Holland Christian Schools

Category: School Newsletters

  • Middle School Newsletter: February 2026

    Middle School Newsletter: February 2026

    Dear Middle School Parents,

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

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

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

    • Receiving and giving grace
    • Interacting with care and candor

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

    Students were encouraged to:

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

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

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

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

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

    Blessings,
    Tom Strikwerda
    Middle School Principal

     

    February at HCMS

     

    8th Grade HS Registration:

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

    Parent-Teacher Conferences:

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

    From the Parent Board:

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

    MS Play:

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

    TRIP Program:

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

    Athletics:

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

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

    Important Athletic Dates

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

     

    Important Dates

    February

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

    March

    • 4: MSBOA 7th/8th Band Festival
    • 5: MSBOA 7th/8th Orchestra Festival
    • Parent-Teacher Conferences 3:30-6:30
    • MS Play 7pm
    • 6: MS Play 7pm & Ski Club
    • 7: MS play 2pm and 7pm
    • 16: No school- Staff Work Day
    • 17: Band Extravaganza 7pm @ West Ottawa P.A.C.
    • 19: 8th Grade PSAT (½ day for 8th grade only)
    • 20: End of Q3 & Swingin’ the Night Away 6:45pm
    • 23: Begin Q4
  • High School Newsletter – February 2026

    High School Newsletter – February 2026

    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

    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
  • Pine Ridge Newsletter: January 2026

    Pine Ridge Newsletter: January 2026

    Our school has been buzzing with excitement this past month. We were able to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year, when we remember Jesus’ birth, but more than that, the fact that He came to save us! It was a blessing to hear from Mr. Russ, the 5th grade music class, Mr. Schrotenboer, and the students themselves as they sang and spoke of Jesus. Our community continues to flourish as students grow not only in knowledge, but also in faith, joy, and gratitude, nurtured under the loving care and guidance of our teachers, staff, and the entire HC community. As I walk through classrooms I can hear students speak of how they are growing and learning to see the goodness of God at work in our school and in their own lives. I pray that you are also able to see yourself and your family flourishing under God’s provision and grace this new year.

    In Christ,
    Dinah Pereira

    Announcements

    Technology Reminders

    Just a reminder if your student received some new technology for Christmas: Personal technology is not necessary in a school setting and disrupts the learning environment. This includes, but is not limited to:

    • Cell phones
    • Smartwatches
    • personal laptops
    • MP3 players
    • any other non-school-issued personal technology.

    These items are not allowed to be used or be visible from the time a student enters school in the morning until the final bell rings. If a student needs to use their device, they must receive direct permission from a staff member. Please do not send personal technology to school including smartwatches. If such items are seen by a teacher, the student will be asked to put them in their backpack for the remainder of the day and take them home; if seen a second time, the item will be placed in the office for a parent to pick up at the end of the day.

    If parents need to communicate with their student, they can send an email to or call the office to have a note delivered. Thank you for helping us make learning a priority!

    Save the Date

    Pine Ridge, along with South Side and Forest School will be holding our Spring Program on Thursday, March 12 from 6:30-7:30pm at Christ Memorial. More details will follow.

    Tardies

    The doors at Pine Ridge lock at 8:15 each morning. If your child arrives after 8:15, they will be marked tardy. Thank you for helping us get learning started right away in the morning and utilizing all the time we have!

    Running Clubs

    Do you have a love for youth fitness? Are you looking for a way to invest in the students at Pine Ridge? This spring, we hope to have running clubs for both girls and boys. If you are interested in coaching or helping with either of these teams, please let the office know!

    Student Life & Discipleship

    This month, we had the opportunity to truly lean into Servant Living and community growth at Pine Ridge. Through this initiative, our students were able to stock not only shelves, but also hearts, by supporting three local organizations right here in our community: Rest Haven, Positive Options, and Hope Packages.

    Together, we collected, packed, and helped deliver nearly 400 items for each organization, making a meaningful impact on those they serve. One of the most memorable moments was when students personally delivered the boxes to Rest Haven while caroling for the residents throughout the month of December. This experience brought joy to both the residents and our students and highlighted the power of service and connection.

    Throughout this project, students demonstrated strong leadership, responsibility, and a genuine commitment to cultivating relationships within our community. It was inspiring to see them live out the values of compassion, generosity, and service in such a tangible way.

    Practice Respect, Practice Responsibility, Practice positive Relationships.

    Lost and Found

    The lost and found album is updated regularly. Please keep checking it out and having your child claim the things that belong to you!

