Author: Katie Van Faasen

Rose Park Families,

What a joy it is to have your children back at school! It has been a fantastic first few days, and it is wonderful to see your children settling into their new classrooms, spaces, and routines. There is such excitement in the building as we begin a new year together!

The beginning of a school year is a time for learning and practicing. We are practicing not only academics, but also how we live and learn together. We spend time reviewing routines and expectations so that everyone knows how to navigate our new spaces, care for one another, and be a positive part of our school community. These small daily practices help create a place where every child can learn, grow, and flourish.

One of Holland Christian’s discipleship practices is God Glorifying, and it is a meaningful one to focus on as we begin the year. We want to be people who glorify God in all we do—in our words and actions, as we worship, play, learn, and grow in relationship with one another. What a beautiful opportunity we have to encourage our children to see that even the ordinary moments of a school day can be ways to honor and reflect God!

Blessings to each of you,

Katelyn Roskamp

Announcements

Walkathon

What is Walkathon? Walkathon is an HC-wide fundraiser where elementary students walk to raise money for their school. The funds raised by Rose Park students go directly to Rose Park needs. These needs include classroom supplies, educational outings, and other resources. Last year’s donations helped contribute to updates to our greenhouse, barn maintenance, teacher appreciation and support. Parents are welcome to watch the event from the bleachers, while the track is reserved for teachersand students.

Walkathon forms will be sent home in your child’s backpack soon and are due back by Thursday, September 17. The Walkathon event will take place on Wednesday, September 23. Thank you for support to keep Rose Park thriving!

Convocation

Our WHOLE HC community will come together in the high school gym to worship, celebrate and reflect on the rich blessings God has granted us THIS year and the past 125 years! What a joy to see our three-year-olds worshiping right along with our BIG high school seniors. This all school worship will take place on Wednesday, September 9 at 9:30am!

Grandparents Day

Please invite your child’s grandparents and special friends to a special morning at Rose Park on Thursday, October 1! We’re planning a beautiful celebration of the love and support that enriches our students’ lives. Watch your classroom teacher’s blog for a detailed schedule coming soon. We’re excited to open our doors and hearts in joyful gathering as we thank God for His blessings through the people who care for us.

Save the Date for our Rose Park Fall Festival

Put it on your calendar for Thursday, September 24 from 5:30-7pm. Our parent board is planning some fun activities for your family to enjoy, meet new friends, and celebrate our beautiful playscape and ranch. Please register on our Fall Fest page.

Weekend Ranch Hands

If your family loves animals, Rose Park, and might have a few free minutes on the weekends to stop by and do barn chores we would love to teach you our procedures and put you into our weekend rotation! If this is something of interest to you or you want to learn more, please e-mail Ms. Roskamp at kroskamp@hollandchristian.org.

Before & After School Drop-off/Pick-up Procedures

We ask that you adhere to the following traffic policies for drop-off and pick-up as specified. We appreciate your cooperation and doing your part to keep our children entering and exiting school safely each day. Just a friendly reminder to use your hazard l

ights to notify staff if you are still waiting on your child(ren).

Picture Day

For those of you planning ahead, Rose Park’s picture day is September 16 and 17. Order forms will be sent home with your student soon. If you are ordering a yearbook this will be the time to do that also. The class photo schedule can be viewed here.

Food Services

To deposit money into your child’s lunch account or to apply for free/reduced lunch benefits, please go to Family Portal. If you have any questions, please email Sue Lambers.

Medication at School

If your child needs to take medication at school, we need an updated form signed by their physician each school year. If you have not done this yet, please do so ASAP. The medication forms can be found on the Medical Information and Forms Page for your convenience. You are welcome to contact our school nurse, Lindsey Prentice, who will help you set up a plan for the office to assist in administering the medication. For safety reasons, Holland Christian Schools is not able to dispense any medication (prescription or non-prescription) to our students without a doctor’s order. Thank you! 

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 any time and it will be checked in the morning when the office opens. You may also email the office, and please include a short explanation of their symptoms.

Student Safety

After the school day is underway, all doors will be locked for students’ safety. All students who arrive late for school must stop in the school office. Parents are asked to sign children in and out at the school office if they are coming or going any time within the normal school hours.

Powerschool

PowerSchool is our student information database. You will want to bookmark this site! There is also an app available for PowerSchool for your phone which can be very helpful. If there is a change in your phone number or address any time during the school year, it is important that we are informed right away. Parents can update their information on PowerSchool directly on the Demographics Change tab. This assures up-to-date contact information for your child.

