Brain research has shown that, for the human brain to learn optimally, it must perceive that it is safe. To that end, teachers and staff pour themselves into making a learning environment that is safe for the children they have been given. In order for an environment to feel secure and safe for all students, teachers must know each child individually. To know a child is to love him or her. Deeply. Our teachers and support staff have fallen in love with the children in their care. While sliding into their desk and sitting in the gathering area every day, they have been snuggling into the pockets of their teachers’ heart. These children are known, understood, appreciated, enjoyed and loved. Under these circumstances and in this relationship, learning can now take place.
A community has been built in each classroom that could be likened to a family. Each student brings unique gifts and abilities. Each student brings unique challenges. These challenges are what teachers pray over and puzzle about. These challenges keep teachers up at night. These children also experience successes in the care of their teacher. These successes are what teachers pray over and celebrate with gratitude. These successes are what allow teachers to fall asleep at night. Teachers revel in all that each child brings.
God is in this holy process of learning. Children are discovering Him in the love of their teacher. Children are learning His story in her words. Children are beginning to understand how to respond to God’s call in their lives even as their teacher has done with hers. God does not promise easy, but God promises to protect and faithfully hold the life of each of these precious little ones. This is what the teacher, who walks back into the emptied classroom, holds to. What a gift. What a blessing. To have been given time with His newest kingdom builders, if even for a short time, is a calling worth crying and heart-aching over.
Thank you, parents. Thank you for sharing with us the most precious gift from heaven that you have been given. Each teacher and each staff member cherishes the gift of time spent with your little one. God bless you always as you walk on with your child.
For your 2016 Calendar
- Please note important information in the calendar dates below regarding beginning school dates for August 2016. 2016-2017 HC Calendar link
- Watch for a blog posting communication in early August regarding dates you will want on your Aug/Sept calendar.
- Grade level (K-2 ) supply list - link here
Tutoring services
Holland Christian has a summer tutoring list available in the school offices if you would like to have one. Please note fees and meeting place for these services are coordinated with the tutor and parent. You may also click this link: Tutor List 2016 ,to print a copy
Preschool Staffing News
We are excited to welcome two members to the Preschool Teaching Staff for the 2016-2017 school year:
4's PRESCHOOL
- Konni Lubbers - comes to us after serving Holland Christian in a variety of roles. She has taught fourth grade at Rose Park for several years and currently works with students at the high school. We are eager for Konni to join our staff at South Side enriching our little ones.
- Leanne Van Rees - has been teaching and loving many of our students at South Side and Pine Ridge. She has served as a guest teacher for many years. These experiences has afforded her a unique perspective on all of the growth opportunities for our students at Holland Christian. We are also very eager to welcome Leanne to preschool at South Side next year!
Before/After School Program
Before School program is offered from 7:30 a.m. - 8:00 a.m. when school is in session. After School program is offered from 3:15 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. when school is in session for a full day. A $20 deposit is required at registration and will be applied to your family bill. To begin the registration process visit the website at: http://www.hollandchristian.org/before_and_after_school_program
The charge for the Before/After School Program is:
- $5 per hour, per one student
- $9 per hour, per two students
- $12 per hour, per 3+ students
Your family will be charged a minimum of an hour each time you use the program. After the first hour, you will be billed only for the remainder of time that you are checked into the program. You will receive a bill at the end of each month.
If you are interested in any of these programs for your family for the 16/17 school year please visit the link below to begin the registration process:
- South Side/Pine Ridge Families: http://goo.gl/forms/Ih0KGLA3EG
- Rose Park Families: http://goo.gl/forms/ga8MdTJ34K
Hot Lunch Balances
An account balance slip were sent home with your student Thursday if your account is in arrears at South Side. Every student’s lunch account MUST be paid in full as of today, June 3. If you missed this deadline, payment will be accepted at the school office Monday, June 6th, until 2:00 P. M. After Monday all payments will need to be dropped off at the Administration office on 40th Street.
Again please note- accounts with a positive balance will roll over to the next school year. If you have multiple students at Holland Christian, you may transfer money between family accounts. If you have questions regarding your account or how to transfer funds, please call Sue Lambers at 820-2934 or email her slambers@hollandchristian.org.
T.R.I.P.
The TRIP Program is now on summer schedule for the summer months on an every other week basis.. Listed below are the scheduled dates -
- June 1, 15, and 29
- July 13 and 27
The regular 2016-2017 schedule will resume beginning Wednesday, September 7th.
Questions may be directed to Mary Wynia (616.834.38020) or you may email trip@hollandchristian.org.
Special Thank You-
We also say goodbye to Jenni Flowerday, one of our TRIP ladies, who has faithfully helped South Side and Pine Ridge for the past five years. We appreciate all her work with this program and working closely with Mary for our benefit. Jenni, we will miss you and wish you blessings in your new adventure!
Jobs & Deals at DITTO!
Looking for a part-time spring and summer job? Ditto is looking for student employees. Please call 396.8870 and ask to speak with a store manager.
Thank You for cleaning out your closets and bringing your gently used clothing, furniture, toys, and household goods to ditto! You are making a difference!
Lost and Found Items
Lost and found table is full if you are able in the next few weeks, please take a look at our lost and found to claim lost items. Anything unclaimed will be donated to Ditto on June 3rd.
Immunization requirements
Students entering 7th Grade and Students entering into a new school district must meet the immunization requirements of the state of Michigan, Prior to the start of school. Please make sure your children are up to date on their immunizations, Prior to the next School year. For more information go to: Immunization Information or Ottawa County website. A student who fails to meet the immunization requirement or have a valid waiver, will not be permitted to start school. Reminder waivers are only good for one
Year.
We are very excited to offer a couple of Summer Art Class at Rose Park
Mrs. Luce will be teaching a Summer Art Class! If you wish to reserve a spot for your students, please contact the Rose Park office by June 7 to sign up and make payment for these new summer camp opportunities:
Clay Camp @ Rose Park
June 13-16 & 24
Ages 7 - 11
Time 9:30 - 11:30
Cost is $100 per student
Come join us for a week of clay construction at Rose Park this summer! Students will have a total hands-on experience while learning how to pinch, coil, carve, and mold clay to build a wide variety of clay projects. Students will create the first week and then return the following Friday to glaze projects. Pick up time TBD.
Watercolor Exploration @ Rose Park
June 13 - 17
Ages 7 - 11
Time: 1:00 - 3:00
Cost is $100 per student
Come experience watercolor this summer at Rose Park! Students will try a variety of brush strokes and watercolor techniques to create landscapes, still-life’s, portraits, and animal paintings on a variety of papers. They will learn how to use resist, splatter, texture, crystals, and glazes for special effects on their paintings. This class will paint indoors and out!
Downtown Holland Summer 2016
Looking for some local activities for the summer? You will find the Downtown Summer Calendar of Events for 2016 brochure if you click here.
Calendar of Events
August 18 Ice Cream Social (6:30-8:00 p.m.)
August 18 Ice Cream Social (6:30-8:00 p.m.)
August 22 First day of school (K-9) half-day dismissal 11:30
August 23 Full day for K-12 students
Meet the Teacher (7:00-8:30)
Meet the Teacher (7:00-8:30)
Sept 5 Labor Day Vacation
Oct 20-21 No School: CEA Convention
Holland Christian & Zeeland Christian Youth Football
More information can be found at the following link. http://www.maroonsathletics.org/2016/05/youth-football-registration.html
Summer Camp links for 2016
www.cultureworksica.com/summer-2016
