Middle School Newsletter: October 2022

Dear Parents,

One of the blessings of being principal of the middle school is seeing all the tremendous work our teachers and staff do. Behind the scenes each teacher in the middle school is on one of the following teams: team leader, student life, PBIS team, chapel team, BOC team. It is a joy to see what each team accomplishes to impact our school culture. For instance, the team leaders (Katie Boer in 6th, Ben Herrman in 7th, and Michelle Styf in 8th) meet together to bring up questions and help solve problems that have to do with organizational details and school policy that help the school run smoothly. They also meet with each of the grade level teams each day to determine how to best help individual students and all the students as a whole, plan grade level specific experiences, and discuss topics that help the students in both learning and in nurturing their hearts. Our teachers not only do things for their individual classes but they also take time to collaborate with other teachers so that our school continually improves. I am very grateful for each of their efforts both in the classroom and outside the classroom.

As we partner together, it is important to remember that we are working together to help our students flourish in God’s eyes each and every day. Hebrews 12: 1-3 says:

1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

These verses are a great reminder that we need to fix our eyes on Jesus as we go about life while we are on Earth. To do this we must throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. Please pray for our staff to do that well so that we can equip each mind and nurture each heart to transform the world for Christ.

I hope each of you has a very blessed October!

Tom Strikwerda

Principal

October at HCMS

Picture Make-up Day

Monday, October 10 is HCMS Picture Retake Day. If you are not satisfied with your student’s picture, please send their original packet with your son or daughter to school that Monday, and Geskus will re-take their picture. If you would like to order photos on the Geskus Website.

Early Winter (Winter 1) Sports Season

Monday, October 17, is the first day of our next sports season, including Girls Aquatics, Boys Basketball and Competitive Cheer (which is with West Ottawa). If your student would like to participate and has not yet signed up, please sign up on Athletics Registration page asap (make sure the pre-participation physical is completed). They will need all forms signed and a current physical form on file in the office (dated on or after April 15, 2022). Communication will be coming to those who are registered. Team pictures will be taken Thursday, October 27.

Parent-Teacher Conferences

Are scheduled for October 6, 3:30-6:3pm and October 13, 5:30-8:30pm. Please see the email from September 27 with sign up instructions. Conferences will be held in-person this year.

Reminders for Parents

Questions about attendance, medications, lunch policy, etc? Please check out our “Reminders for Parents” document.

A Note from the English Team

Please find the attached Book Choice Parent Letter from the English Team regarding student book choice.

Important Dates

October

6: Parent-Teacher Conferences 3:30-6:30pm
10: Student picture retakes, 8am
13: Parent-Teacher Conferences, 5:30-8:30pm
17: Early winter sports begin
19: ½ day; 11:15am dismissal
20: No school, CEA Convention
21: No school, CEA Convention
27: Early winter team pictures

November

2: End of Q1
3: Q2 begins
11: ½ day: Professional learning
23-25: No school: Thanksgiving