Friday, January 29, 2016

Almost February 01/29/2016

Thinking about Groundhog Day makes me laugh. Spring does not actually begin until March 20 at 6:29 a.m., but if Punxsutawney Phil sees his shadow, there will be six more weeks of winter. If he does not see his shadow, spring weather comes early. Either way, the official start of spring is still going to be somewhere close to March 20. It is a fun diversion from the winter weather that is taking place in February as we begin to look forward to the coming of spring and new life.

In chapel one week from Wednesday, we will begin the Lent season when we put away the “Allelujahs” for a time. We challenge our staff and students to take on prayers of reflection and look forward to joyfully celebrating the resurrection of Jesus on Easter Sunday. As Christians, this is the day that marks the beginning of new life, the light of Jesus, and the promise of a new heaven and a new earth. We don’t know when, but as surely as spring will come, so will Christ’s return. We are blessed to be able, as a school family, to look forward to both Easter and the second coming of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

School Closings
Stay tuned to WOOD-TV8 and WZZM-13 for school cancellations.  You may also register online with either station to receive notices via email, phone, or text. This notice is also available   through Power School, our school data base program.

Parking in the Circle Drive at South Side
A gentle reminder of our drop-off policy in the circle drive at South Side: cars that are dropping off children and moving forward stay in the right lane of the circle drive. Cars being exited by parents accompanying their children into school park in the left lane. This prevents children from crossing a moving lane of traffic unassisted.

When parking side by side in our circle drive, no cars are able to pass through and exit the campus. Thank you for your efforts in being mindful to leave the right lane of traffic open for others to come and go.

Book Madness
An invitation from Rose Park students to our Pine Ridge 3rd - 5th Graders are you up for a Challenge?  Follow bookmadness1.weebly.com.  On this link you will find a list of the top 8 books voted by us!  Start reading those you haven’t read and follow our blog listed above to vote.  See which one will be the overall Winner!

HC Showcase-2016
"Doo-Wop: A Night of Song, Dance, and Nonsense Syllables" Come join the Living Hope Singers for a fun night of solos, duets, and group numbers from the Doo-Wop era. Showcase 2016 will be held on Friday and Saturday, March 18 and 19, 2016 at 7:00 pm in the Holland Christian Fine Arts Auditorium. Reserved tickets are available online at www.hollandchristian.org/livinghope for $10. Order tickets early for the best seats! (High school student general admission $8 tickets will be sold two week prior to the show during the lunch hours.)   Benjamin's Hope will receive $1 from each ticket sold.  For more information, contact Tam Treffers at 616-218-9181 or treffers@charter.net.


2016-17 Kindergarten Enrollment Begins Next Week!
2016-17 kindergarten enrollment begins next week! Enrollment opens to the public February 3, but families with children already in Holland Christian Schools prek-12th grade may enroll early beginning Tuesday, February 2, at hollandchristian.org/apply. (Important! We are not able to process registrations submitted prior to February 2.)

We will again be offering 3-Day+ and 5 Day classes. Children will need to be 5-years-old by September 1, 2016, to enroll in kindergarten. Please enroll by March 1 in order for us to prepare class lists. If you have any questions about enrollment, would like a tour, or need assistance in finding the perfect fit for your child, please contact Courtney Lampen at (616) 820-2804or clampen@hollandchristian.org.

2016-17 Preschool Enrollment
2016-17 preschool enrollment is right around the corner and we're excited to begin enrolling our youngest learners! We're again offering 3-year-old, 4-year-old, and Junior Kindergarten morning classes, afternoon enrichment classes, and before and after school care. With these options, parents can create a fully customized schedule, ranging from part-time to full-time enrollment, that best meets their family's needs. Learn more at: hollandchristian.org/schools/preschool

Preschool enrollment opens to the public February 10, but families with children already at Holland Christian Schools prek-12th grade may enroll beginning Tuesday, February 9. Go to hollandchristian.org/apply, create a username and password of your choice, and complete the requested information to enroll in the class you'd like. Important! We are not able to process applications received prior to February 9. Preschool enrollment requires a $75 deposit.