    Pine Ridge Carpool Line

    Just in case you need a refresher after break on our carpool procedures:

    • Use the Graafschap Road/60th Street entrance and exit.
    • Always pull ALL THE WAY up to the bike racks (or the car in front of you).
    • Never stop in the traffic circle. This needs to be clear in case of an emergency as well as for the buses.
    • Parent pickup is in front of school; it is not at the baseball fields, the tennis courts or anywhere else!
    • Please use your hazard lights at pickup and leave them on until your student is in the car.
    • The only children permitted to walk are those who are walking/biking directly home or their parent is a staff member of Holland Christian.

    Swimming Lessons

    Holland Christian elementary students have the privilege of receiving swimming lessons for two weeks during the school day each year through the Holland Aquatic Center. Because our children are blessed to be raised in Michigan surrounded by bodies of water, we believe this safety instruction is a blessing that we pray they will never need, but that we still feel responsible to equip them with, even if this program is a little uncomfortable for some children. If you find yourself pondering over the “why” of lessons, please listen to HC mom Jenny White on the why swim safety. This HCAC Swim School welcome video can help you understand a bit about the logistics. Any questions please feel free to contact the Pine Ridge office.

    Swimming lessons will be happening May 11- 22 for 3rd and 4th graders this year.

    Moms in Prayer

    Moms in Prayer meets Fridays at Providence Church across from the middle school from 8:30-9:30am. We look forward to welcoming any moms who would like to partner in prayer for this school year! Please email Nicole Shook for any questions.

    Medications at School

    As a reminder, no student may be in possession of any medication over the counter or otherwise. The only exceptions are an epipen or inhaler with the correct forms completed in the office!

    Food Services

    For students taking hot lunch, please deposit money into your student’s online portal before they order! If you have any questions about lunches, please contact Sue.

    PowerSchool

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

    Elementary Handbook

    The Elementary Handbook is a great resource for parents providing important details on things like our curriculum, discipline policy, technology policy, etc.

    Important Website Links

    Calendar

    January:

    • 5: Back to school!
    • 19: No school: MLK Day

    February:

    • 13-16: No school: Winter Break
  • Rose Park Newsletter: January 2026

    Rose Park Newsletter: January 2026

    Rose Park Families,

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

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

    A meaningful example of flourishing came during our recent chapel:

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

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

    Katelyn Roskamp

    Announcements

    Student Life and Discipleship

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

    Gadgets for Christmas

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

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

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

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

    Run Club

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

    Discovery Night at Rose Park

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

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

    Preschool and Young Fives Admission Enhancements

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

    Enrollment for 26-27

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

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

    Unplugged Series–We’re Invited!

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

    Calendar

    Important Website Links

    Upcoming Dates:

    January

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

    February

    • 13 & 16: No school
  • Forest School Newsletter: January 2026

    Forest School Newsletter: January 2026

    Flourishing: what comes to mind when you hear that term? According to Webster’s Dictionary flourishing is defined by vigorous and healthy growth: very active and successful. As parents and teachers, we want each of our unique children to flourish. My mind often considers conditions in order for flourishment to take place. When home, church and school are in concert loving and guiding children, we have conditions that are aligned for a child to flourish in God’s providential care. When our prayer life, consistent Biblical teaching and, particularly in our Forest, exploratory play and spiritual wonder are part of our children’s daily norms, we have conditions that are ripe for each child to flourish in God’s care.

    In the forest, flourishing looks like muddy boots and thoughtful questions, careful hands and courageous steps. It looks like children learning to care for the land, for one another, and for themselves. Through unhurried time outdoors, meaningful relationships, and purposeful play, we nurture resilience, creativity, and a growing sense of responsibility.

    Above all, flourishing is rooted in belonging–belonging to a community that values each child and belonging in God’s good creation. As we walk, explore, and learn together, we are grateful to partner with you, our families, and with our community churches in guiding children toward lives marked by joy, gratitude, and faithful stewardship.

    Much love and joy,

    Miska

    Announcements

    Preschool and Young Fives Admission Enhancements

    HC has enhanced the application process for all currently enrolled 3’s preschool, 4’s preschool and young five students. Starting January 2026, currently enrolled preschool and young five students will no longer be required to re-apply for the following academic school year. Preschool is now a part of HC’s Continuous Enrollment. Instead, they will be asked to fill out a Commitment Countdown form. This Commitment Countdown form is a quick and easy way for currently enrolled preschool and young five families to let HC know what their hopes are for their child’s 26-27 enrollment. Completing it lets Admissions know their intentions, but it does not guarantee placement or availability. The information families share will help HC thoughtfully plan for class sizes, teacher placements, and learning spaces that support every child’s academic, faith, and character growth.

