Author: Kelli Kruithof

Dear Parents & Guardians,

I have just returned from an incredible journey to South Africa with a group of our middle school students, Mr. Haig, and Mrs. Smith, and I am thrilled to share some of the life-changing experiences we had together. One of the most impactful individuals we met was Pastor Raymond, who leads an organization called Love in Action. Pastor Raymond cares for the needs of the impoverished in his community. From the moment we arrived, he welcomed us warmly, offering snacks and making each person feel valued. Samara Weller expressed that Pastor Raymond didn’t feel like a stranger; his genuine love and hospitality were immediately evident. Our students had the privilege of working alongside him, preparing and serving over 700 meals for those in need. Together, we peeled pounds of carrots and potatoes and added them to the “big pot,” a large stew to nourish many. As we toured Jim Se Bos, a nearby village facing extreme poverty, our students were struck by the joy of some of the people we met. Henry VanRavenswaay noted that true joy isn’t dependent on wealth but is rooted in God.

Another highlight of our week was serving at a local Care Center, where our students had the opportunity to assist teachers and spend time with the children. They were able to offer extra love and support, which brought noticeable changes in the children’s behavior. Elsa Brouwer shared that although these children had difficult upbringings and some expressed frustration by throwing punches, they quickly warmed up to our students and showed such joy in playing together. Elsa formed a sweet bond with a little girl named Isla, who eventually fell asleep in her arms. Adam VanderMolen shared that the most challenging part of the trip was saying goodbye to the children he had grown to love, including Skye, Israel, and Procee.

We also joined three different churches for worship, each of which gave our students a fresh sense of freedom and joy in their relationship with God. Worship was vibrant, filled with singing, dancing, and heartfelt sharing. Our students even led part of the worship, singing “Firm Foundation” together. In our final service, Mason Mulder and Jada Ronne shared testimonies of gratitude, with Mason recognizing the joy these churches had despite having fewer material things than we do, and Jada was touched by their hospitality, as they welcomed us so warmly and celebrated our group just for being there.

Many of our students came away with invaluable lessons. Stellan Beebe noticed the power of teamwork, which allowed us to accomplish so much, from preparing meals to assisting at the Care Center. Ethan Wigger was in awe of God’s creation, from the tiny sea anemones in the tide pools to the penguins, lizards, whales, and other wildlife. John Steenwyk felt the Holy Spirit guiding him in his interactions with the children at the Care Center, even when it took him outside his comfort zone.

Reflecting on this journey, I am reminded of the importance of helping our young people discover their purpose through service, worship, and experiencing God’s creation. Each evening, we gathered to reflect on our “highs and lows,” and almost every “high” involved moments of serving, worshiping, or marveling at God’s world. These moments brought LOVE, JOY and PEACE to each of us. As we raise the young we need to help them navigate what their purpose is each day and give them opportunities to do what Jesus told us in Mark 12: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength… Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these.” (Mark 12:30-31)

Thank you for your continued support and prayers. We look forward to how God will use this experience to deepen our students’ faith and understanding of His love in action here in Holland. We plan on doing the trip again next year. If you would like to know more about the trip for your 7th or 8th grade student or are interested in having them go in October 16-27 please let me know.

Please take a look at some pictures of our trip!

Tom Strikwerda, HCMS Principal

November at HCMS

End of Quarter 1

The end of Quarter 1 was October 22. 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 logging into Powerschool weekly to check grades and assignments, and discuss with your student(s) how they are doing.

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 (7th annual), where Houses compete to collect the most items from the list of needs for that year. Items can be brought to school starting Monday, November 11 and ending on Friday, November 22 and dropped off 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:

• Cans of fruit in 100% juice (peaches, applesauce)
• Cans of beans (black, pinto)
• Cans of tuna/chicken
• Cans of green beans, corn
• Containers of broth (cans, boxes)
• Cooking oil (olive oil)
• Boxed pasta and pasta sides
• Corn masa
• Basmati rice
• Laundry detergent (smaller size preferred)
• Shampoo & conditioner
• Toothbrushes & toothpaste
• Toilet paper
• Baby wipes
• Dish soap

Ski Club

HCMS will be participating in Ski Club with Bittersweet Ski Resort again this year. Information was given to interested students on October 31. 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 22 in order to participate this year!

