Dear Parents,
Wow! There is a chill in the air and November is almost here, which means we are halfway through the semester and a quarter of the way through the school year. The beginning of this school year, as crazy as it has been, has gone by so quickly. At the end of the month we will celebrate Thanksgiving, and then Christmas and the end of the semester will be right around the corner. This is a busy but exciting time of year!
This November is also set apart because it is a time when our country will elect our next President and several other government officials. We know that as a country, and as a school, we do not all agree on who the next President should be, but I pray we can agree that no matter what the results turn out to be, we will treat each other with dignity and respect and always remember that God is in control.
I want to thank you for your support last week when we had Thursday and Friday off school for staff to attend the virtual CEA conference. This event is usually an opportunity for Christian school educators from the midwest to gather together and participate in professional development activities. A highlight of the event for me is an opportunity to worship together with fellow Christian educators and to lift each other up as we walk the road we have been called to walk – the road of Christian education. Even though this year being virtual was very different, it was still a time to slow down and reflect as educators.
As we move into this season of Thanksgiving we are reminded of just how blessed we are as individuals and as a school family. Thank you for allowing us to be part of your child’s life. They truly are a gift to us.
Blessings,
Deb
/ General Information
Veteran’s Day Assembly
You are invited to join us for our virtual Veterans Day Assembly on Monday, November 9, 2020. Our program will begin at 9:30 am. The link to watch will be available to the public.
Congratulations
To our National Merit Semi-Finalist:
Grayson Sander Owens
/ Counselor Corner
Decisions for Seniors
We are currently meeting with the seniors (individually) to make sure they have all the information they need to make decisions regarding their futures. We are encouraging college bound seniors to get their applications in by Thanksgiving vacation to have the best opportunities for financial aid. We are offering to assist non-college bound seniors with career selection, information, and job placement.
Also, many colleges are SAT/ACT test optional for acceptance, so testing may not be a requirement for acceptance. Some are test optional regarding scholarships as well; students should check with individual colleges to determine if an ACT or SAT score is needed for merit scholarships.
When in doubt, it is best to connect with the admissions and/or financial aid office of the college(s) you are considering to get the most accurate information on admissions policies, scholarships, financial aid, and specific programs/opportunities.
Test Preparation Booklets
Available for students in the counseling office: Preparing for the ACT booklet contains full-length practice tests, information about the optional writing test, strategies to prepare for the test, and what to expect on test day. The SAT Student Guide contains information about the SAT, test-taking advice and tips, and an official practice test.
Financial Aid
All students seeking financial aid (institution based & state & federal funds) must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online at www.fafsa.ed.gov. 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. For information on obtaining your FAFSA ID, go to StudentAid.gov.
FAFSA4caster is a federal aid estimator that can be used before officially applying for aid using the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). FAFSA4caster will provide you with an estimate of your Expected Family Contribution (EFC), which is an index that colleges use to determine what types of student aid you may receive. Using your EFC, FAFSA4caster will determine what types of federal grants, loans, and work-study you might qualify for and will provide you an estimated award amount for each. Any student, regardless of age or year in school, may use FAFSA4caster. Go to Federal Student Aid website for information on next steps in the financial aid process. Also, in winter of your senior year of high school, you will receive a reminder to complete the FAFSA.
Scholarships
Throughout the school year, various scholarship opportunities will be posted online through the Counseling Department. A listing of outside scholarships, both regional and national, will be updated as we receive notices of scholarships. Beginning in the second semester, there will be information online about the Holland/Zeeland Community Foundation Scholarships that are open to Holland Christian students and also internal HC scholarships, which are for Holland Christian students only. Be sure to check the Scholarship portion of the Counseling Department page on our website.
Helpful Resource For Financing College
The Sallie Mae Paying for College Resource is a new, go-to destination to help students and families make a plan to pay for college. The resource is free, easy-to-use, and includes great information on all the important paying for college topics.
The featured video series takes families through the paying for college process. Over the course of eight short videos, learn not only what resources are available to help pay for college, but also the basics of financial aid and the questions to consider before choosing a college. Watch by topic or the entire series.
Testing Information
- Upcoming ACT test dates are December 12, 2020 and also February 6, April 17 and June 12, 2021. HCHS is not currently a testing site this school year due to COVID. You can search for other testing sites in our area when you go to the ACT website to register.
- Upcoming SAT test dates are December 5, 2020, and March 13, May 8, and June 5, 2021. HCHS is not currently a testing site this school year due to COVID. You can search for other testing sites in our area when you go to the SAT website to register.
- There is information about free ACT and SAT Preparation; also, pick up a free “Preparing for the ACT” and a free “SAT Student Guide” booklet in the counseling office.
- Here is a chart of the upcoming ACT and SAT dates, including the registration deadlines. This covers the 2020-2021 school year, so we hope you find this helpful as you look ahead for possible testing dates that work for your student.
PSAT Scores
The October 14 PSAT testing went very well. According to the College Board website, students should be able to access their scores online in early December.
College Athletics
If you are considering attending a Division 1 or 2 university and hope to compete on an athletic team, you MUST complete an NCAA application eligibility form on line at www.ncaaclearinghouse.net. This is the student’s responsibility. If you are considering participating in athletics at a NAIA school (private schools that award athletic scholarships), you MUST register with the NAIA Clearinghouse at www.playnaia.org. This is the student’s responsibility.
/ Festival of Performing Arts – November 2020
Join us for a celebration of Holland Christian High School’s Festival of Performing Arts! Over 250 high school students will be involved in performances during the month of November. Check out the following information – you won’t want to miss out on these events!
Fall Band, Orchestra, and Choir Concerts
The HCHS Bands, Orchestra, and Choirs will be sharing their fall concerts in the form of a virtual performance, so get your popcorn ready and gather the family on the couch to watch the videos that will be released on the following dates:
Monday, November 2 at 7:00pm for the HCHS Concert Band, Symphonic Band, and Orchestra
Thursday, November 12 at 7:00pm for the HCHS Choirs
Monday, November 23 at 7:00pm for the HCHS Jazz Orchestra and Jazz Combo
Watch your email for a link to the concert videos on the designated performance night!
Holes – High School Fall Play
Holland Christian High School’s fall theatre performance of Holes is just around the corner! We are thrilled to share this engaging, family-friendly adaptation of the award-winning book by Louis Sachar. Performances are scheduled for November 5, 6, & 7 at 7:00 pm. Watch the performances from the comfort of your own home via our Livestream option or join us for limited in-person seating. Tickets are available from the Theatre page.
/ Athletic Department
Winter Sports Tryouts
November 2 – Ice Hockey
November 9 – Competitive Cheer (co-op with West Ottawa)
November 9 – Girls Basketball
November 16 – Boys Basketball
November 23 – Boys Aquatics
Scheduling/Cancellations and Game Information can be found on the Athletics website.
Physicals
All Athletes need an approved pre-participation physical form (dated after 4/15/2020) on file in the Athletic Office, OR a completed (printed) copy of the 2020-21 MHSAA Sports Health Questionnaire.
See the Athletics Registration page for complete details.
/ Calendar
November
5, 6, 7 – Fall Play Performance Holes
9 – Veteran’s Day Assembly 9:30 am
25 – Half day of school (No late start)
26 & 27 – Thanksgiving Vacation
December
19 – Christmas Vacation begins
