Category: High School Newsletter

“His Love Endures Forever” (Psalm 136)  

For 125 years, God has been faithful to our school and to the generations of students, families, faculty, and staff who have been part of its story. As we celebrate this special anniversary, we have chosen the words, “His love endures forever” from Psalm 136 as our theme verse for the year. Through seasons of change, challenge, growth, and celebration, His love has remained constant. We are grateful for the foundation laid by those who came before us, thankful for the opportunity to serve students today, and excited to see how God will continue to lead our school into the future. 125 years of His faithfulness is something to celebrate! Our incoming Freshman will be the first class to graduate in the decade of 2030!!!  As a staff we are full of gratitude and excitement as we welcome both returning families and those joining us for the first time. Our prayer is that each and every day we can bring the mission of HC to life as we strive to “Equip minds and nurture hearts to transform the world for Jesus Christ.”

As we step into the next chapter of our story the following new Staff members will be joining the HC family!

• Mr. Garrit DeVries: Spanish Teacher
• Mr. Noah Hayes: Social Studies and Unified PE Teacher
• Mr. Cody Hinkle: Hebrew Teacher

We are very excited to welcome each of them and look forward to the ways they will enrich our school community.

To help students and their families stay informed during the year daily announcements are sent every day to both parents and students.  Please encourage your student to read them carefully. They provide important, timely information that will help your child have a successful school year.

Thank you for your ongoing support and your commitment to making Holland Christian a place where God is known, each individual finds belonging and lives are transformed.

Asking God’s blessing for the next 125 years!

Deb Feenstra, HCHS Principal

Announcements

Dress Code

Parents and students, we have spent a fair amount of time dealing with dress code issues in the first two weeks of school, especially with crop tops showing midriffs. Please take a moment as a family to read together the dress code policy listed below from our student handbook. Thank you for your cooperation:

In keeping with the mission of Holland Christian Schools, the Holland Christian School community recognizes the important impact of student dress on the learning environment. We understand that all of our lives, including our dress, bring honor or dishonor to our God. We also embrace our identity as a Christian school and how we dress impacts our witness for Christ to the world. While these principles impact our most basic commitments regarding dress there is more to which we would challenge the HC community.

• No hats, hoods, earbuds, AirPods, or sunglasses are allowed during school hours. Teacher discretion may be used in class based on class activity.
• Clothing or accessories depicting alcohol, tobacco, sexual or offensive language should not be worn at school.
• Clothing and accessories that can be considered political or divisive in nature are not allowed, instead, Holland Christian is committed to providing venues for safe and meaningful discussion.
• Shirts, shorts, and dresses must be modest and cover what they are supposed to cover.
• The administration reserves the right to determine what constitutes appropriate dress. Students who do not adhere to these guidelines will not be allowed to attend class. Parents will be called if appropriate clothing is not available or the student refuses dress-code-appropriate clothing.

Parking Permits

All students who drive to school are required to display a parking permit on their vehicle. They are available at no charge in the high school office.

Security System at HCHS

Just a reminder that we have an intercom/buzz-in system at HCHS. All of the Holland Christian School campuses have such a system. The doors to the main high school entrance (Entrance A) are locked and you will need to press the intercom button located to the right of the doors to speak to one of the office personnel who will let you in. Parents may drop off items for their students in the office, and visitors who are going to be in the building must sign in the visitor log and wear a guest badge. Thanks for your cooperation with these important safety protocols.

High School Daily Announcements

Announcements are also posted daily on the website.

Student Handbook Updates

Parents and students, please take some time to read through the HCHS Student Handbook. Make sure you are familiar with the attendance policy and the personal technology policy.

Student Medical Information and Forms

If your student has any medical situation that the school office should be aware of or has any medication that needs to be kept in the office, the appropriate forms need to be filled out each school year and kept on file in the office. Please make sure all information is current so that we can help keep your child safe and keep the necessary medications here. All the forms can be found on the Medical Information and Forms page of our website. If you have any questions please email Lindsey Prentice, lprentice@hollandhospital.org, manager of the Holland Hospital School Nurse Program.

Parent Night

We will be hosting our annual Parent Night on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, at 6:30pm at the high school. This will be an opportunity for you to meet the HCHS staff and learn more about how we will live into our district mission of “Equipping Minds and Nurturing Hearts to Transform the World for Jesus Christ.” Parents will begin in the auditorium and follow their student’s “Friday Schedule” for the remainder of the evening. Please add this event to your calendar and make it a priority to attend.

Senior Picture Information

Here are some details on senior pictures. The deadline for senior pictures is Tuesday, September 29, 2026.

Counselors’ Corner

The 26-27 school year is off to a great start. We are committed to building relationships with our students and we look forward to connecting with each student individually over the course of this school year.

The counseling department assigns students to counselors alphabetically by last name:

• A – J: Mrs. Sara Christner
• K – Z: Mr. Dave DeBlecourt 

Information for Seniors

All seniors will have an individual check-in with their counselor in September or early October. Regardless of the desired outcome–career, college, or another option–we are here to help, support, and encourage seniors as they think about and plan for life after high school. Application timelines and due dates vary by school, so we encourage college-bound seniors to work toward completing and submitting applications by early November. This ensures maximum consideration for financial aid and scholarships, as well. We will assist non-college-bound seniors in the exploration of career options and help them find information on job and trade-specific training.

We plan to hold a “Planning for life after high school” session with all seniors on September 2 during Family Flex. In this session, we will cover a timeline of things seniors can be doing throughout the school year, including the college application process. Seniors will also be invited to sign up for Common Application workshops coming up later this month.

All requests for transcripts are done through Parchment. Seniors were invited (via an email from Parchment) to complete their account set up in June and several times since then. Transcripts are only sent when a request is initiated through the student’s Parchment account. Questions about Parchment can be directed to the counseling office.

Scholarships

Throughout the school year, various scholarship opportunities will be posted online through the Counseling Department portion of the website. A listing of outside scholarships, both regional and national, will be updated as we receive notices of scholarship opportunities. This will include scholarships available through Community Foundation of Holland/Zeeland that are open to Holland Christian students and also information about internal HC scholarships, which are available to full-time Holland Christian students only.

College Representative Visits

We keep a listing of college reps holding visits at HCHS linked here, that can also be found on the Counseling Department page. This list grows throughout the fall.

FAFSA Night

A college representative will be hosting a virtual workshop for HCHS parents on September 16th at 6pm to share information about filling out the FAFSA and other financial aid opportunities. More details, including a link to the meeting, will be emailed out to parents of juniors and seniors.

Testing Information

• Upcoming SAT test dates are September 26, October 3, November 7 & December 5. HCHS is a testing site for these dates. To register for the SAT.
• Upcoming ACT dates and test sites can be found on ACT website. Holland Christian is not a testing site for the ACT this year.
• Test Preparation: There are free resources for SAT test preparation. There are also free resources available for ACT test preparation.
• PSAT: This test is a precursor to the SAT. It provides excellent practice for subsequent standardized tests and can provide valuable test preparation feedback and tools. The junior year is the only year a score is considered for the National Merit Scholarship consideration.

The PSAT/NMSQT will be administered during the school day on Wednesday, October 21, 2026 starting at 8:00 am for those who have signed up.  Juniors who wish to take the PSAT/NMSQT (National Merit Qualifying Test) need to register and pay the $25 fee by Sunday, September 13, 2026 at 11:59 pm. Registration and payment for this is done on Total Registration.  All freshmen and sophomores will take the PSAT and Juniors will take the SAT during the school day on March 17, 2027. There will be no fee charged to students, and they will register through school.

Athletics

The 2026 CHAMPS Book will be the last year for this coupon book fundraiser.  Please help us deplete our inventory by purchasing a 2026 coupon book at the reduced price of $15 in support of our athletes!  The coupons are good through December 31 and available at school offices, Russ’ Restaurants and Quality Car Wash locations.

Pay to participate for high school athletes is $110/season. Families should pay the fee through their Final Forms account for their child. Pay to participate is set to $105.77 in Final Forms so the total cost with fees is $110.

Homecoming

Celebrate 125 years of HC with us! Bring the whole family and join us for a fun-filled Homecoming celebration featuring food, games, a dunk tank, an Alumni Legacy Lawn, and more. Stay for the Homecoming football game against Thornapple Kellogg and an interactive halftime show that you WON’T want to miss. Thanks to the generosity of an anonymous underwriter, this year’s event is FREE for the HC Community with registration. Please register here by September 12 so we can plan for food and prepare your meal tickets in advance. Meal tickets will be available for pickup prior or at the event for those who sign up in advance. We can’t wait to celebrate with you!

Important Dates

26-27 Holland Christian Calendar

September

• 4 & 7: No School, Labor Day break
• 8: Parent Night at the HS 6:30-8:30pm
• 10: Picture make-up day
• 16: College Financial Aid Seminar 6pm
• 19: Homecoming Dance
• 29: Senior picture deadline

October

• 1: Parent/Teacher conferences 5:30-8:30pm
• 8: Parent/Teacher conferences 3:30-6:30pm
• 12: Picture retakes at HS
• 14: No school: Staff development
• 15 & 16: No School, Great Lakes Unity Conference, staff development
• 15 & 16: All Tech Center students must attend Tech Center

There are moments in life when God opens a door that you never expected, and returning to Holland Christian as principal is one of those moments for me. As I sit down to write this first welcome letter, my heart is simply filled with gratitude to be back at the high school.

Coming back feels a little like coming home. It is a joy to reconnect with familiar faces, meet new students and families, and work alongside a staff that is deeply committed to helping students grow—not only academically, but in their faith and character as well. I truly believe there is something special about Christian education. Every day we have the opportunity to remind students that they are known by God, deeply loved, and created with purpose.

As we begin this school year, I pray our thoughts are less about calendars, schedules, and to-do lists, and more about the people who will walk through our doors each morning. Every student has a story. Every family has hopes and dreams for the future. Every staff member has chosen to invest their God given gifts in the lives of young people. What an incredible privilege it is to be part of that together.

My hope is that our high school continues to be a place where students are challenged to think deeply, encouraged to ask questions, and inspired to discover how God is calling them to use their gifts. I hope it is a place where kindness is the norm, where students feel seen and valued, where mistakes become opportunities to learn, and where everyone knows they belong.

Students, I encourage you to jump into this year with open hearts. Try something new. Build friendships. Ask for help when you need it. Encourage one another. Celebrate each other’s successes. Most importantly, continue seeking the Lord in everything you do. High school is about so much more than grades and activities—it is about becoming the person God created you to be.

To our parents, thank you for allowing us to partner with you. We know you have entrusted us with your greatest blessing, and we do not take that responsibility lightly. We look forward to walking alongside your family throughout the year.

As you plan for the transition back to school we hope the information in this Back to School Newsletter provides what you need for a smooth start to the school year.  If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact us.

I can’t wait to see what God has in store for this school year!

Deb Feenstra, HCHS Principal

2026-27 Information

First Day of School

All students report on Tuesday, August 25, at 8am. Be sure to have your class schedule with you.

School Supplies

Holland Christian High School does not have a required list of school supplies for students to purchase, except that math students will need a TI-83 or TI-84 calculator. School supply preferences will vary from student to student.

New to Holland Christian High School?

Our New Family Information Booklet was created to help new families transition into HCHS. We hope you find the information helpful!

Freshman Orientation – August 24

All freshmen will be part of our Freshman Orientation Day. This day is to be a transition day that creates a sense of belonging for incoming students and an overall supportive and positive atmosphere on our campus. The first day for freshmen will be Monday, August 24, at 8am. Senior class leaders will lead incoming freshmen in small group games, mixers, and a scavenger hunt around the school. Students will be given a copy of their schedule and meet their teachers for a few minutes in each class. All freshmen will also receive their laptops at this time, if their check-in documents have been completed. Students will be treated to a pizza lunch and will be dismissed at 11:30am. After this, freshmen can stop on Main Street between 11:30am – 12:30pm for pictures. Concussion testing will take place in the cafeteria after lunch. All students who plan to play any sport must complete a baseline concussion test. Stop in the cafeteria from 12-3 to complete your testing.

New 10th – 12th Grade Students

New 10th – 12th grade students will have an orientation on Monday, August 24 from 9am-12:30pm. Lunch is included.

Check-In/Picture Day

Check-in day is Monday, August 24 and will take place on Main Street from 11:30am – 3pm. This is a chance for you to have your picture taken for your student ID, walk around the building and find your locker, deposit money into your hot lunch account, and pick up a parking permit (if driving).

Parent Laptop Handbook and Check-In Day Forms

Please review the laptop handbook and complete the required check-in day forms. These forms need to be completed before you will be given your laptop. These forms include the student handbook agreement, laptop agreement, cheating/plagiarism, concussion awareness, and field trip/medical treatment permission. Please note that you will need to enter your student ID number in order to complete these forms. These student numbers can be found in Power School (if you are a returning HC student it is the number you already have).

