Many years ago on a late afternoon much like today, I talked my two daughters into going cross country skiing with me. Elizabeth was maybe 9 years old and Emily was 7, so they were just beginning to enjoy the trails that I found fun and challenging. We were having a great time laughing, falling, and watching the wildlife as we were skiing that day. It began to turn dark and so we headed back toward the car. The girls totally trusted me to be their guide and get them safely back home where it was warm and we could sit down for supper. The problem was I had become totally turned around, and instead of heading for the car, we were actually headed in the opposite direction. After about an hour and maybe a few miles of extra hiking because we were so tired from skiing, we finally made it back to the car and eventually home.
I find the Lent season is somewhat like this experience. We start with Ash Wednesday 46 days before Easter. We look forward to the journey and the experiences along the way. There is reflection and fasting, giving something up or taking something on during this period. We reach Palm Sunday and then Holy Week...Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, the Stations of the Cross, understanding the cost of Christ paid for our redemption. We are reminded that we are lost and we need a Savior. The timing of Easter is perfect. It comes at the right moment of our Lenten journey. Praise the Lord! We are blessed to walk this journey together with our students here at Holland Christian.
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 Has Started - Spread the Word!
Kindergarten enrollment is off to a great start! 2016-17 kindergarten enrollment is underway at hollandchristian.org/apply. Please enroll by March 1 in order for us to prepare class lists. If you have any questions about enrollment or know a family we should contact about kindergarten at HC, please contact Courtney Lampen at (616) 820-2804 or clampen@hollandchristian.org.
2016-17 Preschool Enrollment Is Underway!
2016-17 preschool enrollment is underway! 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. Preschool enrollment requires a $75 deposit. 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 or contact Courtney Lampen at (616) 820-2804 or clampen@hollandchristian.org.
ACE News
South Side & Pine Ridge
A.C.E. will meet thru February 18th. 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. 19 and March 4
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 March 18, 2016
Have you guessed it from the clues?? Yes, a Dr. Seuss theme for this year’s fun night! Look for volunteer information to come home with your child next week!
Fun night donation opportunity - Fun night is only a few weeks away! It is a night kids look forward to and an opportunity for families to connect with each other. Each year we have donations that we are able to give away to families. Please consider if you would be willing to donate something towards this part of fun night. It might be an item from your business, a service, or you could donate a gift of money which we will use to purchase some items to give away. These do not need to be big items - anything is welcome and appreciated! Please contact Cindi Walraven at cindiwalraven@hotmail.com with questions or donations. Thanks in advance for your contributions!
Ditto Best of West MI Celebration!
Ditto is providing free Simpatico coffee, Valentine’s cookies, and special savings on Saturday, February 13 as a thank you for voting us the best resale shop in West Michigan! Please stop by anytime between 10 am and 6 pm. Visit our website for additional coupons at www.dittoresale.com. Come see what's new at ditto!
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.
Holland Christian School Summer Camps
The dates for the Holland Christian sports camps are now posted on the HC website under the Athletics tab. Although you can't officially register for the camps until April 11, when you will be able to do so online, you can at least coordinate your summer vacations along with any desired HC athletic camps.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
February 12 No school, Staff Development
February 13 Walk for Warmth event
February 15 No school, Winter Break
February 19 6th Grade Ski Club Trip
February 22-26 Maker’s Week
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
