The Light
May 2023
Preparing Next-Generation Leaders for Christ
"Jesus spoke to them, saying, 'I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.'" -John 8:12
We pack a lot into these newsletters- be sure to hit "View Entire Message" so you don't miss a thing!
FROM OUR ADMINISTRATOR
Dear Harbor Light Christian School Family,
It's hard to believe it is already May, and the end of the school year is approaching quickly! I’ve noticed as each day grows longer and the weather is ‘mostly’ warmer, I am reminded of the message found in John 12:35-36: "Jesus replied, 'My light will shine for you just a little longer. Walk in the light while you can, so the darkness will not overtake you. Those who walk in the darkness cannot see where they are going. Put your trust in the light while there is still time; then you will become children of the light.' After saying these things, Jesus went away and was hidden from them."
In this passage, Jesus encourages us to walk in the light and to put our trust in Him. As we near the end of this school year, we can trust in Him to guide us through what comes next. He will guide us through the beautiful blend of busyness and relaxation of summer break. He will guide us through new relationships and friendship that are formed. And for our seniors, whether staying close to home or out of state, God’s light will guide them in pursuit of the future He has for each of them.
As the days continue to get warmer and the light shines brighter, let us remember to also shine as lights for Christ in the world around us. Let us reflect the love and grace of Christ, especially as we wrap up the school year and prepare for summer.
In the coming weeks we will take time to celebrate the accomplishments of our students and staff this year and to give thanks for all the ways God has blessed Harbor Light. Please join us for HLCS Graduation June 4th at 3pm as we send 10 incredible and unique graduates off to a new beginning. I can’t wait to see how they each shine for Christ in along the path God has for them.
Thank you for being a part of this wonderful school community. May God bless and guide you in the days ahead as you seek to be children of the Light.
In Christ-Centered Education,
Kelly Dutcher
May is Mental Health Awareness Month
Mark your Calendar!
May
20 - Dorothy Gerber Strings Spring Concert
26 - Swordsmen Olympics
27 - Jr./Sr. Banquet
29- Memorial Day (NO SCHOOL)
31- Student Council Picnic
June
1- Kindergarten Graduation (6 pm)
2- Last Day of School
2- Baseball/Softball Districts
Our HLCS Calendar is updated continually and can be viewed at http://www.harborlightchristian.org/calendar
HLCS Sports
- Please confirm events prior to attending
- "vs." indicates the game will be played at home.
- "@" indicates the game will be played at the opposing team's school.
May
- 5/18- Baseball vs. TC Christian- 4:15 pm
- 5/23- Baseball & Softball vs. Ellsworth- 4:00 pm
- 5/25- Softball @ Alanson- TBD
- 5/26 - Baseball & Softball vs. Wolverine - 4:00 pm
June
- 6/1- Baseball & Softball Districts begin
Please click HERE for the school calendar, which is updated continually.
Our Month in Pictures
Featured Family- the Pearsons
We are the Pearsons, Daniel and Lynne, and we met at a stock outboard boat race back in 2008 in Trenton Michigan and started dating the following year. Daniel was watching his cousin race and I was racing there and now we both currently compete in boat racing. We were married in 2012 in Petoskey and bought a house in Harbor Springs the same year. My maiden name was Blomberg relatives to the Hewitt family. I was born in Petoskey and raised in Harbor Springs and graduated from Harbor Springs Public School in 2005. Daniel is originally from central California (Escalon) and moved to Michigan with his dad when he was 16 and graduated from Inland Lakes school in 2005. In 2019, Daniel and I bought Ryde Marine on Crooked Lake in Alanson from Wayne and Cheryl Blomberg becoming the third generation owners. Last year we celebrated the 100th year of the boat house building at the Marina.
We have two kids- Hailey (6) currently in kindergarten at Harbor Light and Brant (3) at Blackbird Childcare Center (and he will start at Harbor Light for kindergarten).
Growing up, I was active in sports playing basketball, volleyball, soccer and I was on the swim team. I played three years of collegiate basketball and a year of soccer at Davenport University, graduating in 2009. Daniel grew up racing and working on motorcycles, and has used that knowledge of motors to become a mechanic at Ryde Marine where he has worked on boat motors for over ten years.