Laptops

Incoming freshmen will receive their laptops during freshmen orientation. New 10th – 12th students will receive their laptops during new student orientation. Returning students will receive their laptops on the first day of school provided they have completed the check-in day forms.

Textbooks

• Students will pick up textbooks from the Bookstore, located in the hallway near the Auditorium, Counseling, and Athletic Offices. Students should bring a backpack to carry their books home from school or may leave books in their assigned locker. ALL students will need to pick up textbooks.
• Bring your HC student ID (from ANY year; your barcode is the same). This will help speed up the checkout process!!!
• To help avoid long lines, students are encouraged to get their textbooks during the following times:
  • 9th & 12th grades: 11:30am-12:30pm
  • 10th & 11th grades: 1:00-2:30pm:
• If you have any textbooks at home from previous years, these must be returned by Friday, August 21st in order to pick up this year’s textbooks on August 24th.  Please note, we will not be receiving previous years’ textbooks on August 24th.  If you have lost your books, please bring in the replacement fee. If you have any questions, please email Kim Hekman. Thank you for your help with this.

Photos

All students (including seniors) must have their picture taken whether or not the pictures are purchased. These pictures are necessary for the yearbook, student transcripts, I.D.’s, and for our student management software. Seniors, this picture will be on your high school transcript.  You can order online ahead of time from Geskus, or you can send the flyer Geskus mailed out and payment with your student on check in day.

To help speed the picture taking process, we will use the following schedule:

• 9th Grade: 11:30am – 12:30pm
• 12th Grade: 11:30am – 12:30pm
• 10th Grade: 12:30pm – 1:30pm
• 11th Grade: 1:30pm – 2:30pm
• Anyone: 2:30pm – 3:00pm

Picture Makeup day will be Thursday, September 10.

Senior Picture Information – Click here for details on Senior Pictures. The deadline for senior pictures is September 29.

Schedule and PowerSchool Information

The daily schedule consists of 4 block days, and on Fridays students will have all seven classes in one day; it can be found HS Schedule Google Doc. The last day of the first semester is January 11 and exams will be January 12-15. Second semester begins on January 19.

The High School uses PowerSchool for accessing student schedules, tracking grades, attendance, and family contact information. Student schedules will be available in PowerSchool on August 14 . Parents can log in with the username and password you created in a previous year. Parents of students coming from Zeeland Christian and other students new to HC will be sent information for creating a PowerSchool account. If you detect any errors or need to make changes to your schedule, please complete the schedule change form on our Registrar page.

Closed Campus

HCHS is a closed campus. Sometimes parents may like to take their student out for lunch. Parents may take only their own student out for lunch and must personally check them out of the office. Youth leaders or older siblings (out of high school) may also take students out for lunch by signing them out in the office. Seniors do have the privilege of going off-campus for lunch on Fridays only.

Food Services

26-27 Meal Prices:

• High School  $3.85
• Free $0.00
• Reduced $ .40
• Milk $.75
• Adult  $5.50

To deposit money in your child’s lunch account or to apply for free/reduced lunch benefits please go to Family Portal. There is no fee to use this service. The portal will be ready to receive deposits after August 15. If you were receiving free or reduced lunch benefits in the 25/26 school year those benefits will expire on September 30, 2026, so you will need to reapply for lunch benefits at Family Portal. If you have any questions please email Sue at slambers@hollandchristian.org.

Extracurricular Information

There is a “Pay to Participate Fee” charge of $110 to all students involved in extracurricular activities to help offset some of the costs of the program. For athletics, this fee will be paid through the student’s Final Forms account; for all other activities, this fee will be collected by the director of the activity and must be paid immediately following the selection or determination of the activity participants.

Athletics Information

Fall sports begin on August 10 for high school athletes. Practice and game schedules for each sport as well as tickets and sports passes can be found through Eventlink (or maroonsathletics.org). Sports Passes are now available for the 26-27 school year at MaroonsAthletics.org. Click on the “Season Passes” tab to see options and purchase passes.

There is a “Pay to Participate Fee” of $110 to all students involved in athletics to help offset some of the costs of the program. This fee will be paid through the student’s Final Forms account. Please have payment in by the second week of the season. All athletes must be registered through FinalForms along with a picture of their cleared physical uploaded to their account in order to participate. Coaches utilize FinalForms to communicate upcoming information to athletes and families. Learn more about Finalforms and Eventlink.

Athletic Parent Night

Our Athletic Parent Night is Tuesday, August 18 at 7:00pm at the HC High School auditorium. Our keynote speaker is Sandi Haan, founder of the Nourished Table, a nutritional counseling private practice. With more than 18 years of experience in clinical nutrition, she is dedicated to helping individuals build a healthier, more sustainable relationship with food and their bodies. Sandi combines evidence-based nutrition science with compassion and practical strategies that inspire lasting change, embrace holistic wellness and confidently pursue a nourished life.

Sandi has dedicated her career to working with teens and young adults in the specialty field of eating disorder care and sports performance. She is one of two Registered Dietitians who are board Certified Eating Disorder Specialists and Supervisors in the state of Michigan. In addition to her private practice, Sandi is the campus dietitian for Hope College. Our individual high school fall sports parents meetings will follow the opening keynote.

Fine Arts Department

Fall Musical: Frozen!

We are proud to present Disney’s Frozen this fall on November 19, 20 and 21 @7pm and November 21 @ 2pm!

In the beautiful mountainous kingdom of Arendelle, Princesses Anna and Elsa grow up sheltered inside their castle, isolated from the world and increasingly distant from each other. When Elsa is crowned queen, the magical powers she’s desperately tried to conceal from her sister take control, and she flees into the mountains. As a ferocious winter descends on Arendelle, Anna sets off on an epic journey to find Elsa and bring her home – with the help of hardworking ice harvester Kristoff, his loyal reindeer Sven, and a happy-go-lucky snowman named Olaf. Full of magic, humor, and a stunning musical score, Frozen is a powerful tale of sisterhood, acceptance, and finding the real meaning of true love.

Auditions will be held in the high school auditorium the week before school starts; please mark your calendars to reserve these dates. 

Audition and Performance Schedule:

• Wednesday, August 19 (3:00-5:30pm)
  • WORKSHOP: All students learn the audition choreography and vocal music
• Thursday, August 20 (3:00-6:00pm)
  • AUDITIONS: All students audition for the production
• Friday, August 21 (3:00-5:30pm)
  • CALLBACKS: Invitation only. Individuals read from the Frozen script for lead roles. Individuals may be asked to prepare an additional audition song.
• November 19, 20, and 21 @ 7pm, November 21 @2pm.
  • PERFORMANCES:

Musical Auditions Signup

Musical Crew Signup

To prepare in advance for auditions, please join the Frozen Google Classroom. If you have any questions about the musical or the audition process, please contact Ms Beukelman at mbeukelman@hollandchristian.org.

General Information

Moms In Prayer

Important Dates

Full School calendar

Save the Date: Parent Night

We will be hosting our annual Parent Night on Tuesday, September 8 at 6:30pm. More details will be sent out; please add this event to your calendar.

Reserve these important dates on your fall calendar:

August

• 10: Fall sports tryouts start
• 14/15: Senior Camp
• 24: Freshman orientation day/picture day (lunch included)  (8:00-11:30am)
• 24: Student check in/picture day (11:30-3:00pm)
• 24: New students (non-freshman) 9:00am-12:15pm (lunch included)
• 25: All students report (full day)

September

• 4 & 7: Labor Day, no school
• 8: Parent Night, 6:30 – 8:30pm
• 9: District wide Convocation
• 19: Homecoming dance
• 29: Senior picture deadline

Dear HCHS Families,

Thank you for another incredible year of partnership in fulfilling our mission to equip minds and nurture hearts to transform the world for Jesus Christ. It has been such a gift and privilege to witness the tremendous growth each of your children made in the classroom and on the court, field, and stage. God has continued to do amazing work in the hearts and minds of our students, and we are excited to see what He has in store for them whether they are advancing to the next grade, preparing for college, or stepping into new opportunities and callings.

This year’s theme has been “The Joy of the Lord,” rooted in Nehemiah 8:10: “Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” Throughout this school year, we have been reminded that true joy is not dependent on circumstances, achievements, or ease, but is found in the unchanging character and presence of God. We have seen students, staff, and families display this joy in countless ways through perseverance, encouragement, worship, and service to one another. Even in busy schedules, academic challenges, and the many demands of school life, God has faithfully strengthened our community through His joy.

As we move into the summer months, my prayer is that your families experience deep rest and renewal together. Summer provides a wonderful opportunity to slow down, spend intentional time together, and reflect on God’s goodness and faithfulness over the past year. Whether through travel, time outdoors, worship, or simply moments of quiet with the Lord, may your family continue to grow in the deep and lasting joy that comes from walking closely with Him.

At this time of year, we also want to express our gratitude for the service of a deeply valued colleague who will not be returning to the high school next year. With grateful hearts, we say farewell to Mrs. Kelli VanEerden after 20 years of faithful service to HC as, most recently, our HS Administrative Assistant and Attendance Coordinator. Kelli has been a trusted and steady presence for students, families, teachers, and administrators alike, serving this community with wisdom, compassion, humility, and remarkable care. From supporting students through difficult moments to helping lead and care for the daily life of the school behind the scenes, her impact on Holland Christian High School has been both profound and lasting. We are deeply grateful for the countless ways she has strengthened and cared for this community over the years, and we pray God’s blessing over her as she begins this next chapter.

Thank you for your continued support, encouragement, and prayers throughout this school year. It is a blessing to partner with you in the lives of these students. May the Lord continue to fill your homes with His peace, strength, and joy throughout the summer season.

With thanks,

Miles Colago, HS Principal

General Information

Exam Schedule

• Students are not required to be at school unless they have an exam.
• You will not be allowed to take your exams until all detentions have been served, and you will not receive credit for your second semester courses until you take your exams.
• All books must be returned and fines paid in the Media Center before exams may be taken.
• All lunch accounts must be paid up before exams may be taken.

• Friday, May 29
  • 8:45am – 10:15am – 1st hour
  • 10:30am – 12:00pm – 2nd hour
• Monday, June 1
  • 8:45am – 10:15am – 3rd hour
  • 10:30am – 12:00pm – 4th Hour
• Tuesday, June 2
  • 8:45am – 10:15am – 5th hour
  • 10:30am – 12:00pm – 6th hour
• Wednesday, June 3
  • 8:45am – 10:15am – 7th hour
  • 10:15am – 12:00pm – Makeup slot

How to Get Your 25-26 Grades Online After June 12

Log in to PowerSchool as either parent or student.

1. Click on the “Grades History” icon on the left.
2. Grades for the current school history will be listed.

The sections for 2nd semester are A2 (18 weeks of coursework), E2 (2nd semester exam), and S2 (2nd semester final grade – this is the important one that appears on transcripts and determines cumulative GPA). If you receive a grade of “CR” in a course, it means you received credit, but it will not count in your GPA.

Diplomas and Transcripts for Class of 2026

Graduates, please remember to pick up diplomas in the high school office during the week of June 8 – 12. Diplomas can be picked up any time between 8am and 3pm. Diplomas will not be mailed. If a final transcript needs to be sent to your college, please request it via your Parchment account as soon as possible. Transcript requests through Parchment are free of charge until July 31, 2026. There will be a fee for any requests made on or after August 1.

Summer Office Hours

• June 4: Office closed for Professional Development
• June 8-30: 7:30am-3:30pm
• July 1-2: 8am-1pm
• July 6-10: Office Closed
• July 13-31: 8am-1pm (closed on Fridays)
• August 3-21: 7:30am-3:30pm (Monday-Friday)

If you need immediate service when the high school office is closed please call the Administration Office at 616.820.2805.

Graduation Ceremony

Congratulations, HCHS Class of 2026! If you missed the commencement ceremony for the Class of 2026 you can watch the recording on the Holland Christian YouTube Channel.

Class of 2027 Senior Camp

Yes, that’s right. Class of 2027, it is time to sign up for senior camp. This year we’ll be heading to Camp Ao-Wa-Kiya in Shelby, MI on August 14-15. Please register for Senior Camp. This is an incredible way to begin our senior year together. If you have any questions please email Mr. Russ or email Mr. Koeman.

2026-27 High School Schedules

Schedules will be available in PowerSchool on August 14, 2026. Students and parents can login to see the schedule. New families will receive PowerSchool login information by the end of July.

