BLUE NOTE
2023-24 EDITION No. 25 | PUBLISHED WEEKLY ON WEDNESDAYS | BURN BRIGHT
Upcoming Calendar Dates //
-
March 21, 2024 9:10 am - 10:10 am | All School Chapel
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March 22, 2024 9:00 am - 9:30 am | K-2nd Young Author's Visit: Kelli Baptist
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March 22, 2024 9:45 am - 10:15 am | 3rd-5th Young Author's Visit: Kelli Baptist
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March 22, 2024 | 1/2 Day of School
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March 29, 2024 - April 5, 2024 | No School // Spring Break
-
April 8, 2024 | Hallway Gallery Art Show April 8th-24th
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April 11, 2024 7:00 pm - 7:30 pm | Society Meeting
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April 15, 2024 | Hallway Gallery Art Show April 8th-24th
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April 16, 2024 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm | Connect to Middle School
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April 17, 2024 9:10 am - 9:40 am | All School Chapel
Blue Note Blurb //
Strategic Planning Update
“If you don’t know where you’re going, you’ll end up someplace else.” -Yogi Berra
ZCS Community,
In January, we began a strategic planning process that engaged many groups representing subsets of our greater community. Over the course of a few days, those groups, including teachers, students, parents, leadership, and members of our Board, participated in interview sessions to articulate the current strengths and weaknesses of our organization. Several hundred individuals joined the effort, and we’re very grateful to all who said yes and dedicated time to this important process.
Since wrapping up the initial interviews, all the data gathered is now compiled and summarized, highlighting several key areas where we intend to focus our work of future planning in the days and months ahead. Many encouraging characteristics of our school community rose to the top in the fact-finding process, including these non-negotiables and values:
- Christ-centered education
- Inclusion and seeing the image of God in all children of every nation and ability
- Excellent teaching in the context of relationship
These are great pillars as we look to move Zeeland Christian into the next phase in the life of our school.
As the Board and Leadership Team consider data collected from our strategic planning workshops and additional sources like parent and staff surveys, we continue to identify common themes. From here, we will devise action steps for each area. We know that in some cases, we are already underway pursuing work in key categories, but there is always more to be done. We’re grateful to have a constructive guideline in hand to help direct our next steps.
In the months ahead, we look forward to sharing more of how we’re applying this data and making plans for improved and continual growth. Meanwhile, thank you to all who participated in the important work of sharing input and dialoguing together. We’re ready to dig in and honor the investments of time and resources already dedicated to this process.
“Plans are only good intentions unless they immediately degenerate into hard work.” -Peter Drucker
Onward, on behalf of the Board,
Ann Hemmeke
ZCS Board President
PLEASE DRIVE WITH CAUTION AT ALL TIMES
to help us keep our students and staff safe
ALL FAMILIES, please take a few minutes to remind yourselves of our arrival and dismissal procedures. 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.
The ZCS 7th & 8th graders are proud to present The Little Mermaid Jr. on Friday, March 15 at 7pm and Saturday, March 16 at 2pm & 7pm in the ZCS gym. Come join in the fun under the sea! Buy your tickets here.
We are so excited to host the ZCS Auction 2024 online and in-person on Friday, April 19! Be sure to create a bidding account and purchase tickets to attend in-person by following the links below. zcs.org/auction deadline to register for our in-person event is April 5.
QUICK LINKS
Blue Note News //
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
_________________________
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.
_________________________
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.
_________________________
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.
_________________________
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).
February 28, 2024
Plan Ahead Busing/No School Dates:
February 29, 2024 | Elementary No PM Busing
March 1, 2024 | ½ Day MS No PM Busing
March 22, 2024 | ½ Day
March 29-April 5 | No School // Spring Break
_________________________
The ZCS 7th & 8th graders are proud to present The Little Mermaid Jr. on Friday, March 15 at 7pm and Saturday, March 16 at 2pm & 7pm in the ZCS gym. Come join in the fun under the sea! Buy your tickets here.
_________________________
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.
_________________________
Leap Year // Parent Partners have created a fun way to celebrate Leap Year! Each student will be making a super simple time capsule to bring home and open the next leap year (2028). Please send your student to school with 1 disposable water bottle that is emptied, we will use that as the time capsule. If you have a few extra laying around, please send those in too!
_________________________
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
_________________________
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.
