CALVIN CHRISTIAN HIGH SCHOOL

NEWSLETTER

FEBRUARY, 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

February 3 - Honoring Retiring Coaches Night at the basketball games

February 13 - Band Night (CCMS & CCHS)

February 15 - Athletic Boosters

February 16 - No School (Professional Development)

February 17-20 - No School (Mid-Winter Break)

February 17 - GCCS Auction (Online auction begins)

February 18 - Winter Blast 5K / Winter Flurry 1K Kids Run

February 21 - Classes resume

February 22 - Orchestra Night (CCMS & CCHS)

February 23 - GCCS Auction (Online auction ends)

February 25 - GCCS Auction (Live auction in CCHS gym)

March 1-4 - Model UN

March 1 - Parent-Teacher Conferences (5:00 - 8:00 p.m.)

March 2 - Parent Teacher Conferences (3:30 - 5:30 p.m.)

March 3 - No School / Parent Teacher Conferences (9:00 - 11:00 a.m.)

March 2-4 - "Fiddler on the Roof" musical productions

March 14 - Choir Concert

March 18 - Bean Bag Toss Tournament / Pancake Breakfast

March 21 - PSAT 10

March 22 - SAT

March 25 - Hitmen Volleyball

March 31 - Spring Break begins

April 10 - Classes resume

April 27 - Annual Spring Reception

April 29 - Junior/Senior Prom

May 9 - Honors Banquet & Convocation

May 17-18 - Senior exams

May 17 - Collage Concert

May 19 - Senior Class Trip to Cedar Point

May 20 - Golf Classic

May 24 - Graduation

May 30 - June 2 - Underclassmen exams

NOTES FROM THE PRINCIPAL

January was a busy month, but it was an amazing month. Our students and community rallied together to raise over $35,000 for our Kids Against Hunger meal packing event. Our students and staff had a wonderful day of service on MLK Jr. Day. The event was a powerful time which had a significant impact upon our students individually and collectively; and it enabled us to have a potentially life changing impact on God’s children, both at home and abroad. Through Kids Against Hunger, we shipped thousands of meals to struggling children in West Michigan and Haiti. Through our partnership with Hope Seeds International, we packed over one thousand Family Packs of seeds that are on their way to Haiti and will enable parents to grow their own food and sustain their families. 

Our impact continued last week as a group of students spent the day serving at a Grand Rapids ministry impacting homeless and disadvantaged individuals. It has been powerful to hear our students share how their experiences serving impacted them personally. We will continue to encourage and open doors for our students to serve locally and globally, as we seek to impact the world for Christ. As we educate and raise our students, we must remember that our classroom is far larger than the walls of CCHS. We will continue to live out our mission to “equip students to serve and glorify God.”  

January also provided us with an opportunity to welcome new families and students into the walls of Calvin Christian High School, through Discover Calvin 2 and individual tours and meetings. We believe so strongly in the school community we are fostering and the work we are doing to mentor and raise our students, that we are so thankful each and every time we get to connect with new families. I would like to challenge you to continue spreading the word about CCHS and invite your friends outside of the Calvin Christian community to take a closer look. While many families have already made their decisions about where their eighth graders will spend their high school years, we know there are still families who need to be invited to explore CCHS. 

As we welcome new families into Calvin Christian, we know that many of our walls will be coming down soon as we begin the modernization and expansion of CCHS. This has also been part of the busyness of January, as we finalize construction plans and await bids from contractors. This is an exciting time at CCHS! Please lift up our work in prayer daily! From our halls to classrooms, to the theater, to gyms/pools/fields, service projects, construction projects, fundraising, etc., we need your prayers and support. We are so excited to see the way the Lord is guiding our work and can’t wait to see what the future holds. We covet your prayers during this exciting time at Calvin Christian High School!

In His Service,

Todd Henderson



NOTES FROM THE HIGH SCHOOL OFFICE

WINTER BREAK OFFICE HOURS

• The CCHS office will be closed Thursday, February 16, through Monday, February 20.
• The GCCS office will be closed Friday, February 17, through Monday, February 20.

SCHOOL BUS NOTES

Thursday, February 23 - AM busing only for students who ride GPS bus 

Friday, February 24 - NO busing for students who ride GPS bus



DATES FOR SCHEDULING

2023-24 CLASSES

It is hard to believe, but students have already received scheduling forms for requesting 2023-24 courses and have had a Scheduling Fair to hear about the many options they have for requesting courses for next year. 

Parents should be working with their students to complete these forms. A parent signature is required.

