Dear Parents,
Welcome to a brand new school year at HCMS! As we prepare to open our doors to students, our hearts are full of JOY, the theme for this year. In a world that can often feel heavy, we are leaning into the joy that comes from being rooted in Christ and walking in community with one another. As Romans 15:13 reminds us:
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
We are excited to welcome 317 students this year—a notable increase from last year’s 292. With this growth, we continue to strengthen programs and staff in ways that reflect our mission and support students flourishing.
One exciting change is the addition of an Assistant Principal position at the middle school. We’re thrilled that Mr. Tyler Johns, who previously served as our Behavior Interventionist, is stepping into this new role. Mr. Johns has made a big impact through his leadership with PBIS and his gift for forming strong, supportive relationships with students and families. His presence will continue to bless our school as he broadens his reach in this new role.
We’re also thrilled to welcome Joe Baillargeon as our new 6th grade Bible and Social Studies teacher. An HC alum, Joe joins us after 14 years of teaching at Unity Christian High School. Joe brings contagious energy, creativity, and a deep love for students and Jesus. He thrives in the middle school setting and is passionate about encouraging respectful dialogue and supporting the whole child.
Our Spanish Immersion program is growing! This year, we will offer immersion in both 6th and 7th grade, with plans to expand into 8th next year. We are excited to welcome Aida Valdez, who will be teaching all our immersion classes. Aida previously taught at Rose Park and brings with her a love for Christ, language, and culture. Ashley Hernandez will continue as our Spanish Immersion Coordinator as we look to deepen and expand these learning experiences.
We’re also excited to welcome Amy Deur as she shares the librarian role with Ruth Busscher. Amy, a mother of five and former youth pastor, is re-entering the professional world after 13 years at home. She brings a love for books, a mind for research, and a heart for middle school students. Her vision for nurturing curiosity and fostering a love for reading is a wonderful fit for our community.
One of the goals we have this year is to continue to expand our outdoor education opportunities across grades. Sixth grade will again have monthly outdoor learning activities, and Mr. Nieuwsma will lead weekly experiences in his Creation Keeping class. Seventh grade will continue their dunes study and camp experiences, with plans to add new outdoor learning this year. Eighth grade will again partner with Camp Roger and deepen their science work around the school pond. We’re also grateful for Mrs. Geuder and Mrs. Rynsberger, who are helping us rewild the land between the pond and the school building, transforming it into a living classroom.
We’re ready and grateful to begin the school year, full of expectation and joy, trusting in the One who makes all things new. As Psalm 16:11 reminds us:
“You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”
We look forward to partnering with you in another wonderful year of growth, faith, and joyful learning.
In Christ,
Tom Strikwerda
Principal, HCMS
Get Ready for School!
Orientation day is Monday, August 19 at the middle school.
- 6th graders are invited to join us from 10:00-11:30 for a walk-through of the building, meeting teachers, and getting pictures taken. This is not an open house, but rather a full time together.
- 7th and 8th graders are invited to join us for an open house (comet and go when you’re able) from 12:00-2:30.Come have your picture taken for your student ID, walk around the building and find your locker, pick up your schedule, and meet your teachers.
- If you would like to order photos, look for your ordering form in the mail. It will have your personalized information on it, and you’ll want to bring that along for your picture. Please note, the Middle School yearbook is included in the yearly activity fee and does not need to be ordered separately. Each student will receive one at the end of the school year.
Student schedules will be given to students on Orientation day, August 18. They will be available online the afternoon of August 11.
Before August 19– We have updated a few of our handbook policies. Please review our Student Handbook and Technology Handbook here, and sign the form connected to it, so we can all start the year on the same page and with the same expectations. Updates to the Student Handbook are highlighted in yellow to make changes easier to spot.
Tuesday, August 19: We start school this year with a full day starting at 8:00 am and ending at 2:55 PM. Our first week of school will be a Monday/Thursday/Friday schedule day each day (no block schedule) . There will be NO late start on Wednesday, August 20.
Picture Make-up day (if students miss Orientation Day) will be Thursday, September 5; retakes and BOC pictures will be taken Monday, October 7.