Important Dates

November

• 1: MS Play Auditions: 7th and 8th Graders
• 8: Swingin’ the Night Away: MS/HS Jazz Band 6:45-9:00pm
• 11: Veterans Day Assembly @ HCHS
• 20: MS watches HCHS matinee performance
• 27-29: No school, Thanksgiving Break

December

• 3: MS Band/Orchestra Concert 6pm @ HCHS
• 5: MS Choir Concert 7pm @ HCHS
• 23-Jan. 3: Christmas vacation

January

• 6: Resume classes
• 15: End of Q2/Sem. 1
• 16: Begin Q3/Sem. 2
• 20: No school: MLK Day

Dear Parents/Guardians,

The school year is off to a fantastic start! It’s been such a joy visiting classrooms and seeing not only academic learning take place, but also the nurturing of hearts and the deepening of friendships. Our dedicated staff continues to enhance the middle school experience, and one area we’re particularly excited about is the increased use of God’s beautiful creation as a learning environment.

Teaching students about and in God’s creation is essential to our mission because Scripture tells us in Romans 1:20:

“For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.”

God reveals Himself through His creation, and by exploring and studying it, our students can see His power and divine nature firsthand.

Our 6th graders have already spent time at Camp Beechpoint and Outdoor Discovery, with plans underway for even more outdoor learning. Under Mr. Nieuwsma’s leadership, the 6th-grade Creation Keeping class goes on outdoor trips 7 or 8 times during their 9-week course. In 7th grade, Ms. Beukelman is preparing a dune study at Saugatuck Dunes, where students will explore the effects of wind and waves on the shoreline. Mrs. Styf has taken her 8th-grade science class to the school pond several times to learn about natural selection and adaptations.

This year, I’ve asked students what they enjoy most about middle school, and here’s a glimpse of their responses:

6th Grade:

Peyton: “I love the teachers.”
Noah: “I like switching classes.”
Jude: “The cool subjects and the teachers.”
Olivia: “The teachers are so nice and supportive, even when we are struggling.”

7th Grade:

Annie: “Meeting new teachers and students.”
Keira: “House activities.”
Lucas: “Making new friends.”
Cruz: “Cross net.”

8th Grade:

Lucy: “I love being with my friends.”
Sydney: “I like my volleyball team.”
Mae: “I like learning about the Bible.”
Everly: “I love Chapel.”
Will: “I like math, science class, and playing nine square.”
Zeke (a new student): “I love the people, teachers, the community, and the special activities that everyone gets to do.”

We are also excited to announce that another group of students will be going to South Africa from October 17-28. Please join us in praying for this mission as we partner with Ocean’s Ministry to make the Father known.

8th

• Samara Weller
• Jada Ronne
• Elsa Brouwer
• Adam VanderMolen
• Henry Van Ravenswaay
• Mason Mulder

7th

• Stellan Beebe
• John Steenwyk
• Ethan Wigger

Adults

• Mr. Haig
• Mrs. Smith
• Mr. Strikwerda
• Mr. Verkaik

As part of our preparation for the trip, we are reading through John 13-17 three times. These chapters reflect Jesus’ final days with His disciples before He was crucified for us. One verse that has stood out to me is John 14:23:

Jesus replied, “anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them. 

May we all strive to live out this commandment in our lives.

Blessings,

Tom Strikwerda
Principal

October at HCMS

Picture Make-up Day

Monday, October 7 is HCMS Picture Retake Day. If you are not satisfied with your student’s picture, please send their original packet with your son or daughter to school that Monday and Geskus will re-take their picture.

Early Winter (Winter 1) Sports Season

Monday, October 21, is the first day of our next sports season, including Girls Aquatics, Boys Basketball and Competitive Cheer (which is with West Ottawa). If your student would like to participate and has not yet signed up, please sign up on Final Forms asap (make sure the pre-participation physical is completed). They will need all forms signed and a current physical form on file in the office (dated on or after April 15, 2023). Communication will be coming to those who are registered. Team pictures will be October 30.

