The cooler temperatures and dark mornings are concrete reminders that we're in the midst of the changing seasons. Along Pine Avenue, directly across from South Side stands a brilliant maple tree. Every year in October, God paints each leaf with vibrancy. Today I acknowledged that each year that I've seen that tree, my heart and mind are at a spot in the school calendar that we are in rhythm at school. Children have learned our procedures. They are meeting expectations. Love and trust have been built. Our children and our staff are settling in together in a rhythm that yields learning, success and growth. While certainly weather throughout the year affects the growth pattern of that tree across the street, at God's hand, it will boldly proclaim our Creator's faithfulness year after year.
We can take comfort in that fact in our own lives as well. While certainly storms come and go, our God is more powerful. He is faithful. It is by His hand that we grow and boldly declare His glory. If you are able and have the time, I hope and pray that you are able to see and enjoy God's handiwork in creation and talk with your children about God's faithfulness in our ever changing lives.
Pastors' Breakfast
Reminder to Pastors to bring your Invitation Postcard to the pastors breakfast.
When: Wed, October 7, 8:45am – 10:30am
Where:
Holland Christian High School, 950 Ottawa Avenue, Holland, MI 49423The pastors will also have the opportunity to visit your child's classroom on the morning of Wednesday, October 7. We are eager to share the blessings of Christian education with your pastor. We are looking forward to having these very special guests on our campus! Contact Mike Verkaik with any questions by email at mverkaik@hollandchirstian.org
GRANDPARENTS/GRANDFRIENDS DAY
We will be welcoming hundreds of wonderful grandparents and grandfriends into our buildings on Thursday, October 8 from 10:15-11:30 at South Side and 12:45-2:00 pm at Pine Ridge. What a wonderful bonding time when our students are able to share a glimpse of their day with their special grandparents or grandfriends. This is a relationship to be treasured! The parent team graciously helps welcome our grandparents at each campus by offering coffee and cookies. We are looking for a few more people to greet grandparents at our doors and help them find classrooms. For some grandparents, it is their first time in our schools and navigating their way in the middle of a busy crowd can feel daunting. If you are able and willing to be a warm, welcoming smile and offer a helping hand from 10:00-10:30am at South Side or from 12:30-1:00 pm at Pine Ridge, would you please email Miska at mrynsburger@hollandchristian.org. We will contact you will the details. Thank you!
The October hot lunch menu is available at- www.hollandchristian.org/elementary/hot_lunch_menu
Kevin Kammeraad
We will welcome local author, Kevin Kammeraad on Wednesday, October 14, from 10:30-11:30 at South Side and 12:30-1:30 at Pine Ridge. Kevin visited us last year with his friends and music that produced lots of giggles and smiles among students (and staff). His program inspires creativity and "outside of the box" thinking in our children.
Holland Christian's 1st Annual Homecoming Family Weekend
October 16-17, 2015
HC Alumni, Parents, Friends, and Supporters: This weekend is for you! Bring your family. Connect with friends old and new. See what’s changed and what’s stayed the same. Tell your story and make new memories at our 1st Annual Homecoming Family Weekend!
Friday, October 16, 2015
Friday Night Tailgate BBQ and Football Game: 5:00 pm
Join us for a delicious chicken BBQ and football game vs. Zeeland West! Dinner will feature pit-roasted BBQ chicken, homemade cheesy potatoes, fresh fruit, Hawaiian rolls, and homemade chocolate chip cookies for dessert. Hot dogs will also be available for the kids. This night is designed for families of all ages! There will be bounce houses and inflatables for the kids and the Critter Barn's Ultimate Farm On The Go. Then join us for an action packed varsity football game versus Zeeland West. It’s going to be a great night!
5 pm: Dinner and children's activities
7 pm: Football game vs. Zeeland West
Tickets: $10/person (advanced purchase required online or in the office)
Purchase tickets at: hollandchristian.org/
Saturday, October 17, 2015
1st Annual Holland Christian Fall Classic 5k: 8:30 am
Join us for the 1st Annual Holland Christian Fall Classic 5k on Saturday morning at HCHS. Run with your family or put together a team with friends or neighbors and save $5 per runner!
Location:
Holland Christian High School
956 Ottawa Avenue
Holland, MI 49423
Day of event registration pricing: $25/person; $20/person for teams of 4 or more.
For details and to register, visit: hollandchristian.org/
Kids Fun Run: 9:30 am Kids 12 and under are invited to join us for a Fun Run after the Fall Classic 5K. All participants receive a bib and ribbon for participating.
Cost: Free! No advanced registration required.
HC Community Breakfast: 8:30-11 am Join us for a delicious breakfast at the High School featuring Holland Christian's famous homemade cinnamon rolls!
Cost: Free! Compliments of the Holland Christian Education Foundation.
Register at: hollandchristian.org/
Holland Christian High School Campus Tours: 8:30-11 am If you haven't been on the high school campus recently, join us throughout the morning for a tour of the High School, led by HCHS students and staff.
4th Grade Orchestra Starts October 19th
Orchestra Classes for 4th Grade will again be offered this year. For more information please follow this link: Orchestra Classes for 4th Grade information
Extended Care Program for October 21
Our year is off to a great start, and we are excited about the Before/After School Program options we now have available for our families. It's an example of our desire to partner with parents by making life more convenient for them and ensuring a secure, well-supervised environment for our students.
