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:

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!

HPS 5-Year Facility Plan
This week Superintendent Nick Cassidy met with HPS staff members to share HPS' 5-year Facility Plan. This plan will:
- Ensure Every Student and Staff Member at HPS benefits from upgraded, 21st-century facilities
- Provide equitable access to programming
- Right-size our district to reduce operational costs
- Allow us to invest in our students, staff, and programs

More HPS Students Taking Advantage of School Breakfast!
During National School Breakfast Week HPS saw a 16.75% increase in the number of students eating breakfast!!
- Heights 27%
- High School 15%
- HLA 23%
- Jefferson 10%
- Middle School 13%
- VRTech 15%
- West 17%
A special thank-you to our Kitchen Leads: Stacey, Sandy, Julie, Lori, Heather, Melissa & Linda for making it all come together!
Keep up the good work and keep encouraging your students to start their day with a nutritious school breakfast!
- Breakfast & Lunch is no-cost to all HPS students.

HPSPodcast 5.27
This week on the HPSPodcast, we're talking with Kayla Gearring and Rionna Garino about Inclusion Week and The Game.

HPSPodact 5.26
This week, we introduce you to the Power H Award Building Finalists:
- Holland Language Academy: Kyla Reichert, Denia Rodriguez, and Kate Meyer
- Holland Heights: Liz Melangton, Todd McKay, Diana Sandoval
- District Support: Lucio Lozano
Don't Jinx a S___ D__!
The first rule of Days, is that you don't talk about Days.

The Next "Snow Day" Might Be a "Snow Delay"
For the remainder of the academic calendar, if it is safe to do so, Superintendent Nick Cassidy will consider calling a 2-hour delay rather than a full snow day! This will help ensure students are in school when it is safe for them to be and that we don't have to extend the school calendar beyond June 4.

Power H Shop Give Back and School Drive
February is our Give Back Month for the Power H Shop. Instead of shopping this month you can:
- drop of donations during the event (Thursday, February 6 at Maplewood)
- drop them off at any school (there's a box in the office!)
- send them from our Amazon Wishlist.

Big Opportunities - Step Up to HMS
Thursday, February 6, 5-7pm.
Check out all the great opportunities available for students at Holland Middle School. You’ll love it here!
- We will have academic information meetings in the cafeteria at 5:15pm and 6:15pm
- An interactive tour with stations around the school for families to visit and learn more about HMS
- See classrooms and meet teachers!
Any Holland families interested in attending HMS are invited. All HPS 5th-grade Parents and Students are encouraged to attend.

We need Munchkins for Dutch Theatre's Production of Wizard of Oz
We are looking for 2 sets of 20-30 Munchkins, and hope to have students from all of our elementary schools represented. MUNCHKIN AUDITIONS for 3rd-5th grade students (preferably under 5'2") are:
- Thursday, January 30 at 5, 6 or 7pm (sign up for a time below.)
- Saturday 2/1/25 at 9:30am (The first Munchkin rehearsal is Saturday, 10a-12n...so if you attend the audition Saturday morning, you should plan on staying for rehearsal until noon.)
Tentative Performance Dates: First week of May.
Questions: Contact Mrs. Miller - Theatre Director