Parent Teacher Conferences

Are scheduled for October 3th (3:30-6:30) and October 10th (5:30-8:30). Please follow the instructions that were emailed to you September 23 if you’d like to sign up!

If you are interested in helping provide dinner for teachers on those nights, please sign up for the date below:

October 3 Meal Sign-up

October 10 Meal Sign-up

Middle School Skating Party

Mark your calendars for October 29! The Parent Board will be hosting a skating party. Skate rental is free with each admission. Parents may drop students off or stay and skate or watch. Admission is $10 for each person entering the building. You can find more information on the Skating Party Flier.

Reminders for Parents

Have you bookmarked the Reminder for Parents Google Doc? It’s a great reference document with answers to common questions about Attendance, Medications, Lunch Policy, etc.

A Note from the English Team

Please take a minute to read the Student Book Choice letter from our English Team.

Opportunities to Volunteer

HCMS loves to have parents in the building! If you’re interested in volunteering at the middle school, we have a two routine needs that we could always use an extra hand with:

1. Sign up to supervise students before school on Wednesdays! Volunteers on Wednesday mornings help our school run smoothly while teachers meet and do devotions before school.
2. Sign up for lunch supervision! Parent Board has set aside one Wednesday per month for teachers to be duty-free and eat together. Please sign up to volunteer during these lunch times.

As a reminder, all volunteers must complete and return a volunteer form before being allowed to volunteer in one of our buildings.

Important Dates

October

3: Fall Parent Teacher Conferences (3:30-6:30 pm)
7: Picture Retakes
10: Fall Parent Teacher Conferences (5:30-8:30 pm)
22: End of Quarter 1
23: Teacher Professional Development
24-25: No School, CEA Convention
28: Begin Quarter 2

November

8: Swingin’ the Night Away
27-29: No School-Thanksgiving

December

3: MS Band Concert; MS Orchestra Concert
5: MS Choir Concert
23: Christmas Vacation

Dear Parents-

You as the parents/guardians have the MOST influence on our students. Remember to make the most of your years with the young as they fly by. Be intentional in how you raise them.

Proverbs 22:6 tells us to: Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it.

Training takes time. Take the time to ask your students what they are learning at school. Take the time to do family devotions. Take time to pray with your kids. Take the time, if you haven’t already, to help your students set up personal devotions. Take the time to help your middle schoolers use their time wisely. Take the time to help them form positive friendships. Take the time to make sure that your students use technology wisely as it is difficult in this area for many of them to succeed on their own.

Understand and expect that your middle schooler will make mistakes as their brains are not fully developed. When they do make mistakes, help them in those moments. As you will see, your middle schoolers change and grow a ton during these years. These are exciting times. I hope you are able to embrace them!!!

Tom Strikwerda
Principal

September at HCMS

Parent Night follow up

Here is a link that lets you know many important details about each grade level. Take some time to look through the appropriate link or links. A lot of this info was shared at Parent Night last night:

• 6th grade packet
• 7th grade packet
• 8th grade packet

Also if you weren’t able to attend parent night stop by sometime to write a positive note to your kids that we will place in their locker.

House System

Our HCMS house system is well underway. All 6th graders and new-to-HC students were placed in a house last week, and we look forward to participating in many house activities this year and earning individual house points towards a community goal.

Volunteer Opportunities

Parents, we need your help! We would love some help with student supervision before school on Wednesdays while the staff does devotions and meets together. Are you willing? Please sign up to volunteer and help out! Please remember that a volunteer form must also be submitted before volunteering.

Important Dates

The full 24-25 school calendar is available here

September

• 2: Labor Day: no school
• 5: Picture make-up day
• 6: 6th graders to Camp Beechwood
• 25: Walkathon

October

• 3: Fall Parent-Teacher Conferences (3:30-6:30pm)
• 7: Picture retakes
• 10: Fall Parent-Teacher Conferences (5:30-8:30 pm)
• 22: End of quarter 1
• 23-25: No school, CEA Convention

Dear Parents,

It has been a privilege to serve as the middle school principal again this school year. We are blessed to have such a tremendous staff working with our students. The students have grown spiritually, socially and academically in so many ways because of the talents and time our staff has poured into the students. One of our valued staff members, Dale Ribbons, is retiring after being the middle school custodian for 22 years. I have had the privilege of working with Mr. Ribbons for 17 years as a teacher and another 5 years as a principal. What brings Mr. Ribbons the most joy is getting to know the students. He has taken the time to get to know many of them and teach them life lessons. He took the time this year to speak at both the middle school and high school chapel. He genuinely cares for each person at the middle school. He also has a big servant heart as he continually took the time to not only keep the building clean, but well maintained. We have been blessed to have Mr. Ribbons as our custodian. This week at chapel the students gave him an extended standing ovation for serving us so well. It was a blessing to be a part of.

