Parent Note: Parent Note – December 4, 2023

FROM THE PRINCIPAL’S DESK

During the month of November, Highland Christian hired its 100th employee. Serving as classroom teachers, bus drivers, custodians, administrators, and aides, these qualified and spirit-filled leaders are working together to advance the vision of HCS to academically equip, Biblically ground, and spiritually nurture to impact the world for Christ. We are blessed to have a staff that genuinely cares not just for students, but the entire community. 

Every Monday morning, the staff gathers to start our week in devotions, Scripture, and prayer. A few weeks ago, Caitlin DeBoer (1st grade teacher) led a special devotional. At the end, she shared the following quote: “God does not call us to be great. He calls us to be faithful”. Candidly, I have not been able to shake this statement for the past few weeks. In my honest reflection, I came to the conclusion that I often (selfishly) just want to be great. Don’t we all? 

As Christ-followers and parents, we have the great responsibility to not only live, but model a life that faithfully serves our Heavenly Father – even if it means sacrificing being great in the eyes of the world. As we enter the Christmas season, I hope you take time to prayerfully go before the Lord seeking how you can faithfully follow the leading God has placed on your heart. Let us join together in being faithful – not great. 

SCHOOL NEWS

This Wednesday, Dec. 6 is a late start day. School will begin at 10:00.

Christmas Gift 2023: World Renew 2023-24 gifts are a way to help people facing oppression and poverty “Build on a Firm Foundation”. This year we would like to raise money to purchase Building Gifts.  This gift does include building a latrine, handwashing station, chicken coop, or a greenhouse; tools for farming or providing help with disaster response. What a privilege it would be to provide World Renew and families with enough resources for food, better nutrition, a stable income, and hope for tomorrow! Look for a flyer with more information.  Gifts can be presented in cash or checks (written to World Renew).  You may deposit your gifts in the toolbox by the Christmas tree.

Updated 2024/2025 Calendar: Watch for an email being sent today with the updated HCS 2024/2025 calendar.

Homemade vanilla is for sale in the office – $2.00 for an 8oz bottle. If you have any empty 8, 10, or 12oz glass bottles, please send them to the office so more vanilla can be made. Thanks!

Girls on the Run: Mark your calendars!  Our spring season starts Monday, March 4.  Registration for the girls opens February 5.  The 5K will take place on May 18!  This program is for girls in 3rd-5th grade. We are looking for coaches!  No running experience needed.  If you’re interested please contact Amber Powell at (219)808-3138 or [email protected].  We love having junior coaches as well.  If you have a teen 16+ who is interested please let me know.

With a strong desire to serve our community and instill a heart for others, HCS is leading an initiative where a ‘Family Service Opportunity’ will be available once a month – named ‘Saturday Serve’. Our fourth Saturday Serve is this Saturday, December 9 at Silver Birch (Hammond) from 9am – 11am. We will be leading a group of excited seniors in a Christmas Sing-Along and bingo! We are excited to share our heart for the residents of Silver Birch. Their address is: 5620 Sohl Ave. Hammond, IN 46320. Parents, students, staff, and community members are being invited to help our community shine for Christ! If you are able to participate, please complete the following form by Thursday, December 7. See you on the 9th!   https://forms.gle/YdZgu5fqnpnDifL18

PTO NEWS

Our next restaurant night is on December 12 from 4-8PM at Biggby Coffee in Highland! Please remember to mention Highland Christian PTO when ordering and Biggby will donate 20 percent of the sale to the PTO. Thank you so much for your continued support!

Are you interested in serving on the PTO board? There is an immediate opening for Vice President and other positions will be opening up in the spring. Please email your inquiries to [email protected].

If you are Christmas shopping and need gift ideas for the teachers and staff, please see the “Teacher’s Favorite Things” tab under the PTO section of OnCampus.

HCS EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Highland Christian is seeking an after-care worker for the hours 3:00-6:00 p.m. effective immediately. Please contact Kyle Weener for more information.

Highland Christian has two office positions available – Confidential Secretary (full-time) and Data Specialist (part-time.) Please see the website for complete job descriptions. The Confidential Secretary position will not begin until July, 2024 but the school desires to hire in the coming months and provide training/shadow opportunities from January through June. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply via the application found on the school’s website. If you have any questions about either position, please contact Kyle Weener.

ATHLETIC NEWS

Tuesday, Dec. 5 –    6^th, 7^th, 8^th boys basketball vs. Oak Lawn – AWAY – 4:00, 5:00, 6:00

Thursday, Dec. 7 –   6th, 7^th, 8^th boys basketball vs. Calvin – HOME – 4:00, 5:00, 6:00

Saturday, Dec. 9 –    7^th Boys Tournament at Calvary – 9:00 start

TRIP NEWS

 2 TRIP orders left to purchase physical gift cards before Christmas!  TRIP orders are due on Dec. 7 and 14.

 Scrip Retailer Updates:  Fannie May physical gift cards are available to purchase again in the $25 denomination.  Check out the 200 extra bonuses being offered through the RaiseRight.com website!

TRIP orders (paper and online) are due this week Thurs., Dec. 7th by 10 a.m.  TRIP will be accepting physical gift card orders on Dec. 14, Jan. 4, 11, 18 and 25.  Online Ordering is available 24/7.  Contact Ann Lynch at [email protected] for more information.

Team C (Jamie Vander Meyden, Janell Eriks, Kelli Long, Annie Bouquet) will be putting the TRIP orders together on Tues., Nov. 21st. Orders will be ready for pick up in the school office on Tues. by 2:45 p.m.

TRIP Teams for Stuffing Orders:  Team D – Dec. 12; Team A – Dec.19; Team B – Jan. 9; Team C – Jan. 16