Starting Monday, January 30, counselors will be visiting classes and students will use their completed scheduling forms to sign-up for next year’s courses using PowerSchool. Here is the timeline:

CURRENT JUNIOR STUDENTS

Complete online registration during Chemistry or Advanced Chemistry by Monday, January 30, or Tuesday, January 31.

CURRENT SOPHOMORE STUDENTS

Complete online registration during Advanced Biology and Biology on Wednesday, February 1 or Thursday, February 2.

CURRENT FRESHMEN STUDENTS

Complete online registration during Physical Science on Monday, February 6.

CURRENT 8TH GRADE STUDENTS

8th-grade students are expected to turn in their scheduling form no later than Friday, February 10.

• CCMS students should return forms to the Middle School Office.

• West Side Christian students should return forms to Mrs. Marsman.



• All other students should return forms to the CCHS office.

DETAILS FOR SCHEDULING

2023-24 CLASSES

CURRICULUM GUIDE

Detailed descriptions for all classes offered at CCHS as well as additional opportunities (such as on-line classes) can be found in our Curriculum Guide which is updated and posted online. Click on the Scheduling Information button below for more information. If you have any questions regarding scheduling, please contact the CCHS Guidance Office at 616-538-0990.

2023-24 ADVANCED PLACEMENT CLASSES

Advanced Placement Government, Calculus, Spanish, and Physics will again be offered for the 2023-24 school year. These AP courses are taught at the college level with college level materials. Students will be expected to take an AP examination upon completion of the course. Most colleges and universities will grant college credit if a student meets their score requirement. These courses can be used for Calvin Christian High School credit in Government (0.5), Calculus (1.0), Spanish (1.0), and Physics (1.0) in addition to the potential college credit.

2023-24 CONCURRENT ENROLLMENT CLASSES

College Introduction to Literature

College English Composition

College Introduction to Psychology

College Principles of Sociology

College Fundamentals of Business

These classes will be offered as concurrent enrollment classes for the 2023-24 school year. This gives CCHS students the opportunity to earn college credit through Grace Christian University while attending class at CCHS.

KENT CAREER TECH CENTER SCHEDULING

It is time for sophomores and juniors to decide whether they want to go to the Kent Career Tech Center next year. Applications are now available in the Guidance Office. Students attend the Tech Center 2½ hours a day and receive 3 credits per year. Some programs offer credit that may be used to fulfill core requirements for us. More information is available online at http://www.thetechcenter.org. Transportation is provided through Grandville Public School.

Scheduling for these courses typically occurs early in February. Please talk to a counselor as soon as possible in scheduling a KCTC program.

SPRING PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCES

The Spring Parent-Teacher Conferences for all CCMS and CCHS students will be held:

• Wednesday, March 1, from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m.
• Thursday, March 2, from 3:30 – 5:30 p.m.
• Friday, March 3, from 9:00 - 11:00 a.m. / NO SCHOOL

Watch for information coming soon as to how to schedule your conference online.



CALVIN CHRISTIAN DRAMATIC ARTS SOCIETY

Calvin Christian High School Dramatic Arts Society will be presenting Fiddler on the Roof  March 2 & 3 at 7:30 p.m. and March 4 at 4:30 p.m. at Grandville High School Auditorium (4700 Canal Ave. SW). Mark your calendar to experience this timely classic about tradition, faith, and family values. Tickets are available now!

CLASS OF 2023 SENIOR PICTURES

The final deadline for turning in all senior pictures is 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.

YEARBOOK CHECKLIST FOR SENIORS

Please make use of the Yearbook Checklist form found by clicking on the button at the end of the Yearbook section.

Any questions about the yearbook can be directed to the yearbook staff by clicking on the button at the end of the Yearbook section.

CLASS OF 2023 NEWS & DATES

FUTURE IMPORTANT DATES FOR SENIORS

Saturday, March 25 - Hitmen Volleyball Game

Saturday, April 29 - Junior/Senior Prom

Tuesday, May 9 - Honors Banquet/Convocation

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.)

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.

CEDAR POINT CLASS TRIP

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

• Signups will be soon. 
• Cost will be $85 at the time of signup. This includes the ticket to Cedar Point, transportation, and refreshments on the bus trip. If the cost is a financial hardship, please speak with Mr. Henderson about assistance.

The class trip is optional.

SENIOR ALL-NIGHTER

YETI BACKPACK & SPRING BREAK GOODIES RAFFLE

The total combined value of $500! The Yeti Backpack Cooler - generously donated by Clock Mobility - includes a fun variety of fun Spring Break goodies! Click on the Yeti Raffle Information button below for details and pictures.

• Tickets are $25 each. Purchase tickets by clicking on the Yeti Raffle Information button below.

• All proceeds from this raffle will benefit the 2023 Calvin Christian Senior All-Nighter celebration after graduation. Thanks for your support!