Reminder about REMIND
REMIND is the best way to get “Snow Day” announcements from HPS.
HLA Calendar
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25 March
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Hope College Stop Plastic Pollution 3:30 PM to 4:45 PMHope College Stop Plastic PollutionDate: Mar 25Time: 3:30 PM to 4:45 PMCalendar: HLA Calendar
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26 March
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Early Release Day 2:21 PM to 2:51 PMEarly Release DayDate: Mar 26Time: 2:21 PM to 2:51 PMLocation: Holland Language Academy, 461 Van Raalte Ave, Holland, MI 49423, USACalendar: HLA Calendar
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HPS 5-year Facility Plan Community Feedback 5:00 PM to 7:00 PMHPS 5-year Facility Plan Community FeedbackDate: Mar 26Time: 5:00 PM to 7:00 PMLocation: Holland Public Schools, 320 W 24th St | Board Training RoomCalendar: HLA Calendar
We will share the facility master plan, describe how our current and future bond projects will support proposed changes, how show how this plan will provide us with the financial stability needed for Holland Public Schools to flourish. This meetings will also allow community members to provide feedback on the proposed changes and needs of the district.
Join with Google Meet: https://meet.google.com/qtd-qvcw-smu Or dial: (US) +1 980-505-7012 PIN: 605489689# Learn more about Meet at: https://support.google.com/a/users/answer/9282720
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28 March
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Half Day - ALL Students 8:15 AM to 11:20 AMHalf Day - ALL StudentsDate: Mar 28Time: 8:15 AM to 11:20 AMCalendar: HLA CalendarTK-5 | 8:30-11:35am
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29 March
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Hope College Stop Plastic Pollution 9:00 AM to 11:00 AMHope College Stop Plastic PollutionDate: Mar 29Time: 9:00 AM to 11:00 AMLocation: Holland State Park - Macatawa Campground, 2215 Ottawa Beach Rd, Holland, MI 49424, USACalendar: HLA Calendar
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1 April
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Hope College Stop Plastic Pollution 3:30 PM to 4:45 PMHope College Stop Plastic PollutionDate: Apr 1Time: 3:30 PM to 4:45 PMCalendar: HLA Calendar
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2 April
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Early Release Day 2:21 PM to 2:51 PMEarly Release DayDate: Apr 2Time: 2:21 PM to 2:51 PMLocation: Holland Language Academy, 461 Van Raalte Ave, Holland, MI 49423, USACalendar: HLA Calendar
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3 April
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Power H Shop 4:30 PM to 6:00 PMPower H ShopDate: Apr 3Time: 4:30 PM to 6:00 PMLocation: Maplewood Elementary School, 925 Central Ave, Holland, MI 49423, USACalendar: HLA CalendarThe Power H Shop is an initiative to support families experiencing crisis or financial hardship, by providing free household items through a dignified retail setting, and thus alleviating a family's financial hardship.
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4 Aprilthru April 13
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NO SCHOOL - Spring BreakDate: Apr 4 - Apr 13Calendar: HLA Calendar
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9 April
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be nice. WednesdayDate: Apr 9Calendar: HLA Calendar
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Early Release Day 2:21 PM to 2:51 PMEarly Release DayDate: Apr 9Time: 2:21 PM to 2:51 PMLocation: Holland Language Academy, 461 Van Raalte Ave, Holland, MI 49423, USACalendar: HLA Calendar
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15 April
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Hope College Stop Plastic Pollution 3:30 PM to 4:45 PMHope College Stop Plastic PollutionDate: Apr 15Time: 3:30 PM to 4:45 PMCalendar: HLA Calendar
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16 April
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Early Release Day 2:21 PM to 2:51 PMEarly Release DayDate: Apr 16Time: 2:21 PM to 2:51 PMLocation: Holland Language Academy, 461 Van Raalte Ave, Holland, MI 49423, USACalendar: HLA Calendar
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22 April
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Hope College Stop Plastic Pollution 3:30 PM to 4:45 PMHope College Stop Plastic PollutionDate: Apr 22Time: 3:30 PM to 4:45 PMCalendar: HLA Calendar
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23 April
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Early Release Day 2:21 PM to 2:51 PMEarly Release DayDate: Apr 23Time: 2:21 PM to 2:51 PMLocation: Holland Language Academy, 461 Van Raalte Ave, Holland, MI 49423, USACalendar: HLA Calendar
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29 April
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Hope College Stop Plastic Pollution 3:30 PM to 4:45 PMHope College Stop Plastic PollutionDate: Apr 29Time: 3:30 PM to 4:45 PMCalendar: HLA Calendar
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30 April
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Early Release Day 2:21 PM to 2:51 PMEarly Release DayDate: Apr 30Time: 2:21 PM to 2:51 PMLocation: Holland Language Academy, 461 Van Raalte Ave, Holland, MI 49423, USACalendar: HLA Calendar
