Parent Note: Parent Note – September 5, 2023

FROM THE PRINCIPAL’S DESK

Thank you for your continued support. The beginning of the year has started so well! Our teachers and students have quickly acclimated to our amazing new spaces, students are already learning at high levels, and the Lord is making Himself known in the hearts and minds of our kids. 

Did you know that Highland Christian is represented by over 130 unique churches? Later this month, we are excited to welcome all of our pastors to a special breakfast and chapel on Friday, September 29. Please be on the lookout for a special invitation that your child will be bringing home in the next week! It will be their job to give this invitation to their pastor at church. 

In addition to welcoming our pastors to school, we are making a concerted effort to provide opportunities in and out of school for students and families to serve our community. Next week, we are excited to unveil the first of many opportunities for families to help impact the world for Christ. Please pencil in a family service opportunity on Saturday, September 15. 

Over the first few weeks of school, we have already seen the number of tardies and absences decrease at sizable rates. Students that are on-time and ready for class are ultimately ready to learn! Thank you for ensuring your child is dropped off by 8:20, so they are ready to thrive in the classroom. Without your support, we would not be able to see the improvements we have already made!

SCHOOL NEWS

Reminder: This Wednesday, Sept. 6 is the first late start of the school year.  School will begin at 10:00 a.m.  If your child is a bus rider, the bus will arrive approximately 1 ½ hours later than normal.

This Friday, Sept. 8 is Preview Day at HCS. Preview SEC from 10:00-11:00 a.m. and HCS from 1:30-3:00 p.m. If you know of any family who is interested in learning more about HCS, please have them contact the office to reserve their spot.  During this event, they will see classrooms in action, tour our campus and learn more about the exciting journey that awaits their child at Highland Christian School.

Support for John Cruse: For the remainder of this week, HCS will be collecting cash, checks (can be written to HCS), and gas cards for one of our bus drivers, John Cruse. Earlier this year, John was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. John has not asked for support, but we know there is a great need. With all of his doctors and appointments in Indianapolis, John is putting many miles on the road. The front office will be collecting funds and gas gift cards through Friday, September 8. Thank you for praying and your financial support!

For the 2023-2024 school year, parents have the opportunity to apply for a Foundation gift. More information can be found in this parent memo, which was distributed in August. Those that would benefit from this resource must complete the appropriate form by Friday, September 29, 2023.

Highland Christian is incredibly blessed to receive substantial financial support from ETC – HCS’ resale store. Located on the corner of Indianapolis and Route 30, ETC has provided over $2,000,000 to HCS over the past decade. If you would like to make a tax deductible donation, you can drop off items at the store (1650 US Hwy 41, Schererville, IN 46375) or at the ETC trailer in HCS’ parking lot. Additionally, if you have a sizable amount of furniture or large items, ETC has the ability to pick-up items at your home or business. Another way to support ETC is through volunteering at a ‘Sort Night’ or buying items at the store. The first Sort Night is Junior High Sort Night on Sept. 18 from 5:00-7:00. Thank you for supporting ETC. Every item that is sold at ETC helps support the students and families at Highland Christian!

BAC Staff: Due to strong participation, HCS is seeking an additional BAC staff member from 7:15am – 8:15am (Monday – Friday). If a parent filled this position, they would be eligible for a 5% tuition discount, hourly pay, and could bring their own children to BAC at no charge. Please email Kyle Weener for more information.

Moms!  Join us on Fridays to walk from 2-3.  We will meet by the garage.  Let us know you’ll if be there.  

Amber Powell 219-808-3138 

Strack & Van Til’s and Van Til’s in Hammond Apples for the Students program has begun!

HCS is participating in our local Strack & Van Til’s Apples for the Students Program to earn computers and iPads, sporting goods, audio visual equipment, and science supplies, with choices from hundreds of other awards, too! And, they’re all free! To earn these FREE awards we simply have to collect as many register receipts as possible dated between September 1, 2023, through March 31, 2024. Did you stock up for the holiday weekend and have some receipts hanging out at the bottom of your purse or pockets?  Ask your friends and relatives to shop at Strack & Van Til Food Market and save every receipt. Send the receipts to school with your student as often as possible. The school will count the value of the register tapes collected and redeem them for great educational awards that benefit your child. Thank you in advance for your participation!

PTO NEWS

Reminder that Donuts for Dudes is next week on September 13!! Invite your favorite dude and enjoy a donut on the soccer field behind the school. The event runs from 7:30-8:15. We are looking forward to seeing everyone!

Do you have a business that would like to partner with PTO in a fundraiser? If so, we would love to hear from you! Please email [email protected] for more information.

ATHLETIC NEWS

Tuesday, Sept. 5 –      A soccer vs. Calvary – AWAY – 4:00

                                 7^th & 8^th volleyball vs. Calvary – AWAY – 4:00, 5:00

Wednesday, Sept. 6 –  A&B soccer vs. Calvin – HOME – 4:00, 5:00

                                 7^th & 8^th volleyball vs. Calvin – HOME – 4:00, 5:00

Monday, Sept. 11 –     A&B soccer vs. Crown Point – AWAY – 4:00, 5:00

                                 7^th & 8^th volleyball vs. Crown Point – AWAY – 4:00, 5:00

TRIP NEWS

What is TRIP?  TRIP is a gift card buying program that helps reduce your HCS tuition costs.  If you would like more information on how TRIP works, contact Ann Lynch at [email protected].

TRIP orders (paper and online) are due this Thurs., Sept. 7th by 10 a.m.  TRIP will be accepting physical gift card orders on Sept. 14, 21, 28, Oct. 5 and 12.  RaiseRight scrip ordering for an escrip and/or a reload card is available 24/7. Contact Ann Lynch for more information.
 
Team C will be putting the TRIP orders together today.   Orders will be ready for pick up in the school office today by 2:45 a.m.
 
TRIP Teams for Stuffing Orders:  Team D – Sept. 12; Team A – Sept. 19; Team B – Sept. 26; Team C – Oct. 3.

COMMUNITY NEWS

Interested in volleyball for your 3rd-8th grader? There will be a Volleykids Camp hosted by Epic Volleyball starting mid-September on Saturday mornings. Go to www.epic volleyball.org/volleykids for details or reach out to Tracy Summers with questions: [email protected]

Something to Hold’s annual Bake Sale is coming up this Wednesday, September 6 from 9am-1pm! Something to Hold is a nonprofit based in NWI gifting hand-tied blankets to mamas experiencing miscarriage, stillbirth, and infant loss. Come by 11500 Parrish Ave in Cedar Lake for baked goods, hand crafted coffee, and fresh flowers. All proceeds benefit our mission to serve moms and families experiencing loss. Visit somethingtohold.org/calendar/bake-sale for more information or to sign up to donate some goodies! We hope to see you there!