• The winner will be drawn Saturday, March 25, during the Hitmen Volleyball game. You do NOT need to be present to win.

HITMEN VOLLEYBALL GAME

Senior vs. Junior boys duke it out on the volleyball court on Saturday, March 25, at 6:00 p.m. in the CCHS gym. Concessions will be sold and the winner of the Yeti raffle will be drawn. Entry is $5/each with a max of $20/family. No passes are accepted since it's a fundraiser for the Senior class. Bring the family for an entertaining evening out!

ATTENTION SENIOR PARENTS

• The S.A.N. party fee is now $90 instead of $80.

• If you haven't registered your student yet, please complete the 2-page S.A.N. Permission Form in the button below along with 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.

• 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 at the link below as we absolutely want all our senior students to be able to attend.

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NOTES FROM THE COUNSELING OFFICE

COUNSELOR ASSIGNMENTS: 

Miss Rebekah Karel (9^th)

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

FRESHMAN NEWS

Mr. Vander Wal has given to the class of 2026 an overview of the features available in their Xello accounts. These accounts can be used to research careers, colleges, and college majors. Students can also take assessments (learning style, personality type, career matchmaker, skills inventory), record goals, and work through in-depth lessons on a variety of career readiness topics. All of these accounts can be accessed at home, and any student who needs help with any of these accounts can see Mr. Vander Wal. There is also a Xello room offered during Focus Periods for time to explore. 

SOPHOMORE NEWS

The PSAT 10 is scheduled to be given to the Class of 2025 here at school on Tuesday, March 21. This is a preliminary (practice) SAT test for sophomores in preparation for the official SAT test given at CCHS to juniors.

Sophomores are encouraged to check out the Career Chat events and recording available Kent ISD Career Readiness Department. See more in the KISD Career Readiness button below the Counseling Notes section. Students can sign up for the Xello and Khan Academy room to watch these career videos during Focus Period.

JUNIOR NEWS

ACT and SAT TEST DATES

Juniors planning on going to college are encouraged to take both the ACT and SAT at least once. A total of 3-4 tests is recommended in most cases for maximizing scores and merit scholarships. College-bound students should use Focus Periods to practice for the SAT and/or ACT through their Khan Academy accounts in the Xello and Khan Academy room. 

The Class of 2024 is signed up to take the SAT at Ivanrest CRC (across from CCHS) the morning of Wednesday, March 22. 

The ACT can be taken April 15, June 10, or July 15. CCHS is a testing site for the June 10 test. Please visit the ACT Website button below the Counseling Notes section to register. 

The SAT can be taken (in addition to March 22) on March 11, May 6, and June 3. Please visit the SAT Registration button below the Counseling Notes section to register.

SENIOR NEWS

FINANCIAL AID for COLLEGE-BOUND SENIORS

Many seniors waiting to hear about acceptance and/or financial aid offers. A very important component of financial aid from colleges is need-based aid, determined through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Once you have completed the FAFSA, you simply wait for the financial aid reports from colleges. The new Michigan deadline for the FAFSA is May 1, but some aid runs out and it is recommended to get the FAFSA done as soon as possible.

Each college will send a financial aid award letter listing the financial aid they will award to you if you come to their school. 

SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

College-bound seniors are strongly encouraged to apply for additional scholarships beyond merit scholarships and need-based aid through the FAFSA. These additional scholarships are often called “Named” or “Donor-funded” scholarships. They can be available through a specific college or through other organizations. Deadlines are approaching! More scholarship information is available by clicking on the Scholarship Resources button below the Counseling Notes section.

Seniors have received information about our CCHS donor-funded scholarships through emails and announcements. The CCHS Scholarship Application is due Friday, February 24, and is available by clicking on the button below the Counseling Notes section marked CCHS Donor-Funded Scholarships.

GENERAL NEWS

KCTC ENROLLMENT

The KCTC enrollment requests for the Kent Career Tech Center can be made from mid-February to mid-March. Programs fill up and enrollment is not guaranteed, but is based on a lottery system. Students considering a KCTC program for the 2023-24 school year should talk to Mr. Vander Wal about visiting during a school day and/or putting in an enrollment request. Visits increase the odds of being picked for a spot in the lottery. There are KCTC open houses from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday and Wednesday, February 7 and 8.

FOCUS PERIODS

All students should continue to make the most of our Focus Period times, and should keep an eye out for college and career rep presentations that may be of interest to them. Focus Period is also a great time to work on college/career exploration and planning in Xello accounts, watch career videos, or practice for the SAT or ACT. 

