CALVIN CHRISTIAN HIGH SCHOOL

NEWSLETTER

APRIL, 2023

Families of 8th-grade students will begin receiving our monthly high school newsletter updates as there is information that you will need to know for next year!

CALENDAR

April 10 - Classes resume

April 19 - Athletic Boosters meeting

April 23 - Area Grandville CRC Combined Worship Service

at Calvin Christian HS with CCHS Bands & Chorale

April 27 - Spring Reception Dinner at Frederik Meijer Gardens

April 29 - Junior/Senior Prom

May 6 - Community Day (Athletic Boosters sponsored)

May 9 - Honors Convocation

May 12 - 58th Annual GCCS Flower Sale

May 15 - Spring Concert

May 16 - Last Day of School for Seniors

May 17-18 - Senior exams

May 17 - Collage Concert

May 19 - Senior Class Trip to Cedar Point

May 20 - Golf Classic at Thornapple Pointe Golf Course

May 24 - Graduation

May 30-June 2 - Underclassmen exams

THOUGHTS FROM THE PRINCIPAL...

We were blessed to have the choir from Rehoboth Christian School (New Mexico) lead our students and staff in worship on Monday! Most of Rehoboth’s students are of Navajo heritage, and it was a powerful time to reflect on the promises that one day we will be gathered with believers "from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne” (Revelations 7:9). At one point, the CCHS Chorale group was able to join the Rehoboth choir in the risers and lift up their voices together singing “All Things New”. It was wonderful to watch and listen to this amazing blend of students and cultures glorifying our Lord. Be sure to check out our social media pages to watch a video of our choirs singing together!

The Rehoboth students shared how devastating COVID was to their community, and the majority of students had a close family member who passed away during the pandemic. A staff member shared some brief history of the Navajo people and their challenges through the years. It was a reminder that our personal and community experiences are often so different from others. We have so much to learn from one another’s current and past experiences. 

After the time of worship, the students from Rehoboth gathered in small groups with students from Calvin Christian’s Chorale to engage in conversation and learn from one another. These experiences are invaluable to our students as we seek to equip them to “Go into all nations and make disciples” Mathew 28:19. Sometimes those disciples will walk into our building and sometimes we will walk out of our building to engage with people with different backgrounds and stories. We are grateful to partner with our parents, as we teach our students to love others and seek to impact our world for Christ.

HIGH SCHOOL OFFICE NOTES

SPRING BREAK

Spring Break has begun! Enjoy your time away, and remember, classes, resume Monday, April 10. All school offices and the Business Office will be closed during the break.

FAMILY TRIP POLICY

Family trips are considered to be trips that must include the parents or a parent-approved adult. A student is limited to five school days per school year for the purpose of a family trip.

The student must submit a Pre-arranged Absence Form to the office signed by the parent and his/her teachers, three school days (or more) PRIOR to the trip. A parent must sign this absence form BEFORE

teachers are asked to initial it

Prior to the day(s) of the family trip the student must consult with the teachers to make arrangements to complete all tests, quizzes, projects, papers and assignments on a timetable determined by the teacher in consultation with the student.

SEVERE WEATHER INFORMATION

Tornado Closing: When notified in advance of a tornado WATCH or WARNING, these emergency procedures will be followed:

1. When a WARNING is issued, students will not leave the building but will be taken by their teacher to the safest area in the building.
2. In the event of a WARNING, students may be detained after the usual dismissal time.
3. In the event of a WATCH at normal dismissal time, students will be dismissed as usual.
4. Parents may pick up their own children at any time.

The various public schools with whom we are related for busing purposes all have a similar tornado policy. In the event of a tornado WATCH situation, busing will be done as it is on a regular school day.

Tornado Policy for Coaches and the Athletic Director:

1. If a Watch/Warning occurs while school is in session:

A. All practices and events scheduled after school (4:00 p.m.) will

be canceled.

B. Events scheduled later in the evening (e.g. 6:30 p.m. soccer)

will be canceled if the “all clear” is not given at least two hours

prior to the starting time of the event.     

