Dear Parents,
Spring has arrived and with it comes one of the busiest times of the year in the life cycle of a high school. Spring Break is this coming week and for those of you traveling I wish you a safe and restful time away. When we return from spring break things get a little crazy–fun, but crazy! It is a time when we focus on the end of the current year as well as plan for the next school year. Seniors have only six weeks of school left after break, and returning students have about eight weeks of school left. Returning students have decided on classes for 2022-2023 school year, schedules are being created, and teaching assignments are being determined. Because it is such a busy time of year please take extra care in reading the Daily Announcements for important information that will help your child have a successful end to this school year. Many seniors have already made decisions about where they’ll be and/or what they’ll be doing next year, while others are still in that process. Please know that the HCHS staff is here to help and support you and your child in any way that we can through the transition of ending high school and moving on to the next chapter in life.
When we return from spring break, Miles Colago, next year’s principal, will be on campus a couple of days per week. It will be a time for him to learn more about who HCHS is and to get to know students and families before he officially assumes his new role on July 1. Please join me in welcoming him and praying for a smooth transition for Miles and his family as they begin a new life in Holland.
The excitement and buzz of spring is in the hallways. The past two years spring did not feel that way, and the end to the school year felt anything but predictable. This year it is wonderful to walk into spring with a feeling of “normalcy.” Your children are amazing and we thank you for sharing them with us each and every day.
Wishing you all a blessed Easter as you celebrate the resurrection of our Lord Jesus!
Deb Feenstra
HCHS Principal
General Information
Grandparents & Grandfriends Day at the High School
At Holland Christian we teach our students to be wisdom seekers and to faithfully listen to the Word of God as it guides our path. As wise influences in their lives, you are invited to Grandparents & Grandfriends Day at the high school, a day where you are able to go to class, experience chapel, enjoy conversations over coffee and cookies. Join us on May 11, 2022 from 8:00 am – 11:15 am. See you then!
Junior/Senior banquet – April 29
This year the banquet is at the Grand Rapids Public Museum. The doors will open at 7 pm with a dance immediately following dinner and concluding at 11 pm. Tickets are $60 and will be sold online here now through April 14 at 11:59 pm. Thinking of bringing a non-HC guest? Guest Approval Forms are available in the office and are due back no later than the end of the school day on April 14. No exceptions! Once your guest is approved you will be able to purchase your guest ticket through the office. Cash or checks payable to Holland Christian will be accepted.
Tulip Time Week Schedule
Wednesday, May 11 (Grandparents’ Day) – 8-8:35 1st hour, 8:45-9:10 Chapel-9th & 11th & Tour/Coffee-10th &12th , 9:20-9:45 Tour/Coffee 9th & 11th & Chapel 10th & 12th , 9:50-10:25 2nd hour , 10:35-11:10 3rd hour (Note: NO late start this week)
Thursday, May 12 – 8-8:45 4th hour, 8:50-9:35 5th hour, 9:40-10:25 6th hour, 10:30-11:15 7th hour.
Attendance Reminders for All
- Attendance Guidelines for Students – Once at school students are required to sign out on the dismissal sheet located in the office before leaving school. Students must obtain parent and office permission before leaving school at other than normal times. Students must sign in when coming into school after the school day has started.
- After 8:10 a.m. students must use door A on the east side of the building, as we are a secure campus with all doors locked during the school day. Remember to check in the main office to come and/or go during the school day.
- Holland Christian High School operates as a closed campus. Students are not allowed to leave the grounds, especially during their lunch period. Tuesday is an exception to this rule, as seniors are allowed to leave for lunch. Parents who want to take only their student(s) out for lunch must personally check them out in the office. Youth leaders or older siblings (out of high school) may also sign them out. Students who leave campus unexcused for lunch will receive an after school detention.
- A reminder that all absences (except school related) count towards the 12 absences allowed per semester before loss of credit. Please see the student handbook on the Holland Christian website for more details on this policy.
Fine Arts
Holland Christian Spring Band Concert
Join the Holland Christian High School Bands as they present their Spring Concert on Thursday, May 19, 2022 at 7:30 p.m. at the Jack H. Miller Center for the Musical Arts. Enjoy jazz music, the Holland Christian drumline, and a tribute to our seniors.
Holland Christian Spring Choral Concert
Join the Holland Christian High School Choirs as they present their Spring Choral Concert on Wednesday, May 18, 2022 at 7:30 p.m. at the Holland Christian High School Auditorium. Enjoy a variety of music in song and a tribute to our seniors.
Holland Christian Spring All Orchestra Concert
You are invited to join the Holland Christian School Orchestras in the Jack H. Miller Center for the Musical Arts on Tuesday, May 17, 2022 at 7:00 pm. See the wonderful progression from 4th to high school orchestras, a beautiful picture of education at Holland Christian.
Oratorio Concert
Spring Theatre Production: 12 Angry Jurors
We are excited to share this dramatic, character-driven production that takes place entirely in the jurors’ room following the murder trial of a 19-year-old man. Tempers get short, arguments grow heated, and the jurors become 12 Angry Jurors as they work toward a verdict.
Twelve Angry Jurors is a heightened courtroom thriller that puts you on the edge of your seat while powerfully exploring the responsibility of a jury. The performance is staged in a black-box style, so the audience will be sitting up close to the action; this also means seating is limited, so get your tickets soon at https://hollandchristian.org/
Performances are on May 5, 6, and 7 at 7:00 pm and May 7 at 3:00 pm.
Athletic Department
HCHS Athletics offers summer camp opportunities for high school students. Please check out this link for all the HCHS Athletic Department camp offerings for this summer!
