High School Newsletter – January 2026

Dear HCHS Families,

Welcome to January and to the beginning of a new year! After the fast pace of December, January offers an important invitation to pause and reflect on what God has done in our communities and how we might continue to lean into his Kingdom purpose. This month, one of Holland Christian’s cultural values, flourishing, provides a meaningful lens for the start of the year. At HCS, flourishing means growing and serving as whole beings with all our heart, mind, and strength. It reflects a biblical vision of life that is not fragmented or reduced to performance, but rooted and directed toward loving God and neighbors. 

Scripture begins with a clear picture of flourishing. In Genesis, before the fall, Adam and Eve lived in right relationship with God, one another, and creation itself. Their work mattered. Their rest was secure. There was no fear or shame, only trust and purpose (Genesis 1–2). Sin, however, disrupted that harmony, introducing brokenness into every relationship, including how humans understand themselves in relationship to God (Genesis 3). Yet from the beginning, God’s desire has been to restore that relationship, and in Jesus, we see that restoration embodied. Jesus lived the life made full, as it was meant to be, with dependence on the Father, self-less love for others, and faithfulness in both joy and suffering. Scripture describes Jesus growing in wisdom, stature, and favor with God and others (Luke 2:52), offering a picture of integrated growth that speaks directly to our understanding of flourishing. Jesus did not promise an easy life, but he did promise a full one (John 10:10), grounded in being with him, becoming like him, and doing as he did.

For many of our students, this vision of flourishing can feel distant. Young people today are navigating a world that often works against wholeness. In The Anxious Generation, Jonathan Haidt describes the rise in anxiety, loneliness, and emotional distress among adolescents, shaped by constant digital stimulation, social comparison, and fewer opportunities for meaningful independence and embodied connection with others. We see these realities in our students as they wrestle with their identity as God’s children, belonging in the body of Christ, and pressure to perform before their peers. Flourishing, for them, is not automatic. It must be nurtured. At HCHS, we are encouraged by the ways students are engaging this challenge. In classrooms, teachers are inviting students to think deeply, ask honest questions, and connect learning to faith and life. In chapels and advisory spaces, students are given room to reflect, pray, and be known. In athletics, the arts, and other co-curriculars, students are learning to direct their gifts toward service to teammates and others rather than self-promotion. All of this reflects our desire to help students love God with their whole selves (Deuteronomy 6:5), not just with their intellect.

Flourishing is not the work of a school alone. It requires partnership. Parents and caregivers play a crucial role in shaping rhythms of rest, presence, and healthy limits at home. Churches ground students in worship, community, and a story larger than themselves. The author of the book of Hebrews reminds us that growth happens best in community, as we encourage one another toward love and good deeds (Hebrews 10:24-25). When school, church, and home move in the same direction, students are surrounded by a consistent witness to God’s goodness and care.

As we begin this new year, I am grateful for the ways our students continue to grow, serve, and seek wholeness in Christ. There is still much work to be done, but there is also much to give thanks for. Thank you for your continued support and partnership as we pursue flourishing together and seek to equip minds and nurture hearts to transform the world for Jesus Christ.

With Thanks,

Miles Colago

HS Principal

General Information

First Semester Exams

• Students are not required to be at school unless they have an exam.
• Students will not be allowed to take exams until all lunch detentions have been served, and will not receive credit for first semester courses until exams are taken.
• 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.
• All students should check with the bus driver to find out the bus schedule for exam week.

Exam Schedule

• Tuesday, January 13, 2026
  • 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 14
  • 8:45-10:15am 3rd-hour exam
  • 10:30am-12:00pm 4th-hour exam: Tech Center required
• Thursday, January 15
  • 8:45-10:15am 5th-hour exam
  • 10:30am-12:00pm 6th-hour exam: Tech Center required
• Friday, January 16
  • 8:45-10:15am 7th-hour exam
  • 10:30am-12:00pm Make-up slot: Tech Center required

2026 – 2027 Class Signup

Students will be signing up for their 2026 – 2027 classes in February. Registration information for current 9th – 11th graders will be presented to students at school by the end of January – see schedule below.  Parents are invited to these presentations, which will be a workshop model with students bringing laptops and going through the registration process.  All registration information will be online, and students and parents will be notified when it is available to view. All parents are encouraged to discuss with students the opportunities that are available.

