New ZCS Preschool Director

Alicia Zandstra is the new preschool director for Zeeland Christian School. She graduated from Holland Christian High School and then received her Bachelor’s of Social Work from Calvin University. She is a lifelong learner and took classes in early childhood education during her time as the Lakeshore Little People’s Place Providence Site Director the past…

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Teacher Spotlight: Cindy Arendsen

After 30 years of teaching, Cindy Arendsen continues to build a legacy of loving God, loving kids, and loving learning. In her time at Zeeland Christian, Cindy has taught preschool and kindergarten, and is currently teaching first grade. When asked what she looks forward to most about coming to work each day, she shares, “I…

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ZCS Family Spotlight: The Hamilton Family

When Kevin and Kristen Hamilton relocated to West Michigan with their family in the fall of 2020, they did so with their hopes set high on Zeeland Christian. Previously, they’d called central New Jersey home for 14 years, but Michigan drew their attention as they searched for a better educational opportunity for their children. The…

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“It’s Different Here”

Five years ago, my family and I were visiting Zeeland Christian shortly after I had accepted the position here. It was Good Friday, and the enduring memory of that day is the worship during all-school chapel. As chapel ended, longtime ZCS facility manager Paul Meeuwsen walked up and took the microphone, tearfully telling the students…

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Responding to Ukraine/Russia with Your Children

The following statement was sent to our middle and elementary teachers and staff on the morning of Feb. 24, 2022. Middle School and Elementary Teams, Please read the following information from Tim Paauw regarding the Ukraine/Russia situation. Paauw and I (Betsy Koop) continue to be in prayer for you as teachers who field students many questions…

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Stronger achievement scores in all subjects and grade levels.

Last week, many of your students likely came home from school sharing about MAP Growth testing in their classrooms. I had the opportunity to help with testing in a few first-grade classrooms. It was inspiring to observe the calm leadership of our teachers as they navigated student logins, technology questions, and nerves. There are a…

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Assisting Parents

Parents, we’re here for you. How can we help? The phrase “assisting parents” is included in the mission of ZCS, and we see this aspect of our mission lived out each day in our hallways, classrooms, playgrounds, hiking trails, and specials. Stacy Deters, Dir. of Student Support Services, recently shared this story with our Board,…

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Head of School Note 1.19.22

Parents and Guardians,  Reflecting on our first few weeks back to school after the holidays, I am encouraged by the many acts of kindness, the sense of family, and the spirit of teamwork I witness each day. It hasn’t been an “easy” beginning to the new year, and yet, the spirit of God and his…

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Do Immersion Differently

“Speaking the language is only part of the benefit of attending a trilingual Christian school.“ A few weeks ago, we walked into our Wednesday night church dinner and a sweet little girl ran up to my fourth-grade daughter, Greta. Speaking quickly in Spanish, I heard the little girl cheerfully greet her and then ask if they…

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Zeeland Christian School Announces Next Elementary Principal

Betsy Koop will be the next elementary principal for Zeeland Christian School (ZCS). She will fill the opening created by the retirement of Sherri Tibbe at the end of the 2020-21 school year. Mrs. Koop taught at ZCS from 2008 – 2013, was an instructional specialist for addalingua from 2013 – 2018, and has been…

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