Summer dead week: July 3 – July 10
Pre-season down time: August 1 – August 7
HS Fall Sports Tryouts: August 8
Counselors’ Corner
Seniors/Parents of Seniors
FAFSA & FINANCIAL AID: If you have filed your online FAFSA you will receive your SAR (Student Aid Report) by email. The SAR explains your eligibility for student aid and lists the calculation for your EFC (Expected Family Contribution). Some colleges require an Aid Package from each college that you listed on your FAFSA application. This package is usually made up of (a) grants and scholarships (gift money you don’t need to pay back), (b) work-study (money earned by the student on campus), and (c) loans (you need to pay back + interest). The package may cover all of your need or a portion of it. The balance is your responsibility.
You are encouraged to compare packages from similar colleges. If you want to attend the college that did not offer you the best financial aid package, contact the college financial aid officer to see if they will match the best package.
HONORS NIGHT/GRADUATION PROGRAMS
We would like to celebrate the accomplishments of your seniors by including a list of all merit scholarship recipients in the Honors Night & Graduation Programs. If your senior son/daughter is receiving a merit scholarship (not financial aid) from a college you know he/she will be attending or from any other outside source, please provide Mrs. VanderLaan in the high school office with written verification of the award. You may copy the letter or the email notifying you of the award. You may also email proof of scholarship to cvanderlaan@hollandchristian.org. Once we receive verification of the award, you may pick up an invitation to Honors Night. Please reserve the evening of Monday, May 16 for this event. It is a special night to acknowledge the hard work of our seniors. The due date for handing in proof of scholarships is April 22, and the due date to RSVP for Honors Night is April 29.
JUNIORS/PARENTS OF JUNIORS
ACT/SAT
Suggested ACT test dates for juniors are: June 11 (registration deadline May 6), July 16, (registration deadline June 17), September 14, October 26, and December 14. SAT test dates are: May 7 (registration deadline April 8), June 4 (registration deadline May 5) and August 24, October 5, November 2, and December 7. The ACT and SAT may be taken more than once; colleges accept the highest score for admission and scholarships. The Holland Christian High School code is 231965. To register visit www.actstudent.org and also www.sat.org/register. Holland Christian High School is a testing site for the ACT (not including the July 16 date); HCHS is also a testing site for only the November 2 SAT.
COLLEGE VISITS
We encourage juniors to begin exploring specific colleges. Juniors and seniors may use parental approved absence days to visit colleges during a school day. For seniors, college visit days DO count toward the minimum of two absences for exam exemption. Spring break of junior year is an ideal time to visit colleges.
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 on-line at www.ncaaclearinghouse.net. 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 visit www.naia.org. It is the student’s responsibility to check requirements and make sure his/her senior courses insure eligibility.
End of Year Information for Seniors
Reminder senior exam exemption policy
During the second semester, seniors may work towards being exempt from their final exams. Our policy allows seniors to be exempt from taking the exam in that course if:
- they have either a B average through the final day of a course
- or have handed in all homework on time with a passing grade, and have no more than two days absent the whole semester. Quarantine absences (designated with “Q”) do not count.
The following end of the year schedule should help you with planning:
May 16 Honors Evening, HS Auditorium, 7 pm (by invitation only)
May 20 All textbooks returned and all library fines paid and materials returned. If you need any books for your exam return them to the office after your exam.
May 23 Senior Exams for students who are required to take them
May 24 Graduation Rehearsal (required) – 10 am
May 24 Graduation Ceremony – 7:30 pm at HCHS Athletic Field
June 13 – 17 Diploma pick up in the high school office
Reminder: “After Graduation Party” is May 24. The 2022 graduation party committee has emailed information to parents of seniors. Buses will leave HC after graduation on May 24. Tickets to the event will cost $75.
Diplomas will be available for pick up from the High School Office beginning the week of June 13. Diplomas can be picked up anytime between 8 am – 3 pm. Before students can get their diploma all textbooks and library materials/books must be returned and your tuition balance taken care of. If your senior is the only child enrolled in your family at HC, or if you have not made previous arrangements with the business office, please contact Terry VanDerKolk at 820-2807. Final transcripts will also be sent after these arrangements are made. Your cooperation is appreciated.
ADVANCE NOTICE – EXAM SCHEDULE
Tuesday, May 31
8:45 am – 10:15 am – 1st hour
10:30 am – 12:00 pm – 2nd hour
Wednesday, June 1
8:45 am – 10:15 am – 3rd hour
10:30 am – 12:00 pm – 4th Hour
Thursday, June 2
8:45 am – 10:15 am – 5th hour
10:30 am – 12:00 pm – 6th hour
Friday, June 3
8:45 am – 10:15 am – 7th hour
10:15 am – 12:00 pm – Makeup slot
CALENDAR
April
1 – 10 – Spring Vacation (No School)
11 – School resumes
23 – Choir and Orchestra Oratorio at Dimnent Chapel (7 pm)
29 – Junior/Senior Banquet (Grand Rapids Public Museum)
May
5, 6, 7 – Spring Play – The Westing Game
11 – Grandparents/Grand-Friends Day (half day, 11:15 dismissal)
12 – Tulip Time (half day, 11:15 dismissal)
16 – Senior Honors Evening (7 pm)
17 – Orchestra Concert at Jack Miller Center (7 pm)
18 – Spring Choir Concert, HS Auditorium
19 – Band Concert
20 – Last Day for Seniors
23 – Senior Exams
24 – Commencement for Class of 2022
30 – Memorial Day Vacation
