Author: Katelyn Roskamp

Rose Park Families,
Happy Spring! This is such a beautiful and busy time of year, and my guess is you’re feeling it too. With sunshine, fresh energy, and lots of smiles, we are soaking in these final weeks of the school year together.

It has truly been a fantastic year at Rose Park, and we are so grateful for your partnership. As we look ahead, there is still so much to enjoy and celebrate in the month of May. In the weeks to come, our students are looking forward to field trips, swim lessons, Tulip Time festivities, and many meaningful end-of-year moments in the classroom.

This season also brings a wonderful opportunity to reflect on how much our students have grown academically, socially, and spiritually. We are proud of their hard work and are excited to finish the year strong together!

Blessings,
Katelyn Roskamp

Announcements

Student Life and Discipleship

In April, we turned our attention to our discipleship practice creation keeping. This is a fun one for students as it’s a tangible way to discuss and discover how to care for the wonderful world God has created. Throughout the last few weeks, students have had meaningful conversations about what it looks like to be faithful stewards of God’s wonderful creation, putting their learning into action in simple, everyday ways.

As we look to the end of the year we will focus on our discipleship practice of kingdom building in May. Students will practice seeking God’s Kingdom first by inviting Christ’s rule and reign into every aspect of their lives. We look forward to talking about all of the ways we can put God on display as we end our year together!

Kinderparade & Tulip Time

1st-4th grade students are looking forward to marching in the Tulip Time Kinderparade on Thursday, May 7. We will have a normal school schedule in the morning. Preschoolers will be dismissed at their normal time (11:15am) with no afternoon enrichment. Kindergarten and 5th graders will be dismissed at 11:30am. Students in grades 1-4 will remain at school until we load the buses to head to the parade route. They will eat lunch at school before heading to the parade. There will be no hot lunch, so please send a sack lunch to school with them.

An information sheet and pick up slip was sent home with your child. Please return this slip to your child’s teacher ASAP. Thank you.

Our Y5, K, and 5th grade non-parade participants will be dismissed at 11:30am on May 7, while all others will remain at school to eat lunch and board buses for the parade.

4th Grade Plant Sale

The annual fourth grade plant sale is coming to Rose Park on May 21 starting at 7:30am. They will be selling tomatoes, peppers, and a variety of herbs. All plants will be $3 per pot, cash or check only.

Y5 + Kindergarten Visit Day

On Friday, May 1, we will be welcoming our newest group of young fives and kindergarteners to Rose Park for a visit! The incoming students and their parents will meet at Rose Park from 9-10am. Families who enrolled should have received an email with more details.

Important Website Links:

• • Holland Christian Calendar
  • Hot lunch information  (and May Menu)
  • Medical information & forms
  • School transportation
  • Before & After School Programs
  • Rose Park Staff Favorite Things

Upcoming Dates:

May

• 1: Y5 & Kindergarten Visit Day
• 1-8: Swim lessons (excluding May 7)
• 7: 1/2 day of school
  • 11:30am dismissal for kindergarten and 5th grade (see info above)
  • Tulip Time Kinderparade 1st-4th grades (see info above)
• 13: Senior Walk (celebrating our Rose Park alumni!)
• 21: 4th Grade Plant Sale at Rose Park 7:30am
• 25: Memorial Day: No school
• 27: Field Day & Ms. Raak’s retirement celebration (see info above)

June

• 3: Last Day of School 1/2 day
  • • Preschool celebration at 9am
    • Final Chapel at 10:30am
    • Y5-5th Grade dismissal at 11:30am

Rose Park Families,

As we walk through the Lenten season we are often invited to slow down, reflect, and open our hearts to the working of the Holy Spirit as we prepare for Easter. As spring slowly arrives in Michigan, we are also reminded of the beauty of new life and the promises of flowers in bloom and warmer days ahead. Both point us to renewal, another of our Holland Christian values. Renewal invites us to humbly participate in the mission and ministry of Jesus through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Our current season calls us to live with intention and a renewed sense of purpose, embracing each day as an opportunity to grow in faith, serve others with humility, and walk in step with Christ. As we step into the final stretch of the school year, I pray that we have many opportunities to practice renewal in our homes and classrooms!

I’m looking forward to all that spring holds. I hope you are too!

