OCTOBER NEWSLETTER 2025

We Are Building the Future at HCS, and You Can Help Make It Happen


We’re thrilled to share a major milestone in our campus development: over the summer, we received full approval from the Planning Department. This marks the culmination of a year-long process that included collaboration with neighbors, coordination across multiple city departments, and a public hearing. It’s a huge step forward, and it clears the path for what’s next. We have three of the four permits needed for the front parking lot: grading, electrical, and landscaping. We are expecting the final permit for the retaining wall soon. We need to reconfigure the front parking lot to accommodate the additional parking required with the new gym.


At the same time, we’ve launched engineering and construction documents for the gym and rear parking lot. Our target is to submit for plan check around Thanksgiving. If all goes according to plan, we expect to be allowed to begin construction of the gym in late spring/early summer of 2026.


The Vision: A True School Campus

The gym is more than just a building. It's a cornerstone of our vision to create a full campus experience for our students. It will provide space for physical education, games, chapels, school events, assemblies, and community engagement.


The Opportunity: Be Part of This Transformative Moment

To make this vision a reality, we need your support.

  • $3 million has already been secured
  • We need $2 million more to begin full-speed construction
  • And an additional $2 million to complete the project


We’re close, and now is the moment to lean in. Your investment will have a lasting impact on generations of students, helping to transform our school into a thriving campus community.


Join us in building the future. Let’s make the gym and our vision a reality.


In Him,

Dan Vande Pol

Head of School

Join Me for Coffee

You are invited to an important conversation with speakers from Ventura County Sherriff's Department about how law enforcement works to keep schools safe. Learn how officers prepare staff, how parents can respond wisely in an emergency, what to watch for with students, and the dangers of social media. Bring your questions for this practical and informative discussion.

A Fresh New Look for Parent Communication

Whether you’re an EarlyEd, Elementary, or Secondary parent, you’ll be able to quickly find what’s relevant to you. Below are this week’s highlights. Click any tile to learn more.

Board Brief: October Meeting Highlights

The Board began this month’s meeting with a time of prayer in the Coffee Shop, seeking God’s guidance and wisdom for our school community. Key discussion topics included reports from Finance, Admissions, and Administration, as well as progress updates on the front parking lot and gym construction projects. The Board also reviewed the performance of various areas across the school and explored additional ways to support our teachers and staff. This month’s Board training focused on Leadership vs. Lethargy, encouraging continued growth and engagement in stewardship and governance. Members also discussed our ongoing partnership with Bethany Bible Church and the development of a newly forming Advisory Board. The meeting concluded with a Finance Committee recap and a time of closing prayer.

IMPORTANT UPCOMING EVENTS

Explore Hillcrest

Do you know a family who might want to learn more about Hillcrest Christian School? Invite them to our fall admissions event on Wednesday, October 22nd at 5:30pm.

Backyard BBQ

Don’t miss Backyard BBQ on Saturday, November 8th from 1:00-4:00pm. This event is a beloved Hillcrest tradition designed to bring our whole community together.


One Ticket = Unlimited Fun! Your admission opens the gate to a full afternoon of excitement: Bungee Run, Dodgeball Arena, High Striker, Bounce Houses, Live Music, Petting Zoo, Chili Cook-Off tastings, Photo Booth, races, contests, and more!


...and the fun doesn’t stop there. Head to the game booths for even more action: Rock Climbing Wall, Face Painting, Confetti Eggs, Slime Creation Station, Basketball Toss, and sweet treats galore!


When hunger strikes, follow the irresistible aroma to Lofi Smoke & Grill for pulled pork sandwiches, brisket tacos, BBQ nachos, and all your smoky favorites.


Bring your family, invite your friends, and make memories that’ll last all year because this is one Hillcrest event you don’t want to miss!

It has been busy for athletics at HCS and we'd love your support as the Fall Season is winding down and the Winter season gets ready to roll. Here is a recap of last week's action as well as a look ahead in the next couple of weeks.

Our HS Football Team rolled to a convincing 60-16 win over Malibu High School, which is a huge step forward after losing to them the past two seasons. The boys will travel to Polytechnic HS in Pasadena this Friday at 3:30pm for a tough game against the Panthers before coming back home next Friday, October 17th for our Homecoming Game at 6:30pm vs. California Lutheran High School at Oaks Christian School. Come on out to support the Saints at Homecoming on the 17th!

The HS Volleyball Team has won 3 of their last 4 games, including a huge 5-set victory over Glendale Adventist, to put themselves in position to earn a playoff berth with just three games left! The Lady Saints are playing this Thursday, October 9th against Newbury Park Adventist at our home gym of Newbury Park First Christian Church at 5:00pm. The girls need this victory to keep their playoff hopes alive so come out and support them in the biggest game of the year thus far! Then, don't miss their Senior Night on Tuesday, October 14th as they take on Beacon Hill at 5:00pm at NPFCC. Make sure to support our two Senior Girls, Hayden Cory and Sophia Lima as they represent Hillcrest for the final time at home on the 14th.

Our Middle School Flag Football team lost a tough game on Monday against a top-seeded and undefeated Ascension Lutheran team. They played a great game though and look to bounce back next Wednesday, October 15th at 3:30pm at Beacon Hill.


Our Middle School Girls Volleyball has two teams. The Blue Team dealt with a tough loss last week against Ventura Missionary School. However, the girls will look to bounce back next Tuesday at 3:30pm against Beacon Hill at Ascension Lutheran School. The Gold Team also took a tough loss on Monday to Ventura Missionary School and are looking for some redemption on Tuesday, October 14th at 4:30pm against Beacon Hill at Ascension Lutheran.

After a big 38-12 victory yesterday at home against Bethany, the 5th/6th Flag Football team are 2-2 and right in the mix for a playoff spot. The next game will be next Wednesday, October 15th at 4:30pm at Beacon Hill.


We also have two teams in the 5th/6th Grade Girls Volleyball. The Blue Team is coming off a great win in their last game against Conejo Adventist! The girls will look to continue their winning ways on Thursday, October 16th against Beacon Hill at 4:30pm at Ascension Lutheran School. The Gold Team took a tough loss on Friday at Ventura Missionary School. They will look to rebound from that game on Thursday, October 16th at 3:30pm against Beacon Hill at Ascension Lutheran School.

Please come out to some games and support your Saints as they represent Hillcrest in a Christ-honoring way!


Go Saints!!!

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