Host an International Student in 26-27

Do you have a passion for other cultures? Do you have a gift of hospitality? If so, please prayerfully consider hosting an international student for the 26-27 school year. Please fill out an interest in hosting form. For more information and to turn in a completed form, please email Kyle Kempster or email Chanho Song, our International Coordinators.

Fine Arts

Summer is a great time to improve your musical skills. There are so many details and instrument-specific things that we can cover in summer lessons that are tricky to get to in a full band or orchestra setting. We can also help you prepare for the coming year! Please contact Mr. VandenBerg if you are interested or if you have questions.

Testing

SAT Testing Dates

The SAT is offered October 3, 2026, November 7, 2026, and December 5, 2026. HCHS is a testing site for these dates and you will be able to select this location when you register. Go to the SAT website to register.

Athletics Information

Summer Camps

The Athletics department offers summer camp opportunities for high school students as well as our younger athletes. Please see our Summer Camps page to find out what is available and to register.

Important Athletic Dates

• MHSAA Dead Week: July 1-7 no team activities or use of facilities
• MHSAA fall sports pre-season downtime: August 1-11 limited activities for fall teams
• High school fall sports begin: August 12
• Middle school fall sports: Football begins August 19, all other Middle School sports begin August 26

Spring Champs Book Sale!

Save big with the Champs Coupon Book—now only $15! Each book is filled with valuable Lakeshore coupons along with regional and national discounts. Champs booklets are available for purchase through the school office or the HC trip office. All 2026 coupons are valid from the date of purchase through December 31, 2026. Don’t miss this great opportunity to save!

Physicals

Athletic physical forms must be turned in before tryouts. We are partnered with FinalForms for all our athletic registrations and forms. These can be found on our Athletic Registration page.

Important Dates

School Calendar

2025-26 & 2026-27 Calendars

August

• 14/15: Senior Camp
• 24: Freshman orientation from 8:00am – 11:30am (lunch included)
• 24: New students (non-freshman) 9:00am – 12:15pm (lunch included)
• 24: Student check in/picture day (11:30am to 3:00pm)
• 25: All students report (full day)

September

• 4 & 7: Labor Day weekend, no school
• 9: All School Convocation
• 29: Senior picture deadline (More details on Senior pictures)

Dear HCHS Families,

Welcome to May and to the final full month of the school year. There is something about May that always feels a bit like standing in between seasons. The pace of spring activities accelerates quickly with concerts, AP exams, final projects, athletic tournaments, and graduation just around the corner, yet the beauty of West Michigan in May reminds us to slow down enough to notice what God is doing. Tulips begin to bloom, trees fill in with green, and the world around us seems to quietly testify that resurrection is not only something we celebrate, but something we are invited to live in.

As a school community, we are still in the season of Eastertide, the fifty days after Easter in which the church remembers and celebrates the resurrection of Jesus. Eastertide reminds us that the resurrection is not simply a past event, but the present reality that shapes how we live today. The empty tomb means hope is not fragile, joy is not temporary, and death does not have the final word. Because Christ is risen, we are invited to live as resurrection people, a people rooted in his victory rather than our circumstances.

This year, our theme has been The Joy of the Lord, and I have found that Eastertide gives perhaps the clearest picture of what that joy truly means. Christian joy is not denial of difficulty, nor is it dependent on everything going well. It is the deep confidence that because Jesus is alive, we can trust that God is still making all things new. In John 20, after the resurrection, Jesus appears to his disciples who are locked in fear and uncertainty. His first words are simple: “Peace be with you.” Their circumstances had not immediately changed, but the presence of the risen Jesus changed everything. Joy often begins not in perfect conditions, but in being in God’s presence.

Our Student Life and Discipleship Survey we implemented this past January helps remind us why this matters so deeply for our students. We are encouraged that 86% attend church weekly and nearly 80% affirm the Bible as the inspired Word of God that shapes how they live. We also see the strength of community in the fact that over 96% of students shared they have older disciples of Jesus and friends who support them in faith, and 93% shared that at least one parent talks about and practices faith at home. These are significant signs of God’s faithfulness and evidence that our students are being formed by strong partnerships between school, church, and home.

At the same time, the survey reminds us that joy and discipleship are still being worked out in real and often difficult ways. Only 57% of our students shared that they have a personal relationship with Jesus that guides their daily life. Nearly half of our students described faith as something that influences them at times rather than in every area of life, and many continue to navigate stress, anxiety, loneliness, and comparison. Over 30% reported feeling stressed or anxious often or very often, and many acknowledged the challenge of comparison in a digital world that constantly asks them to measure themselves against others. These realities are not surprising, but they are important reminders that joy must be cultivated, not assumed. This is where Easter hope becomes more than theology; it becomes formation. Resurrection joy teaches students that their identity is not found in performance, popularity, or achievement, but in belonging to Jesus. It reminds them that failure is not final, that grace is real, and that hope is stronger than fear. It teaches them that joy is not something they have to manufacture, but something they receive as they remain in the presence of God.

As we move through the final weeks of this school year, my prayer is that our students would finish not simply with endurance, but with resurrection joy. That whether they are walking across a graduation stage, studying for an exam, competing in a final game, or simply trying to make it through another ordinary Tuesday, they would know the peace of the risen Jesus and the joy that comes from walking with Him.

Thank you for your continued partnership in equipping minds and nurturing hearts to transform the world for Jesus Christ. We are grateful to walk this journey with you and to trust together that the God who began a good work in our students will carry it on to completion.

With thanks,

Miles Colago, HCHC Principal

General Information

Tulip Time Week Schedule

• • Monday, May 4 – Friday schedule
  • Tuesday, May 5 – normal Tuesday
  • Wednesday, May 6 – normal Wednesday
  • Thursday, May 7 – Grandparents Day/ Half day for Tulip Time
    • 8-8:35 – 1st hour
    • 8:45-9:10 – Chapel-9th & 11th & tour/coffee 10th &12th
    • 9:20-9:45 – Tour/coffee 9th & 11th & chapel 10th & 12th
    • 9:50-10:25 – 2nd hour
    • 10:35-11:10 – 3rd hour
  • Friday, May 8 – normal Friday

Grandparents & Grandfriends Day

Your student’s grandparents and grandfriends are invited to join us on May 7 from 8-11:10am. Grandparents & Grandfriends Day at the high school is a wonderful morning where they will join you in class, experience chapel and enjoy conversations over coffee and cookies. Thank you in advance for sharing these special people with us! Students will be dismissed at 11:10am on this half day for Tulip Time.

Host an International Student in 26-27

Do you have a passion for other cultures? Do you have a gift of hospitality? If so, please prayerfully consider hosting an international student for the 26-27 school year. Please fill out an interest in hosting form. For more information and to turn in a completed form, please email Kyle Kempster or email Chanho Song, our International Coordinators.

Fine Arts

Spring Theater Production, Wait Until Dark

HCHS choirs present their Spring Choir Concert on Monday, May 11, 2026 at 7:30pm at the Holland Christian High School Auditorium. Enjoy a variety of music in song and a tribute to our seniors.

Holland Christian Spring All Orchestra Concert

You are invited to join the Holland Christian School Orchestras at the West Ottawa High School Performing Arts Center (3685 Butternut Dr, Holland) on Wednesday, May 13, 2026 at 7:30pm. See the wonderful progression from 4th to high school orchestras, a beautiful picture of education at Holland Christian.

Holland Christian Spring Band Concert

Join the Holland Christian High School Bands as they present their Spring Concert on Thursday, May 14, 2026 at 7:30pm at the West Ottawa High School Performing Arts Center (3685 Butternut Dr, Holland). Enjoy concert band, symphonic band, jazz music, the Holland Christian drumline, and a tribute to our seniors.

Athletic Department

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

• All families with 6th-12th grade potential athletes need to be registered with our online registration system Final Forms. For those already registered for the current year, you simply need to login, select the sports your child is interested in and update any changes to your and your child’s information. This is also the place where you print the updated 25-26  physical form to take with you to your DO/MD/NP/PA appointment and have that individual sign the form.
• For Summer Camps information and registration, please go to our “Active Summer Camps Registration Page”

Important Dates

• Our second 2026 sports physical night will be on May 6
• MHSAA Dead Week: June 29 – July 5 (no team activities or use of facilities)
• MHSAA Fall Sports Pre-Season Downtime: August 1-9 (limited activities for fall teams)
• High School Fall Sports begin: August 10
• Middle School Fall Sports begin: August 17

Athlete Physicals

Holland Christian encourages every child to see their primary care physician for their well child visit, but also understands the annual MHSAA pre-participation sports physical requirement does not always align with insurance requirements. Holland Christian’s sports physical night offers a low cost visit that meets the MHSAA requirements, but it is not an alternative to an annual well child visit. Regardless of where the MHSAA physical is performed, it must be completed by a MD, DO, NP or PA who will check for significant medical concerns that could arise through participation in sports. The MHSAA physical form must be completed between April 15 and the first practice/try-out for a student to participate in any in-season sport.

There is one date left this spring for sports physicals coordinated by Holland Hospital and Shoreline Orthopaedics: Wednesday, May 6 at the Saugatuck location of Holland Hospital from 6-8pm at 6490 Blue Star Hwy, Saugatuck. Sign up at https://maroonsathletics.org/Registrations.

Champs Coupon Books

Spring Champs Book Sale Alert! Save big with the Champs Coupon Book—now only $15! Each book is filled with valuable Lakeshore coupons along with regional and national discounts. Champs booklets are available for purchase through the school office or the HC trip office. All 2026 coupons are valid from the date of purchase through December 31, 2026. Don’t miss this great opportunity to save!

Seniors & Parents of Seniors

End-of-Year Information for Seniors

• Seniors End of the year schedule

  • May 7: Scholarship Night, HS Auditorium, 7pm (by invitation only)
  • May 8: All library fines paid and materials returned (seniors only).
  • May 13: Textbooks should be returned to the Media Center (seniors only). If you need any books for your exams just bring them to the media center after your exam.
  • May 18: Senior exams for students who are required to take them
  • May 19: Graduation rehearsal (required) 10am
  • May 19: Graduation ceremony 7pm at Central Wesleyan Church
  • June 8-12: Diploma pick up (in the high school office)

  After Graduation Party

  The “Senior All-Night Party” is May 19. The 2026 graduation party committee has emailed information to parents of seniors. Tickets to the event will cost $30.

Senior Exam Exemption

During the second semester, seniors may work towards being exempt from their final exams. To earn this exemption seniors must meet at least one of the following:

• Have a B average in the course for which there is an exam through the final day of that course;
• Have handed in all homework on time with a passing grade, and have no more than two days absent in that course for the whole semester (for any reason except “school activity.”)

Diploma pick up

Diplomas will be available for pick up from the High School office from June 8-12. They can be picked up anytime between 8am and 3pm by the student or by a family member. Your tuition balance and all other financial obligations must be taken care of before you may receive your diploma. If your senior is the only child enrolled at HC, or if you have not made previous arrangements with the business office, please contact Terry VanDerKolk at 616.820.2807. Final transcripts will be sent after these arrangements are made. Your cooperation is appreciated!

Counselors’ Corner

Seniors/Parents of Seniors

Scholarship Night

On Thursday, May 7, we will hold Scholarship Night for full-time seniors who have been awarded scholarships from colleges or private agencies. Parents are invited to this special evening, which will begin at 7pm in the High School Auditorium and will include refreshments. The due date for turning in scholarships is Tuesday, April 28. Just a reminder that if you submitted scholarship information to the counseling office, please make sure to RSVP for Scholarship Night by May 1.

College Athletics

Students who are considering a Division I or II University and hope to compete on an athletic team must be registered with the NCAA eligibility center. You can access and complete the process on the NCAA Eligibility Center Website. NCAA rules require that official test scores come directly from ACT or SAT. The NCAA code is 9999.

Students who are considering an NAIA member school must complete the NAIA application. View a complete listing of NAIA schools & an application.

Students should request their transcripts be sent to the NCAA Eligibility Center via their Parchment account. NAIA does not accept transcripts via Parchment, so contact the counseling office about submitting transcripts to the NAIA eligibility center. It is the student’s responsibility to check requirements and make sure their high school courses meet NCAA or NAIA eligibility requirements.

Juniors/Parents of Juniors

ACT & SAT Registration

The registration deadline for the June 13, 2026 ACT is May 8, 2026. Registration is done on the ACT website.  SAT registration for the June 6, 2026 SAT is May 22, 2026. Registration is done on the SAT website.