Please update your demographic information in PowerSchool each fall with your latest and most accurate contact information. Simply log in, then either an “update demographic screen” will automatically pop up, or simply click the “change demographics” button on the left of the screen. This information is necessary for field trip participation, emergency response and treatment, student photo permission, and for the office to easily be able to contact a parent or guardian as needed or desired. When listing your child’s emergency contacts, please be sure to list two contacts other than yourself.

Moms in Prayer

Our Rose Park Moms in Prayer group will begin meeting again this fall, and we would love to have you join us on Wednesdays mornings in the conference room.  Prayer will start at 8:30, but feel free to come at 8:15 for some social time!

Important Website Links:

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

Upcoming Dates:

September

• 4: No school
• 7: No school–Labor Day
• 9: Convocation 9:30am
• 16 & 17: School pictures
• 17: Walkathon packets due back
• 23: Walkathon
• 24: Fall Fest 5:30-7pm

October

• 1: Grandparents Day
• 8: Parent Teacher Conferences 4-8pm
• 12: Parent Teacher Conferences 4-8pm
• 21: Picure Retakes

Rose Park Families,

I hope you’ve enjoyed a fantastic summer! What fun it is to explore all of God’s beautiful creation here in Michigan. From beaches and parks to backyard adventures and special family memories, I hope you’ve had time to soak it all in and enjoy this season together!

As we’ve turned our calendars to August, we are excited and busy preparing for a wonderful new school year ahead. A new year always brings a mix of excitement, anticipation, and perhaps even a few nerves. I pray that as your children think about moving up to the next grade level or coming to Rose Park for the first time, they quickly find a home here and know just how deeply loved, valued, and cared for they are by our wonderful staff.

This year is especially meaningful as Holland Christian begins celebrating its 125th year. What a milestone to celebrate together as we reflect on God’s faithfulness through the generations. Our theme this year is His Love Endures Forever, and we are thankful for the truth of those words as we celebrate God’s faithfulness to our school throughout this special year.

As we look ahead to all that God has in store, I am looking forward to seeing everyone at the Ice Cream Social on August 20 from 6:00–7:00 p.m. It will be a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with friends, meet new families, and visit each classroom as we joyfully kick off another year together!

Blessings to each of you,

Katelyn Roskamp

Announcements

Back to School Details:

• Class Lists – were emailed to you on August 3rd!
• School Supply List
• HCS District School Calendar
• Carpool Instructions

Please Welcome!

We are excited to have Grace VanderHill and Yvette Sibley join our staff at Rose Park this year, please read more about them in their bios here!

Parent Information Night

We are excited to welcome parents to meet the teachers, ask questions, and get more detailed information for the upcoming school year!

Please join us on Thursday, August 27 from 6-7:20.

• 6:00-6:20–Y5 through 2nd grade parents will meet with classroom teachers
• 6:20-6:50–All parents for an overview with Ms Roskamp
• 7:00-7:20–preschool and grades 3-5 parents will meet with classroom teachers

Ice Cream Social

We are hosting the back to school Ice Cream Social on August 20 from 6-7 pm.  This is a great time for students to see their new classroom, meet their teacher, bring their school supplies, and reunite with friends!

First Day of School

Our first day of school is Tuesday, August 25.  It will be a full day with a regular schedule, doors unlock at 7:55 for morning drop off, and the first bell rings to start the day at 8:10!

Food Services

To deposit money into your child’s lunch account or to apply for free/reduced lunch benefits, please go to Family Portal. If you have any questions, please email Sue Lambers.

Enrollment & Medical Paperwork 26-27

All students entering preschool, kindergarten, and new transfers have a variety of paperwork that needs to be filled out and turned in by August 8, 2025:

• Preschool Forms
• Young 5s/Kindergarten Forms
• New Transfer Forms

Please be sure your child entering these grades is up to date on all immunizations or see below for non-medical exemptions. These documents are due to the Rose Park office by Wednesday, August 7. Alternatively, they can be dropped off at the administration office on 40th Street.

