at 8am, plus a social outing or two. The time commitment is flexible throughout the year with what works with your schedule, although we do hope to have most at each Friday meeting. Heading the team this year is Anita Mulder. Contact her if you are interested in joining! We look forward to a great school year with planning fabulous activities for the kids and teachers!

Walkathon is September 23! If you are willing to help at the event, please signup to help with the walkathon.

MAP Testing

MAP testing at the middle school is coming up! If at all possible, please avoid taking your student out for appointments or vacation during that time. If any testing is missed, it will have to be made up by the end of the testing window, which will result in missing regular class time.

• Tuesday, September 8 8-10am
• Tuesday, September 15 8-10am

On these dates, please help your child remember the following things:

• Get a good night of sleep
• Eat a healthy breakfast
• Charge laptops overnight

Please email the MS Office with any questions.

Faces & Our Culture

This year, Holland Christian will be part of an exciting cultural exchange program with Guatemala, and we are excited to share more about this opportunity with you!

Faces & Our Cultures is an organization dedicated to empowering students through academic and cultural exchange experiences. Through the program, Guatemalan students have the opportunity to immerse themselves in our community and experience life in the United States for eight enriching weeks. During their stay, our Guatemalan ambassadors will become an active part of the HC community, attending school alongside their peers and participating in school activities.

Program Dates: Sunday, October 18 – Saturday, December 12.

We’re currently looking for one volunteer host family to welcome Sofia, one of our ambassadors, this fall. If you are interested in hosting, contact Lucia Viteri who is Faces and our Cultures state coordinator.

Important Dates

The full 26-27 school calendar is available here

September

• 1: 7th grade vision screening
• 4: No school Labor Day weekend
• 7: No school Labor Day
• 9: Convocation
• 10: 6th graders to Camp Beechpoint
• 10: Picture Make-Up Day for students who missed Orientation/Open House
• 23: Walkathon

October

• 1: Fall Parent Teacher Conferences (3:30-6:30pm)
• 8: Fall Parent Teacher Conferences (5:30-8:30pm)
• 12: Picture retakes
• 14-16: No school: CEA Convention
• 30: End of quarter 1

Dear Parents,

Welcome to the 2026–2027 school year at Holland Christian Middle School! A special welcome to all of our new HCMS families. We are grateful that God has brought you to our community, and we look forward to partnering with you as we equip minds and nurture hearts to transform the world for Jesus Christ.

Our theme this year is “His Love Endures Forever,” taken from Psalm 138. As I was reflecting on the start of a new school year, God reminded me of another important truth.

Last week I was reading a blog titled I Can’t Do It, But Jesus Can. As I read the words, “Lord, I need You,” I realized the song playing on the radio at that exact moment was Lord, I Need You.

It was one of those moments when I sensed the Holy Spirit gently reminding me of something simple, yet essential:

I need Jesus.

As we begin this school year, that truth is true for all of us. In John 15:5, Jesus says, “I am the vine; you are the branches… apart from Me you can do nothing.” If we want to bear fruit in our lives, our families, and our school, we must remain connected to Him.

We need Jesus as we teach, encourage, and care for our students. We need His wisdom when making decisions, His grace in our relationships, and His strength for each new day. We are excited to partner with you as together we help our students grow into young men and women who will transform the world for Jesus Christ.

As we look ahead, we don’t know everything this school year will bring. There will be moments of joy, opportunities for growth, and challenges along the way. Yet we can move forward with confidence because we know two unchanging truths:

We need Jesus.

His love endures forever.

Psalm 138 reminds us, “The Lord’s love endures forever.” What an encouraging promise as we begin this new school year together. God is faithful. He will accomplish His purposes, and His love will never fail.

Thank you for trusting us with your children. We are grateful for the opportunity to partner with your family and look forward to all God has in store for Holland Christian Middle School this year.

In Christ,

Tom Strikwerda

Principal, HCMS

 

A Few Staff Updates

We are thrilled that Joel Leegwater will have more time to lead and strengthen our athletics program as Middle School Athletic Director. His additional leadership will help our already outstanding athletic programs continue to grow and provide excellent opportunities for our students.

We are also excited to expand our Spanish Immersion program into 8th grade. Please join us in welcoming Preston Wyckoff as our new 8th grade Spanish Immersion teacher.

In addition, we are pleased to welcome Carrie Krauss as our new ESS teacher, Ty Van Wieren, who will teach five PE classes, Delaney Meldrim, who will teach one art class while also serving as a paraprofessional, and Maryanah Lacy, who will serve as a paraprofessional.

 

Get Ready for School!

Orientation Day is Monday, August 24  at the middle school.

• 6th graders are invited to join us from 9:30-11:30 for a walk-through of the building, meeting teachers, and getting pictures taken. This is not an open house, but rather a full time together.
• 7th and 8th graders are invited to join us for an open house (come and go when you’re able) from 12:00-2:30. Come have your picture taken for your student ID, walk around the building and find your locker, pick up your schedule, and meet your teachers.
  **If you would like to order photos, look for your ordering form in the mail. It will have your personalized information on it, and you’ll want to bring that along for your picture.  Please note, the Middle School yearbook is included in the yearly activity fee and does not need to be ordered separately.  Each student will receive one at the end of the school year.

**Please bring your baton to orientation day!**

Student schedules will be given to students on Orientation day, August 24. They will be available online the afternoon of August 17.

