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