Non-Medical Exemptions (Formerly Waivers) Information:

If your child is a new student coming to HC from a different school district, your old non-medical exemption is invalid, and you will need to schedule an appointment. If your child currently has a non-medical exemption and is returning to Holland Christian for the 26-27 school year and moving from:

• 3s preschool to 4s preschool: The current non-medical exemption on file is good unless you have chosen to complete a vaccine series during the year that was waived on the non-medical exemption.
• 3s/4s preschool to Young 5s: New non-medical exemption needed; please schedule an appointment.
• 4s preschool to kindergarten or Young 5’s: New non-medical exemption needed; schedule an appointment ASAP at your county health department.
• Young 5s to Kindergarten: Current non-medical exemption on file is good unless you have chosen to complete a vaccine series during the year that was waived on the non-medical exemption.

Medications at School

If your child needs to take medication at school–either prescription or over the counter (including inhalers!)–we need an updated form signed by their physician each school year. If you have not done this yet, please do so ASAP so it is ready by the first day of school. The necessary form is on our Medical Information & Forms page.

School Pictures

For those of you really planning ahead, Rose Park picture day is September 16-17. Once order forms are received from GPI they will be sent home with students. If you plan to order a yearbook, please make sure to do that at the beginning of the year!

Absences

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

Transportation

For complete busing details, please visit our Transportation page.

Student Safety

After the school day is underway, all doors will be locked. All students who arrive late for school must check in at the front office. This policy also applies to picking a student up from school. Please be sure to inform both your student’s teacher AND the office at rp@hollandchristian.org.

Powerschool

PowerSchool is our student information database. You will want to bookmark this site! There is also an app available for PowerSchool for your phone which can be very helpful. If there is a change in your phone number or address any time during the school year, it is important that we are informed right away. Parents can update their information on PowerSchool directly on the Demographics Change tab. This assures up-to-date contact information for your child.

You must update your demographic information in PowerSchool each fall with your latest and most accurate contact information. Simply log in, then either an “update demographic screen” will automatically pop up, or simply click the “change demographics” button on the left of the screen. This information is necessary for field trip participation, emergency response and treatment, student photo permission, and for the office to easily be able to contact a parent or guardian as needed or desired. When listing your child’s emergency contacts, please be sure to list two contacts other than yourself.

Moms in Prayer

Our Rose Park Moms in Prayer group will begin meeting again this fall, and we would love to have you join us on Wednesdays after drop-off in the Rose Park conference room. We meet for about 45 minutes, using Moms in Prayer guides to lead us through adoration, silent confession, thanksgiving, and supplication. We also pray Scripture over our children, as well as the teachers and staff at Rose Park.

I have been part of this group for the past three years, and it has had a profound impact on my prayer life. Taking time to praise God alongside other women has been such a gift, bringing a renewed perspective even on difficult mornings. It is also an encouragement to have others pray for my children and a privilege to do the same for theirs.

If you have any questions about Moms in Prayer, please feel free to call or text.

Amanda DeVries
(616) 201-7402

Barn Chores

We are looking for families who are interested in caring for our animals (2 goats and 3 chickens) on the weekends! If your family would be interested in participating in this fun adventure, please let Ms. Roskamp know!

Important Website Links:

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

Upcoming Dates:

August

• 20: Ice Cream Social 6-7pm
• 25: First day of school
• 27: Parent Information Night 6-7:20pm

September

• 4: No School
• 7: No School–Labor Day

Rose Park Families,

What a fantastic school year we’ve had! As we near the close of the year, I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to each of you. Thank you for your partnership, conversations, involvement, care, and love for our school community.

It is such a blessing to walk alongside one another as we watch each student grow, learn, and discover more about themselves, others, and God’s world. We are deeply grateful for the trust you place in us each day.

We hope your summer is filled with rest, joy, and meaningful time together. We look forward to welcoming you back in August and picking up right where we left off! See you then!

Blessings,

Katelyn Roskamp

Announcements

Student Life and Discipleship

As we reflect on this school year, we are grateful for the opportunity to focus each month on our discipleship practices. It has been a joy to watch every child grow in learning what it means to walk like Jesus.

I pray your summer is filled with meaningful moments as you see your children living as image bearers, kingdom builders, grace breathers, creation keepers, and so much more. We look forward to seeing how God continues to grow and shape them into who He has created them to be.

Book Fair Thank You

Thank you to Jasmine Irish and Rachel Haan and the many volunteers who coordinated and hosted our book fair this year! Thank you to the many families who stopped by and purchased new books! With the profit we were able to purchase hundreds of new books for our Rose Park library including high interest fiction at a variety of reading levels, curriculum related nonfiction, and Spanish language materials.

