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:
HHS Mobile Food Pantry Cancelled January 20
Due to inclement weather, the monthly mobile food pantry hosted at Holland High School has been cancelled today. The next food pantry at Holland High will be on Monday, February 10 at 4:30 pm.
If you are in need of food assistance, see here for a list of other local mobile food pantries, or search here by zip code for additional food resources.
Reminder about REMIND
REMIND is the best way to get “Snow Day” announcements from HPS.
Enrollment Application for HLA
There is limited space in HLA classrooms for the 2025-2026 academic year.
- Open Enrollment for '25-'26 opens February 1 for the entire district.
- Families with students already enrolled will be given first priority. Sibling Applications are due February 5 (see link below).
- The Application Deadline for all other families is February 19. (Applications received after this date, will be added to a wait list)
- An enrollment lottery will be held on February 26 if needed.
If you have any questions, please contact the HLA office at 616-494-2600
Perfect Attendance - First Half of the Year
Congratulations to the following HLA Students who didn't miss a day in the first half of the school year!
Nurse Notes - Holiday Blues?
Many find the holidays a time of sadness and stress. A new study showed that 64% of people with mental illness report holidays make their conditions worse. But even without a diagnosis of a mental illness, sadness and stress are very real feelings.
Here are some suggestions to make the holidays less stressful and more joyful:
What's Cooking | December
This month read more about:
- HPS Nutrition Service is awarded grant to provide students with locally grown fruits & vegetables
- Thank you to local food providers!
REMEMBER: All HPS students are provided Breakfast & Lunch at no cost!
HPSPodcast 5.18
This week we talk with Patty Beatty, Director of Early Childhood at HPS, about all the great things happening in our pre-school classrooms.
Winter Home Games - Reminder of Rules and Expectations
As the Winter Athletic Seasons gets underway in the Dutch Dome (and Holland Aquatic Center), here is a reminder about some of the rules and expectations for students and families who attend games/meets:
- Middle school age and younger MUST be an accompanied by an adult
- No student backpacks
- No re-entry for any spectators
- All school rules apply during events
- The Dome and the parking lots are a drug free school zone which includes any vape products.
#GoDutch
Communication Survey
HPS GOAL: Engage and Inform parents and community members through consistent two-way communication.
HPS continues to work on engaging parents and the community through effective communication. This has included using Remind, My Ride K-12, and Parent Portal.
The next level of work will be to
- Gather feedback from parents so we have an understanding of what they need and want
- Streamline the enrollment and registration process
- Create standards for communication so that parents are not overwhelmed with the number of messages received
We'll also host focus groups of parents on:
- Thursday, January 9
If you are interested in participating in the Communication Focus groups, please drop us an email.
Afterschool Basketball - 3rd & 4th Grade
Holland Recreation and Holland Public Schools are excited to partner together to offer a new After School Basketball Program. The after-school basketball practice option is being offered for the 3rd/4th grade levels.
- PRACTICE: December 9 - February 10 - Mondays & Wednesdays | 3:45-5:15pm
- GAMES: Thursdays, January 9 – February 13. | 5:30 and 6:30pm
There are still spots available for 3rd and 4th grade girls to register for this program!
3-Year-Old Pre School Opportunities
Starting in January, Holland Public Schools will have an exciting opportunity to offer preschool programming to families in our community who have children turning 3-years-old on or before December 1st, 2024.
- Children will be enrolled in our current preschool classrooms at HLA, West and Jefferson.
- Full days
- 5 Days/Week
- Spots will be limited!
November Nutrition Nuggets
Top Ten Reasons to Try School Meals
- Studies prove that children perform better academically with a balanced meal at both Breakfast & Lunch.
- It saves time grocery shopping and packing lunches.
- It saves money and extends your household budget.
- Breakfast and lunch is a great time to spend with friends.
- Whole Grains, Protein, Fruits, Veggies & Milk are offered with all School Meals.
- Meals include kid-friendly national brand name items, but with lower sodium, fat & saturated fat.
- Our delicious menus have calorie and sodium limits and zero grams of trans fats.
- You are helping your local school Nutrition Program stay fiscally sound.
- It is convenient for Students & Parents.
- Breakfast & Lunch are FREE for all HPS students.
HLA Calendar
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20 January
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NO SCHOOL - MLK DayDate: Jan 20Calendar: HLA Calendar
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21 Januarythru January 24
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BeNice WeekDate: Jan 21 - Jan 24Calendar: HLA Calendar
Tues 1/21 Comfort and Self-Care Day – Students wear their comfiest clothes to highlight the importance of self-care and mental well-being.
Wed 1/22 be nice. Day- Wear be nice. shirts or green or black or pink for be nice. colors
Thurs 1/23 Superheroes of Kindness or Team-Up for Kindness – Students can dress as superheroes who fight for kindness and support others or wear shirts featuring superheroes or "Team-Up" for kindness would be wearing their favorite sports team jersey
Fri 1/24 Holland is be nice. Red and White Shine Your Light– wear red and white or be nice.
Throughout the week school-wide Age appropriate activities, annoucements or videos that remind students of the be nice. action plan steps. Teachers across grade levels will incorporate "be nice." lessons in classes--- be nice. individual school groups will share ideas. Students sign the be nice. pledge banner.
be nice. basketball game on Friday. Throughout the week each building will raffle off be nice. prize packs (pencil, bracelet, candy, and game ticket) to students.
