Dear Forest Families,
Thank you for all of your support, prayers, feedback and commitment at the start of this new school year. Together we are grateful for a smooth launch to all that God has in store for us together in 26-27! It is an absolute JOY to have our learning spaces filled with the LIFE your children bring to us! I pray that our relationship continues to be marked in truth, respect, care and love.
Speaking of caring for one another, I have a unique request to share with you again this year as we’re building habits this school year. As a community, we deeply appreciate our teachers and all they do to pour into the lives of our children. It’s a tall task they’re engaged in and they each serve so faithfully. The calling of teaching has changed dramatically in the digital era. You, as parents, and I, as their administrator, can access our teachers’ attention around the clock, seven days a week if we so desire. Teachers do work evenings and weekends. However, a full inbox, particularly on a Sunday, means our dedicated teachers may not be able to celebrate the God-given gift of restoration and rejuvenation on the Sabbath.
My request to you: Could we all commit to messaging our teachers when necessary using the “schedule send” feature when we’re thinking of something or raising a need in the off hours? If we all limit our communication to their working day, utilizing schedule send in the off hours, we’ll be able, together, to allow teachers to enjoy tech-free moments in the evenings and particularly on Sundays. If and when you have an imminent need on a particular topic, would you please message me at mrynsburger@hollandchristian.org? I will help as I am able and then, together, we’ll connect with our teacher at the appropriate time.
All joy and thanksgiving,
Miska
Many email accounts and text messaging feature the ‘schedule send’ option you see in the lower lefthand corner. Let’s commit together to honoring our teachers’ healthy work/life balance by keeping to their working hours for messages as much as possible. Thank you!
Come visit our Forest for a nice cup of dark (only mildly gritty) coffee in the morning!
Or enjoy a walnut, feather pie!
We’re overjoyed to have our Forest Kids back!
Announcements
Walkathon
What is Walkathon? Walkathon is an HC-wide fundraiser in which elementary students walk to raise money for their school. The funds raised by Young 5s-2nd grade Forest School students go directly to Forest School needs. These needs include classroom supplies, educational outings, and other resources. Parents are welcome to watch the event from the bleachers, while the track is reserved for teachers and students.
Walkathon forms will be sent home in your child’s backpack soon and are due back by Wednesday, September 17. The Walkathon event will take place at on Wednesday, September 23. Thank you for helping to keep our Forest School thriving!
Picture Day
School Picture Days Are Coming!
- Kindergarten and 1st graders will have school pictures taken in the middle school on September 10.
- Young 5s and 2nd graders will have pictures taken in Pine Ridge on September 24.
Convocation
Our WHOLE HC community will come together in the high school gym to worship, celebrate and reflect on the rich blessings God has granted us THIS year and the past 125 years! What a joy to see our three-year-olds worshiping right along with our BIG high school seniors. This all school worship will take place on Wednesday, September 9 at 9:30!
Parent Teacher Conferences
Parent teacher conferences will be October 8 and 12. More information will be coming later this month.
Welcome Walk (current families: check out ALL of our school options for your child!)
At Holland Christian, we believe that choosing a school is about more than academics, it is about finding a community where children are known, loved, and encouraged to grow in faith, wonder, and learning. The Welcome Walk is designed to give families an authentic glimpse into the heart of our school.
Through this interactive experience, families are invited to explore classrooms alongside their children, meet the teachers who will guide and nurture them, and experience the culture that shapes daily life within our school community. As families move through the building/playscape, engage in hands-on activities, and connect with staff, they gain a deeper understanding of our commitment to Christ-centered learning, meaningful relationships, and joyful discovery.
Time: 2:15 – 3:00pm
- Monday, November 9 – Forest School: Cedar Creek
- Thursday, November 12 – Forest School: Cabins
- Monday, November 16 – Rose Park
- Thursday, November 19 – South Side
Open to ALL families at ALL of our campuses to explore any campus you’re curious about. Parents and children walk the campus open house style and meet with teachers to help guide decision making for enrollment next year.
Enrollment/Medical Paperwork 26-27
Thank you so much for all the forms and paperwork you have turned in. If you have any questions, please email the office!
Food Services
Please remember to keep an eye on your child’s lunch account. If you do NOT have a family portal account set up, you will need your student’s ID number. Please email Sue for your student ID number. There is no fee to deposit money into your child’s account with a debit or credit card.
Pine Ridge/2nd Grade Forest School Car Line Reminders:
- Always use the Graafscaap Road/60th Street entrance and exit please!
- Always pull ALL THE WAY up to the bike racks (or the car in front of you).
- Never stop in the traffic circle. This is for buses AND in cases of emergency.
- Parent pickup is in front of school; it is not at the baseball fields.
- Please use your hazard lights at pickup and leave them on until your student is in the car.
Absences
Please call the school office at 616.820.3505 or email the office any time before 8:30am to let us know each day your child will be absent. You may leave a voicemail any time and it will be checked in the morning when the office opens. Please leave any symptoms your sick child may have; this information is a requirement for us to report to the county!
Elementary Handbook
The Elementary Handbook is a great resource for parents providing important details on things like our curriculum, discipline policy, etc.
Important Website Links
- School Calendar
- School Supply Lists
- Hot Lunch Information
- Medical Information & Forms
- School Transportation
- Before & After School Programs
Upcoming Dates:
View the full Holland Christian calendar
September
- 7: No school Labor Day
- 10: K & 1st Picture Day
- 24: 2nd grade Picture Day
- 23: Walkathon
October
- 4: Y5s & 2nd grade picture retakes
- 8: Parent teacher conferences
- 12:Parent teacher conferences
- 12: K & 1st picture retakes
- 14-16: No school: Great Lakes Unity Conference for Professional Learning