Class Lists and Staffing Details

We are waiting for enrollment numbers to be finalized in order to confirm section numbers and teachers at each grade level. As soon as we are able, we will share teacher’s names with you in all of our kindergarten through fifth grade classes. Our expectation is to publish class lists for you early in July. Thank you for your patience and trust in this important process.

Gratitude to Departing Rose Park Staff

We are incredibly grateful to Ms. Julie Raak for her 37 years of faithful service to Holland Christian in a variety of roles. Her dedication, care, and lasting impact on our community have been a true blessing. As she begins this exciting new chapter in retirement, we wish her joy, rest, and many wonderful adventures ahead.

We also extend our heartfelt thanks to Maestra Keren Fuentes for the passion and warmth she brought to our 5th grade Spanish Immersion program over the past three years. Her investment in students and love for teaching have made a meaningful difference in our school community. We wish her all the best as she steps into a new season ahead.

Medication Pick Up

If your child has medication at school, an email will be coming to you regarding pick up. Medication is not stored at school through the summer. All medications need to be picked up by our last day of school, June 3.

Yearbook Orders

Our 25-26 yearbooks will be distributed the last week of school to those who ordered them. These orders were placed during our school picture days. If you missed ordering your child a yearbook for this year, and you would still like to, you may still order a yearbook through Geskus Photography.

Rose Park Lost and Found

Please take a minute to stop in the office to see if any of the items belong to your student. These items will soon be donated.

Enrollment & Medical Paperwork 26-27

All students entering preschool, kindergarten, and new transfers have a variety of paperwork that needs to be filled out and turned in by August 8, 2025:

• Preschool Forms
• Young 5s/Kindergarten Forms
• New Transfer Forms

Please be sure your child entering these grades is up to date on all immunizations or see below for non-medical exemptions. These documents are due to the Rose Park office by Wednesday, August 7. Alternatively, they can be dropped off at the administration office on 40th Street.

Non-Medical Exemptions (Formerly Waivers) Information:

If your child is a new student coming to HC from a different school district, your old non-medical exemption is invalid, and you will need to schedule an appointment. If your child currently has a non-medical exemption and is returning to Holland Christian for the 26-27 school year and moving from:

• 3s preschool to 4s preschool: The current non-medical exemption on file is good unless you have chosen to complete a vaccine series during the year that was waived on the non-medical exemption.
• 3s/4s preschool to Young 5s: New non-medical exemption needed; please schedule an appointment.
• 4s preschool to kindergarten or Young 5’s: New non-medical exemption needed; schedule an appointment ASAP at your county health department.
• Young 5s to Kindergarten: Current non-medical exemption on file is good unless you have chosen to complete a vaccine series during the year that was waived on the non-medical exemption.

Rose Park Office Hours

Monday, August 3: The office will reopen daily from 9-noon, and then resume regular office hours when school begins.

Supply Lists

Keep an eye out for sales this summer! A draft of our supply lists for the 26-27 school year might help you get started!

Important Website Links:

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

Upcoming Dates:

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
• 5: Report cards go live

August

• 18: Preschool Meet the Teacher Night
• 20: Ice Cream Social 6pm
• 25: First day of school
• 27: Parent Information Night

Rose Park Families,

There are so many observable moments when your children are captivated and discovering while at school! I peek into classrooms to witness students with eyes wide as teachers read stories. I hear our incredible lunch staff share a joke as students eagerly wait for the punchline. They are engrossed in science lessons, predicting what may happen next. Your children are captivated, engaged, and eager! They are, in short, discovering more about their world, about God’s world–this is the joy of learning! Curiosity is an incredible gift. As students ask questions and discover God’s great world, our answers at Holland Christian tie directly into our faith, and our wonder is guided by the lens of scripture.

This same HC value of discovery that fills our classrooms can inspire us all to see God’s presence in every season of life. As the leaves and seasons are changing, I hope you find time to encounter the beauty that is all around us. May this season draw us closer to God, the Creator of all that is good, beautiful, and worth discovering.

Blessings to each of you,

Katelyn Roskamp

Announcements

Conferences: Thank you!

Thanks for taking the time to attend and have valuable conversations at parent-teacher conferences. What a blessing it is to partner with you as we support your students learning and growth! Thanks also to the parent board, who blessed our teachers with fantastic meals to sustain them on these long evenings!

