As followers of Christ, we learn and know about our Father through two books: the Bible and the book of nature. Through Scripture, God reveals His character, His redemptive story, and His steadfast love; through creation, we see His glory, creativity, order, and providential care.
This is especially meaningful for our youngest learners. Even before children can read words, they can begin to “read” creation as they wonder together at a spiderweb, discovering a creature under a log, noticing a changing leaf, or listening to birdsong. These ordinary discoveries become opportunities to recognize the fingerprints of a loving Creator.
Each day, our students engage in the biblical narrative together, opening God’s Word, asking questions, worshiping, and reflecting as a classroom family. Then they step into God’s world and discover that the same God revealed in Scripture is the God who made and sustains all things.
To be Word Rooted is to sink our roots deeply into God’s Word while learning to see His faithfulness written throughout His world.
All hope and peace be yours, friends.
Miska Rynsburger
Announcements
Walkathon Thanks
A big special thank you to our parent board for their many hours of work in pulling off a wildly successful 2026 Walkathon. What a joy to see our children skipping, running and strolling the football field together. Additionally we thank YOU, our parents, for your prayerful support and contributions to the educational experiences in your child’s life at school. We are grateful to God for this special community.
Fall Family Night Hike
Mark your calendars and grab your flashlights! Join us for our Fall Family Night Hike Thursday, October 22 from 6:00-7:30pm. It will be a night of fun for our children and an opportunity to meet other Forest School families. We hope you’re able to join us in hiking the trails and finding those special nooks and crannies our children are creating in our Forest:
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.
Open to ALL CURRENT HC preschool and Young 5s 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. Please RSVP here to any or all of the campus options!
Time: 2:15 – 3:00pm
- Monday, November 9 – Forest School: Cedar Creek from 2:15-3:00pm
- Thursday, November 12 – Forest School: Cabins from 2:15-3:00pm
- Monday, November 16 – Rose Park from 2:15-3:00pm
- Thursday, November 19 – South Side from 2:15-3:00pm
Parent University 2.0: Forming Our Kids For A Life Of Joy Rooted In Christ
What if raising happy kids isn’t about making childhood easier but making it formative?
Join us for an engaging evening inspired by The Happiness Crisis, by Jonathan Eckert, as we explore how adversity, belonging, curiosity, responsibility, and real-world experiences help form resilient, joyful, faithful kids.
We’ll laugh, reflect, wrestle with real parenting scenarios, and leave with one simple commitment to bring home.
Not simply happy children.
Joyful, resilient, Christ-centered adults.
Come discover a childhood worth having and how we can build it together.
Student Life and Discipleship (SLD)
All of the school building communities at Holland Christian are creating and implementing a new initiative we call Student Life and Discipleship (SLD). Preschool through 12th grade, our students learn what they can expect of us and are taught what is expected of them as we learn to do life together and seek to bring glory to God. We directly teach our Forest Kids how to ride the bus safely, how to worship in chapel, how to safely hike as a class, how to care for one another and how to enjoy play and learning in the Forest. When we see children living into the expectations, we celebrate their effort! When we see them fall short, we offer grace, restoration and a renewed opportunity.
In quarter one of this school year, each grade is focusing on one particular Discipleship Practice:
Young 5s: What are Disciples of Jesus
Kindergarten: Creation Keeping
First Grade: Image Reflecting
Second Grade: Grace Breathing
Parent-Teacher Conferences
Parent-teacher conferences will take place on Thursday, October 8 from 4-7 pm and Monday, October 12 from 4-7 pm. Our teachers are looking forward to spending time celebrating your child in our upcoming parent teacher conferences. Because these conferences are taking place earlier in our school calendar, sessions will be slightly shorter and primarily focused on your child’s social and emotional transition into the year, to lay the groundwork for a year of spiritual and academic growth. This initial check-in is a wonderful opportunity to partner together early on to ensure your student feels supported, connected, and ready for a great year ahead.
Late Arrival & Early Pick-Up
Please remember to let both the office and your child’s teacher know if your student is going to be late or leaving during our school day. Also, please make sure to sign your student in and out with our attendance form.
Food Services
Please remember to keep an eye on your child’s lunch account.
Picture Day: Retakes
- Picture retakes will be October 12 for kindergarten & 1st grade. Please remember to turn in your original pictures if you wish to have retakes.
- Young 5s and 2nd grade retakes will be taken on October 4 at Pine Ridge. Please remember to turn in your original pictures if you wish to have retakes.
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!
Moms in Prayer
Moms in Prayer is a great way to connect with other moms, pray for your child, and have an impact on the school. Please join us on Fridays at Providence Church from 8:30-9:30am. Please email Nicole Shook with questions.
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
- Hot Lunch Information
- Medical Information & Forms
- School Transportation
- Before & After School Programs
Upcoming Dates:
View the full Holland Christian calendar
October
- 8: Parent-teacher conferences
- 12:Parent-teacher conferences
- 14: No school: Professional development
- 15-16: No school: Great Lakes Unity Conference
- 22: Fall Family Night Hike @ 6:00-7:30
- 29: Parent University 2.0 @ 6:30-7:30
- 30: Report cards
November
- 25-27: No school: Thanksgiving Break