Middle School Information
Many of you are new to the middle school building. Welcome! Please see below for all things Middle School. And feel free to reach out to Kelli Kruithof, administrative assistant, if you have any questions or concerns at kkruithof@hollandchristian.org.
Absences/Tardies
Absences happen for a number of reasons. If you know in advance that your child will be absent for any part of the day, please email kkruithof@hollandchristian.org or call our front office at 616-820-3205.
We also ask that you help your child be on time for school each day. The tardy bell rings at 8:00 (8:30 on late start days), and teachers begin with devotions and lunch count. Missing or interrupting these foundational starters of the day can be distracting for the class. Please see our handbook for more information on absences and tardies.
Class Schedules
The Middle School runs a modified block schedule. This means students take seven classes on Monday/Thursday/Friday, and fewer classes on Tuesday/Wednesday, but for longer blocks of time.
Late Start Wednesdays
Students start school a few minutes later each Wednesday so middle school staff can attend meetings from 7:30-8:15 am. Starting on August 28, the start time on Wednesdays is 8:30am.
HCMS Lunch
Prices for MS lunch are $3.50 this year.
Supply List
You can find the supply list for your student’s grade here.
Please note: it is recommended that students have an NIV Study Bible for their Bible class.
Medication
We realize some students need to take or have medication with them at school. All medication, both over-the-counter and prescribed, must be held in the front office in its original container. If your student needs medication at school, please have your doctor fill out and sign the required form and bring that form with the medication to school.
Drop off/Pick up
Carpool will take place on the North side of the building. In the single-lane carpool drop off, pull up as far as you can to drop off your child. If you are first in line, pull up to the orange cone that is past the north entrance on the sidewalk. This allows room for the cars behind you to pull up as well. Have your students exit the right side of the vehicle.
The bus loop and visitor lots at the front of school are not open for drop off during the hours of 7:30-8:15 am and 2:45-3:15 pm. School doors will be open at 7:30 am for students’ arrival and students need to be picked up by 3:20 pm. If you have a high school student who drops off your children, please review these policies with them.
Athletics
MS sports begin on August 19 at 3pm for Boys Football (HC/ZC – 7th/8th), Boys Soccer (HC only – 7th/8th), Boys Tennis (HC/ZC – 6th/7th/8th), Girls Volleyball (HC only – 7th/8th) and Girls & Boys Cross Country (HC/ZC – 6th/7th8th). You can find more information about HCMS sports here.
Final Forms
If you haven’t registered yet, please do so as soon as possible through Holland Christian’s Final Forms athletic registration system. Athletes need to be registered with a cleared physical uploaded to Final Forms before they can participate. We are excited to get started!
Batons
Please make sure you bring your baton to your first hour teacher on Orientation Day or the first day of school. Thanks!
Ways to Get Involved
Parent Board
Hey Parents! Want to stay connected with what’s going on in the middle school?! Join our parent team! We will be meeting once a month on Friday’s at 8am, plus a social outing or two. The time commitment is flexible throughout the year with what works with your schedule, although we do hope to have most at each Friday meeting. Contact the front office if you’re interested in volunteering this year!
HCMS Parent Night
Join us for our Middle School Parent Night, which will be held on August 27th from 6:30-8:00 pm. You’ll receive more information after the school year begins.
Moms in Prayer
Moms in Prayer is a great way to connect with other moms, pray for your child, and have an impact on the Middle School. Please join us on Fridays, starting September 5th, at Providence Church from 8:30-9:30 am. Contact Nicole Shook with questions at ncshook@gmail.com.
Important Dates
The full 25-26 school calendar is available here
August
18- Orientation/picture day
6th Grade only: 10:00-11:30
7th/8th Grade: 12:00-2:30 open house
– Start of Fall sports
19- First day of school- full day
20- NO LATE START
22- 6th Grader to Camp Beechpoint all day
25- 8th Grade Camp Roger (more information to come)
27 – District-wide convocation 9:00
– HCMS Parent Night 6:30-8 PM @ HCMS
29- No School- Labor Day Weekend
September
1 – Labor Day
4 – Picture Make-Up Day
9- 7th Grade Vision Screening
24- Walkathon
