BLUE NOTE
2023-24 EDITION No. 32 | PUBLISHED WEEKLY ON WEDNESDAYS | BURN BRIGHT
Updates From The Board //
Shared On April 17, 2024
Leadership Transition:
After much time spent in prayer and dialogue, and after consultation with local educational leadership and guidance from CSI, we are now engaged in a search for an Interim Head of School for the 2024-25 school year. We have great confidence in our current Leadership Team, who will continue to guide us well in their individual areas of expertise.
Society Meeting:
This past Thursday, April 11th, we gathered with parents, members of the Leadership Team, and our Board for our annual Society meeting. With record attendance, it was wonderful to have such engagement as we passed the 2024-25 budget and selected four incoming Board members for the 2024-25 term. Thank you to those who joined us and thank you to all who voted on our Board nominees and the budget. We’re grateful for your input.
Our newly-selected Board members will begin their terms July 1. These new members, as nominated and approved by the Society and drawn by lot, include Steve Darrow, Brendon Johnson, Paul Keyser, and Brittany Van Byssum. As we welcome them, we also want to acknowledge our four outgoing members, Geoff Bremer, Dr. Ann Hemmeke, Steve Langeland, and Travis Senik. We are grateful to each for their exceptional level of dedication and servant-hearted leadership over the past six years.
Shared On March 27, 2024
Leadership Transition:
This week, several members of the Executive Committee met with leaders from CSI. We continue to look at other schools and consult with experts to discern industry best practices in this process.
Strategic Planning:
The Board and Leadership Team will meet together for a planning session after Spring Break.
Upcoming Society Meeting:
We are pleased to present the ‘24-‘25 budget and Board nominees to the Society for approval leading up to our annual Society meeting. We welcome all members to join us, Thursday, April 11th at 7pm!
Shared On March 20, 2024
Leadership Transition:
The Board and Leadership Team are working together to consider the most supportive leadership structure for ZCS in the upcoming school year and beyond. The Board is fine-tuning an updated job description for the Head of School position and discussing this transition with outside experts. Thank you for your prayers in this process!
Upcoming Calendar Dates //
-
April 27, 2024 | 7th Grade Totally Free Car Wash
-
May 3, 2024 | ZCS Fun Night
-
May 6, 2024 9:10 am - 9:40 am | All School Chapel
-
May 6, 2024 - May 10, 2024 | Teacher Appreciation Week
-
May 9, 2024 | 1/2 Day *Tulip Time*
-
May 10, 2024 | No PM Busing
-
May 11, 2024 | Running Club 5K
-
May 13, 2024 8:55 am - 9:25 am | Family Groups - Final Meeting
-
May 13, 2024 3:35 pm - 4:20 pm | Beginning Band Info Mtg (for 4th-Grade Families)
-
May 14, 2024 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm | MS Choir Concert
-
May 15, 2024 | 4th Grade Market Day
-
May 17, 2024 | Last Day of Preschool
Blue Note Blurb // April 24, 2024
ZCS Community,
Overwhelmed with gratitude for the support and generosity of our community, we are thrilled to announce that a record amount of $201,000 was raised at this year’s auction! This includes a $20,000 matching gift from the members of our Board of Trustees. We give glory to God for the funds raised. Your support, whether through attendance, bidding, donations, or volunteering, made this event successful. We are thankful for each of you!
Some highlights of this year’s Auction include ZCS parents and staff members Tim and Jacquie Buteyn winning the Year-of-Tuition voucher, ZCS parents Hannah and Aaron Clark winning the buy-a-line golf cart, and Dr. McAboy’s Smash Burgers for Your Class experience raising over $10,000!
Returning to an in-person Live Auction event was also a highlight. Dana Geurink, Alumni and Donor Specialist, led an amazing group of volunteers, including Heather Dykhuis, Kristen Geurink, Niki Kloosterman, Harley and Laura Jongekrijg, Jon and Nicole Klunder, Rebecca Kuipers, Maria Nykerk, and Brittany Van Huis. All of the committees involved pulled off a record-setting auction experience full of fun items and excitement. Please thank them for their service to ZCS.
This brings our 2023-24 Annual Fund fundraising total to $881,992! We continue to work towards our Annual Fund need of $1.2mil. by June 30.
Praise be to God for faithfully providing for ZCS year-after-year!
Burn Bright,
Peter Jenkins
Exec. Director of Advancement
P.S. Peter W. Smith did not “win that golf cart.”
REMINDER:
2024-25 TUITION CONTRACTS ARE DUE ON FRIDAY
Tuition Contracts // Please sign your tuition contracts in the ZCS enrollment portal.
- Deadline: April 26th, 2024
- Questions? Contact Linda Hoekwater (lhoekwater@zcs.org, 616-879-0347) in the Finance Office.
QUICK LINKS
Blue Note News //
April 24, 2024
2024-25 Action Items & Checklists:
Tuition Contracts // Please sign your tuition contracts in the ZCS enrollment portal.
- Deadline: April 26th, 2024
- Questions? Contact Linda Hoekwater (lhoekwater@zcs.org, 616-879-0347) in the Finance Office.
Calendar // Our calendar for the 2024-25 school year has been approved! Click here to view it.
Busing through ZPS // If you reside in the ZPS school district and have a student who needs busing for the 24-25 school year, please complete the transportation form located in your ZCS enrollment portal ASAP.
_________________________
Book Madness 2024 // Congratulations to Hannah Russcher for winning the annual Book Madness competition. The second-place winners are Sami Zhou and Tyler Bostrom. The third-place winner is Elena Gritter. All four finalists read all 16 books and made great guesses about which books would win the brackets. The book selected as the overall favorite by middle school students was The Labors of Hercules Beal by Gary Schmidt. Thank you to our Wish List Donors who helped us purchase books and award prizes.