Student Life & Discipleship

In October we focused on our discipleship practice of wisdom seeking. We talked about how we look to God for wisdom and that as we gain wisdom it helps us to make wise decisions! In November we will focus on order discovery. We will learn about God’s purposeful designs through creation and how his purposeful order brings peace to chaos!

Thanksgiving Break

There will be no school Wednesday, November 26-Friday, November 28 so families can celebrate Thanksgiving. Enjoy this special time together as a family celebrating our great God, and the many blessings in our lives.

Weather Appropriate Clothing

As the mornings have become much colder, please send your child with weather appropriate clothing for each day at school. This is especially helpful for recess and outdoor learning. Additionally, it’s a great time to practice independence in getting dressed in winter gear, and zipping coats for our younger students.

Important Website Links

• Hot lunch information  (and November Menu)
• School calendar
• School supply lists
• Medical information & forms
• School transportation
• Before & After School Programs
• Rose Park Staff Favorite Things

Upcoming Dates:

November

• 26-28: No school: Thanksgiving Break

December

• December 9: Spanish Immersion Christmas Program, 6:30pm at the High School Auditorium
• December 22-January 2: No school: Christmas Break

Rose Park Families,

It has been a wonderful start to the year! I hope your family is settling into the rhythms and routines of days at school. Your children may be coming home tired, full of stories about new friends and exciting learning experiences with their teachers. What a joy it has been to watch them settle into their new spaces, finding trust and comfortability in each classroom family!

In the first two weeks of the school year at Rose Park, we have focused on our two overarching discipleship practices of being “word rooted” and “God glorifying.” It has been astounding to see your children talk about these things in their classrooms and in chapel. Ask your students about the “golden ticket” and who has received it in their classrooms. This is a special ticket given out for those who have lived into these discipleship practices for August!

Looking ahead to September, we will focus on our discipleship practice of “community growing!” Students will practice building stronger friendships and community as they work together in their learning and play. We will use scripture from Psalm 133 and 1 Peter 2: 9-10  to guide us in this learning. We are also excited to build community with all of you as we gather for the Rose Park Fall Fest on Thursday, September 25. Please join us as we gather for food, fellowship, and lots of fun!

Blessings,

Katelyn Roskamp

Announcements

Walkathon

What is Walkathon? Walkathon is an HC-wide fundraiser where elementary students walk to raise money for their school. The funds raised by Rose Park students go directly to Rose Park needs. These needs include classroom supplies, educational outings, and other resources. Last year’s donations helped contribute to updates to our greenhouse, barn maintenance, teacher appreciation and support. Parents are welcome to watch the event from the bleachers, while the track is reserved for teachers and students.

Walkathon forms were sent home in your child’s backpack soon and are due back by Wednesday, September 17. The Walkathon event will take place on Wednesday, September 24. Thank you for support to keep Rose Park thriving!

Grandparents Day

Please invite your child’s grandparents and special friends to a special morning at Rose Park on Thursday, October 2! We’re planning a beautiful celebration of the love and support that enriches our students’ lives. Watch your classroom teacher’s blog for a detailed schedule coming soon. We’re excited to open our doors and hearts in joyful gathering as we thank God for His blessings through the people who care for us.

Save the Date for our Rose Park Fall Festival!

Put it on your calendar for Thursday, September 25 from 5:30-7pm. Our parent board is planning some fun activities for your family to enjoy, meet new friends, and celebrate our beautiful playscape and ranch. Please register on our Fall Fest page.

Before & After School Drop-off/Pick-up Procedures

We ask that you adhere to the following traffic policies for drop-off and pick-up as specified. We appreciate your cooperation and doing your part to keep our children entering and exiting school safely each day. Just a friendly reminder to use your hazard lights to notify staff if you are still waiting on your child(ren).

Picture Day

For those of you planning ahead, Rose Park’s picture day is September 10 and 11. Order forms will be sent home with your student soon. If you are ordering a yearbook this will be the time to do that also. The class photo schedule can be viewed here.

Medication at School

If your child needs to take medication at school, we need an updated form signed by their physician each school year. If you have not done this yet, please do so ASAP. The medication forms can be found on the Medical Information and Forms Page for your convenience. You are welcome to contact our school nurse, Hendrina Cupery who will help you set up a plan for the office to assist in administering the medication. For safety reasons, Holland Christian Schools is not able to dispense any medication (prescription or non-prescription) to our students without a doctor’s order. Thank you! 

