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High School Newsletter

High School Newsletter: November 2024

Dear HCHS Community,

Welcome to November! As I write this letter, it is late October and 70 degrees outside with gusty winds, not quite the frigid, frost-covered introduction to the Christmas season that I grew accustomed to in Minnesota. In many ways, the month of November launches a season of great anticipation for a change in seasons and for opportunities to gather with family around large meals, cold family football games, and road trip playlists. Before we get too ahead of ourselves, however, I pray that you may take time to reflect on all of the ways that God has been moving in this community since late August.

Students have been hard at work in the classroom, on the field, on the stage, in the rehearsal room, and on the court, and their focused effort has paid off in beautiful ways. We all enjoy the victories and world-class performances, but the most awe-striking moments that have stayed with me include the immediate prayers of thanksgiving after winning a close game and the testimonies of our opponents saying that our students were the kindest, most respectful team they have played all season. Under the leadership of our teachers, coaches, conductors, and directors, our students have been engaging with God’s world with excellence and thanksgiving.

Recently, HC leadership, in partnership with parents, held HC’s first Parent University gathering for parents and fellow educators concerning challenges that our kids face today and how we might be able to partner together to create an environment conducive to human flourishing. While the research on teen health is alarming, the collective support for taking measures on the home-front to respond was very encouraging. As we seek to equip minds and nurture hearts within our students, we are starting to acknowledge the need to push back against the cultural inertia of our time. One of these pressures is the cultural phenomenon, hurry, which Dallas Willard labeled as “the great threat to spirituality and the way of Jesus in our day.” In an era of social comparison and intense competition, the fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control—continue to be as counter-cultural as ever.

Brother Lawrence called the Practice of the Presence of God the “schooling of the soul to find its joy in [God’s] divine companionship.” While he clarifies that he is not counseling his readers “to disregard completely and forever the outward things that are around us,” he does emphasize the importance of participating in this “practice of ceasing […] to worship God in the depth of their soul, to enjoy the peace of brief communion with Him.”

During this season of Thanksgiving and the grind of another Michigan winter, I pray that you may find time to participate in the practice of the presence of God, remembering to whom all of our work belongs and in whom we live, move, and have our being: Jesus, our Savior and Lord. Thank you for your continued partnership in equipping our students’ minds and nurturing their hearts to transform the world distinctively for Jesus.

With thanks,

Miles

General Information

Veterans Day Assembly

You are invited to join us for our Veterans Day Assembly on Monday, November 11. Our program will begin at 9:30am in the high school gym.

First Semester Exams

  • Students are not required to be at school unless they have an exam.
  • You will not be allowed to take your exams until all detentions have been served, and you will not receive credit for your first semester courses until you take your exams.
  • All lunch account negative balances must be paid before exams may be taken.
  • All books must be returned and fines paid in the Media center before exams may be taken.
  • Students who ride the bus should check with bus drivers to find out the bus schedule for exam week.

Exam Schedule

  • Tuesday, January 14, 2025
    • 8:45-10:15am 1st-hour exam
    • 10:30am-12:00pm 2nd-hour exam -Tech Center required. Students may leave 2nd hour exam when finished; Tech will be notified that you may be late.
  • Wednesday, January 15
    • 8:45-10:15am 3rd-hour exam
    • 10:30am-12:00pm 4th-hour exam – Tech Center required
  • Thursday, January 16
    • 8:45-10:15am 5th-hour exam
    • 10:30am-12:00pm 6th-hour exam – Tech Center required
  • Friday, January 17
    • 8:45-10:15am 7th-hour exam
    • 10:30am-12:00pm Make-up slot – Tech Center required

Dutch Dance

High School Dutch Dance sign-ups are open through Tulip Time! Join us for an informational meeting on Nov. 13 at 7 pm in the HCHS Media Center. Meet your coaches, and learn a bit about being a High School Dutch Dancer.

Counselors Corner

Decisions for Seniors

We have met with each senior individually to make sure they are on track with their post-high school planning and all that comes with it. Our encouragement to college bound seniors is to get their applications done soon in order to have the best opportunities for financial aid and scholarships. We also assist non-college bound seniors with career exploration, vocational opportunities, and job search skills.

Many colleges are SAT/ACT test-optional for acceptance, so testing may not be a requirement for acceptance. Some colleges 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-based scholarships. If scores are needed, the student should request them through their CollegeBoard or ACT student account.

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.

Financial Aid

All students seeking financial aid (institution based, state & federal funds) must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online via the FAFSA Website. The FAFSA will be available for you to complete beginning in December. Be sure to check the financial aid link on each college website for specific information on their timelines. For helpful information on the FAFSA, check out this FAFSA Application guide.

The federal student aid estimator can provide you with an estimate of your Student Aid Index (SAI). This index is used by colleges to determine what types of student aid you may receive. Again, the financial aid office of the college(s) you are considering is a great place to start if you have specific FAFSA or financial aid questions.

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, is updated as we receive notices of scholarship opportunities. Beginning in January and early February, there will be information online about the Community Foundation of Holland/Zeeland scholarships that are open to Holland Christian students, and also internal HC scholarships, which are for full-time Holland Christian students only.

