Rus Blondin, Barrett’s dad, shared in Pine Ridge chapel this week how we are called to be Advent people. Advent people celebrate Jesus’s birth--the past. Advent people are waiting for Jesus’s coming--the future. God calls us to be Jesus’s disciples to others in the present--loving, giving, sharing, and supporting. In the Advent spirit, Pine Ridge 6th grade students went caroling at local assisted living centers, 5th grade students raised almost $300.00 (throwing a garage sale) for baby diapers, and everyone together at Pine Ridge collected over 500 baby items for Positive Options clients. What a blessing to see how our community is sharing from their hearts and learning to live in the present as Advent people.
Traditionally, one expects that children attend school to learn from the well-laid plans provided by loving adults. However, the secret was out this week. Very often, the loving adults are impacted deeply with truths provided by the children. This week, the hearts and actions of our small South Side children challenged our staff. As you know, we spent the first two weeks of December collecting money to make purchases through World Renew. Helpful items for children and families were chosen and will be offered world wide. The accumulation of quiet, individual stories brought me to my knees and caused me to pause and examine my heart. I’d like to share just a few examples so you, too, can understand the depth of our children’s hearts. One child who had been saving her $1.00 per week allowance offered more than 4 months of her savings. Children who were gifted with Christmas money from family members gave their entire gift to World Renew. Conversations at home led to siblings offering their money for World Renew. Rather than succumbing to the offerings highlighted in the glossies that frequent our mailboxes at this time of year, so many children responded to the call to share their resources with those in need rather than purchase another toy that will add to the accumulating pile at home. The total of allowance money, piggy bank change and regifted dollars reached $1,856.86! My prayer is that these precious children will always remember the generous spirit with which they have embraced and lived out the spirit of giving, particularly throughout this season we celebrate Christ’s birth.
Here I am, Lord. Send me!
A special thanks to so many of you who purchased poinsettias through our South Side sale. The profit of the sale totaled $987.75. This money will allow teachers to purchase more books for classroom libraries, storage systems to organize differentiated math projects and other classroom needs that directly impact our children’s education. THANK YOU for your ongoing support!
Please note the next blog will be published on Friday, January 8, 2016.
January's lunch menu can be accessed by clicking here.
Lost and Found Items
Today is the last day to check the tables set out in the hallway near the office at both campuses for lost items. Unclaimed items will be donated to Ditto at the end of the day. Smaller items: Jewelry, sunglasses, charms, earrings etc. will be in the office, please check in the office with Laura (PR) or Pat (SS).
CHAMPS books are available
We now have CHAMPS coupon books available in the office for the fabulous price of $25 a book. They make great gifts for the holiday season. Come check them out!
After school Community Enrichment (ACE) News
Pine Ridge Campus: Sign up soon and join the fun SPORTS SPECTACULAR and BEADAZZLED classes! The Winter session will begin on Thursday, January 14th for six Thursdays. What a perfect opportunity to also include a non-HC friend! For more forms and information, go to hollandchristian.org/enrichment
South Side Campus: Join the fun LEGOS MOTORS & MORE class! The Winter session will begin on Thursday, January 14th for six Thursdays. Mrs. VanMeeteren will lead the snack/recess time before class begins. What a perfect opportunity to also include a non-HC friend! To sign up, simply go to hollandchristian.org/enrichment to print out and complete the enrollment form.
DITTO Christmas Sale
Here are some specials offered for this month: 50¢ general tops/shirts (18th); 50% off shoes storewide (19th); 50% off Christmas décor (21st); 50% off general outerwear (22nd); and 25% off 1 item storewide (23rd). Go to our website at http://www.dittoresale.com for a coupon worth 25% OFF your total purchase for the month of December. Lastly, check out our FURNITURE SALE Dec. 26 to Jan. 2—25% OFF! The best part about ditto? Your shopping dollars support the students at HCS and ZCS. Your family wins with ditto! (Coupons and discounts cannot be combined.)Your shopping dollars support the students at HCS and ZCS. Your family wins with ditto! Click on attached COUPON!
