Place-based Preschool

Each new year brings new students, new learning, and opportunities to see and live God’s story. This fall, we have added another new preschool program to our class offerings. Place-based preschool utilizes current classroom practices and our preschool curriculum while allowing students to learn outdoors or in whatever place best enriches their growth.  

Each day, students spend most of their time outdoors learning in God’s creation and in an indoor classroom when learning would be best there. They have gone on hikes, spent time in the learning pavilion, and utilized the outdoor learning playscape. Learning goals in every program offered at BCCS align, but place-based allows students to grow in unique ways and use natural and community-based resources found at both our campuses and in the greater Byron Center area. Our students will practice seeing and honoring their Creator’s handiwork and taking every thought captive to Christ as they 

work in His Kingdom on our campus and in our community. Teachers and students alike have loved living in God’s story as they spend their days outdoors learning more each day! 

If you want to learn more about this program or any of our early education offerings, contact us today before registration begins this winter!

Giving 100%: A Lesson in Math and Service

At BCCS, we believe that math isn’t just about numbers—it’s about how those numbers help us love God and serve the world around us. Recently, our sixth-grade students experienced this firsthand through a meaningful learning experience led by Mr. Stepanek, who guided them in applying their classroom lessons on percentages to a real-world setting, with a visit to New Life Thrift Store.

After covering the basics of percentages in class, the students headed to New Life Thrift Store to see how these concepts play out in the local community. They started their time with an introduction from the store manager, followed by hands-on work: sorting clothes, inspecting games, placing merchandise on the sales floor, and organizing donations. By engaging in these activities, students gained an understanding of the inner workings of the store and how it serves the community.

The heart of their visit came when they were tasked with a unique challenge. Each student was asked to create outfits from the store’s selection and calculate their total costs. They then compared prices to those of traditional retail stores, applying their knowledge of percentages to determine the savings. This exercise made math tangible, helping them grasp how percentages play a role in everyday decision-making.

The day concluded with a deeper dive into New Life Thrift Store’s operations. They reviewed the store's revenue, examined operational costs such as electricity and heat, and calculated the store’s profit. They learned about the percentage of profits that are donated to local Christian schools, including BCCS. This part of the day showed students the direct impact of financial stewardship and community service.

Returning to school, the students reflected on the importance of stewarding finances wisely, the value of thrift shopping for both individuals and communities, and how they could continue partnering with organizations like New Life Thrift Store in the future.

This experience is a great example of how learning at BCCS equips students with not just academic knowledge, but discipleship skills that prepare them to live a life of service in God’s Kingdom. Through math, service, and reflection, our students are building a better community—one percentage point at a time!

Learning (CAT) Lab

This fall, our elementary students have started using a new place to learn. What was previously a storage room now functions as a room for science, technology, engineering, graphic arts, and math. In the CAT (Create, Apply, Test) Lab, students engage in hands-on activities and projects that build upon each other and connect to real-world applications. This integrated learning approach blends computer science with math, English language arts, and science, helping students develop foundational skills across disciplines.

Currently, elementary students use the room for a class focused on the principles of computer science. In this class, students will be practicing computer programming, creating stories with block code, and exploring input and output!

Transformations of physical spaces such as the CAT Lab are beneficial for students and learning but are also a reminder of the greater community we are blessed to be a part of. We worked with partners such as Windemuller Electric, Hulst Heating and Cooling, Burgess Concrete, Lindhout Painting, Weathershield Roofing, Advantage Millwork, The Blind Spot, and students at South Christian High School (who are making tables for the space) to turn a once dreary room into a beautiful multipurpose learning space. We are so grateful for this community and their support. 

We look forward to the excellent work students will do as they practice utilizing technology to enhance their learning experiences! 

Holding On to Perspective Eternally

Our fifth graders are harnessing their writing skills to help others maintain an eternal perspective. Recently, they created literary works aimed at bringing hope to those in need.

Mrs. Luyk, one of our fifth-grade teachers, reached out to an infusion clinic nurse, who serves patients battling cancer, to visit class and share about her work. She spoke about effective treatments, steps of treatment, and options that cancer patients already have for support. She also relayed one of the greatest needs during a cancer journey: hope. As Christians, we know that patients walking through treatment (and all of us walking through life) have a deep need for eternal hope.

After hearing from the visitor about her career, students set to work crafting stories centered around themes of hope. During the writing process, they focused on using meaningful details, including a dialogue to support their theme, writing engaging expositions, and creating strong visuals, all essential skills in fifth-grade writing. Students also worked collaboratively through the revision process to ensure their final product met learning goals. Their ultimate goal was to use words to share God's perspective. That is something we all need more of! 

The work was not easy as learners engaged in the writing process and tackled the difficult topic of cancer. Unfortunately, it is a disease that has touched many of their lives in one way or another. Their completed works were added to the resources in a care cart to be shared with patients undergoing treatment at Lemmen Holton Cancer Pavilion. Ultimately, we know hope can be found by sharing God’s perspective and we want our students to be ambassadors of hope. We do not know the impact of the stories today, but we trust God will use them to bless those who walk a road harder than most!

Note from the Administrator

We have been blessed to have had a great start to the new school year. I am filled with gratitude and excitement for all that our students will be able to learn and do throughout the year. Our mission at BCCS  focuses on providing an excellent education that is grounded, is rooted in faith, and prepares our students for a life of service to Christ. It guides every aspect of our school community. This commitment is evident in the authentic integration of formational learning experiences that shape the hearts and minds of our students.