    Enrollment for 26-27

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

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

    Swimming Lessons

    Our Holland Aquatic Center is providing swim lessons for us again this year! Because our children are blessed to be raised in Michigan, surrounded by bodies of water, we believe this safety instruction is a blessing that we pray they will never need but feel responsible to equip them. If you find yourself pondering over the “why” of swimming lessons, please take a listen to HC mom Jenny White on the why for swim safety. HCAC Swim School welcome video will help you understand a bit about the logistics. Our 1st-2nd graders will be bused to the pool each day the weeks of January 5-16.

    Unplugged Series–We’re Invited!

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

    Gadgets for Christmas

    Just in case a child receives a smart device or personal tech with connectivity, we want to remind you of our policy to uphold healthy learning spaces throughout HC to the best of our ability.

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

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

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

    Student Life and Discipleship (SLD) in the New Year

    All of our students learn, practice and are celebrated in the way we learn to do life together. We teach students directly how to contribute to a safe ride on the bus, a worshipful posture during chapel and even how to respectfully hike through creation maintaining a sense of awe while celebrating relationships. When our students return from Christmas break, each class will reteach these norms so our students feel refreshed and renewed in our safe and respectful practices as we enjoy life together.

    Save The Dates

    • Spring Program is March 12 in the evening!
    • Grandparents Day is May 1!

    Food Services

    Please remember to keep an eye on your child’s lunch account.

    Elementary Handbook

    The Elementary Handbook is a great resource for parents providing important details on things like our curriculum, discipline policy, etc.

    Important Website Links

    Upcoming Dates:

    View the full Holland Christian calendar

    January:

    • 1-4: No school: Christmas Vacation
    • 5: Back to school!
    • 19: No school: Martin Luther King Jr. Day
    • 23: K-5th report cards go live!

    February:

    • 13: No school: Staff PD
    • 16: No school: Winter break
  • South Side Newsletter – January 2026

    South Side Newsletter – January 2026

    When I walk into our 3s preschool classroom, I’m greeted with the biggest smiles and an enthusiastic chorus of “Mrs. Haig! Mrs. Haig!” as little hands tug me over to see what they’re working on. Whether they’re enjoying a snack, reading a favorite book, or proudly taking the cap off a glue stick to begin a project, our preschoolers are eager to show off their growing “school skills!”

    But this confidence didn’t appear overnight. I remember those first weeks of school so clearly—tiny faces tucked into a parent’s shoulder, too shy to say hello, or the uncertainty of learning how to pause play and clean up when it was time to go home. Since then, these little learners have already grown in remarkable ways. They’ve moved from not knowing that their names are made of letters to now being able to “spell their names in lights.”

    Our 3s preschoolers are flourishing. Flourishing is one of our core Holland Christian values and something we pray over all our students at South Side. We want them to grow in knowledge as they learn to read and count, to grow in strength as they run, play, and learn to put on snow gear independently, and to grow in heart as they experience God’s love and share it generously with others.

    Christy Haig

    Announcements

    Discover South Side

    Calling all families interested in preschool-kindergarten programs at HC! There are many opportunities for current & new families to check out what we offer at our upcoming Discovery Night on Tuesday, January 13 at 6-7pm. Since we prepare individually for each family visiting these Discovery Nights, an RSVP is necessary. We also invite you to share these times with your friends and family. For more information, please email admissions@dev.hollandchristian.org

    Preschool and Young Fives Admission Enhancements

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

    Enrollment for 26-27

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

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

    South Side Building Renovation

    We are in the planning stages of an exciting renovation to our beloved South Side building as part of a larger facilities campaign which will be publicly launched in February! If all continues as hoped, these updates will take place during the 26-27 school year. The renovation plans include a vibrant “creative heart” at the center of the building, featuring enhanced art, music, library, and multi-use spaces. We are also envisioning a new playground that blends traditional equipment with nature-inspired play, an updated office with a new secure entry model, and important infrastructure improvements such as new windows, flooring, lighting, and more.

    During this season of transformation, our South Side community will temporarily relocate for the 26–27 school year. While our location may look different for a time, the heart of South Side will remain the same. Our staff, students, and families will continue to bring the belonging, creativity, and strong sense of community that makes South Side such a special place.

    If you want to share in our excitement or have any questions, please feel free to stop by the office and chat with us.

    To our Parent Board

    Thank you for the wonderful Christmas lunch the Parent Team provided for the staff. Also, thanks for covering the noon recess duties too! The time spent together over lunch was so fun for the teachers. Your generosity and extra thoughtfulness is so very much appreciated.