My passion for basketball and soccer has brought me to help coach here at Harbor Light. I love working with the younger-aged kids because they are still trying new sports and have such a passion for learning. I am amazed every day at how kind and polite the kids are here at Harbor Light. I love how Harbor Light teaches and instills these values from a young age and gives them the tools and resources needed to grow up into great young adults. Starting practice with prayer, ending with a prayer, and keeping God's word active every day in these young kids' lives is such a blessing these days. We love the community and families of Harbor Light- we are making several friends already.
I love seeing my kids walk through the halls or at practice and all the older kids accepting and becoming their friends, even giving my kids high fives and hugs! Brant gets so excited seeing everyone and tells me “that’s my friend!” in such a loving and excited voice. It just goes to show how much impact Harbor Light has on these children growing up. I cannot wait to see what Harbor Light has in store for Hailey and Brant, but also our whole family!
Presenting the Class of 2023!
The graduation ceremony will be on June 4th at Harbor Light Christian School at 3 pm.
Notes From the Nurse - Suzanne Bucci
Where Did Tizzy Go?
Years ago, my dog Tizzy, disappeared. I was only 8 and didn’t understand that my dog had died during the night. All I heard were the days of laughter and conversation coming from the
adults in my life about the way she had died. Tizzy was important to me, and no one dealt with my grief.
We moved a few months later to a faraway location, near no friends or relatives. Another dog
was obtained and, odd as this may seem, I was allergic to the new dog. As a matter of fact, I
was allergic to almost every dog. My reaction to the loss of Tizzy is called a psychosomatic
reaction. Although I’ve grieved about her and spoken prayerfully with people, I am still allergic to dogs.
Children have difficulty expressing emotions properly. Our bodies can express our feelings at a young age. And actions, both verbal and physical are common in older children. All children
exhibit some changes in behavior and emotions during the day. They may become sad or
happy, aggressive or passive, angry or joyful, and attentive or wiggly. Their emotions and
actions can change at the drop of a hat. Below, you can read some of these common symptoms of emotional distress in children.
Elementary Age
Tantrums and intense irritability
Verbalized fears
Stomachaches and headaches
Constant movement, except when playing video games or watching TV
Sleeps too much or too little, frequent nightmares, or sleeps in class
Not interested in playing with others or has difficulty making friends
Struggles academically
Repeats actions or checks on things with fear that something bad may happen
Older Children or Adolescents
Sleepy through the day, or sleeps too much or too little
Spends time alone or stays away from friends and family
Sluggish
Excessive interest in dieting or has constant talk of weight gain
Destructive behavior to others or self harm
Suicidal thoughts
Elevated high energy for periods of time
Drugs, alcohol or other addictive habits
Describes voices or visions or people controlling them, or paranoia
If you are concerned about your child’s mental health, please seek help from your Medical
Practitioner. Discuss your child’s behavior with their teacher, guidance counselor or pastoral staff, or other trained professionals.
REACH OUT! You are not alone, and professionals are standing by to help you with your
concerns. Mental health disorders can begin in childhood and need treatment so the child may reach their full God-given potential. Teachers and staff of Harbor Light Christian School are here to give you a helping hand.
Enjoy the Whispers He Has for You
We are nearing the finish line!!! If you are a parent, student, teacher, administrator… this is the final stretch, and we are FEELING it all! The final academic push, the spring sports and extra practices now that the weather is nice, navigating spring weather, field trips, spring illnesses and dr.s appts., buying year end gifts and mother’s day celebrations (giving and receiving), graduations, grad parties, wedding season, the desire to be outside but still have work to get done inside, BUSY-NESS and the constant running, making arrangements for the summer, and summer child care…. All can be added up as one of the most stressful seasons of the year for many of us! Which is no surprise then why this month is Mental Health Awareness Month.
