Staff Wish List  // Would you like to go above and beyond for a teacher who goes above and beyond? We ask our teachers to fill out a wish list so that you can bless them with specific items they’d like for their classrooms. Check out the wish list here. The wish list will continue to be updated as teachers send us items.

_________________________

New School Google Calendar // Starting January 1, 2024, we will move to using a new school-wide Google calendar. This new calendar, named BLUE NOTE CALENDAR, will be used as our primary school calendar for sharing important school dates, events, and activities. This change is designed to provide you with more concise information, ensuring you stay well-informed about what is coming up at our school. Please read this document for the full information regarding the change with the link and instructions to the new Google calendar.

_________________________

Christmas Shopping on Amazon this year?  Consider gifting something for the Zeeland Christian Auction via our Amazon Wishlist! Donating through Amazon is simple! Click this link to view our Auction Amazon Wishlist.

Is this your first time donating through an Amazon wishlist? View instructions here.

_________________________

Jingle Jog is happening! Christmas music, Christmas decorations, festive-looking runners, and jingling through the gym and halls! Parents and grandparents are welcome to come and cheer on their runners. We'd also like to be able to once again bless our sister school in the Philippines as well as a local charity through this year's jog. Look for more information to come home regarding donations and schedules. Check out the full Jingle Jog schedule HERE Thank you for your support!

_________________________

Ski Club //  Due to some recent changes to the way Bittersweet Ski Resort does ski clubs for school, we have decided not to have a Friday night ski club this year. We may try to organize a group ski night at some point after the new year begins.  In addition, keep checking the Blue Note for details about our school ski day in February at Caberfae Ski Resort!

_________________________

Blaze // We are so excited to welcome our dog friend Blaze to our school full-time beginning December 13!  Blaze will celebrate his birthday with us on January 4.  We'd love your help in welcoming Blaze to ZCS.  We've created an Amazon Wishlist with things we need.  We also welcome gift cards to pet stores or monetary donations.  Thank you for your help in getting our school ready for Blaze!

_________________________

Goodink Orders // ZCS store orders placed in November have arrived! If you selected  “Pick Up” for your order, it is located in the Main Office. Please pick up your order by December 13th. 

_________________________

Early Elementary Enrollment // Staff and current families needing to enroll new Y5s or Kindergarten students for 2024-25, pick your program now through December 12th. 

_________________________

Board of Trustees Request For Nominations: The Zeeland Christian School Board of Trustees is now accepting nominations for the 2024-2025 school year.  

The ZCS mission statement is "to provide a high-quality Christian education based on the Reformed understanding of the Christian faith. We do so as an extension of the Christian family, assisting parents in carrying out their responsibility to instruct their children in the Christian faith." 

Please prayerfully consider nominating someone you know who loves ZCS and would passionately use their gifts and talents to help further its mission. Please also be in prayer for the Board, leadership, faculty, staff, and parents as we work together to fulfill our mission.

The qualifications for Zeeland Christian Board of Trustees nominees, as outlined in our bylaws, are as follows.

Every nominee must:

-subscribe to the doctrinal basis set forth in Article III of the Constitution;

-acknowledges Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord;

-be committed to the mission of ZCS;

-be a proponent of Christian education;

-be committed to investing the time and energy necessary to ensure that ZCS maintains spiritual, financial, and educational integrity throughout the community;

-not be a full-time employee or married to a full-time employee of ZCS.

Please submit all nominations via THIS FORM by December 22, 2023

Feel free to review the Board of Trustee Job Description before submitting any nominations.

_________________________

Sponsors Needed! 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. We are looking for about 24 more sponsors. As a sponsor, you will receive a profile page with a picture and information about your sponsor student. You will also have the opportunity to receive and send notes to your sponsor student and donate toward a Christmas gift (groceries purchased locally by GCCS staff) that all sponsor students will receive. 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!

_________________________

Lost and Found// Elementary Lost and Found items will be placed in the main lobby this week. Please come check to see if your student may have left behind a coat, hat, boots, water bottle, lunchbox and more!  Any remaining items will be donated to charity over Christmas break.  

_________________________

Pants needed! During the rainy/snowy season the office experiences a need for pants (sweatpants, windpants, joggers, legging) for students that fall in a puddle/mud/snow.  We could use all sizes, but could use 8-10 and 10-12 boys pants and girls leggings.  If you have pants that your student has outgrown, the office will gladly take them! 

