Dear Parents/Guardians,
The school year is off to a fantastic start! It’s been such a joy visiting classrooms and seeing not only academic learning take place, but also the nurturing of hearts and the deepening of friendships. Our dedicated staff continues to enhance the middle school experience, and one area we’re particularly excited about is the increased use of God’s beautiful creation as a learning environment.
Teaching students about and in God’s creation is essential to our mission because Scripture tells us in Romans 1:20:
“For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.”
God reveals Himself through His creation, and by exploring and studying it, our students can see His power and divine nature firsthand.
Our 6th graders have already spent time at Camp Beechpoint and Outdoor Discovery, with plans underway for even more outdoor learning. Under Mr. Nieuwsma’s leadership, the 6th-grade Creation Keeping class goes on outdoor trips 7 or 8 times during their 9-week course. In 7th grade, Ms. Beukelman is preparing a dune study at Saugatuck Dunes, where students will explore the effects of wind and waves on the shoreline. Mrs. Styf has taken her 8th-grade science class to the school pond several times to learn about natural selection and adaptations.
This year, I’ve asked students what they enjoy most about middle school, and here’s a glimpse of their responses:
6th Grade:
Peyton: “I love the teachers.”
Noah: “I like switching classes.”
Jude: “The cool subjects and the teachers.”
Olivia: “The teachers are so nice and supportive, even when we are struggling.”
7th Grade:
Annie: “Meeting new teachers and students.”
Keira: “House activities.”
Lucas: “Making new friends.”
Cruz: “Cross net.”
8th Grade:
Lucy: “I love being with my friends.”
Sydney: “I like my volleyball team.”
Mae: “I like learning about the Bible.”
Everly: “I love Chapel.”
Will: “I like math, science class, and playing nine square.”
Zeke (a new student): “I love the people, teachers, the community, and the special activities that everyone gets to do.”
We are also excited to announce that another group of students will be going to South Africa from October 17-28. Please join us in praying for this mission as we partner with Ocean’s Ministry to make the Father known.
8th
- Samara Weller
- Jada Ronne
- Elsa Brouwer
- Adam VanderMolen
- Henry Van Ravenswaay
- Mason Mulder
7th
- Stellan Beebe
- John Steenwyk
- Ethan Wigger
Adults
- Mr. Haig
- Mrs. Smith
- Mr. Strikwerda
- Mr. Verkaik
As part of our preparation for the trip, we are reading through John 13-17 three times. These chapters reflect Jesus’ final days with His disciples before He was crucified for us. One verse that has stood out to me is John 14:23:
Jesus replied, “anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them.
May we all strive to live out this commandment in our lives.
Blessings,
Tom Strikwerda
Principal
October at HCMS
Picture Make-up Day
Monday, October 7 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.
Early Winter (Winter 1) Sports Season
Monday, October 21, 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 Final Forms 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, 2023). Communication will be coming to those who are registered. Team pictures will be October 30.
Parent Teacher Conferences
Are scheduled for October 3th (3:30-6:30) and October 10th (5:30-8:30). Please follow the instructions that were emailed to you September 23 if you’d like to sign up!
If you are interested in helping provide dinner for teachers on those nights, please sign up for the date below:
Middle School Skating Party
Mark your calendars for October 29! The Parent Board will be hosting a skating party. Skate rental is free with each admission. Parents may drop students off or stay and skate or watch. Admission is $10 for each person entering the building. You can find more information on the Skating Party Flier.
Reminders for Parents
Have you bookmarked the Reminder for Parents Google Doc? It’s a great reference document with answers to common questions about Attendance, Medications, Lunch Policy, etc.
A Note from the English Team
Please take a minute to read the Student Book Choice letter from our English Team.
Opportunities to Volunteer
HCMS loves to have parents in the building! If you’re interested in volunteering at the middle school, we have a two routine needs that we could always use an extra hand with:
- Sign up to supervise students before school on Wednesdays! Volunteers on Wednesday mornings help our school run smoothly while teachers meet and do devotions before school.
- Sign up for lunch supervision! Parent Board has set aside one Wednesday per month for teachers to be duty-free and eat together. Please sign up to volunteer during these lunch times.
As a reminder, all volunteers must complete and return a volunteer form before being allowed to volunteer in one of our buildings.
Important Dates
October
3: Fall Parent Teacher Conferences (3:30-6:30 pm)
7: Picture Retakes
10: Fall Parent Teacher Conferences (5:30-8:30 pm)
22: End of Quarter 1
23: Teacher Professional Development
24-25: No School, CEA Convention
28: Begin Quarter 2
November
8: Swingin’ the Night Away
27-29: No School-Thanksgiving
December
3: MS Band Concert; MS Orchestra Concert
5: MS Choir Concert
23: Christmas Vacation