Before August 24-  We have updated a few of our handbook policies. Please review our Student Handbook and Technology Handbook here, and sign the form connected to it, so we can all start the year on the same page and with the same expectations. Updates to the Student Handbook are highlighted in yellow to make changes easier to spot. Students will not receive laptops until this form is reviewed and signed by a parent/guardian.

You can find the supply list for your student’s grade here.

*Please note: it is recommended that students have an NIV Study Bible for their Bible class.

Tuesday, August 25: We start school this year with a full day starting at 8:00 am and ending at 2:55 PM. We will have a normal/Block Schedule week this week.

Wednesday, September 2: HCMS Parent Night- Join us for our Middle School Parent Night, which will be held on September 2 from 6:30-7:45 pm. You’ll receive more information after the school year begins.

 

Middle School Policies/Procedures

Many of you are new to the middle school building. Welcome! Please see below for all things Middle School. And feel free to reach out to Kelli Kruithof, administrative assistant, if you have any questions or concerns at kkruithof@hollandchristian.org.

Absences/Tardies

Absences happen for a number of reasons. If you know in advance that your child will be absent for any part of the day, please email kkruithof@hollandchristian.org or call our front office at 616-820-3205. Notification of tardies/absences is appreciated by 9 AM.

We also ask that you help your child be on time for school each day. The tardy bell rings at 8:00 (8:30 on late start days), and teachers begin with devotions and lunch count. Missing or interrupting these foundational starters of the day can be distracting for the class. Please see our handbook for more information on absences and tardies.

Class Schedules

The Middle School runs a modified block schedule. This means students take seven classes on Monday/Thursday/Friday, and fewer classes on Tuesday/Wednesday, but for longer blocks of time.

Late Start Wednesdays

Students start school a few minutes later each Wednesday so middle school staff can attend meetings from 7:30-8:15 am. Starting on September 2, the start time on Wednesdays is 8:30am.

Medication

We realize some students need to take or have medication with them at school. All medication, both over-the-counter and prescribed, must be held in the front office in its original container. If your student needs medication at school, please have your doctor fill out and sign the required form and bring that form with the medication to school. The office is not allowed to disperse any medication without a consent form.

Drop off/Pick up

The bus loop and visitor lots at the front of school are not open for drop off during the hours of 7:30-8:15 am and 2:45-3:15 pm. School doors will be open at 7:30 am for students’ arrival and students need to be picked up by 3:20 pm.

This year, we will offer two drop-off locations for carline!

• Parents should use the traditional carline on the north side of the building. In the single-lane carpool drop off, pull up as far as you can to drop off your child. If you are first in line, pull up to the orange cone that is past the north entrance on the sidewalk. This allows room for the cars behind you to pull up as well. Have your students exit the right side of the vehicle.
• Drop-Off/Pick Up Map
• High School Siblings who drop off middle schoolers can use the “express lane” this year! Rather than waiting in the MS carline, high school siblings will have a drop-off location in the high school parking lot! Please use the map below to acclimate yourself with this drop-off procedure. This new option will only be available if used correctly. We hope this helps both middle and high school students to be on time for their first hour classes.
• HS Sibling Drop-Off Map
• All Carline Pick-Up will take place on the north side of the middle school.

Biking to School

For the safety of students and their bike equipment, this year we will be asking students to register their bike with the office if they plan to use that mode of transportation.  You can register by filling out this simple form.

Bikes will not be allowed on campus without being registered.

 

Athletics

MS sports begin on August 17 at 3pm for Boys Football (HC/ZC – 7th/8th),  and on August 24  for Boys Soccer (HC only – 7th/8th), Boys Tennis (HC/ZC – 6th/7th/8th), Girls Volleyball (HC only – 7th/8th) and Girls & Boys Cross Country (HC/ZC – 6th/7th8th). You can find more information about HCMS sports here.

Warm-Up Shirt

All students are strongly encouraged to purchase a warm-up shirt if they are going to participate in a sport. The Fall deadline for ordering is August 27. However, if your student is not participating until later this year, you can still purchase now to be sure you’re ready for the season! Order your shirt here!

NOTE: Order is sent out once the store closes. They will be delivered to school. It Takes approximately 2 weeks after the store closes.

Final Forms

If you haven’t registered yet, please do so as soon as possible through Holland Christian’s Final Forms athletic registration system.  Athletes need to be registered with a cleared physical uploaded to Final Forms before they can participate.  We are excited to get started!

 

Parent Involvement

Parent Board

Do you enjoy supporting your middle schooler, encouraging teachers and staff, and putting on a few events during the school year? The Parent Board is for you! Parent Board is a wonderful way to meet other parents, while making a difference in your child’s school! Please join us for  our first meeting on Thursday, September 3, right after drop-off (8 AM). Meet in the MS office. If you are not able to attend this meeting but are still interested in helping, or if you have further questions, please reach out to Anita Mulder anitacmulder@gmail.com. There are many opportunities to get involved!

Moms in Prayer

All moms are invited to our weekly meetings of Moms In Prayer. We meet at Providence Church (across from Middle School) on Fridays 8:30-9:30 am starting September 11. Please email Nicole Shook with any questions ncshook@gmail.com
Would love to have you join us and pray for our students and school this year!

