Parent Note: Parent Note – April 8, 2024

FROM THE PRINCIPAL’S DESK

They say the hardest part of running a marathon is the last 6 miles. Having never run a marathon before, I do not have personal experience to back this up, but the logic makes sense. The last two months of the school year can feel this way. We’ve run well thus far, but these last few months can be the most challenging, and rewarding, season of the school year. While avoiding obstacles and coasting to the end of the year may be an easier route, we are committed to doing the good work of finishing strong. Let’s use every day to help kids learn about the Lord, His world, and His great love for each of us. 

In the coming month, please keep the following events on your calendar:

Throughout the month of April, ILEARN testing will be underway. As mandated by the state of Indiana, all 3rd-8th grade students will participate in ILEARN. It is critical that parents are vocal supporters to their children of these assessments. As HCS continues to exceed growth expectations, this data supports each student, as teachers actively work to individually plan for every child in their class. (Kid by kid; skill by skill)

Saturday, April 20 at 5:30pm – HCS’ Auction! Last year, the Auction generated $165,000 for the students and community of HCS. This year, funds raised will go towards increased school security, student activities, and other opportunities to help our community thrive!

Monday, May 6 at 6:00pm – HCS’ Annual Society Meeting! Every year, the board and administrative team present to the HCS Society (parents, supporters, and community members) a report of happenings, slate of new board members, and proposed budget for the upcoming school year. All families are expected to participate in this one hour community meeting. 

It’s a blessing to be a part of such a terrific community. We are incredibly blessed!

Dr. Kyle Weener

SCHOOL NEWS

Welcome Back! We hope all of you had a wonderful Spring Break!

HCS’ Auction is right around the corner!  Come join the fun on Saturday, April 20. Bidding will be live (and lively!) in the HCS Gym.  If you aren’t able to join us in person, you can still bid online from wherever you are!  Instructions and links for online bidding will be available during the week of Auction.
•    5:00 – Doors open, kitchen opens, Silent Auction begins
•    5:30 – Live Auction begins!

See you there!

From The Ravesloot Family – Chris, Becky, Noah, Hannah and Micah

We were overwhelmed (in the best way possible) at the outpouring of love for our family.  We appreciate your immense generosity and are so blessed to be part of such a wonderful community of fellow believers. We are looking forward to being able to pay it forward to the next family in need soon. Thank you again and Praise the Lord for all of you!

Last call for Laura Martin book order forms. They are due tomorrow, Tuesday, April 9, to your child’s homeroom teacher. Laura Martin-Pre-Order Form 1.docx (1).pdf – Google Drive

Message from Lisa Long: It has been an honor and a blessing to serve HCS as well as each and every family in our community for the last 12 years.  Thank you for trusting me and allowing me to play a small role in your family’s choice of Christian education.  While I will no longer be on staff, I will continue to pray for all of you and serve in other ways.  Please feel free to reach out anytime.  Katie Hernandez, our new Data Specialist, will be completing next year’s CHOICE Scholarship applications very soon.  You can reach her by phone at 219-838-0356 x 168 or via email at [email protected].  She will take great care of you! 

The Art Department is collecting paper grocery bags with handles for the students to take home their art projects from the year. Please send any donations to the office. Thank you!

PTO NEWS

Help us shower our teachers! PTO will be collecting new games, and new or gently used building toys for indoor recess. Donations can be sent with your children this week! The collection boxes are located across from Mrs. Harvey and Mr. Ritzema’s office. 

Here are some ideas:

·         K-2: Legos, Magnatiles/Picasso tiles, Play Dough, Knex, Uno, Spot it, play cards/games (Candyland, Sorry, Trouble, Checkers), and pattern block sets.

·         Grades 3-5: Detailed coloring books, word search books, Knex, Legos, Magnatiles, Jenga, Uno, Chess, Checkers, Snap circuits, blokus, Mini Corn Hole Game. 

·         Grades 6-8: Detailed coloring books, art supplies, decks of playing cards and card games.

·         ***You can also find more educational needs in the School Bell (These items can be given to teachers directly).  https://evc65gen2xg.exactdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/HCS-schoolbell-Winter-2023-WEB.pdf

Are you interested in joining the PTO board? There are several positions open for next school year! Please email your interest to [email protected]

etc…THRIFT STORE NEWS

As etc…thrift store approaches its 15th anniversary, we thank God for the blessings He has and continues to pour down upon us and the cause we exist to support….Christian education at Highland Christian School.  A huge thank you to all who have assisted us through prayers, work, donations and purchases.  Look for some amazing deals to come in store next week as we begin our 15th anniversary celebration!

TRIP NEWS

TRIP orders are due this week, Thurs., Apr. 11th by 10 a.m.  TRIP will be accepting physical gift card orders on April 18, 25, May 9 and 16.  Online ordering is available 24/7.  Contact Ann Lynch at [email protected] for more information. 

Zandstra’s Greenhouse will be opening up for the season on Apr. 12th.  TRIP will again be selling Zandstra’s gift certificates.  Gift certificates will be $17 each and the bonus rebate for each certificate sold will be $3.  You may purchase Zandstra’s gift certificates through the weekly TRIP orders or you can contact Ann Lynch at [email protected] to purchase these certificates at other times. 

TRIP Teams for Stuffing Orders:  Team A – Apr. 16; Team B – Apr. 23; Team C – Apr. 30; Team D – May 14