2. If a Watch occurs after school has been dismissed:

A. All practices and contests in progress will be immediately

suspended and the athletes sent home.

B. Events scheduled later in the evening, see “1B” above.

 3. If a Warning occurs after school has been dismissed:

A. All practices and contests in progress will be immediately

suspended and the athletes will report to the locker rooms. 

If there is an immediate threat, athletes outside should use the

the ravine that runs past the tennis courts.

B. Events scheduled later in the evening, see “1B” above.

CLASS OF 2023 SENIOR PICTURES

The final deadline for turning in senior pictures is Friday, April 14. Late pictures will not be guaranteed a place in the book, so please be timely. Click on the button(s) below for details on how to mail or email the photo. You may also turn in a baby picture and a quote for an additional $25.00.

JUNIOR/SENIOR PROM

Date: Saturday, April 29, 2023

Location: Wildwood Family Farms 

7970 Snow SE, Alto, Michigan

(84th and Whitneyville Rd, 30-minute drive from CCHS)

Time: 6:30 p.m. - doors open, photo opportunities, yard games, and fire           

8:00- 10:30 p.m. Dance

Each student and guest must present a ticket and a student ID to be allowed into the prom.

• Guests may attend with the correct paperwork completed.
• If you leave at any time there will be no re-entry. 
• Students need to follow all the Prom Dress and Behavior policies and guidelines.
• The school breathalyzer will be on-site and used if necessary. 

PROM TICKETS

Prom tickets are now on sale for $40. The price will jump to $45 after April 14. Extra forms and envelopes are in the high school office for Juniors and Seniors.

TICKET DESIGN CONTEST

If you wish to enter the "Enchanted Evening" ticket design contest, click the button below. All submissions must be from Juniors and Seniors and must be submitted by April 14 before 3:00 p.m. They will be voted on the following week. The winner will receive a free ticket to prom.

PROM DRESS CODE

The Junior/Senior Prom is a formal-attire event. All students who attend prom should wear appropriate clothing. Men should wear dress pants and dress shirts. A coat and tie are optional. Ladies should wear a dress, or a skirt/dress pants and a nice top.

As representatives of our school, and more importantly, representatives of Christ, the dress you wear for our formal banquets/dances is important. Many dresses in our culture today are not appropriate for Calvin Christian events, but there are many more that are, and in which you will look stunningly beautiful. It is important that you choose your dress keeping in mind your role as a representative of your Christian faith.

To avoid confusion on what will be considered appropriate, please observe the following guidelines:

Ladies choosing to wear short dresses to the banquet must follow these guidelines:

• Skirts may not be more than 3 inches above the knee cap.

• Any student wearing a skirt above the knee must bring leggings along for the dance portion of the evening.

• Any slits in longer dresses must not be more than three inches above the knee and also the wearer must bring leggings for the dance portion.

• Plunging necklines or necklines showing excessive cleavage will not be allowed.

Students who choose not to follow the Prom Dress Code will be asked to change or leave without a refund. If there is a question about whether or not your attire is appropriate, talk with Mrs. Boender or Mr. Henderson before the day of prom.

SPRING EXAM SCHEDULE

SENIOR EXAMS

Wednesday, May 17

Thursday, May 18

9th - 11th GRADE EXAMS

Tuesday, May 30

8:30 a.m. - 4th hour

10:30 a.m. - 5th hour

Wednesday, May 31

8:30 a.m. - 6th hour

10:30 a.m. - 7th hour

Thursday, June 1

8:30 a.m. -8th hour

10:30 a.m. - 1st hour

Friday, June 2

8:30 a.m. - 2nd hour

10:30 a.m. - 3rd hour

CLASS OF 2023 DATES & NEWS

IMPORTANT DATES FOR SENIORS

Tuesday, April 11 - Graduation orders delivered

Tuesday, April 25 - Jostens' delivery of graduation orders to Seniors

Saturday, April 29 - Junior/Senior Prom

Tuesday, May 9 - Honors Convocation

Monday, May 15 - Senior Chapel

Tuesday, May 16 - Senior Chapel

Tuesday, May 16 - All-School Picnic

Tuesday, May 16 - Last Day of School for Seniors

Wednesday, May 17 - Senior Exams

Wednesday, May 17 - Collage Concert

Thursday, May 18 - Senior Exams

Friday, May 19 - Cedar Point Class Trip

Wednesday, May 24 - Senior Breakfast followed by graduation rehearsal

Wednesday, May 24 - Graduation (8:00 p.m.)