 

Important Dates

The full 26-27 school calendar is available here

August

17- Start of Football Season

24- Orientation/picture day

• 6th Grade only: 9:30-11:30
• 7th/8th Grade: 12:00-2:30 open house

– Start of Fall sports

25- First day of school- full day

31- 8th Grade Camp Roger (more information to come)

September

1- 7th Grade Vision Screening

2- HCMS Parent Night 6:30-7:30

4- No School- Labor Day Weekend

7 – Labor Day

9 – District-wide convocation 9:00

10- 6th graders to Camp Beechpoint all day

– Picture Make-Up Day

23- Walkathon

Dear Parents,

As we reflect on this school year, we are grateful for the many ways God has continued to work in our school community.

• Our discipleship practices received renewed focus this year. We even added Order Discovering, so we now have twelve discipleship practices. Teachers have been more intentional in integrating discipleship opportunities into everyday classroom experiences, helping students grow both academically and spiritually.
• This year, several staff members read The Digital Delusion and participated in a task force focused on using technology more intentionally to enhance learning. As a result, teachers have already begun implementing technology in more purposeful and effective ways within their classrooms.
• Teachers increased opportunities for “Edventures” this year, providing students with engaging hands-on learning experiences beyond the traditional classroom setting.
• Our new Makers and Innovators class offering during the BOC hour was a great success. Mr. Smeenge guided students in learning 3-D printing skills while also constructing picnic tables and stairs, giving students valuable opportunities to create, problem-solve, and collaborate through practical projects.

A special thank you goes to Tyler Johns in his first year as assistant principal. Mr. Johns has been a tremendous support to both teachers and administration, particularly in addressing student behavior and maintaining a positive learning environment throughout the school year.

As a school community, we continue to focus on growth — academically, spiritually, and relationally. Our theme this year was JOY, reminding us that true joy is found in Christ and in serving others each day.

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him.” — Romans 15:13

We thank God for a wonderful year of learning, growth, and community. Thank you for partnering with us as we continually, “Equip minds and nurture hearts to transform the world for Jesus Christ.” We will miss all of our 8th graders as they join the high school. We look forward with excitement and joy to the year ahead as we bring in a new group of 6th graders.

Summer at HCMS

Report Cards

Grades will be available on PowerSchool Wednesday, June 10. Please check in PowerSchool after this time to see the benefits of all your student’s hard work this school year!

Immunizations for 26-27 7th Graders

Incoming 7th graders will need to turn in your most recent proof of immunization to the front office by August 1, 2026. Your primary doctor can print a MICR official immunization record for you to submit, either in-person or electronically. All students MUST be up-to-date on their immunizations BEFORE they start the new school year. Any students without the required immunizations or approved waivers will not be allowed to enter school until they are complete and approved by the State of Michigan. Immunization requirements can be found here, or you can also schedule a call/visit with your primary care physician to discuss any immunization needs for your child before the start of the new school year.

Athletics for 26-27

MS Athletics will begin Monday, August 17 this year, and registration is now open for 26-27 athletics! All incoming 6th-8th grade students interested in participating on at least one team next year need to sign up for or log into their Final Forms account to register for sports and start planning to get the MHSAA physical requirement completed by their MD/DO/NP/PA for next school year. Detailed instructions and information can be found on our athletics registration webpage.

B.O.C. Change Request

Any 6th or 7th grade student who is interested in making a change to the Band, Orchestra, or Choir class must submit a request by Friday, June 5. Please fill out the request for the grade your child will be in next year.

• 7th Grade BOC Change Request
• 8th Grade BOC Change Request

Important Dates

June

• 2: 8th Grade Service Day (Last day for 8th graders)
• 2: 8th Grade Graduation and party @ 6pm at HCHS
• 3: No late start; last day of school; 11:15am dismissal (no school for 8th graders)

Looking Ahead

August

• 1: 7th grade vaccinations due to the front office
• 17: MS athletics begin
• 24: Orientation Day (more information to come this summer)
• 25: First day of school
• 31: 8th graders to Camp Roger

September

• 2: HCMS Parent Night
• 4-7: No school- Labor Day Weekend
• 10: 6th graders to Camp Beechpoint

Dear Parents,

At our middle school, we believe music is not simply an elective—it is part of how we form students academically, spiritually, and as a community. That is why every 6th grader participates in either band, orchestra, or choir. As students grow, they are given additional choices, including Music Appreciation in 7th grade and Makers and Innovators in 8th grade. Even with these options, we remain committed to music because of the unique role it plays in a child’s development.

Music strengthens learning in powerful ways. It builds discipline, focus, and perseverance. It teaches students to listen well, work together, and strive for excellence. But in a Christian school, music also takes on a deeper purpose—it becomes a way we praise our Lord and use our gifts to serve others. As Psalm 100:1–2 reminds us,

“Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.”

We recently saw a beautiful example of this when our 8th grade choir visited Rest Haven. As the students sang hymns, I had the opportunity to speak with some of the guests listening to our choir. I met a couple who shared that they were having a particularly difficult day after the loss of a loved one. While their pastor was on the way to pray with them, they paused and shared that our students had been a bright spot in their otherwise difficult day.

That moment is a reminder of why we do what we do. Our students are not only learning notes and rhythms—they are learning how to bring light, joy, and the love of Christ into the lives of others.

We are also excited to share that both our 7th and 8th grade band and orchestra received Division I “Superior” ratings at District Festival!