Blessings,

Katelyn Roskamp

Announcements

Student Life and Discipleship

In the month of March, we focused on our discipleship practices of disciple making and beauty creating. We have been discussing the importance of being people who live into the great commission and who look for beauty in the world around us. We also had an all school celebration of “pie the principal.” What fun it is to celebrate positive behavior as a school community!

In April, we will turn our attention to creation keeping. This is a fun one for students as it’s a tangible way to discuss and discover how to care for the wonderful world God has created. During this month, students will practice stewardship of creation by cultivating and preserving the world that’s been entrusted to us. 

Kinderparade

It’s time to think about Tulip Time! If you haven’t already, 1st-4th grade families, please complete the costume preference form to indicate your family’s preference for costumes during our Kinderparade on Thursday, May 7. Please complete this ASAP! If you have a 5th grade student who is interested in carrying a banner in the parade we would love to have them join us; look for information upcoming! Our Y5, K, and 5th grade non-parade participants will be dismissed at 11:30am on May 7, while all others will remain at school to eat lunch and board buses for the parade.

Exciting news: We have a new book fair company this year—Literati—and the online fair is officially live! Shopping online is a great way to find books that might not be available at the in-person fair. It’s also the best way to purchase from teacher wishlists, since some of those titles may not be available at the in-person book fair. A special bonus: Gift cards are available online! This makes it easy for students to shop at the in person book fair without bringing cash to school. You can start browsing online already, and then plan for the in-person hours listed below. Happy reading! 

On Thursday, April 23 we will host “Lunch with a Loved One” from 11:15-12:15 in the small gym. This is a time to join your student(s) for lunch and to shop the book fair together!

Additional in-person book fair hours will be: Wednesday April 22 from 2-4pm, Thursday April 23 from 10:30-12:30 & 2-4pm, Friday April 24 from 2-4pm;  we would love to have you stop by at any of those times!

5th Grade Families

Save the Date: April 23. Holland Christian Middle School invites 5th grade parents to come to our Spring Launch Night! Meet the staff, hear about the academic and extra curricular opportunities, and get a head start on understanding the transition to the middle school. More details to come as we get closer.

Important Website Links:

• • Holland Christian Calendar
  • Hot lunch information  (and April Menu)
  • Medical information & forms
  • School transportation
  • Before & After School Programs

Upcoming Dates:

April

• 3-10: No school: Spring vacation
• 23: 6th Grade (Parent) Launch Night at HCMS
• 22-24: Book Fair at Rose Park
• 27-30: Swim lessons

May

• 1-8: Swim lessons (excluding May 7)
• 7: 1/2 day of school, 11:30 dismissal for kindergarten and 5th grade
• 7: Tulip Time Kinderparade 1st-4th grades (afternoon)
• 21: 4th Grade Plant Sale at Rose Park (morning)
• 25: Memorial Day: No school

June

• 3: Last Day of School 1/2 day

Rose Park Families,

Each month we’ve been focusing on one of our Holland Christian values, and this month I want to share a bit about discipleship with you. As we root our identity and purpose in Christ we want to be more like Him, emulating both his character and teachings.  In our classrooms, our discipleship practices are woven in and through lessons each day, giving our students tangible ways to practice living like Jesus.

In 5th grade Math I watched students discover order in their learning, giving praise to God for the way he creates patterns in their equations. Students frequently pick up trash around school or the playground and we discuss creation keeping. Many students have also been great examples of servant living and image reflecting as they help others and reflect God’s image to those around them.

Thank you for partnering with us as we nurture students who are learning not just to know about Jesus, but to truly walk in His ways.

Blessings to you,

Katelyn Roskamp

Announcements

Student Life and Discipleship

In the month of February, we focused on our discipleship practice of grace breathing. We have been discussing the importance of being people who inhale and exhale grace as we live in community with one another.

In March, we will turn our attention to disciple making. During this month, we will talk about following Jesus and pointing others to Christ through our words and actions. We will focus on the great commission given to us in Matthew 28.

Learning Opportunities 

The ODC Network is launching a meaningful 4-part speaker series in 2026 featuring nationally-renowned experts who will explore how technology is reshaping our lives and offer practical ways to restore balance for ourselves, our families, and our communities.

Through the generosity of local donors, tickets for the talks in Holland are free (one per email address) and can you can reserve your free ticket online.

• March 3, Dr. Scott Sampson, “The Coming Nature-Rich Urban Communities”
• March 17, Lenore Skenazy, “Raising Kids in a Digital World”

Parent-Teacher Conferences

Spring parent-teacher conferences will be on Thursday, March 26 and Monday, March 30. Sign-ups should have landed in your e-mail a few weeks back!

