BLUE NOTE

2024-25 EDITION No. 35 | PUBLISHED WEEKLY ON WEDNESDAYS | BURN BRIGHT

Upcoming Calendar Dates //

Nothing from June 15, 2025 to July 15, 2025.

Blue Note Blurb // June 04, 2025

Dear Zeeland Christian Community,

As this school year comes to a close, we approach the end of my time as Interim Head of School at Zeeland Christian. It has been one of the great joys and privileges of my career to serve this extraordinary community. ZCS is a place that holds fast to its mission, lives deeply into its core values, and faithfully follows God’s leading. It has been an honor to serve the Board and humbling to walk alongside our faculty, staff, and leadership team during this transitional year. I’m filled with gratitude for the spirit of unity and purpose that has defined our work together.

Over the past months, we’ve made significant progress on the strategic initiatives that were set in motion prior to my arrival. From strengthening student support systems and enhancing educational programming to building a culture of data-informed collaboration among staff, our efforts continue to reflect a deep commitment to every child’s flourishing. In addition, careful evaluations of our campus and facilities have taken place to discern how best to steward our space for generations to come. These conversations are rooted in prayer and driven by our desire to remain faithfully all-in for today’s and tomorrow’s students.

As I prepare to step back, I do so with full confidence in the path ahead and with great excitement for Betsy Koop as she moves into the role of Head of School. Betsy brings a deep love for children, a thoughtful and courageous spirit, and a vision for ZCS that is rooted in hope, curiosity, and joy. I have every confidence that under her leadership, Zeeland Christian will continue to thrive as a place where Christ is known, students are seen and celebrated, and families are faithfully supported.

It’s been a blessing to witness firsthand what makes this place so special. The stories of God at work in classrooms, the laughter in the hallways, the spirit of generosity among our families, and the quiet moments of prayer throughout our school days—each of these reminds me that ZCS is not simply a school; it is a living testimony of God’s faithfulness. As I reach the next chapter God has for me, I do so with a heart full of gratitude and a continued belief in the mission of Zeeland Christian School.

With deep appreciation and one last reminder to Burn Bright,

 

Tom-1

Tom DeJonge
Interim Head of School

Blue Note News //

June 04, 2025 //

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NEW INFORMATION //

The Student Supply Lists 2025/2026 //  Student Supply Lists for the 2025-2026 School Year

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25-26 Hot Lunch Prices // Hot Lunch Y5-8  $3.75  Alacarte Milk $.75

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2025 Champs Books // are on sale now for $15.00!  That is 1/2 half off!  The book is packed with amazing Lakeshore coupons. Champs Coupon Books are available at Quality Car Wash locations, Russ’ Restaurant locations, Community Restaurant in Zeeland, HC Admin. Office, ZCS and Ditto. 2025 coupons are valid through December 31.  

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School Nurse // After 3 years of hard work at ZCS Lindsey Wagenmaker, who is a member of the Holland Hospital School Nurse Program, will be stepping away to focus on family.  She will be replaced by another member of the Holland Hospital School Nurse team who will be starting at ZCS on August 4, 2025.  After June 20, please direct any forms and questions to nurse@zcs.org. Before June 20 lwagenmaker@zcs.org may be used.

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TRIP // Wow! So far this year TRIP (Tuition Reducing Incentive Program) has paid out over $60,000 towards tuition at ZCS! TRIP is an awesome way to earn money towards tuition. Find out more about TRIP at https://www.zcs.org/trip/ 

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Food Service // Zeeland Christian's  food service department is looking for someone to help prepare and serve lunch. The job averages 4.5 hours per day, and is typically 3-4 days/week, with holiday, sick and personal days included, and is a great opportunity to work the same schedule as your students with the same holidays as they have. For more information, please email Sue Lambers slambers@hollandchristian.org with your phone number and interest.

 

REPEAT INFORMATION //

Burn Bright Abroad! // Have you ever dreamed of exploring new places with your family—learning about different cultures, tasting new foods, and experiencing the world in a hands-on way? Registration for the following travel opportunities through Travec is now expanded (from 4th-6th grade families) to any interested ZCS family. Consider joining other families on one of the following adventures during the 2025/26 school year!