_________________________

TRIP NEWS // TRIP over the holidays

• December 12 is the last day to purchase physical gift cards before Christmas.  Have your order in by 11:00 am.
• Orders placed on December 19 will be available on January 9.
• All orders placed after 11:00 am on December 19 including all orders placed over Christmas break will be available on January 16. You may continue to reload cards and order eCards over the break.
• Instant TRIP will be available December 8, 15 and 22 at 8:00-9:30 am in the front office.

_________________________

Unified Basketball at ZCS is beginning in the New Year! If you are interested in signing your child up for our elementary (K-5) team, please sign up on this form:  https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1MtBdR_yv7dokruOPk4ejHWXOvvzvjQGpp4CNobz-Ffs/edit?usp=drive_web

Unified at ZCS is also offering an opportunity for our youngest students (ages 3-6) to be involved in Young Athletes. If you'd like to receive more information, please sign your child up on this form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1wO-4N9J4aTz9S8ogH82QD4W96PythOxUmPgeKCChGz8/edit?usp=drive_web

_________________________

Staff Wish List: Would you like to go above and beyond for a teacher who goes above and beyond? We ask our teachers to fill out a wish list so that you can bless them with specific items they’d like for their classrooms. Check out the wish list here. The wish list will continue to be updated as teachers send us items.

_________________________

Jingle Jog is happening! Christmas music, Christmas decorations, festive-looking runners, and jingling through the gym and halls! Parents and grandparents are welcome to come and cheer on their runners. We'd also like to be able to once again bless our sister school in the Philippines as well as a local charity through this year's jog. Look for more information to come home regarding donations. Here is the schedule. Thank you for your support!

_________________________

News from Admissions & Enrollment // 

Early Enrollment // Staff and current families needing to enroll new Y5s or Kindergarten students for 2024-25, early enrollment is December 5-12th. Pick your program during this period and receive a free gift. More information about early enrollment will be emailed on December 1st.

_________________________

Morning Drop-Off Procedure Reminder! Please remember that our doors are locked at all times, and students will be able to enter only when a greeter is present. In an effort to reduce the amount of time your child may have to stand at a locked door waiting for entry, please review the times when greeters are present:

Middle School Door E: 7:20 - 7:35 a.m.

Elementary Doors I, G, and D: 8:25-8:40 a.m.

Front Entrance/Door C: If your student arrives after the greeter leaves, your student can always enter this door and be buzzed in by the front office.

_________________________

Board of Trustees Request For Nominations: The Zeeland Christian School Board of Trustees is now accepting nominations for the 2024-2025 school year.  

The ZCS mission statement is "to provide a high-quality Christian education based on the Reformed understanding of the Christian faith. We do so as an extension of the Christian family, assisting parents in carrying out their responsibility to instruct their children in the Christian faith." 

Please prayerfully consider nominating someone you know who loves ZCS and would passionately use their gifts and talents to help further its mission. Please also be in prayer for the Board, leadership, faculty, staff, and parents as we work together to fulfill our mission.

The qualifications for Zeeland Christian Board of Trustees nominees, as outlined in our bylaws, are as follows.

Every nominee must:

-subscribe to the doctrinal basis set forth in Article III of the Constitution;

-acknowledges Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord;

-be committed to the mission of ZCS;

-be a proponent of Christian education;

-be committed to investing the time and energy necessary to ensure that ZCS maintains spiritual, financial, and educational integrity throughout the community;

-not be a full-time employee or married to a full-time employee of ZCS.

Please submit all nominations via THIS FORM by December 22, 2023

Feel free to review the Board of Trustee Job Description before submitting any nominations.

_________________________

Sponsors Needed! 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. We are looking for about 24 more sponsors. As a sponsor, you will receive a profile page with a picture and information about your sponsor student. You will also have the opportunity to receive and send notes to your sponsor student and donate toward a Christmas gift (groceries purchased locally by GCCS staff) that all sponsor students will receive. 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!

_________________________

TRIP NEWS // TRIP over the holidays

• December 12 is the last day to purchase physical gift cards before Christmas.  Have you order in by 11:00 am.
• Orders placed on December 19 will be available on January 9.
• All orders placed after 11:00 am on December 19 including all orders placed over Christmas break will be available on January 16. You may continue to reload cards and order eCards over the break.
• Instant TRIP will be available December 1, 8, 15 and 22 at 8:00-9:30 am in the front office.