Wacky Wednesdays
Next week is the last Wacky Wednesday theme day voted on by our sixth graders.  Dig in your closets and see what you can come up with for -   Hat Day -  February 3rd.  

ACE News
South Side  & Pine Ridge 
​Thank you in advance for ​picking up​ your child​ promptly at ​4:55pm. You may contact Krista Seabolt at kseabolt@hollandchristian.org with questions.

CHAMPS books are available
We have CHAMPS coupon books available in the office for the fabulous price of $25 a book. They make great gifts for any reason or season.  Come check them out!

Reminder of Ski Club Dates: Feb. 5 & 19         March 4

Dress for the Weather
Please be sure to send your child with a jacket, hat,snow pants, and  mittens, etc.  We do not have enough 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!

Box Tops
The next submission will sent in on February 29.  Please have your collected Box Tops into either school by February 26.    If you would please keep an eye on the expiration date , it will help those preparing the Box Tops for mailing.

Customer Loyalty Cards at ditto.
 As a way to say THANK YOU to our frequent shoppers, ditto now has loyalty cards! Every $10 purchase earns a punch on your card. After 10 punches you receive 25% your next entire purchase!  Visit our website at http://www.dittoresale.com for current news and specials. Your family wins with ditto!

Family Fun Night
Clue #2 - "I would not eat them here or there.  I would not eat them anywhere!"  Fun night coming soon!!  March 18, 5:30 - 8:00 at Pine Ridge.  There will be many volunteer opportunities available!  More information coming soon!

Advanced notice: The Athletic Department of Holland Christian Schools is offering students entering grades 7-12 the opportunity to complete a state required physical. Sports Physicals will be held on Tuesday, April 19, 6:30 - 9 pm at Lakeshore Health Partners located at 904 South Washington Avenue.  Physical will cost $15 this year. We will again be using SignupGenius for scheduling appointments online.  Please look for the link to be sent in an upcoming email.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS
February      3              Wacky Wednesday - Hat Day
February      5                 6th Grade Ski Club Trip
February     19                6th Grade Ski Club Trip
February    22-26           Maker’s Week
February    12                No school, Staff Development
February    13                Walk for Warmth event
February    15                No school, Winter Break
March          4                 6th Grade Ski Club Trip
March        17                 No Holland Public Bus Transportation for- PM
March        18                 End of Quarter 3
March        18                 Fun Night at Pine Ridge (save the date)
March        28, 29           Parent Teacher conferences (evening)
March        30                 Half day,  P-T Conferences
March        31-Apr 8       Spring Break

Requested Announcements

Walk for Warmth
Community Action Partners have been raising money for individuals and families in Ottawa County for 28 years, who have received a utility shut-off notice.  For more information go to https://www.miottawa.org/Community/CAA/walk_warmth_default.htm or Email Contact: walkforwarmthcaa@gmail.com, or call/text Mike Stock at (616) 638-8502
Event Date: Saturday, February 13th
Time: 8:30am
Place: City on A Hill, 100 Pine Street, Zeeland, MI 49464

Kinder Dutch Dance Signups have begun.  
Tulip Time will be coming up quickly!  Being sent home today with 3rd - 5th Graders is information on Kinder Dutch Dance.  Please review the information and come enjoy the fun! Home Page | Tulip Time, May 7-14, 2016 - Holland, Michigan.  or contact Nicole Prins at Nicole@tuliptime.com

Friday, January 22, 2016

Opening Doors and Breaking Through Walls

This week has offered meaningful learning opportunities along with a good deal of snowy fun! The children are enjoying some serious outdoor playing during recess. They return with pink cheeks, squinting eyes adjusting from the sunlight bouncing off the bright white landscape, happily munching the mini-snowballs off of their cuffs while chatting away about their outdoors adventures with POD groups and/or friends. Good playing = good learning. Most recently that good learning involved trying to understand more clearly the levels of complexity that inequality present and the pain brought on by living in the world after the Fall. The life of Martin Luther King Jr. has been celebrated and discussed throughout the week. We have learned more about the important work he engaged in during his time on earth. But that work is not complete. Inequality is still very real. All people are not treated fairly. Just look at faces of some people in Haiti, in Flint, Michigan, and even in Holland, Michigan. We have much to learn and many walls to break down. At Holland Christian, we have more growth to achieve in the realm of this understanding, but we are intentionally working to lead and equip our children to take up this cause. We must love God and love others and when we do that, we help mend this broken world. Let's never stop growing and learning and dreaming about seeing a little piece of Heaven here on Earth!