________________________
May 6 Chapel Pre-Registration // Pre-Registration is now a sign-in option for parents/grandparents/guests when attending chapel! Pre-registration allows guests to skip the line and pick up their badge at the front desk. No waiting in line to scan in! Guests are eligible to pre-register IF they have signed in at the kiosk in the office previously WITH their driver's license. Pre-register for chapel on May 6 HERE. Pre-registration will close at 5PM on Thursday, May 2.
________________________
An invitation from ditto! // ditto is excited to announce that we are getting a new carpet! This is a much-needed update. In order to keep within our mission of keeping Christian School tuition affordable, we need your help. During the installation process, we will need crews to help us move shelving, furniture, and other items around the floor.
Groups will work from around 6:30-8:30 each night between April 22 and May 3. Sign up to help here. Questions? Please contact Lisa Fredricks lfredricks@dittoresale.com.
_________________________
Fun Night // Join us for Fun Night at ZCS! Most of the games will be indoors, so rain or shine, come on out! Games range from 2 tickets to 6 tickets. Sadly, this year we will not be having our annual fish pond, but we will have lots of other fun games to play. So, bring your family, friends, and neighbors. We can't wait to see you!
-
- Date: Friday, May 3, 2024
- Time: Food 5:00 to 8:00pm // Games 5:30 to 8:00pm
- Payment Type: Ticket and food purchase payments to ZCS Venmo with “fun Night” in the memo.
- Tickets: Pre-sale tickets are 4 for $1, with 8 bonus tickets for every $20 spent. Tickets will also be sold for 4 tickets for $1 at Fun Night.
- Pre-sale tickets will be sold by the office on:
- Wednesday, May 1, 11:00am to 1:00pm
- Thursday, May 2, 11:30am to 1:00pm
- Friday, May 3, 11:30am to 1:00pm
- Pre-sale tickets will be sold by the office on:
_________________________
ZCS Expand(ED) Summer Camp and Tutoring // We are so excited about the options we have for you this year with a variety of sports camps, language camps, and other academic opportunities! Full options and sign-ups are available at: zcs.org/expand-ed. Please reach out to Makenna Hoesktra (mhoekstra@zcs.org) with any questions!
_________________________
TOTALLY FREE Car Wash // Saturday, April 27 from 9 am - noon (rain or shine) in the parking lot in front of Dollar General and Ace Hardware. Yes, it is free! We will not take donations at the car wash. 7th-grade students are collecting pledges for each car washed, so we need you to drive through! The pledges will support Grace Community Christian School in the Philippines. Tell your neighbors!
_________________________
Philippines 2025 Spring Break student trip // All applications for students interested in the Philippines Student Trip Spring Break of 2025 are due by Friday, May 3rd, at the conclusion of the school day. Applications should be submitted to Mrs. Van Dyk.
_________________________
Seamstresses Needed for the Band Program // Mr. DeVries is looking for anyone who is interested in volunteering some time to help refurbish the marching band uniforms. The biggest needs are to re-hem some pants, sew up some ripped seams, and sew on buttons. All supplies will be provided. Please email ldevries@zcs.org if you are interested. Efforts will be coordinated on various days over the summer that work best for you! If you have already given Mr. DeVries your name, please still email him so he can add you to the official list. Even if you only have a little bit of time, any help is welcome!
_________________________
TRIP is easy! // The ZCS Tuition Reducing Incentive Program is a simple way to earn "free" money on things you already purchase to reduce tuition. Order gift cards & e-gift cards on the RaiseRight app or online (even while you are shopping), or buy gift cards at school on Friday mornings. Just click here and follow the steps to start saving right away!
_________________________
Faces and Our Cultures // We are happy to share with you that this year we will welcome Guatemalan students on campus through the Faces and Our Cultures Program. These young ambassadors will spend eight (8) weeks living with a school host family while attending classes and participating in extracurricular activities at school.
The dates of the program are:
From: Sunday, October 20th
To: Saturday, December 14th
We are in the process of recruiting host families for THESE wonderful ambassadors:
If you are interested in learning more, please contact me by responding to this email, contact Sandy Cardona, at sandy.cardona@facesandcultures.com, or, even better, completing the following link: LEARN MORE
April 17, 2024
_________________________
2024-25 Action Items & Checklists:
Tuition Contracts // Please sign your tuition contracts in the ZCS enrollment portal.
- Deadline: April 26th, 2024
- Questions? Contact Linda Hoekwater (lhoekwater@zcs.org, 616-879-0347) in the Finance Office.
Calendar // Our calendar for the 2024-25 school year has been approved! Click here to view it.
Busing through ZPS // If you reside in the ZPS school district and have a student who needs busing for the 24-25 school year, please complete the transportation form located in your ZCS enrollment portal ASAP.
_________________________
Muffins with Moms // April 23 & 24 // Have a muffin with your elementary kiddos before the school day starts!! TODAY is the last day to sign up for Muffins with Moms/Ma'ams!
_________________________
An invitation from ditto! // ditto is excited to announce that we are getting a new carpet! This is a much-needed update. In order to keep within our mission of keeping Christian School tuition affordable, we need your help. During the installation process, we will need crews to help us move shelving, furniture, and other items around the floor.
Groups will work from around 6:30-8:30 each night between April 22 and May 3. Sign up to help here. Questions? Please contact Lisa Fredricks lfredricks@dittoresale.com.
_________________________
Fun Night // Join us for Fun Night at ZCS! Most of the games will be indoors, so rain or shine, come on out! Games range from 2 tickets to 6 tickets. Sadly, this year we will not be having our annual fish pond, but we will have lots of other fun games to play. So, bring your family, friends, and neighbors. We can't wait to see you!
- Date: Friday, May 3, 2024
- Time: Food 5:00 to 8:00pm // Games 5:30 to 8:00pm
- Payment Type: Ticket and food purchase payments to ZCS Venmo with “fun Night” in the memo.