    Student Life and Discipleship Highlight

    Ask a student what their favorite thing about school is, and many will quickly reply, “Recess!” Free play and outdoor exploration are both things we deeply value at South Side. Recess is certainly fun, and it gives students an important brain break from classroom learning. But it’s also a rich time of social growth. On the playground, students learn to share, make friends, solve disagreements, and speak kind words. These moments are key to developing servant living, grace breathing, and community growing—three of our core discipleship practices.

    This winter, as part of our South Side Stars focus, we’re emphasizing safe play on the playground. We want students to “control myself” by keeping themselves safe, and to “think about others” by making choices that keep their classmates safe as well. For example, during football games, we can throw and catch the ball, but we don’t tackle since we’re not wearing football pads or helmets. When climbing snow hills, we can slide down on our bottoms or bellies, but we don’t pull or push others off the hill. And when it comes to snowballs—ask your child! I bet they can tell you some of the fun, safe snow play ideas we’ve been practicing.

     

    Report Cards

    God is so faithful! We can’t believe we’re already nearing the end of the first semester! It officially ends on Friday, January 16 and Report Cards will be available electronically on Friday, January 23. Take some time to celebrate and reflect on the growth your child has already made this year, and let’s continue to find ways to keep challenging your child during the second semester.

    Drop Off Reminder

    To help make sure our morning drop off lines run smoothly, please remember that if you are going to get out of your car to help your child with drop off please park in the left lane. This will allow cars in the right lane to move through the line quicker. Thank you for your help with this.

    Substitutes Needed

    We can always use more available substitute teachers! If you love working with kids, have obtained 60 or more college credits, and are willing to have a background check/fingerprinting done, we would love to add you to our list! If you are interested, please email Rachel Hendershot, or you can start an application on the Edustaff Website.

    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!

    Important Website Links

    Upcoming Dates

    January:

    • 1-2: No school
    • 5: Classes resume
    • 13: Discovery Night at South Side 6pm
    • 16: End of first semester
    • 19: No school (MLK day)
    • 23: Report cards
    • 28: Preschool and kindergarten 2026-2027 enrollment open for current HC families

    February:

    • 2:  Preschool and kindergarten 2026-2027 application open for new families at 9am
    • 13: No school (Teacher professional learning)
    • 16: No school
  • Middle School Newsletter: January 2026

    Middle School Newsletter: January 2026

    Dear Parents/Guardians-

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

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

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

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

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

    Tom Strikwerda

    HCMS Principal

    January at HCMS

    Thank You from the Staff:

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

    We’re Invited!

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

    Front Office Communication Reminder:

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

    Carline Procedure Reminders:

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

    New Athletic Season Starts in January:

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

    8th Grade News:

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

    Important Dates

    January

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

    February

    • 6: Ski Club
    • 13: No school: Professional Learning
    • 16: No school
    • 20: Ski Club
    • 20: Science Club 3-4pm
    • 26: Parent-Teacher Conferences 5:30-8:30pm
  • High School Newsletter – January 2026

    High School Newsletter – January 2026

    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

    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) and for Swingin’ the Night Away on Friday, March 20 at 6:45pm-9pm in the HCHS cafeteria!

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

    SAVE THE DATE! 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 www.dev.hollandchristian.org/lhshowcase.

    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

    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
  • Pine Ridge Newsletter: December 2025

    Pine Ridge Newsletter: December 2025

    As I sat to watch our 3rd graders—new not only to Pine Ridge this year but also to the rhythms of this learning community—prepare for their presentation, I was reminded what a wonderful time of year this is. We have now found our place, we are finding comfort in the familiar routines as well as Pine Ridge traditions that return each season. Here at Pine Ridge we’ve been blessed to take part in several presentations and performances that invite us to pause, reflect, and celebrate together. In all of these moments, we seek to be discerning—looking for the Lord’s truth and learning how to praise Him through our work and our growth. I was in awe of the curiosity, courage and conviction our 3rd graders showed while preparing and seeking wisdom. May we all find ourselves growing in Christ and seeking his discernment in all things.

    In Christ,

    Dinah Pereira

    Announcements

    Book Fair: December 8-10

    Our school book fair is more than just a chance to pick up a new favorite book–it is a fun and exciting way to support our school library! Every purchase helps us earn new books for our Pine Ridge library by putting more stories, knowledge and inspiration into the hands of our students. In order to make this happen, we need your help! Please sign up to help us make our school book fair a successful event.

    Even if you can’t help out, please come join the fun and help us grow our library, one book at a time! You are welcome to come in and check out the fair or you can order online as well. The online store link will be available starting November 14 to view and December 5 to shop.

