I walked into our first-grade classroom to find students huddled in a tight circle, faces glowing with excitement. As I approached, they bounced up and down, eager to greet me with a joyful, “Come and see!” In the middle of their huddle sat a caterpillar habitat. Hanging from the top of the mesh enclosure was one plump chrysalis and the delicate shell of another. As I shared in their delight, stories came pouring out—some students pointed out the five caterpillars still crawling under the leaves, others proudly explained how they could tell the newly emerged butterfly was a female because she didn’t have a dot on her wing. A few even described how carefully they released the first butterflies so as not to damage their wings.
At Holland Christian, one of our key values is DISCOVERY. Part of discovery is cultivating wonder—and as I walk through the halls and playground at South Side, I see that wonder everywhere. Students are fascinated by what they can create in the sandbox, thrilled when they read a new word, and filled with anticipation to learn who will be the next star student. And of course, they’re eager to see if the next butterfly will be male or female!
Discovery also means enriching faith. Students at South Side hear stories from the Bible, fill the halls with songs of praise, discover what it means to live like Jesus as they play with their friends, and care for God’s creation—even His butterflies.
Christy Haig
Principal
Announcements
Thank You!
A sincere thank you to the Parent Board, and many of you, for bringing in delicious food to refuel teachers during parent-teacher conferences. The meal was greatly enjoyed and appreciated!
Also, thank you for taking the time to come out and meet with your child(ren)’s teacher(s). These conversations are so valuable as we partner together to continue our mission of equipping minds and nurturing hearts to transform the world for Jesus Christ.
From the Parent Board
- November is our MONTH OF THANKS! Keep your eye out for an email with more details from the South Side/Pine Ridge office and consider blessing our teachers and staff! Remember, cards and small tokens of appreciation go a long way. Thank you for your support of those who care for our kiddos!
- Thank you for signing up to bring meals for conferences. Stay tuned for more opportunities to volunteer coming up in the coming months!
- Mark your calendars for the Book Fair coming to Pine Ridge December 5-12.
Student Life and Discipleship
Holland Christian’s mission reminds us of the unique calling we have as a Christian school: to both equip minds and nurture hearts. At South Side, we want to teach strong academics and foster holistic and spiritual growth in our students’ lives.
Last month, we shared about our Super Star behaviors—one way we intentionally nurture our students’ hearts. Our goal isn’t simply for children to follow rules, but to make kind, thoughtful choices that flow from a Christ-like heart. We know this kind of behavior doesn’t always come naturally; it’s something we all must learn and practice again and again. Just as we teach, practice, and celebrate as students learn their letters and sounds, we also teach, practice, and celebrate Super Star behaviors at South Side.
In our school office, we have a Super Star poster where students add a star sticker whenever they are “caught being good.” Maybe they waited patiently for their turn, helped a friend who was feeling lonely, or put away extra toys on the playground. Recently, our poster filled up with stars—so we celebrated! Students enjoyed some extra creative playtime on the playground, complete with new additions for imaginative fun.
Now a brand-new Super Star poster hangs in our office, ready to fill again. If you get the chance, ask your child if they’ve added a star recently—and celebrate with them the joy of a heart growing to be more like Jesus.
Kingdom Bringing Opportunity with Community Action House
We’re thrilled to share some exciting news! This season, we’ll be serving as a collection site for Community Action House’s Winter Gear Drive. At Holland Christian, part of our mission is to “transform the world for Jesus Christ,” and we’re eager to give our students a tangible way to live that out by helping care for those in need right here in our community. If you’d like to join us, you can find all the details—including a list of needed donations—in the flier linked here. The donation box will be available starting on November 17 and be at South Side through December 1. Together, we can help bring a piece of God’s kingdom to our local community.
Parent Volunteer Opportunity
We are doing some cleaning out of our storage rooms at South Side this year and will be gathering items that we no longer need to be boxed up and donated to Ditto. We are looking for a parent who might be able to stop in about once a month to gather the boxes and drive them over to Ditto for us. If you are interested please reach out to us at ss@hollandchristian.org. Thanks!
Lost and Found
The office is continuing to update our South Side Lost and Found Photo Album as items come into the gray tub in the office. Please check it out to see if any of these items belong to your child. Feel free to email the secretary, Rachel, to claim your item(s), and we will be sure to get it in your child’s backpack.
Thanksgiving Break
There will be no school Wednesday, November 26-Friday, November 28 so families can celebrate Thanksgiving. Enjoy this special time together as a family celebrating our great God, and the many blessings in our lives.
Illness Reminders
Please remember that we do have a 24-hour policy for any fever, vomiting, or diarrhea. For colds and coughs, please use your discretion as we know these things can linger.
Important Website Links
- School Calendar
- School Supply Lists
- Lunch Menu
- Medical Information & Forms
- School Transportation
- Before & After School Programs
Upcoming Dates
November:
- 17-30: Community Action House winter gear collection box accepting donations
- 26-28: No school: Thanksgiving break
December:
- 22-January 2: No school: Christmas break
January:
- 5: School resumes