On a few designated dates, HCS will be conducting professional development activities instead of holding classes as usual. Some of these dates fall outside of normal holiday breaks, and we realize that it might be difficult for parents to take off work or come up with babysitters for their children as a result. We'd like to help with that!
This year, we are providing the option to bring your children (Preschool-6th Grade) to school on some of these professional development dates and have them enjoy structured, supervised activities. The next date is coming up on Wednesday, October 21. To help us get the right number of staff in place for the day, please let us know if you'll be using Extended Care Program for your family by October 16.
Once your family is registered you will receive an email with more detailed information regarding the day. Families will be billed the usual hourly rate ($5 - One Student, $9 - Two Students, $12 - Three Students) for only the time they use. This day is open to all Holland Christian families and we will be meeting that day at our Rose Park Christian Elementary campus. Come for the morning, the afternoon, or the full day. We'd love to have your children!
Please visit HERE to let us know if you'll be attending Extended Care on 10/21.
South Side-
Recess Duty help needed:
We have a few openings on the Sept/Oct calendar for noon recess duty. Would you please check your calendar for the following dates:
Oct. 9 (Friday) Oct 12 (Monday) Oct. 26 (Monday)
Room Moms
If you are interested and available to assist, we are in need of a room "mom" in both Mrs. Hunderman's class and Miss Sapp's class. Please contact either teacher of the office.
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 December 16. Please Contact Laura in the office. 616.820.3505 or lnorman@hollandchristian.org.
South Side & Pine Ridge-
Boxtop, Campbell's, and Spartan Label Coordinators Needed:
This includes trimming and bundling these into groups using rubber bands, envelopes or baggies. Counting totals and submitting them to Laura Norman for Submission on the calculated dates 3 times a year. If you are interested in helping out, please let Pat or Laura know. They will get you the information needed for submission and due dates.
CASH FOR CLASS
October 18 - 24, 2015
November 22 - 28, 2015
Purchases made with your yes card will automatically be credited to your group's account. A Participant's yes card must be linked to the group's account to earn credit. A yes cardholder needs to visit www.myyesrewards.com to link their card to your group. Once a yes rewards account is linked, it will automatically calculate the rebate for your group. The cashiers at each location store has a list of Program numbers by school name. Thank you for your participation!
November 22 - 28, 2015
Purchases made with your yes card will automatically be credited to your group's account. A Participant's yes card must be linked to the group's account to earn credit. A yes cardholder needs to visit www.myyesrewards.com to link their card to your group. Once a yes rewards account is linked, it will automatically calculate the rebate for your group. The cashiers at each location store has a list of Program numbers by school name. Thank you for your participation!
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.
Sign up for the program here
EMERGENCY PROCEDURES:
As the weather changes from summer to fall, it is time for you to become familiar with our emergency procedures, particularly during a tornado watch or warning. The guidelines below are also found in our elementary handbook online.
Tornado Watch
1. All students will remain in their building under the direct supervision of their teachers.
2. The regular school schedule will be followed.
3. Classes will be dismissed at the regular time.
Tornado Warning
1. No student will be dismissed. Children may be released to a parent who personally comes to get the child (although this is not recommended).
2. All students will be assigned to the safest possible area within the school building until the warning has been lifted. Civil Defense Officials have assisted us in determining these areas.
*** It is helpful to us if you do not call the school during these times. It is not that we do not want you to know what is happening, but our attention needs to be on the safety of the children. Thanks! Fire, tornado and lockdown drills are held periodically throughout the school year according to Michigan School Guidelines. We will be practicing a tornado and fire drill soon!
EMERGENCY PROCEDURES:
As the weather changes from summer to fall, it is time for you to become familiar with our emergency procedures, particularly during a tornado watch or warning. The guidelines below are also found in our elementary handbook online.
Tornado Watch
1. All students will remain in their building under the direct supervision of their teachers.
2. The regular school schedule will be followed.
3. Classes will be dismissed at the regular time.
Tornado Warning
1. No student will be dismissed. Children may be released to a parent who personally comes to get the child (although this is not recommended).
2. All students will be assigned to the safest possible area within the school building until the warning has been lifted. Civil Defense Officials have assisted us in determining these areas.
*** It is helpful to us if you do not call the school during these times. It is not that we do not want you to know what is happening, but our attention needs to be on the safety of the children. Thanks! Fire, tornado and lockdown drills are held periodically throughout the school year according to Michigan School Guidelines. We will be practicing a tornado and fire drill soon!
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
October 2- Holland Aquatic Center Fall Carnival, 6pm - 9pm
October 7- Pastors breakfast (8:35-10:00)- more details here
October 8- Grandparents Day @ SS (10:15-11:30am) and PR (12:45-2:00pm)
October 16-17 - Homecoming Family Weekend 2015October 20 - Parent Teacher Conferences (evening)
October 21- No School - Parent Teacher Conferences (evening)
October 22-23 - No School - CEA Convention
October 26 - Picture Re-take day
November 25 - No School: Staff Development
November 26-27- Thanksgiving Vacation
December 21-Jan 3- Christmas Vacation
January 4 - All Classes Resume
