Dear Parents/Guardians,
The year is off to a great start as we equip minds and nurture hearts to transform the world for Jesus Christ. As our teachers teach, they use our discipleship practices to nurture the hearts of our students and help them grow in their relationship with Jesus. The discipleship practice that we are currently focusing on is “Word Rooted.”
What does it look like for our students to be Word Rooted?
All of our discipleship practices are rooted in God’s Word as expressed in Scripture. We want students to see that the Bible is not simply something we study in Bible class—it speaks into every part of our lives.
Here are a few examples of what that looks like at HCMS:
- Bible: Students memorize Scripture, dig into what it means, and consider what it teaches us about God and ourselves.
- English: In 6th grade, Scripture is often a starting point for conversations and helps students consider how God’s Word connects to what they are learning.
- Science: In 8th grade, as students study DNA and what makes each person unique, they connect their learning to Psalm 139 and the truth that God has wonderfully made each of us. In Science Club, students recently explored the tiny details of God’s creation through microscopes while reflecting on Colossians 1:16–17 which says: For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.
See the picture below of our new microscopes, purchased with money raised through our Walkathon! - PE: Students learn to see their bodies as gifts from God and consider what it means to care for and steward those gifts. Psalm 139:14 reminds us that we are “fearfully and wonderfully made.”
These are just a few examples of how we want Scripture to shape the way our students see God, themselves, and the world around them. Our hope is that our students won’t simply know God’s Word, but will become increasingly rooted in it as they grow in their relationship and walk with God.
As we partner with you in this, I would encourage you, if you haven’t already, to help your child establish a regular quiet time with our Father. Finding a few minutes each day to read Scripture, pray, and listen for what God may be teaching them can help develop a lifelong habit of walking with Jesus.
I would also encourage you to find time as a family to open God’s Word together. Family devotions around the dinner table don’t have to be complicated or lengthy. Even a few minutes together in Scripture and prayer can become meaningful and memorable moments for your family.
Thank you for partnering with us as we seek to help our students grow deep roots in God’s Word and flourish in their walk with Jesus.
Tom Strikwerda
October at HCMS
Picture Make-up Day
Monday, October 12 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 retake their picture.
Early Winter (Winter 1) Sports Season
Monday, October 19, 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, 2026). Communication will be coming to those who are registered. Team pictures will be October 28.
Parent-Teacher Conferences
Are scheduled for October 1 (3:30-6:30pm) and October 8 (5:30-8:30pm). Please follow the instructions that were emailed to you September 21 if you’d like to sign up!
Reminders for Parents
Questions about attendance, medications, lunch policy, etc? Please check out our Reminder for Parents document.
Important Dates
October
- 1: Fall Parent-Teacher Conferences (3:30-6:30pm)
- 8: Fall Parent-Teacher Conferences (5:30-8:30pm)
- 12: Picture retakes
- 14-16: No school: CEA Convention
- 30: End of quarter 1
November
- 2: Begin quarter 2
- 13: Swingin’ the Night Away
- 25-27: No school-Thanksgiving
December
- 1: MS Band Concert; MS Orchestra Concert
- 3: MS Choir Concert
- 21- January 1: Christmas Vacation