As we close out another school year I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for entrusting us with your students and for your support. My prayer is that each of you have a blessed time with your families this summer. We encourage you to continue to help your children to grow both spiritually, academically and to use their time wisely.  Here are a few suggestions to do that:

Spiritual Nourishment: Encourage your child to maintain a routine of daily devotions and prayer. The summer provides a lot of time for you to help your children grow spiritually. As parents, be intentional about teaching your children as Proverbs 22:6 says, “Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.” 

Continuous Learning: Keep their minds active with summer reading lists, academic or sports camps, and exploring new hobbies or interests.

Serving Others: Look for opportunities to serve in our community, whether through church programs, volunteer work, or simple acts of kindness. “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:10

Help your children form healthy friendships by inviting a friend or two over. Your son or daughter may need help planning what they can do for the day. It’s also a good idea to invest time with the families of the friends your child has. This is helpful in creating a trusted village for your children and their friends. Take the time to do that if that is helpful. As your middle schoolers hang out with peers remind them of what 1 Peter 3:8 has to say: “Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble.”

To the 8th grade parents: We will miss having your son or daughter in our school. We hope they flourish in high school.

6th and 7th grade parents: We look forward to welcoming your sons and daughters back for another school year on August 20.

God bless,

Tom Strikwerda
Middle School Principal

Summer at HCMS

Looking for Wagons

As the middle school works to incorporate more outdoor learning opportunities, we are looking for 5 collapsible canvas wagons. If you have one in your garage that is taking up space, would you consider donating it? Email Kelli in the office if you have one!

Report Cards

Grades will be available on PowerSchool at 8am Wednesday, June 12. Please check in PowerSchool after this time to see the benefits of all your student’s hard work this school year!

Immunizations for 2024-2025 7th Graders

24/25 7th graders will need to turn in your proof of immunization to the front office by August 1, 2024. 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 24-25

Registration is now open for 24-25 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 page.

Important Dates

June

4- 8th Grade Service Day (Last Day for 8th graders)
8th Grade Graduation and Party @ 6:00 at HCHS
5- No Late Start | Last day of school; 11:15 dismissal

Looking Ahead

August

1- 7th grade vaccinations due to the front office
19- Orientation Day (more information to come this summer)
20- First day of school
26- 8th Graders to Camp Roger
28- HCMS Parent Night
30- No sSchool; Labor Day Weekend

Dear Parents,

This weekend my wife and I spent time in Madison, WI, with our youngest daughter Sarah who is moving there on August 1. One of the activities Sarah made sure we did was go to a church service on Monday night of a church plant that is related to the church she currently goes to in Philadelphia (long story). After the service we all spent time getting to know other believers. As we drove home  from our weekend, I was reflecting on our parenting journey as we raised our three kids. One of the things that we did that is invaluable is nurturing a habit of quiet time for our kids.

Quiet time is one of the spiritual disciplines Jesus did even in the midst of his hectic life. He was a busy man as we see in the passages below, but he prioritized solitary moments with his Father.

Luke 5:15, 16 Yet the news about him spread all the more, so that crowds of people came to hear him and to be healed of their sicknesses. But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.

Mark 1: 35-37 Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. Simon and his companions went to look for him, and when they found him, they exclaimed:“Everyone is looking for you!”

What a remarkable example Jesus provides for us. My prayer is that each of you are carving out moments in your busy schedules to connect with our Father in solitude. My prayer is your sons and daughters are also fostering their own relationship with God through solitary moments of prayer and reflection.