Exam Schedule

• Friday, May 29
  • 8:45am – 10:15am – 1st hour
  • 10:30am – 12:00pm – 2nd hour
• Monday, June 1
  
  • 8:45am – 10:15am – 3rd hour
  • 10:30am – 12:00pm – 4th Hour
• Tuesday,  June 2
  
  • 8:45am – 10:15am – 5th hour
  • 10:30am – 12:00pm – 6th hour
• Wednesday,  June 3
  
  • 8:45am – 10:15am – 7th hour
  • 10:15am – 12:00pm – Makeup slot

Exam Notes:

• Students are not required to be at school unless they have an exam.
• You will not be allowed to take your exams until all detentions have been served, and you will not receive credit for your second semester courses until you take your exams.
• All books must be returned and fines paid in the Media Center before exams may be taken.
• All lunch accounts must be paid up before exams may be taken.

9th-11th Media Center and Textbook Returns

The deadline for returning materials to the Media Center for freshmen, sophomores and juniors is May 27.

• All Media Center materials and replacement fees for lost library books are due
• All textbook damage fees and replacement fees for missing textbooks are due
• Textbooks must be turned into the wire rack in Media Center.
• If you need a textbook for an exam, let Mrs. Hekman or Mrs Lokker know.

Calendar

HCS 25-26 School Calendar

May

• 1-2: Spring Show, Wait Until Dark
• 7: Grandparents Day, special schedule, Tulip Time (half day, 11:10 dismissal)
• 7: Senior Scholarship Night, 7pm
• 11: Spring Choir Concert, HS Auditorium, 7:30pm
• 13: Orchestra concert at West Ottawa HS Performing Arts Center, 7:30pm
• 14: Band concert at West Ottawa HS Performing Arts Center, 7:30pm
• 15: Last day for seniors
• 18: Senior exams
• 19: Commencement for class of 2026
• 25: Memorial Day vacation
• 29: HCHS exams begin

June

• June 1-3: HCHS exams

Dear HCHS Families,

Welcome to April and the arrival of spring in West Michigan. The return of warmth, longer days, and the first buds coming through on the trees often bring a reinvigoration needed as we sprint to graduation, especially after spring break. This year, my wife and I have started our first real attempt at growing food, the edible kind. After watching more homesteading and gardening videos than I’d like to admit, I was struck by the emphasis on preparing the soil well in advance of planting. Our house literally is built on sand, so as we explored various ways to transform the ground, we discovered the Hügelkultur technique, which involves building garden beds by layering decaying logs, dead branches, leaves, and compost beneath a top layer of soil. In theory, this German method allows for the soil to hold water for longer and provide long-lasting supplies of nutrients for healthier crops. I’m not sure if this will work—I’ll let you know next September—, but this did make me think about the life we get to receive from Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross and the incredible hope that we have with his victory over the grave.

This month’s core value we are focusing on is Renewal: humbly participating, through the power of the Holy Spirit, in the mission and ministry of Jesus Christ. Renewal is not something we produce on our own, but rather something we step into as God restores hearts, redirects our desires, and invites us into his work. In the years that followed Jesus’ empty tomb, the early church grew in surprising ways, often during hardship rather than ease. Historians such as Rodney Stark in The Rise of Christianity and Alan Kreider in The Patient Ferment of the Early Church describe how Christian communities expanded from about 30 AD to 200 AD even as they faced persecution and disease. Their growth was not tied to political positions of authority but rather to a way of life shaped by their discipleship to Jesus, embodied with love, care for others, and a steady hope grounded in the resurrection. 

When illness spread through cities, many fled while Christians often stayed. They cared for the sick, both within their communities and beyond them, sometimes at great personal risk. This quiet faithfulness stood out. Renewal could be seen in the way people lived, in the way they served, and in the hope they carried despite the suffering they endured.

As we move through April, our hope is that students begin to see renewal in this same way. Not just as a theme or a season, but as a way of life as they love God with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength and love their neighbor as themselves. Whether it’s on a stage, on a field, or in a classroom, we pray our students grow into people who can persevere and endure as they courageously take part in the work of Jesus with humility and trust in him.

Thank you for your continued partnership in equipping minds and nurturing hearts to transform the world for Jesus Christ. May this season be one in which you and your families experience God’s renewing presence in both ordinary and unexpected ways.

With thanks,

Miles Colago

HS Principal

General Information

Junior/Senior Banquet: April 25

The Junior-Senior Banquet is Saturday, April 25 at Post Family Farms from 7pm to 10pm. Dinner will be provided. Tickets are $75 each and can be purchased online beginning March 23. The link to purchase tickets has been emailed to juniors and seniors and can also be found in the High School Daily Announcements. Ticket sales will end on Monday, April 13 at 3pm. If you have any questions, please contact Mr. Koeman.

If you are bringing a NON-HC guest or an HC underclassmen as your guest, you need to turn in a Guest Form (available in the office) and have it approved before you purchase your tickets. You may purchase up to two tickets.

Important Reminders:

• Bring your ticket confirmation (printed or on your phone).
• Please dress appropriately. Remember we seek to honor our God as we celebrate.
• Because this is a school activity, all school rules apply. There is a zero tolerance for all tobacco, alcohol and marijuana products.
• Students will not be allowed to re-enter if they leave the facility.

Tulip Time Week Schedule

• Monday, May 4 – Friday schedule with Flex in place of Chapel
• Tuesday, May 5 – normal Tuesday
• Wednesday, May 6 – normal Wednesday
• Thursday, May 7 – Grandparents Day/ Half Day for Tulip Time
  • 8-8:35 – 1st hour
  • 8:45-9:10 – Chapel-9th & 11th & Tour/Coffee 10th &12th
  • 9:20-9:45 – Tour/Coffee 9th & 11th & Chapel 10th & 12th
  • 9:50-10:25 – 2nd hour
  • 10:35-11:10 – 3rd hour
• Friday, May 8 – normal Friday

Attendance Reminders for All

Once at school students are required to check out in the office before leaving school. Students must obtain parent and office permission before leaving school at other than normal times. Students must sign in when coming into school after the school day has started.

After 8am students must use door A on the east side of the building, as we are a secure campus with all doors locked during the school day. Remember to check in the main office to come and/or go during the school day.

Holland Christian High School operates as a closed campus. Students are not allowed to leave the grounds, especially during their lunch period. Friday is an exception to this rule, as only seniors are allowed to leave for lunch. Parents who want to take only their student(s) out for lunch must personally check them out in the office. Youth leaders or older siblings (out of high school) may also sign them out. Students who leave campus unexcused for lunch will receive an after-school detention.

Host an International Student in 26-27

Do you have a passion for other cultures? Do you have a gift of hospitality? If so, please prayerfully consider hosting an international student for the 26-27 school year. Please fill out an interest in hosting form. For more information and to turn in a completed form, please email Kyle Kempster or email Chanho Song our International Coordinators.

Fine Arts

HCHS Choir and Orchestra Oratorio Concert

The Holland Christian High School Choirs and Orchestra invite you to their annual Oratorio Concert as they perform Vivaldi’s Gloria on Friday, April 17 at 7:30pm at West Ottawa High School Performing Arts Center (3685 Butternut Dr, Holland, MI 49424). Admission is free.

Holland Christian Spring Choral Concert

Join the Holland Christian High School Choirs as they present their Spring Choral Concert on Monday, May 11, 2026 at 7:30pm at the Holland Christian High School Auditorium. Enjoy a variety of music in song and a tribute to our seniors.

Holland Christian Spring All Orchestra Concert

You are invited to join the Holland Christian School Orchestras at the West Ottawa High School Performing Arts Center (3685 Butternut Dr, Holland, MI 49424) on Wednesday, May 13, 2026 at 7:30pm. See the wonderful progression from 4th to high school orchestras, a beautiful picture of education at Holland Christian.

Holland Christian Spring Band Concert

Join the Holland Christian High School Bands as they present their Spring Concert on Thursday, May 14, 2026 at 7:30pm at the West Ottawa High School Performing Arts Center (3685 Butternut Dr, Holland, MI 49424). Enjoy concert band, symphonic band, jazz music, the Holland Christian drumline, and a tribute to our seniors.

Athletic Department

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

• All families with 6th-12th grade potential athletes need to be registered with our online registration system Final Forms. For those already registered for the current year, you simply need to login, select the sports your child is interested in and update any changes to your and your child’s information. This is also the place where you print the updated 25-26  physical form to take with you to your DO/MD/NP/PA appointment and have that individual sign the form.
• For Summer Camps information and registration, please go to our “Active Summer Camps Registration Page”

Important Dates

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

Athlete Physicals

Holland Christian encourages every child to see their primary care physician for their well child visit, but also understands the annual MHSAA pre-participation sports physical requirement does not always align with insurance requirements. Holland Christian’s sports physical night offers a low cost visit that meets the MHSAA requirements, but it is not an alternative to an annual well child visit. Regardless of where the MHSAA physical is performed, it must be completed by a MD, DO, NP or PA who will check for significant medical concerns that could arise through participation in sports. The MHSAA physical form must be completed between April 15 and the first practice/try-out for a student to participate in any in-season sport.

For spring 2026, Holland Hospital and Shoreline Orthopedic Sports Medicine are collectively offering two evenings for all area partner schools. The first date is Thursday, April 23 at Shoreline Orthopaedic in Zeeland from 6-8pm at 8251 Westpark Way, Suite #150, Zeeland, 49464. The second date is Wednesday, May 6 at the Saugatuck location of Holland Hospital from 6-8pm at 6490 Blue Star Hwy, Saugatuck, 49453.

Families can register for a physical slot at maroonsathletics.org/Registrations.

Counselors’ Corner

Testing Information

• Upcoming Saturday SAT dates are available in May.  You can search testing sites in our area when you go to the SAT website to register.
• Upcoming Saturday ACT test dates are available in April.  You can search for testing sites in our area when you go to the ACT website to register.

College Financial Aid

The financial aid office of the college(s) you are considering is the best place to go if you have specific FAFSA or financial aid related questions.

Scholarship Night

We would like to celebrate the accomplishments of our seniors by including a list of all merit scholarship recipients in the Scholarship Night and graduation programs. If your senior son/daughter is receiving a merit scholarship from a college you know he/she will be attending, please provide Mrs. Silva in the high school office with written verification of the award. You may copy the letter or the email notifying you of the award received. This does not include need-based financial aid awards. Please have all scholarships turned in by Tuesday, April 28, 2026.  Once a student turns in scholarship(s), he/she will receive an invitation letter to Scholarship Night. Please reserve the evening of Thursday, May 7, 2026 for this event. It is a special night to acknowledge the hard work of our seniors, and we want to celebrate their accomplishments!

College Visits

We encourage juniors to begin exploring colleges of interest. Students are allowed two school-related absences per semester for college visits. School-related absence means the absence does not count toward the ten absences allowed. There is a form that the student must fill out before the visit. This must be completed and signed by the college official and returned to the high school office in order for the absence to be cleared. The college visit permission form is available in the high school office and the counseling office. We hope this helps encourage students to explore college/career options without worrying about accruing too many absences. Please note that parents do need to call in the absence ahead of time. Once the completed form is turned in to the office, the absence will get coded as a college visit and will not count against the student.

End-of-Year Information for Seniors

Reminder Senior Exam Exemption Policy

During the second semester, seniors may work towards being exempt from their final exams. To earn this exemption seniors must meet at least one of the following:

• Have a B average in the course for which there is an exam through the final day of that course;
• Have handed in all homework on time with a passing grade, and have no more than two days absent in that course for the whole semester (for any reason except “school activity.”)

Seniors End of the year schedule

• May 7: Scholarship Night, HS Auditorium, 7pm (by invitation only)
• May 8: All library fines paid and materials returned (Seniors only).
• May 13: Textbooks should be returned to the Media Center (seniors only). If you need any books for your exams just bring them to the media center after your exam.
• May 18: Senior exams for students who are required to take them
• May 19: Graduation rehearsal (required) 10am
• May 19: Graduation ceremony 7pm at Central Wesleyan Church
• June 8-12: Diploma pick up (in the high school office)

After Graduation Party

The “Senior All-Night Party” is May 19. The 2026 graduation party committee has emailed information to parents of seniors. Tickets to the event will cost $30.

Diplomas

Diplomas will be available for pick up from the High School office from June 8-12.  They can be picked up anytime between 8am and 3pm by the student or by a family member. Your tuition balance and all other financial obligations must be taken care of before you may receive your diploma. If your senior is the only child enrolled at HC, or if you have not made previous arrangements with the business office, please contact Terry VanDerKolk at 616.820.2807.  Final transcripts will be sent after these arrangements are made. Your cooperation is appreciated.