_________________________

Unified Basketball at ZCS is beginning in the New Year! If you are interested in signing your child up for our elementary (K-5) team, please sign up on this form:  https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1MtBdR_yv7dokruOPk4ejHWXOvvzvjQGpp4CNobz-Ffs/edit?usp=drive_web

Unified at ZCS is also offering an opportunity for our youngest students (ages 3-6) to be involved in Young Athletes. If you'd like to receive more information, please sign your child up on this form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1wO-4N9J4aTz9S8ogH82QD4W96PythOxUmPgeKCChGz8/edit?usp=drive_web

_________________________

Save the Date for our 3rd & 4th grade musical!
Event: The Loaned Manger (A Christmas Musical)
Date: Tuesday, December 5 @ 7:00pm
Location: Ridgepoint Community Church | 340 104th Ave, Holland, MI 49423

_________________________

News from Admissions & Enrollment // 

Connect to Elementary // Staff and current families who will have a Y5s or Kindergarten student in 2024-25, please join us on November 28th or 29th at 9am to learn more about our Young Fives and Kindergarten programs. Register for Connect to Elementary here.

Early Enrollment // Staff and current families needing to enroll new Y5s or Kindergarten students for 2024-25, early enrollment is December 5-12th. Pick your program during this period and receive a free gift. More information about early enrollment coming soon. 

_________________________

Morning Drop-Off Procedure Reminder! Please remember that our doors are locked at all times and students will be able to enter only when a greeter is present. In an effort to reduce the amount of time your child may have to stand at a locked door waiting for entry, please review the times when greeters are present:

Middle School Door E: 7:20 - 7:35 a.m.

Elementary Doors I, G, and D: 8:25-8:40 a.m.

Front Entrance/Door C: If your student arrives after the greeter leaves, your student can always enter this door and be buzzed in by the front office.

_________________________

Unified Sports Young Athletes Program this Winter!//  ZCS is excited to be able to offer a Unified Sports opportunity for our youngest students called Young Athletes! There will be four sessions in the evenings throughout the winter. During these sessions, students with disabilities, their siblings, and their peers will engage in various fundamental sport skills and activities that encourage being active. A more detailed session outline will be sent to those families who sign up. 

Each session will be led by a Special Olympics Michigan professional and the various stations will have leaders present to demonstrate skills. Parents and siblings are encouraged to be present with their child and engage in activities alongside them. Student participants will receive a gift from Special Olympics Michigan.

We hope this encourages friendship, gross motor skills, and sets the stage for athletic opportunities for your child as they grow. If you would like for your child to participate, please sign up here. All students, ages 3-6, are invited to register. If you have a child at ZCS in this age range who does not have a disability, you may also register your child. Please make a note on this form that they would be a partner/peer. Please email ejohnson@zcs.org with questions.

_________________________

Sponsors Needed! 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. We are looking for about 24 more sponsors. As a sponsor, you will receive a profile page with a picture and information about your sponsor student. You will also have the opportunity to receive and send notes to your sponsor student and donate toward a Christmas gift (groceries purchased locally by GCCS staff) that all sponsor students will receive. 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!

_________________________

TRIP NEWS // Participants can now add a debit card to their account during checkout at RaiseRight.com or the latest version of the mobile app with a low convenience fee of 1%.

_________________________

GIFT AND MAGAZINE Sale Purchases are ready and waiting pick up in the lobby! Please come on in and pick up during normal school hours!

The ZCS Online Store is open until November 15th. Get 15% off by using the code BURNBRIGHT15. zcs.org/store

_________________________

Save the Date for our 3rd & 4th grade musical!
Event: The Loaned Manger (A Christmas Musical)
Date: Tuesday, December 5 @ 7:00pm
Location: Ridgepoint Community Church | 340 104th Ave, Holland, MI 49423

_________________________

News from Admissions & Enrollment // 

Explore ZCS (Preschool Open House for NEW to ZCS families) // Please share with your family and friends that our preschool open houses are November 14th and 15th. More information and registration here: zcs.org/preschool

Connect to Elementary // Staff and current families who will have a Y5s or Kindergarten student in 2024-25, please join us on November 28th or 29th at 9am to learn more about our Young Fives and Kindergarten programs. Register for Connect to Elementary here.

Early Enrollment // Staff and current families needing to enroll new Y5s or Kindergarten students for 2024-25, early enrollment is December 5-12th. Pick your program during this period and receive a free gift. More information about early enrollment coming soon. 

_________________________

Sponsors Needed! 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. We are looking for about 24 more sponsors. As a sponsor, you will receive a profile page with a picture and information about your sponsor student. You will also have the opportunity to receive and send notes to your sponsor student and donate toward a Christmas gift (groceries purchased locally by GCCS staff) that all sponsor students will receive. 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!