Friday, June 23 - Sunday, June 25 - Caving Trip

SENIOR GRADUATION ORDER DELIVERY

Graduation announcements, caps, and gowns will be handed out on Tuesday, April 25, during lunch break to those seniors who placed orders with Jostens.

HONORS CONVOCATION

Our Honors Convocation night will be on Tuesday, May 9, at Faith Community Christian Reformed Church beginning at 7:00 p.m.

We will honor our Seniors who have received various awards from GCCS or from the colleges or institutions they will be attending next year. Seniors will be asked to provide verification for the awards they have received. More details coming.

COLLAGE CONCERT

All are invited to this annual end-of-the-year musical concert featuring Chorale, HS Orchestra, Wind Ensemble, Jazz Band, and Honors Orchestra at Jenison Performing Arts Center on Wednesday, May 17, at 8:00 p.m.

CEDAR POINT CLASS TRIP

The Senior Class Trip to Cedar Point is scheduled for Friday, May 19. 

Signups have been completed and tickets have been ordered. Transportation will be provided by chartered buses.

Bus departure time from CCHS will be 4:45 a.m. and arrival back at school will be between 11:00 – 11:30 p.m.

Since this is a school-sponsored function, all school rules regarding student behavior apply. Final details regarding the trip will follow at a later date.

SENIOR BREAKFAST

PARENTS OF SENIORS: If you would like to help plan the Senior Breakfast on Wednesday morning, May 24, please contact the high school office at 616-538-0990. We are in need of volunteers to help coordinate this event for our seniors on their graduation morning. Easy-to-follow notes are available in the high school office for the person who would like to oversee this breakfast and get volunteers to assist.

GRADUATION INFORMATION

Calvin Christian High School’s graduation is scheduled for Wednesday, May 24, at 8:00 p.m. It will be held at Fair Haven Ministries in Jenison. Free tickets (10 tickets per student) will be made available in May. 

SENIOR ALL-NIGHTER

SIGN UP YOUR SENIOR TODAY! It’s hard to believe that in less than 2 months our seniors will be graduating. It’s time for us to decide on the final details and for that, we need a final head count now.

• The S.A.N. party fee is $90.

• Please complete the 2-page S.A.N. Permission Form by clicking on the button below along with providing emergency contact information, parental consent, and fun facts about your son or daughter which will be used in a trivia game the night of the party.

• If you have paid the fee, we may still need paperwork. If you aren't sure if you turned in your paperwork please email us by clicking on the button below marked Email S.A.N. Committee.

• Please return the form and a check (with "S.A.N." in the memo) to the office or pay online using the button below marked S.A.N. Online Payment.

• If the cost is not manageable, please contact Todd Henderson by clicking on his button below as we absolutely want all our senior students to be able to attend.

More details about the event will be coming soon.

ATTENTION JUNIOR PARENTS!

Next year is your Junior's last year at Calvin! Have you considered serving on the Senior All-Nighter Committee and being involved in the planning and attending the last hoorah for them? Now is a good time to start booking your event site(s).

If you would like info on what to expect, you can call Tracy Cinco at 616-450-3202 or by clicking on the button below.

NOTES FROM THE COUNSELING OFFICE

COUNSELOR ASSIGNMENTS: 

Miss Rebekah Karel (9^th)

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

AP TESTING

Students registered for AP exams will be taking them between May 1 and May 12. The specific AP exam schedule can be found by clicking on the button below.

TESTING OUT

In rare circumstances, a student may feel he/she can demonstrate proficiency on the standards for a given course without taking the course. If this is the case, the student may attempt to test out of that course. Students must earn an 80% on a test-out exam prepared by the department in order to demonstrate proficiency and earn credit (“CR”) on transcript - no grade or GPA calculation) for the class. 