Looking ahead, there are several wonderful opportunities for our students to share their gifts with the community. Our band will be marching in both the Tulip Time parade and the Memorial Day parade, and all of our 6th grade music groups will be performing hymns during our Grandparents Day on May 8. These moments are more than performances—they are opportunities for students to serve, connect, and worship through music. Our orchestra and choir will also have their spring concerts in May, where they can showcase their hard work from this year.

Thank you for your continued support of our music program. We are grateful for the ways you partner with us as we help students grow and use their gifts for God’s glory.

Tom Strikwerda

Principal

May at HCMS

Grandparents/Grandfriends Day!

You are cordially invited to our Grandparents/Grandfriends Day celebration on May 8 from 1:30-2:40pm. Doors will open at 1:15. Parents, please fill out this quick Google Survey so we can plan for our afternoon accordingly. We strongly encourage you to invite a grandparent, grand friend or mentor from your neighborhood or church.

8th Grade Graduation

8th Grade Graduation will be held Tuesday, June 2 at 6pm at HCHS. The Parent Board will be hosting an after-party for the students. Stay tuned for more details! There will be no school for 8th graders on Wednesday, June 3.

From the Parent Board

Parents, we need your help. The Parent Team is planning to celebrate our amazing staff by hosting a luncheon during the week of Teacher Appreciation. The Parent Team is planning a gift for each staff member that will be given to them at a Teacher Appreciation luncheon on Wednesday May 6. If you would like to contribute to this gift with a cash donation please drop cash off to the office or donate using a debit or credit card. The donation deadline is Friday, May 1. Thanks in advance for considering!

Tulip Time

HCMS will dismiss at 11:15am on Thursday, May 7 for Tulip Time. Busing will not be provided for after-school that day. Please make arrangements to pick up your child at 11:15. Mr. Veenstra will contact parents of band students regarding specifics for marching that day.

Athletic Physical Night

We encourage every child to see their PCP for their well-child visit but also understand that MHSAA preparticipation sports physical requirements do not always align with the annual well child with your physician due to insurance requirements. MHSAA requires that physicals must be dated after April 15. A sports physical night through the school helps alleviate those insurance issues. It is beneficial to see your PCP as they know your previous history and can note any oddities. Sports Physicals through the school allow for a way to fulfill the MHSAA requirements when insurance does not cover an additional physical.

• It is important to have your physical before the first day of your sport’s season. You are required to be cleared through an MD, DO, NP, or PA who will check for major medical concerns that may arise during the sports seasons. Holland Christian will participate in two community-wide Athletic Physical Nights this Spring- April 23 and May 6. Sign up for a physical slot
• Any parents willing to volunteer their time as any of the following: Physician, nurse, PT, expert crowd control or healthcare professional, please email Karianne.

Immunizations for 26-27 7th Graders

26-27 7th graders will need to turn in your most recent proof of immunization to the front office anytime before the start of the school year.
Your primary doctor can print a MICR official immunization record for you to submit, either in-person or electronically. All students MUST be up-to-date on their immunizations BEFORE they start the new school year. Any students without the required immunizations or approved waiver/exemption will not be allowed to enter school until they are complete and approved by the State of Michigan. You can also schedule a call/visit with your primary care physician to discuss any immunization needs for your child before the start of the new school year.

Security Pilot Program

As we explore the best ways to keep our campuses safe, the security team will be piloting a new visitor sign-in system at the middle school this Spring. If you are visiting our campus, please bring your photo ID with you. You will be able to sign in, scan your ID, and get a sticker pass for the length of your visit. Please contact Joel Maat if you have any questions jmaat@hollandchristian.org

Important Dates

 

May

6: Sports Physical Night
7: Half day (Tulip Time)- Dismiss 11:15
8: Grandparents’ Day 1:30-2:40 @ HCMS
13: Orchestra Concert 7:30pm
14-15:  7th Grade Camp
20:  MS Choir Concert 7pm @ HCHS
25: No school- Memorial Day

June

2:  Last day of school for 8th grade; 8th Grade Service Day+ Graduation rehearsal
8th Grade Graduation 6pm @ HCHS
3: Last day of school- ½ day (no school for 8th graders)

Dear Parents,

For the last 5 months we’ve been reflecting on our cultural values: discovery, flourishing, discipleship, discernment, and hospitality. The final value is renewal, which is through the power of the Holy Spirit, humbly participating in the mission and ministry of Jesus Christ.

Personally, I often pray and ask that I can hear the Holy Spirit’s voice and be able to discern and be obedient to what the Holy Spirit is saying to me. The power of the Holy Spirit helps me lead our middle school as we continually look to do what is best for our students. I do confess I don’t do it perfectly, but I keep striving to do so.

Whether we are a principal, teacher, student, or parent we need the Holy Spirit. My prayer is that each of us would take the time to continually make space to listen, learn and to be taught by the Holy Spirit.

As we are reminded in scripture:

John 14:26  “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.”

John 16:13 : “But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come.”

May we all be open and attentive to the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives and in the village of the middle school.

Tom Strikwerda

Principal

April at HCMS

 

Save the Date!

