Dear Parents,
In the busyness of a school year, it’s important to connect with our kids. At school, some of the most lasting lessons and deepest growth come from memorable moments—those experiences that shape our children in ways that go beyond the classroom. Hopefully, these moments help our students grow in making our school a village—a place where we care for one another, grow in the fruits of the Spirit, and develop confidence in who God made us to be.
In chapel last week, I talked about the power of our words—how we should avoid racial slurs, think before we speak, and never laugh at someone’s pain or bad choices. Students reflected on their biggest growth area from a list of nine choices related to kindness and speech. These are things we continually work at—as individuals and as a school community.
Memorable Moments in 6th Grade:
- Mrs. Dannenberg’s class just completed a Bob Goff devotional, and in the back of the book, it gave Bob Goff’s phone number and said he never lets his phone go to voicemail. So, Mrs. Dannenberg called, and he picked up on the first ring! Three students got to ask him questions, and he reminded them to LOVE JESUS.
- Mrs. Boer received the Joyful Teacher Award from JOY 99.3! She was one of five teachers chosen from hundreds of nominees to receive a personalized JOY Basket and a Joy Bus pizza party for the nominating student’s class! Last Friday, her students baked four different brownies—each with a secret ingredient—and voted on their favorite.
- Mr. Nieuwsma’s class visited the ODC, where they used their collected data for a Salt Watch Study—a hands-on way to learn about environmental science.
Memorable Moments in 7th Grade:
- 7th Grade Camp is coming up in May! For over 30 years, this has been a highlight for our students. Camp is a place to experience God’s creation, build fires, ride horses, mountain bike, climb walls, and grow spiritually through personal and corporate devotions.
Memorable Moments in 8th Grade:
- We had over 30 professionals join us for a Friday morning Career Day, and Mrs. Pett, our counselor, created seven career panels with themes like business, STEM, and the trades. Each student attended two panels to explore career options. Here’s what some students had to say:
- “No one in the panel knew they’d end up in their current job!”
- “I appreciated hearing how faith impacts their work—especially the butterfly example.”
- “In business, there’s a lot of flexibility.”
- “It’s important to experience different things when you’re young.”
- “If you put in full effort, you can succeed at what you want to accomplish.”
- “Learning about trade jobs was cool. I was interested in diesel mechanics.”
- “Firefighters do more than fight fires—they also investigate.”
- “I learned which skills are helpful in different jobs.”
- “There are so many options in business I didn’t even know existed.”
- “Things that don’t seem job-related—like showing up on time and working hard—mean a lot to employers.”
Memorable Moments in Band:
- Last week I was blessed to see the gifts of many of our students in the band concert. A big shout out goes to Mr. Veenstra who does a great job of directing, organizing and also composing some of the music they use. It was great to see the improvement our students make from year to year.
Speaking of Memorable Moments…
- We are currently putting together our next South Africa Mission Trip! Prayerfully consider whether this would be a good fit for your child—an incredible, life-changing experience next October. Details are below in our School information section.
At Holland Christian, we are intentional about creating these moments, from outdoor learning adventures to our South Africa trip, from small classroom victories to school-wide house activities.We encourage you to ask your child about the moments that stood out to them. How has God been at work in their day? What has inspired them?
As we approach spring break, and soon after, summer, I hope you and your family create meaningful moments at home as well. May your home reflect Joshua 24:15–“But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.”
And may you live out Deuteronomy 6:6-7—”These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.”
Raising a family is not a solo journey—it’s something we do together, as a village, shaping memorable moments that last a lifetime. Let’s build a community where faith is lived out in everyday life, where grace is abundant, and where love binds us together.
Blessings,
Tom Strikwerda
April at HCMS
Save the Date!
- You are cordially invited to our Grandparents/Grandfriends Day celebration on May 9 from 1:45-2:45pm. Doors will open at 1:30. Parents, could you please fill out this quick Google Survey so we can plan for our afternoon accordingly. We strongly encourage you to invite a grandparent, grand friend or mentor from your neighborhood or church.
- 8th grade graduation will be held Tuesday, June 3 at 6pm at HCHS. The Parent Board will be hosting an after-party for the students. Stay tuned for more details!
South Africa Trip 4.0
Holland Christian Middle School is inviting eight incoming 7th and 8th graders to a kingdom encounter in South Africa October 16-October 27. 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. 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 Monday, April 28 at 7pm in the media center. South Africa Application will be due by Tuesday, May 6 if you would like your son or daughter to be considered for the trip. The following forms also need to be filled out by Tuesday, May 6 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. If you are chosen to go, a deposit of $600 will be due on May 21.
Athletic Physical Night
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- 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 15.
- 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 Nights this spring on April 16 and May 15. Sign up for a physical slot
- Any parents willing to volunteer their time as a physician, nurse, PT, expert crowd control or healthcare professional, please reach out to Karianne!
Important Dates
April
4: No school: Spring break
14: School resumes
23: 6th Grade Launch Night
May
8: Half day (Tulip Time)
9: Grandparents’ Day 1:45-2:45pm
12: Orchestra concert 7pm
13: Band concert 7pm
15-16: 7th Grade Camp
22: MS Choir Concert 7pm
26: No school: Memorial Day
June
3: Last day of school for 8th grade; 8th grade Service Day + graduation rehearsal; 8th grade graduation 6pm @ HCHS
4: Last day of school, ½ day
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