It was a joy to welcome prospective families to our Discovery Night this week. Please join me in praying for families as they seek the right educational home to partner in the growth of their young children.

Report Cards
Report cards come home with all of your children, K-6, today. Even though you have online access, we have printed a hard copy for each of you. We encourage you to take some time to read these report cards, talk about them with your students. Celebrate the great growth and accomplishments reflected. Encourage and support where that may be needed, too. We don't have conferences at the quarter, but you may contact your child's teacher, certainly, if you have any questions. We love to see your child grow in every way!

Walk for Warmth and South Side’s Wellness Wednesday
Every February, the Ottawa County Community Action Agency puts together a fundraising event to help support families who have received a shut-off notice for their utilities at home. This event is called Walk for Warmth and takes place in Zeeland on February 13th. While we certainly cannot bring all of our students to walk the milage at this event, we do put in many miles collectively during our recesses on Wellness Wednesday. We, at South Side, would like to put these initiatives together to support families! What a horrific time of year to be without heat or utilities at home! At South Side we will commit to calculate our miles at recess over the next three weeks. Would you be willing to sponsor your child by sending coins to school? Or allow your child to collect and bring coins to school? Every penny will go directly to the Ottawa County Community Action Agency in order to help families pay the balance of their bill so children can be safe, comfortable and warm in their homes as well. We will begin this collection on Monday, February 1. More details and photos will be forthcoming.

School Closings
Stay tuned to WOOD-TV8 and WZZM-13 for school cancellations.  You may also register online with either station to receive notices via email, phone, or text. This notice is also available through Power School, our school data base program.

HC Showcase-2016
"Doo-Wop: A Night of Song, Dance, and Nonsense Syllables" Come join the Living Hope Singers for a fun night of solos, duets, and group numbers from the Doo-Wop era. Showcase 2016 will be held on Friday and Saturday, March 18 and 19, 2016 at 7:00 pm in the Holland Christian Fine Arts Auditorium. Reserved tickets are available online at www.hollandchristian.org/livinghope for $10. Order tickets early for the best seats! (High school student general admission $8 tickets will be sold two week prior to the show during the lunch hours.)   Benjamin's Hope will receive $1 from each ticket sold.  For more information, contact Tam Treffers at 616-218-9181 or treffers@charter.net.

2016-17 Kindergarten Enrollment
Kindergarten is an amazing year filled with exploration and discovery of God’s world! 2016-17 kindergarten enrollment opens to the public February 3, but families with children already in Holland Christian Schools prek-12th grade may enroll early beginning Tuesday, February 2, at hollandchristian.org/apply. (Important! We are not able to process registrations submitted prior to February 2.)

We will again be offering 3-Day+ and 5 Day classes. Children will need to be 5-years-old by September 1, 2016, to enroll in kindergarten. Please enroll by March 1 in order for us to prepare class lists. If you have any questions about enrollment, would like a tour, or need assistance in finding the perfect fit for your child, please contact Courtney Lampen at (616) 820-2804 or clampen@hollandchristian.org.

2016-17 Preschool Enrollment
2016-17 preschool enrollment is right around the corner and we're excited to begin enrolling our youngest learners! We're again offering 3-year-old, 4-year-old, and Junior Kindergarten morning classes, afternoon enrichment classes, and before and after school care. With these options, parents can create a fully customized schedule, ranging from part-time to full-time enrollment, that best meets their family's needs. Learn more at: hollandchristian.org/schools/preschool

Preschool enrollment opens to the public February 10, but families with children already at Holland Christian Schools prek-12th grade may enroll beginning Tuesday, February 9. Go to hollandchristian.org/apply, create a username and password of your choice, and complete the requested information to enroll in the class you'd like. Important! We are not able to process applications received prior to February 9. Preschool enrollment requires a $75 deposit.