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 any time and it will be checked in the morning when the office opens. You may also email the office, and please include a short explanation of their symptoms.

Student Safety

After the school day is underway, all doors will be locked for students’ safety. All students who arrive late for school must stop in the school office. Parents are asked to sign children in and out at the school office if they are coming or going any time within the normal school hours.

Important Website Links

• School Calendar
• Hot Lunch Information
• Medical Information & Forms
• School Transportation
• Before & After School Programs

Upcoming Dates:

September

• 1: No school Labor Day
• 10 & 11: PreK-5th picture day
• 24: Walkathon

October

• 2: Grandparents Day
• 13: Picture re-takes
• 16: Parent-Teacher Conferences 4-8pm
• 20: Parent-Teacher Conferences 4-8pm
• 22-24: CEA Convention: No school

Dear Rose Park Friends,

As we bring this school year to a close, we want to extend our heartfelt thanks to each of you for the incredible support, prayers, kindness, and partnership you’ve shown throughout the year. It has truly been a joy to walk alongside your children as they’ve grown, learned, and blossomed in so many beautiful ways.

Thank you for the trust you’ve placed in us and for the authentic friendships we’ve shared along the way. Your encouragement and involvement have made this year not just successful, but truly special.As summer begins, we send our blessings your way.

May these months be filled with laughter, rest, sunshine, and sweet moments that become treasured family memories. Whether you’re exploring new places or simply enjoying time at home together, we pray your days are filled with joy and connection.
Yours in Christ’s service,

Katelyn and Miska

Announcements

Class Lists and Staffing Details

We are waiting for enrollment numbers to be finalized in order to confirm section numbers and teachers at each grade level. As soon as we are able, we will share teacher’s names with you in all of our kindergarten through fifth grade classes. Our expectation is to publish class lists for you early in July. Thank you for your patience and trust in this important process.  Here are a few staffing changes to share with you in advance of the 25-26 school year:

• Mrs. Vos will join Mrs. Winningham as the new team job-share in fifth grade
• Mrs. Barry will serve as the new full-time fifth grade teacher
• Mrs. Schebor will serve as our new first grade teacher for the additional section of classes

Gift and Gratitude

• Mrs. Gorter has faithfully served as our 504 coordinator. She has gently guided families through evaluations for children, development and implementation of plans and ensured comfort and access for students in our care. She brings wisdom and calm reassurement. Mrs. Gorter has loved each one of our children well. We thank her for her service and will miss her as she enjoys retirement.
• Maestra DeLeon is one of the founding members of our renowned Spanish Immersion program. She has helped build this program with her skill, patience, creativity and love of all children! Maestra DeLeon has an infectious laughter, a creative joy and a patient wisdom that has been such a gift in partnering with families of young children exploring a new language and culture. Thank you for your big love and years of service!
• Mrs. Steensma launched her teaching career at South Side in kindergarten and moved on to nearly all elementary grades and two of our building campuses. She is a quick friend to the parents in her classroom and the staff she supports. Mrs. Steensma has spent her career supporting learners with high expectations and mucho positivity! At times, her energy is matched only by her students. This past school year Mrs. Steensma was married and moved to a new home outside of our community. We will sorely miss Mrs. Steensma in our Rose Park family next year.

Medication Pick up

If your child has medication at school, an email will be coming to you regarding pick up. Medication is not stored at school through the summer. All medications need to be picked up by our last day of school, Wednesday, June 4.

Yearbook Orders

Our 24-25 yearbooks will be distributed the last week of school to those who ordered them. These orders were placed during our school picture days. If you missed ordering your child a yearbook for this year, and you would still like to, you may still order a yearbook through Geskus.

Enrollment & Medical Paperwork 25-26

All students entering preschool, kindergarten, and new transfers have a variety of paperwork that needs to be filled out and turned in by August 8, 2025:

• Preschool Forms
• Young 5s/Kindergarten Forms
• New Transfer Forms

Please be sure your child entering these grades is up to date on all immunizations, and if you are pursuing an immunization waiver through your county health department, please call them for an appointment ASAP as appointments fill up quickly. These documents are due to the Rose Park office by Wednesday, August 7. Alternatively, they can be dropped off at the administration office on 40th Street.