Important Website Links:

• • Holland Christian Calendar
  • Hot lunch information  (and March Menu)
  • Medical information & forms
  • School transportation
  • Before & After School Programs

Upcoming Dates:

March

• 7: Kids Stuff Resale at HCHS
• 13: End of Quarter 3
• 16: No school
• 20: Report cards
• 26: Parent-teacher conferences
• 30: Parent-teacher conferences

April

• 3-10: No school: Spring vacation
• 23: 6th Grade (Parent) Launch Night at HCMS
• 22-24: Book Fair at Rose Park
• 27-May 8: Swim lessons

Rose Park Families,
There is nothing I love more than the time I spend in classrooms and out at recess at Rose Park. Even in the cold of winter there are students who run up to share: “Come check this out!” or “Look what we’re doing!” In classrooms, out at recess, and during many in-between-moments of the day I am invited into what your students are learning and observing. This is the joy of childhood–exploring and discovering–and yet it’s also an opportunity to practice hospitality, the Holland Christian value we are focusing on as we enter February!

Each fall the first grades host Sukkot and I receive a special invitation into their learning, specifically around hospitality. In December a group of third graders begged me to attend music class with them for the day. Teachers and students catch me in the hall and ask “Do you have a minute to see what we’re up to?”  All invitations to become a part of something. This is the joy of learning hospitality that in big and small ways we begin to develop a new skill, to give and receive grace, and to build relationships both inside of our school and out.

In February, I invite you to join us in practicing hospitality at home and in our community by noticing opportunities, big and small, to welcome others, extend grace, and make room for relationship.

Blessings to you,
Katelyn

Announcements

Student Life and Discipleship

In the month of January, we focused on our discipleship practice of image reflecting. We discussed how important it is to be people who reflect God’s image to the world around us. Our prayer is that students come to know deeply and truly who God is, are able to see His image in the world around them, and are able to reflect God by being a light in our world.

In February, we will turn our attention to grace breathing. During this month, we will talk about extending grace just as God gives it to us. We can think of this like breathing: as we inhale, we receive grace from God, and as we exhale, we breathe it out to the world around us.

Continuous Enrollment Reminder

As of January 2026, preschool is now a part of HC’s Continuous Enrollment, which means that once a student is enrolled at HC, they remain enrolled automatically each year until they graduate or are formally withdrawn from HC. With this enrollment change, currently enrolled preschool and currently enrolled young five students will no longer be required to reapply for the following academic school year. An easier-to-fill-out Commitment Countdown form has emailed to those families (PK & YK only) to help us plan for next year.

New-to-Holland-Christian-families who are interested in enrolling for the 2026-27 school year can do so by applying at dev.hollandchristian.org/apply on Monday, February 2 starting at 9am.

Learning Opportunities 

The ODC Network is launching a meaningful 4-part speaker series in 2026 featuring nationally-renowned experts who will explore how technology is reshaping our lives and offer practical ways to restore balance for ourselves, our families, and our communities.

Through the generosity of local donors, tickets for the talks in Holland are free (one per email address) and can you can  Reserve your free ticket online.

• Feb 12, Katherine Martinko, “Navigating Technology with Purpose”

• Mar 3, Dr. Scott Sampson, “The Coming Nature-Rich Urban Communities”

  

• Mar 17, Lenore Skenazy, “Raising Kids in a Digital World”

Run Club

Rose Park’s Running Club is back this spring! We begin February 17, meeting Tuesdays and Thursdays, and finish with the Tulip Time 5K on May 2. Open to all 3rd-5th grade students who want to get moving. Sign up for Run Club!

Parent-Teacher Conferences

Spring parent-teacher conferences will be on Thursday, March 26 and Monday, March 30. More details and signup information will be coming as we get closer.

Important Website Links:

• • Holland Christian Calendar
  • Hot lunch information  (and February Menu)
  • School supply lists
  • Medical information & forms
  • School transportation
  • Before & After School Programs

Upcoming Dates:

February

• 13: No school: Teacher professional learning day
• 16: No school: Presidents Day

March

• 13: End of Quarter 3
• 16: No school
• 20: Report cards
• 26: Parent teacher conferences
• 30: Parent teacher conferences

April

• 3-10: No school: Spring vacation
• 23: 6th Grade (Parent) Launch Night at HCMS
• 22-24: Book Fair at Rose Park

Rose Park Families,

The excitement was palpable as I walked down the hallways over the past few weeks! Students were learning, growing, and discovering while also performing in a concert, hosting a cookie sale, providing Christmas gifts for a family in need, and spreading love throughout our community. Add in classroom parties, a door-decorating competition, and gingerbread house decorating, and December was truly full.