Exam Schedule

• Friday, May 29
  • 8:45am – 10:15am – 1st hour
  • 10:30am – 12:00pm – 2nd hour
• Monday, June 1
  
  • 8:45am – 10:15am – 3rd hour
  • 10:30am – 12:00pm – 4th Hour
• Tuesday,  June 2
  
  • 8:45am – 10:15am – 5th hour
  • 10:30am – 12:00pm – 6th hour
• Wednesday,  June 3
  
  • 8:45am – 10:15am – 7th hour
  • 10:15am – 12:00pm – Makeup slot

Calendar

2025-26 HCS School Calendar

April

• 3-12: No school, Spring break
• 13: School resumes
• 17:HCHS Oratorio at West Ottawa HS Performing Arts Center, 7pm
• 25: Junior/Senior Banquet
• 30: Spring Show, Wait Until Dark, 7pm

May

• 1-2: Spring Show, Wait Until Dark
• 7: Grandparents Day, special schedule, Tulip Time (half day, 11:10 dismissal)
• 7: Senior Scholarship Night, 7pm
• 11: Spring Choir Concert, HS Auditorium, 7:30pm
• 13: Orchestra Concert at West Ottawa HS Performing Arts Center, 7:30pm
• 14: Band Concert at West Ottawa HS Performing Arts Center, 7:30pm
• 15: Last day for seniors
• 18: Senior exams
• 19: Commencement for Class of 2026
• 25: Memorial Day vacation
• 29: HCHS exams begin

Dear HCHS Families,

Welcome to March and to the season of Lent! As the days grow longer and signs of spring slowly emerge, we are reminded that God is always at work bringing new life, often in quiet and slowly developing ways. This Lenten season invites us to pay attention to that work, both around us and within us.

This month, we are reflecting on another one of Holland Christian’s core values, Discipleship. At HCS, discipleship means being rooted in Jesus Christ, finding our identity, purpose, and direction in Him. It is not simply a program or a set of practices, but a lifelong way of following Jesus in every part of life, learning how to be with him, become like him, and do as he did.

Scripture makes clear that discipleship begins with relationships. When Jesus called His first disciples, He did not give them a list of expectations. He invited them into life with Him. “Come, follow me,” He said (Matthew 4:19), and from that invitation everything else took shape. They walked with Him, listened to His teaching, asked questions, witnessed His miracles, and were gradually shaped into people who reflected His character. Discipleship is not primarily about information, but transformation. It is about remaining in Christ, trusting that as we stay connected to Him, He forms us into who we are created to be (John 15:5). Our identity is not rooted in achievement, status, or comparison, but in being beloved children of God. From that identity, we begin to understand our purpose and direction, not as something we create on our own, but as something we receive and live out in response to His call.

For many of our students, this vision of discipleship can feel both meaningful and difficult. They are growing up in a world that encourages them to define themselves, to build their own identity, and to measure their worth by performance or approval. In that setting, the call to be rooted in Christ can feel unfamiliar. It asks for surrender, patience, and trust in a process that often unfolds slowly. Discipleship does not happen all at once. It is formed through daily choices, through time in Scripture, prayer, community, and service. It is shaped as students bring their questions, doubts, successes, and failures before God, trusting that He meets them in all of it. At HCHS, we are encouraged by the ways students are growing in this. In classrooms, students are invited to consider how their learning connects to God’s story and their place within it. In chapels and small groups, they are given space to reflect on who they are in Christ and how He is calling them to live. Through athletics, the arts, and service opportunities, students are learning that following Jesus shapes not only what they believe, but how they live, compete, create, and care for others.

Discipleship is not meant to be lived alone. Jesus formed His disciples in community, and the early church grew as believers devoted themselves to shared life together (Acts 2:42). In the same way, our students are shaped through relationships with teachers, coaches, mentors, and one another. They need people who model what it looks like to follow Jesus with humility, faithfulness, and grace. They need communities where they can be known, encouraged, and challenged. Discipleship grows where there is consistency between what is taught and what is lived, where faith is not set aside but becomes part of everyday life.

This is why our partnership with the home and church matters so deeply. Families play a vital role in shaping discipleship by creating rhythms of faith at home through prayer, Scripture, conversation, and shared practices that point to Christ. Churches provide spaces of worship, teaching, and community where students can experience the body of Christ. As Paul writes, we are called to follow God’s example and walk in the way of love (Ephesians 5:1-2), and this calling is best lived out together. When school, church, and home are aligned in this purpose, students are surrounded by a consistent invitation to root their lives in Jesus.

As we move through this month of March, may we be reminded that discipleship is both simple and deep. It is the daily choice to follow Jesus, to remain in Him, and to trust that He is at work shaping us into His likeness. It is not about perfection, but about direction, turning again and again toward Jesus, who is our foundation and our hope. We are grateful to walk with you in this calling, trusting that God, who began a good work in our students, will carry it on to completion (Philippians 1:6).

With thanks,

Miles Colago

HS Principal

General Information

Spring Break: April 3 – 12

If you are planning on leaving early for spring break, please send a note, email Kelli Van Eerden, or call the office at 616.820.2905 before you leave. This will help us greatly with attendance.

Parents & Guardians of the Class of 2026

Help make your child’s end-of-high school career even more memorable by surprising them with a message in the yearbook! Purchase an ad for your senior with this Senior Graduation Ad opportunity. We can accept submissions only until March 16, 2026!

Senior Exam Exemption Policy Reminder

During the second semester, seniors may work towards being exempt from their final exams. To earn this exemption seniors must meet at least one of the following:

• Have a B average in the course for which there is an exam through the final day of that course;
• Have handed in all homework on time with a passing grade, and have no more than two days absent in that course for the whole semester (for any reason except “school activity.”)

PSAT & SAT for HCHS Students

On Wednesday, March 18 at 8:30am at HCHS, 9th graders will be taking the PSAT 8/9, 10th graders the PSAT 10, and 11th graders the SAT. The PSAT and SAT showcase the classroom skills and knowledge that are essential for college and career readiness. In addition, this benchmark data helps Holland Christian to continuously improve its strong approach towards academic excellence. Students will be dismissed when the testing is finished, approximately 11:30am (no cafeteria services that day). Seniors do not need to attend school on March 18. Tech Center is required for seniors, but juniors will be excused from Tech Center due to the testing.

Athletic Department

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

• All families with 6th-12th grade potential athletes need to be registered with our online registration system Final Forms. For those already registered for the current year, you simply need to login, select the sports your child is interested in and update any changes to your and your child’s information. This is also the place where you print the updated 25-26  physical form to take with you to your DO/MD/NP/PA appointment and have that individual sign the form.
• For Summer Camps information and registration, please go to our “Active Summer Camps Registration Page”

Important Dates

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

Athlete Physicals

Holland Christian encourages every child to see their primary care physician for their well child visit, but also understands the annual MHSAA pre-participation sports physical requirement does not always align with insurance requirements. Holland Christian’s sports physical night offers a low cost visit that meets the MHSAA requirements, but it is not an alternative to an annual well child visit. Regardless of where the MHSAA physical is performed, it must be completed by a MD, DO, NP or PA who will check for significant medical concerns that could arise through participation in sports. The MHSAA physical form must be completed between April 15 and the first practice/try-out for a student to participate in any in-season sport.

For spring 2026, Holland Hospital and Shoreline Orthopedic Sports Medicine are collectively offering two evenings for all area partner schools. The first date is Thursday, April 23 at Shoreline Orthopaedic in Zeeland from 6-8pm at 8251 Westpark Way, Suite #150, Zeeland, 49464. The second date is Wednesday, May 6 at the Saugatuck location of Holland Hospital from 6-8pm at 6490 Blue Star Hwy, Saugatuck, 49453.

Families can register for a physical slot at maroonsathletics.org/Registrations.

Fine Arts

Living Hope Showcase 2026: Vintage Vibes: Groovy Songs of the ’70s

Join the Living Hope Singers in celebrating the iconic songs of the ’70s. From Disco to Rock, Folk to Funk, Showcase 2026 will take you back, and it’s sure to be a groovy time! Performances will be held Friday & Saturday, March 13 & 14 at 7pm in the HCHS Auditorium. Tickets are available on the Living Hope page.

Holland Christian Band Extravaganza

Mark your calendars for the HCS 5th – 12th Band Extravaganza Concert on Tuesday, March 17 at 7pm at the West Ottawa High School Performing Arts Center (3685 Butternut Dr, Holland, MI 49424)

Swingin’ the Night Away

Counselors’ Corner

Testing Information

• All 11th grade students will take the SAT during the school day on Wednesday, March 18, 2026. 9th and 10th grade students will take the PSAT on this day. Students do not need to register for these tests, and there is no cost for students.
• Upcoming Saturday SAT dates are available in May. You can search testing sites in our area when you go to the SAT website to register.
• Upcoming Saturday ACT test dates are available in April. You can search for testing sites in our area when you go to the ACT website to register.
• Test Preparation: There are free resources for SAT test preparation. There are also free resources available for ACT test preparation.

College Financial Aid

The financial aid office of the college(s) you are considering is the best place to go if you have specific FAFSA or financial aid related questions.

Scholarships

Internal scholarships are available to current, full-time Holland Christian seniors (this includes Tech Center seniors). Details have been emailed to all full-time seniors. These are listed on Google Classroom under the course “HCHS Internal Scholarships.” The due date for these applications is Friday, March 27, 2026 by 3pm. There is still a list of outside opportunities listed on the HC website under the counseling section.

Scholarship Night

We would like to celebrate the accomplishments of our seniors by including a list of all merit scholarship recipients in the Scholarship Night and graduation programs. If your senior son/daughter is receiving a merit scholarship from a college you know he/she will be attending, please provide Mrs. Silva in the high school office with written verification of the award. You may copy the letter or the email notifying you of the award received. This does not include need-based financial aid awards. Please have all scholarships turned in by Tuesday, April 28, 2026. Once a student turns in scholarship(s), he/she will receive an invitation letter to Scholarship Night. Please reserve the evening of Thursday, May 7, 2026 for this event. It is a special night to acknowledge the hard work of our seniors, and we want to celebrate their accomplishments!

College Visits

We encourage juniors to begin exploring colleges of interest. Students are allowed two school-related absences per semester for college visits. School-related absence means the absence does not count toward the ten absences allowed. There is a form that the student must fill out before the visit. This must be completed and signed by the college official and returned to the high school office in order for the absence to be cleared. The college visit permission form is available in the high school office and the counseling office. We hope this helps encourage students to explore college/career options without worrying about accruing too many absences. Please note that parents do need to call in the absence ahead of time. Once the completed form is turned in to the office, the absence will get coded as a college visit and will not count against the student.

25-26 School Calendar

Important Dates

March

• 5: Parent-Teacher Conferences (5:30-8:30pm)
• 13 & 14: Living Hope Showcase, 7pm
• 17: Band Extravaganza Concert, 7pm
• 20: Swingin’ the Night Away, 6:45-9pm

April

• 3-12: No school, Spring break
• 13: School resumes
• 25: Junior/Senior Banquet
• 30: Spring Show, Wait Until Dark, 7pm

May

• 1: Spring Show, Wait Until Dark, 7 pm
• 2: Spring Show, Wait Until Dark, 2 & 7pm
• 7: Grandparents Day, special schedule, Tulip Time (half day, 11:10 dismissal)
• 7: Senior Scholarship Night, 7 pm
• 11: Spring Choir Concert, HS Auditorium, 7:30pm
• 13: Orchestra Concert at Jack Miller Center 7:30pm
• 14: Band Concert at West Ottawa HS Performing Arts Center 7:30pm
• 15: Last day for seniors
• 18: Senior exams
• 19: Commencement for Class of 2026
• 25: Memorial Day vacation
• 29: HCHS exams begin

Dear Holland Christian Families,

Welcome to February! With all of the snow days we experienced in January this year, it’s hard to believe that we’re already moving on to a new month. February can often feel like a Tuesday, a period of time that lacks the freshness of a new beginning and the excitement brought by the closing of a chapter. Yet, I have found that these seemingly ordinary weeks are a time when our habits are shaped and when faith can be practiced in small but meaningful ways. Often in the life of a school, this formation shows up in how we treat one another. As we focus this month on hospitality, we are reminded that faith takes root as we receive and extend grace, speak with both care and honesty, and build relationships that strengthen our community.

I have been thinking recently about Jesus’ words in Matthew 7, where he contrasts a house built on sand with one built on the rock. The difference is not in what the builders hear, but in what they do. Formation is never accidental. It grows through steady practices, faithful relationships, and a community committed to walking together in the way of Jesus. Hospitality is one of those practices. It is a lived expression of faith that asks us to make room for one another, even when it requires patience, humility, or perseverance.

This understanding is reflected in recent research from the Barna Group. In 2023, Barna reported that only 20 percent of self identified Christians in the United States meet their definition of a resilient disciple. A resilient disciple is someone deeply committed to Jesus, grounded in Scripture, engaged in Christian community, and motivated to live out their faith in the world. Among Christians in their twenties, that number dropped to just 10 percent. These findings are not shared to discourage us, but to clarify the importance of being intentional about how faith is formed in each generation.