_________________________
ONLY ONE MORE SPONSOR NEEDED // We are looking for about 1 more sponsors. Since 1999, ZCS has had a sister-school relationship with GCCS in the Philippines. One way we can connect with students at GCCS is to sponsor their tuition. For only $800, a student can attend GCCS for an entire year. Our ZCS community has committed to sponsoring 65 students this year. Please contact Maria Klompmaker (mklompmaker@zcs.org) if you are interested in a full sponsorship ($800), a semester sponsorship ($400), or a term sponsorship ($200). Thank you!
_________________________
Faces & Our Culture Program // For many years, Zeeland Christian School has had the opportunity to participate in a cultural exchange program for Guatemalan students, and we are excited to continue the program once again. The Faces And Our Cultures program is designed to provide Guatemalan students the opportunity to spend 7 weeks in our community. Over the years, we have had several Guatemalan ambassadors come to our campus, and many have built lasting relationships with their host families. We are looking for host families to host this fall. Each participant will attend Zeeland for seven weeks as a full-time student and will participate in all aspects of the school day. These student ambassadors are fluent in English and will arrive on Sunday, October 20th, and depart on Saturday, December 14th.
For More Information: Faces & Our Culture Program INFORMATION!
February 21, 2024
Plan Ahead Busing/No School Dates:
February 23, 2024 | No PM Busing
February 29, 2024 | Elementary No PM Busing
March 1, 2024 | ½ Day
March 22, 2024 | ½ Day
March 29-April 5 | No School // Spring Break
_________________________
February Board News // February is an especially busy time of year as we prepare for many aspects of the upcoming school year. This month, we reviewed a preliminary budget for 2024-25, to be finalized by the time of our March meeting. The budget will then be presented to the Society for consideration in advance of our annual society meeting, which will be held on Thursday, April 11th. Please mark your calendars and plan to join us if you’re able!
This month, the Board is conducting interviews with Board nominees in preparation to recommend candidates for Society approval prior to the annual meeting.
The Board also approved the 2024-25 calendar as presented, and we’re encouraged by the partnership of leadership and faculty/staff to plan a calendar that best serves the interests and needs of our community.
Many thanks to all those who participated in strategic planning sessions in January. We are in the process of reviewing both the raw data and the assessment summary as provided by CSI, and we look forward to sharing more with the Society soon.
Reminder: Please join the Board of Trustees for the School Board Coffee Connection on February 27, from 1:30 to 3:30pm.
_________________________
2024-25 Calendar // Our calendar for the 2024-25 school year has been approved! Click here to view it.
_________________________
Chapel Pre-Registration Deadline! // 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-registration will be open until 7PM tonight!
Pre-Register for chapel on February 23 HERE
_________________________
Extended Care 2024-25 Registration // Early enrollment for staff and current Extended Care families is open! See the information below and contact Ginny Spaht at gspahr@zcs.org if you have questions. Simply log in to your enrollment portal to register.
- 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.
_________________________
Pastor Appreciation Breakfast // We are delighted to host another of Pastor Appreciation Breakfast! Printed invitations will be in students’ backpacks starting in February. Please be sure to invite your pastor for breakfast & chapel on February 23, 2024.
_________________________
Yearbooks // You may still order a yearbook! Use the following link to purchase one or more yearbooks. Order form here.
_________________________
Leap Year // Parent Partners have created a fun way to celebrate Leap Year! Each student will be making a super simple time capsule to bring home and open the next leap year (2028). Please send your student to school with 1 disposable water bottle that is emptied, we will use that as the time capsule. If you have a few extra laying around, please send those in too!
_________________________
Faces & Our Culture Program // For many years, Zeeland Christian School has had the opportunity to participate in a cultural exchange program for Guatemalan students, and we are excited to continue the program once again. The Faces And Our Cultures program is designed to provide Guatemalan students the opportunity to spend 7 weeks in our community. Over the years, we have had several Guatemalan ambassadors come to our campus, and many have built lasting relationships with their host families. We are looking for host families to host this fall. Each participant will attend Zeeland for seven weeks as a full-time student and will participate in all aspects of the school day. These student ambassadors are fluent in English and will arrive on Sunday, October 20th, and depart on Saturday, December 14th.
For More Information: Faces & Our Culture Program INFORMATION!
