Parent Note: August 15, 2022

FROM THE PRINCIPAL’S DESK

Is it just me, or can you feel the excitement in the air? Although a number of changes have occurred around campus (building projects, new staff/students, and even a new Gaga pit – the second on its way), what excites me the most is the opportunity to pour into our community as we academically equip, Biblically ground, and spiritually nurture to impact the world for Christ.
Just this past week, the staff spent a day at Faith – Highland where we came together to learn, plan, and grow as a staff. To start the morning, Pastor Tim Huizenga shared a short devotional that ended with a story of a recent HCS graduate who shared her testimony. Hearing how this student brought up Highland Christian again and again brought tears to our eyes. God’s incredible power is moving at Highland Christian. Whether through a staff member, chapel, friend, or the wonder of learning, it is for these life-changing moments that we serve. With that beautiful reminder, it will be a pleasure to serve you and your children this year – all for God’s glory!
As we embark upon the 22/23 school year, it is with great confidence that we welcome you to HCS for the first-time or first time since last year. As we seek to communicate with you well, please take time to engage in the weekly “Blue Note”, which includes pertinent information for you and your child. I will include a monthly update, which will continue to flavor our mission and vision, as we love on your children, communicate well, and grow the body of Christ. It’s going to be a great year! Go Huskies!

Blessings,
Mr. Weener

SCHOOL NEWS

Welcome back students!  We hope all of you had a great summer and are ready to start the new school year! Reminder:  School will dismiss at 1:45 today.

Reminder:  The Parent Note will be posted in onCampus under the Resources tab on the first school day of every week.  This note is where you will find important information on what is happening at HCS every week – don’t forget to log in and view it!

This Thursday, August 18 is Parent Night at HCS.  K-5 parents may go to their child’s classroom from 5:00-5:30 or 5:30-6:00 to meet the teachers and review important start of the year information.  Parents of junior high students should meet in the gym at 6:00 to receive information for their junior high student. After the junior high meeting all 6th grade parents and new junior high parents should remain in the gym to receive their child’s laptop.

Important Reminder: If your child will not be riding the bus on any given day, please let the driver and the office know.  This will alleviate confusion, especially at dismissal time.  Thanks!

ETC Trailer: The trailer has been moved to the front of the school. Thank you for your support in donating your new/gently used items to ETC. Did you know that ETC has raised nearly $2,000,000 for Christian Education at HCS?

Snack Shack:  This year, HCS has added a “Snack Shack” to the office – a place where teachers and staff can quickly grab a free small drink or snack. While we have started to stock the fridge, we would welcome any donations. If you would like to donate something (i.e. small containers of Gatorade, chocolate treats, granola bars), feel free to drop this off in the office. Thank you!

Ladies Prayer Group meets every Friday at 8:30 am. We will meet in the prayer garden at HCS while the weather is nice. All ladies and unschooled children are welcome. Please leave prayer requests with the office or call/text Taliaha Koutz 219-730-8931.

IMPORTANT PICK-UP INSTRUCTIONS

• Parents are encouraged to space out their arrival, or park in the east lot and walk up to pick up their child.
• Pick-up lasts from 3:05 – 3:25. Arriving later in the pick-up window will not only help HCS, but will save you time as well!
• In the event cars are backed up on Ridge Road, please circle the block! This is something the Highland Police Department monitors and enforces!

PTO NEWS

We want to welcome all the new students and families to HCS and welcome back to those returning to HCS! We hope you had a great summer!

Thank you to everyone who came to the ice cream social / back to school night on Friday. We hope you had a great time!

Save the date: Donuts for Dudes will take place on September 14th. More information will be coming later.

Save the date: The First Annual Mattress Sale will take place on October 15th. More information will be coming later.

Spiritwear: If you are interested in purchasing Spiritwear, please go to http://www.highlandchristiangear.com/

ATHLETIC NEWS

• Tues. & Wed., Aug. 16 & 17 –  Soccer tryouts  3:15-4:30
• Wed. and Thurs., Aug. 17 & 18 –  7th & 8th girls volleyball tryouts  3:15-4:30
• Thurs., Aug. 18 –  Cross Country practice  3:15-4:00

TRIP NEWS

Welcome to a new school year!  A new school year comes with some changes.  The TRIP office has moved into the school office.  The black mailbox to drop off TRIP orders is still attached to the old TRIP office door.  Our email and phone extension number are still the same – [email protected] and 219-838-0356, ext. 199.  Contact Ann Lynch for more details about TRIP and how this program can help you save money on your tuition bill.

Are you new to school or don’t know what TRIP is?  TRIP is a gift card buying program.  We buy gift cards at a discount, and you keep the discount (bonus rebate) as a credit to your tuition account.  Contact the TRIP office for more information.

Just a reminder to TRIP parents and family members – If you want your TRIP order to go home with your child in grades kindergarten through 8th you need to fill out a new TRIP registration form to give permission for this.  You can find a current TRIP Registration form up on the Highland Christian School website or pick up a copy in the school office.

TRIP orders are due this week (paper and online) on Thurs., Aug. 18th by 10 a.m.  The TRIP program will be accepting physical gift card orders on Aug. 18, 25, Sept. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29.

Team A (Julie Sitter, Missy Buikema, Larissa Vander Pol, Jessica Hiskes) will be putting the TRIP orders on Tuesday Aug. 16th.  Orders will be ready for pick up in the school office on Tuesday by 2:45 p.m.

TRIP Teams for Stuffing Orders:  Team B – Aug. 23; Team C – Aug.  30; Team D – Sept. 6; Team A – Sept. 13