CALVIN CHRISTIAN HIGH SCHOOL

NEWSLETTER

NOVEMBER, 2022

CALENDAR

November 4 - Service Project and Field Day

November 5 - Freshman/Sophomore Banquet

November 10-12 - "Radium Girls" school play

November 15 - Class ring presentation made to Sophomores

November 15 - High School Winter Concert

November 16 - Athletic Boosters meeting

November 17 - ButterBraid/Fudge orders delivery date

November 18 - Deadline for Bittersweet Passes

November 21-23 - Christmas Wreath-making dates

November 23-25 - NO SCHOOL Thanksgiving Break

December 1 - Winter Pops Concert

December 9 - Senior and Senior Baby Pictures due

December 10 - ACT test at CCHS

December 12-13 - "Fiddler on the Roof" auditions

December 14 - "Fiddler on the Rood" callbacks

December 16,19-21 - High School Exams

December 22-January 3 - NO SCHOOL Christmas Break 

January 4 - Classes Resume

January 23 - Discover Calvin II

NOTES FROM THE PRINCIPAL

There are so many things to be thankful for as we begin another November, and I am so thankful as I reflect upon last week’s Discover Calvin event. It was a wonderful night filled with so many highlights of the great things happening at Calvin Christian High School. After our opening session with parents, I was blessed to be able to walk around school and soak in the ways the Lord has blessed us at CCHS. I handed off parents to our Student Ambassadors, who welcomed our parents and students and guided them throughout the halls of CCHS. On each break from a classroom stop, highlighting a curricular area, our students shared highlights of the amazing things they believe parents and students need to know about Calvin Christian. They highlighted our wonderful teachers, outstanding programs in the Arts, Athletics, Robotics, and other extracurricular activities, countless student-led activities, chapel sessions, the Achievement Center, Focus Periods, and the personal reasons why they love Calvin.  

In between the highlights shared by our Student Ambassadors, our outstanding faculty provided engaging presentations for parents and students about each of our curricular areas. These presentations covered course materials, the ways our students learn, and the ways faith is woven into our instruction. It was so encouraging to watch our outstanding faculty engage with prospective parents and students and listen to the positive feedback from our guests. 

One of the great things we added this year were our CCHS Parent Ambassadors who greeted our families from CCMS, WestSide Christian, and a variety of other schools and then were available to build relationships with prospective parents after tours concluded. I met so many families that are new to CCHS and was blessed to hear their positive feedback. I was also thrilled to be able to connect prospective parents with CCHS Parent Ambassadors who could answer questions and speak to why they love Calvin Christian!  

Finally, our guests got to meet coaches, players, directors, actors, and connect with numerous clubs and organizations. We are committed to excellence throughout Academics, Athletics, the Arts, Robotics and other extra-curriculars, and it was great for new students and families to see those areas highlighted in our concluding activities in the gym. If that wasn’t enough, they were fortunate to hear the sweet sounds of our Jazz Band playing under the lights at the entrance to the school. The sounds of our Jazz Band are but a glimpse into the amazing opportunities in the Arts at CCHS. We truly believe we have a school that fits and provides unique opportunities for all students. However, we don’t just provide a great fit, we come alongside students, through intentional efforts to engage students while supporting them with academic assistance whenever necessary. Our Student Support team is amazing and supports and loves each student in the unique ways they were created by our Lord.   

The word is getting out about the great things happening at Calvin Christian High School, and we encourage you to keep spreading the word. Breaking News! We are hosting Discover Calvin II, on Monday, January 23, for any families who missed last Thursday’s event.  

In His Service,

Todd Henderson

NOTES FROM THE HIGH SCHOOL OFFICE

FRESHMAN/SOPHOMORE FALL BANQUET

The Student Life Committee will be sponsoring a Freshman/Sophomore Fall Banquet on Saturday, November 5, at Sunnybrook Country Club.

6:30-10:30 p.m. (Dinner starts at 7:00 p.m. / Dance at 8:30 p.m.)

***Guest must be a CCHS Freshman or Sophomore***

.

Order forms with payment and signed permission forms

should already have been returned to the office.



Tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable. 

PARENT HELP IS NEEDED! 

Leaf Raking Service Day: Our all-school service project takes place this Friday, November 4, between 8:00-11:00 a.m. Many who are unable to rake leaves themselves have signed up or have been referred to us. Our goal is to rake 50+ lawns from these requests in the Grandville/Wyoming area. To accomplish this, we need your help!

