Middle School Newsletter – December
Greetings to all,
The summer of 2016, my wife Karen and I were blessed to be able to go to Israel with Ray VanderLaan and some other teachers and students. We learned so many great life lessons on that trip. One of the things Ray said that always comes back to me is that God’s word never returns to us empty so don’t skip your reading of God’s word. That is why the reading of God’s word is such an important rhythm of our school day as teachers and students read scripture during devotions and during various classes. That is why I pray that you and your family also have a regular rhythm of reading scripture together at home. This week as I was reading the Bible I was blessed by these words:
2 Corinthians 2:16-18
16 Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 17 For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
As we complete one of the most unique years of my 55 year journey, and as we approach Christmas, let’s stay engaged in scripture and turn our focus to Jesus’ birth. Let’s all continually focus our eyes on the unseen and eternal. May God bless you and your family during this holiday season.
Tom Strikwerda
Principal
/ December at HCMS
How to handle student absences
This year, students that are out of school due to COVID are live streaming their classes. Our teachers have done a wonderful job of live streaming while teaching students in person. However, it is challenging to teach a class in person while live streaming, so this option is reserved only for students that are dealing with COVID related absences. If your student is out for other reasons, please have them check the At Home Learning page and use google classroom to do their work. If they have questions, have them email classmates or their teachers. Thanks so much for understanding.
Lunch policy reminder
Parents may take their child out for lunch. Holland Christian Middle School operates as a closed campus, so parents may take only their child(ren) out for lunch and must send them with a note for the office. In a continuing effort to promote community and avoid students feeling left out, we also ask you not to bring in food for a select group of students. Please include entire homerooms for any celebrations here at school. Youth leaders or older siblings (out of high school) may also take students out for lunch with parental approval by email or note.
Recess attire
During the snowy, cold days of December-March – Please supply your middle schoolers with the proper clothing as we will keep going outside for our 15-20 minute breaks, even if the tundra is frozen.
CHAMPS coupon books
The CHAMPS Coupon Book Sale concludes on December 7. Books are still available in the office –they make great Christmas gifts! Stop by to grab your copy if you still need one.
“Food Fight”
Our HCMS Thanksgiving Food Fight for Providence Church Food Pantry has ended. You were so very generous, HCMS Families! Thank you so much for all the food that was donated.
Concerts
You are cordially invited to our virtual Choir and Band & Orchestra Concerts. A link to their performances will be sent out during the week of December 16-20.
Links to the At Home Learning Pages
/ Important Dates
January
15 – End of Q2/S1
18 – Beginning of Q3/S2