Dear Parents,
As we approach the end of another school year, I find myself reflecting on life—on growth, on purpose, and on the blessings of our community. When I look at our students, I see so many signs of growth. It has been a great year. Our middle school staff have worked diligently to help our students learn—academically, socially, and spiritually. And yet, I also see the potential for even more: more maturing, more learning, and more becoming the people God has created them to be. The truth is, that’s something we never outgrow. I’m still growing.
This week, many of us are grieving the loss of Dirk Hollebeek. Dirk was not only a former principal of our middle school, but also a dear friend and mentor who shaped me profoundly—both as a teacher and as a person. Dirk lived out our theme of “Seek First” in every season of his life, including the hardest ones.
As we remember Dirk, I’d like to share a portion of his final Facebook post from March 16:
“What I am doing is living.
I am discovering during this time in a new way that when I encounter the day from the framework and mindset of living each day as the gift from God that it is, the clarity allows me to experience it as just that: a gift to be enjoyed regardless of the circumstance…
Choosing to see each day as an opportunity rather than as something to endure has been helpful for my mind, my emotional state and spirit… I don’t get to choose those things in my life, only how I choose to encounter and embrace what I am called to in this life.”
Dirk’s words challenge and inspire me—and I hope they inspire you as well. As we head into summer, may we each take the opportunity to truly live each day, to seek God first, and to help our students continue to grow in grace, wisdom, and love no matter what happens to each of us.
Jesus reminds us in Matthew 6:33:
“But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”
This summer, may you and your children find time to rest, to grow, and to seek first the One who gives each day as a gift.
With gratitude and hope,
Tom Strikwerda
Principal
Summer at HCMS
Report Cards
Grades will be available on PowerSchool at 8am Wednesday, June 11. Please check in PowerSchool after this time to see the benefits of all your student’s hard work this school year!
Immunizations for 2025-2026 7th Graders
Incoming 7th graders will need to turn in your most recent proof of immunization to the front office by August 1, 2024. Your primary doctor can print a MICR official immunization record for you to submit, either in-person or electronically. All students MUST be up-to-date on their immunizations BEFORE they start the new school year. Any students without the required immunizations or approved waivers will not be allowed to enter school until they are complete and approved by the State of Michigan. Immunization requirements can be found on our Medical Information and Forms page, or you can also schedule a call/visit with your primary care physician to discuss any immunization needs for your child before the start of the new school year.
Athletics for 2025-2026
Registration is now open for 2024-2025 athletics! All incoming 6th-8th grade students interested in participating on at least one team next year need to sign up for or log into their Final Forms account to register for sports and start planning to get the MHSAA physical requirement completed by their MD/DO/NP/PA for next school year.
Detailed instructions and information can be found on our athletics registration pages.
Important Dates
June
3- 8th Grade Service Day (Last Day for 8th graders)
3- 8th Grade Graduation and Party @ 6:00 at HCHS
4- No Late Start – Last day of school; 11:15 dismissal
Looking Ahead
August
1- 7th grade vaccinations due to the front office
18- Orientation Day (more information to come this summer)
19- First day of school
25- 8th Graders to Camp Roger
27- HCMS Parent Night
29- No School; Labor Day Weekend
