Dear Parents,
Welcome to February and 2nd semester! We cannot tell you how wonderful it has been to be able to start the 2nd semester in person with students!
This past week we held our Holland Christian High School Showcase virtual event. This is an opportunity for families of incoming 9th graders to learn more about HCHS and what it means to transition to high school. It is a privilege to walk alongside students and their parents as they begin thinking about the next chapter in their school journey. As a Christian school, we experience the joy of supporting students not only in their academics but more importantly in their faith journey. A short video that shares our desire to engage with our students along their faith journey was created for the event. As I drove home that evening, I began to think about how much I would like all of our parents, not just those new to HCHS, to have the opportunity to view the video so I am sharing the video with you.
Parent partnership is vital to the success of our school. One of the ways we connect with parents is through Parent Teacher conferences. This year our conferences will be virtual and will take place February 27, 5:30-8:30 PM and March 4, 3:30-6:30 PM. Sign up will take place through Virtual Paragon and a link on how to register will be sent to you. Conferences are only one way that we can partner with our parents. Please know that we are always open to ongoing communication with parents via email over the course of the school year.
Journeying Together,
Deb
/ GENERAL INFORMATION
2021 – 2022 Class Signup
Registration information was presented to all current 9th – 11th grade students during Family Flex on January 27. Students should be signing up for their 2021–2022 classes now. All parents are encouraged to discuss with students the opportunities that are available. Updated information is available on the Holland Christian website on the Registrar’s page. Here is where you will also find course descriptions for all classes. Current students will submit their course selections online before 8:00 am, Friday, February 12.
/ ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT
The athletic department anticipates the requirement of a pre-participation physical requirement (dated after April 15, 2021) by the MHSAA to participate in school sports for the 2021-2022 school year. Typically, Holland Christian offers physical night appointments for athletes to meet this requirement, but at this point in time Holland Christian is working on the feasibility of this opportunity. Athletes may need to schedule an appointment with their primary care provider between April 15 and the start of their first practice or try-out in any upcoming season.
All families with 6th-12th grade potential athletes need to be registered with our online registration system, Final Forms. For those already registered for the current year, you simply need to login, select the sports your child is interested in and update any changes to your and your child’s information. This is also the place where you print the updated 21-22 physical form to take with you to your DO/MD/NP/PA appointment and have that individual sign the form. Registration for 21-22 sports will be open and available on Final Forms beginning April 1st.
Dead Week (no team activities or use of facilities): July 3-9
Preseason Downtime (limited activities for fall teams): August 1-8
/ FINE ARTS DEPARTMENT
Come Alive! (A Living Hope Showcase Event)
Join the Living Hope Singers for an evening of song and dance that celebrates the power of music to lift our spirits and unite us, even in hard times. Showcase 2021 will be held on Friday and Saturday, March 19 & 20 at 7:00 pm. Stay tuned to future newsletters, the HC website, and HC social media for updated information on purchasing tickets and the format for viewing the show. We look forward to sharing our music with you!
Band Extravaganza
Mark your calendars for Holland Christian Schools Band Extravaganza on Tuesday, March 16, 2021. HC’s 5th, 6th, Middle School, and High School Bands are hoping to share music virtually and if the health situation allows it we would love to share music with a limited number of in-person concert attendees.
Swingin’ The Night Away
The Holland Christian Jazz Bands are proud to present the Swingin’ the Night Away on Friday, March 26, 2021. We will perform music and share it virtually and if the health situation allows it we would love to share music with a limited number of in-person concert attendees.
/ COUNSELORS CORNER
SCHOLARSHIP LISTINGS/SUMMER OPPORTUNITIES
For a listing of scholarships available, go to the Scholarships page on the HCHS website. For a listing of summer opportunities available to all grade levels, go to the Opportunities page. These listings are updated as the guidance office is notified of scholarships and summer camps.
CAREERLINE TECH CENTER
Careerline Tech Center will hold a virtual Open House on Tuesday, February 2 from 5:30-7:30 pm for students and parents who are interested in learning more about the programs for the upcoming school year. There will be opportunities to virtually tour classrooms and labs, watch student videos, and live chat with teachers. Enrollment for Fall 2021 is happening now, and the Open House provides the best way to discover which program is best for you. If you would like to enroll in the Careerline Tech Center for the 2021-22 school year, be sure to turn the completed application in to the high school by February 12.
ACT/SAT
Students may take the ACT/SAT as often as they wish; colleges accept the highest score. The test is also used for scholarship purposes. Juniors are encouraged to take one of each test to see which one is stronger for them; they are then encouraged to focus on which test better suits them. The next scheduled ACT is April 17 and then June 12, 2021. The next scheduled SAT is March 13, then May 8 and June 5 2021. Check with your son’s/daughter’s possible colleges to see if the optional writing section of the ACT or SAT is required for admission. To register and view all upcoming testing dates and testing locations visit the ACT website for ACT registration, and go to the SAT website to register for the SAT. A fee is charged for testing. Students who qualify based on family income may receive a fee waiver in the guidance office.
JUNIORS & SENIORS
HELPFUL BOOKLETS: Free copies of “Preparing for the ACT” and “The SAT Student Guide” are available in the counseling office. Feel free to stop by and pick them up!
COLLEGE ATHLETICS/NCAA & NAIA ELIGIBILITY
Seniors who are considering attending a Division I or II University and hope to compete on an athletic team must complete an NCAA application eligibility form. Students can apply online at the NCAA Eligibility Center. NCAA rules require that official ACT scores come directly from ACT (www.actstudent.org) or SAT (www.collegeboard.com). Test scores on a transcript cannot be used. The NCAA code is 9999. Seniors who are considering attending an NAIA member school must complete the NAIA application. For a complete listing of NAIA schools and an application, visit NAIA’s website. It is the student’s responsibility to check requirements and make sure his/her senior courses ensure eligibility. Students need to request their transcript be sent to NCAA via their Parchment account; for NAIA, students need to request that their transcript be uploaded to the NAIA portal by the counseling secretary.
SENIORS & PARENTS – FINANCIAL AID
All students seeking financial aid (institution based, state and federal funds) must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online at the Federal Student Aid website. The FAFSA has been available for you to complete since October 1. Be sure to check the financial aid link on each college website for their deadline. The final deadline for consideration of state financial aid in Michigan is March 1.
MI Student Aid is hosting virtual college financial aid nights. Students and families can register for a Virtual College Financial Aid Night provided by Treasury’s MI Student Aid team. Sessions will be available every Tuesday and Thursday evening during the month of February from 6:30 pm–8:00 pm. All sessions are open to the public and participants are encouraged to sign up for one session only due to limited space.
/ CALENDAR
February
12 – 2021/22 course registration deadline
15 – Winter Break (No School)
25 – Parent/Teacher Conferences (5:30 – 8:30 pm)
March
4 – Parent/Teacher Conferences (3:30 – 6:30 pm)
19-20 – Living Hope Showcase