As I reflect on all that our students experienced and learned this month, it feels fitting to share our Holland Christian value of flourishing. Our students thrive when they are growing, serving, and engaging with their heart, mind, soul and strength. Watching them try new things and build confidence as they learn is one of my favorite ways to see this flourishing come to life. There’s a special smile that appears when a student who once felt unsure discovers they are more capable than they first believed.

A meaningful example of flourishing came during our recent chapel:

Listening to our first graders share the Christmas story in chapel, in front of all of Rose Park and many parents and grandparents, was a powerful reminder of how incredible it is that our students can memorize Luke 2 and tell the story in language they understand. What a meaningful story to carry with them for a lifetime!

Blessings to you and your family this Christmas season. I’m grateful for our community and excited for all that the new year holds!

Katelyn Roskamp

Announcements

Student Life and Discipleship

In the month of December we focussed on our discipleship practice of servant living. It’s amazing to discuss and then noticed students who find both small and big ways to love and serve at Rose Park. One teacher shared with me how a group of students in her class served our building  in a way that would have gone unnoticed if not for their peers calling out a good deed. What a blessing it is to witness your children living into these discipleship practices! When we return to school in January we will kick off the new year by talking about our discipleship practice of image reflecting. Our great hope is that our students understand that they are created in God’s image and that they can reflect that knowledge as they interact with people around them!

Gadgets for Christmas

As a friendly reminder, if your child received a smart device or personal tech with connectivity, we appreciate your support in helping us maintain healthy learning spaces throughout our school:

Personal Technology: Personal Technology is not necessary in a school setting and disrupts the learning environment. Personal Technology includes, but is not limited to, the following:

• • Cell Phones
  • Smartwatches
  • Headphones or Earbuds
  • Personal Laptops
  • MP3-Players
  • Etc. (i.e. Any non-school issued personal technology)

If parents need to communicate with their student, they can send their student an email or call the office and get a note from the office. Personal Technology items are not allowed to be used or visible during the time a student enters school until the final bell rings. If a student needs to use their phone, they must receive direct permission from a staff person to do so.

Run Club

Rose Park’s Running Club is back this spring! We begin February 17, meeting Tuesdays and Thursdays, and finish with the Tulip Time 5K on May 2. Open to all 3rd-5th grade students who want to get moving. Sign up using this link!

Discovery Night at Rose Park

Do you or any of your friends or family have a prospective preschooler or kindergartener? Are you or someone you know looking into options for the 26-27 school year? We’ll be having our Discovery Night on January 15 from 6-7pm, and we’d love to have you come and explore Rose Park’s preschool and kindergarten programs! Since we prepare individually for each family visiting this Discovery Night, we would so appreciate your RSVP for Discovery Night.

If you are unable to make it to Discovery Night, you are still welcome to visit Holland Christian Schools in person and see things in action for yourself. Feel free to schedule a campus tour through by filling out our Inquiry Form. Enrollment for the 26-27 will begin school year begins February 1, 2026.

Preschool and Young Fives Admission Enhancements

HC has enhanced the application process for all currently enrolled 3’s preschool, 4’s preschool and young five students. Starting January 2026, currently enrolled preschool and young five students will no longer be required to re-apply for the following academic school year. Preschool is now a part of HC’s Continuous Enrollment. Instead, they will be asked to fill out a Commitment Countdown form. This Commitment Countdown form is a quick and easy way for currently enrolled preschool and young five families to let HC know what their hopes are for their child’s 2026-27 enrollment. Completing it lets Admissions know their intentions, but it does not guarantee placement or availability. The information families share will help HC thoughtfully plan for class sizes, teacher placements, and learning spaces that support every child’s academic, faith, and character growth.

Enrollment for 26-27

New Student Applications will be open to the public on Monday, February 2, 2026 at 9am.

Note: Continuous enrollment means that once a student is enrolled at HC, they remain enrolled automatically each year until they graduate or formally withdraw. This includes ALL current kindergarteners.

Unplugged Series–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!