Makers Week
During the week of February 22, your child will be engaged in Makers' Week at both Pine Ridge and South Side. During Makers' Week, all students will be involved in engineering and/or technology-based projects. Our students will work side-by-side with teammates from all grades within their building that have a common interest rather than a common age. We anticipate collaboration, problem-solving, coaching and encouraging among our children as they build, create, design and publish their work. You will hear more about this opportunity in the coming weeks http://www.hollandchristian.org/makers-week

Wacky Wednesdays
Our parent team is once again sponsoring our Wacky Wednesday fun. Please take a look at the dates and theme as voted on by our sixth graders.:

      Mismatched Day -  January 27                                   Hat Day -                February 3


ACE News
South Side  & Pine Ridge
​The ACE classes at SS and PR will continue through Thursday, February 18​, and we will use our February 25 ​make up date if classes are canceled due to weather​.​  ​Thank you in advance for ​picking up​ your child​ promptly at ​4:55pm. You may contact Krista Seabolt at kseabolt@hollandchristian.org with questions.

CHAMPS books are available
We have CHAMPS coupon books available in the office for the fabulous price of $25 a book. They make great gifts for any reason or season.  Come check them out!

Reminder of Ski Club Dates:               Jan.  22             Feb. 5 & 19         March 4

Dress for the Weather
Please be sure to send your child with a jacket, hat,snow pants, and  mittens, etc.  We do not have enough 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!

Box Tops
The next submission will sent in on February 29.  Please have your collected Box Tops into either school by February 26.    If you would please keep an eye on the expiration date , it will help those preparing the Box Tops for mailing.

BOGO SALE at ditto.
Do you have some Christmas money to spend? Maximize your dollars at ditto! Buy One Clothing Item and Get One Free during the months of January and February. Visit our website at http://www.dittoresale.com for your BOGO coupon. Also new at ditto—Customer Loyalty Cards. Your family wins with ditto!

Family Fun Night
Clue #1 - "One fish, two fish, red fish, blue fish"   Hmmm.... got you wondering? Well, for now just mark your calendar for Friday, March 18 from 5:30 - 8:00 for Family Fun Night at Pine Ridge.  More information coming soon!

Advanced notice: The Athletic Department of Holland Christian Schools is offering students entering grades 7-12 the opportunity to complete a state required physical. Sports Physicals will be held on Tuesday, April 19, 6:30 - 9 pm at Lakeshore Health Partners located at 904 South Washington Avenue.  Physical will cost $15 this year. We will again be using SignupGenius for scheduling appointments online.  Please look for the link to be sent in an upcoming email.

Calendar of Events

January      22                 6th Grade Ski Club Trip
January      27                Wacky Wednesday - Mismatched Day
February      3              Wacky Wednesday - Hat Day
February      5                 6th Grade Ski Club Trip
February     19                6th Grade Ski Club Trip
February    22-26           Maker’s Week
February    12               No school, Staff Development
February    13                Walk for Warmth event
February    15               No school, Winter Break
March          4                 6th Grade Ski Club Trip
March        17                 No Holland Public Bus Transportation for- PM
March        18                 End of Quarter 3
March        18                 Fun Night at Pine Ridge (save the date)
March        28, 29           Parent Teacher conferences (evening)
March        30                 Half day,  P-T Conferences
March        31-Apr 8       Spring Break

Requested Announcements

Kinder Dutch Dance Signups have begun
Tulip Time will be coming up quickly!  Being sent home today with 3rd - 5th Graders is information on Kinder Dutch Dance.  Please review the information and come enjoy the fun! Home Page | Tulip Time, May 7-14, 2016 - Holland, Michigan.  or contact Nicole Prins at  Nicole@tuliptime.com

Baton Twirling Classes
Come join the fun and learn how to twirl a baton!  Baton twirling is making a comeback as the latest and greatest sensation!  Don’t miss out on all the fun!  Pink information sheets were sent home today for Preschool - 2nd, the 3rd-6th graders should have received the forms last week.  For more information go to:  http://www.athleticsensations.com/ or contact Athletic Sensations (616) 460.1747 or email:  athleticsens@aol.com.























