Dear Parents,
It has been a privilege to serve as the middle school principal again this school year. We are blessed to have such a tremendous staff working with our students. The students have grown spiritually, socially and academically in so many ways because of the talents and time our staff has poured into the students. One of our valued staff members, Dale Ribbons, is retiring after being the middle school custodian for 22 years. I have had the privilege of working with Mr. Ribbons for 17 years as a teacher and another 5 years as a principal. What brings Mr. Ribbons the most joy is getting to know the students. He has taken the time to get to know many of them and teach them life lessons. He took the time this year to speak at both the middle school and high school chapel. He genuinely cares for each person at the middle school. He also has a big servant heart as he continually took the time to not only keep the building clean, but well maintained. We have been blessed to have Mr. Ribbons as our custodian. This week at chapel the students gave him an extended standing ovation for serving us so well. It was a blessing to be a part of.
As we close out another school year I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for entrusting us with your students and for your support. My prayer is that each of you have a blessed time with your families this summer. We encourage you to continue to help your children to grow both spiritually, academically and to use their time wisely. Here are a few suggestions to do that:
Spiritual Nourishment: Encourage your child to maintain a routine of daily devotions and prayer. The summer provides a lot of time for you to help your children grow spiritually. As parents, be intentional about teaching your children as Proverbs 22:6 says, “Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.”
Continuous Learning: Keep their minds active with summer reading lists, academic or sports camps, and exploring new hobbies or interests.
Serving Others: Look for opportunities to serve in our community, whether through church programs, volunteer work, or simple acts of kindness. “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:10
Help your children form healthy friendships by inviting a friend or two over. Your son or daughter may need help planning what they can do for the day. It’s also a good idea to invest time with the families of the friends your child has. This is helpful in creating a trusted village for your children and their friends. Take the time to do that if that is helpful. As your middle schoolers hang out with peers remind them of what 1 Peter 3:8 has to say: “Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble.”
To the 8th grade parents: We will miss having your son or daughter in our school. We hope they flourish in high school.
6th and 7th grade parents: We look forward to welcoming your sons and daughters back for another school year on August 20.
God bless,
Tom Strikwerda
Middle School Principal
Summer at HCMS
Looking for Wagons
As the middle school works to incorporate more outdoor learning opportunities, we are looking for 5 collapsible canvas wagons. If you have one in your garage that is taking up space, would you consider donating it? Email Kelli in the office if you have one!
Report Cards
Grades will be available on PowerSchool at 8am Wednesday, June 12. Please check in PowerSchool after this time to see the benefits of all your student’s hard work this school year!
Immunizations for 2024-2025 7th Graders
24/25 7th graders will need to turn in your proof of immunization to the front office by August 1, 2024. Your 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. Immunization requirements can be found here, or 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.
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. Detailed instructions and information can be found on our Athletics Registration page.
Important Dates
June
4- 8th Grade Service Day (Last Day for 8th graders)
8th Grade Graduation and Party @ 6:00 at HCHS
5- No Late Start | Last day of school; 11:15 dismissal
Looking Ahead
August
1- 7th grade vaccinations due to the front office
19- Orientation Day (more information to come this summer)
20- First day of school
26- 8th Graders to Camp Roger
28- HCMS Parent Night
30- No sSchool; Labor Day Weekend
