Welcome to Holland Language Academy
I firmly believe that the circumstances you’re born into shouldn’t dictate your chances for success. To me, there is nothing more personally and professionally fulfilling than when the product of my work is a child’s academic and social growth.
In addition, I believe that my background as a teacher and my ongoing role as a parent not only enable me to understand and meet the needs of both teachers, and parents, but ultimately allows me to serve the students and children of our community. My passion has always been and will be educating children.
I look forward to continuing to work in partnership with you as we serve the children in Holland Language Academy.
-Iliana Vasquéz
Principal
The Red Note - HLA Newsletter
Check here each Sunday afternoon for an updated newsletter.
What's Happening at HLA:

Herrick District Library Summer Reading Challenge - 2025
This summer, Herrick District Library, Ottawa County Parks and Recreation, and the City of Holland Recreation Department are coming together to present the 2025 Summer Reading Challenge: The Truth is Out There.
- Pick up a trail map beginning June 9 to complete the challenge. Maps are available at either Herrick District Library location.

2025-26 Student Registration
- As we prepare for the start of the next school year, it's time register your student for 2025-26. This is something we ask ALL current HPS families to do EVERY year. Completing the registration lets us know:
- Your student(s) will be returning next year!
- Your household contact information is up to date
- Your student health information is up to date
- if you are requesting transportation for the 2025-2026 school year (Deadline to request bussing is August 1.)
Without this information, your student can not be added to a class list for next year OR have a class schedule created for them.

Nurse Notes - May
May is Mental Health Awareness Month and your school nurses want to promote positive mental health for our HPS family.

2025-2026 Important Dates
Calendar Highlights:
- First Day of School | Thursday, August 21
- Homecoming | Friday, October 10
- Thanksgiving Holiday | November 26 - November 30
- Holiday Break | December 20 - January 4
- MLK Day | Monday, January 19
- Mid-Winter Break| Friday, February 27 - Monday, March 2
- Spring Break | Friday, April 3 - Sunday, April 12
- Class of 2026 Commencement |Tuesday, May 19
- Last Day of School | Wednesday, June 3
These dates are tentative, pending ratification of The Board of Education at the April Board of Education Meeting.

7-Day Meal Box Registration
HPS is proud to provide 7-Day Meal Boxes to families in the district during the summer months.
Each box will contain a menu with food prep instructions and food items for 7 breakfasts and 7 lunches per week.
- Meal pick-up will be located at Central Wesleyan Church (446 West 40th St. Holland MI 49423 - Door A) from 12:00-1:00 PM
- Thursday, June 12 through August 7, 2025
Please register your family to receive a Meal Box. This will help us know how many meals to have ready to be picked-up.

HPSPodcast 5.32
Dutch Theatre's production of The Wizard of Oz runs May 1-4 at the HHS PAC. This week, we talk with cast members Sophia Palmateer and Hailey Huggett.

District Art Show
The HPS Art Department is proud to show the incredible works of art created by students from all HPS buildings.
- May 1-15 in the Art Gallery at Holland High School
An Opening Night reception will be held on May 1, 4:30-6pm in the Art Gallery at Holland High School.
Community of Courage - Anne Frank Exhibit
Community of Courage, a student-guided exhibit about the life of Anne Frank, will be at Holland High School April 20-May 7, 2025.
Community partners and the general public are encouraged to experience the exhibit on the following dates:
- Thursday, April 24, 6-8pm
- Tuesday, April 29, 6-8pm
- Monday, May 5, 8am-3pm
- Tuesday, May 6, 8am-3pm
- Wednesday, May 7, 6-8pm

HPSPodcast 5.30
This week we hear from the 2025 Power H IMPACT Award Finalists.

Read-A-Thon Final Results!
MINUTES READ
- HLA - 31,315 minutes | First place class: Marroquin
- Heights - 21,120 minutes | First place class: Byrne
- West - 20,413 minutes | First place class: Witters
- Jefferson - 15,640 minutes | First place class: Thornton
- HMS - 85,000 minutes | First place class: 8th Grade
FUNDS RAISED
- K-5 - $3566
- HMS - $4133
Thank you to everyone who’s helped fundraise for PTO! Keep up the great work - and keep reading!

Nurse Notes -March is National Nutrition Month
March is National Nutrition Month, and it’s the perfect time to focus on healthy eating habits that support growing minds and active bodies! Balanced nutrition is essential for your child’s energy, focus, and overall well-being.
Here are some tips and ideas to help your family make healthy choices this month and beyond.

