The middle school year is off to a great start!
We opened the year in chapel by reflecting on the story of the Good Samaritan. From this story, we highlighted three truths: love crosses differences, love is demonstrated in action, and small actions can make a big difference.
We reminded students that genuine love does not remain an idea or feeling—it shows up in the way we live. Love takes the form of kindness in our words, generosity in our choices, and courage in our relationships. For our students, this can look as simple and powerful as inviting someone to sit with them at lunch, including a classmate who might otherwise be left out, standing up for someone in need, or showing hospitality in everyday ways. These small acts may seem ordinary, but they carry an extraordinary impact in building a community where every child knows they are seen, known and valued. We talked about how we never want someone to feel “less than” because they are a different race or have cultural differences through spoken, written words, or with body language. The world may even say it is ok to make fun of someone who is different. Don’t follow that bad advice. Follow Jesus’ advice of loving each other. Everyone God puts in our path is our neighbor.
As Paul reminds us in Philippians 2:3–4, “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” May these words shape our hearts and actions as we begin this new school year together.
As we nurture the hearts of our students together, take time to teach your sons and daughters to love each person they come in contact with.
God bless,
Tom Strikwerda
Principal
September at HCMS
Parent night follow Up
Thanks to all who came to parent night.Here is a link that lets you know many important details about each grade level. Take some time to look through the appropriate link or links. A lot of this info was shared at Parent night last night.
Also if you weren’t able to attend parent night stop by sometime and write a positive note to your kids that we will place in their locker.
MS Chapel
Chapels this year will take place at the high school most Wednesdays. Please keep this in mind when scheduling appointments.
House System
Last week 6th graders and new students and staff have all been put into a house (Dunes, Lake, Lighthouse or Windmill), and now students can earn points for various positive things. We also just had our first house competition being the tug of war on Thursday. If you would like to sign up for notifications regarding your child’s progress, please email the office at ms@hollandchristian.org
Parent Team
Hey Parents! Want to stay connected with what’s going on in the middle school?! Join our parent team! We coordinate the annual walk-a-thon, plan fun events for the students, support our awesome teachers and end the year with an AMAZING 8th grade graduation party! We meet multiple times throughout the year on Tuesday mornings at 8am. The time commitment is flexible throughout the year with what works with your schedule. Contact Kate Dirkse (katedirkse@gmail.com) if you’re interested in joining the team!
MAP Testing
MAP testing at the middle school is coming up! If at all possible, please avoid taking your student out for appointments or vacation during that time. If any testing is missed, it will have to be made up by the end of the testing window, which will result in missing regular class time.
Tuesday, September 9 8:00-9:10AM
Wednesday, September 10 9:00-11:30AM
On these dates, please help your child remember the following things:
- Get a good night of sleep
- Eat a healthy breakfast
- Charge laptops overnight
Please contact the middle school at ms@hollandchristian.org with any questions.
Important Dates
The full 25-26 school calendar is available here
September
1: Labor Day; No school
4: Picture Make-Up Day (for students who missed Orientation/Open House)
9: 7th Grade Vision Screening
24: Walkathon
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
22-24: No School, CEA Convention
