Store windows at this time of year are often laced in doilies and framed with paper chain hearts. Our commercial calendar is reminding us it’s time to celebrate love in this the shortest month of the year. We hope you hear our smiles rather than the sound of cynicism. Truly, Jesus challenges us to love others authentically, love God deeply and even love ourselves graciously every day of our lives rather than the focus in just one month or a single special holiday. Our Rose Park children recently unpacked these words shared by the revered Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr: “Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that.” Yes. May our actions throughout the journey of our lives ever speak this truth. And may our children learn this truth through our actions, not just our words. Love is much greater than hate. God’s light is much greater than the darkness in this world. Our prayer is that our children will live this truth more authentically and effectively than all who have come before. And? Happy Valentine’s Day, friends. 🙂
All warmth and joy be yours,
Katelyn and Miska
Announcements
Hot Lunch
Save the Date: Spring Program
March 6 will be our Spring Program held at Christ Memorial from 6:30-7:30. Your child’s teacher will communicate more specifics to you soon. We’re excited to welcome you to an evening of community worship.
Ranch Hands
Would your family be interested in caring for our goats (the wonderful Rosie and Parker) and three chickens (Pearl, Opal, and Mera) on a Saturday or two this spring? It’s a pretty simple task to be a ranch hand but does require knowledge of our barn/greenhouse locking system and feeding tasks. We are taking applications! Your child may write a note expressing interest on behalf of your family and bring to the office “applying” for the job! Or you can just email Miska your interest. We’re looking for five families who respond first to pilot the family partnership. Thank you for embracing the joy our critters bring to the lives of our students!
Rose Park Runners
Interested in Running a 5k? 3rd-5th grade kids are welcome to join the Rose Park Runners. We will practice on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons from right after school until 4:30. Practices will begin on February 18, and we will practice up until the Tulip Time 5k on Saturday, May 3. We will start with some strengthening and conditioning, and then work on our running stamina to prepare us for a 5k. No previous running experience needed! Please sign up using this google form.
6th Grade Launch Night Save the Date:
Holland Christian Middle School invites 5th grade parents to come to our Spring Launch Night! Meet the staff, hear about the academic and extra curricular opportunities, and get a head start on understanding the transition to the middle school. See the 6th Grade Launch Night Flyer for more information.
Swimming Lessons
Our Holland Aquatic Center is providing swim lessons for us again this year! I recognize this program is a little uncomfortable for some children and families especially if it’s new and unfamiliar to you. Because our children are blessed to be raised in Michigan, surrounded by bodies of water, we believe this safety instruction is a blessing that we pray they will never need but feel responsible to equip them. If you find yourself pondering over the “why” of lessons, please take a listen to HC mom Jenny White on the why for swim safety. HCAC Swim School welcome video will help you understand a bit about the logistics. Our 1st-4th graders will be bused to the pool each day the weeks of April 14-25.
- 9-10am: 1st Grade
- 10-11am: 4th Grade
- 11am-12pm: 2nd Grade
- 12:35-1:35pm: 3rd Grade
Enrollment for 2025-26
Continuous enrollment begins after kindergarten. As a continuous enrollment school, this means, in an effort to simplify the process for our current K-12 families, you will not need to re-apply every year once your child is in kindergarten. We are happy that you are a part of the Holland Christian family and our hope and plan is that you will continue partnering with us in the years to come! New-to-Holland-Christian families who are interested in enrolling for the 2025-26 school year can do so by applying at hollandchristian.org/apply starting at 9am Monday, February 3.
Parent-Teacher Conferences
Spring parent-teacher conferences will be on March 20 and 25. More details and signup information will be coming as we get closer.
Lacrosse Opportunity
Boys lacrosse registration is open for our 3/4, 5/6 and 7/8 club teams! The 3/4 team begins after spring break on April 15 and the 5/6 & 7/8 teams begin on March 17. Early bird pricing runs through February 15, so sign up today!
Lunar New Year Community Celebration
Join us as we celebrate the Lunar New Year on Friday, February 7 from 5-7:30pm at the Holland Fish and Game Club. All are invited to this family-friendly event. Enjoy cultural activities and food for purchase such as crafts and games, performances, Dragon Dance, red envelope give away, and Asian food!
Family Fun Math Night at Hope College
Hope College is hosting a Family Math Fun Festival on Saturday, March 8, 10 am – 12 pm on campus that is free and open to families with children in grades K-8. The festival features a wide variety of interactive low-floor, high-ceiling tasks that will engage families in creative problem solving that won’t even feel like mathematics! They’ll also be giving away goody bags to all participants with math games and other school supplies:
Calendar
February
- 3: Preschool and kindergarten 2025-26 application open for new families at 9am
- 14: No school (teacher professional learning)
- 17: No school (Presidents Day)
March
- 6: Spring Program 6:30-7:30pm
- 14: End of 3rd quarter
- 15: Kids’ Stuff Resale 9am-12pm @ HCHS
- 20: Parent-teacher conferences 4-8pm
- 25: Parent-teacher conferences 4-8pm
April
- 4-13: No school: Spring break
- 14: School resumes