• Please have students invite their grandparents and grandfriends for our Grandparents/Grandfriends Day celebration on May 8 from 1:30-2:40pm. Doors will open at 1:15. Parents, please fill out this quick Google Survey so we can plan for our afternoon accordingly.  We strongly encourage you to invite a grandparent, grand friend or mentor from your neighborhood or church.
• 8th Grade Graduation will be held Tuesday, June 2 at 6pm at HCHS. The Parent Board will be hosting an after party for the students. Stay tuned for more details!

South Africa Kingdom Encounter 5.0:

HCMS is offering a unique opportunity for eight incoming 7th and 8th graders to embark on a meaningful journey to South Africa from October 8 – October 19. This trip invites students to immerse themselves in a vibrant learning environment centered on walking as disciples of Jesus Christ, fostering spiritual growth and cross-cultural understanding.

During their time abroad, students will engage deeply with spiritual disciplines and explore the Christian walk within a supportive community that models Christ’s love and example. This environment encourages them to develop a new rhythm of life—one that nurtures a closer connection with God and encourages focus beyond themselves.

Partnering with local ministries, the students will have the chance to interact with young children across three different townships, participate in school activities alongside South African peers, and experience diverse styles of worship unique to the region. Additionally, they will contribute to the Love in Action feeding ministry, serving alongside dedicated volunteers to meet the needs of the community.

This immersive experience goes beyond classroom learning, offering students a firsthand opportunity to live out the teachings of Christ as He carried out His Father’s work. Each interaction serves as a catalyst for intellectual, spiritual, and personal growth, encouraging students to wrestle with life’s big questions in the light of God’s truth and their own purpose. They will explore how to actively live out the Great Commission in their daily lives.

The overarching vision of this trip is to nurture a generation of servant leaders who possess a deeper understanding and knowledge of their Abba Father. It aims to provide a transformative process through which students can embody and share His heart with the world around them.

There will be a parent informational meeting on Wednesday, April 22 at 7pm in the HCMS auditorium, with South Africa Application due by Wednesday, April 29. The following forms also need to be filled out by Tuesday, May 6 if you would like to be considered for financial aid: Recommendation form for financial aid and financial aid form. 

We are blessed to have enough available staff this year that we are not in need of chaperones. If you are chosen to go, a deposit of $600 will be due on May 22.

If you are interested in this opportunity please email Tom Strikwerda.

Athletic Physical Night:

• We encourage every child to see their PCP for their well-child visit but also understand that MHSAA preparticipation sports physical requirements do not always align with the annual well child with your physician due to insurance requirements. MHSAA requires that physicals must be dated after April 15th.
• A sports physical night through the school helps alleviate those insurance issues. It is beneficial to see your PCP as they know your previous history and can note any oddities. Sports Physicals through the school allow for a way to fulfill the MHSAA requirements when insurance does not cover an additional physical.
• It is important to have your physical before the first day of your sport’s season. You are required to be cleared through an MD, DO, NP, or PA who will check for major medical concerns that may arise during the sports seasons.
• Holland Christian will participate in two community-wide Athletic Physical Nights this Spring- April 23 and May 6. Please sign up here.
• Any parents willing to volunteer their time as: physician, nurse, PT, expert crowd control, or healthcare professional, please reach out to Karianne.

 

Important Dates

April

• 3: No School- Spring Break
• 13: School resumes
• 23: Sports Physical Night

May

• 6: Sports Physical Night
• 7: Half Day (Tulip Time)
• 8: Grandparents’ Day
• 13: Orchestra Concert 7:30pm
• 14-15:  7th Grade Camp
• 20:  MS Choir Concert 7pm @ HCHS
• 25: No school- Memorial Day

June

• 2:  Last day of school for 8th grade: 8th Grade Service Day + Graduation Rehearsal
• 8th Grade Graduation 6pm @ HCHS
• 3: Last day of school- ½ Day

Dear Middle School Parents,

At our final chapel of the first semester, Lisa Lundy—along with Miles Colago (High School Principal), Kyle Kempster, and Chan Song (International Student Coordinators)—led a chapel titled Kindness on Purpose. This chapel was part of our preparation to welcome our first international student to the middle school.

We are excited to share that we have welcomed students from our own town Holland, from Colorado, from Venezuela, and from South Korea at the start of 2nd semester:

One of the main messages of the chapel focused on Christian hospitality—welcoming someone into your home, or in this case, into our school community. Hospitality is one of our school’s core cultural values. We define it as:

• Receiving and giving grace
• Interacting with care and candor

This value connects closely to another point of emphasis in our chapel of human dignity—that every person has value simply because they are created in God’s image.

Students were encouraged to:

• Speak slowly and clearly
• Show patience and kindness
• Help build confidence when interacting with classmates who are new or learning English

Another key emphasis was cultural sensitivity—recognizing that cultures are different and responding with respect. Students were challenged to practice what Kyle Kempster called “huminosity”—a combination of humility and curiosity. Hospitality often begins by making the first move, asking thoughtful questions, and showing genuine interest in others.

Students were also reminded that hospitality means being mindful of words and humor, avoiding comments or jokes that could hurt or exclude others. As a school community, we are called to model hospitality through both our actions and our words. Scripture reminds us:

“Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.” — 1 Peter 4:9

May we continue to live this out well as we welcome, serve, and care for one another.

Blessings,
Tom Strikwerda
Middle School Principal

 

February at HCMS

 

8th Grade HS Registration:

High School Course Registration for incoming 9th graders is due by noon on Friday, February 13. Our registrar, Dan Vos, will be available at the middle school on February 2 during Homeroom to answer any questions students may have.

