
The Light
August 2024
Preparing Next-Generation Leaders for Christ
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FROM OUR ADMINISTRATOR
Greetings Harbor Light Christian School Family,
As summer draws to a close, our school is beginning to buzz with excitement. Soccer and volleyball practices kicked off this week, setting the stage for what promises to be a great season for both teams! Our dedicated teachers and staff have been hard at work, preparing classrooms and spaces, while we happily welcome a few new students as the school year approaches. In just a couple of weeks, our staff will return for training days—what I consider the “official start” of the school year.
Reflecting on the end of summer, I am filled with gratitude for the amazing opportunities and special moments God has provided. I’ve witnessed His work and character shine in countless ways, both big and small, leaving me hopeful for the year ahead and His plan for us.
As we begin each school year, one of my personal goals is to learn the names of all our students. By the first Friday of school, I aim to know each student's first and last name. Working in the office allows me to meet each student as they tour and apply, but I believe it’s important to know and call each student by name—there is great power in using correct names. This has led me to reflect on how God knows each of us by name, effortlessly remembering His children because He created us. He even has special names for us—here are a few of my favorites:
Beloved: “This is real love – not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins.” (1 John 4:10)
Chosen: “We know, dear brothers and sisters, that God loves you and has chosen you to be His own people.” (1 Thessalonians 1:4)
Friend: “I no longer call you slaves, because a master doesn’t confide in his slaves. Now you are My friends, since I have told you everything the Father told Me.” (John 15:15)
Forgiven: “But if we confess our sins to Him, He is faithful and just to forgive our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.” (1 John 1:9)
Free: “So if the Son sets you free, you are truly free.” (John 8:36)
Strong: “For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:13)
Family: “God decided in advance to adopt us into His own family by bringing us to Himself through Jesus Christ. This is what He wanted to do, and it gave Him great pleasure.” (Ephesians 1:5)
As we prepare for the new school year, let us remember these names and the identity we have in Christ. I look forward to the incredible journey ahead and the many ways God will work within the hearts and minds of those in our school community.
In His Service,
Kelly DutcherHarbor Light Christian School, Administrator
Mark Your Calendar!
September
3 First Day of School K-12th grades (prayer at 8:05 in hallways)
4 Preschool Parent Orientation
4 7-12th Grade Retreat 8:00 am-5:00 pm
5 First Day Preschool
12 Picture Day
19 Senior Leadership Trip Chapel
20 HLCS Fall Family Fun Night
Our HLCS Calendar is updated continually and can be viewed at http://www.harborlightchristian.org/calendar
HLCS Athletics
** Please check the athletic calendar before traveling to a game, the calendar is updated continually. Click HERE
SOCCER:
August
8/20 Soccer @ Alcona (5pm)
8/22 Soccer vs. NMCA (6pm)
8/26 Soccer @ Tawas (5pm)
8/29 Soccer vs. Cadillac Heritage (NC) (5pm)
September
9/3 Soccer @ Oscoda (5 PM)
9/5 Soccer vs. McBain NMC (5 PM)
9/9 Soccer @ Crossroads (5 PM)
9/12 Soccer vs. Roscommon (5 PM)
9/17 Soccer @ NMCA (5 PM)
9/23 Soccer vs. Alcona (5 PM)
9/24 Soccer vs. TC Bulldogs (5 PM)
9/26 Soccer vs. Oscoda (5 PM)
9/30 Soccer vs. Skeels Christian (NC) (5 PM)
Volleyball:
August:
8/24 (V) Pellston Tournament Away 9:00 AM
8/26 (JV/V) Harbor Springs Away 5:30 PM
8/29 (V) Cadillac Heritage Home 5:30 PM
September:
9/3 (JV/V) Gaylord St Mary's Away 5:30 PM
9/5 (JV/V) Boyne Falls Home 5:30 PM
9/07 (JV) Inland lakes Tournament Away 9:00 AM
9/10 (JV/V) Wolverine Away 5:30 PM
9/12 (JV/V) Ellsworth Home 5:30 PM
9/17 (V) Vanderbilt Away 5:30 PM
9/19 (JV/V) Alanson Home 5:30 PM 9/24 (V) St Michael Home 5:30 PM
9/26 (V) Alba Home 5:30 PM
9/28 (V) St Ignace Tournament Away 9:00 AM
HLCS Fall Family Fun Night!
Join us at Uncle Frank's Apple Town to reconnect after summer, meet new families, and simply enjoy the beauty of Fall! We highly encourage you to join us!
