Preparing Next-Generation Leaders for Christ
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Greetings!
School is in full swing, and boy, does it feel good! The halls have been bustling with activity, and the energy is contagious! I have been very impressed with the start of our new school year and the positive attitudes of our students. Harbor Light Christian School is a remarkable place to be, and my heart swells with pride for our dedicated teachers and staff. Our hope is to make this year one of the best yet, and we invite you to stand with us in prayer, seeking protection, growth, and joy for all students, staff, families, and volunteers in this school year!
As we find ourselves settling into the rhythm of the school year, I'm reminded of the comforting words from Isaiah 40:31, which tell us that those who put their hope in the LORD will find renewed strength, soaring like eagles and running without growing weary. Here at Harbor Light Christian School, our commitment is to foster a nurturing and Christ-centered environment where our students can thrive academically and spiritually. That's why we kicked off the year for our 7-12th graders with a spiritual retreat during the first week of school. I'm deeply thankful for the contributions of time, talent, and resources from our staff members, parents, and volunteers that made this year's retreat an overwhelming success! Our students had the opportunity to hear from inspiring speakers and engage in discussions about how God provides abundantly when we follow Him.
As we look ahead, our year is filled with exciting plans and upcoming activities. Please see the details later in the newsletter about our second Fall Family Fun Fest, September 22nd, and our first-ever Grandparenting Simulcast on October 20th. We would love for you to come and be a part of our events and school community. Together, we have the ability to make this year an extraordinary one for our students. I want to express my sincere gratitude to each parent for entrusting HLCS with your child's education, and I pray that God blesses our school and guides us on this remarkable journey we've embarked upon this year.
In His service,
Kelly Dutcher
Administrator, Harbor Light Christian School
Mark Your Calendar!
September
18-22- NWEA Testing (3rd-6th Grade)
22- NO PRESCHOOL (PD Day)
22- HLCS Fall Family Fun Night @ Uncle Frank's Apple Town
27- See You at the Pole (7 am)
October
6- Grandfriends Day
11- PSAT/NMSQT Testing for Juniors
19 & 20- Parent/Teacher Conferences
20- No Preschool (Preschool PD Day)
20 - Legacy Coalition Grandparenting Summit (hosted at HLCS)
26- Pastor Appreciation Chapel
31- Picture Retake Day
Our HLCS Calendar is updated continually and can be viewed here
HLCS Sports
September
15- Soccer vs. Skeels (4:15 pm)
15- Varsity Volleyball vs. NMCA/Boyne Falls (5:30 pm)
19- JV Volleyball @ Alba (5:30 pm)
21- Soccer vs. TC Bulldogs (5 pm)
22- Varsity Volleyball vs. Vanderbilt (5:30 pm)
23- HLCS Varsity Volleyball Tournament
25- Varsity Volleyball @ Maplewood (5:30 pm)
26- Soccer @ Skeels (4:15 pm)
26- JV Volleyball vs. Alanson (5:30 pm)
28- Soccer vs. Fairview (5 pm)
28- Varsity Volleyball vs. CAHA (6 pm)
29- Varsity Volleyball @ Alanson (5:30 pm)
October
3- Varsity Soccer @ NMCA (5 pm)
3- JV Volleyball @ NMCA (with Boyne Falls) (5:30 pm)
5- Varsity Soccer @ Alcona (5 pm)
5- JV/V Volleyball vs. Harbor Springs (5:30 pm)
6- Varsity Volleyball @ Boyne Falls (with NMCA) (5:30 pm)
7- JV Volleyball Tournament @ Pickford (TBA)
10- Varsity Soccer @ Cadillac Heritage (5 pm)
10- JV Volleyball vs. Alba/Vanderbilt (5:30 pm)
10- Varsity Volleyball @ Cadillac Heritage (5:30 pm)
13- Varsity Volleyball @ Alba (with Vanderbilt) (5:30 pm)
17- JV Volleyball @ Ellsworth (with Mack City) (5:30 pm) 20- Varsity Volleyball vs. Mack City/Ellsworth (5:30 pm)
24- Varsity Volleyball vs. Maplewood Baptist (5:30 pm)
28- Varsity Volleyball Tournament @ Wolverine (TBA)
From the Desk of Mrs. Beckman
Three months of summer break flew by in the blink of an eye, and here we are again at HLCS, ready to embark upon this new adventure! 218 students walk the halls filling them with joy and laughter, tons of questions, and, yes, a few tears (don’t worry they dry up quickly!). New friendships are being formed and old friendships are being rekindled. The hustle and bustle of the school year is upon us.