Waiver Information:

If your child with a waiver is returning to Holland Christian for the 25-26 school year and moving from:

• 3s preschool to 4s preschool: Current waiver on file is good unless you have chosen to complete a vaccine series during the year that was waived on the waiver.
• 3s/4s preschool to Young 5s: New waiver needed; please schedule an appointment!
• 4s preschool to kindergarten: New waiver needed; please schedule an appointment!
• Young 5s to kindergarten: Current waiver on file is good unless you have chosen to complete a vaccine series during the year that was waived on the waiver.
• If your child is a new student coming to HC from a different school district, your old waiver is invalid and you will need to schedule an appointment.

Contact the Rose Park office if you have any questions 616.820.4055.

Rose Park Office Hours

Monday, August 4: The office will reopen daily from 9am-noon, and then resume regular office hours when school begins.

Rose Park Lost & Found

Please take a minute to stop in the office to see if any of these items belong to your student.  These items will be donated soon.

Parent Board Members Needed

Our parent board has been phenomenally supportive for our students, staff and life at Rose Park once again this year. These helpful parents meet monthly to review the previous school events and plan for the next fun event. We have vacancies for next year and are seeking parents who are interested in joining the work! If you would like further information OR would be interested in joining the team, please email Katelyn

Supply Lists

Keep an eye out for sales this summer!  Here are the supply lists for the 25-26 school year.

Calendar

View the full Holland Christian calendar

June

• 4: 1/2 day Last day of school
• 6: Report cards available on Powerschool

August

• 12: Preschool Meet the Teacher Night
• 14: Ice Cream Social 6pm
• 19: First day of school!
• 21: Parent Information Night 6:00pm

Dear Rose Park Friends,

Most of us think of Easter as a single day, but did you know that many Christians around the world celebrate Jesus’ victory over death for an entire season? This is called Eastertide! We are holding our second annual all-school Eastertide Celebration this spring. On April 23 we’re gathering to proclaim that JESUS IS ALIVE, and we have new life in Him! Be sure to ask your child to share all about the celebration.

Christ is risen, He is risen indeed!

Katelyn & Miska

Announcements

Thank You

Thank you so much for taking the time out of your busy schedules to meet with teachers for conferences. What a wonderful time of celebrating all the growth that has already happened this year! Our parent board provided two beautiful, nourishing meals to keep our teachers’ engines cranking. Thank you for the love and support you provide our community.

Swimming Lessons

Our Holland Aquatic Center is providing swim lessons for us again this year! I recognize this program is a little uncomfortable for some children and families especially if it’s new and unfamiliar to you. Because our children are blessed to be raised in Michigan, surrounded by bodies of water, we believe this safety instruction is a blessing that we pray they will never need but feel responsible to equip them. If you find yourself pondering over the “why” of lessons, please take a listen to HC mom Jenny White on the why for swim safety. HCAC Swim School welcome video will help you understand a bit about the logistics. Our 1st-4th graders will be bused to the pool each day the weeks of April 14-25.

• 9-10am: 1st grade
• 10-11am: 4th grade
• 11am-12pm: 2nd grade
• 12:35-1:35pm: 3rd grade

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 8. Please complete this ASAP!

Book Fair Coming Soon!

Get ready! New books to encourage your student’s love for reading are coming April 23-25 from 11am – 4pm at the Intersection in Rose Park!

Every dollar you spend will benefit our school library directly! This is our only fundraiser to add new books to the library. Last year our library gained 300 new books because of this fundraiser! The sign up for ewallet begins on March 31 on Rose Park Book Fair Homepage.  Book Fair eWallet is a convenient digital payment account, so your child can shop the fair cash-free. Grandparents, friends, and others can contribute to the eWallet to help build your home library. We can’t wait to see your child at the Book Fair!

Class Lists for 25-26

As we look to the new year our team also begins planning for the 2025-2026 school year. We will soon be in the process of creating class lists. Many staff members put a great deal of effort into creating balanced lists for the upcoming school year. Children are paired with teachers and friends in an environment that allows for new relationships to form and flourish. Our priority is each child would be placed in the best learning environment to meet their developing needs. Among other criteria we weigh the following when carefully creating a new class community:

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

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

Kindergarten Enrollment for 25-26

HC continues to accept applications for the 25-26 school year. We encourage you to spread the word and the 25-26 Application Link to friends, family and neighbors. We thank you for being an ambassador of HC!