MUSIC DEPARTMENT NOTES

FUNDRAISING

Beginning January 30, we will be selling Frandale subs, soups, and cinnamon rolls as a fundraiser for our 2024 Spring Music Tour. Order forms will be due February 22 and orders will be delivered on March 21. 

UPCOMING EVENTS

February 9 - Chorale/WMC Chamber Choir at Calvin University Worship

Symposium (1:15 p.m.)

February 10 - Orchestra/GRCHS Orchestra at Calvin University Worship

Symposium (1:15 p.m.)

February 13 - Band Night (5th-12th Bands) in the CCHS Gym (6:30 p.m.)

February 22 - Wind Ensemble Festival at Allegan CCHS (3:20 p.m.)

February 22 - Orchestra Night (5th-12th Strings) in the CCMS Gym

(7:00 p.m.)

March 2 - Orchestra Festival at West Ottawa HS (3:05 p.m.)

ATHLETIC OFFICE NOTES

COACHES NEEDED

The high school is currently looking for a JV boys’ golf coach and a distance coach for our track team. We need those coaches for this spring. If you are interested or know someone who might be, please contact Tom Bouma by clicking on the link below the Athletic section .

ATHLETIC BOOSTERS

The next meeting of the Athletic Boosters will be on Wednesday, February 15. We would love to have you join us at the high school at 7:00 p.m.

WINTER SPORTS TEAMS TOURNAMENTS

The state tournaments as the MHSAA currently lists them are below. Go to our Calvin Christian Sports website in the button found below the Athletic Section for the most current information on Calvin athletics.

• Bowling Regionals will be held on February 24-25, at Park Center Lanes.

• Girls Basketball District games will be played on February 27 and March 1 and 3 at Calvin Christian HS. 

• Boys Basketball Districts will be played on March 6, 8 and 10 at Fennville HS .

SPRING SPORTS AT CCHS

Spring sports are currently scheduled to begin on Monday, March 13, for the following:

• Boys Baseball (JV, Varsity)
• Boys Golf (JV, Varsity)
• Girls Soccer (JV, Varsity)
• Girls Softball (JV, Varsity)
• Girls Tennis (Varsity)
• Track (Girls and Boys – all levels)

In order to participate in spring sports, students must obtain a Pay-to-Participate cards ($100) and have a current health physical on file in the school office. 

These Pay-to-Participate cards can be obtained in the Athletic Office beginning Tuesday, February 14.

BEAN BAG TOSS TOURNAMENT - SAVE THE DATE!

The Bean Bag Toss Tournament is scheduled for Saturday, March 18, beginning with a Pancake Breakfast from 8:30 - 10:30 a.m. prior to the 10:30 a.m. start of the tournament. More details to come.

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.

WINTER BLAST 5K RUN / WINTER FLURRY 1K KIDS RUN

The 14th annual Winter Blast Run has been selected once again as the kickoff race in the Michigan Runner Race Series (click on button below) which includes the Amway River Bank Run and Dexter Ann Arbor 1/2 Marathon! If you or your business is interested in becoming a sponsor please contact Laurens TenKate by clicking on the button below for more information. Over 400 runners are expected for the 5K. Thank you for your support of our race in the past and we look forward to seeing you on Saturday, February 18.  Register online at the Winter Blast Registration by clicking on the button below.

GCCS NEWS & DATES

AUCTION 2023

We are excited to once again host our in-person auction and open the doors of our high school one last time before construction begins on our remodel! This year’s auction theme will be “Construction Zone”.

Join in the fun, tour the halls, see the vision of what’s to come with our expansion, and spend an evening in the gym for what promises to be a fun night auctioning off items! 

We will offer a meal and childcare. 

Tickets are $10.00 per person and include your entrance to the auction, your auction paddle, and food. 



All proceeds from the auction will support our From One Generation to the Next Campaign.

Friday, February 17

• Online Silent Auction begins at 12:00 p.m. and goes through Saturday, February 25, ending at 5:00 p.m.

Saturday, February 25

• Join us at Calvin Christian High School for the return of our In-person auction!
• Tour of high school Campaign project areas from 5:30-6:30 p.m.
• In-person, live auction begins in the high school gym at 7:00 p.m.

SAVE THESE GCCS DATES...

GCCS Annual Spring Reception

Thursday, April 27, 2023

at Frederik Meijer Gardens 

More details to come.

We are excited to be hosting the spring reception once again at the beautiful Frederik Meijer Gardens! Save the date for a great time of fellowship and supporting GCCS. We look forward to a night of celebration and looking to what God has in store for the future of our Christian schools. Watch for more info soon!

 GCCS Foundation 35^th Annual Golf Classic Outing

Saturday, May 20, 2023

at Thornapple Pointe Golf Course

More details coming later.