_________________________

TRIP NEWS // Participants can now add a debit card to their account during checkout at RaiseRight.com or the latest version of the mobile app with a low convenience fee of 1%.

_________________________

Upcoming Board Nominations // In December, the Board will initiate the nomination process for new Board members, who will be elected in the spring to fill upcoming vacancies for the 2024-25 school year. Please be in prayer for God’s covering and guidance over this process, and also begin to think about who you could nominate to join the ZCS Board. Look for more information prior to Christmas Break regarding nomination submissions. Thank you!

_________________________

Second grade T-Shirt Fundraiser to support our sponsored student in the Philippines at Grace Community Christian School. Students have worked hard to design t-shirts that represent who we are as a ZCS 2nd grade community. This design thinking project involved brainstorming together, collaborating, and creativity! Classes focused on our 2nd grade theme-"Following Jesus", as well as our ZCS theme verse, "Restored" from 2 Corinthians 5:17! Please see each of the different designs for each grade level with this store link: https://stores.goodink.com/zcs-fundraiser/shop/home.   The T-shirt store (Good Ink) will close on November 12 at midnight.  Shirts will be ready to distribute before Christmas. Orders will be delivered to school and distributed through the students or shipped online (plus shipping cost).  We encourage you to share this with other friends and family to help our friend and her family in the Philippines. Thank you for your support to assist our sponsored student at GCCS!

_________________________

Morning Drop-Off Procedure Reminder! Please remember that our doors are locked at all times and students will be able to enter only when a greeter is present. In an effort to reduce the amount of time your child may have to stand at a locked door waiting for entry, please review the times when greeters are present:

Middle School Door E: 7:20 - 7:35 a.m.

Elementary Doors I, G, and D: 8:25-8:40 a.m.

Front Entrance/Door C: If your student arrives after the greeter leaves, your student can always enter this door and be buzzed in by the front office.

_________________________

GIFT AND MAGAZINE Sale Purchases are ready and waiting pick up in the lobby! Please come on in and pick up during normal school hours!

The ZCS Store is now open! Get 15% off by using the code BURNBRIGHT15. zcs.org/store

_________________________

Save the Date for our 3rd & 4th grade musical!
Event: The Loaned Manger (A Christmas Musical)
Date: Tuesday, December 5 @ 7:00pm
Location: Ridgepoint Community Church | 340 104th Ave, Holland, MI 49423

_________________________

Seeking donations! The middle school Servant Leadership Team is looking for your help with our donation drive for Haiti. We are collecting toothpaste, toothbrushes, washcloths, bar soap, band aids, flip flops, and rehydration powder until November 8. The collection boxes can be found near the main entrance and by Mr. Paauw's office. You're invited to bring items in or use this link to the Amazon Wishlist: Check out my list on Amazon

_________________________

TRIP NEWS // Many vendors are offering $5 and $10 cards. Plan ahead for Christmas. They make great stocking stuffers.

_________________________

Honoring Veterans this Veterans Day!  Each year the school creates a "wall of honor," where we display photos of all of the Veterans that are special to our ZCS families! If you have a veteran you would like to add to the wall, please drop a photo off to the office by November 1 so we can add them to the wall. We save the photos each year, so you do not need to send them in again if you already have!

_________________________

Upcoming Board Nominations // In December, the Board will initiate the nomination process for new Board members, who will be elected in the spring to fill upcoming vacancies for the 2024-25 school year. Please be in prayer for God’s covering and guidance over this process, and also begin to think about who you could nominate to join the ZCS Board. Look for more information prior to Christmas Break regarding nomination submissions. Thank you!

_________________________

Second grade T-Shirt Fundraiser to support our sponsored student in the Philippines at Grace Community Christian School. Students have worked hard to design t-shirts that represent who we are as a ZCS 2nd grade community. This design thinking project involved brainstorming together, collaborating, and creativity! Classes focused on our 2nd grade theme-"Following Jesus", as well as our ZCS theme verse, "Restored" from 2 Corinthians 5:17! Please see each of the different designs for each grade level with this store link: https://stores.goodink.com/zcs-fundraiser/shop/home.   The T-shirt store (Good Ink) will close on November 12 at midnight.  Shirts will be ready to distribute before Christmas. Orders will be delivered to school and distributed through the students or shipped online (plus shipping cost).  We encourage you to share this with other friends and family to help our friend and her family in the Philippines. Thank you for your support to assist our sponsored student at GCCS!