Parent-Teacher Conferences:

Parent-Teacher conferences will be held February 26 from 5:30-8:30pm and March 6  from 3:30-6:30pm. Instructions for conference sign-up will be emailed to you in February. We look forward to meeting with each of you!

From the Parent Board:

The Parent Bboard has a tradition of providing meals for staff during conferences. Look for an announcement in the daily announcements to sign up to help provide food on February 26 and March 5.

MS Play:

The Middle School Theater department is excited to present The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe. Performances will be Thursday, March 5 7pm; Friday, March 6 7pm; and Saturday, March 7 at 2pm and 7pm. All performances will be at the HCMS auditorium. Tickets will be available on the HC website on February 9.

TRIP Program:

Are you getting the most help you can for paying your tuition? The TRIP program is designed to help you pay tuition without extra cost to you. Have you checked it out lately? There are so many instant and electronic opportunities now available that make it easier, more convenient, and comfortable to use! Take a quick look at it and see how easy it’s become. Give it a try and see if it doesn’t lighten your financial load. Help is always just a quick question away. We love to help you make it work for your family! You can find out more information by going to our webpage.

Athletics:

Registration through Final Forms for the 26-27 school year begins on April 1, 2026. The MHSAA requires a pre-participation physical dated on or after April 15, 2026, to participate in school sports for the 26-27 school year. Athletes will not be allowed to participate in tryouts until a current and cleared physical form (a picture or scan of it) has been uploaded to their Final Forms account. Summer and school year sport opportunities are also generally communicated to students who have already registered and selected particular sports, so please register for 26-27 sports in April! If you have any questions please contact the athletic department.

• All families with 6th-12th grade potential athletes need to be registered with our online registration system Final Forms. For those already registered for the current year, you simply need to login, select the sports your child is interested in and update any changes to your and your child’s information. This is also the place where you print the updated 26-27 physical form to take with you to your DO/MD/NP/PA appointment and have that individual sign the form.
• For complete information about all athletic opportunities at Holland Christian, please take a look at the Athletic Opportunities page
• For Summer Camps information and registration, please go to our “Active Summer Camps Registration Page.”

Important Athletic Dates

• Final Forms registration opens for the 26-27 school year on April 1, 2026
• Our 2026 sports physical nights will be on April 23 and May 6 with more information and registration links coming soon.
• MHSAA Dead Week: June 29 – July 5 (no team activities or use of facilities)
• MHSAA Fall Sports Pre-Season Downtime: August 1-9 (limited activities for fall teams)
• High School Fall Sports begin: August 10
• Middle School Fall Sports: August 17

 

Important Dates

February

• 6: Ski Club
• 13: No school- Staff PD
• 17: No school
• 20: Ski Club
• 27: Parent-Teacher Conferences 5:30-8:30pm

March

• 4: MSBOA 7th/8th Band Festival
• 5: MSBOA 7th/8th Orchestra Festival
• Parent-Teacher Conferences 3:30-6:30
• MS Play 7pm
• 6: MS Play 7pm & Ski Club
• 7: MS play 2pm and 7pm
• 16: No school- Staff Work Day
• 17: Band Extravaganza 7pm @ West Ottawa P.A.C.
• 19: 8th Grade PSAT (½ day for 8th grade only)
• 20: End of Q3 & Swingin’ the Night Away 6:45pm
• 23: Begin Q4

Dear Parents/Guardians-

At our school, Flourishing means helping students grow as whole people—heart, mind, soul, and strength—as Jesus calls us to do (Mark 12:30). Middle school is a key time for this growth, and when students flourish, JOY follows.

• Heart: Learning empathy, kindness, and responsibility—encouraging peers, resolving conflicts, and taking ownership of choices.
• Mind: Exploring God’s world through math, science, English, and social studies—seeing that effort leads to growth.
• Soul: Chapel, Bible, prayer, and discipleship practices remind students they are loved, created in God’s image, and called to live out their faith with joy.
• Strength: Through PE, the arts, service, and daily responsibilities, students care for their bodies and use their gifts to serve others. Our recent band, orchestra, and choir concerts showed students using their talents with discipline, teamwork, and joy.
• Flourishing also includes our partnership with you. We appreciate working together to help each student grow and serve—for middle school and for a lifetime.

When students grow in all these areas, flourishing leads to JOYFUL service—helping classmates, serving others, and blessing the world.

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.”
— Mark 12:30

Wishing your family a Merry Christmas and a JOY-filled New Year!

Tom Strikwerda

HCMS Principal

January at HCMS

Thank You from the Staff:

Parents, thank you so much for showing such love and appreciation to our staff this Christmas. We appreciate all you do for us and for sharing your child(ren) with us each and every day. Thank you.

We’re Invited!

One of our local partners in education, Outdoor Discovery Center, is hosting a 4-part speaker series featuring nationally-renowned experts who will explore how technology is reshaping our lives. Please see the attached flyer to register for these free opportunities!

Front Office Communication Reminder:

Whenever a student is absent for any reason, whether for one period or a whole day, we need an email or a phone call to explain the reason for their absence. Parents can call 616.820.3205 or email ms@hollandchristian.org to report these absences. Students have many orthodontic appointments; a note from the orthodontic office is sufficient. Thank you so much for your help with this.