Against that broader backdrop, we are encouraged by what we see within our own school community. Our recent Student Life and Discipleship Survey showed that most of our students attend church weekly (86%) and affirm the Bible as God’s Word (80%). More than half shared that they have a personal relationship with Jesus that shapes their daily decisions, and many named parents (93%), older disciples of Jesus (96%), and peers (96%) as significant influences in their discipleship to Jesus. These are signs of a community that is actively investing in one another.

At the same time, the survey reminds us that formation is ongoing. Many students described their faith as influential but not yet central (55%), and they testified to experiencing pressures such as loneliness (7.5%), stress (31.8%), and comparison (17%). In addition, 57% of our students shared that they spend at least two hours every day on their smartphones. These are not signs of failure, but they are honest reflections of growing up in today’s world. They also help explain why Christian education is not simply about adding Bible classes or chapel services, but about shaping rhythms and relationships that help students learn to receive grace and extend it to others.

This is why our mission to equip minds and nurture hearts to transform the world for Jesus Christ continues to matter so deeply. Our calling is not only to educate students academically, but to help form young people who know to whom they belong and how they can love their neighbors. Hospitality plays an essential role in that formation, teaching students to see others not as competitors, obstacles, or interruptions, but as fellow image-bearers of God worthy of care and attention.

As parents, educators, and church leaders, we share this sacred work. While grades and test scores are important, we invite you to continue asking deeper questions with us. Are our students learning to love what God loves? Are they growing in patience, humility, and courage? Are they becoming people who practice hospitality by offering grace, speaking honestly with kindness, and building relationships rooted in mutual care?

We are grateful for the trust you place in us and for the partnership we share in the academic and spiritual formation of your children. May this winter season, quiet though it may feel, be a time when God continues his faithful work among us as a community shaped by grace and welcome.

With Thanks,

Miles Colago

High School Principal

General Information

26-27 Class Signup

2026-27 HCHS class registration for 9th-11th grade is due February 13, at noon in PowerSchool – Class Registration. If you have questions check out the HC Registrar webpage or meet with your counselor.

PSAT & SAT for HCHS Students

On Wednesday, March 18 at 8:30am at HCHS, 9th graders will be taking the PSAT 8/9, 10th graders the PSAT 10, and 11th graders the SAT. The PSAT and SAT showcase the classroom skills and knowledge that are essential for college and career readiness. In addition, this benchmark data helps Holland Christian to continuously improve its strong approach towards academic excellence. Students will be dismissed when the testing is finished, approximately 11:30am (no cafeteria services that day). Seniors do not need to attend school on March 18. Tech Center is required for seniors, but juniors will be excused from Tech Center due to the testing.

Student Life and Discipleship

On January 26, we invited all students to participate in a Student Life and Discipleship survey. This survey serves as an important tool for helping us better understand students’  life experiences, spiritual needs, and areas where we can continue to grow as we follow Jesus together. We’re grateful to all of the students who took the time to share thoughtful and honest feedback.

In the coming months, we’ll be using this data to prayerfully evaluate our programs, pedagogy, and student life and discipleship opportunities. The insights we gain will help guide planning, shape future initiatives, and ensure we’re stewarding our time and resources in ways that best support students’ spiritual formation, community life, and overall well-being.

If you’d like to view the survey that was shared with students, you can access it here: Student Life and Discipleship Survey – January 2026.

Athletic Department

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

• All families with 6th-12th grade potential athletes need to be registered with our online registration system Final Forms. For those already registered for the current year, you simply need to login, select the sports your child is interested in and update any changes to your and your child’s information. This is also the place where you print the updated 25-26  physical form to take with you to your DO/MD/NP/PA appointment and have that individual sign the form.
• For Summer Camps information and registration, please go to our “Active Summer Camps Registration Page”

Important Dates

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

Fine Arts Department

MIFA Home Benefit Show: Ken Ludwig’s Moriarty

All family, friends, and community members are invited to our MIFA Home Benefit show of Ken Ludwig’s Moriarty on Tuesday, February 17 from 6-7pm. The show is free, but donations to the Theater Department are very welcome. We would love to see all of you there! If you have any questions, please contact Jill Davis.

Living Hope Showcase 2026: Vintage Vibes: Groovy Songs of the ’70s

Join the Living Hope Singers in celebrating the iconic songs of the ’70s. From Disco to Rock, Folk to Funk, Showcase 2026 will take you back, and it’s sure to be a groovy time! Performances will be held Friday and Saturday, March 13 & 14 at 7pm in the HCHS Auditorium. Tickets will be available starting on February 9 at Living Hope page.

Holland Christian Band Extravaganza

Mark your calendars for the HCS 5th – 12th Band Extravaganza Concert on Tuesday, March 17 at 7pm at the West Ottawa High School Performing Arts Center (3685 Butternut Dr, Holland, MI 49424)

Swingin’ the Night Away

Don’t miss out on Swingin’ the Night Away on Friday, March 20 at 6:45pm-9pm in the HCHS cafeteria!

Counselors’ Corner

Seniors & Parents of Seniors

Just a reminder that if you have improved your ACT/SAT scores and would like your intended college/university to have these scores, you must have your updated scores sent directly from your ACT or SAT student account. Your HC transcript does not list or include test scores. If you did not put down the 4 digit codes for the college(s) you wish to receive your test scores when you registered for the SAT/ACT, you can log into your account and request that your new scores be sent. There is a fee to send additional scores.

Likewise, some schools require a mid-year transcript through the Common Application. If your school(s) don’t require this, but you would like to send your updated transcript at the end of semester one, please log in to your Parchment account and request a transcript.

If you have questions, please contact your counselor.

Scholarships

It is very important for seniors to regularly check their email and to read the daily announcements, as information about scholarship opportunities and deadlines is communicated via both.

Throughout the school year, various scholarship opportunities will be posted online through the Counseling Department. A listing of outside scholarships, both regional and national, is updated as we receive notices of scholarship opportunities. The Community Foundation of Holland/Zeeland scholarships that are open to Holland Christian students close on February 1, and more information will be available soon about internal HC scholarships, which are for full-time Holland Christian students only.

Careerline Tech Center

The Tech Center online application for the 2026-27 school year is open and available on the OAISD Website. Please remember that you must print out your completed application and bring it to the Student Services/Counseling office. Applications are due by February 13, 2026.

Testing Information

• Upcoming ACT test dates are February 14 and April 11. Register for the ACT.
• HCHS is a testing site for the SAT on May 2. Register for the SAT.
• All 11th grade students will take the SAT during the school day on Wednesday, March 18, 2026. Students do not need to register for this test, and there is no cost for students.
• Test Preparation: There are free resources for SAT test preparation. There are also free resources available for ACT test preparation.

Financial Aid

All students seeking financial aid (institution based, state & federal funds) must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online via the FAFSA Website. The FAFSA will be available for you to complete beginning in December. Be sure to check the financial aid link on each college website for specific information on their timelines. For helpful information on the FAFSA, check out this FAFSA Application guide.

The federal student aid estimator can provide you with an estimate of your Student Aid Index (SAI). This index is used by colleges to determine what types of student aid you may receive. Again, the financial aid office of the college(s) you are considering is a great place to start if you have specific FAFSA or financial aid questions.

Helpful Resource for Financing College

The MI Student Aid website has helpful information, links, and resources for students and families to use in navigating the college financial aid and scholarship landscape.

The Sallie Mae Paying for College Resource is a helpful destination to guide students and families make a plan to pay for college. The resource is free, easy to use, and includes great information on all the important paying-for-college topics.

College Athletics

If you are considering attending a NCAA Division I or II school, and you hope to compete in  athletics, the NCAA Eligibility Center is an important place to start. It is the responsibility of the student and parents to be familiar with eligibility requirements and course specifics.

If you are considering participating in athletics at the NAIA level, check out the NAIA eligibility center.

Important Dates

2025-26 School Calendar

February

• 7: Parent-sponsored Winterfest Dance
• 13: 26-27 school year course registration deadline
• 13: No school
• 16: No school, Presidents Day
• 26: Parent-Teacher Conferences (3:30-6:30pm)

March

• 5: Parent-Teacher Conferences (5:30-8:30pm)
• 13 & 14: Living Hope Showcase, 7pm
• 17: Band Extravaganza Concert, 7pm
• 20: Swingin’ the Night Away, 6:45-9pm

April

• 3-12: No school, Spring break
• 25: Junior/Senior Banquet

Dear HCHS Families,

Welcome to January and to the beginning of a new year! After the fast pace of December, January offers an important invitation to pause and reflect on what God has done in our communities and how we might continue to lean into his Kingdom purpose. This month, one of Holland Christian’s cultural values, flourishing, provides a meaningful lens for the start of the year. At HCS, flourishing means growing and serving as whole beings with all our heart, mind, and strength. It reflects a biblical vision of life that is not fragmented or reduced to performance, but rooted and directed toward loving God and neighbors.

Scripture begins with a clear picture of flourishing. In Genesis, before the fall, Adam and Eve lived in right relationship with God, one another, and creation itself. Their work mattered. Their rest was secure. There was no fear or shame, only trust and purpose (Genesis 1–2). Sin, however, disrupted that harmony, introducing brokenness into every relationship, including how humans understand themselves in relationship to God (Genesis 3). Yet from the beginning, God’s desire has been to restore that relationship, and in Jesus, we see that restoration embodied. Jesus lived the life made full, as it was meant to be, with dependence on the Father, self-less love for others, and faithfulness in both joy and suffering. Scripture describes Jesus growing in wisdom, stature, and favor with God and others (Luke 2:52), offering a picture of integrated growth that speaks directly to our understanding of flourishing. Jesus did not promise an easy life, but he did promise a full one (John 10:10), grounded in being with him, becoming like him, and doing as he did.

For many of our students, this vision of flourishing can feel distant. Young people today are navigating a world that often works against wholeness. In The Anxious Generation, Jonathan Haidt describes the rise in anxiety, loneliness, and emotional distress among adolescents, shaped by constant digital stimulation, social comparison, and fewer opportunities for meaningful independence and embodied connection with others. We see these realities in our students as they wrestle with their identity as God’s children, belonging in the body of Christ, and pressure to perform before their peers. Flourishing, for them, is not automatic. It must be nurtured. At HCHS, we are encouraged by the ways students are engaging this challenge. In classrooms, teachers are inviting students to think deeply, ask honest questions, and connect learning to faith and life. In chapels and advisory spaces, students are given room to reflect, pray, and be known. In athletics, the arts, and other co-curriculars, students are learning to direct their gifts toward service to teammates and others rather than self-promotion. All of this reflects our desire to help students love God with their whole selves (Deuteronomy 6:5), not just with their intellect.

Flourishing is not the work of a school alone. It requires partnership. Parents and caregivers play a crucial role in shaping rhythms of rest, presence, and healthy limits at home. Churches ground students in worship, community, and a story larger than themselves. The author of the book of Hebrews reminds us that growth happens best in community, as we encourage one another toward love and good deeds (Hebrews 10:24-25). When school, church, and home move in the same direction, students are surrounded by a consistent witness to God’s goodness and care.

As we begin this new year, I am grateful for the ways our students continue to grow, serve, and seek wholeness in Christ. There is still much work to be done, but there is also much to give thanks for. Thank you for your continued support and partnership as we pursue flourishing together and seek to equip minds and nurture hearts to transform the world for Jesus Christ.

With thanks,

Miles Colago

HS Principal

General Information

First Semester Exams

• Students are not required to be at school unless they have an exam.
• Students will not be allowed to take exams until all lunch detentions have been served, and will not receive credit for first semester courses until exams are taken.
• All lunch account negative balances must be paid before exams may be taken.
• All books must be returned and fines paid in the Media Center before exams may be taken.
• All students should check with the bus driver to find out the bus schedule for exam week.

Exam Schedule

• Tuesday, January 13, 2026
  • 8:45-10:15am 1st-hour exam
  • 10:30am-12:00pm 2nd-hour exam: Tech Center required. Students may leave 2nd hour exam when finished; Tech will be notified that you may be late.
• Wednesday, January 14
  • 8:45-10:15am 3rd-hour exam
  • 10:30am-12:00pm 4th-hour exam: Tech Center required
• Thursday, January 15
  • 8:45-10:15am 5th-hour exam
  • 10:30am-12:00pm 6th-hour exam: Tech Center required
• Friday, January 16
  • 8:45-10:15am 7th-hour exam
  • 10:30am-12:00pm Make-up slot: Tech Center required

26 – 27 Class Signup

Students will be signing up for their 2026-2027 classes in February. Registration information for current 9th-11th graders will be presented to students at school by the end of January–see schedule below. Parents are invited to these presentations, which will be a workshop model with students bringing laptops and going through the registration process. All registration information will be online, and students and parents will be notified when it is available to view. All parents are encouraged to discuss with students the opportunities that are available.

