
MS Newsletter – November 2020
Dear HCMS parents and families,
But the fruit of the Spirit includes love, JOY, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control. Galatians 5:22,23a In these unprecedented times, I have been in places where there hasn’t been much joy. However, as I am blessed to work with middle schoolers, I am surrounded by joy. The enthusiasm, energy, love of learning and openness of the young gives myself and the staff such joy. The community at the middle school between students and staff when connecting with each other, whether in person or virtually, brings JOY as well. One of the fruits of loving our neighbor and loving God above all is JOY.
One thing we do at the middle school every year to show our love for our neighbor is hold a fall food drive leading up to the Thanksgiving season. Our neighbors across the street, Providence Church, run a food pantry that we have supported the last three years during November. They have not missed a month of food distribution in 2020 so far, and they are excited to have our support again this month. Starting Monday, November 2 and ending on Friday, November 20 we are going to have our fourth annual “food fight”. We would love it if you can help your student bring in any or all of the following food items to any of their grade level classrooms:
Recommended items to bring:
- Mac and Cheese
- Cereal
- Pork and Beans
- Soup
- Spaghetti O’s
- Noodles
- Stove top Stuffing
- Ritz Crackers
- Ketchup/Mustard
- Pancake Mix
We will have a fun grade level “food fight” by seeing which grade brings in the most items. Thanks for helping us support our community! As we head into this Thanksgiving season, my prayer is that you and your family have a season of JOY.
Tom Strikwerda
Principal
/ November at HCMS
Items that are helpful for students to have at school
We love seeing students at the office, and we love helping them as well. However, we have had a steady stream of traffic of students who want a cup for water (regular fountains aren’t available) and for a mask (because theirs is broken or they forgot one). It would be helpful for your student to have a water bottle and a backup mask or two in their backpacks. Thanks for your help with this.
The Lost and Found
We have a lost and found table with lots of water bottles and clothes. If you have some missing items make sure your son or daughter checks the lost and found tables that are by the office.
Student Drop off and Pick Up
Parents, thank you so much for all of your help making student safety a high priority! We need to improve the flow of traffic due to safety concerns as we head into dark mornings and snowy windshields. We don’t want our students crossing traffic, and we want less cars crossing each other as we go into the winter season. It is also safer for students to get out of the right side of the car right onto the curb.
Please, turn RIGHT only into and out of our parking lot.
Also, there is to be one lane only for student drop off/pick up – pulling all the way to the bike racks if you are the first car, which allows for more students to exit their cars on the sidewalk.
Ski Club
Bittersweet Ski Resort is once again offering discount cards for the season for $22. With the card, lift tickets are $22 instead of $45 and rentals are $22 instead of $32. Holland Christian will not be offering bus transportation this year and will not have designated ski club dates due to COVID. We will, however, continue a Holland Christian Ski Club and offer to get the discount cards for you.
Please fill out the correct forms (adult or student) and return to any HC office with payment made payable to Bittersweet Ski Resort.
Student Ski Club cards offer the student discounted lift tickets and rentals after 3PM on all Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays (including December 20, 2020 through January 3, 2021; January 18, 2021; February 15, 2021), and 10AM-10PM during the week. Two (2) class lessons are included with each card to encourage students to improve their skiing and snowboarding techniques. All students must be evaluated prior to entering more advanced areas. This policy is for the safety and enjoyment of all participants. The student’s ability will determine the area they will be allowed to use. Lessons are limited due to Covid 19 restrictions, so please contact Bittersweet Ski School for availability prior to arrival.
Thank you Questions? Contact David DeKruyter 616 834-1985 or ddekruyter@gmail.com.
- Holland Christian Ski/Snowboard Club Information
- Ski Club Student Form
- Ski Club Adult Form
- Bittersweet COVID Disclosure
- Bittersweet Information
MOMS in Prayer
We would love to have you join us for Moms in Prayer every Friday morning. We are now meeting at Providence Church (across from middle school) 8:20-9:20! Hope to see you there.
Links to the At Home Learning Pages (formerly called homework page)
/ Important Dates
November
2 – Q2 Begins
6 – Reports Cards Available Online
13 – Ski Club Forms and Checks/Cash Due
25 – Half Day – No Late Start
26, 27 – No School, Thanksgiving Weekend
December
16 – HCMS Virtual Band/Orchestra/Choir Concerts