1. We need leaf raking supplies brought from home: rakes, leaf blowers (non-wired), tarps, work gloves, and paper yard waste bags. (Non-City Specific bags are best nor are tags needed for any bag). Equipment and supplies brought by students should be named/labeled and will only be used by the small group of classmates your student is working with. 

2. If you have a truck, van, or hitch and trailer and are free on November 4 from 8:00 to 11:00 a.m., we would highly value your help! Each small group of students will be tasked with raking certain addresses in the Grandville area and we need the transportation of equipment and supplies to those addresses and then the return of 15-25 bags full of leaves to CCHS. If you are available to follow along with your student's group in your vehicle please email Garrett Anderson.

CALVIN DRAMATIC SOCIETY

This year's fall play will be the powerful and provocative real-life drama called “Radium Girls”. This play tells the true story of the watch-dial painters in the 1920's who fought against the unsafe practice of radium painting and the injustice and denial of responsibility by the Radium Dial Corporation. The play is fast-paced and written with warmth, humor, and a heart for justice. Performances are next week, November 10-12. Buy your tickets online early! 

SAVE THE DATE! 

Calvin Dramatics Society will be performing "Fiddler on the Roof" March 2-4 at Godwin Heights High School Auditorium. Auditions for the production will be held on Monday, December 12, and Tuesday, December 13, with callbacks on Wednesday, December 14. Audition information will be available beginning the week of November 28. Please mark your calendars now for this classic, timely tale that poses important questions about culture while celebrating themes of traditions, family values, and community. We hope to see you there!

SNOW DAY PROCEDURES – High School

In the event of a snow day during the upcoming winter months, we will follow these procedures in order to maintain an equal number of block periods for each period for the week:

If there is a Snow Day on Monday:

Monday block classes (2, 4, 6, 8) will be moved to Friday

If there is a Snow Day on Tuesday:

Tuesday block classes (1, 3, 5, 7) will be moved to Friday

If there is a Snow Day on Wednesday:

Wednesday block classes (2, 4, 6, 8) will be moved to Friday

If there is a Snow Day on Thursday:

Thursday block classes (1, 3, 5, 7) will be moved to Friday

If there is a Snow Day on Friday:

No adjustments made (classes canceled)

If there are two consecutive snow days (M-T, T-W, or W-Th), school will resume with the regularly scheduled days. Alternate plans will be communicated as they occur for any other unexpected situations.

If there are more than two Snow Days in a semester, virtual learning expectations will begin on the third day home from school.

APPOINTMENT SCHEDULING

Parents, to help maximize your student's classroom instructional time, we appreciate it when you schedule non-essential appointments, including driver's tests, for outside the school day.  It is best for students and their teachers. Thanks for your help with this.

SERVICE HOURS:

Please remember all service hours earned MUST have a supervisor's signature!  Here is some important information about service hour requirements.  

Submission deadlines for Service Hours:

• September 1 - For any hours earned between June 1-August 30
• January 10 - For any hours earned between August 30-December 31
• June 1 - For any hours earned between December 31-May 31

Remember the following:

• A minimum of 35 hours of documented service hours are required by the end of a student's senior year.

We are adjusting the Class of 2023's service hour requirement to 30 hours, due to the COVID shutdown during freshman year

• Students should at least meet the minimum guidelines for service each year
• 5 hours completed by the end of freshmen year.
• 5 additional hours completed by the end of sophomore year.
• 10 additional hours completed by the end of junior year.
• 15 additional hours completed by the end of the 1st semester of senior year.

• These are not hours where students help out grandparents and family members; that’s a part of being in a family. Service hours earned in all school-service activities (during the school day) do not count toward the requirements. CCHS service hours should be earned through impacting others who they aren’t related to. They should be hours earned where students find ways to impact others and positively impact the greater Grand Rapids region and larger world. Questions can be directed to John Timmer. 

POWER SCHOOL

Please note that we expect parents to stay aware of their child's progress in classes through PowerSchool. PowerSchool gives an accurate and up-to-date picture of your child's progress. Please click on the email link below if you have problems logging in.

SEMESTER EXAMS

First-semester exams will be held on December 16, 19, 20, and 21. Exams are given at 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Students are expected to take each exam during their assigned time. No absences except for emergencies.