Friday, January 15, 2016

Discovery, January 15, 2016




I am not very good at trivia. I never listened to much music growing up, so I don’t know a lot about bands, songs, or even the genres of music. I watched some T.V. and a few movies over the years, but not to the point where I can quote characters or know the catch phrases that made it into mainstream vocabulary. I did enjoy the first original Star Wars movie, so when my daughters and my nieces and nephews decided to see “Star Wars The Force Awakens” this past Christmas break, I could not resist the opportunity to plug back in, even though it has been thirty years. When the audience cheered the return of the Millennium Falcon, Hans Solo, Chewbacca, Princess Leia, I was thinking, Wow! they look old! Well, maybe not Chewbacca.  Time does not stand still and things change.

As we host prospective parents on Tuesday, January 19, at South Side, this is a new generation of not only parents but students too. These preschoolers and kindergarten students will graduate in the year 2029. I wonder how things will change in the span of their years at HC.

None of us know what the future holds for these children, but one thing that does not change is God’s faithfulness to us. Let’s pray that God will once again bless us with new students at Holland Christian, a place where we can provide an education that looks toward tomorrow and, no matter the changes that life brings, offers students the tools to explore, to encourage curiosity, and to meet challenges and transform the world for Christ.



School Closings
Stay tuned to WOOD-TV8 and WZZM-13 for school cancellations.  You may also register online with either station to receive notices via email, phone, or text. This notice is also available through Power School, our school data base program.

HC Showcase-2016
"Doo-Wop: A Night of Song, Dance, and Nonsense Syllables" Come join the Living Hope Singers for a fun night of solos, duets, and group numbers from the Doo-Wop era. Showcase 2016 will be held on Friday and Saturday, March 18 and 19, 2016 at 7:00 pm in the Holland Christian Fine Arts Auditorium. Reserved tickets are available online at www.hollandchristian.org/livinghope for $10. Order tickets early for the best seats! (High school student general admission $8 tickets will be sold two week prior to the show during the lunch hours.)   Benjamin's Hope will receive $1 from each ticket sold.  For more information, contact Tam Treffers at 616-218-9181 or treffers@charter.net.

Discovery Nights Next Week! 
If you know a family considering HC for preschool or kindergarten next fall, our Discovery Nights are a great way to learn more! These nights will be held January 19 at South Side and January 21 at Rose Park from 6-7:30 pm. Childcare is provided. It's an excellent way to experience a glimpse into the great things that happen at HC. Invite your friends - you are Holland Christian's best sales force!

2016-17 Kindergarten Enrollment
Kindergarten is an amazing year filled with exploration and discovery of God’s world! 2016-17 kindergarten enrollment opens to the public February 3, but families with children already in Holland Christian Schools prek-12th grade may enroll early beginning Tuesday, February 2, at hollandchristian.org/apply. (Important! We are not able to process registrations submitted prior to February 2.)

We will again be offering 3-Day+ and 5 Day classes. Children will need to be 5-years-old by September 1, 2016, to enroll in kindergarten. Please enroll by March 1 in order for us to prepare class lists. If you have any questions about enrollment, would like a tour, or need assistance in finding the perfect fit for your child, please contact Courtney Lampen at (616) 820-2804 or clampen@hollandchristian.org.


2016-17 Preschool Enrollment
2016-17 preschool enrollment is right around the corner and we're excited to begin enrolling our youngest learners! We're again offering 3-year-old, 4-year-old, and Junior Kindergarten morning classes, afternoon enrichment classes, and before and after school care. With these options, parents can create a fully customized schedule, ranging from part-time to full-time enrollment, that best meets their family's needs. Learn more at: hollandchristian.org/schools/preschool

Preschool enrollment opens to the public February 10, but families with children already at Holland Christian Schools prek-12th grade may enroll beginning Tuesday, February 9. Go to hollandchristian.org/apply, create a username and password of your choice, and complete the requested information to enroll in the class you'd like. Important! We are not able to process applications received prior to February 9. Preschool enrollment requires a $75 deposit.