**Hot Dog, chips, and a drink available for purchase.
Coffee Time Schedule
Our students make a difference in their communities!
Each summer our high school students get the opportunity to be the salt and light in their community by serving in a local business. Here are some smiling faces while at work!
Daphne Dutcher - Harbor Ice Cream
Vaughn Henagan - Harbor Point Golf Course
Lily Evoy - North Star Cafe
Landon Jakeway, Caleb Chamberlin, and Hunter Denoyer - North Star Gardens
Charlotte Gagnon - Petoskey Farms Winery
Laney Jakeway - Harbor Point Golf Course
Corin Paulus- Petoskey Farms Winery
Marcus Lozon - North Star Cafe
Landon Jakeway and Will Paulus - North Star Gardens
HLCS Staff Took Summer Learning to a New Level!
Staff Summer Studies
Amy Paulus (5th Grade) & Katherine Johnson (Elementary Principal and Reading Intervention) attended a two-day conference on Special Education in Small Christian Schools. Amy shared a few takeaways from the conference:
1. The sharing of ideas between other attending schools was invaluable.
2. Studying God's heart for all his children, especially the "least of these".
3. Coming home with more strategies and ideas to better meet the needs of students who have learning challenges.
Kelly Dutcher (Administrator) and Erin Barnes (Guidance Counselor) went on a Biblical exploration and mission trip to Turkey and Greece.
Jamie Schutt (3rd Grade) attended the Rooted Worldview Summit in collaboration with The Colson Center in Black Mountain, North Carolina. She reported: we had the pleasure of joining educators from across the nation and around the world at the first world view summit. The line up of speakers were phenomenal including John Stonestreet and Stefan Wilson from the Colson Center who spoke on the importance of Christian education and implementing Christian worldview throughout the day not just in Bible class. Dr.Thaddeus was another standout speaker who spoke on Lies of Expressive Individualism vs. Imago Dei.
We learned so much in this jam-packed week and I am so thankful I had the chance to meet so many others who love the Lord and love teaching.
Sara Murray (2nd Grade) was blessed to have the opportunity to attend the Rooted Educator Worldview Summit in North Carolina this summer. She shared: many topics were addressed, but I feel what stuck with me most was the topic of identity. Kathy Koch was a great speaker and my favorite session of hers was "Why is identity so controlling?" She explained why this is important and that one of the most valuable things we need to teach our students is that they were created on purpose, for a purpose. As teachers and staff members at a Christian school, our students should be able to answer these five questions:
Security: Jesus, my teachers
Identity: I am a Christ-follower, a chosen child, and a friend of God
Belonging: I belong to God. I am a child of God.
Purpose: My purpose is to please God and to make Him known.
Competence: I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me.
Julie Spencer (1st Grade) and Samantha Baker (K) attended an online conference about our Superkids Reading Curriculum. Julie says, "it was a great opportunity to learn more tips and tricks on how to keep our students reading, writing, and learning kindness. My favorite part was just watching the teachers in action. Seeing how phonological awareness can be added easily to the lessons."
Joe Tath (Phys Ed) passed two state exams and will have his interim teaching license by the start of the school year.
Elizabeth Mrozinski (6-12 grade Art teacher) has been studying more about oil painting to better assist my high school art students. I also finished a book study on The Purpose for God.
Michele Cole (Drama Mama) participated with semi-professional theater at Bay View in the production of Fiddler on the Roof.
Dorothy Prins (Preschool Lead Teacher) attended online courses related to social emotional learning via the Educator Summit Conference. As well as listened to sessions from the Preschool Autism Summit.
With Love from Mrs. J
Summer has always been my favorite season of the year. Sure, I love the sunshine and ice cream, but more than that I love the freedom of not being bound by a routine. I am sure your kiddos have been enjoying the change as well. Whether it is staying up late, sleeping in, or snacking anytime they feel like it, summer is hard to beat. And whether they would admit it or not, spending lots more time with the people they love the most, you, is super special. As we get ready to head back to school, it can be tough to make that transition. Kids can feel nervous especially if they are getting a new teacher. As I was thinking about the return to school and those first day jitters, I came across a verse that reminded me of how special a place HLCS is. 1 Thessalonians 2:8 says, “We loved you so much that we shared with you not only God's Good News but our own lives, too.” When I read that verse, it reminded me of our staff. From the teachers to the office staff, from volunteers to our custodians, every single person is there to share the good news with your kids and to sacrifice their time, talents, and treasures for your children. We truly love your kids as our own and are excited to come alongside you this year to help raise them into who God wants them to be. So, as you pack up those backpacks and attempt to find their missing lunchboxes, take a moment to remind your child that although they will be away from you a little more, the place they will be spending their days is filled with a whole lot of people who love the Lord and them with their whole being.
