Dear Parents,
There have been a lot of things to celebrate over the last month. I have completed another round of teacher observations and have been impressed with the gifts and talents of the middle school staff. I appreciate each and every one of our staff as they use their gifts and talents to teach our students. One thing each staff member does during the year is speak at chapel. Yesterday Mr. Leegwater spoke on the following scripture passage:
Matthew 5: 14 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
He let us know that we each need to be a light to each other. We need to use our words to build each other up, not put each other down. As we go into spring break that could be a handy reminder that you can use with your family as well.
We’ve had a lot going on in the last month at HCMS!
- We had a number of students and staff take part in the Polar Plunge (official water temperature was 34˚ F) and raise money for Unified sports this past month. The goal for grades 6 – 12 was to raise $5000 but in just the middle school we were able to raise $11,355. We also had our Unified basketball game vs the staff and the students really got into cheering on the Unified team during one of our homeroom times.
- Our 8th grade Bible classes helped organize a food drive for Kids Food Basket last week. We reached our goal of bringing in exactly 1000 items!
- The 7th grade Orchestra and 7th/8th grade Band received all ones at Festival, the best score possible, and are now going to compete at state. 8th grade Orchestra was a fraction of a point away from receiving the same honor.
- At the 5th – 12th grades Band Concert all the band members played the world premier of the arrangement for Praise to the Lord that was composed by our own band teacher, Mr. Veenstra.
- Ms. Beukelman once again delivered an incredible theatre production “The Somewhat True Tales of Robin Hood.” It is always a highlight to see the talents of the middle schoolers who perform, paint the sets, do sound, makeup, and set up the stage between acts.
I hope each of you has a blessed Good Friday and Easter as we celebrate that Jesus is risen! He is risen indeed!!
Tom Strikwerda
April at HCMS
South Africa Trip 2.0
Holland Christian Middle School is inviting eight incoming 7th and 8th graders to a kingdom encounter in South Africa October 19 through October 30, 2023. The vision of this trip is to raise up a generation of servant leaders to have a deeper understanding and knowledge of the Father, and to provide a process for students to make His heart known.
While staying abroad students will explore cross-cultural service, spiritual disciplines, and encounter our Father’s Kingdom heart. They will find a new rhythm to life that allows them to connect with God and focus on life outside of themselves. Students will be immersed in cultures, communities and livelihoods very different from the ones they are used to living in. They will work alongside young children at Ocean View Care Center, dwell with residents who live in the townships, and help with the Homeless Ministries. Dwelling in the midst of His kingdom will allow students to not only discuss how Christ lived out His Father’s work, but has them immersed in it. Every interaction is an opportunity for intellectual, spiritual and personal growth and development. Learning becomes alive as they explore life’s big questions in the light of God’s truth, their purpose, and how to live out the Great Commission.
There will be a parent informational meeting on Wednesday, April 19 at 7pm in the media center. South Africa Application will be due by Wednesday, April 26 if you would like your son or daughter to be considered for the trip. The following forms also need to be filled out by April 26 if you would like to be considered for financial aid: Recommendation form for financial aid and financial aid form. We are blessed to have enough available staff this year that we are not in need of chaperones.
Save the Date!
You are cordially invited to our Grandparents/Grandfriends Day celebration on May 12 from 10-11am.
Athletic Physical Night
- We encourage every child to see their PCP for their well-child visit but also understand that MHSAA pre-participation 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 physical night is scheduled for May 31, 2023, 6-8pm
- 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
Important Dates
April
- 10: School resumes
- 19: South Africa informational meeting 7pm HCMS
- 18-20 Spanish Placement Test for 8th grade
- 26: South Africa application/financial aid due
- 27 : MS Choir Concert 7pm @ HCHS
May
- 11 : Half day for Tulip Time
- 11: Grandparent’s Day 10-11am
- 16: Spring Orchestra Concert 7pm @ Jack H. Miller Auditorium
- 18-19: 7th Grade Camp
- 29: No school- Memorial Day
- 31: Athletic Physical Night 6pm
June
- 8th Grade Graduation 6pm @ HCHS Auditorium