God bless,

Tom Strikwerda

May at HCMS

MAP Testing

6th and 7th grade students will take the MAP Test on Tuesday, May 7 and Wednesday, May 8. Students will need to arrive promptly to school on those days and bring their charged laptop, a water bottle, and an extra snack to have during the break each day.

It is important for students to get to bed on time in the evenings, to have a healthy breakfast in the morning, and to not be rushed to get out the door. It is also helpful to be encouraging and uplifting–a positive mindset goes a long way! If at all possible, please avoid taking your student out for appointments or vacation on those mornings. If any testing is missed, it will have to be made up by May 24, which will result in missing regular class time.

Additional preparation resources can be found here:

• NWEA Common Questions for Families
• NWEA Family Toolkit

Please email the office with any questions.

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 which is May 6-10. In order for the staff to be able to eat and celebrate together, we need your help supervising the students during their lunch time. Please see the sign-up genius for details and to sign up if you are able to help bless our staff by serving in this way. Thank you in advance.

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 8th. If you would like to contribute to this gift with a cash donation please drop cash off to the office or donate online. The donation deadline is FRIDAY MAY 3. Thanks in advance for considering!

Grandparents’ Day

We are happy to be hosting Grandparents Day on Friday, May 10 from 1:30-2:30pm. Please park in the north lot first, with priority being given to those with physical limitations. Overflow parking will be located on the north lot at Providence Church. The main doors of the middle school will open at 1:15.

Athletic Physicals Nights

Although it is preferred that athletes obtain their physical from a primary care physician, we realize this is not always possible due to insurance restrictions. Therefore, we have always offered athletic physicals to Holland Christian athletes one evening in the spring. Please sign up for an appointment on the date/time of your choosing:

• April 29, 6-8pm at Shoreline Orthopedic
• May 9, 6-8pm at South Washington clinic

Change in Schedule

We will NOT have late start on Wednesday, May 29 or June 5.

Looking Ahead

Immunizations for 24-25 7th Graders

24-25 7th graders will need to turn in their most recent proof of immunization to the front office anytime before the start of the school year. A primary doctor can print a MICR official immunization record 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. You can find the required vaccinations for 7th grade , or you can 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.

24-25 BOC Schedule

As we plan to build student schedules for the 24-25 school year, we will plan to schedule your rising 7th or 8th grade students in their current Band, Orchestra or Choir (BOC) class. If they wish to move to a different music class, please inform us by filling out the BOC Change Request Form by Friday, June 7. Forms will be accepted only by a parent/guardian, not by a student. As stated before, every student must choose either Band, Orchestra or Choir; no study halls will be offered. Thank you!

Athletics for 24-25

Registration is now open for 24-25 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.

Important Dates

May

2: 6th Grade Parent Launch Night @ 6:45 (6:15 start for Spanish Immersion) at HCMS
7-8: MAP testing
9: Tulip Time half day 11:15am dismissal
10: Grandparents Day 1:30-2:30pm
14: Orchestra Concert 7pm at Jack H. Miller Auditorium
16-17: 7th Grade Camp
16: 6th grade field trip
27: Memorial Day: no school
29: No late start

June

4: 8th Grade Service Day (last day for 8th graders)
4: 8th Grade Graduation and Party @ 6pm at HCHS
5: No late start & last day of school: 11:15am dismissal

Dear Parents,

At HCMS, we are deeply committed to nurturing an environment where our students not only thrive academically but also grow into compassionate and empathetic individuals. Recently, we held a chapel on March 6 under the theme “Cultivating Christian Community,” aiming to instill vital values essential for shaping the character of our children and preparing them to be positive contributors to society.

The chapel comprised three significant parts: The Significance of the Image of God, The Significance of Words, and The Significance of Repentance and Forgiveness, each taught by dedicated members of our staff: Mr. Russ, Mr. Strikwerda, and Mr. Colago, respectively. During and after the chapel, students engaged by taking notes and reflecting on the lessons taught through two guiding questions:

• What was something you heard or learned from this part that stands out to you?
• What is something you can do at school to apply what you learned today?

Here’s a summary of the insights gleaned by the students from each part:

The Significance of the Image of God:

• Remember all people are created in God’s image and they have value.
• I will not judge someone’s looks or circumstances.
• I will listen to and not judge people who are different from me.
• I will include others. I will look around and invite the lonely in.