Sixth Grade HC/Bittersweet Ski Club
Information went home for 6th Grade Ski Club. Please see attached Documents to Print and Sign, for Ski Club Card Purchases:
Bittersweet Ski Club forms and cards are also available in the office at Pine Ridge! Stop in anytime and purchase student or adult ski club cards once your form is filled out. Students 6th - 8th Grade Ski Club Cards are $24 each. Both sibling and adult cards are $16 each. Checks MUST be payable to Holland Christian Schools. Cash will also be accepted. We also now have a handout with the ski club dates for this year.
Ski Club Dates: All on Fridays
December 11th: Canceled Jan. 8 & 22 Feb. 5 & 19 March 4
Dress for the Weather
We are in that ‘in-between’ season time where it can be quite cold in the morning and comfortable in the afternoon. Please be sure to send your child with a jacket, hat, mittens, etc. as needed. We do not have enough of an inventory of these items in the office to supply all students who request outerwear when they do not have their own. Thanks for your help!
Double your online donations!
Now through December 31, 2015, all online donations to the Tuition Grant Fund will be doubled! We have received a challenge from two generous donors to match dollar for dollar the first $50,000. Click here to donate online.
Volunteers Needed:
Pine Ridge-
Piano Players for Chapel:
We are in need of Piano Players for Chapel on Wednesday Afternoons from 12:30pm - 1:15pm. If you are available, and would like to sign up for January 13, or 27. Please Contact Laura in the office. 616.820.3505 or lnorman@hollandchristian.org.
South Side & Pine Ridge- Our Thanks!
For those who have helped us cut, count, and bundle Boxtops and Campbell's Labels we say thank you for your time and help. We cannot do this without your willingness to assist us. Please keep your scissors sharp and ready to take on the task again as the donations continue to come in.
**Just a reminder: Spartan is no longer offering reimbursement for UPC labels, Thank you for your support!
Please note the next blog will be published on Friday, January 8, 2016.
January's lunch menu can be accessed by clicking here.
Lost and Found Items
Today is the last day to check the tables set out in the hallway near the office at both campuses for lost items. Unclaimed items will be donated to Ditto at the end of the day. Smaller items: Jewelry, sunglasses, charms, earrings etc. will be in the office, please check in the office with Laura (PR) or Pat (SS).
CHAMPS books are available
We now have CHAMPS coupon books available in the office for the fabulous price of $25 a book. They make great gifts for the holiday season. Come check them out!
After school Community Enrichment (ACE) News
Pine Ridge Campus: Sign up soon and join the fun SPORTS SPECTACULAR and BEADAZZLED classes! The Winter session will begin on Thursday, January 14th for six Thursdays. What a perfect opportunity to also include a non-HC friend! For more forms and information, go to hollandchristian.org/enrichment
South Side Campus: Join the fun LEGOS MOTORS & MORE class! The Winter session will begin on Thursday, January 14th for six Thursdays. Mrs. VanMeeteren will lead the snack/recess time before class begins. What a perfect opportunity to also include a non-HC friend! To sign up, simply go to hollandchristian.org/enrichment to print out and complete the enrollment form.
DITTO Christmas Sale
Here are some specials offered for this month: 50¢ general tops/shirts (18th); 50% off shoes storewide (19th); 50% off Christmas décor (21st); 50% off general outerwear (22nd); and 25% off 1 item storewide (23rd). Go to our website at http://www.dittoresale.com for a coupon worth 25% OFF your total purchase for the month of December. Lastly, check out our FURNITURE SALE Dec. 26 to Jan. 2—25% OFF! The best part about ditto? Your shopping dollars support the students at HCS and ZCS. Your family wins with ditto! (Coupons and discounts cannot be combined.)Your shopping dollars support the students at HCS and ZCS. Your family wins with ditto! Click on attached COUPON!
Sixth Grade HC/Bittersweet Ski Club
Information went home for 6th Grade Ski Club. Please see attached Documents to Print and Sign, for Ski Club Card Purchases:
- Ski Club information and Waiver registration forms
- Q & A Ski Club Questions.