Makers Week
During the week of February 22, your child will be engaged in Makers' Week at both Pine Ridge and South Side. During Makers' Week, all students will be involved in engineering and/or technology-based projects. Our students will work side-by-side with teammates from all grades within their building that have a common interest rather than a common age. We anticipate collaboration, problem-solving, coaching and encouraging among our children as they build, create, design and publish their work. You will hear more about this opportunity in the coming weeks http://www.hollandchristian.org/makers-week

We are in need of a few donations. If you have any of the following laying around the house that you would be willing to part with, we will put these items to sound use! Thank you for taking a look at our list of needs:

  • Small hand-tools such as screwdrivers, pliers, hammer


Lacrosse Meeting for 3rd - 6th Grades
We will be holding an informational meeting on Monday,January 18th, at 7pm at HCHS Lecture Hall for all 3rd-6th graders interested in playing HC lacrosse.



Wacky Wednesdays
Our parent team is once again sponsoring our Wacky Wednesday fun. Please take a look at the dates and theme as voted on by our sixth graders.:

Crazy Hair Day -    January 20
Mismatched Day -  January 27
Hat Day -                February 3


ACE News  
South Side  & Pine Ridge
​We ​kicked off the LEGOS MOTORS & MORE JR. (SS) and BEADAZZLED and SPORTS SPECTACULAR (PR) class ​yesterday!   The ACE classes at SS and PR will continue through Thursday, February 18​, and we will use our February 25 ​make up date if classes are canceled due to weather​.​  ​Thank you in advance for ​picking up​ your child​ promptly at ​4:55pm. You may contact Krista Seabolt at kseabolt@hollandchristian.org with questions.

CHAMPS books are available
We have CHAMPS coupon books available in the office for the fabulous price of $25 a book. They make great gifts for any reason or season.  Come check them out!

Reminder of Ski Club Dates:
Today's Ski club is canceled for 6th grade due to weather.
Please keep these dates on your calendar :   Jan.   22    Feb. 5 & 19       March 4

Dress for the Weather
Please be sure to send your child with a jacket, hat, snow pants, and  mittens, etc.  We do not have enough 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!

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 February 10, 17 and 24.  Please Contact Laura in the office.  616.820.3505 or lnorman@hollandchristian.org.

BOGO SALE at ditto.
Do you have some Christmas money to spend? Maximize your dollars at ditto! Buy One Clothing Item and Get One Free during the months of January and February. Visit our website at http://www.dittoresale.com for your BOGO coupon. Also new at ditto—Customer Loyalty Cards. Your family wins with ditto!

Family Fun Night
Clue #1 - "One fish, two fish, red fish, blue fish"   Hmmm.... got you wondering? Well, for now just mark your calendar for Friday, March 18 from 5:30 - 8:00 for Family Fun Night at Pine Ridge.  More information coming soon!

CALENDAR OF EVENTS
January      15                6th Grade Ski Club Trip
January      18                No Holland Public Bus Transportation for AM or PM
January      19                Discovery Night 6:00pm - 7:30pm
January      20             Wacky Wednesday - Crazy Hair Day
January      22                6th Grade Ski Club Trip
January      27               Wacky Wednesday - Mismatched Day
February      3             Wacky Wednesday - Hat Day
February      5                6th Grade Ski Club Trip
February     19               6th Grade Ski Club Trip
February    22-26           Maker’s Week
February    12               No school, Staff Development
February    15               No school, Winter Break
March          4                6th Grade Ski Club Trip
March        17                No Holland Public Bus Transportation for- PM
March        18                End of Quarter 3
March        18                Fun Night at Pine Ridge (save the date)
March        28, 29          Parent Teacher conferences (evening)
March        30                Half day,  P-T Conferences
March        31-Apr 8      Spring Break

Requested Announcements

Kinder Dutch Dance Signups have begun.  
Tulip Time will be coming up quickly!  Being sent home today with 3rd - 5th Graders is information on Kinder Dutch Dance.  Please review the information and come enjoy the fun! Home Page | Tulip Time, May 7-14, 2016 - or contact Nicole Prins  at Nicole@tuliptime.com

Baton Twirling Classes
Come join the fun and learn how to twirl a baton!  Baton twirling is making a comeback as the latest and greatest sensation!  Don’t miss out on all the fun!  Pink information sheets will be sent home today for 3rd-6th graders.  For more information go to:  http://www.athleticsensations.com/ or contact Athletic Sensations (616) 460-1747 or email:  athleticsens@aol.com.