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22 January
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MAP Growth Math Testing, K-5 9:00 AM to 11:00 AMMAP Growth Math Testing, K-5Date: Jan 22Time: 9:00 AM to 11:00 AMCalendar: HLA Calendar
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Early Release Day 2:21 PM to 2:51 PMEarly Release DayDate: Jan 22Time: 2:21 PM to 2:51 PMLocation: Holland Language Academy, 461 Van Raalte Ave, Holland, MI 49423, USACalendar: HLA Calendar
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28 January
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MAP Growth English Testing, graded 3-5 9:00 AM to 11:00 AMMAP Growth English Testing, graded 3-5Date: Jan 28Time: 9:00 AM to 11:00 AMCalendar: HLA Calendar
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29 January
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Early Release Day 2:21 PM to 2:51 PMEarly Release DayDate: Jan 29Time: 2:21 PM to 2:51 PMLocation: Holland Language Academy, 461 Van Raalte Ave, Holland, MI 49423, USACalendar: HLA Calendar
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31 January
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TK-5 Second Trimester Ends 4:30 PMTK-5 Second Trimester EndsDate: Jan 31Time: 4:30 PMCalendar: HLA CalendarReport Cards Available
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3 Februarythru February 7
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Big Opportunity WeekDate: Feb 3 - Feb 7Calendar: HLA CalendarEnrollment is open for 2024-2025. We'll host several events this week to help you learn how Holland Public Schools is Right For You and your family.
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5 February
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Sibling Enrollment Applications DueDate: Feb 5Calendar: HLA CalendarIf your family currently has a student enrolled at HLA and wants to enroll a sibling for the 25-26 year, Applications are due on February 5. Applications for new HLA families will be available until February 19. (Applications received after this date, will be added to a wait list.) An enrollment lottery will be held, if needed, on February 26.
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Early Release Day 2:21 PM to 2:51 PMEarly Release DayDate: Feb 5Time: 2:21 PM to 2:51 PMLocation: Holland Language Academy, 461 Van Raalte Ave, Holland, MI 49423, USACalendar: HLA Calendar
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Big Opportunity Night 5:00 PM to 7:00 PMBig Opportunity NightDate: Feb 5Time: 5:00 PM to 7:00 PMCalendar: HLA CalendarCome see the school, meet the teachers and principal, and learn more about enrollment at HPS
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6 February
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Power H Shop 4:30 PM to 6:00 PMPower H ShopDate: Feb 6Time: 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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11 February
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TK-5 Parent /Teacher Conferences 4:15 PM to 7:15 PMTK-5 Parent /Teacher ConferencesDate: Feb 11Time: 4:15 PM to 7:15 PMLocation: Holland Language Academy, 461 Van Raalte Ave, Holland, MI 49423, USACalendar: HLA Calendar
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12 February
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be nice. WednesdayDate: Feb 12Calendar: HLA Calendar
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Early Release Day 2:21 PM to 2:51 PMEarly Release DayDate: Feb 12Time: 2:21 PM to 2:51 PMLocation: Holland Language Academy, 461 Van Raalte Ave, Holland, MI 49423, USACalendar: HLA Calendar
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19 February
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HLA Enrollment Application DeadlineDate: Feb 19Calendar: HLA CalendarApplications for new HLA families will be available until February 19. (Applications received after this date, will be added to a wait list.) An enrollment lottery will be held, if needed, on February 26.
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Early Release Day 2:21 PM to 2:51 PMEarly Release DayDate: Feb 19Time: 2:21 PM to 2:51 PMLocation: Holland Language Academy, 461 Van Raalte Ave, Holland, MI 49423, USACalendar: HLA Calendar
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TK-5 Parent /Teacher Conferences 4:15 PM to 7:15 PMTK-5 Parent /Teacher ConferencesDate: Feb 19Time: 4:15 PM to 7:15 PMLocation: Holland Language Academy, 461 Van Raalte Ave, Holland, MI 49423, USACalendar: HLA Calendar
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20 February
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Half Day - ALL Students 8:15 AM to 11:20 AMHalf Day - ALL StudentsDate: Feb 20Time: 8:15 AM to 11:20 AMCalendar: HLA CalendarTK-5 | 8:30-11:35am
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21 Februarythru February 24
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NO SCHOOL - Mid-Winter BreakDate: Feb 21 - Feb 24Calendar: HLA Calendar
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26 February
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HLA Enrollment LotteryDate: Feb 26Calendar: HLA CalendarAn enrollment lottery will be held, if needed.
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Early Release Day 2:21 PM to 2:51 PMEarly Release DayDate: Feb 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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5 March
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Early Release Day 2:21 PM to 2:51 PMEarly Release DayDate: Mar 5Time: 2:21 PM to 2:51 PMLocation: Holland Language Academy, 461 Van Raalte Ave, Holland, MI 49423, USACalendar: HLA Calendar
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6 March
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Power H Shop 4:30 PM to 6:00 PMPower H ShopDate: Mar 6Time: 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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12 March
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be nice. WednesdayDate: Mar 12Calendar: HLA Calendar
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Early Release Day 2:21 PM to 2:51 PMEarly Release DayDate: Mar 12Time: 2:21 PM to 2:51 PMLocation: Holland Language Academy, 461 Van Raalte Ave, Holland, MI 49423, USACalendar: HLA Calendar
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19 March
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Early Release Day 2:21 PM to 2:51 PMEarly Release DayDate: Mar 19Time: 2:21 PM to 2:51 PMLocation: Holland Language Academy, 461 Van Raalte Ave, Holland, MI 49423, USACalendar: HLA Calendar
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25 March
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HLA Spring Concert 3-5th 5:40 PM to 7:40 PMHLA Spring Concert 3-5thDate: Mar 25Time: 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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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.