• Test-Out Applications will be available via a Google Form beginning Thursday, April 13.

• Applications will be due on Monday, April 24.



• A $25.00 refundable deposit in the form of a personal check made out to Calvin Christian High School FOR EACH TEST-OUT must be received by Friday, April 28.

Once applications have been received, tests will be scheduled as needed during the month of May. 

Please note that there is a school-sponsored test-out/placement test for current 8th-grade students in Spanish. The Spanish Department will provide additional information and administer this test, which is tentatively scheduled for late April.

SCHEDULE CHANGES FOR 2023-2024

All initial schedule requests for 2023-24 should already be completed. If students/families have second thoughts and desire to make a change, that should be done as soon as possible. The closer we get to the start of the school year, the more difficult it is to change schedules and the more classes that fill up. 

Contact our counselors for any desired schedule changes:

Miss Karel for incoming 9th-grade students

Mr. Vander Wal for incoming 10th-12th grade students

You may email our counselors by clicking on his/her button at the top of the Notes from the Counseling Office section.

ACT and SAT TEST DATES

Juniors planning on going to college are encouraged to take both the ACT and SAT at least once, and a total of 3-4 tests in combination in cases where an increased test score might result in higher merit scholarships or increased likelihood of college admission. Some colleges are also starting to accept the CLT (Classic Learning Test). In some cases, a small increase in a test score can mean more money in merit scholarships. Students can still take these tests during the fall of senior year and in some cases through February or March. Check with colleges of interest on deadlines for sending new test scores. 

The ACT can be taken on June 10 or July 15. CCHS is a testing site on June 10. Please visit the link below the Counseling Notes marked ACT Registration to register. Deadlines for registering for these tests are as follows:

May 5 for the June 10 test

June 16 for the July 15 test

The SAT can be taken at area testing sites on May 6 or June 3. Registration information can be found on the link below the Counseling Notes marked SAT Registration Information.  Deadlines for registering for these tests are as follows:

April 7 (during Spring Break) for the May 6 test

May 4 for the June 3 test

CCES SCHOLARSHIP

The Calvin Christian Elementary School Endowed Scholarship has been awarded annually through Grandville Calvin Christian Schools (GCCS) in memory of Calvin Christian Elementary School (CCES) in Wyoming, which closed in 2010. 

Scholarship Objective: 

To provide $500 scholarships to Calvin Christian Middle and High School students who demonstrate Christian character, maturity, leadership, service, and solid academic performance. This scholarship reward is meant to be based on student merit alone, not on financial need or parental involvement. 

Applicant Qualifications: 

1. Student must be an incoming eighth or eleventh grader at GCCS (apply during 7^th or 10th-grade year).

2. Student must be a former CCES student or a City of Wyoming resident.

3. Student must have a minimum of 2.8 GPA or equivalent (HS only).

4. Student must seek and submit a letter of recommendation from one CCMS/CCHS teacher or faculty member AND their church pastor or youth minister.

5. Student must write and submit an essay (name printed on the back side of the essay).

6. Student must have completed the required school service hours appropriate to their grade level (HS only).  

Contact Mr. Nate Vander Wal with further questions and/or to apply for this scholarship.

Deadline to apply is May 1, 2023. For the application form, click on the link below the Counseling Notes marked CCES Scholarship Application.

MUSIC DEPARTMENT NOTES

UPCOMING EVENTS

• April 23 at 10:00 a.m. - Combined worship service at CCHS with area Grandville CRC churches (CCHS Bands and Chorale)

• May 15 at 7:30 p.m. - Spring Concert at Grandville HS (Concert Choir and Symphonic Band)

• May 17 at 8:00 p.m. - Collage Concert at Jenison Performing Arts Center (Chorale, Orchestra, and Wind Ensemble)

STUDENT HONORS

Congratulations to Calvin Aupperlee, Leah Elliott, Yura Rozendal, and Alayna VanDoeselaar in making the MSVMA All-State Choir. They will be singing at Michigan State on May 13.