CLASS OF 2023 SENIOR PICTURES

Senior pictures will have a soft deadline of December 9. The hard deadline will be Friday, April 28. Late pictures will not be guaranteed a place in the book, so please be timely. If you have questions, email the CCHS yearbook staff at the link below.

We again are asking for traditional poses for a uniform look. Please keep the following things in mind:

• No props or pets
• Indoor or outdoor plain background preferred
• Color (matte or glossy)
• Vertical pose: Minimum 2” x 3” and 300 dpi

Make sure your photographer follows these things in order for your picture to be in the yearbook.

We reserve the right to refuse pictures that do not meet these standards. Inappropriate pictures will not be accepted. We also reserve the right to PhotoShop pictures that do not meet the standards.

If you desire, the Shadow staff can take a picture free of charge for your yearbook senior picture.

Seniors who wish to have a baby picture in the yearbook need to either bring a physical picture or email it to the yearbook email. A family message can be added underneath the picture for a fee of $25.00.

BITTERSWEET PASSES

Time to purchase your Bittersweet ski passes. They will be sold until Friday, November 18. Any forms can be turned into the Middle School or High School office. People can find the waivers and information at the link below.  If you have any questions, contact Mr. Doktor.

SENIOR ALL-NIGHTER CELEBRATION

Parents of CCHS Seniors: Just a friendly reminder to get in your senior's permission form and student fee before the price goes up. 

If you pay the student SAN fee by December 31, 2022, your cost is $80. On January 1, 2023, the cost will increase by $10 each month to a max of $100. You can now pay your SAN student fee online with the button below marked Senior All-Nighter Online Payment. Or you can pay by check to the office with SAN in the memo. We would love every student to participate in the SAN celebration, so if for any reason you are not able to pay this fee, just let the committee or Mr. Henderson know and we can help with that. 

You received an email in September about the SAN celebration. If you did not, just click on the Senior All-Nighter Email link below and we can resend it. 

Stay up to date with our events at either of the social media links below. Thank you in advance for supporting our Seniors!

MOMS-IN-PRAYER

Please join us in praying over our school community each Thursday from 8:15-9:15 a.m. in the high school Prayer Room. Please call or text Amelia Broekhuis at 616-821-1565 with any questions.



NOTES FROM THE COUNSELING OFFICE

COUNSELOR ASSIGNMENTS: 

Miss Rebekah Karel (9^th)

Mr. Nate Vander Wal (10^th-12^th)

SECOND SEMESTER SCHEDULES

Any student wishing to make changes to their 2^nd semester's schedule needs to speak with their counselor ASAP.

TESTING INFORMATION

Results from the recently administered PSAT 9 and PSAT/NMSQT tests will likely be available between mid-November and mid-December. Counselors will communicate information to students about accessing and understanding their scores. Mr. Vander Wal will meet with 9^th graders to set up and link their College Board accounts to Khan Academy to allow for viewing scores.

STANDARDIZED TESTING INFORMATION

The ACT and SAT tests are both accepted by colleges nationwide for admittance and scholarship consideration.

• All test registration and sending of scores must be done directly through the SAT and ACT websites, except for the March SAT given to all juniors.

• All juniors are registered for the March SAT using junior dues, and students are given four free score sends with this school day test. 

• Parents can notify Mr. Vander Wal to opt-out of this March test if desired.

• Although there have been some changes in how many colleges are processing admissions and scholarships, it is still our recommendation that every student heading to a 4-year college take both the ACT and SAT at least once before the end of the summer after their junior year.

• Some colleges will not accept scores after the October test dates in a student’s senior year, while others accept new scores into the spring of senior year, so make sure to find out how long a given school will accept new test scores.

Studies show most students increase their score when they take the test(s) a total of 3-4 times. Practice is the best way to increase scores.

Options for practicing:

• SAT and ACT offer multiple practice options through their websites. Click on the appropriate link at the end of the Counseling section for more information.

• Khan Academy provides tailored SAT practice based on students’ test results on PSAT/SAT tests. CCHS students set up Khan Academy accounts and link them to their College Board accounts freshman year. Research regarding practice through Khan Academy has shown substantial average increases in SAT scores for as little as 6 hours of practice, especially when students spend 20 or more hours practicing. Click on the Khan Academy link at the end of the Counseling section for more information.

CCHS will host the ACT this year on December 10 and June 10. Registration and payment are all through the ACT website. Our CCHS code for registration is 231768. Click on the ACT Registration link at the end of the Counseling section for more information. Please contact Kelli Boender, our CCHS proctor, with questions at the email listed at the end of the Counseling section.

KENT CAREER TECH CENTER (KCTC)

Enrollment in KCTC programs for the 2023-24 school year will begin in February 2023. Students interested in the KCTC should see Mr. Vander Wal to set up a visit to check out their desired program. Visiting the KCTC increases the chances of a student getting a spot in a program through the KCTC’s lottery system for enrollment. For program information, please check out their website by clicking on the KCTC link listed at the end of the Counseling section.

COLLEGE and CAREER REPRESENTATIVES

College and career reps continue to visit during Focus Periods on Mondays and some Thursdays. See the weekly updates of who is coming in the Daily Announcements and see a master schedule on the Counseling Office website by clicking on the CCHS Master Schedule link listed at the end of the Counseling section.

COUNSELING OFFICE WEB PAGE

The Counseling Page on the CCHS website is a resource for you and is continually updated with new information. Check it out for information on college and career planning, upcoming events, financial aid information, scholarship opportunities, and counseling resources by clicking on the Counseling Page link listed at the beginning of the Counseling section.

COLLEGE PLANNING

Mr. Vander Wal is concluding individual Senior Visit meetings with each member of the Class of 2023. Students are at various places in the process of discerning God’s direction for their future. For those planning to attend college, this is a busy time! By now, many college-bound students have applied to at least one of their college options, and it is recommended that all college applications be submitted by Thanksgiving break. We encourage all students to monitor deadlines closely and to prioritize applications to schools with earlier deadlines or more competitive admissions. Mr. Vander Wal will start meeting with individual juniors (parents/guardians invited to join) in December and January to discuss college planning as needed (see below for more info on junior conferences).

JUNIOR CONFERENCES

Mr. Vander Wal will begin meeting with individual juniors for a Junior Conference starting in December to discuss important details for junior and senior years as well as future/career planning. Parents/guardians are invited to join this meeting, and there will be some availability for evening meetings to accommodate parent/guardian work schedules. These meetings typically last about an hour.  

Kent ISD News/Opportunities

To view additional information on the following topics and opportunities offered through Kent ISD, click on the KISD News/Opportunities link listed at the end of the Counseling section.

CAREER CHATS

Career Chats are designed to provide 7-12 grade students a virtual opportunity to meet real professionals employed in real jobs. This series of 30-40 minute sessions will highlight professions from a variety of career pathways, giving students the opportunity to learn more about a career of interest, or to explore new options.

OPPORTUNITIES IN THE MILITARY

Have you ever wondered what kind of opportunities are available to members of the military? Students, parents, and educators are invited to join us for our Opportunities in the Military learning sessions where we will get first-hand insight from members of the different branches of the military. Each session in this series will focus on a different branch of the military.

CAREER EXPLORERS

Career Explorers is a flexible virtual career exploration experience to help students in grades 7-12 learn about occupations in a variety of pathways. Students will have the opportunity to meet 6 career mentors through 30-minute Career Chats. These Zoom-based career conversations allow mentors to share their own career paths, information about education and daily work, and valuable industry insights. Additional Explorers activities include self-assessment and conducting an information interview. Students can earn a Certificate of Completion for college/scholarship applications.

RECORDED CAREER VIDEOS

Kent ISD Career Readiness pivoted early in the pandemic and started hosting live virtual career conversations with local employers.

• These events were recorded and are accessible via a search engine tool on our website.
• These 30–60-minute career conversations will help educate students, parents, and educators about in-demand careers and also expand their knowledge of opportunities with local employers.
• Search by a variety of criteria including Career Pathway, Program, Age Group, and more.

SCHOLARSHIPS/COMMUNITY EVENTS

MUSIC DEPARTMENT

MUSIC TOUR FUNDRAISER TIME!

The annual ButterBraid, Fudge, and Christmas Wreath Sale begins today!

• Fudge and ButterBraid delivery is on November 17
• Wreath-Making dates are November 21-23

SAVE THE DATES

High School Winter Concert - Tuesday, November 15

       Time: 7:30 p.m.

       Location: Ivanrest CRC

       (Concert Choir and Symphonic Band)

Winter Pops Concert - Thursday, December 1

       Time: 7:30 p.m.

       Location: Jenison Center for the Arts

       (Wind Ensemble, Orchestra, Chorale)

NOTES FROM THE ATHLETIC OFFICE

WINTER SPORTS

First day for tryouts for the winter sports teams occur on the following dates:

Girls Basketball – November 14

Boys Basketball – November 21

Bowling – November 21

Boys Swim – November 21

Boys Swim Team: The boys swim team this winter will be a cooperative with Grandville High School. It is likely the practice times will be after school and more favorable to home schedules this season. If you are interested in boys swim, talk to Mr. Bouma. His email is found in the link posted below.

ATHLETIC PAY-TO-PARTICIPATE REQUIREMENTS

All students planning to participate in athletics during this coming school year must have a physical on or after April 15, 2022. This is a rule given to us by the Michigan High School Athletic Association.

No one is allowed to try out for a sport until the following items have been completed:

• A copy of the current physical is on file in the high school office signed by both student and a parent.

• A Pay-to-Participate fee of $100.00 is paid at CCHS.

Upon the payment of the Pay-to-Participate fee, the student-athlete will be put on the “eligible for tryouts” list. NOTE: Only students who are not selected for the teams will have their fees refunded.

Students participating on winter athletic teams may now purchase their Pay-to-Participate permission in the CCHS Athletic Office.

PAY-TO-PARTICIPATE FEES

Parents, please note that the maximum amount a family is required to pay for their children participating in athletics and drama in both middle and high school is $300.00 per school year. Parents are responsible for keeping track of what they’ve spent and notifying the office personnel when that amount has been reached.

REMINDER

Calvin Christian High School has a policy of driving teams one way to events. Athletes are responsible for their own ride home.

ATHLETIC PASS INFORMATION FOR 2022-23

The sports passes are good for all Calvin Christian High School HOME events except the MHSAA tournaments and post-season events.  

• A single pass is $50.
• A family pass (2 adults and all children under 22 in the same household)

          is $125.

• The pass will be valid for 2022-23 and will be year-long, not specifically for separate seasons.
•  A lost pass will be replaced for a fee of $5.
•  Passes will have individual names on them and are non-transferable.
•  With a Family Pass, each member of the family will receive an individual pass.
•  The pass is not valid for tournament contests.

Athletic Pass Order Forms can be found in the high school office or by clicking on the button at the end of the Athletic section.

KEY CARDS

Support your Athletic Boosters by purchasing a Key Card book. The Key Cards are available for $30 each (checks made payable to GCCS) in the GCCS Business Office or the CCHS Athletic Office. Questions can be directed to Keisha Houtsma by clicking on the button at the end of the Athletic section.

CALVIN CHRISTIAN ATHLETIC BOOSTERS

Do you love sports? Consider participating in the Calvin Christian Athletic Boosters. We would love to have new team members! The Boosters meet once a month (usually the third Wednesday of the month) at 7:00 p.m. in the high school. The next Athletic Boosters meeting will be on Wednesday night, November 16.

CALVIN CHRISTIAN SPORTS WEBSITE

Click on the button at the end of the Athletic section to learn more about Squire athletics. Make sure to sign up under the “GET ALERTS” tab to get updated information on the sports in which you have a special interest. Check out the photos located on the team pages.

ATHLETIC EVENT CONCESSIONS & ADMISSION TABLES ASSISTANCE

Basketball season is coming soon! Our Athletic Boosters depend on your help at the concession stand and admission tables. Remember the email address you put on your Pay-to-Participate form is how we communicate regarding these required concession helpers.

Look for an email soon from Keisha Houtsma via SignUpGenius for winter concessions signups. All fall and winter athletes’ families will be getting a link to sign up. Don’t have an account? Go to the SignUpGenius link at the end of the Athletic section to activate and be in the know regarding concessions.

AUCTION 2023

SAVE THE DATES:

Friday, February 17 – Online Silent Auction begins at 1:00 p.m.

Thursday, February 23 - Online Silent Auction ends at 8:00 p.m.

Saturday, February 25 –

• Strolling heavy appetizer reception tour of Campaign project areas from 5:30-6:30 p.m.
• Live auction begins in the high school gym at 7:00 p.m.

If you would like to sponsor or donate a product, please contact Jill Boomstra or Joan Staal-Seeley in the Business Office at 616-532-2373 send them an email.