Where are we headed? 

November 2025: San Juan, Puerto Rico 

December 2025: Shenzhen, China (tentative--details to come)

April 2026: Madrid, Spain

June 2026: Trujillo, Peru

(Itineraries available at traveltravec.com/zeelandchristian

We can't wait to dream, plan, and explore the world together!!

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25-26 Incoming Kindergarten families // Hearing, Vision and Dental Screenings are required to enter Kindergarten. Screenings may be completed through your healthcare provider or free Hearing and Vision Screenings are available by appointment through the Ottawa County Department of Public Health. Call 616-396-5266 to schedule. 

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Lost and Found// All lost and found items have been placed in the main lobby of the school. Please check out the lost and found for items your student may have misplaced.  After the last day of school ALL items will be donated.  

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Hot Lunch Balances// All negative lunch balances MUST be taken care of by Friday, June 6. Lunch 

balances may be checked at https://hollandchristian.familyportal.cloud/

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Nurse Note// If your child has medication at school - inhaler, epipen, oral medicine - please make plans to pick up the medication from the nurse by the end of the school day on Friday, June 6.  Questions?  Please reach out to Nurse Lindsey or Beth.

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From Admissions & Enrollment // Just a reminder: Families with students in grades K-7 will be automatically enrolled for the upcoming school year. There is no need to re-enroll your child. If you have any questions, please feel free to email admissions@zcs.org.

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2025-26 ZCS School Calendar // Next year’s school calendar has been approved. You can view the calendar HEREPlease Note: Grandparents' Day is scheduled for the morning of April 24th. This is a shift from previous years and we wanted to bring it to your attention.

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2025-26 Transportation Note // Transportation requests for the 2025-2026 school are open. Please submit a transportation request for each enrolled student at this link. This form is required for all students, even if you don’t plan on utilizing transportation. Bus assignments will be available through the My Ride K-12 app in early August. This app is required for stop times, locations, and real-time updates. Email jmichmer@zps.org with questions.

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ZCS Summer Camps and Tutoring // Sign-ups are open! We have a variety of camps and academic opportunities for students this summer! Great opportunities to connect with friends or bring more friends along! Sign up here: zcs.org/expand-ed

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Do you know anyone who would like to sub at ZCS? We are in desperate need of subs and could use your help spreading the word! Make $122.50/day and get FREE LUNCH! An educational degree is not required. HERE is a link to our online application. Questions? Email lhoekwater@zcs.org.

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Two ways to host International Students // Do you have a passion for other cultures? Do you have a gift of hospitality? If so, please prayerfully consider hosting an international student for the 25-26 school year. Please fill out an interest in hosting form.

Also, we are once again doing the Michigan Summer Experience June 25-July 24. There are 10 students from Spain visiting this year with 4 boys and 6 girls.The format for the program is for the student to visit and experience a Michigan Summer, doing what you do. And that can include camping. boating, trips, the beach, sporting events etc. Here is a link to a video showing last year's experience and bio info for this year's students. https://bit.ly/MichiganSummerExperience 

 For more information and to turn in a completed form, please email Kyle Kempster  kkempster@hollandchristian.org

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VOLUNTEER/EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Elementary School Positions - apply here

ZCS SHOPPER

Howard Miller Library Summer Reading Program!!  Information on the summer reading program!

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Calling all 4th-8th grade athletes! Join Central Michigan football commit, Caden VanHuis, at his 1 day kicking camp on May 31st, from 2:00-4:30 pm. Details and Registration HERE

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ZCS soccer families, if you are interested in additional soccer training this summer to develop your athlete's skill set, Holland Christian soccer coach Lito Wagenveld will be running small group training sessions each week, Monday - Saturday. Grades 6 and up. For more information, see the linked flyer HERE and his schedule HERE. Contact Coach Wagenveld at primusperformancesoccer@gmail.com or 708-829-1436 with interest and questions. Thanks!

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.

Parent Reminders