_________________________
TRIP is easy! // The ZCS Tuition Reducing Incentive Program is a simple way to earn "free" money on things you are already purchasing to reduce tuition at ZCS.
- Order gifts 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!
Instant TRIP: Would you like to order physical cards but don't want to wait a week or more to get them? Instant TRIP offers 35 brands that you can purchase and take with you. Come check it out on Fridays when school is in session 8:00-9:30 am.
_________________________
SNOWFEST- Canceled // Due to weather conditions, Snowfest has been canceled.
_________________________
Only 7 More Sponsors Needed // We are looking for about 9 more sponsors. Since 1999, ZCS has had a sister-school relationship with GCCS in the Philippines. One way we can connect with students at GCCS is to sponsor their tuition. For only $800, a student can attend GCCS for an entire year. Our ZCS community has committed to sponsoring 65 students this year. Please contact Maria Klompmaker (mklompmaker@zcs.org) if you are interested in a full sponsorship ($800), a semester sponsorship ($400), or a term sponsorship ($200). Thank you!
_________________________
Holland Christian Boys Club Lacrosse for 3rd-8th Grade Students // Registration is open for Holland Christian's boys lacrosse club for this spring! There is a 3rd/4th grade, 5th/6th grade, and 7th/8th grade team that is ready for your child to participate! Early bird registration rates are through February 16 for 5/6 and 7/8 and through March 1 for 3/4. Use the following link to register and find additional information about the club. https://campscui.active.com/orgs/HollandChristianSchool
February 14, 2024
_________________________
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-registration will be open until 5PM on 2/21/24
Pre-Register for chapel on February 23 HERE
_________________________
Extended Care 2024-25 Registration // Early enrollment for staff and current Extended Care families opens next week! See the information below and contact Ginny Spaht at zspahr@zcs.org if you have questions. Simply log in to your enrollment portal to register.
- 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.
_________________________
Pastor Appreciation Breakfast // We are delighted to host another of Pastor Appreciation Breakfast! Printed invitations will be in students’ backpacks starting in February. Please be sure to invite your pastor for breakfast & chapel on February 23, 2024.
_________________________
Yearbooks // You may still order a yearbook! Use the following link to purchase one or more yearbooks. Order form here.
_________________________
Leap Year // Parent Partners have created a fun way to celebrate Leap Year! Each student will be making a super simple time capsule to bring home and open the next leap year (2028). Please send your student to school with 1 disposable water bottle that is emptied, we will use that as the time capsule. If you have a few extra laying around, please send those in too!
_________________________
Faces & Our Culture Program // For many years, Zeeland Christian School has had the opportunity to participate in a cultural exchange program for Guatemalan students, and we are excited to continue the program once again. The Faces And Our Cultures program is designed to provide Guatemalan students the opportunity to spend 7 weeks in our community. Over the years, we have had several Guatemalan ambassadors come to our campus, and many have built lasting relationships with their host families. We are looking for host families to host this fall. Each participant will attend Zeeland for seven weeks as a full-time student and will participate in all aspects of the school day. These student ambassadors are fluent in English and will arrive on Sunday, October 20th, and depart on Saturday, December 14th.
For More Information: Faces & Our Culture Program INFORMATION!
_________________________
TRIP is easy! // The ZCS Tuition Reducing Incentive Program is a simple way to earn "free" money on things you are already purchasing to reduce tuition at ZCS.
- Order gifts 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!
_________________________
ZCS Caberfae Trip Canceled // Due to the weather and lack of participation, the ZCS Caberfae Ski Trip has been canceled. We'll try again next year!
_________________________
SNOWFEST- POSTPONED // NEW DATE: February 24th, 6-8pm
Parent Partners is hosting a snow fest at the ZCS hill! It will be a fun evening of sledding, and hot chocolate will be provided.
_________________________
Only 7 More Sponsors Needed // We are looking for about 9 more sponsors. Since 1999, ZCS has had a sister-school relationship with GCCS in the Philippines. One way we can connect with students at GCCS is to sponsor their tuition. For only $800, a student can attend GCCS for an entire year. Our ZCS community has committed to sponsoring 65 students this year. Please contact Maria Klompmaker (mklompmaker@zcs.org) if you are interested in a full sponsorship ($800), a semester sponsorship ($400), or a term sponsorship ($200). Thank you!