- Tickets: Pre-sale tickets are 4 for $1, with 8 bonus tickets for every $20 spent. Tickets will also be sold for 4 tickets for $1 at Fun Night.
- Pre-sale tickets will be sold by the office on:
- Wednesday, May 1, 11:00am to 1:00pm
- Thursday, May 2, 11:30am to 1:00pm
- Friday, May 3, 11:30am to 1:00pm
- Pre-sale tickets will be sold by the office on:
_________________________
ZCS Expand(ED) Summer Camp and Tutoring // We are so excited about the options we have for you this year with a variety of sports camps, language camps, and other academic opportunities! Full options and sign-ups are available at: zcs.org/expand-ed. Please reach out to Makenna Hoesktra (mhoekstra@zcs.org) with any questions!
_________________________
Volunteer Opportunity // The auction committee is looking for some volunteers to help set up tables and chairs at ZCS for the Auction this year! Sign up HERE if you (or your kids!) are willing to help out! Date: Thursday, April 18 Time: 3:30 to 5pm
_________________________
TOTALLY FREE Car Wash // Saturday, April 27 from 9 am - noon (rain or shine) in the parking lot in front of Dollar General and Ace Hardware. Yes, it is free! We will not take donations at the car wash. 7th-grade students are collecting pledges for each car washed, so we need you to drive through! The pledges will support Grace Community Christian School in the Philippines. Tell your neighbors!
_________________________
Interested in learning more about the Philippines 2025 Spring Break student trip? // We invite parents and students of current 6th and 7th graders (2024-2025 7th and 8th graders) to join us for an informational meeting Monday, April 22 at 7:00 in the Choir Room.
This short meeting will:
- give you some history about our sister-school relationship with GCCS
- show an example itinerary from a previous trip
- explain some expectations we will have for students on the trip
- share how the tough decisions about who get selected to attend will be made
- give time for Q&A.
Students/parents do not need to attend the meeting, it is offered as an option to anyone who would like more information. Student applications will be handed out at this meeting, as well as at school starting on April 23rd.
Please email Kristi Van Dyk (kvandyk@zcs.org) if you are unable to attend the meeting and would like to zoom in.
_________________________
Seamstresses Needed for the Band Program // Mr. DeVries is looking for anyone who is interested in volunteering some time to help refurbish the marching band uniforms. The biggest needs are to re-hem some pants, sew up some ripped seams, and sew on buttons. All supplies will be provided. Please email ldevries@zcs.org if you are interested. Efforts will be coordinated on various days over the summer that work best for you! If you have already given Mr. DeVries your name, please still email him so he can add you to the official list. Even if you only have a little bit of time, any help is welcome!
_________________________
TRIP is easy! // The ZCS Tuition Reducing Incentive Program is a simple way to earn "free" money on things you already purchase to reduce tuition. Order gift cards & e-gift cards on the RaiseRight app or online (even while you are shopping), or buy gift cards at school on Friday mornings. Just click here and follow the steps to start saving right away!
_________________________
Faces and Our Cultures// We are happy to share with you that this year we will welcome Guatemalan students on campus through the Faces and Our Cultures Program. These young ambassadors will spend eight (8) weeks living with a school host family while attending classes and participating in extracurricular activities at school.
The dates of the program are:
From: Sunday, October 20th
To: Saturday, December 14th
We are in the process of recruiting host families for THESE wonderful ambassadors:
If you are interested in learning more, please contact me by responding to this email, contact Sandy Cardona, at sandy.cardona@facesandcultures.com, or, even better, completing the following link: LEARN MORE
April 10, 2024
_________________________
Next Academic Year Checklists:
Tuition Contracts for next year are NOW AVAILABLE // Tuition contracts are active in the ZCS enrollment portal.
Deadline: April 26th, 2024
Questions? Contact Linda Hoekwater (lhoekwater@zcs.org, 616-879-0347) in the Finance Office.
Busing through ZPS // If you reside in the ZPS school district and have a student who needs busing for the 24-25 school year, please complete the transportation form located in your ZCS enrollment portal ASAP.
_________________________
ZCS Expand(ED) Summer Camp and Tutoring // We are so excited about the options we have for you this year with a variety of sports camps, language camps, and other academic opportunities! Full options and sign-ups are available at: zcs.org/expand-ed please reach out to Makenna Hoesktra (mhoekstra@zcs.org) with any questions!
_________________________
Society Meeting // Our annual Society Meeting is scheduled to be in person on April 11, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. in the choir room. The purpose of this meeting is to approve the budget and elect new Board members.
- The proposed 2024-2025 budget, the Board nominees, and the full Society Report (all-school year in review) can be viewed here: 2024 Society Report
- The ballot for new Board members can be accessed here: 2024 Voting Link. Voting will be online only and will close at 7:00 a.m. on Thursday morning, April 11th. All society members are invited to submit a vote.
- Society Members: A society member of ZCS is anyone who has children in attendance at our school (including parents, legal guardians, and step-parents) and acknowledges and accepts that education at ZCS is taught in alignment with the principles expressed in the ZCS constitution, and the three forms of unity of the Reformed Churches as embodied in the Heidelberg Catechism, the Belgic Confession, and the Canons of the Synod of Dordrecht of 1618-1619.
_________________________
April 17 Chapel Pre-Registration // Pre-Registration is now a sign-in option for parents/grandparents/guests when attending chapel! Pre-registration allows guests to skip the line and pick up their badge at the front desk. No waiting in line to scan in! Guests are eligible to pre-register IF they have signed in at the kiosk in the office previously WITH their driver's license. Pre-register for chapel on April 17 HERE. Pre-registration will close at 5PM on Monday, April 15.
_________________________
Muffins with Moms // April 23 & 24 // Muffins with Moms/Ma'ams Sign Up!! Sign up today to have a muffin with your elementary kiddos before the school day starts!!
