Forest School Newsletter: November 2025

Dear Forest Friends,

You may have noted these new plates on the side of Miss Rachel’s first grade cabin. These are well-placed to remind us of our values at Holland Christian Schools. You’ll find these descriptors at nearly every one of our campus buildings.

Discovery: Cultivating wonder and enriching faith through the lens of Scripture.
Discernment: Seeking God’s truth; practicing curiosity, courage and conviction as we engage culture.
Flourishing: Growing and serving as whole beings with all our heart, soul, mind and strength.
Hospitality: Receiving and giving grace; interacting with care and candor; building reciprocal relationships with our community.
Discipleship: Rooted in Jesus Christ; finding our identity, purpose and direction in Him.
Renewal: Through the power of the Holy Spirit, humbly participating in the mission and ministry of Jesus Christ.

I’m grateful to share just one of the many stories of Discovery in Forest School. Life in our Forest is ripe with opportunities to explore and discovery the goodness and greatness of our Creator.

One of our Forest Kindergarteners specializes at looking closely at small things. One morning, after the rain, she noticed something glinting under a shallow ripple. She reached her hand into the cool stream and lifted out a small, smooth pebble. It wasn’t much—just a gray stone—but when the sun hit it, a tiny rainbow shimmered across its surface.

Her teacher knelt beside her. “What do you see?”

The child held up the pebble and whispered, “It has light inside.”

The teacher smiled. “Sometimes God hides His goodness in little things, doesn’t He?”

Our Forest Kindergartener nodded, holding the pebble close. “I think He wanted me to find it.”

All morning, she carried the stone in her pocket. When she felt it there—cool and solid—she remembered the rainbow and thought about how God made beauty even in something so small.

That day, the forest seemed full of light: in raindrops on the moss, in the wings of a dragonfly, even in the smile of her teacher. This sweet child didn’t just discover a pebble—she discovered a reminder that God’s goodness glows quietly, waiting to be seen.

With thanks,

Miska

Announcements

Student Life and Discipleship (SLD)

Our Student Life and Discipleship initiative fosters positive community interactions while helping children identify their emotions and express their needs effectively. These foundational skills empower students to contribute meaningfully to their community and support their personal growth. We provide direct instruction in behavior expectations and intentionally celebrate success when demonstrated. Our first Pinning Ceremony recognized the accomplishments of all K–2 students and offered a meaningful opportunity to reflect on our growth together at Bella Vista Farms. We are eager to begin Quarter Two with continued momentum and joy.

Parent Teacher Conferences

Thank for taking the time to come in and meet with your child’s teacher. We love partnering with you and helping your child thrive at school, at home and all the places in between!

Thank You!

A sincere thank you to the Parent Board for providing delicious food to refuel teachers during parent/teacher conferences. These meals were greatly enjoyed and appreciated!

Thanksgiving Break

There will be no school Wednesday, November 26-Friday, November 28 so families can celebrate Thanksgiving. Enjoy this special time together as a family celebrating our great God, and the many blessings in our lives.

Dressing Appropriately for the Weather

This is the time of year where the weather changes so frequently its hard to keep up with. Please make sure your child has weather appropriate school each day–including snow gear and boots! Also, now is a good time to double check the extra clothes your child has to make sure they are weather appropriate (and still fit their quickly growing bodies!) If you have any questions about what your child has or needs, please reach out to their teacher.

Late Arrival & Early Pick-Up

Please remember to let both the email 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.

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.