Friday, January 8, 2016

Much to Discover!

We are entering a joy-filled, exciting time of the Holland Christian School calendar. Though the ground is still covered in snow and ice, we are busy making plans for the next school year. It is the season of school tours with new families, interviews with prospective parents, Discovery Night experiences and many conversations with folks who are curious to know more about who we are and what we do. Please join me in committing to pray for families who are seeking the educational home for their child where he/she will be loved, known, taught and grown into God. Schooling is a big decision and commitment for families to consider. We claim the promise in Ephesians 2:10 "For we are God's handiwork, created in Jesus Christ to do good work, which God prepared in advance for us to do." Thanks be to God that He holds the plans for our lives and for our children's journey. As parents, we can rest in that knowledge. As a school community, we know that we can be faithful and God will be great! January 19, 6:00 - 7:30PM is the date and time for this very special event designed to introduce Holland Christian to prospective parents and students for next year, especially at the Preschool and Kindergarten levels. What can you do? Pray for an overwhelming number of new families to come that evening, and for a wonderful experience for all whom God will bring. Pray for staff and our volunteers as we welcome and introduce ourselves to these prospective families. Help us to create the positive "buzz" for the night by spreading the word and invitation, and by telling your story of Holland Christian and South Side! Think about a family member, acquaintance, neighbor, friend, or colleague whom you could invite to this event. Some of our best advertising is you! Accompany someone to the event. You can greatly alleviate any discomfort someone might feel about walking through the doors of a building into which they've never stepped foot before. Your friendly and welcoming accompaniment may be just what is needed for someone to come and hear our story.


Makers Week Human beings are pretty astounding creatures, wouldn’t you agree? (admittedly we may be a little partial!) We are image bearers of a creative God. The Bible opens by detailing the story of God creating and unfolding the world and filling it with a creation that points to His glory. The beauty, intricacies, varieties and delicate balance through which life is allowed to flourish is nothing short of miraculous. Our God of the universe created us in His image. Wow. Astounding. As a place of learning, it is our responsibility to celebrate this gift of creativity in our children. It is imperative that we do all we can to nurture our children’s curiosity, creativity, and capacity for innovation. By allowing their imagination to flourish we enrich their learning experiences rather than stifling their “outside-of-the-box” thinking. Children have an extraordinary capacity for creativity, and they often use it unabashedly. During the week of February 22, your child will be engaged in Makers' Week. During Makers' Week, all students will be involved in engineering and/or techological-based projects. Our students will work side-by-side with teammates from all grades that have a common interest rather than a common age. We anticipate collaboration, problem-solving, coaching and encouraging among our children as they build, create, design and publish their work. You will hear more about this opportunity in the coming weeks http://www.hollandchristian.org/makers-week We are in need of a few donations. If you have any of the following laying around the house that you would be willing to part with, we will put these items to sound use! Thank you for taking a look at our list of needs:
  • Small hand-tools such as screwdrivers, pliers, hammer
  • Cookie Cutters
  • Happy Meal-type toys and/or trinkets
  • Kiddie Pool to borrow

