Dear Middle School Parents,
The second semester is officially underway—despite a snowy start with three snow days last week! As we settle into the rhythm of a new semester, I encourage you to take a moment to reflect on your student’s school year so far. If you feel led, consider sending a quick note of appreciation to a teacher who has made a difference in your child’s life.
Speaking of appreciation, February 20 marks Todd Smeenge’s 60th birthday! This would be a great opportunity to celebrate this milestone by sending him an email at tsmeenge@hollandchristian.org.
I also want to highlight two exciting things happening at the middle school:
Beauty and the Beast Jr. Production
Students and staff are working hard to bring Beauty and the Beast Jr. to life! This year’s production is a big one, featuring singing, dancing, and a larger cast, so it will take place in the high school auditorium. Many hands are involved in making this show a success:
- Actors (Directed by Meredith Beukelman)
- Set Design Crew (Led by Jenny Geuder)
- Hair, Makeup & Costume Crew (Led by Katie Boer)
- Vocal Coaching (Led by Vickie Crouse)
- High School Helpers supporting each of these areas
It’s shaping up to be a fantastic production, and I highly recommend coming to see the show the weekend of February 28!
Small Group Chapels
This month, we’ve shifted our chapel time to small group discussions. Each staff member is leading a group of about 15 students, exploring topics such as:
- What About Faith?
- Worship from Around the World
- Reading and Writing Parables
- God’s Presence in the Hard Times
- Finding Rest in Creation
- Encouraging Others with God’s Word
- Carrying the Torch of the Gospel
- Walk & Wonder
By changing up our routine, we hope to engage students in new ways and encourage meaningful conversations about faith.
Thank you for your continued support—we’re grateful to partner with you in your child’s education!
Blessings,
Tom Strikwerda
Middle School Principal
February at HCMS
8th Grade HS Registration:
High School Course Registration for incoming 9th graders is due February 14. Our registrar, Dan Vos, will be available at the middle school on February 3 during Homeroom to answer any questions students may have.
Parent Teacher Conferences:
Parent Teacher conferences will be held February 27 from 3:30-6:30 and March 6 from 5:30-8:30. Instructions for conference sign-up will be emailed to you in February. We look forward to meeting with each of you!
From the Parent Board:
The Parent board has a tradition of providing meals for staff during conferences. Look for an announcement in the daily announcements to sign up to help provide food on February 29 and March 7.
Save the Date for the MS Spring Skating Party- March 4 6-8:30 PM at RollXScape. More details to come in the daily announcements.
MS Play
The Middle School Theater department is excited to present Beauty & the Beast JR.
Performances will be Friday, February 28 at 7:00 PM and March 1 at 2:00 and 7:00 PM. All performances will be at the HCHS auditorium. Tickets will be available on the HC website on February 3.
TRIP Program:
Are you getting the most help you can for paying your tuition? The TRIP program is designed to help you pay tuition without extra cost to you. Have you checked it out lately? There are so many instant and electronic opportunities now available that make it easier, more convenient, and comfortable to use! Take a quick look at it and see how easy it’s become. Give it a try and see if it doesn’t lighten your financial load. Help is always just a quick question away. We love to help you make it work for your family! You can find out more information by going to our webpage.
Important Dates
February
14: No School- Staff PD
17: No School
27: Parent Teacher Conferences 3:30-6:30
28: MS Play 7:00 @ HCHS
March
1: MS Play 2:00 and 7:00 @ HCHS
5: MSBOA 7th/8th Band Festival AM
6: MSBOA 7th (AM) and 8th (PM) Orchestra Festival
Parent Teacher Conferences 5:30-8:30
7: Swingin the Night Away 6:45 PM @ HCHS
20: 8th Grade PSAT (½ day for 8th grade only)
21: End of Q3
24: Begin Q4
Community Opportunities
The below list of organizations are not affiliated with Holland Christian Schools but have requested the sharing of these community opportunities.
Hope College Family Math Fun Festival:
Hope College is hosting a Family Math Fun Festival on Saturday, March 8, 10 am – 12 pm on campus that is free and open to families with children in Grades K-8. Our festival features a wide variety of interactive low-floor, high-ceiling tasks that will engage families in creative problem solving that won’t even feel like mathematics! We’ll also be giving away goody bags to all participants with math games and other school supplies. See flyer for more information.
Holland Junior Police Academy:
JPA is a free, 3 week summer program hosted by the Holland Department of Public Safety and is designed to teach students about First Responders (Police, Fire, and Medical), as well as develop teamwork and leadership skills. This summer JPA will run from July 14th to July 31st. We meet each day, Monday through Thursday, from 8am to 1pm. Students are eligible if they will be entering 7th or 8th grade. You can learn more about the program and apply here.