The Significance of Words:

• I will choose good friends.
• I will stand up when I see someone hurt.
• I will empathize and not laugh at someone’s pain or bad choices.
• I will go out of my way to care for others.
• I will respect people’s race and nationality.
• I will think before I speak, since hurtful words cannot be undone.
• I will use my words to compliment, encourage and comfort
• I will not use racial slurs.
• I will avoid gossip because it breaks trust.
• I will keep unkind words to myself.

Forgiveness and Repair:

• We can forgive, because Jesus shows us how.
• When I hurt someone, I will make it right.
• I will admit when I have made a mistake. I will seek to reconcile.
• If I am hurt, I will try to make room for that person to repair. I will practice not holding grudges. I will allow people to grow and change their behavior.

Currently, we are translating these valuable lessons into action by creating a banner to serve as a tangible reminder of the life lessons learned during the chapel. As parents, your role in reinforcing these values at home is invaluable. We urge you to take the time over spring break and beyond to emphasize compassion, empathy, and forgiveness in your interactions with your children. Your influence plays a pivotal role in shaping their character and instilling these principles in their hearts.

Together, we can empower our children to become agents of positive change in our community and beyond, spreading love and kindness wherever they go. Thank you for your partnership in nurturing the next generation of compassionate leaders.

Sincerely,

Tom Strikwerda

April at HCMS

Pedestrian Safety

It’s spring! And with warmer weather and more morning light, more Holland Christian students are walking and biking to school—which is wonderful! However, it also brings concerns for safety, especially in the mornings while driving parents and older siblings often seem rushed and distracted. Please be conscious of student pedestrians and cyclists while driving to school, and please speak with older students who are dropping off siblings or friends in particular at Holland Christian Middle School and Pine Ridge. Both of these schools have crosswalks leading to school, HCMS with Ottawa Ave. and Pine Ridge with Graafschaap and 40th. It is Michigan law that vehicles stop for pedestrians in these crosswalks. Failure to stop can result in a ticket, but hopefully a more important deterrent is the safety of all of our students!

Save the Date!

You are cordially invited to our Grandparents/Grandfriends Day celebration on Friday, May 10 from 1:30-2:30pm.

South Africa Trip 3.0

Holland Christian Middle School is inviting eight incoming 7th and 8th graders to a kingdom encounter in South Africa October 17- October 28 (Note: we had the incorrect dates last month). The vision of this trip is to raise up a generation of servant leaders to have a deeper understanding and knowledge of the Father, and to provide a process for students to make His heart known.

While staying abroad students will explore cross-cultural service, spiritual disciplines, and encounter our Father’s Kingdom heart. They will find a new rhythm to life that allows them to connect with God and focus on life outside of themselves. Students will be immersed in cultures, communities, and livelihoods very different from the ones they are used to living in. They will work alongside young children at Ocean View Care Center, dwell with residents who live in the townships, and help with the homeless ministries. Every interaction is an opportunity for intellectual, spiritual, and personal growth and development. Learning becomes alive as they explore life’s big questions in the light of God’s truth, their purpose, and how to live out the Great Commission. There will be a parent informational meeting on Thursday, April 18 at 7pm in the media center. South Africa Application will be due by Wednesday, April 26 if you would like your son or daughter to be considered for the trip. The following forms also need to be filled out by April 26 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.

Athletic Physical Night

Although it is preferred for athletes to obtain a sports physical from their primary care physician, we realize this is not always possible due to insurance restrictions and the MHSAA requirement for a completed physical between April 15, 2024 and the start of a student’s sport for the 2024-25 school year. Therefore, we offer athletic physicals for Holland Christian students each spring.  At the request of the physicians and medical staff who donate their time, the Holland Hospital & Shoreline Orthopedic Sports Medicine Collaborative schools are collectively offering two evenings for all partner schools.  Additional information, including registration for specific time slots and cost, will be coming out soon.  For now, please save the following dates and times for student athletic physicals for the 2024-25 school year:

• Monday, April 29, 6-8pm at Shoreline Orthopedic
• Thursday, May 9, 6-8pm at South Washington Clinic

International Student News

The International Club met March 19 and began the afternoon with appetizers after school in the Student Services area and then went to the BAM! Entertainment Center. The group bowled and played foosball and Rain (Tongrui) Yang from China showed the most improvement in his bowling. Mr. DeBlecourt has a breakfast event planned for April. The International Club is open to all students and is a fun way to share and learn culture together. Contact Mr. DeBlecourt ddeblecourt@hollandchristian.org if you would like to join.