• Current 11th graders during Family Flex (10:05 – 11am) on January 21
• Current 10th graders during Family Flex (9:30 – 10:15am) on January 26
• Current 9th graders during Family Flex (10:05 – 11am) on January 28

Current students will submit their course selections online before noon, Friday, February 13, 2026.

For a preview of what students will be receiving at school, simply go to the Registrar’s website and click on the link to scheduling information for the grade you will be in next year. Please note that some information on the web site will be updated between now and the end of January to reflect new course offerings and other changes to the curriculum.

Student Life and Discipleship

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! 

Athletic Department

The 2026 CHAMPS Coupon Book is ready for purchase! View a sample of the 2026 CHAMPS Coupon book. In addition to the lakeshore coupons regularly found in the CHAMPS Coupon Book, there are regional and national discounts as well. Each purchased book comes with a free activation code for 12 months of mobile app coupons for the greater Holland area, as well as across the US based on your location. Earn at least your $30 purchase back in only a handful of uses with discounts found in the book and through the mobile app.

CHAMPS Coupon Books are available at Quality Car Wash locations, Russ’ Restaurant locations, Community Restaurant, school offices and Ditto. You can also purchase your CHAMPS Coupon Book through HCS or ZCS TRIP to receive 10% of the book’s cost back on your tuition.  The coupon book sale raises significant funds to directly benefit our middle school and high school student-athletes. Thank you for supporting athletics at both Holland Christian and Zeeland Christian Schools through the purchase of a 2026 CHAMPS Coupon Book!

Upcoming Fine Arts Events

Holland Christian Band Extravaganza and Swingin’ the Night Away

Counselors Corner

Careerline Tech Center

We will have representatives from the Careerline Tech Center presenting about what the Tech Center has to offer, should students be interested in attending during their junior or senior year, on Wednesday, February 5, 2026. All sophomores and any interested juniors will be able to attend this presentation. More information will be available in the announcements in January. There is also an open house at the Tech Center scheduled for February 4, 2026 from 5:30-7:30pm.

Seniors & Parents of Seniors

Just a reminder that if you have improved your ACT/SAT scores and would like your intended college/university to have these scores, you must have your updated scores sent directly from your ACT or SAT student account. Your HC transcript does not list or include test scores. If you did not put down the 4 digit codes for the college(s) you wish to receive your test scores when you registered for the SAT/ACT, you can log into your account and request that your new scores be sent. There is a fee to send additional scores.

Likewise, some schools require a mid-year transcript through the Common Application. If your school(s) don’t require this, but you would like to send your updated transcript at the end of semester one, please log in to your Parchment account and request a transcript.

If you have questions, please contact your counselor.

 Testing Information

• All 11th grade students will take the SAT during the school day on Wednesday, March 18, 2026. Students do not need to register for this test, and there is no cost for students.
• Upcoming SAT test date is May 2.  HCHS is a testing site for the May date. Register for the SAT.
• Upcoming ACT test dates are February 14 and April 11. HCHS is a testing site for the February date.  Register for the ACT.
• Test Preparation: There are free resources for SAT test preparation. There are also free resources available for ACT test preparation.

Financial Aid

All students seeking financial aid (institution based, state & federal funds) must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online via the FAFSA Website. The FAFSA will be available for you to complete beginning in December. Be sure to check the financial aid link on each college website for specific information on their timelines. For helpful information on the FAFSA, check out this FAFSA Application guide.

The federal student aid estimator can provide you with an estimate of your Student Aid Index (SAI). This index is used by colleges to determine what types of student aid you may receive. Again, the financial aid office of the college(s) you are considering is a great place to start if you have specific FAFSA or financial aid questions.

Scholarships

Throughout the school year, various scholarship opportunities will be posted online through the Counseling Department. A listing of outside scholarships, both regional and national, is updated as we receive notices of scholarship opportunities. Beginning in January and early February, there will be information online about the Community Foundation of Holland/Zeeland scholarships that are open to Holland Christian students, and also internal HC scholarships, which are for full-time Holland Christian students only.

Helpful Resource for Financing College

The MI Student Aid website has helpful information, links, and resources for students and families to use in navigating the college financial aid and scholarship landscape.

The Sallie Mae Paying for College Resource is a helpful destination to guide students and families make a plan to pay for college. The resource is free, easy to use, and includes great information on all the important paying-for-college topics.

College Athletics

If you are considering attending a NCAA Division I or II school, and you hope to compete in  athletics, the NCAA Eligiblity Center is an important place to start. It is the responsibility of the student and parents to be familiar with eligibility requirements and course specifics.

If you are considering participating in athletics at the NAIA level, check out the NAIA eligibility center.

Important Dates

2025-26 Holland Christian Schools Calendar

January

• 5: School resumes
• 13-16: Exams
• 19: No school, Martin Luther King Jr. Day
• 20: Second semester begins
• 26: HS Showcase, 7pm, Doors open 6:30pm RSVP here

February

• 7: Parent Sponsored Winterfest Dance
• 13: No school (Professional development)
• 16: No school, Presidents Day

Dear HCHS Families,

Welcome to December and to the Christmas season as our community moves toward Bethlehem even while schedules speed up. Concert rehearsals, games at the Civic Center, semester projects, and finals can stack quickly, yet Advent reminds us that the center of this season is not hurry but hope in the extraordinary love of God embodied in the life of Jesus.

As we enter into this season of Advent, one of Holland Christian’s cultural values, discernment, helps provide an important frame for how followers of Jesus are to engage God’s world. At HCHS, discernment means seeking God’s truth, practicing curiosity, courage, and conviction as we wrestle with culture. Students are growing up in a world that offers many voices about what matters, what is true, and who they should become, and our hope and desire is that students listen first to Jesus as they engage these challenging questions.

When I became a follower of Jesus in high school, I remember reading through the New Testament for the first time and being struck by Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7). There were a few parts that were confusing and required guidance from pastors, but much of it was so counter-cultural, that I did not think Jesus’ expectations were realistic:

• “Anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment” (Matt 5:22)
• “Do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well.” (Matt 5: 39-40).
• “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” (Matt 5:44).
• “Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them” (Matt 6:1)
• “Do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or your body, what you will wear” (Matt. 6: 25).
• “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal” (Matt. 6:19).

These are only a few of the words Jesus instructed his disciples to “put into practice” as they engaged God’s world, and my first impulse was to say, “But what about [fill in with a scenario that justifies my actions if they only slightly clash with the teachings of Jesus].” Dietrich Bonhoeffer said this about the Sermon on the Mount in his text, The Cost of Discipleship:

“Humanly speaking, we could understand and interpret the Sermon on the Mount in a thousand different ways. Jesus knows only one possibility: simple surrender and obedience, not interpreting it or applying it, but doing and obeying it. […] He does not mean that it is to be discussed as an ideal; he really means us to get on with it.”

This year I have been greatly encouraged by so many of our students’ desire to grow in discernment and put Jesus’ teachings into practice. We have record numbers of students attending Public Reading of Scripture sessions at the high school and middle school, and also for our Just Show Up book clubs on Tim Keller’s book, Forgive. Our fantastic and wise teachers are guiding our students with not only academically rigorous lessons but also real-life challenges that spur students to “do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with their God” (Micah 6:8). And our co-curricular programs are explicitly guiding our students to direct their talents towards glorifying God and not themselves. While there are always more opportunities for growth in several areas of our life together, there is so much to be thankful for as we step into this season of remembering the life and teachings of Jesus. Thank you for your continued support and partnership as we continue our mission to equip minds and nurture hearts to transform the world for Jesus Christ.

With thanks,

Miles Colago
HS Principal

General Information

Student Life and Discipleship

As a school district, each campus has established a Student Life and Discipleship team that focuses on continuous improvement in how we do life together as a Christian school community. Within this subsection of our newsletters, you will see a few updates each month regarding potential updates regarding student life initiatives, like building positive reinforcement systems, and reminders concerning typical behavioral expectations. This team will also serve as a resource for providing strategies on the home front related to the latest research on the challenges young adults are facing today. Thank you, as always, for your partnership in forming the next generation of resilient followers of Jesus who are equipped to serve God and their neighbors better each day.

Maroon & White Shop Open House

Mark your calendars for Wednesday, December 3, 3pm – 8pm. You are invited to the Maroon and White Shop’s Christmas Open House! Browse the store at HCHS while listening to Christmas music and start your Christmas shopping! Each item bought directly supports the Special Olympics Unified Sports program at HCHS. Follow us on Instagram @maroonandwhiteshop to get the latest updates.

Christmas Break

The High School office will be closed during the Christmas break from December 22 – January 5. The administration office will be closed for the holidays from December 24-January 1 and will resume normal office hours on January 2.

26-27 Class Signup

Students will be signing up for their 26-27 classes beginning in late January. Students will receive information about course scheduling and registration for next year during Family Flex:

• Current juniors: Wednesday, January 21
• Current sophomores: Monday, January 26
• Current freshman: Wednesday, January 28

All parents are encouraged to discuss with students the opportunities that are available. Current students will submit their course selections online by February 13, 2026. Registration information will be updated on the Registrar page prior to January 21.

First Semester Exams

• Students are not required to be at school unless they have an exam.
• Students will not be allowed to take exams until all lunch detentions have been served, and will not receive credit for first semester courses until exams are taken.
• All lunch account negative balances must be paid before exams may be taken.
• All books must be returned and fines paid in the Media Center before exams may be taken.
• All students should check with the bus driver to find out the bus schedule for exam week.

Exam Schedule

• Tuesday, January 13, 2026
  • 8:45-10:15am 1st-hour exam
  • 10:30am-12:00pm 2nd-hour exam: Tech Center required. Students may leave 2nd hour exam when finished; Tech will be notified that you may be late.
• Wednesday, January 14
  • 8:45-10:15am 3rd-hour exam
  • 10:30am-12:00pm 4th-hour exam: Tech Center required
• Thursday, January 15
  • 8:45-10:15am 5th-hour exam
  • 10:30am-12:00pm 6th-hour exam: Tech Center required
• Friday, January 16
  • 8:45-10:15am 7th-hour exam
  • 10:30am-12:00pm Make-up slot: Tech Center required

Athletic Department

Champs Coupon Books

The 2026 Champs coupon book is now available, with coupons ready to use from when the book is purchased through December 31, 2026. In addition to the local restaurant, retail and recreation savings opportunities, there are also coupons for regional and national businesses in the greater Holland area. Each book comes with a free code for mobile app discounts across the country based on your location, including West Michigan. Pick up your CHAMPS coupon book at any HC or ZCS school office, Russ’, Quality Car Wash, or HC TRIP table.

Winter Athletic Spirit Shops

At the beginning of each season, Holland Christian offers team shops for sport specific apparel. Aquatics, basketball and general Maroons apparel are available now through December 17.  Orders are shipped to home 1-2 days from the time of your order, meaning you will receive your order much faster than in the past! Take a look at our three winter shops at our spirit shop here.

Fine Arts

Christmas Concert

The High School Music Department invites you to its annual band, orchestra and choir Christmas concert Tuesday, December 16 in the Jack H. Miller Center for the Musical Arts, located on the campus of Hope College. We will be offering two performance times: 6pm and 7:45pm. General admission is free and no reservations are necessary. We look forward to sharing in the celebration of our Savior’s birth through our music!

24-Hour Theater: Join the Madness!

You are invited to join our 2025 24-Hour Theater Event, where you will work in teams to write, cast, produce, and perform an original short play in only 24 hours! This chaotic and creative event culminates in a show where all of your friends and family can come see what you created. 24-Hour Theater runs from Friday, December 12-Saturday, December 13, with our final show at 7pm on Saturday night. No previous theater experience required! If you’ve ever wanted to do theater, but have always struggled to find the time, this is the event for you.

If you are interested in joining us, check out the 24 Hour Theatre sign-up link or email Mrs. Davis (jdavis@hollandchristian.org) for more details. We hope you’ll join us in December!

MIFA 2026: MORIARTY

MIFA, our competitive theater season, is about to begin in early December. All students who are interested in being a part of the team, whether they have participated before or not, are strongly encouraged to come to a pre-season info meeting on Monday, December 1 from 3:30-4:30 in the Lecture Hall to learn more about the play, the season, and other important information. The audition form for Moriarty can be found here.

Counselors Corner

Careerline Tech Center

We will have representatives from the Careerline Tech Center presenting about what the Tech Center has to offer, should students be interested in attending the Tech Center beginning junior or senior year. All sophomores and any interested juniors will be able to attend this presentation during a Family Flex in January. More information, including the presentation date/time/location will be available in the announcements in January. There is also an open house at the Tech Center scheduled for February 3, 2026 from 5:30-7:30pm.