• Current 11th graders – during Family Flex (10:05 – 11:00 am) on January 21

• Current 10th graders – during Family Flex (9:30 – 10:15 am) on January 26

• Current 9th graders – during Family Flex (10:05 – 11:00 am) on January 28

Current students will submit their course selections online before 12:00 pm, Friday, February 13, 2026.

For a preview of what students will be receiving at school, simply go to the Registrar’s website and click on the link to scheduling information for the grade you will be in next year. Please note that some information on the web site will be updated between now and the end of January to reflect new course offerings and other changes to the curriculum.

Student Life and Discipleship

One of our local partners in education, Outdoor Discovery Center, is hosting a 4-part speaker series featuring nationally-renowned experts who will explore how technology is reshaping our lives. Please see the attached flyer to register for these free opportunities! 

Athletic Department

The 2025 CHAMPS Coupon Book is ready for purchase! View a sample of the 2025 CHAMPS Coupon book. In addition to the lakeshore coupons regularly found in the CHAMPS Coupon Book, there are regional and national discounts as well. Each purchased book comes with a free activation code for 12 months of mobile app coupons for the greater Holland area, as well as across the US based on your location. Earn at least your $30 purchase back in only a handful of uses with discounts found in the book and through the mobile app.

CHAMPS Coupon Books are available at Quality Car Wash locations, Russ’ Restaurant locations, Community Restaurant, school offices and Ditto. You can also purchase your CHAMPS Coupon Book through HCS or ZCS TRIP to receive 10% of the book’s cost back on your tuition. 2025 coupons are valid from when the book is purchased through December 31, 2025. The coupon book sale raises significant funds to directly benefit our middle school and high school student-athletes. Thank you for supporting athletics at both Holland Christian and Zeeland Christian Schools through the purchase of a 2025 CHAMPS Coupon Book!

Upcoming Fine Arts Events

Holland Christian Band Extravaganza and Swingin’ the Night Away

Counselors Corner

Careerline Tech Center

We will have representatives from the Careerline Tech Center presenting about what the Tech Center has to offer, should students be interested in attending during their junior or senior year, on Wednesday, February 5, 2025. All sophomores and any interested juniors will be able to attend this presentation. More information will be available in the announcements in January. There is also an open house at the Tech Center scheduled for February 4, 2025 from 5:30-7:30 PM.

Seniors & Parents of Seniors

Just a reminder that if you have improved your ACT/SAT scores and would like your intended college/university to have these scores, you must have your updated scores sent directly from your ACT or SAT student account. Your HC transcript does not list or include test scores. If you did not put down the 4 digit codes for the college(s) you wish to receive your test scores when you registered for the SAT/ACT, you can log into your account and request that your new scores be sent. There is a fee to send additional scores.

Likewise, some schools require a mid-year transcript through the Common Application. If your school(s) don’t require this, but you would like to send your updated transcript at the end of semester one, please log in to your Parchment account and request a transcript.

If you have questions, please contact your counselor.

 Testing Information

• All 11th grade students will take the SAT during the school day on Wednesday, March 19, 2025. Students do not need to register for this test, and there is no cost for students.
• Upcoming SAT test dates are March 8 and May 3.  HCHS is a testing site for the May date. Register for the SAT.
• Upcoming ACT test dates are February 8 and April 5. HCHS is a testing site for the February date.  Register for the ACT.
• Test Preparation: There are free resources for SAT test preparation. There are also free resources available for ACT test preparation.

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.

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.

Important Dates

2025-26 Holland Christian Schools Calendar

January

• 5: School resumes
• 13-16: Exams
• 19: No school, Martin Luther King Jr. Day
• 20: Second semester begins
• 26: HS Showcase, 7pm, Doors open 6:30pm RSVP here

February

• 7: Parent Sponsored Winterfest Dance
• 13: No school (Professional development)
• 16: No school, Presidents Day