Important Dates

April

8: School resumes
18: South Africa informational meeting 7pm HCMS
26: South Africa application/financial aid due
25: MS Choir Concert 7pm @ HCHS

May

9: Half day (Tulip Time) 11:15am dismissal
10: Grandparents’ Day 1:30-2:30pm
14: Orchestra concert 7pm
15: Convocation 8:45am
16-17: 7th grade camp
27: No school- Memorial Day

Greetings,

I hope everyone has had time to relax and rejuvenate during our Christmas break, and that you are anticipating the new year! It is a great time of the year to reflect on many things. Proverbs 22:6 says “Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.”

My hope in writing the following is to have us reflect on how we are doing as we train up a child or children in the way they should go. There are many different areas to ponder as parenting is a journey that is different for each child we have and it is also different depending on what stage they are in. Currently in middle school we have students navigating how to engage in positive relationships with their peers, how to use their time wisely, how to be organized in a school where they have several teachers, and how to use technology appropriately. Events we’ve experienced in the last couple years tell my gut that it may be wise to have a discussion about when is an appropriate time to buy our kids a cell phone and what do we need to consider as we put this powerful device into their hands..

Parenting middle schoolers with cell phones involves setting clear boundaries, discussing responsible usage, and creating open communication. Establish rules on screen time, appropriate content, and online behavior. Educate them about online safety, privacy, and the potential consequences of inappropriate actions. Encourage open dialogue, so they feel comfortable discussing their online experiences with you. Regularly monitor their phone activity because even the most well-behaved, well-intentioned teen can make mistakes, which unfortunately, can become public to peers and beyond. Finally, be a positive role model for how to use a cell phone as our kids are affected by our example.

There are many other things we can do as we parent our kids. Please take the time as we begin 2024 to spend quality time with your kids and have some family culture shaping conversations as well. My prayer is that you and your family have a blessed 2024!

Happy New Year,

Tom Strikwerda

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.

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:

Parents or older siblings who drop off or pick up students at the middle school are required to use the carline lot on the North side of the building near the gym. The front loop is for buses only, and the staff/visitor lot is not for drop-offs or pick-ups, even when you are running late. We ask that all drop-off/pick-ups respect these rules. Thank you for your consideration of things running safely and smoothly here.

New Athletic Season Starts in January:

Our Winter II athletic season is scheduled to start on January 8. Please stay tuned for more information from coaches on practice times and locations. This includes 7th and 8th grade Girls Basketball and 6th, 7th, and 8th grade Boys Swimming and 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 8. Thanks.

8th Grade News:

With the school year almost half complete already, 8th graders are beginning to prepare for high school. There are two dates to pay attention to:

January 22 is the High School Showcase. Doors open at 6:30pm and the evening begins at 7. This is a time for 8th graders and their parents to explore the high school and hear of the class offerings available. Please RSVP here if you are planning to attend. Feel free to invite any incoming 9th grader who may be interested in HC to attend this event as well!

High School Course Registration for incoming 9th graders is due February 16. Our registrar, Dan Vos, will be available at the middle school on February 5 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

15 – No school – MLK Day

19 – End of quarter 2semester 1

22- Begin semester 2/quarter 3

8th Grade HS Showcase 6:30pm @ HCHS

26 – Q2/S1 Grades available via PowerSchool

February

16- No school: Day- Professional learning

19 – No school – Professionaldevelopment/President’s Day

29 – Parent Teacher Conferences 5:30-8:30pm

March

7 – Parent Teacher Conferences 3:30-6:30pm

7/8/9- HCMS play

22- Swingin’ the Night Away @ HCHS

End of Quarter 3

21- PSAT for 8th graders: This is a ½ day for 8th graders only

28- Q3 grades available on PowerSchool

29- No school- Spring break