Oftentimes we set our mindset and emotions aside, rush through the activity to find ourselves crossing the finish line of the school year season burnt out, exhausted, acquiring that spring sickness, cranky, irritable, and not enjoying as much as you know that you could be. I want to remind everyone that even in the busy-ness, set your sights on the small moments of gratitude. Take a STOP moment…. Stop, Take a deep breath, Observe around your five senses right now, and then Proceed forward in gratitude. Take the time to reflect on the incredible showcase of God’s Glory right before us as the bulbs are pushing winter and hard soil aside to show us His handiwork. Revel for a moment in the migration of the sweet birds coming back for the season. Let the seasonal warm moments warm your heart, breathe in the scent of spring, and the sounds we hear.
As we are nearing the end of school, don’t forget to be mindful of your mental health in the rush. Lean on your Father’s strength and know that He has all the resources to help us to make this the most successful season of the year, and not one that we will need to spend the next 3 months recovering from. This is your permission to take some rest time. And to allow yourself to just sit and enjoy that baseball game. Slow the multitasking, and turn off notifications. Enjoy the whispers He has for you in this season as your Run the Race Marked out for you! Happy Last Lap Harbor Light Families! You’ve got this.
Rachelle Rife Ma LPC
Cornerstone of Hope Counseling LLC
Missions Week Recap
Our God is an Awesome God!
Here is a summary of how he used us this spring:
We went to 37+ different places. God used us to bless widows, young mothers, overwhelmed, elderly, sick, lonely, disabled vets, youth & other churches. We mucked, hauled, stacked, raked, cleaned, mulched, packed & distributed food, took down fences & built relationships.
Just in Michigan we worked over 775 hours. North Carolina put in an astounding 240 hours. We were in Pellston, Alanson, Petoskey, Charlevoix, Boyne City, Conway, Indian River, & Harbor Springs, Cross Village, Wolverine, Levering, Kalkaska & South Boardman. What a blessing the kids were to each other, the chaperones & the community.
Thank you so much for being flexible, as Missions Days are constantly changing from one moment to the next. It is so awesome that we can bless so many!
Thank you to all of our chaperones and volunteers, we would not have been able to bless so many without you.
Yours in Christ
-Erin Barnes (Guidance Counselor) & Heather Standish (Volunteer Coordinator)
Now Enrolling!
HLCS is Hiring!
Side-by-Side Raffle
Click the link below to support HLCS with your ticket purchase:
https://bit.ly/HLCSsidebysidefundraiser
OR
check out the video below to sit in the driver's seat!
Save the Date- Alumni Reunion!
Please join us for the 1st annual all-alumni reunion at Harbor Light Christian School! Invite your classmates and previous teachers/staff to join us! We don’t have everyone on Facebook, so we need your help spreading the word!
Come gather at the campground on the West Campus with classmates and former teachers for a fun, family-friendly event to reminisce and celebrate HLCS.
Hamburger, buns, and beverages will be provided.
RSVP using the form below, or directly to jcope@harborlight.org
DO YOU HAVE A TESTIMONY?
Has HLCS had a positive or life-changing impact on your life or that of someone you love? Please share these stories with us so we can keep letting others know what a wonderful difference we can make! Send your experience to jcope@harborlight.org.
Giving to HLCS
In the development department of HLCS, we explore many avenues to raise funds for the school. We host the Jubilee and vehicle auction, partner with amazing givers like you, write grants, and more.
We have a playground project that we've approached 3 granting organizations for help with over the last 9 months and have been turned down by each. So, we are turning to our community to invite you to help us improve our playground.
We would like to remove some pieces of equipment and make room for a slide (which is the most requested item from our current students and new students looking at our school) and another climbing feature. The total cost of this project is $15,000 and we would be so grateful if you would consider partnering with us. This playground not only serves our students but many warm nights you will find families from the community utilizing the playground as well.
If you would like more information on how you can make a kingdom impact with your giving with this project or in a different area of HLCS, please contact Jennie Cope at
231-347-7859 or jcope@harborlight.org
TURN YOUR GROCERY RECEIPTS INTO MONEY FOR THE SCHOOL!
We are grateful to partner with Oleson's this school year. Receipts collected from Oleson's may be dropped off in the office at any time! This is such an easy way to help the school raise money!
We no longer take D&W receipts, as that program has been discontinued.