Read-A-Thon Update!
Read-A-Thon | Launch Into a Universe of Stories!
Reading Minutes for K-5 Schools as of March 18!
- Jefferson - 7,340 minutes
- HLA - 11,895
- West - 7,805
- Heights - 5,625
Keep up the great work - and keep reading!
HLA Calendar
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19 August
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Open House 4:00 PM to 6:00 PMOpen HouseDate: Aug 19Time: 4:00 PM to 6:00 PMCalendar: HLA Calendar
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21 August
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First Day of SchoolDate: Aug 21Calendar: HLA Calendar
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29 August
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Holiday - No SchoolDate: Aug 29Calendar: HLA Calendar
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1 September
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Holiday - No SchoolDate: Sep 1Calendar: HLA Calendar
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5 September
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HPS Elementary 🏈 Football Night 6:00 PM to 9:00 PMHPS Elementary 🏈 Football NightDate: Sep 5Time: 6:00 PM to 9:00 PMCalendar: HLA Calendar
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10 September
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be nice. WednesdayDate: Sep 10Calendar: HLA Calendar
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12 September
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Hispanic Heritage Game 6:00 PM to 9:00 PMHispanic Heritage GameDate: Sep 12Time: 6:00 PM to 9:00 PMCalendar: HLA Calendar
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8 October
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be nice. WednesdayDate: Oct 8Calendar: HLA Calendar
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14 October
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TK-5 ConferencesDate: Oct 14Calendar: HLA Calendar
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22 October
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TK-5 ConferencesDate: Oct 22Calendar: HLA Calendar
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23 October
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HALF DAY - All StudentsDate: Oct 23Calendar: HLA Calendar
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TK-5 ConferencesDate: Oct 23Calendar: HLA Calendar
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24 October
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NO SCHOOL - All StudentsDate: Oct 24Calendar: HLA Calendar
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7 November
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HALF DAY - All StudentsDate: Nov 7Calendar: HLA Calendar
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12 November
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be nice. WednesdayDate: Nov 12Calendar: HLA Calendar
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26 Novemberthru November 30
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HOLIDAY BREAKDate: Nov 26 - Nov 30Calendar: HLA Calendar
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10 December
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be nice. WednesdayDate: Dec 10Calendar: HLA Calendar
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19 December
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HALF DAY - ALL StUDENTSDate: Dec 19Calendar: HLA Calendar
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20 Decemberthru January 4
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HOLIDAY BREAK 9:00 AM to 10:00 AMHOLIDAY BREAKDate: Dec 20 - Jan 4Time: 9:00 AM to 10:00 AMCalendar: HLA Calendar
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14 January
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be nice. WednesdayDate: Jan 14Calendar: HLA Calendar
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19 January
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MLK DAY - No SchoolDate: Jan 19Calendar: HLA Calendar
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4 February
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HLA Big Opportunity Night 5:00 PM to 6:00 PMHLA Big Opportunity NightDate: Feb 4Time: 5:00 PM to 6:00 PMCalendar: HLA Calendar
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11 February
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be nice. WednesdayDate: Feb 11Calendar: HLA Calendar
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17 February
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TK-5 ConferencesDate: Feb 17Calendar: HLA Calendar
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25 February
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TK-5 ConferencesDate: Feb 25Calendar: HLA Calendar
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27 Februarythru March 2
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MID-WINTER BREAKDate: Feb 27 - Mar 2Calendar: HLA Calendar
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11 March
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be nice. WednesdayDate: Mar 11Calendar: HLA Calendar
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3 Aprilthru April 12
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SPRING BREAKDate: Apr 3 - Apr 12Calendar: HLA Calendar
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8 April
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be nice. WednesdayDate: Apr 8Calendar: HLA Calendar
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24 April
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NO SCHOOL - ALL STUDENTS Scheduled: Mar 24, 2026Date: Apr 24Calendar: HLA Calendar
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1 May
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Talent Show 2:00 PM to 3:00 PMTalent ShowDate: May 1Time: 2:00 PM to 3:00 PMCalendar: HLA Calendar
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7 May
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HALF DAY - ALL STUDENTS / KINDERPARADEDate: May 7Calendar: HLA Calendar
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12 May
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HLA Spring Concert 3-5th 5:40 PM to 7:40 PMHLA Spring Concert 3-5thDate: May 12Time: 5:40 PM to 7:40 PMLocation: Holland High School (PAC)Calendar: HLA CalendarChoir concert today for 3rd, 4th and 5th grade students at Holland High School’s Performing Arts Center. 3rd: Arrive at 5:40, Perform from 6:00 - 6:25 4th: Arrive at 6:10, perform from 6:35 - 7:00 5th: Arrive at 6:45, perform from 7:05 - 7:30
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13 May
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be nice. WednesdayDate: May 13Calendar: HLA Calendar
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21 May
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5th Grade Graduation 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM5th Grade GraduationDate: May 21Time: 6:00 PM to 7:00 PMLocation: HHS PACCalendar: HLA Calendar
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25 Maythru May 26
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HOLIDAY BREAKDate: May 25 - May 26Calendar: HLA Calendar
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1 June
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Field Day 12:15 PM to 3:00 PMField DayDate: Jun 1Time: 12:15 PM to 3:00 PMCalendar: HLA Calendar
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2 June
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HALF DAY - ALL STUDENTSDate: Jun 2Calendar: HLA Calendar
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3 June
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HALF DAY/LAST DAY OF SCHOOL - ALL STUDENTSDate: Jun 3Calendar: HLA Calendar
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Holland Language Academy
461 Van Raalte Ave
Holland, MI 49423
Phone: 616-494-2600
Fax: 616-393-7652
Teachers & Staff
School Times:
- Full Day | 8:15am* - 3:21pm
- Wednesday Early Dismissal | 2:21pm
- Half Day | 8:15* - 11:20am
*Please do not arrive at school earlier than 8:10
HLA Office Hours:
- 7:45am- 4pm | M-F (August-June)
HLA Media Center
Student Handbook
Volunteer at HLA:
We love when parents or guardians get involved. Make sure to fill out the district volunteer form (once each school year) and return it to the office.