- HC Ski Club information Dates
Bittersweet Ski Club forms and cards are also available in the office at Pine Ridge! Stop in anytime and purchase student or adult ski club cards once your form is filled out. Students 6th - 8th Grade Ski Club Cards are $24 each. Both sibling and adult cards are $16 each. Checks MUST be payable to Holland Christian Schools. Cash will also be accepted. We also now have a handout with the ski club dates for this year.
Ski Club Dates: All on Fridays
December 11th: Canceled Jan. 8 & 22 Feb. 5 & 19 March 4
Dress for the Weather
We are in that ‘in-between’ season time where it can be quite cold in the morning and comfortable in the afternoon. Please be sure to send your child with a jacket, hat, mittens, etc. as needed. We do not have enough of an inventory of these items in the office to supply all students who request outerwear when they do not have their own. Thanks for your help!
Double your online donations!
Now through December 31, 2015, all online donations to the Tuition Grant Fund will be doubled! We have received a challenge from two generous donors to match dollar for dollar the first $50,000. Click here to donate online.
Volunteers Needed:
Pine Ridge-
Piano Players for Chapel:
We are in need of Piano Players for Chapel on Wednesday Afternoons from 12:30pm - 1:15pm. If you are available, and would like to sign up for January 13, or 27. Please Contact Laura in the office. 616.820.3505 or lnorman@hollandchristian.org.
South Side & Pine Ridge- Our Thanks!
For those who have helped us cut, count, and bundle Boxtops and Campbell's Labels we say thank you for your time and help. We cannot do this without your willingness to assist us. Please keep your scissors sharp and ready to take on the task again as the donations continue to come in.
**Just a reminder: Spartan is no longer offering reimbursement for UPC labels, Thank you for your support!
After School Program
Holland Christian offers a Before and After School Program for Rose Park, South Side, and Pine Ridge Elementary students each full day school is in session. The Before and After School Program provides children with an opportunity to develop spiritually, emotionally, physically, and socially through organized group activities and play. The cost of the program is $5 per hour. Drop in care, for children who do not regularly participate in the Before and After School Program, is also available if space allows. Before School Care: 7:00 am - 8:10 am After School Care: 3:15 pm - 5:30 pm If you have questions, please email Amanda Brouwer at abrouwer@hollandchristian.org. You may register for the program here
Calendar of Events
December 21-Jan 3 Christmas Vacation
January 4 All Classes Resume
January 14 After school Community Enrichment (ACE) Starts
January 18 No Holland Public Bus Transportation AM or PM
February 12 No school, Staff Development
February 15 No school, Winter Break
March 17 No Holland Public Bus Transportation for- PM
March 18 End of Quarter 3
March 28,29 Parent Teacher conferences (evening)
March 30 Half day, P-T Conferences
March 31-Apr8 Spring Break
Holland Christian offers a Before and After School Program for Rose Park, South Side, and Pine Ridge Elementary students each full day school is in session. The Before and After School Program provides children with an opportunity to develop spiritually, emotionally, physically, and socially through organized group activities and play. The cost of the program is $5 per hour. Drop in care, for children who do not regularly participate in the Before and After School Program, is also available if space allows. Before School Care: 7:00 am - 8:10 am After School Care: 3:15 pm - 5:30 pm If you have questions, please email Amanda Brouwer at abrouwer@hollandchristian.org. You may register for the program here
Calendar of Events
December 21-Jan 3 Christmas Vacation
January 4 All Classes Resume
January 14 After school Community Enrichment (ACE) Starts
January 18 No Holland Public Bus Transportation AM or PM
February 12 No school, Staff Development
February 15 No school, Winter Break
March 17 No Holland Public Bus Transportation for- PM
March 18 End of Quarter 3
March 28,29 Parent Teacher conferences (evening)
March 30 Half day, P-T Conferences
March 31-Apr8 Spring Break
Merry Christmas!
