Dear Parents,
This weekend my wife and I spent time in Madison, WI, with our youngest daughter Sarah who is moving there on August 1. One of the activities Sarah made sure we did was go to a church service on Monday night of a church plant that is related to the church she currently goes to in Philadelphia (long story). After the service we all spent time getting to know other believers. As we drove home from our weekend, I was reflecting on our parenting journey as we raised our three kids. One of the things that we did that is invaluable is nurturing a habit of quiet time for our kids.
Quiet time is one of the spiritual disciplines Jesus did even in the midst of his hectic life. He was a busy man as we see in the passages below, but he prioritized solitary moments with his Father.
Luke 5:15, 16 Yet the news about him spread all the more, so that crowds of people came to hear him and to be healed of their sicknesses. But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.
Mark 1: 35-37 Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. Simon and his companions went to look for him, and when they found him, they exclaimed:“Everyone is looking for you!”
What a remarkable example Jesus provides for us. My prayer is that each of you are carving out moments in your busy schedules to connect with our Father in solitude. My prayer is your sons and daughters are also fostering their own relationship with God through solitary moments of prayer and reflection.
God bless,
Tom Strikwerda
May at HCMS
MAP Testing
6th and 7th grade students will take the MAP Test on Tuesday, May 7 and Wednesday, May 8. Students will need to arrive promptly to school on those days and bring their charged laptop, a water bottle, and an extra snack to have during the break each day.
It is important for students to get to bed on time in the evenings, to have a healthy breakfast in the morning, and to not be rushed to get out the door. It is also helpful to be encouraging and uplifting–a positive mindset goes a long way! If at all possible, please avoid taking your student out for appointments or vacation on those mornings. If any testing is missed, it will have to be made up by May 24, which will result in missing regular class time.
Additional preparation resources can be found here:
Please email the office with any questions.
From the Parent Board
Parents, we need your help. The Parent Team is planning to celebrate our amazing staff by hosting a luncheon during the week of Teacher Appreciation which is May 6-10. In order for the staff to be able to eat and celebrate together, we need your help supervising the students during their lunch time. Please see the sign-up genius for details and to sign up if you are able to help bless our staff by serving in this way. Thank you in advance.
The Parent Team is planning a gift for each staff member that will be given to them at a Teacher Appreciation luncheon on Wednesday May 8th. If you would like to contribute to this gift with a cash donation please drop cash off to the office or donate online. The donation deadline is FRIDAY MAY 3. Thanks in advance for considering!
Grandparents’ Day
We are happy to be hosting Grandparents Day on Friday, May 10 from 1:30-2:30pm. Please park in the north lot first, with priority being given to those with physical limitations. Overflow parking will be located on the north lot at Providence Church. The main doors of the middle school will open at 1:15.
Athletic Physicals Nights
Although it is preferred that athletes obtain their physical from a primary care physician, we realize this is not always possible due to insurance restrictions. Therefore, we have always offered athletic physicals to Holland Christian athletes one evening in the spring. Please sign up for an appointment on the date/time of your choosing:
- April 29, 6-8pm at Shoreline Orthopedic
- May 9, 6-8pm at South Washington clinic
Change in Schedule
We will NOT have late start on Wednesday, May 29 or June 5.
Looking Ahead
Immunizations for 24-25 7th Graders
24-25 7th graders will need to turn in their most recent proof of immunization to the front office anytime before the start of the school year. A primary doctor can print a MICR official immunization record to submit either in-person or electronically. All students MUST be up-to-date on their immunizations BEFORE they start the new school year. Any students without the required immunizations or approved waivers will not be allowed to enter school until they are complete and approved by the State of Michigan. You can find the required vaccinations for 7th grade , or you can schedule a call/visit with your primary care physician to discuss any immunization needs for your child before the start of the new school year.
24-25 BOC Schedule
As we plan to build student schedules for the 24-25 school year, we will plan to schedule your rising 7th or 8th grade students in their current Band, Orchestra or Choir (BOC) class. If they wish to move to a different music class, please inform us by filling out the BOC Change Request Form by Friday, June 7. Forms will be accepted only by a parent/guardian, not by a student. As stated before, every student must choose either Band, Orchestra or Choir; no study halls will be offered. Thank you!
Athletics for 24-25
Registration is now open for 24-25 athletics! All incoming 6th-8th grade students interested in participating on at least one team next year need to sign up for or log into their Final Forms account to register for sports and start planning to get the MHSAA physical requirement completed by their MD/DO/NP/PA for next school year.
Important Dates
May
2: 6th Grade Parent Launch Night @ 6:45 (6:15 start for Spanish Immersion) at HCMS
7-8: MAP testing
9: Tulip Time half day 11:15am dismissal
10: Grandparents Day 1:30-2:30pm
14: Orchestra Concert 7pm at Jack H. Miller Auditorium
16-17: 7th Grade Camp
16: 6th grade field trip
27: Memorial Day: no school
29: No late start
June
4: 8th Grade Service Day (last day for 8th graders)
4: 8th Grade Graduation and Party @ 6pm at HCHS
5: No late start & last day of school: 11:15am dismissal