_________________________
An invitation from ditto! // ditto is excited to announce that we are getting a new carpet! This is a much-needed update. In order to keep within our mission of keeping Christian School tuition affordable, we need your help. During the installation process, we will need crews to help us move shelving, furniture, and other items around the floor.
Groups will work from around 6:30-8:30 each night between April 22 and May 3. If you are interested, please contact Lisa Fredricks lfredricks@dittoresale.com.
_________________________
Fun Night // Save the date for the annual ZCS fun night on Friday, May 3, from 5:30 to 8:00. Fun Night is packed full of food and fun and is put on by our awesome 8th graders. All of the proceeds will go towards the 8th-grade class trip and their gift to the school. There will be more details to come later on how to get tickets. We hope to see you all there!
_________________________
Volunteer Opportunity // The auction committee is looking for some volunteers to help set up tables and chairs at ZCS for the Auction this year! Sign up HERE if you (or your kids!) are willing to help out! Date: Thursday, April 18 Time: 3:30pm- 5pm
_________________________
2024-25 Calendar // Our calendar for the 2024-25 school year has been approved! Click here to view it.
_________________________
Yearbooks // Last week to order! Use the following link to purchase one or more yearbooks. Order form here.
_________________________
TOTALLY FREE Car Wash // Saturday, April 27 from 9 am - noon (rain or shine) in the parking lot in front of Dollar General and Ace Hardware. Yes, it is free! We will not take donations at the car wash. 7th-grade students are collecting pledges for each car washed, so we need you to drive through! The pledges will support Grace Community Christian School in the Philippines. Tell your neighbors!
_________________________
Interested in learning more about the Philippines 2025 Spring Break student trip? // We invite parents and students of current 6th and 7th graders (2024-2025 7th and 8th graders) to join us for an informational meeting Monday, April 22 at 7:00 in the Choir Room.
This short meeting will:
- give you some history about our sister-school relationship with GCCS
- show an example itinerary from a previous trip
- explain some expectations we will have for students on the trip
- share how the tough decisions about who get selected to attend will be made
- give time for Q&A.
Students/parents do not need to attend the meeting, it is offered as an option to anyone who would like more information. Student applications will be handed out at this meeting, as well as at school starting on April 23rd.
Please email Kristi Van Dyk (kvandyk@zcs.org) if you are unable to attend the meeting and would like to zoom in.
_________________________
Seamstresses Needed for the Band Program // Mr. DeVries is looking for anyone who is interested in volunteering some time to help refurbish the marching band uniforms. The biggest needs are to re-hem some pants, sew up some ripped seams, and sew on buttons. All supplies will be provided. Please email ldevries@zcs.org if you are interested. Efforts will be coordinated on various days over the summer that work best for you! If you have already given Mr. DeVries your name, please still email him so he can add you to the official list. Even if you only have a little bit of time, any help is welcome!
_________________________
TRIP is easy! // The ZCS Tuition Reducing Incentive Program is a simple way to earn "free" money on things you already purchase to reduce tuition. Order gift cards & e-gift cards on the RaiseRight app or online (even while you are shopping), or buy gift cards at school on Friday mornings. Just click here and follow the steps to start saving right away!
_________________________
Hot Lunch Account Reminder // Please check your hot lunch account balance and take care of negative balances this week! You may check your balance and add funds on the Family Portal
_________________________
GCCS Sponsorships // All students have at least a partial sponsorship! If anyone is interested in a partial sponsorship ($200, $400, or $600), please email Maria Klompmaker (mklompmaker@zcs.org).
_________________________
Faces and Our Cultures // We are happy to share with you that this year we will welcome Guatemalan students on campus through the Faces and Our Cultures Program. These young ambassadors will spend eight (8) weeks living with a school host family while attending classes and participating in extracurricular activities at school.
The dates of the program are:
From: Sunday, October 20th To: Saturday, December 14th
We are in the process of recruiting host families for THESE wonderful ambassadors:
If you are interested in learning more, please contact me by responding to this email, contact Sandy Cardona, at sandy.cardona@facesandcultures.com, or, even better, completing the following link: LEARN MORE
March 27, 2024
Plan Ahead Busing/No School Dates:
March 29-April 5 | No School // Spring Break
_________________________
2024-25 Calendar // Our calendar for the 2024-25 school year has been approved! Click here to view it.
_________________________
Society Meeting // Our annual Society Meeting is scheduled to be in person on April 11, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. in the choir room. The purpose of this meeting is to approve the budget and elect new Board members.
- The proposed 2024-2025 budget, the Board nominees, and the full Society Report (all-school year in review) can be viewed here: 2024 Society Report
- The ballot for new Board members can be accessed here: 2024 Voting Link. Voting will be online only and will close at 7:00 a.m. on Thursday morning, April 11th. All society members are invited to submit a vote.
- Society Members: A society member of ZCS is anyone who has children in attendance at our school (including parents, legal guardians, and step-parents) and acknowledges and accepts that education at ZCS is taught in alignment with the principles expressed in the ZCS constitution, and the three forms of unity of the Reformed Churches as embodied in the Heidelberg Catechism, the Belgic Confession, and the Canons of the Synod of Dordrecht of 1618-1619.
_________________________
Spring Break // is just around the corner! There will be no school March 29-April 5. Please notify the office if your student will be missing any additional days other than these dates. Please email attendance@zcs.org or call the attendance line(616) 741-0051 BEFORE you leave. Thanks for your cooperation with these important details!
_________________________
Interested in learning more about the Philippines 2025 Spring Break student trip? // We invite parents and students of current 6th and 7th graders (2024-2025 7th and 8th graders) to join us for an informational meeting on Monday, April 22 at 7:00 in the Choir Room.
This short meeting will:
- give you some history about our sister-school relationship with GCCS
- show an example itinerary from a previous trip
- explain some expectations we will have for students on the trip
- share how the tough decisions about who get selected to attend will be made
- give time for Q&A.
Students/parents do not need to attend the meeting, it is offered as an option to anyone who would like more information. Student applications will be handed out at this meeting, as well as at school starting on April 23rd.
Please email Kristi Van Dyk (kvandyk@zcs.org) if you are unable to attend the meeting and would like to zoom in.
_________________________
Teacher Requests // The Principals would like to remind parents that teacher requests based on preference are not accepted. If there are special circumstances that require placement considerations, please offer input directly to requests@zcs.org and not to individual teachers. Any formal submissions must be received by April 7th.
_________________________
Seamstresses Needed for the Band Program // Mr. DeVries is looking for anyone who is interested in volunteering some time to help refurbish the marching band uniforms. The biggest needs are to re-hem some pants, sew up some ripped seams, and sew on buttons. All supplies will be provided. Please email ldevries@zcs.org if you are interested. Efforts will be coordinated on various days over the summer that work best for you! If you have already given Mr. DeVries your name, please still email him so he can add you to the official list. Even if you only have a little bit of time, any help is welcome!
_________________________
Please Help Us Keep Our Students Safe // Parents, please take a few minutes to remind yourselves of our arrival and dismissal procedures. We ask you to follow these steps for the safety of all of our students. If you have specific questions, please feel free to email zcsinfo@zcs.org. This document reminds you of the where, the when, and the how. The why is easy...SAFETY! Thank you for taking the time to refresh your memory.
2023-2024 School Day Arrival & Dismissal Protocols
_________________________
Tuition Contracts for the Next Academic Year
Tuition Contracts
- April 8, 2024: Tuition contracts will become active in your enrollment portal.
- Deadline: April 26th, 2024
- Questions? Contact Linda Hoekwater (lhoekwater@zcs.org, 616-879-0347) in the Finance Office.
_________________________
ZCS Expand(ED) Summer Camp and Tutoring // We are so excited about the options we have for you this year with a variety of sports camps, language camps, and other academic opportunities! Full options and sign-ups are available at: zcs.org/expand-ed please reach out to Makenna Hoesktra (mhoekstra@zcs.org) with any questions!
_________________________
TRIP is easy! // The ZCS Tuition Reducing Incentive Program is a simple way to earn "free" money on things you already purchase to reduce tuition. Order gift cards & e-gift cards on the RaiseRight app or online (even while you are shopping) or buy gift cards at school on Friday mornings. Just click here and follow the steps to start saving right away!
_________________________
Unified Bocce // Unified at ZCS is excited to share that we have coaches for both our elementary and middle school levels of Unified Bocce. Both seasons will start after Spring Break and run from roughly the week of April 15 to May 20. Email ejohnson@zcs.org with questions or more information.
- Elementary Practice: after school (outdoors, pending weather) until 4:30 on Tuesday afternoons
- Middle School Practice: during the school day (outdoors, pending weather) 1-2x a week
Now we need our teams! With Bocce ball, athletes are paired 1:1 with partners, so the number of athletes and partners will need to match exactly. That being said, if there are more interested partners than interested athletes, not every partner will be able to participate.
Here is the interest form/sign-up link.
_________________________
Muffins with Moms // April 23 & 24 // Save for the date for a fun morning of muffins with moms! sign ups coming soon!
_________________________
Fun Night // Save the date for the annual ZCS fun night on Friday, May 3, from 5:30 to 8:00. Fun Night is packed full of food and fun and is put on by our awesome 8th graders. All of the proceeds will go towards the 8th-grade class trip and their gift to the school. There will be more details to come later on how to get tickets. We hope to see you all there!
_________________________
Hot Lunch Account Reminder // Please check your hot lunch account balance and take care of negative balances this week! You may check your balance and add funds on the Family Portal
_________________________
Middle School Cubbies // It is almost time for some Spring Cleaning of the middle school cubbies. Please make sure your child takes anything that is theirs home before spring break! We will be emptying them all during the break and donating to Ditto whatever is left.
_________________________
GCCS Sponsorships // All students have at least a partial sponsorship! If anyone is interested in a partial sponsorship ($200, $400, or $600), please email Maria Klompmaker (mklompmaker@zcs.org).
_________________________
Faces and Our Cultures// We are happy to share with you that this year we will welcome Guatemalan students on campus through the Faces and Our Cultures Program. These young ambassadors will spend eight (8) weeks living with a school host family while attending classes and participating in extracurricular activities at school.
The dates of the program are:
From: Sunday, October 20th
To: Saturday, December 14th
We are in the process of recruiting host families for THESE wonderful ambassadors:
If you are interested in learning more, please contact me by responding to this email, contact Sandy Cardona, at sandy.cardona@facesandcultures.com, or, even better, completing the following link: LEARN MORE
_________________________
Yearbooks // You may still order a yearbook! Use the following link to purchase one or more yearbooks. Order form here.
March 20, 2024
Plan Ahead Busing/No School Dates:
March 22, 2024 | ½ Day // Dismissals MS: 10:40am, Elem. 11:40am
March 29-April 5 | No School // Spring Break
_________________________
2024-25 Calendar // Our calendar for the 2024-25 school year has been approved! Click here to view it.
_________________________
Spring Break // is just around the corner! There will be no school March 29-April 5. Please notify the office if your student will be missing any additional days other than these dates. Please email attendance@zcs.org or call the attendance line(616) 741-0051 BEFORE you leave. Thanks for your cooperation with these important details!
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Job Openings // Please see the positions available for our 2024-25 school year.
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Awareness Days // Over the next week, we invite you to join us in celebrating and bringing awareness to various disabilities by wearing certain items/colors to school.
- Thursday, March 21 - Down Syndrome Awareness Day // WEAR CrAzY SoCkS! (Socks with fun designs, different colors, mismatched socks)
- Monday, March 25 - Cerebral Palsy Awareness Day // WEAR GREEN!
- Tuesday, March 26 - Autism Awareness Day (celebrated internationally on 4/2/24) // WEAR BLUE!
- Wednesday, March 27 - Your Choice! // Wear a specific color, shirt, bracelet, etc. to bring awareness to something you or your family are passionate about related to a specific diagnosis or disability. We can use this as an opportunity to learn more about what makes us all unique!
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Teacher Requests // The Principals would like to remind parents that teacher requests based on preference are not accepted. If there are special circumstances that require placement considerations, please offer input directly to requests@zcs.org and not to individual teachers. Any formal submissions must be received by April 7th.
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Seamstresses Needed for the Band Program // Mr. DeVries is looking for anyone who is interested in volunteering some time to help refurbish the marching band uniforms. The biggest needs are to re-hem some pants, sew up some ripped seams, and sew on buttons. All supplies will be provided. Please email ldevries@zcs.org if you are interested. Efforts will be coordinated on various days over the summer that work best for you! If you have already given Mr. DeVries your name, please still email him so he can add you to the official list. Even if you only have a little bit of time, any help is welcome!
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Please Help Us Keep Our Students Safe // Parents, please take a few minutes to remind yourselves of our arrival and dismissal procedures. We ask you to follow these steps for the safety of all of our students. If you have specific questions, please feel free to email zcsinfo@zcs.org. This document reminds you of the where, the when, and the how. The why is easy...SAFETY! Thank you for taking the time to refresh your memory.
2023-2024 School Day Arrival & Dismissal Protocols
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Financial Aid & Tuition Contracts for the Next Academic Year
Financial Aid Application
- TODAY IS THE LAST DAY TO APPLY FOR LEVEL 1.
- Required Documents: You will need to upload your 2023 taxes to complete your application.
- Fee: There is a $40 application fee.
- Deadline: March 20th, 2024
Tuition Contracts
- April 8, 2024: Tuition contracts will become active in your enrollment portal.
- Deadline: April 26th, 2024
- Questions? Contact Linda Hoekwater (lhoekwater@zcs.org, 616-879-0347) in the Finance Office.
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ZCS Expand(ED) Summer Camp and Tutoring // We are so excited about the options we have for you this year with a variety of sports camps, language camps, and other academic opportunities! Full options and sign-ups are available at: zcs.org/expand-ed please reach out to Makenna Hoesktra (mhoekstra@zcs.org) with any questions!
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TRIP is easy! // The ZCS Tuition Reducing Incentive Program is a simple way to earn "free" money on things you already purchase to reduce tuition. Order gift cards & e-gift cards on the RaiseRight app or online (even while you are shopping) or buy gift cards at school on Friday mornings. Just click here and follow the steps to start saving right away!
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Unified Bocce // Unified at ZCS is excited to share that we have coaches for both our elementary and middle school levels of Unified Bocce. Both seasons will start after Spring Break and run from roughly the week of April 15 to May 20. Email ejohnson@zcs.org with questions or more information.
- Elementary Practice: after school (outdoors, pending weather) until 4:30 on Tuesday afternoons
- Middle School Practice: during the school day (outdoors, pending weather) 1-2x a week
Now we need our teams! With Bocce ball, athletes are paired 1:1 with partners, so the number of athletes and partners will need to match exactly. That being said, if there are more interested partners than interested athletes, not every partner will be able to participate.
Here is the interest form/sign-up link.
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Muffins with Moms // April 23 & 24 // Save for the date for a fun morning of muffins with moms! Sign ups coming soon!
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Fun Night // Save the date for the annual ZCS fun night on Friday, May 3, from 5:30 to 8:00. Fun Night is packed full of food and fun and is put on by our awesome 8th graders. All of the proceeds will go towards the 8th-grade class trip and their gift to the school. There will be more details to come later on how to get tickets. We hope to see you all there!
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Hot Lunch Account Reminder // Please check your hot lunch account balance and take care of negative balances this week! You may check your balance and add funds on the Family Portal
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Middle School Cubbies // It is almost time for some Spring Cleaning of the middle school cubbies. Please make sure your child takes anything that is theirs home before spring break! We will be emptying them all during the break and donating to Ditto whatever is left.
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GCCS Sponsorships // All students have at least a partial sponsorship! If anyone is interested in a partial sponsorship ($200, $400, or $600), please email Maria Klompmaker (mklompmaker@zcs.org).
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Faces and Our Cultures// We are happy to share with you that this year we will welcome Guatemalan students on campus through the Faces and Our Cultures Program. These young ambassadors will spend eight (8) weeks living with a school host family while attending classes and participating in extracurricular activities at school.
The dates of the program are:
From: Sunday, October 20th
To: Saturday, December 14th
We are in the process of recruiting host families for THESE wonderful ambassadors:
If you are interested in learning more, please contact me by responding to this email, contact Sandy Cardona, at sandy.cardona@facesandcultures.com, or, even better, completing the following link: LEARN MORE
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Yearbooks // You may still order a yearbook! Use the following link to purchase one or more yearbooks. Order form here.
March 13, 2024
Plan Ahead Busing/No School Dates:
March 22, 2024 | ½ Day
March 29-April 5 | No School // Spring Break
_________________________
2024-25 Calendar // Our calendar for the 2024-25 school year has been approved! Click here to view it.
_________________________
Teacher Requests // The Principals would like to remind parents that teacher requests based on preference are not accepted. If there are special circumstances that require placement considerations, please offer input directly to requests@zcs.org and not to individual teachers. Any formal submissions must be received by April 7th.
_________________________
Please Help Us Keep Our Students Safe // Parents, please take a few minutes to remind yourselves of our arrival and dismissal procedures. We ask you to follow these steps for the safety of all of our students. If you have specific questions, please feel free to email zcsinfo@zcs.org. This document reminds you of the where, the when, and the how. The why is easy...SAFETY! Thank you for taking the time to refresh your memory.
2023-2024 School Day Arrival & Dismissal Protocols
_________________________
Extended Care, Financial Aid, & Tuition Contracts for the Next Academic Year
Financial Aid Application
- The FACTS application is NOW OPEN.
