Dear Parents,
As we step into the final month of the school year, I want to pause and reflect on something at the heart of our mission at Holland Christian Middle School: How we care for your children.
Caring for students goes far beyond academics. While we work hard to challenge their minds, we know that students thrive best when they feel known, safe, and loved. That’s why we’re intentional in every part of our school day to care for the whole child—heart, mind, body, and soul.
Here are just a few ways we strive to care well for your middle schooler:
Relationships First: From the moment each day begins, our teachers greet students at the door with a smile and a welcome. Throughout the day, our staff does their best to be intentional about building strong, trusting relationships—taking time to listen, check in, and celebrate the unique way God has created each student. “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:11
Faith Formation: Through our classes, chapels, devotional times, and simple conversations, we work to nurture each student’s heart and guide them toward a deeper relationship with Christ. “Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds… Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.” Deuteronomy 11:18a,19
Support Systems: Whether it’s a student needing a little extra help academically or someone walking through something hard at home, our counselor, teachers, and support staff work as a team to provide the encouragement and guidance that each child needs.
Joy and Belonging: From house activities to outdoor breaks to music performances to extracurriculars, we intentionally create opportunities for students to experience joy, belonging, and connection.
As we approach the finish line of the school year, I’m filled with gratitude—for each student who walks our halls and for each staff member who pours into their lives with care and dedication. I’m also deeply thankful for you, our parents and partners, as together we work to help every child flourish in who God has created them to be.
Blessings,
Tom Strikwerda
Principal, Holland Christian Middle School
May at HCMS
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 5-9. 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 7th. If you would like to contribute to this gift with a cash donation please drop cash off to the office or donate using a debit or credit card. The donation deadline is Friday, May 2. Thanks in advance for considering!
Tulip Time
HCMS will dismiss at 11:15 on Thursday, May 8 for Tulip time. Busing will not be provided for after-school that day. Please make arrangements to pick up your child at 11:15am. Mr. Veenstra will contact parents of band students regarding specifics for marching that day.
Grandparents’/Guests Day
We are happy to be hosting Grandparents or Special Guest Day on May 9 from 1:45-2:55pm. 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 1:30pm.
Parents, please fill out this quick Google Survey so we can plan for our afternoon accordingly.
Change in Schedule
We will NOT have late start on Wednesday, June 4, as it will be a half day, and students are dismissed at 11:15am.
Looking Ahead
Athletics for 25-26
Registration is now open for 2025-26 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. You will also want to start planning to get the MHSAA physical requirement completed by their MD/DO/NP/PA for next school year.
There is a sports physical night happening May 15 in Zeeland. You can sign up here if you’re interested in taking advantage of this opportunity.
Immunizations for 25-26 7th Graders
25-26 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. Their primary doctor can print a MICR official immunization record for you 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 also 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.
Important Dates
May
6-7: MAP testing
8: Half day, 11:15am dismissal
9: Grandparents’ Day 1:45-2:55pm
12: Orchestra Concert @ 7:30pm at Jack H. Miller Auditorium
15-16: 7th Grade Camp
22: Choir Concert @ 7pm at HCHS
26: Memorial Day, no school
June
3: 8th Grade Service Day (last day for 8th graders); 8th Grade Graduation & Party @ 6pm at HCHS Auditorium
4: No late start; last day of school, 11:15am dismissal