_________________________
Holland Christian Boys Club Lacrosse for 3rd-8th Grade Students // Registration is open for Holland Christian's boys lacrosse club for this spring! There is a 3rd/4th grade, 5th/6th grade, and 7th/8th grade team that is ready for your child to participate! Early bird registration rates are through February 16 for 5/6 and 7/8 and through March 1 for 3/4. Use the following link to register and find additional information about the club. https://campscui.active.com/orgs/HollandChristianSchool
February 7, 2024
Plan Ahead Busing/No School Dates:
February 12, 2024 | No Busing
February 13, 2024 | No Busing
February 16, 2024 | No School // Winter Break
February 19, 2024 | No School // Winter Break
February 23, 2024 | No PM Busing
February 29, 2024 | Elementary No PM Busing
March 1, 2024 | ½ Day
March 22, 2024 | ½ Day
March 29-April 5 | No School // Spring Break
_________________________
Lunar New Year Event // 新年快乐--Happy New Year!
On Friday, February 9, more than 1.5 billion people will be celebrating the Lunar New Year. Join us as we celebrate Lunar New Year at the Holland Fish and Game Club from 5:30-8pm on Friday, Feb 9! All are invited to this family-friendly event!
We will also be celebrating at ZCS. In addition to a Chinese-themed lunch at school, we invite everyone to wear RED on Friday, February 9--the traditional color of this holiday.
_________________________
Pastor Appreciation Breakfast // We are delighted to host another of Pastor Appreciation Breakfast! Printed invitations will be in students’ backpacks starting in February. Please be sure to invite your pastor for breakfast & chapel on February 23, 2024.
_________________________
Yearbooks // You may still order a yearbook! Use the following link to purchase one or more yearbooks. Order form here.
_________________________
Faces & Our Culture Program // For many years, Zeeland Christian School has had the opportunity to participate in a cultural exchange program for Guatemalan students, and we are excited to continue the program once again. The Faces And Our Cultures program is designed to provide Guatemalan students the opportunity to spend 7 weeks in our community. Over the years, we have had several Guatemalan ambassadors come to our campus, and many have built lasting relationships with their host families. We are looking for host families to host this fall. Each participant will attend Zeeland for seven weeks as a full-time student and will participate in all aspects of the school day. These student ambassadors are fluent in English and will arrive on Sunday, October 20th, and depart on Saturday, December 14th.
For More Information: Faces & Our Culture Program INFORMATION!
_________________________
Save on Tuition with TRIP // The ZCS Tuition Reducing Incentive Program is a simple way to earn "free" money on things you are already purchasing to reduce tuition at ZCS
There are 3 ways you can use TRIP
- Order gift cards online from the app (even while you are shopping)
- Buy gift cards at school (Friday mornings)
- Order gift cards online (available at school in a week) Setting up an account is easy! Just click here and follow the steps to start saving right away!
_________________________
SKATING PARTIES! // All skating parties will start at 6:00pm and wrap up at 8:00pm. Admission is $10.00 and skate rental is included in that price. NOTE- any child over 33 inches coming into Rollerxscape will be charged the 10 dollar admission fee. A supervising adult who does not plan to skate will NOT be charged the fee. Rollerxscape does not allow any outside food or drink in their facility due to health department rules. Concession stands will be open, and you are able to purchase food and beverages if you wish to do so. Come and join in on the fun! Hope to see you there!
February 13: Middle School
Where? Rollerxscape in Holland (12521 James St, Holland, MI 49424)
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ZCS Caberfae Trip // Join us for a day of skiing at Caberfae on Monday, February 19, 2024. The price per lift ticket is $40 and includes rentals if you need them. Sign up HERE. Sign-ups will CLOSE at midnight on Wednesday, February 14. We will not be able to adjust rentals or lift tickets after that time. We will be planning a potluck for those who would like to participate, so watch your email for more information. If you have any questions, you can email Dana Staat or Marcie Leegwater at danastaat@gmail.com or leegwaterm@gmail.com. Hope to see you there!
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SNOWFEST- POSTPONED // NEW DATE: February 24th, 6-8pm
Parent Partners is hosting a snow fest at the ZCS hill! It will be a fun evening of sledding, and hot chocolate will be provided. If there is no snow on February 10-the date will be moved to February 24!
