Dear Parents-
As we move into March, we are grateful for the opportunity to reflect on another of our school’s core values: Discipleship rooted in Jesus Christ — finding our identity, purpose, and direction in Him.
Growing in God’s Word
An essential part of discipleship is knowing the Word of God. Each Tuesday morning, some students and faculty gather for a Public Reading of Scripture. Simply hearing God’s Word proclaimed shapes us, grounds us, and reminds us of what is true.
On Wednesday mornings, students have the opportunity to participate in a small group Bible study with Mr. Russ before school begins. This is a meaningful time of digging deeper into Scripture and growing together in faith.
We also gather weekly for Wednesday chapel, where we learn more about who God is and who He calls us to be. Chapel is a time of worship, teaching, and reflection — forming both heart and mind. You can see some of the energy in the picture below, as you see the blur of some of their hands and bodies, moving during the song.
Discipleship in the Classroom
Every school day begins with devotion and prayer in first-hour classes. Teachers open God’s Word, share prayer requests, and build Christ-centered communities. Throughout the day, prayer remains part of our rhythm as we seek to “pray continually” and depend on the Lord in all things.
Beyond Bible class, our teachers intentionally integrate discipleship practices into every discipline. Whether in math, science, language arts, or social studies, students are guided to see how Christ is Lord over all learning. We want them to understand that their gifts, abilities, and future vocations are all ways to glorify Him.
Learning to Live Like Christ
Discipleship also shapes how we treat one another. As a school community, we hold to common expectations “valuing others as more important than ourselves.” Philippians 2:3–4 We are continually learning what it means to serve, encourage, and show humility in our daily interactions.
Our prayer is that students leave our school not only well-educated, but deeply rooted in Christ — secure in their identity, clear in their purpose, and ready to follow Him wherever He leads.
Tom Strikwerda
Principal.
March at HCMS
Save the Date!
The Middle School Grandparents’ Day will be Friday, May 8 in the afternoon. Stay tuned for more details!
Spring Sports
Boys and Girls Track, Girls Soccer, Boys Volleyball, and Girls Tennis are slated to begin on March 17! Make sure you are signed up on Final Forms for the sport your student is interested in to receive information from the coaches. Students must have a valid physical form on file before they are able to participate. Thanks!
Athletic Physical Nights
We encourage every child to see their PCP for their well-child visit but also understand that MHSAA preparticipation sports physical requirements do not always align with the annual well child with your physician due to insurance requirements. MHSAA requires that physicals must be dated after April 15th.
A sports physical night through the school helps alleviate those insurance issues. It is beneficial to see your PCP as they know your previous history and can note any oddities. Sports Physicals through the school allow for a way to fulfill the MHSAA requirements when insurance does not cover an additional physical.
It is important to have your physical before the first day of your sport’s season. You are required to be cleared through an MD, DO, NP, or PA who will check for major medical concerns that may arise during the sports seasons.
Holland Christian will participate in two community-wide Athletic Physical Night this Spring- April 23 and May 6. Stay tuned for sign-up information!
**Any parents willing to volunteer their time as any of the following: Physician, Nurse, PT, expert crowd control or healthcare professional; please reach out to Karianne @ kreger@hollandchristian.org**
South Africa Kingdom Encounter 5.0:
Holland Christian Middle School is offering a unique opportunity for eight incoming 7th and 8th graders to embark on a meaningful journey to South Africa from October 8 through October 19. This trip invites students to immerse themselves in a vibrant learning environment centered on walking as disciples of Jesus Christ, fostering spiritual growth and cross-cultural understanding.
During their time abroad, students will engage deeply with spiritual disciplines and explore the Christian walk within a supportive community that models Christ’s love and example. This environment encourages them to develop a new rhythm of life—one that nurtures a closer connection with God and encourages focus beyond themselves.
Partnering with local ministries, the students will have the chance to interact with young children across three different townships, participate in school activities alongside South African peers, and experience diverse styles of worship unique to the region. Additionally, they will contribute to the Love in Action feeding ministry, serving alongside dedicated volunteers to meet the needs of the community.
This immersive experience goes beyond classroom learning, offering students a firsthand opportunity to live out the teachings of Christ as He carried out His Father’s work. Each interaction serves as a catalyst for intellectual, spiritual, and personal growth, encouraging students to wrestle with life’s big questions in the light of God’s truth and their own purpose. They will explore how to actively live out the Great Commission in their daily lives.
The overarching vision of this trip is to nurture a generation of servant leaders who possess a deeper understanding and knowledge of their Abba Father. It aims to provide a transformative process through which students can embody and share His heart with the world around them.
There will be a parent informational meeting on Wednesday, April 22 at 7:00 in the auditorium. Applications will be due by Wednesday, April 29. If you are interested in this opportunity please email Tom Strikwerda @ tstrikwerda@hollandchristian.org
Important Dates
March
4: MSBOA 7th/8th Band Festival AM
5: MSBOA 7th (AM) and 8th (PM) Orchestra Festival
Parent Teacher Conferences 3:30-6:30 PM
MS Play 7:00 @ HCMS
6: MS Play 7:00 @ HCMS
7: MS Play 2:00 and 7:00 @ HCMS
16: No School- Staff Work Day
17: 5th-12th Band Extravaganza 7 PM @ West Ottawa Performing Arts Center
19: 8th Grade PSAT- ½ day for 8th Grade Only
20: End of Q3
23: Begin Q4
April
3: No School- Spring Break
13: School Resumes
23: Sports Physical Night
May
7: Half Day (Tulip Time)
8: Grandparents’ Day
13: Orchestra Concert 7:30 PM
14-15: 7th Grade Camp
20: MS Choir Concert 7 PM @ HCHS
25: No School- Memorial Day