Discernment
Discerning God’s beauty, majesty and providential care pops to life as our students spend their days in the Forest. A group of first graders paused mid-hike when they noticed a bird’s call they hadn’t heard before. Instead of rushing on, they whispered and listened. One child reminded the group, “God made that sound!” Another wondered if it’s warning others. This is discernment — the sacred noticing that connects curiosity with reverence.
Announcements
And Heaven and Nature Sing!
Our creative parent board has developed a special event for your family to enjoy our Forest together and celebrate the beauty of Christmas as shared in Luke 2. Join us with your family from 6-7:30pm on Friday, December 12! We have a special craft planned for your children, a nighttime hike through Luke 2 and Christmas caroling around the campfire. In order for us to have enough materials for our crafts and hot chocolate to keep you warm, would you kindly RSVP for Heaven and Nature Sing by Friday, December 5. Hope to see you there!
Christmas Break
There will be no school December 22-January 2 so families can celebrate Christmas.
Swimming Lessons
Our Holland Aquatic Center is providing swim lessons for us again this year! Because our children are blessed to be raised in Michigan, surrounded by bodies of water, we believe this safety instruction is a blessing that we pray they will never need but feel responsible to equip them. If you find yourself pondering over the “why” of swimming lessons, please take a listen to HC mom Jenny White on the why for swim safety. HCAC Swim School welcome video will help you understand a bit about the logistics. Our 1st-2nd graders will be bused to the pool each day the weeks of January 5-16.
Save the Date
Forest School, along with South Side and Pine Ridge, will be holding our Spring Program on Thursday, March 12 from 6:30-7:30pm at Christ Memorial Church. More details to follow!
Parenting Encouragement
As our children soon head home for break, you may notice both the joy and the challenge of shifting rhythms and routines. This season can be a wonderful opportunity to nurture your child’s growing independence and resilience. We encourage you to take a few minutes to listen to Mike McLeod’s insightful podcast episode, “Raising Resilient Kids with ADHD: 4 Parenting Shifts That Break the Fragility Cycle.” His reflections on executive function growth—helping children plan, regulate, and adapt—apply beautifully to all children learning to navigate big feelings and changing schedules. It’s a timely reminder that growth often comes through gentle guidance, consistency, and grace.
5 Cs
At school, our staff are walking alongside children as they learn to care for themselves and their community through a thoughtful framework we call the 5 Cs: Cue, Clue, Clarify, Conference, and Contact. Each step reflects our belief that growth happens best in a safe, grace-filled environment. A gentle Cue or Clue helps children notice and redirect their choices; Clarify conversations guide them to reflect on how their actions impact others; Conferences build trust through one-on-one support; and Contact invites parents to partner in encouragement and understanding. These strategies nurture independence, empathy, and responsibility—skills that blossom when practiced both at school and at home. You might find opportunities to mirror these steps during family routines—offering gentle reminders, inviting reflection, or celebrating small moments of self-control and kindness together.
Absences & Appointments
Please call the school office at 616.820.3505 or email the Pine Ridge 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, as this information is a requirement for us to report to the county! Also, please note that we do have a 24-hour policy for any fever, vomiting, or diarrhea. For colds and coughs, please use your discretion as we know these things can linger.
Please inform the office of any appointments or early dismissal/late arrival information. That helps us make sure your student is ready for pickup or lets us know they are coming later and are accounted for. All students must be signed in and out if coming after class has started or before the last bell.
Food Services
Please remember to keep an eye on your child’s lunch account.
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
- 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
November:
- 26-28: No school: Thanksgiving break
December:
- 23-Jan 3: No school: Christmas vacation