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Only 7 More Sponsors Needed // We are looking for about 9 more sponsors. Since 1999, ZCS has had a sister-school relationship with GCCS in the Philippines. One way we can connect with students at GCCS is to sponsor their tuition. For only $800, a student can attend GCCS for an entire year. Our ZCS community has committed to sponsoring 65 students this year. Please contact Maria Klompmaker (mklompmaker@zcs.org) if you are interested in a full sponsorship ($800), a semester sponsorship ($400), or a term sponsorship ($200). Thank you!
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Holland Christian Boys Club Lacrosse for 3rd-8th Grade Students // Registration is open for Holland Christian's boys lacrosse club for this spring! There is a 3rd/4th grade, 5th/6th grade and 7th/8th grade team that is ready for your child to participate! Early bird registration rates are through February 16 for 5/6 and 7/8 and through March 1 for 3/4. Use the following link to register and find additional information about the club. https://campscui.active.com/orgs/HollandChristianSchool
January 31, 2024
Plan Ahead Busing/No School Dates:
February 12, 2024 | No Busing
February 13, 2024 | No Busing
February 16, 2024 | No School // Winter Break
February 19, 2024 | No School // Winter Break
February 23, 2024 | No PM Busing
February 29, 2024 | Elementary No PM Busing
March 1, 2024 | ½ Day
March 22, 2024 | ½ Day
March 29-April 5 | No School // Spring Break
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Lunar New Year Event // 新年快乐--Happy New Year!
On Friday, February 9, more than 1.5 billion people will be celebrating the Lunar New Year. Join us as we celebrate Lunar New Year at the Holland Fish and Game Club from 5:30-8pm on Friday, Feb 9! All are invited to this family-friendly event!
We will also be celebrating at ZCS. In addition to a Chinese-themed lunch at school, we invite everyone to wear RED on Friday, February 9--the traditional color of this holiday.
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Pastor Appreciation Breakfast // We are delighted to host another of Pastor Appreciation Breakfast! Printed invitations will be in students’ backpacks starting in February. Please be sure to invite your pastor for breakfast & chapel on February 23, 2024.
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Yearbooks // You may still order a yearbook! Use the following link to purchase one or more yearbooks: https://store.geskusphoto.com/cart/01HAWB3Z2H05CX7AY2VN1B27RG/catalog
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Save on Tuition with TRIP // The ZCS Tuition Reducing Incentive Program is a simple way to earn "free" money on things you are already purchasing to reduce tuition at ZCS
There are 3 ways you can use TRIP
- Order gift cards online from the app (even while you are shopping)
- Buy gift cards at school (Friday mornings)
- Order gift cards online (available at school in a week) Setting up an account is easy! Just click here and follow the steps to start saving right away!
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SKATING PARTIES! // All skating parties will start at 6:00pm and wrap up at 8:00pm. Admission is $10.00 and skate rental is included in that price. NOTE- any child over 33 inches coming into Rollerxscape will be charged the 10 dollar admission fee. A supervising adult who does not plan to skate will NOT be charged the fee. Rollerxscape does not allow any outside food or drink in their facility due to health department rules. Concession stands will be open, and you are able to purchase food and beverages if you wish to do so. Come and join in on the fun! Hope to see you there!
February 13: Middle School
Where? Rollerxscape in Holland (12521 James St, Holland, MI 49424)
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ZCS Caberfae Trip // Join us for a day of skiing at Caberfae on Monday, February 19, 2024. The price per lift ticket is $40 and includes rentals if you need them. Sign up HERE. Sign-ups will CLOSE at midnight on Wednesday, February 14. We will not be able to adjust rentals or lift tickets after that time. We will be planning a potluck for those who would like to participate, so watch your email for more information. If you have any questions, you can email Dana Staat or Marcie Leegwater at danastaat@gmail.com or leegwaterm@gmail.com. Hope to see you there!
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SNOWFEST- SAVE THE DATE // Saturday, February 10, 6-8pm
Parent Partners is hosting a snow fest at the ZCS hill! It will be a fun evening of sledding, and hot chocolate will be provided. If there is no snow on February 10-the date will be moved to February 24!
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Only 7 More Sponsors Needed // We are looking for about 9 more sponsors. Since 1999, ZCS has had a sister-school relationship with GCCS in the Philippines. One way we can connect with students at GCCS is to sponsor their tuition. For only $800, a student can attend GCCS for an entire year. Our ZCS community has committed to sponsoring 65 students this year. Please contact Maria Klompmaker (mklompmaker@zcs.org) if you are interested in a full sponsorship ($800), a semester sponsorship ($400), or a term sponsorship ($200). Thank you!