Congratulations to Calvin Aupperlee (voice) and Lola Bryce (violin) for their 1st division rating at State Solo and Ensemble.

COMMISSIONED PIECE HONORING MR. LOOMAN

If you are a former student of Mr. Looman (any age), and would like the opportunity to join Wind Ensemble on Wednesday, May 17, at the Collage Concert as we premiere a newly commissioned piece in his honor, please reach out to Sarah Horton below.

If we have enough interest, we will arrange an evening rehearsal prior to the performance date and include as many alumni who are interested and able to participate. Details are still being finalized, but this will be largely dependent on the amount of interest from alumni.

ATHLETIC OFFICE NOTES

ATHLETIC BOOSTERS MEETING

The next Athletic Boosters meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, April 19, at 7:00 p.m. in the high school teachers’ lounge.  

SUMMER SPORTS CAMPS

You may view the schedules and register for all summer camps online by clicking on the button below the Athletic News section marked Summer Sports Camps.

Sports camps are open to the community as well, so invite your friends. Email Ben de Waal Malefyt with any questions at the button below the Athletic News section marked Email Ben de Waal Malefyt.

COMMUNITY DAY

On Saturday, May 6, we will host our third annual Community Day. The Athletic Boosters are working out details for food trucks and games. We will host baseball and softball games on that date. Please put the date on your calendar!

CALVIN CHRISTIAN SPORTS

Catch up on all of our athletic action by clicking on the Calvin Christian Sports Website button posted below the Athletic News section.

ADVANCE NOTICE FOR 2023-24 ATHLETES

Calvin Christian High School offers several sports during the fall season. Please note that practices/tryouts will begin on the following date:

Monday, August 7, 2023

 Football

Boys Soccer

Boys Tennis

Cross Country 

Girls Golf

Girls Swimming 

Girls Volleyball

Remember that prior to trying out for any sport each athlete must have a yellow “Pay-to-Participate” card to hand to his/her coach. To obtain this, each athlete must:

• Be officially enrolled at Calvin Christian High School.  
• Have a physical on file in the school office (signed by the physician, parent, and athlete). To be official, the athlete’s physical must be given on April 15, 2023, or later. 
• Have paid the $100 “Pay-to-Participate” fee. 

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.

BEAN BAG TOSS TOURNAMENT

We want to say a big thank you to everyone who participated in the Bean Bag Toss Tournament held on Saturday, March 18. We hope everyone had fun and enjoyed themselves. Thank you to those who came to the Pancake Breakfast and supported us in that way as well.

Congratulations to our champions this year: 

 Toilet Bowl champs were Charlie Zoet & Carson DeHaan

3rd place winners were Luke Busch & Owen Kochans

2nd place winners were Joah Goodheart & Will Orme

Champions were Paul DeKorte & Brent Petersen

GCCS NEWS & DATES

GCCS Annual Spring Reception

Thursday, April 27, 2023

at Frederik Meijer Gardens 

All GCCS families are invited to our Spring Reception on Thursday, April 27th to celebrate God's goodness and faithfulness toward our school. Join us as we share stories of experiencing the power of God at work through the lives of our students, teachers, and families. The reception will be held at Frederik Meijer Gardens and is free to attend.

Learn more and RSVP:

GCCS 58th ANNUAL FLOWER SALE

May 12, 2023

The annual GCCS Flower Sale is scheduled for Friday, May 12.

We will have both online and in-person sales this year.

Click on the button below for more information

GCCS FOUNDATION GOLF CLASSIC

Saturday, May 20, 2023

Sign up today for the 36^th Foundation Golf Classic at:

The Golf Club at Thornapple Pointe

Shotgun start at 8:00 a.m.

Fee: $125 per golfer / $100 for staff and alumni

In addition to 18 holes of golf with cart, the price includes continental breakfast beginning at 7:00 a.m., hot dogs at the turn and on the course, snack carts with refreshments, and lunch after the event.

Prizes will be awarded for: Hole in One, Longest Drive, Closest to the Pin, and Longest Putt. There will also be a prize for the winning team

in the Women's, Men's, and Alumni division.

Sign up today: