Dear Forest Families,
In the rhythm of the school calendar, this is the time of year we try to solidify and prepare our staffing picture for the next school year. Often that means welcoming new staff members, which we are blessed to do again in the Forest! But this year we are also faced with offering our deep debt of gratitude and love to two founding staff members. Mrs. Angie Smith and Mr. Ron Harig took a chance at Forest School years ago and have poured their skill, abilities and faith into our children. Mrs. Angie Smith is stepping away from her role as our second grade teacher to allow for more time with her family members scattered about the U.S. Mr. Ron Harig is stepping away from his role as our kindergarten teacher to retire up north in what he likes to call “God’s country.” It is an understatement to say these two have reshaped the world of education! Because of their courage and passionate beliefs about childhood, our little ones have an alternative method to gaining skill and development in school. Angie and Ron, from the depths of our hearts we thank you. Your footprints will be indelibly and lovingly left in our Forest and in the pathways of our hearts. We love and thank you for all you have done.
Yours in Christ’s service,
Miska
Thank you, Mrs. Smith! We love you!
Thank you, Mr. Harig! We love you!
Announcements
Our Forest Family Family
Introducing our new Forest Kindergarten Teacher
Hello, My name is Stephanie Timmer. My husband and I live in Holland and love living so close to our West Michigan beaches. Spending time outside in God’s beautiful creation by skiing, running, swimming, and biking are some of my favorite things to do.
I am excited to explore and learn with your students this year. I graduated from Grand Valley State University in 2017 with a degree in Elementary Education and have been teaching Kindergarten ever since. Partnering with parents to shape these little minds brings me so much joy. I am so excited to share my love of learning and love for Christ with your students. I am looking forward to singing, dancing, and worshiping with them each day! I truly feel blessed that God has led me to teach at Holland Christian Forest School.
Welcome to the Forest, Mrs. Timmer!
Introducing our Forest Second Grade Teacher
Hello Forest Friends!
My name is Krystle Brouwer and I will be teaching Second Grade Forest School next year! I am excited to be joining this team of educators not only sharing God’s love with our kiddos, but also His beautiful creation! I have been part of the Holland Christian family for two years as a teacher and many more years than that as a parent. I am finishing up my second year at South Side as the Junior Kindergarten teacher. Before coming to Holland Christian, I spent 11 years of my teaching career as a 5th grade teacher in Hamilton. Prior to that, I also had experience teaching KDG, 3rd grade and 4th grade. My husband, Chad, and I have two children and live in Holland. Our daughter, Elsa, is currently a 6th grader at Holland Christian Middle School and our son, Gavin, is a 4th grader at Pine Ridge.
I feel so blessed to be a part of the Holland Christian family and love sharing God’s love with my students. I am excited to add more nature rich experiences into the mix and explore God’s beautiful world with my new Forest students! I look forward to meeting you soon!
Welcome to the Forest, Mrs. Brouwer!
We are still in the process of discovering who God has intended to teach in fifth grade next year. I will keep you apprised of that news as soon as I am able.
Tulip Time
On Thursday, May 12, our 1st-4th graders will participate in the Tulip Time Kinderparade. We will have a normal school schedule in the morning. Kindergarten will be dismissed at 11:30am. Students in grades 1 & 2 will remain at school until we load the buses to head to the parade route. They will eat lunch at school before heading to the parade. There will be no hot lunch.
An information sheet and pick up slip was sent home with your child. Please return this slip to your child’s teacher ASAP. Thank you.
Forest School Mentor Parents for 23/24
Our goal and prayer is that every child and every family at Holland Christian would be known, nurtured and inspired. To that end, we are seeking warm and welcoming individuals or families who might be willing to serve as a mentor in their Forest Classroom for the 23-24 school year. Please see the list of needs that this role might encompass but is not limited to!
- Host two play dates at a park, beach, or other location of your choice for one hour.
- Pass along emails to the families in your class notifying clearance sales, books, special events that might interest Forest Families.
- Attend the New Family Picnic in August
- Attend Forest special events such as the Forest Family Night Hike
- Willingness to share contact information with classroom families to receive questions, concerns, wonderings and feedback.
- Connect with Miska as needs from families arise
If you’re interested in serving your child’s classroom community in this manner in the 23-24 school year, please email Miska at mrynsburger@hollandchristian.org
Grandparents Day
Let’s spread the word, Grandparents/friends are invited to join us for a time to learn about life in the Forest on May 5! Please note the times below:
- 2nd grade: 8:30-9:30am
- 1st grade: 10-11am
- K: 11am-12noon
Hot Lunch
Upcoming Events
View the full Holland Christian calendar
May
- 4: Forest School Kindergarten Visit Day
- 5: Grandparents Day
- 11: 1/2 day Tulip Time Parade
- 16: 4th-12th grade Orchestra Concert
- 17: All School Convocation 9am
- 29: No school: Memorial Day
June
- 2: 1/2 day: Last day of school
- 2: Report cards available on Powerschool