- Required Documents: You will need to upload your 2023 taxes to complete your application.
- Fee: There is a $40 application fee.
- Deadline: March 20th, 2024
Tuition Contracts
- April 8, 2024: Tuition contracts will become active in your enrollment portal.
- Deadline: April 26th, 2024
- Questions? Contact Linda Hoekwater (lhoekwater@zcs.org, 616-879-0347) in the Finance Office.
_________________________
Yearbooks // You may still order a yearbook! Use the following link to purchase one or more yearbooks. Order form here.
_________________________
ZCS Expand(ED) Summer Camp and Tutoring // We are so excited about the options we have for you this year with a variety of sports camps, language camps, and other academic opportunities! Full options and sign-ups are available at: zcs.org/expand-ed please reach out to Makenna Hoesktra (mhoekstra@zcs.org) with any questions!
_________________________
TRIP is easy! // The ZCS Tuition Reducing Incentive Program is a simple way to earn "free" money on things you already purchase to reduce tuition. Order gift cards & e-gift cards on the RaiseRight app or online (even while you are shopping) or buy gift cards at school on Friday mornings. Just click here and follow the steps to start saving right away!
_________________________
Chapel Pre-Registration // Pre-Registration is now a sign-in option for parents/grandparents/guests when attending chapel! Pre-registration allows guests to skip the line and pick up their badge at the front desk. No waiting in line to scan in! Guests are eligible to pre-register IF they have signed in at the kiosk in the office previously WITH their driver's license.
Pre-Register for chapel on March 21 HERE. Pre-Registration will close at 5PM on Tuesday, March 19
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3-5th Grade Girl's and Boy's Running Club// Running club will start on Monday, March 18. Practice will be scheduled most Mondays/Thursdays from 3:30-4:30pm until the 5K race, which will occur on Saturday, May 11. The cost for running club is $40.00 and can be paid by cash/check or ZCS Venmo (@Zeeland Christian). Please indicate the students you pay for when you turn in your money. Email danastaat@gmail.com (boys) or jentex15@gmail.com (girls) with questions. To sign up, please fill out the following form: Boys Form // Girls Form
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Hot Lunch Account Reminder // Please check your hot lunch account balance and take care of negative balances this week! You may check your balance and add funds on the Family Portal
_________________________
Showtime! Songs from Stage and Screen on March 15 & 16 @ 7 pm // Join us for Living Hope Showcase 2024 at the HCHS Auditorium on Friday, March 15, and Saturday, March 16. You won’t want to miss this fun performance of music from Broadway, the movies, and television. Tickets are $10 each at hollandchristian.org/lhshowcase and $1 of every ticket will benefit Upward Bound Ministries.
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GCCS Sponsorships // All students have at least a partial sponsorship! If anyone is interested in a partial sponsorship ($200, $400, or $600), please email Maria Klompmaker (mklompmaker@zcs.org).
March 6, 2024
Plan Ahead Busing/No School Dates:
March 22, 2024 | ½ Day
March 29-April 5 | No School // Spring Break
_________________________
2024-25 Calendar // Our calendar for the 2024-25 school year has been approved! Click here to view it.
_________________________
Please Help Us Keep Our Students Safe // Parents, please take a few minutes to remind yourselves of our arrival and dismissal procedures. We ask you to follow these steps for the safety of all of our students. If you have specific questions, please feel free to email zcsinfo@zcs.org. This document reminds you of the where, the when, and the how. The why is easy...SAFETY! Thank you for taking the time to refresh your memory.
2023-2024 School Day Arrival & Dismissal Protocols
_________________________
Extended Care, Financial Aid, & Tuition Contracts for the Next Academic Year
Extended Care Registration
- TENTATIVE Rates can be found here.
- 3s-5th Grade Extended Care Registration Dates
- Current Extended Care Families: February 20, 12:00pm
- New Extended Care Families: February 22, 12:00pm
- Power Hour: Registration is not required.
- Questions? Contact Ginny Spahr (gspahr@zcs.org)
Financial Aid Application
- The FACTS application is NOW OPEN.
- Required Documents: You will need to upload your 2023 taxes to complete your application.
- Fee: There is a $40 application fee.
- Deadline: March 20th, 2024
Tuition Contracts
- April 8, 2024: Tuition contracts will become active in your enrollment portal.
- Deadline: April 26th, 2024
- Questions? Contact Linda Hoekwater (lhoekwater@zcs.org, 616-879-0347) in the Finance Office.
_________________________
Yearbooks // You may still order a yearbook! Use the following link to purchase one or more yearbooks. Order form here.
_________________________
ZCS Expand(ED) Summer Camp and Tutoring // We are so excited about the options we have for you this year with a variety of sports camps, language camps, and other academic opportunities! Full options and sign-ups are available at: zcs.org/expand-ed please reach out to Makenna Hoesktra (mhoekstra@zcs.org) with any questions!
_________________________
TRIP is easy! // The ZCS Tuition Reducing Incentive Program is a simple way to earn "free" money on things you already purchase to reduce tuition. Order gift cards & e-gift cards on the RaiseRight app or online (even while you are shopping) or buy gift cards at school on Friday mornings. Just click here and follow the steps to start saving right away!
_________________________
Chapel Pre-Registration // Pre-Registration is now a sign-in option for parents/grandparents/guests when attending chapel! Pre-registration allows guests to skip the line and pick up their badge at the front desk. No waiting in line to scan in! Guests are eligible to pre-register IF they have signed in at the kiosk in the office previously WITH their driver's license.
Pre-Register for chapel on March 21 HERE. Pre-Registration will close at 5PM on Tuesday, March 19
_________________________
3-5th Grade Girl's and Boy's Running Club// Running club will start on Monday, March 18. Practice will be scheduled most Mondays/Thursdays from 3:30-4:30pm until the 5K race, which will occur on Saturday, May 11. The cost for running club is $40.00 and can be paid by cash/check or ZCS Venmo (@Zeeland Christian). Please indicate the students you pay for when you turn in your money. Email danastaat@gmail.com (boys) or jentex15@gmail.com (girls) with questions. To sign up, please fill out the following form: Boys Form // Girls Form
_________________________
Hot Lunch Account Reminder // Please check your hot lunch account balance and take care of negative balances this week! You may check your balance and add funds on the Family Portal
_________________________
Showtime! Songs from Stage and Screen on March 15 & 16 @ 7 pm // Join us for Living Hope Showcase 2024 at the HCHS Auditorium on Friday, March 15, and Saturday, March 16. You won’t want to miss this fun performance of music from Broadway, the movies, and television. Tickets are $10 each at hollandchristian.org/lhshowcase and $1 of every ticket will benefit Upward Bound Ministries.
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Faces & Our Culture Program // We would like to take this opportunity to send a reminder that Sandy Cardona, Faces Program Coordinator, will be visiting ZCS for an informational meeting that will take place at our school campus according to the following details: Monday, March 11th at 12:00 p.m. If you are interested in learning more about the hosting opportunity during the Fall, please share your contact information in this link.
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GCCS Sponsorships // All students have at least a partial sponsorship! If anyone is interested in a partial sponsorship ($200, $400, or $600), please email Maria Klompmaker (mklompmaker@zcs.org).
ZCS VOLUNTEER/EMPLOYMENT //
VOLUNTEER // TRIP would like a couple more volunteers to sell Instant TRIP on Friday mornings. If interested contact Deb at 616-879-0398.
ZCS SHOPPER //
ditto upscale resale is looking to hire a full-time store director. This is a year-round position requiring some nights and weekends. Read the full job description here. Interested candidates may contact Tammy Siegers at tammysiegers@gmail.com.
Part-Time Job with Flexible Days/Hours: Shipping and Packaging Small Parcels with Basic Computer Work in a Clean Work Environment. Small Family Business - ZCS Alumni. Near Downtown Zeeland. Contact Kevin at 616-772-0659 or kevin.nopestvent@gmail.com
Need a sitter? We sit it all: BABYsitting, PETsitting, HOMEsitting, SITTERsitting (j/k). Contact: Em 566-9495 and Clara Kapenga 330-9602
Parent Reminders
Learn the sign-in process here. We are pleased to announce a New Visitor Management System called “Raptor”, which we began using on December 1, 2022. The safety of our ZCS Family is our highest priority. Because of the more efficient and thorough screening process for visitors, contractors, and volunteers, this new system allows us to create an even safer environment for our students and staff. In addition to strengthening our campus safety, the signin process for visitors is streamlined and much more user-friendly. Please bring your state issued ID/Drivers License to facilitate efficient sign-in.
If your student is going to be absent or late, please:
- Email students' homeroom teacher and attendance@zcs.org the reason for the absence or late arrival.
OR
- Email your homeroom teacher and leave a message on the attendance line 616-741-0051 with the reason for the absence or late arrival.
- If your student is going to be absent for multiple days, please email attendance@zcs.org prior to the absence, and all the days can be entered at once.
- A fever of 100 degrees or higher. Your child should be fever free for 24 hours without fever-reducing medicine before returning to school.
- Vomiting and/or diarrhea within the last 24 hours, free of vomiting/diarrhea for 24 hours before returning to school.
- A child that seems ill – unusually tired, pale, difficult to wake, headache, body ache, confused or irritable, and/or lack of normal appetite.
- Zeeland Christian operates on the same schedule as Zeeland Public Schools when weather delays and cancellations occur. Subscribe to Z for Me to receive email alerts from ZPS regarding school closings. (Weather News Outlet text notifications are no longer available.)
- Delays:
- Busing: When school is delayed for two hours, all buses will run two hours later than scheduled. School start times will be exactly two hours later as well.
- Hot Lunch: Will be provided as scheduled on delayed days.
- Morning Preschool: No school on delay days.
- Before School Care: is available on delay days for students already scheduled for that morning. (Before School Care is unavailable for students not on the schedule for that morning.)
- Morning Young Fives: No school on delay days.
- Morning Only Kindergarten Students: No school on delay days.
Please find more information here If you want to access the Zonar bus security app.
- Parents of Young 5s-5th grade: If you want your TRIP sent home with your child, please update your profile on RaiseRight with their current teacher's name. Middle School students need to pick up your TRIP in the front office.
- Instant TRIP will have new hours in the fall. It will be on Fridays at 8:00-9:30 am.
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April 27, 2024 | 7th Grade Totally Free Car Wash
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May 3, 2024 | ZCS Fun Night
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May 6, 2024 - May 10, 2024 | Teacher Appreciation Week
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May 6, 2024 9:10 am - 9:40 am | All School Chapel
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May 6, 2024 - May 10, 2024 | Teacher Appreciation Week
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May 6, 2024 - May 10, 2024 | Teacher Appreciation Week
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May 6, 2024 - May 10, 2024 | Teacher Appreciation Week
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May 9, 2024 | 1/2 Day *Tulip Time*
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May 6, 2024 - May 10, 2024 | Teacher Appreciation Week
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May 10, 2024 | No PM Busing
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May 11, 2024 | Running Club 5K
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May 13, 2024 8:55 am - 9:25 am | Family Groups - Final Meeting
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May 13, 2024 3:35 pm - 4:20 pm | Beginning Band Info Mtg (for 4th-Grade Families)
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May 14, 2024 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm | MS Choir Concert
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May 15, 2024 | 4th Grade Market Day
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May 17, 2024 | Last Day of Preschool
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May 27, 2024 | No School // Memorial Day
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May 30, 2024 11:45 am - 2:45 pm | 1st-5th Family Games
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June 3, 2024 | 8th Grade Graduation
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June 5, 2024 | Last Day of School (1/2 day)