Carline Procedure Reminders:

All students need to be dropped off in our north lot between 7:30-7:57am on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. On Wednesdays, students should be dropped off in the north lot 7:30-8:27. Carline has been clogging up the last 10 minutes of the morning. Please plan for the weather and potential backups, and if your child is going to be late for any reason, contact the office at 616.820.3205 or ms@hollandchristian.org to excuse them.

New Athletic Season Starts in January:

Our Winter II athletic season is scheduled to start on January 5 and includes 7th and 8th grade girls basketball and 6th-8th grade boys swimming & diving. A bus will leave from the MS and take athletes to practice. If your student would like to participate, you can still sign them up via Final Forms. Please make sure they have a current physical on file before January 5. Please stay tuned for more information from coaches on practice times and locations.

8th Grade News:

High School Course Registration for incoming 9th graders is due February 13 at noon. Our registrar, Dan Vos, will be available at the middle school on February 2 during Homeroom to answer any questions students or parents may have. He can also be reached via email at dvos@hollandchristian.org

Important Dates

January

• 5: School resumes
• 16: End of quarter 2/semester 1
• 19: No school – MLK Day
• 20: Begin semester 2/Quarter 3
• 26: HS Showcase 6pm @ HCHS

February

• 6: Ski Club
• 13: No school: Professional Learning
• 16: No school
• 20: Ski Club
• 20: Science Club 3-4pm
• 26: Parent-Teacher Conferences 5:30-8:30pm

Dear Parents/Guardians-

Our school district holds six core cultural values: Discovery, Flourishing, Discipleship, Discernment, Hospitality, and Renewal.

This month, we’re highlighting Discernment—seeking God’s truth and practicing curiosity, courage, and conviction as we engage the culture around us. In a world full of competing messages, we want our students to learn how to recognize God’s voice and respond faithfully.

Here are a few ways discernment is woven into life at Holland Christian Middle School:

1. Science through the Lens of God’s World

Science becomes a place where curiosity leads students to worship. They are encouraged to explore creation and ask:

• “How do these discoveries point me toward the Creator?”
• “What do I learn about God’s character through His world?”

This helps them see that faith and science aren’t separate, but deeply connected.

2. Serving Others as an Expression of Discernment

Discernment isn’t only about thinking—it’s also about living out what we know to be true. Our students practice this by seeing needs and responding with compassion:

• 8th graders serve at Kids Food Basket, preparing meals for local children facing food insecurity. All students collected food for the Community Action House. In total we collected 1,539 items, compared to last year’s 972 items. We’re thankful for our community’s generosity!
• Students who travel to South Africa help feed the hungry and serve preschoolers at a local care center, gaining a global perspective on loving one’s neighbor. Once they came home, they realized they can serve this community from home by selling donuts at school to raise money for Christmas gifts for the children they worked with alongside Pastor Raymond.
• Daily acts of service at school—helping classmates at lunch, welcoming new students, or supporting peers who are struggling—remind our middle schoolers that following Jesus shows up in small, faithful choices.

As we continue to practice discernment as a school community, our prayer is that students grow in their ability to recognize God’s truth—and courageously live it out each day. We are grateful for your partnership as we guide our young people to follow Jesus with wisdom and conviction.

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
—Romans 12:2

In Christ,

Tom Strikwerda
Middle School Principal

December at HCMS

Recess Attire:

During the snowy, cold days of December-March, please supply your middle schoolers with the proper clothing as we will keep going outside for our 15-20 minute breaks, even if the tundra is frozen. It’s wise to label coats, hats, mittens, as things may get lost.

Giving: 

Thank you for contributing to our “Food Fight” food drive for Community Action House. Together, we collected 1,539 items that will be distributed to those in need in our community. Thank you for your servant hearts and generosity to this important cause!

Ski Club:

Ski Club kicks off on December 12! If your child paid for a ski club discount card, please be sure to have your student sign up the Tuesday/Wednesday lunchtime before each trip, and bring money for the admission, bus fee, rentals, etc. Checks can be made to Holland Christian Schools.

Concerts:

You are cordially invited to our Choir and Band & Orchestra Concerts:

• Band/Orchestra Concerts:

The HCMS Band and Orchestra Christmas Concerts are on Tuesday, December 2 in the Holland Christian High School Auditorium. The 6th grade orchestra, 6th grade band, and 7th grade orchestra are performing at 6pm, and the 8th grade orchestra and 7th/8th grade band are performing at 7:30pm. We will be wearing our maroon polos, plus the pants indicated by the groups’ directors. If the new band shoes arrive by concert time, the band students will wear them with white socks as part of their performing concert dress. Parents, please watch for a concert information sheet that will be sent home with call times and more detailed information.

Choir Concert:

The middle school choir concert is Thursday, December 4 at 7pm at the HCHS auditorium. Students need to be on Main Street at the HS at 6:40. The 6th and 7th/8th grade choirs will be performing. We will be wearing our maroon polos with black pants or skirts (knee length or longer) and black socks/shoes (dark shoes acceptable). Parents, please watch for a concert information email that will come out soon with more detailed information.

From the Parent Board:

We love our Middle School teachers and staff and want to shower them with gifts of appreciation during the Christmas season. Would you like to join us? We plan to present each teacher and staff member with a gift on behalf of all of our Middle School families. The Parent Team will create the care packages that will bless our teachers and staff. We will be taking donations until December 8. Thanks for helping us show our appreciation and bless our Middle School family at Christmas time!