Calendar

Important Website Links

• • Hot lunch information  (and January Menu)
  • School supply lists
  • Medical information & forms
  • School transportation
  • Before & After School Programs

Upcoming Dates:

January

• 15: Discovery Night at Rose Park 6-7pm
• 5-16: NWEA MAP Testing
• 16: End of 2nd quarter/1st semester
• 19: No school MLK Day
• 23: Report cards available online

February

• 13 & 16: No school

Rose Park Families,

I find the rhythms of life to be fascinating. As we enter October there is a shift into cooler weather, students settling even more into their classrooms, parent teacher conferences, and anticipation of a long weekend without school. These are rhythms that staff, families, and students become accustomed to–we welcome each changing season and feel the shift that will come as the daylight dwindles toward winter. However, last week I found myself on the hunt for seed packets–not a typical activity for this time of year. I had to stop at a few stores to find fruit and vegetable seeds we are planting in our greenhouse this month in hopes of hosting our first Greenhouse Gala this upcoming January.

We are blessed to have the greenhouse and to use it throughout the year, encouraging our students to plant seeds and watch their growth. As we do this planting we also grow patience as we wait to see the fruit and vegetables that will, in months time, create a snack we can enjoy together as a school community. What a task it is for students to learn and discover the joy of delayed gratification–of hard work that bears fruit in time. I pray also that our students are learning and growing deeper in their faith this year, that they are tucking God’s word away in their hearts for the long term, digging roots so deep that they bear fruit for years to come. It is a joy to watch this process happen, both literally in the greenhouse, and in your students hearts and lives each day!

Blessings to you,

Katelyn Roskamp

Announcements

Student Life & Discipleship

In September we focused on our discipleship practice of community growing. We talked about how we are better together! When we speak kindly, include others, and go out of our way to make our community better we show God’s love to our neighbors. We celebrated students who do a great job of living into our monthly discipleship practice by giving them a golden ticket, and having a celebratory golden lunch together! In October we will focus on wisdom seeking. We will discuss what it means to be people who seek God in all areas of our lives.

Walk-a-thon Thank You!

A huge shoutout to our amazing Parent Board for all the time and energy they put into making the 2025 Walkathon such a success! What a joy it was to see our kids out on the field—running, skipping, and just having fun together. And to you, our parents, thank you for your prayers, encouragement, and the many ways you support your child’s education here at school. We’re truly grateful to God for blessing us with such a special community.

Hispanic Heritage Month

From September 15 to October 15, we’re celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month! Our Spanish Immersion classes have been leading the way, sharing fun lessons and activities with their grade-level friends. Together, students are exploring the culture, traditions, and stories of many Spanish-speaking countries. Be sure to ask your child about the exciting activities they’ve enjoyed!

Grandparents & Grandfriends Day

Grandparents & grandfriends are invited to join us at Rose Park on the morning of Thursday, October 2! We’ll celebrate together in worship and in our classroom communities. We give thanks to God for the gift of grandparents and grandfriends! Please check your classroom teacher blog for detailed times for the program and classroom visits!

Parent-Teacher Conferences

Parent-teacher conferences will take place on Thursday, October 16 from 4-8pm and Monday, October 20 from 4-8pm. This is a great time to connect with your child’s teacher and discover how the year has begun for your child.

CEA

Our Christian Educator Association (CEA) conference will take place on October 23 and 24, so school will not be in session on those days. Additionally, our staff is engaging in a day of professional development on Wednesday, October 22. Therefore, students will have a fall break from October 22-24. Thank you for your support as we grow our teachers, and please enjoy the long weekend!

Favorite Things

A few kind parents have asked about Rose Park teachers’ favorite things. Shh…. here are some of their favorites!

Absences

Please call the school office at 616.820.4055 any time before 8:30am to let us know each day your child will be absent. You may leave a voicemail at any time and it will be checked in the morning when the office opens. Please be sure to include symptoms.

Important Website Links

• Food Services (hot lunch menu)
• School calendar
• School supply lists
• Hot lunch information
• Medical information & forms
• School transportation
• Before & After School Programs

Upcoming Dates:

October

• 2: Grandparents’ Day
• 16: Parent-Teacher Conferences, 4-8pm
• 20: Parent-Teacher Conferences, 4-8pm
• 13: Picture retakes – please bring in originals if retakes will be taken
• 22-24: Professional learning + CEA Convention: No school

November

• 26-28: Thanksgiving Break