We feel like we are being pulled in a million different directions. Each one of our children seems to need us, and of course all at the same time. Sometimes, we can feel like we are floundering as a parent, a spouse, a Christian. There are just not enough hours in the day to make it all work. Not you? Just me? Maybe I am just writing this as a reminder to myself. A reminder to take a breath, step back, and recognize what is truly important.
Our amazing God shared this verse with me. In Psalm 144:4 David says “For they are like a breath of air, their days are like a passing shadow.” Each year I realize even more that our human life is like the breath that David describes. We are given 1 single life, and for however long it is, every breath is a gift. Every moment is GOD'S, and he has created a purpose for our days.
Sadly, our time is often spent foolishly, and not just by minutes or hours but by years and decades. I have noticed that with each passing year, there is a sense of urgency to make every moment count. I have to remind myself that I only have this one life and that as I focus on my time, am I wasting it by looking back on the what-ifs, or chasing after my own desires, desires that can lead me away from God and what he has planned for me? Or am I seeking after HIM, asking him to direct my plans?
I encourage all of you to take a breath, step back, and look at your life. Are you living it completely for GOD, following what HE wants you to do? Or are you following your own desires and wishes? Are you consumed by the things of the world? Is GOD first in your life?
When we purposely put GOD first and foremost, what a difference our life is! Everything flows better. Does that mean things are always easy, absolutely not. We will still face trials and burdens; however, we will face them with our Heavenly Father, and that makes everything seem just a bit easier.
Take time to spend with GOD, truly pressing in and being in HIS presence. Take time with your spouse, go for a quick walk, do a devotion together, take a ride for an ice cream cone – something to have just a few minutes to connect and just be together, remember this is the person you will be with when the kids are grown, the person you will share your golden years with, that will love us when our hips hurt, our teeth fall out, and our hair is gray.
Take time with your children, they are only young once. As a mom who has 2 grown kids and a junior in high school -it goes by in the blink of an eye. You won’t get these moments back so cherish every moment you can with them. Live your life that each and every breath is for GOD. I pray that our breaths are always offering up praise and thanksgiving to HIM! Honestly, my biggest breath lately has been HLCS, the new students, staff, and families that have joined us and I am so looking forward to what GOD has in store for us this year!!
College Board Recognition
We’re celebrating Corin Paulus and Andrew Stahl, Seniors at HLCS, two of 72,000 students from across the country who earned academic honors from College Board's National Recognition Programs! They received a National Rural and Small Town Award (NRSTA) this year, which they can include in their college applications to help them stand out. Andrew has been a student at HLCS since 3rd grade, and Corin joined HLCS in his 10th grade year. Both young men are continuing to push themselves academically this year, taking 3 and 4 Advanced Placement courses this year.
Eligible students have a GPA of 3.5 or higher, they are the top 10% of PSAT/NMSQT® or PSAT™ 10 assessment takers in each state for each program or have earned a score of 3 or higher on two or more AP® Exams, and they attend school in a rural area or small town. Students are invited to apply through BigFuture during their sophomore or junior year.
Congratulations, Corin and Andrew!
We Have Pumpkins!
The Walking Track at the Solid Rock Center - Now open to the Community!
Now that school is beginning, here are the new Walking Track hours for the community.
Parents & grandparents of HLCS students & volunteers:
Monday- Friday 8-10 am
Public:
Sundays: 7 pm - 9 pm
Tuesdays: 4-6 pm
Wednesdays: 8-10 pm
Thursdays: 4-6 pm
Saturdays: 9-11 am
A donation of $2 is suggested for each visit.