CHAMPS books

Spring flash sale alert! Get ready to SAVE big with our Champs Coupon Book–now only $20! For a limited time, from Monday, March 24 to Friday, April 4 grab your book packed with amazing Lakeshore coupons and regional and national discounts! Don’t miss out on this exclusive spring deal–hurry, before it’s gone! CHAMPS Coupon Books are available at your school office or purchased thru TRIP as well.

Hot Lunch

April Hot Lunch Menu

Calendar

April

• 4-13: No school: spring break
• 14-25: Swim lessons.
• 23-25: Book Fair

May

• 8: Half day: Tulip Time Parade
• 22: 4th grade plant sale
• 26: No school-Memorial Day

June

• 4:. Last day, half day

View the full Holland Christian calendar

One of my favorite moments to peek in on our classroom families is morning devotions during advent season. It’s  quite typical for classroom families to gather together in a darkened classroom with only the glow of a small light centering the children. Tones are hushed as they listen to the promise of the coming Messiah. Come, Lord Jesus, come. How grateful I am that this is a “normal” day’s start for our children in their formative years as they are establishing their patterns and rhythms of life. You are in our prayers as you also lead your family through the advent season traditions. May your rhythms, celebrations and moments often point to the coming of our Messiah both 2000 years ago and to our hearts today.

Announcements

Manos de Jesus Kindergarten Cookie Sale

Maestra Klipp Lopez and her family are serving in Guatemala this year. Through the organization Manos de Jesus (Hands of Jesus) they are able to reach and support families through a variety of programs. If, during this Christmas season, your family would like to support the children in their care, please consider giving through this link (select the Lopez family in the drop down menu)) or through our cookie sale. Our kindergarteners will be having their annual cookie sale on Thursday, December 5. Grab your quarters and join us in the Intersection at Rose Park at 9:30am. Cookies will be $.50 a piece. All proceeds will bless Manos de Jesús.

Rose Park Lost and Found

The weather is changing and our Lost and Found is growing! Please take a minute to look our Lost and Found tables to see if any of these items belong to your student. Feel free to email Katie or Suzanne to claim your items and we will make sure to get it in your student’s backpack. These items will be donated soon.

Also, please make sure to bring your child’s snow stuff to school every day or leave an extra set at school. In Michigan, the weather can change quickly and we want to make sure your child is warm and comfortable in their outdoor play! Our office has a limited supply of items. If your child borrows an item, we will send it home to be washed and returned for other students to use. We are always looking for extra gloves to add to our supply!

Discovery Night at Rose Park

Do you or any of your friends or extended family have a prospective preschooler or kindergartener? Are you looking into options for the 25-26 school year? We’ll be having our Discovery Night on January 16 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, an RSVP for the Discovery Night is required.

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 25-26 school year begins February 1, 2024.

Favorite Things

Our Parent Team has compiled a list of our Rose Park Staff’s favorite things. If you are looking for ideas of ways to show your appreciation to your child’s teacher, this list may help you!

Christmas Break

No school December 23-January 5 for Christmas break!

Little Maroons Basketball

Little Maroons is a Holland Christian winter basketball opportunity for kindergarten-6th graders to develop in both skill and game play. Grades 5-6 have three clinics before Christmas to prepare for their local 5-6 league run through City of Holland Recreation. Register through Active for the Holland Christian sessions and clinics.

Substitute Need

Help needed!! Rose Park has a handful of WONDERFUL individuals who faithfully jump in and help us fill in for teachers and aides who need to be absent from the classroom. We need to add to this group! If you have even a spark of interest in subbing in a classroom at Rose Park, or you know of someone who may be interested, please reach out and email Suzanne or Katie in the office 616.820.4055. Subbing hours can range from a few hours, to a full day from 8am-3:15pm. If it is your preference to sub only at Rose Park, we can make that happen! A teaching certificate is NOT required.

Hot Lunch

December 2024 Hot Lunch Menu

Calendar

View the full Holland Christian calendar

December

• 6: Kindergarten Cookie Sale 10am
• 9:  4th and 5th Grade Orchestra and 5th Grade Band Christmas Chapel Performance
• 10: Spanish Immersion Christmas Concert at HCHS 6-7pm
• 23-Jan 5: Christmas vacation

January

• 16: Discovery Night at Rose Park
• 6-17: MAP & Delta Testing
• 10: End of 2nd quarter
• 17: Report cards available online
• 20: No school MLK Day