Dear Parents/Guardians,
This week, I had the chance to sit down with my friend and former colleague Bob Kool–one of the most positive people I know. He continually helps at school by being what we call a “super sub” or in the summer he paints places that need touching up. I asked him how he manages to stay so positive, even as he continues to care for his wife, Mary, who has been battling terminal cancer for over nine years–and now she has it in her bones. His answer was simple and powerful: The words of John 14:27 “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” He shared how the promise of eternity together with Mary gives him real JOY, even in the midst of the fight they’re facing.
During my conversation with Bob, I got a text from my neighbor Barb, asking me to stop by when I had a minute. She’s been caring for her husband, Al, who is living with Parkinson’s. As we visited, I shared John 14:27 with them — and Barb’s eyes lit up. “That’s Al’s favorite verse,” she told me with a smile. Amazing how God weaves these moments together.
John 14:27 is such a gift — a reminder that the peace we receive through the Holy Spirit isn’t like anything the world can offer. It’s deeper. It’s lasting. It’s peace that truly passes all understanding when we let Christ rule in our hearts.
May that peace be with each of you as you continue to pour into the lives of your children and others in our community.
Tom Strikwerda,
HCMS Principal
October at HCMS
Picture Make-up Day
Monday, October 6 is HCMS Picture Retake Day. If you are not satisfied with your student’s picture, please send their original packet with your son or daughter to school that Monday and Geskus will retake their picture. Additional order form are in the office if you need one.
Early Winter (Winter 1) Sports Season
Monday, October 20, is the first day of our next sports season, including Girls Aquatics, Boys Basketball, and Competitive Cheer, which is with West Ottawa. If your student would like to participate and has not yet signed up, please sign up on Final Forms asap, and please make sure the pre-participation physical is completed. They will need all forms signed and a current physical form on file in the office dated on or after April 15, 2025. Communication will be coming to those who are registered. Team pictures will be October 30.
Parent Teacher Conferences
Are scheduled for October 2 (3:30-6:30) and October 9 (5:30-8:30). Please follow the instructions that were emailed to you September 22 if you’d like to sign up! Or find them again in the all-school email that this newsletter is attached to.
Reminders for Parents
Questions about attendance, medications, lunch policy, etc? Please check out our Reminder for Parents document.
Important Dates
October
- 2: Fall Parent-Teacher Conferences (3:30-6:30 pm)
- 6: Picture retakes
- 9: Fall Parent-Teacher Conferences (5:30-8:30 pm)
- 21: End of quarter 1
- 22: Teacher professional development
- 23-24: No school, CEA Convention
- 27: Begin quarter 2
November
- 14: Swingin’ the Night Away
- 26-28: No school-Thanksgiving
December
- 2: MS Band Concert; MS Orchestra Concert
- 4: MS Choir Concert
- 22- January 2: Christmas Vacation