    Technology Reminders

    As we get closer to Christmas, please remember the following information as you begin to shop and create Christmas lists for your children. Personal technology is not necessary in a school setting and disrupts the learning environment. This includes, but is not limited to:

    • Cell phones
    • Smartwatches
    • personal laptops
    • MP3 players
    • any other non-school-issued personal technology.

    These items are not allowed to be used or be visible from the time a student enters school in the morning until the final bell rings. If a student needs to use their device, they must receive direct permission from a staff member. Please do not send personal technology to school including smartwatches. If such items are seen by a teacher, the student will be asked to put them in their backpack for the remainder of the day and take them home; if seen a second time, the item will be placed in the office for a parent to pick up at the end of the day.

    If parents need to communicate with their student, they can send an email to or call the office to have a note delivered. Thank you for helping us make learning a priority!

    Christmas Spirit Days

    To get in the spirit of Christmas, we have fun, themed days our last week of school before Christmas Break, December 15-19. Here’s what we (along with all HC elementary schools) have planned:

    • 12/15 Monday: Christmas headgear (antlers, hats)
    • 12/16 Tuesday: Christmas sweater
    • 12/17 Wednesday: Red/green day
    • 12/18 Thursday: Christmas socks
    • 12/19 Friday: Christmas PJs

    Save the Date
    Pine Ridge, along with South Side and Forest School will be holding our Spring Program on Thursday, March 12 from 6:30-7:30pm at Christ Memorial. More details will follow.

    Thank you

    The Parent Board, along with all of our staff at Pine Ridge, would like to extend our heartfelt thanks for the encouragement you shared throughout November. Your kind cards, uplifting notes, and thoughtful little gifts meant so much to us.

    Lost and Found

    The lost and found album is updated regularly. Please keep checking it out and having your child claim the things that belong to you!

    Student Life & Discipleship

    This month we have set our focus on servant living here at Pine Ridge. We are participating in ways that we can give as our minds can sometimes wander to what will we can get. We are sharing during our chapel groups how to be respectful to those who may not have as much, how to be responsible with what we do have, and how to cultivate relationships that help us be community minded. This month we celebrated our growth as a community by having a caramel apple read and feed.

    Practice Respect, Practice Responsibility, Practice positive Relationships.

    Pine Ridge Carpool Line

    Thank you so much for your patience in working through construction! We are back to our normal flow of traffic. Here are a few reminders on how that works since its been a bit:

    • Use the Graafschap Road/60th Street entrance and exit.
    • Always pull ALL THE WAY up to the bike racks (or the car in front of you).
    • Never stop in the traffic circle. This needs to be clear in case of an emergency as well as for the buses.
    • Parent pickup is in front of school; it is not at the baseball fields, the tennis courts or anywhere else!
    • Please use your hazard lights at pickup and leave them on until your student is in the car.
    • The only children permitted to walk are those that are walking/biking directly home or their parent is a staff member of Holland Christian.

    Moms in Prayer

    Moms in Prayer meets Fridays at Providence Church across from the middle school from 8:30-9:30am. We look forward to welcoming any moms who would like to partner in prayer for this school year! Please email Nicole Shook for any questions.

    Medications at School

    As a reminder, no student may be in possession of any medication over the counter or otherwise. The only exceptions are an epipen or inhaler with the correct forms completed in the office!

    Food Services

    For students taking hot lunch, please deposit money into your student’s online portal before they order! If you have any questions about lunches, please contact Sue.

    PowerSchool

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

    Elementary Handbook

    The Elementary Handbook is a great resource for parents providing important details on things like our curriculum, discipline policy, technology policy, etc.

    Important Website Links

    Calendar

    December:

    • 5: Band & Orchestra Chapel
    • 8-10: Bookfair
    • 15-19: Christmas Spirit Days
    • 22-Jan 2: No school: Christmas vacation

    January:

    • 5: Back to school!
    • 19: No school: MLK Day
  • Middle School Newsletter: December 2025

    Middle School Newsletter: December 2025

    Dear Parents/Guardians-

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

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

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

    1. Science through the Lens of God’s World

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

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

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

    2. Serving Others as an Expression of Discernment

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

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

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

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

    In Christ,

    Tom Strikwerda
    Middle School Principal

    December at HCMS

    Recess Attire:

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

    Giving: 

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

    Ski Club:

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

    Concerts:

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

    • Band/Orchestra Concerts:

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

    Choir Concert:

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

    From the Parent Board:

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

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

    Here’s how to donate:

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

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

    I can supervise lunch while teachers eat!

    I can help provide food!

    Upcoming Events

    December:

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

    January:

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