Helpful Resource for Financing College

  • The MI Student Aid website has helpful information, links, and resources for students and families to use in navigating the college financial aid and scholarship landscape.
  • The Sallie Mae Paying for College Resource is a helpful destination to guide 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.

Testing Information

This year AP exam registration and payment will be done in the fall by Nov. 12, 2024. It is a two-step process, so be sure to complete both steps to register to take an AP test:

  • Step 1: Register and pay for the test through Total Registration online at www.TotalRegistration.net/AP/231965.
  • Step 2: Join your teacher’s AP Classroom and indicate you are interested in taking the AP test (many students have already done this with their teacher in class).
  • Both steps need to be completed by Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2024, at 11:59pm. The cost of each exam is $105, which can be paid online or by check. If you have questions contact Alison Silva in the HCHS office.

Meeting with Juniors/Parents

We will meet with the juniors on November 6 to talk about planning and preparing for senior year and life after high school. We will also be offering the opportunity for parents to join their student and his/her counselor for a junior + parents check-in meeting. Some of the information covered in the junior meeting will be taking the ACT/SAT, preparing for senior year, and discussing plans for life after high school. Since this is an important and transitional time in your student’s life, we want parents to have the option to sit in on this meeting. If a junior + parents meeting doesn’t work for you, we will still meet individually with each junior. Watch your email in the coming weeks for more information about these meetings.

College Athletics

  • If you are considering attending a NCAA Division I or II school, and you hope to compete in  athletics, the NCAA Eligiblity Center is an important place to start. It is the responsibility of the student and parents to be familiar with eligibility requirements and course specifics.
  • If you are considering participating in athletics at the NAIA level, check out the NAIA eligibility center.

Fine Arts

Festival of Fine Arts

Celebrate Holland Christian High School’s Festival of Fine Arts! From student drawings and paintings to movie music, choral anthems, and the deep sounds of the tuba, prepare to enjoy a rich diversity of the arts:

  • HS Bands & Orchestra Concert: Tuesday, November 5 at 7:30pm in the HS Auditorium.
  • HS Choir Concert: Thursday, November 7 at 7:30pm in the HS Auditorium
  • Swingin’ the Night Away: Friday, November 8, 6:45-9pm in the HCHS cafeteria.
  • The Fall Art Exhibition will be on display on Main Street November 4-8.

Swingin’ The Night Away

The Holland Christian Jazz Bands and the Old Timer’s Jazz Band are proud to present “Swingin’ the Night Away” in the HCHS cafeteria Friday, November 8, from 6:45 to 9 pm. Admission is $5, to support the HCHS music program. Dance (or not), socialize, eat desserts, and enjoy the music of Glenn Miller, Benny Goodman, Duke Ellington and more!

Christmas Concert

The High School Music Department invites you to its annual band, orchestra and choir Christmas concert Tuesday, December 17 in the Jack H. Miller Center for the Musical Arts, located on the campus of Hope College. We will be offering two performance times: 6pm and 7:45pm. General admission is free and no reservations are necessary. We look forward to sharing in the celebration of our Savior’s birth through our music!

Singin’ in the Rain Musical Performance Dates

This fall, Holland Christian Theater is producing Singing in the Rain! In the glittering Hollywood of 1927, silent movie star Don Lockwood appears to be on top of the world. His charisma and intense on-screen chemistry with his gorgeous co-star, Lina Lamont, has made them both household names, as well as one of the tabloids’ favorite couples. However, the arrival of The Jazz Singer, the first “talking picture” of the ’20s, threatens to upset everything. Don can dance and sing, but Lina … well, Lina is a silent movie star for a reason. As the studio struggles to adapt to the new “talkies,” Don meets Kathy Seldon, a feisty young actress who may prove to be their salvation – as well as possibly the first person who sees beyond his fame and likes him for the person he really is. But Lina is as possessive as she is pretty, and her jealousy just might doom everyone. Anchored by witty dialogue, catchy songs, and playful choreography, Singin’ in the Rain is a joyful American classic and a comedic adventure for the whole family. Shows will be held at 7pm on November 21, 22, and 23, with an additional matinee at 2pm on the 23rd. Tickets are available on the Holland Christian Theater website. 

Athletic Department

Winter Sports Tryouts

  • October 30: Ice Hockey (co-op with West Ottawa)
  • November 6: Competitive Cheer (co-op with West Ottawa)
  • November 18: Girls Basketball
  • November 13: Boys Basketball
  • November 20: 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 4/15/2023) on file in the Athletic Office and completed registration on Final Forms. See the Athletics Registration page for complete details.

Important Dates

Holland Christian Schools 2024-25 Calendar

November

  • 5: High School Bands & Orchestra Concert, 7:30pm
  • 7: High School Choir Concert, 7:30pm
  • 8: Swingin’ the Night Away, 6:45pm
  • 11: Veteran’s Day Assembly, 9:30am
  • 21, 22, 23: Fall Musical, Singing in the Rain  
  • 27, 28, 29: Thanksgiving vacation, no school

December

  • 13-14: 24 Hour Theatre
  • 17: High school Christmas concert, 6:00 & 7:45pm
  • 23: Christmas break begins