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Holland Christian Boys Club Lacrosse for 3rd-8th Grade Students // Registration is open for Holland Christian's boys lacrosse club for this spring! There is a 3rd/4th grade, 5th/6th grade and 7th/8th grade team that is ready for your child to participate! Early bird registration rates are through February 16 for 5/6 and 7/8 and through March 1 for 3/4. Use the following link to register and find additional information about the club. https://campscui.active.com/orgs/HollandChristianSchool
ZCS FEATURED BUSINESS //
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.
Big Star Lake Cottage for rent. 4BR/2BA-Sleeps 11. Close to the water. Most beautiful sunsets on the lake! Call 616-886-7239
We are so excited to announce that the ZCS Auction 2024 will be taking place online and in-person on Friday, April 19! Don't forget to create a bidding account and purchase tickets to attend in-person by following the links.
*This is an ADULT ONLY event.
Auction Details
2023 EZGO L6 6 Passenger Gas Golf Cart - White, complete with Kawasaki engine, full LED head and tail lights with brake lights, upgraded seats, light-up cupholders, USB charger in the dash, and a 2-year warranty.
2023 Icon 4 passenger Custom Build Electric Golf Cart - Red, complete with AGM maintenance free batteries, onboard charger, four-wheel disc brakes, dash with speedometer, and USB charger, turn signals and brake lights, party lights, 500 Watt sound bar, air horn, cup holders in front and back, seatbelts, front storage basket, and a removable enclosure.
One Year of FREE tuition! ($9,000 Voucher) It can be used for anyone who attends ZCS and is transferable to another family.
Please contact Dana Geurink 616-610-9180, dgeurink@zcs.org with any questions.
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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March 18, 2024 - March 19, 2024 | Preschool Conferences
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March 21, 2024 9:10 am - 10:10 am | All School Chapel
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March 22, 2024 | 1/2 Day of School
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March 22, 2024 9:00 am - 9:30 am | K-2nd Young Author's Visit: Kelli Baptist
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March 22, 2024 9:45 am - 10:15 am | 3rd-5th Young Author's Visit: Kelli Baptist
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March 29, 2024 - April 5, 2024 | No School // Spring Break
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March 29, 2024 - April 5, 2024 | No School // Spring Break
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March 29, 2024 - April 5, 2024 | No School // Spring Break
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March 29, 2024 - April 5, 2024 | No School // Spring Break
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March 29, 2024 - April 5, 2024 | No School // Spring Break
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March 29, 2024 - April 5, 2024 | No School // Spring Break
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March 29, 2024 - April 5, 2024 | No School // Spring Break
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March 29, 2024 - April 5, 2024 | No School // Spring Break
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April 8, 2024 | Hallway Gallery Art Show April 8th-24th
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April 11, 2024 7:00 pm - 7:30 pm | Society Meeting
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April 15, 2024 | Hallway Gallery Art Show April 8th-24th
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April 16, 2024 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm | Connect to Middle School
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April 17, 2024 9:10 am - 9:40 am | All School Chapel
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April 19, 2024 | ZCS Auction
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April 22, 2024 | Hallway Gallery Art Show April 8th-24th
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April 23, 2024 8:00 am - 8:30 am | Muffins With Moms & Ma'ams - Front Entry
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April 24, 2024 8:00 am - 8:30 am | Muffins With Moms & Ma'ams - Front Entry
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April 25, 2024 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm | Spring Band Concert
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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 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 - 3:15 pm | 1st-5th Family Group Games - Rain Date May 31st
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June 3, 2024 | 8th Grade Graduation
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June 5, 2024 | Last Day of School (1/2 day)
ZCS VOLUNTEER/EMPLOYMENT //
Long-term Sub Positions // We have two long-term sub positions available to cover maternity leaves in our Middle School Support Services. Click here to see more information.
Substitute Teachers REALLY Needed // We would love to have a longer list of possible substitute teachers who love God, love kids, and love to learn. By joining the substitute teacher list, you will be aware of when jobs are open and then choose which jobs to accept. We would love to have English, Spanish, and Mandarin subs. If you or someone you know are interested in additional information, please contact Maria Klompmaker (mklompmaker@zcs.org).