Each day we witness our students engaging in meaningful activities that connect learning with real-world needs and real people. Children are not just absorbing information; they are learning by doing and by applying their knowledge through hands-on projects and experiences that have real meaning. These formational learning experiences allow students to see how their faith can be lived out in tangible ways, making a real difference in the world around them while growing and developing their gifts.

Our dedicated teachers play the most vital role in this mission. They are actively focused on teaching essential skills and ensuring that every student reaches a high level of learning. This year, our faculty has been engaged in professional development, refining their collaborative efforts to provide the best possible education for each child. In their classrooms, teachers are modeling and instilling what we call the “Habits of Learning”—Curious Thinking, Courageous Designing, Gracious Communicating, and Joy-filled Collaborating. These habits are more than just classroom goals; they are daily practices that nurture a love for learning, a spirit of innovation, and a heart for service.

At BCCS, we are committed to meaningful, connected learning every day. We strive to tie our curriculum to real people, real needs, and real opportunities for our students to make a positive impact. You will get a small taste of the great learning and work done by our students and teachers in the following articles. It is our prayer that through our good work, we continue to grow together as a community that is rooted in faith and ready to serve Christ wherever and however He calls us to.

Thank you for your continued partnership and prayers as we pursue this mission with joy and purpose. May God bless our students, our families, and our school community this year.

Blessings,

James Onderlinde

With Faith Update

We are so grateful to be part of such a vibrant and growing community that truly supports BCCS. The involvement from families, friends, churches, and local businesses is inspiring as we work together to provide the children of our Christian community with an excellent education, rooted in God’s Word, preparing them for lifelong service in His Kingdom.

We recently celebrated our annual golf outing, bringing together 180 enthusiastic golfers and 29 generous sponsors. It was a fantastic day filled with fun and fellowship at the beautiful Railside Golf Club, all while raising funds for our capital campaign, With Faith.

We’re excited to share that we’ve raised $4.2 million toward our $10 million goal! This project is especially important as our enrollment has jumped by 50% over the past seven years, showing just how urgent the need for more learning space is. By investing in our school, we’re preparing our facilities for future generations of students.

We offer a huge thank you to everyone who participated in the golf outing and who continues to support BCCS. As we move forward, we invite you to stay engaged, spread the word, and pray for the success of our campaign. Together, we’re creating a vibrant learning experience for our current students and for future generations. Thank you for being such an essential part of the BCCS community!

Declaring God's Goodness

As we continue the 2024-2025 school year, we are filled with gratitude and excitement!   Psalm 71:17 reads “Since my youth, God, you have taught me, and to this day I declare your marvelous deeds.” As the seasons change, we are constantly reminded of the goodness of God and His deeds.

Every day at BCCS, we witness God’s goodness in various ways—whether it’s in the hallways where students walk arm in arm, on the playground where kids share laughter while tossing a football, or in the classrooms where teachers engage and support their students' learning. These moments serve as daily reminders of the blessings around us.

Exciting work is happening both inside and outside our classrooms. Students are connecting with our community, building discernment skills, engaging in authentic prayer, nurturing friendships, and sharing letters with important people in their lives. They are taking part in dissections and experiments in science and bringing hope through writing! This school year, we declare the marvelous deeds of our God and remain committed to guiding our students as they grow in knowledge and character, striving to reflect His love and grace in all they do.

How to Sign Up for School at BCCS!

We are excited to share some important dates regarding registration and enrollment for the 2025-2026 school year! 

Preschool priority registration will begin on Tuesday, December 17. Priority registration is for any family (current or new to BCCS) who plans to or already does send their children to elementary school at BCCS. 

Preschool open registration will begin on January 14. This is for any family who does not know where their children will go to elementary school or those who only use our preschool program.

Junior kindergarten and kindergarten registration will also open on January 14. Even current BCCS families must register so we know which kindergarten class you prefer for your son or daughter. 

Please save these dates as spaces are limited in preschool, junior kindergarten, and kindergarten classrooms. All registration links will be located at www.bccs.org/registration. 

Following the registration window, email confirmations will be sent in February, and application instructions will be provided in March or April. If you have any questions regarding this process, email Andy Reidsma at reidsma@bccs.org or call 616.878.3347. 

If you want to learn more about BCCS, we highly recommend a personal campus tour so you can see classrooms, meet teachers, and ask all your questions. We want you to be able to find the place where God has called your family!

Faith and Vocation

There are so many important topics and truths uncovered during Bible class in middle school at BCCS. Students work their way through the wisdom of Proverbs, the missionary journeys of Paul, and much more!

Recently, our middle school Bible teacher invited various guests to talk about their faith as it relates to vocation. The goal of this time was for students to recognize that the work they do in their lives, especially their future careers, creates unique opportunities for them to represent the Good News of Jesus to others. Through testimonies, students were able to see people sharing the Good News of Jesus through the work that they do. Specifically, speakers shared with our students how their Christian walk translates to their careers. They also answered many questions about what they do. 

The guest speakers included head coaches from a local college, a former police officer and real estate agent, a barber and evangelist, a college vice president of student affairs, and an athletic director. Through each person’s unique story, students were able to see what it looks like to use their passions and work to participate in God’s Story!