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1 May
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Power H Shop 4:30 PM to 6:00 PMPower H ShopDate: May 1Time: 4:30 PM to 6:00 PMLocation: Maplewood Elementary School, 925 Central Ave, Holland, MI 49423, USACalendar: HLA CalendarThe Power H Shop is an initiative to support families experiencing crisis or financial hardship, by providing free household items through a dignified retail setting, and thus alleviating a family's financial hardship.
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6 May
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Hope College Stop Plastic Pollution 3:30 PM to 4:45 PMHope College Stop Plastic PollutionDate: May 6Time: 3:30 PM to 4:45 PMCalendar: HLA Calendar
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7 May
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Early Release Day 2:21 PM to 2:51 PMEarly Release DayDate: May 7Time: 2:21 PM to 2:51 PMLocation: Holland Language Academy, 461 Van Raalte Ave, Holland, MI 49423, USACalendar: HLA Calendar
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8 May
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Half Day - ALL Students 8:15 AM to 11:20 AMHalf Day - ALL StudentsDate: May 8Time: 8:15 AM to 11:20 AMCalendar: HLA CalendarTulip Time KinderParade TK-5 | 8:30-11:35am
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13 May
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Hope College Stop Plastic Pollution 3:30 PM to 4:45 PMHope College Stop Plastic PollutionDate: May 13Time: 3:30 PM to 4:45 PMCalendar: HLA Calendar
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HLA Spring Concert 3-5th 5:40 PM to 7:40 PMHLA Spring Concert 3-5thDate: May 13Time: 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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14 May
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be nice. WednesdayDate: May 14Calendar: HLA Calendar
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Early Release Day 2:21 PM to 2:51 PMEarly Release DayDate: May 14Time: 2:21 PM to 2:51 PMLocation: Holland Language Academy, 461 Van Raalte Ave, Holland, MI 49423, USACalendar: HLA Calendar
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21 May
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Early Release Day 2:21 PM to 2:51 PMEarly Release DayDate: May 21Time: 2:21 PM to 2:51 PMLocation: Holland Language Academy, 461 Van Raalte Ave, Holland, MI 49423, USACalendar: HLA Calendar
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26 May
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NO SCHOOL - Holiday BreakDate: May 26Calendar: HLA Calendar
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28 May
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Early Release Day 2:21 PM to 2:51 PMEarly Release DayDate: May 28Time: 2:21 PM to 2:51 PMLocation: Holland Language Academy, 461 Van Raalte Ave, Holland, MI 49423, USACalendar: HLA Calendar
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2 June
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Field Day 11:00 AM to 3:00 PMField DayDate: Jun 2Time: 11:00 AM to 3:00 PMCalendar: HLA Calendar
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3 June
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Half Day - ALL Students 8:15 AM to 11:20 AMHalf Day - ALL StudentsDate: Jun 3Time: 8:15 AM to 11:20 AMCalendar: HLA CalendarTK-5 | 8:30-11:35am
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4 June
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HALF/LAST DAY - ALL Students 8:15 AM to 11:20 AMHALF/LAST DAY - ALL StudentsDate: Jun 4Time: 8:15 AM to 11:20 AMCalendar: HLA CalendarTK-5 | 8:30-11:35am
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Report Cards Available 4:30 PMReport Cards AvailableDate: Jun 4Time: 4:30 PMCalendar: HLA Calendar
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11 June
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be nice. WednesdayDate: Jun 11Calendar: HLA Calendar
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9 July
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be nice. WednesdayDate: Jul 9Calendar: HLA Calendar
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13 August
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be nice. WednesdayDate: Aug 13Calendar: 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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12 November
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be nice. WednesdayDate: Nov 12Calendar: HLA Calendar
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10 December
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be nice. WednesdayDate: Dec 10Calendar: HLA Calendar
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14 January
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be nice. WednesdayDate: Jan 14Calendar: HLA Calendar
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11 February
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be nice. WednesdayDate: Feb 11Calendar: HLA Calendar
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11 March
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be nice. WednesdayDate: Mar 11Calendar: 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.