We are also looking for volunteers to help with the staff Christmas Luncheon on Thursday December 18. Please sign up below if you’re willing to help!

Here’s how to donate:

Cash donations: We will have a Christmas chest in the MS office to collect donations.

Use this link if you’d like to make digital payments.

I can supervise lunch while teachers eat!

I can help provide food!

Upcoming Events

December:

2: HCMS Band/Orchestra Concerts
4: HCMS Choir Concert
22: Beginning of Christmas Break

January:

5: School Resumes
16: End of Q2/S1
19: No School- MLK Jr. Day
20: Begin Q3/S2
26: HC High School Showcase

Dear Parents/Guardians-

Our school district has the cultural values of discovery, flourishing, discipleship, discernment, hospitality, and renewal. For “Discovery”–which is cultivating wonder and enriching faith through the lens of scripture–we have a number of things we do in class. Here are just a few of the things we do:

6th Grade

• Science and Creation Keeping Trips: Our sixth graders have been heading off campus to explore God’s creation firsthand. Their motto? “Be curious!”
• Homemade Psalms: Inspired by Psalm 119 and led by Mr. Russ, students wrote their own “homemade psalms,” expressing wonder and gratitude for God’s creation and presence in their lives.

7th Grade

• Study Trips: Discovery is alive and well during the Saugatuck Dunes Study Trip and 7th Grade Camp at Grace Adventures, where students explore God’s creation and grow in community.
• Math: By identifying patterns and order, students recognize how God’s world reflects His creativity and precision.
  Social Studies: Students are discovering connections between people, places, and the past—and how human effort and culture can glorify God.

8th Grade

• English: Students are practicing curiosity through writing and reading—asking, “What do I wonder about now?” and traveling to new times and places through literature.
• Science: In Mrs. Styf’s class, students are exploring Psalm 139 and the idea that we are each “fearfully and wonderfully made.” Through studying genetics—traits, mutations, and diversity—they see how God brings about uniqueness in His creation. This connects directly to our discipleship practice of Image Reflecting: understanding that every person is made in God’s image and called to love our neighbor. Her class beautifully models how discovery in science can deepen faith and shape character.

Discipleship and Discovery Working Together:
Last year, our school district formed the Student Life and Discipleship Team to help merge our discipleship practices with our behavior expectations. This partnership ensures that how we treat one another in the classroom is directly shaped by our faith and values. Lessons like those in 8th grade science show what it looks like when discovery, discipleship, and love for others come together in meaningful ways.

With gratitude and joy,

Thomas Strikwerda

Middle School Principal

November at HCMS

 

End of Quarter 1

The end of Quarter 1 was October 21. 1st Quarter grades are available today on PowerSchool. This is a great time to check in with your student, and see how they are doing in regards to academics. We would also recommend checking Powerschool weekly and discussing with your student(s) how they are doing. Here is a link that shows you how to login to Powerschool. You can also check in on the Middle School Learning Page to see what they are working on in each class each day.

Communication Reminder

We recommend that personal tech devices remain at home during the day. If a child does need his/her device, please remind them to turn it off before they enter the building, per handbook policy.

Parents- if you need to contact your child throughout the day, please call the office. We are happy to relay a message.

Students who need to contact parents can do so in the office. We have a student phone, or they can use their personal device in the office to contact parents. Students should use their class time and school laptops for learning. Please avoid communicating via email throughout the day.

Ski Club

HCMS will be participating in Ski Club with Bittersweet Ski Resort again this year. Information was given to interested students on October 30. Please review the informational sheet and return the forms/money if your student is interested in Ski Club. Forms and money must be returned by November 14 in order to participate this year!

Fall Food Fight

Every year in the beginning of November, the Middle School participates in a fundraising effort to support food access for area families in the weeks leading up to Thanksgiving through Community Action House. We lovingly call this event our Fall Food Fight (8th annual!), where Houses compete to collect the most items from the list of needs for that year. Items can be brought to school starting Thursday, November 6 and ending on Friday, November 21. Students can drop off items in the Media Center on the table for their House. Please consider with your family if you are able to contribute at this time.  Thanks for helping us support and show love to our community!

Items most needed:

• dried beans (pinto or black)
• healthy cooking oil (olive oil, coconut oil, canola oil,grapeseed oil)
• red lentils
• broth
• whole wheat or gluten free pasta
• flour
• spices (salt, cinnamon, cumin, ginger, chili powder)
• corn masa
• basmati rice
• canned fruit in 100% juice
• tea or coffee
• canned coconut milk
• canned beans
• juice (low-sugar/no sugar added)
• ensure or protein drinks
• alternative nut butters
• unsalted nuts
• tampons & pads
• laundry detergent and dish
• soap
• baby wipes
• toothpaste

Important Dates

November

• 11: Veteran’s Day Assembly @ HCHS 9:30am
• 14: Swingin’ the Night Away: MS/HS Jazz Band 6:45-9:00pm
• 19: MS watches HCHS Matinee performance of Pride and Prejudice
• 26-28: No school, Thanksgiving Break

December

• 2: MS Band/Orchestra Concert 6pm @ HCHS
• 4: MS Choir Concert 7pm @ HCHS
• 22-Jan. 2: Christmas vacation