Side-by-Side Raffle Report
Harbor Light Christian School (HLCS) is thrilled to announce that Stephen and Suzanne Bucci are the lucky winners of this year’s Polaris Side by Side, awarded at the 4th Annual Harbor Light Christian School Summer Vehicle Auction. This exciting milestone marks the first time in the history of the auction that a member of the HLCS community has claimed the grand prize. The side-by-side raffle in collaboration with County Wide Powersports raised an impressive $30,500 to support Christian education in northern Michigan.
The winning ticket was drawn by Administrator Kelly Dutcher and Board Member Missy Tarvudd from the golden wheel on July 12th at County Wide Power Sports. Despite only purchasing four tickets, the Bucci family's name was chosen, making them the proud owners of the Polaris Side by Side.
Following the drawing of the grand prize, Britney DeYoung was selected for the $500 cash prize, and JC Anderson received a wash/detail package from Krings, enhancing the excitement of the event.
“This year’s auction was a tremendous success and an inspiring testament to the support of our community,” said HLCS Administrator Kelly Dutcher. “We’re especially thrilled to see a member of our school community win the grand prize this time, knowing how much each family sacrifices to ensure that their children can get the best Christian education available to them.” Suzanne Bucci remarked, “I never win anything!”
Meet our New Staff!
Tami Walker - 4th Grade Teacher
Tami has been teaching for over 30 years and still loves every day of it! Tami has a bachelor's in education and a Masters in School Administration.
Tami is married to Tom, and they have a daughter, Keaton, a son in law Caleb, and their youngest son, Tj, and they attend Trinity Missionary Church. Tami and her family minister through Southern Gospel Music at churches and other events throughout Michigan.
Kaite Carlson - Administrative Assistant
Katie will be a friendly face and resource in the office.
Katie is a pastor’s wife and mom to 4 amazing kiddos. Her 3 sons attend Harbor Light and her youngest (daughter) will begin preschool in 2025. The last 15 years, Katie has been a dedicated coach in Indian River for middle school track & field and basketball.
"I am excited for this opportunity to work in the school that my kids attend (all of my coaching was in a public school)."
Caleb Vanslot - High School Teacher
Iain Ledingham - 1st Grade Aide
Danielle Urman - Volunteer Coordinator and Study Hall Coordinator
Lisa Hopkins - Office Manager
"I've been working in the administration field for over 10+ years & have been praying for the right opportunity to work with a Christian organization. God led me to HLCS & I'm SO excited to be here and see what God has in store for me. When I'm not at work I love spending time with my husband and son!"
Lisa holds an Associate's Degree in Business Management from NCMC.
Hannah Enciso - Classroom Aide
"Hi my name is Hananiah Enciso. I attended HLCS for both my junior and senior years, graduating in 2017. In the years since graduation I have had several different jobs, all some kind of customer service. The latest industry I have worked in is food industry. While I love this industry, it is not always the most positive or fulfilling. I am really excited to join the HLCS staff and not only get to impact kids' lives and watch them grow both academically and relationally (God and people), but to do a much more fulfilling job in a more positive and nurturing atmosphere. I love kids and I love God, and this job allows me to be able to put the two together. I am very excited about it!"
Kathleen Jakinovich - Marketing Assistant
Kathleen will be joining the marketing team at HLCS. She is married and has twin boys who will be attending preschool for their second year at HLCS.
Kathleen has a bachelor's degree from Ohio Wesleyan and a master's from Michigan State University.
Funding Needs!
15-Passenger Van Wanted
HLCS is in search of a 5-year or newer 15-passenger van. This would be used for sports team (shuttling part of the team to cut down on drivers), fields trips, missions trips, and more.
If you have one for sale, or know someone who does, let us know via the contact information below.
Vision for the Future - Playground Area
It is our vision to make the playground area better and brighter. We would like to add a bathroom/shelter area to the open space at the playground. This would serve multiple purposes.
1. It provides bathrooms much closer to the playground so students don't have to miss out on recess time.
2. It provides a safe place to shelter.
3. It provides an overall better community playground experience.
Interested in supporting HLCS, please contact:
Jennie Cope
Director of Mission Advancement
231-347-7859
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.