Wacky Wednesdays Our parent team is once again sponsoring our Wacky Wednesday fun. Please take a look at the dates and theme as voted on by our sixth graders.: Pajama Day - January 13 Crazy Hair Day - January 20 Mismatched Day - January 27 Hat Day - February 3
South Side Sidewalk Even in the winter months, we have many neighbors who enjoy taking a walk around the block. As a driver pulling up to South Side, it’s difficult to see the sidewalk when parking the car along Pine Avenue. Inadvertently, our cars often drive up and park against the plowed snow bank which then blocks the sidewalk, forcing our neighbors to walk on the street. Whenever possible, please be mindful to leave enough space between the front of your car and the snow bank so our walking neighbors can safely stroll along Pine Avenue. Thank you. While we’re talking parking at South Side, thank you for adhering so well to the drop off policy: cars that are dropping off children and moving forward stay in the right lane of the circle drive. Cars that are exited by parents accompanying their children into school park in the left lane. This prevents children from crossing a moving lane of traffic unassisted. When parking side by side in our circle drive, no cars are able to pass through and exit the campus. Please be mindful to leave the right lane of traffic open for others to come and go.
Kinder Dutch Dance Signups have begun. Tulip Time will be coming up quickly! Being sent home today with 3rd - 5th Grades is information on Kinder Dutch Dance. Please review the information and sign-up to enjoy the fun! Home Page | Tulip Time, May 7-14, 2016 - Holland, Michigan. or contact Nicole Prins Nicole@tuliptime.com
ACE News Pine Ridge - The fun begins next week! SPORTS SPECTACULAR begins on Thursday, January 14, 2016 after school and the class is now full. We are looking for a few more students to make the BEADAZZLED class a go (this is a more intricate class than last year which includes wiring skills, custom beading, and even making a glass bead). Interested families should email Krista at kseabolt@hollandchristian.org by Saturday morning, January 9, 2016. Enrollment forms are available at hollandchristian.org/enrichment. Parents will be sent class details by Saturday evening! South Side- LEGOS MOTORS & MORE Jr. begins on Thursday, January 14, 2016 after school. The class is now full and parents have been contacted about details. CHAMPS books are in! We now have CHAMPS coupon books available in the office for the fabulous price of $25 a book. They make a great gift. Come check them out! Reminder of Ski Club Dates: Ski Club outing from today, rescheduled to next Friday, January 15, 2016. The forecast looks great!
Here are additional dates for your calendar:
  • Jan. 15 & 22  
  • Feb. 5 & 19 
  • March 4

Dress for the Weather 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! 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 February 3, 10, 17 and 24. Please Contact Laura in the office. 616.820.3505 or lnorman@hollandchristian.org. South Side & Pine Ridge- Thank you for your support in cutting, counting, and sorting Box Tops and Campbells labels. It is very helpful for the coordinators who compile and submit them to the company. Recently a check from Boxtops was received for $513.90 to be shared between both schools. If you are interested in helping, please contact Pat pmeiste@hollandchristian.org or Laura lnorman@hollandchristian.org for details. The final Spartan UPC labels have been submitted and we are waiting for this check to arrive. We will keep you posted once we have received payment. Thank you again for your past support! BOGO SALE at ditto. Do you have some Christmas money to spend? Maximize your dollars at ditto! Buy One Clothing Item and Get One Free during the months of January and February. Visit our website at http://www.dittoresale.com for your BOGO coupon. Also new at ditto—Customer Loyalty Cards. Your family wins with ditto! CALENDAR OF EVENTS January 8 Ski Club Trip Canceled for ( 6th Grade ) January 13 Wacky Wednesday - Pajama Day January 15 6th Grade Ski Club Trip January 18 No Holland Public Bus Transportation for AM or PM January 19 Discovery night 6:00pm - 7:30pm January 20 Wacky Wednesday - Crazy Hair Day January 22 6th Grade Ski Club Trip January 27 Wacky Wednesday - Mismatched Day
February 3 Wacky Wednesday - Hat Day February 5 6th Grade Ski Club Trip February 19 6th Grade Ski Club Trip February 22-26 Maker’s Week February 12 No school, Staff Development February 15 No school, Winter Break
March 4 6th Grade Ski Club Trip March 17 No Holland Public Bus Transportation for- PM March 18 End of Quarter 3
March 18 Fun Night at Pine Ridge (save the date) March 28, 29 Parent Teacher conferences (evening) March 30 Half day, P-T Conferences March 31-Apr 8 Spring Break