Junior + Parent Meetings

In mid-November, an email was sent to all parents of full-time juniors. This email included an invitation to sign up for a junior + parent meeting. Please follow the links in the email if this is of interest to you.

Testing Information

• Upcoming ACT test dates are December 13, February 14 and April 11. Register for the ACT.
• Upcoming SAT test dates are December 6 and May 2. HCHS is a testing site for these dates. Register for the SAT.
• All 11th grade students will take the SAT during the school day on Wednesday, March 18, 2026. Students do not need to register for this test, and there is no cost for students.
• Test Preparation: There are free resources for SAT test preparation. There are also free resources available for ACT test preparation.

Financial Aid

All students seeking financial aid (institution based, state & federal funds) must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online via the FAFSA Website. Be sure to check the financial aid link on each college website for specific information on their timelines. For helpful information on the FAFSA, check out this FAFSA Application guide.

The federal student aid estimator can provide you with an estimate of your Student Aid Index (SAI). This index is used by colleges to determine what types of student aid you may receive. Again, the financial aid office of the college(s) you are considering is a great place to start if you have specific FAFSA or financial aid questions.

Scholarships

Throughout the school year, various scholarship opportunities will be posted online through the Counseling Department. A listing of outside scholarships, both regional and national, is updated as we receive notices of scholarship opportunities. On December 1, the application for Community Foundation of Holland/Zeeland scholarships opens. Community Foundation scholarship applications must be submitted by February 1. More information and application links for internal HC scholarships, which are for full-time Holland Christian students only, will be available in late January or early February.

Helpful Resource for Financing College

The MI Student Aid website has helpful information, links, and resources for students and families to use in navigating the college financial aid and scholarship landscape.

The Sallie Mae Paying for College Resource is a helpful destination to guide students and families make a plan to pay for college. The resource is free, easy to use, and includes great information on all the important paying-for-college topics.

College Athletics

If you are considering attending a NCAA Division I or II school, and you hope to compete in  athletics, the NCAA Eligiblity Center is an important place to start. It is the responsibility of the student and parents to be familiar with eligibility requirements and course specifics.

If you are considering participating in athletics at the NAIA level, check out the NAIA eligibility center.

Important Dates

2025-26 Holland Christian Schools Calendar

December

• 12-13: 24 Hour Theatre
• 16: High School Christmas concert, 6:00 & 7:45pm
• 22: Christmas break begins

January

• 5: School resumes
• 13-16: Exams
• 19: No school, MLK Day
• 20: Second semester begins

Dear HCHS Families,

This year’s theme, The Joy of the Lord, reminds our community that true joy is found in knowing and walking with God. Flowing from the joy that comes from being in God’s presence is one of Holland Christian’s cultural values: Discovery—cultivating wonder and enriching faith through the lens of Scripture. Discovery invites students, teachers, and families to see learning as an act of worship, a way of exploring God’s creation and recognizing His fingerprint in every subject and educational experience.

From the very beginning of Scripture, God called His people into discovery. In Genesis, Adam and Eve were invited to name the animals, an act that required them to observe, explore, and delight in God’s creation (Gen. 2:19-20). This moment illustrates how discovery is part of humanity’s original calling. God did not simply give them all the answers; instead, He invited them to engage with the world, to learn from it, and to participate in His creative work.

Scripture is filled with moments where God’s people discover more of His character and purpose through curiosity and obedience. Abraham ventured into the unknown, discovering God’s faithfulness along the way (Gen. 12:1-4; Heb 11:8-10). Moses turned aside to see the burning bush and encountered the holiness of God (Ex. 3:1-6). The psalmist marveled at the heavens, recognizing that “the skies proclaim the work of His hands” (Ps. 19:1). Jesus reinforces this value in how He led His followers into discovery: teaching through parables, questions, and experiences that opened their eyes to the beauty of God’s Kingdom.

At Holland Christian, discovery is woven into every classroom and every subject. When students explore the intricacies of science, the creativity of art, the logic of mathematics, or the complexities of literature and history, they are invited to see God’s intricate hand at work. The cultivation of wonder encourages students to learn and know that every square inch of creation belongs to God and that the pursuit of knowledge can draw hearts closer to Him. Learning thus becomes an opportunity to transform curiosity into worship and study into spiritual formation.

This value of discovery strengthens Holland Christian’s mission: to equip minds and nurture hearts to transform the world for Jesus Christ. By encouraging students to ask questions, seek understanding, and delight in learning, we desire for every student to grow into thoughtful, faithful individuals who see God’s world as a place to love Him and their neighbors better each day. Discovery shapes not only strong thinkers but also joyful disciples who recognize that every new insight, every wonder uncovered, reflects the glory of the Creator.

May our community continue to pursue discovery with curiosity and joy, confident that each new thing learned is another glimpse into the vastness of God’s goodness and grace.

With thanks,

Miles Colago

High School Principal

General Information

Veterans Day Assembly

You are invited to join us for our Veterans Day Assembly on Tuesday, November 11. Our program will begin at 9:30am in the high school gym.

Dutch Dance

Counselors Corner

Decisions for Seniors

We have met with each senior individually to make sure they are on track with their post-high school planning and all that comes with it. Our encouragement to college bound seniors is to get their applications done soon in order to have the best opportunities for financial aid and scholarships. We also assist non-college bound seniors with career exploration, vocational opportunities, and job search skills.

Many colleges are SAT/ACT test-optional for acceptance, so testing may not be a requirement for acceptance. Some colleges are test-optional regarding scholarships as well. Students should check with individual colleges to determine if an ACT or SAT score is needed for merit-based scholarships. If scores are needed, the student should request them through their CollegeBoard or ACT student account.

When in doubt, it is best to connect with the admissions and/or financial aid office of the college(s) you are considering to get the most accurate information on admissions policies, scholarships, financial aid, and specific programs/opportunities.

Financial Aid

All students seeking financial aid (institution based, state & federal funds) must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online via the FAFSA Website. The FAFSA will be available for you to complete beginning in December. Be sure to check the financial aid link on each college website for specific information on their timelines. For helpful information on the FAFSA, check out this FAFSA Application guide.

The federal student aid estimator can provide you with an estimate of your Student Aid Index (SAI). This index is used by colleges to determine what types of student aid you may receive. Again, the financial aid office of the college(s) you are considering is a great place to start if you have specific FAFSA or financial aid questions.

Scholarships

Throughout the school year, various scholarship opportunities will be posted online through the Counseling Department. A listing of outside scholarships, both regional and national, is updated as we receive notices of scholarship opportunities. Beginning in January and early February, there will be information online about the Community Foundation of Holland/Zeeland scholarships that are open to Holland Christian students, and also internal HC scholarships, which are for full-time Holland Christian students only.

Helpful Resource for Financing College

• The MI Student Aid website has helpful information, links, and resources for students and families to use in navigating the college financial aid and scholarship landscape.
• The Sallie Mae Paying for College Resource is a helpful destination to guide students and families make a plan to pay for college. The resource is free, easy to use, and includes great information on all the important paying-for-college topics.

Testing Information

• The next ACT test date is December 13, 2025. Register for the ACT.
• Upcoming SAT test dates are November 8 & December 6. HCHS is a testing site for these dates. Register for the SAT.
• Test Preparation: There are free resources for SAT test preparation. There are also free resources available for ACT test preparation.
• PSAT: This test is a precursor to the SAT. It provides excellent practice for subsequent standardized tests and can provide valuable test preparation feedback and tools. The junior year is the only year a score is considered for the National Merit Scholarship consideration.

This year AP exam registration and payment will be done in the fall by Nov. 11, 2025. It is a two-step process, so be sure to complete both steps to register to take an AP test:

• Step 1: Register and pay for the test through Total Registration.
• Step 2: join your teacher’s AP Classroom and indicate you are interested in taking the AP test. (Many students have already done this with their teacher in class.)

Both steps need to be completed by Tuesday, Nov 11, 2025 at 11:59pm. The cost of each exam is $105, which can be paid online or by check. If you have questions contact Alison Silva in the High School office.

Meeting with Juniors/Parents

We will meet with the juniors on November 5 to talk about planning and preparing for senior year and life after high school. We will also be offering the opportunity for parents to join their student and his/her counselor for a junior + parents check-in meeting. Some of the information covered in the junior meeting will be taking the ACT/SAT, preparing for senior year, and discussing plans for life after high school. Since this is an important and transitional time in your student’s life, we want parents to have the option to sit in on this meeting. If a junior + parents meeting doesn’t work for you, we will still meet individually with each junior. Watch your email in the coming weeks for more information about these meetings.

College Athletics

• If you are considering attending a NCAA Division I or II school, and you hope to compete in athletics, the NCAA Eligiblity Center is an important place to start. It is the responsibility of the student and parents to be familiar with eligibility requirements and course specifics.
• If you are considering participating in athletics at the NAIA level, check out the NAIA eligibility center.

Fine Arts

Festival of Fine Arts

Celebrate Holland Christian High School’s Festival of Fine Arts! From student drawings and paintings to movie music, choral anthems, and the deep sounds of the tuba, prepare to enjoy a rich diversity of the arts:

• HS Choir Concert: Thursday, October 30 at 7:30pm in the HS Auditorium
• HS Bands & Orchestra Concert: Tuesday, November 4 at 7:30pm in the HS Auditorium
• Swingin’ the Night Away: Friday, November 14, 6:45-9pm in the HCHS cafeteria
• The Fall Art Exhibition will be on the gallery wall (along the ramp) on Main Street October 30 – November 6.

Swingin’ The Night Away

The Holland Christian Jazz Bands and the Old Timer’s Jazz Band are proud to present “Swingin’ the Night Away” in the HCHS cafeteria Friday, November 14, from 6:45 – 9pm. Admission is $5, to support the HCHS music program. Dance (or not), socialize, eat desserts, and enjoy the music of Glenn Miller, Benny Goodman, Duke Ellington and more!

Fall Musical: Pride and Prejudice!

We are proud to present the brand new musical, Pride and Prejudice! Based on the beloved novel by Jane Austen, the story follows clever and headstrong Elizabeth Bennet and her family, who are facing mounting pressure to marry off five daughters before their estate is inherited by a distant cousin. The family’s situation is complicated by the arrival of two gentlemen in their town: charming and wealthy Mr. Bingley, who instantly forms a crush on the eldest Bennet sister, and Mr. Darcy, his pompous and cold friend who becomes Elizabeth’s nemesis after a disastrous first encounter. As Bingley and Jane’s romance keeps pulling them into each other’s orbits, Elizabeth and Darcy find themselves sparring over their ideas of love, freedom and happiness. Their fiery exchanges and mutual disdain only seem to deepen, but underneath it all, something more complicated stirs. Can their intense animosity evolve into something deeper, or will their pride and prejudice tear them apart forever?  Shows will be held at 7pm on November 20, 21, and 22 with an additional matinee at 2pm on the 22nd. Tickets available November 3 on the HCS Theater website.

Christmas Concert

The High School Music Department invites you to its annual band, orchestra and choir Christmas concert Tuesday, December 16 in the Jack H. Miller Center for the Musical Arts, located on the campus of Hope College. We will be offering two performance times: 6pm and 7:45pm. General admission is free and no reservations are necessary. We look forward to sharing in the celebration of our Savior’s birth through our music!

Athletic Department

Winter Sports Start Dates

• Boys Basketball: Nov 12
• Girls Basketball: Nov 19
• Competitive Cheer: Nov 10 (Co-op with West Ottawa)
• Boys Hockey: Oct 27 (Co-op with West Ottawa)
• Boys Aquatics: Nov 24

Scheduling/cancellations and game information can be found on the Athletics website.

Champs Coupon Books

The 2026 Champs coupon book is now available, with coupons ready to use from when the book is purchased through December 31, 2026. In addition to the local restaurant, retail and recreation savings opportunities, there are also coupons for regional and national businesses in the greater Holland area. Each book comes with a free code for mobile app discounts across the country based on your location, including West Michigan. Pick up your CHAMPS coupon book at any HC or ZCS school office, Russ’, Quality Car Wash, or HC TRIP table.

Important Dates

Holland Christian Schools 25-26 Calendar

November

• 4: High School Bands & Orchestra Concert, 7:30pm
• 7: High School Choir Concert, 7:30pm
• 11: Veteran’s Day Assembly, 9:30am
• 14: Swingin’ the Night Away, 6:45pm
• 20, 21, 22: Fall Musical, Pride and Prejudice 
• 27, 28, 29: Thanksgiving vacation, no school

December

• 13-14: 24 Hour Theatre
• 17: High school Christmas concert, 6:00 & 7:45pm
• 23: Christmas break begins