Opening day at HLA
Kids celebrate Day of the Child
riboncutting at new playground
Field Day at HLA

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:

A Feeding America truck delivers food to a mobile food pantry at Holland High School.
A Feeding America truck delivers food to a mobile food pantry at Holland High School.

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.

Remind logo

Reminder about REMIND

REMIND is the best way to get “Snow Day” announcements from HPS.

Read Full Article

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!

Read Full Article

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:

Read Full Article

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!

Read Full Article

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

Read Full Article

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!

Read Full Article

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!
Read Full Article

November Nutrition Nuggets

Top Ten Reasons to Try School Meals

  1. Studies prove that children perform better academically with a balanced meal at both Breakfast & Lunch.
  2. It saves time grocery shopping and packing lunches.
  3. It saves money and extends your household budget.
  4. Breakfast and lunch is a great time to spend with friends.
  5. Whole Grains, Protein, Fruits, Veggies & Milk are offered with all School Meals.
  6. Meals include kid-friendly national brand name items, but with lower sodium, fat & saturated fat.
  7. Our delicious menus have calorie and sodium limits and zero grams of trans fats.
  8. You are helping your local school Nutrition Program stay fiscally sound.
  9. It is convenient for Students & Parents.
  10. Breakfast & Lunch are FREE for all HPS students.

HLA Calendar

HLA Calendar
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Upcoming Events

  • 20 January
  • 21 January
    thru January 24
    • BeNice Week
      Date: Jan 21 - Jan 24
      Calendar: 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.
  • 22 January
    • MAP Growth Math Testing, K-5 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM
      MAP Growth Math Testing, K-5
      Date: Jan 22
      Time: 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM
      Calendar: HLA Calendar
    • Early Release Day 2:21 PM to 2:51 PM
      Early Release Day
      Date: Jan 22
      Time: 2:21 PM to 2:51 PM
      Location: Holland Language Academy, 461 Van Raalte Ave, Holland, MI 49423, USA
      Calendar: HLA Calendar
  • 28 January
  • 29 January
    • Early Release Day 2:21 PM to 2:51 PM
      Early Release Day
      Date: Jan 29
      Time: 2:21 PM to 2:51 PM
      Location: Holland Language Academy, 461 Van Raalte Ave, Holland, MI 49423, USA
      Calendar: HLA Calendar
  • 31 January
  • 3 February
    thru February 7
    • Big Opportunity Week
      Date: Feb 3 - Feb 7
      Calendar: HLA Calendar
      Enrollment 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.
  • 5 February
    • Sibling Enrollment Applications Due
      Date: Feb 5
      Calendar: HLA Calendar
      If 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.
    • Early Release Day 2:21 PM to 2:51 PM
      Early Release Day
      Date: Feb 5
      Time: 2:21 PM to 2:51 PM
      Location: Holland Language Academy, 461 Van Raalte Ave, Holland, MI 49423, USA
      Calendar: HLA Calendar
    • Big Opportunity Night 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM
      Big Opportunity Night
      Date: Feb 5
      Time: 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM
      Calendar: HLA Calendar
      Come see the school, meet the teachers and principal, and learn more about enrollment at HPS
  • 6 February
    • Power H Shop 4:30 PM to 6:00 PM
      Power H Shop
      Date: Feb 6
      Time: 4:30 PM to 6:00 PM
      Location: Maplewood Elementary School, 925 Central Ave, Holland, MI 49423, USA
      Calendar: HLA Calendar
      The 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.
  • 11 February
    • TK-5 Parent /Teacher Conferences
      Date: Feb 11
      Time: 4:15 PM to 7:15 PM
      Location: Holland Language Academy, 461 Van Raalte Ave, Holland, MI 49423, USA
      Calendar: HLA Calendar
  • 12 February
    • be nice. Wednesday
      Date: Feb 12
      Calendar: HLA Calendar
    • Early Release Day 2:21 PM to 2:51 PM
      Early Release Day
      Date: Feb 12
      Time: 2:21 PM to 2:51 PM
      Location: Holland Language Academy, 461 Van Raalte Ave, Holland, MI 49423, USA
      Calendar: HLA Calendar
  • 19 February
    • HLA Enrollment Application Deadline
      Date: Feb 19
      Calendar: HLA Calendar
      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.
    • Early Release Day 2:21 PM to 2:51 PM
      Early Release Day
      Date: Feb 19
      Time: 2:21 PM to 2:51 PM
      Location: Holland Language Academy, 461 Van Raalte Ave, Holland, MI 49423, USA
      Calendar: HLA Calendar
    • TK-5 Parent /Teacher Conferences
      Date: Feb 19
      Time: 4:15 PM to 7:15 PM
      Location: Holland Language Academy, 461 Van Raalte Ave, Holland, MI 49423, USA
      Calendar: HLA Calendar
  • 20 February
    • Half Day - ALL Students 8:15 AM to 11:20 AM
      Half Day - ALL Students
      Date: Feb 20
      Time: 8:15 AM to 11:20 AM
      Calendar: HLA Calendar
      TK-5 | 8:30-11:35am
  • 21 February
    thru February 24
  • 26 February
    • HLA Enrollment Lottery
      Date: Feb 26
      Calendar: HLA Calendar
      An enrollment lottery will be held, if needed.
    • Early Release Day 2:21 PM to 2:51 PM
      Early Release Day
      Date: Feb 26
      Time: 2:21 PM to 2:51 PM
      Location: Holland Language Academy, 461 Van Raalte Ave, Holland, MI 49423, USA
      Calendar: HLA Calendar
  • 5 March
    • Early Release Day 2:21 PM to 2:51 PM
      Early Release Day
      Date: Mar 5
      Time: 2:21 PM to 2:51 PM
      Location: Holland Language Academy, 461 Van Raalte Ave, Holland, MI 49423, USA
      Calendar: HLA Calendar
  • 6 March
    • Power H Shop 4:30 PM to 6:00 PM
      Power H Shop
      Date: Mar 6
      Time: 4:30 PM to 6:00 PM
      Location: Maplewood Elementary School, 925 Central Ave, Holland, MI 49423, USA
      Calendar: HLA Calendar
      The 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.
  • 12 March
    • be nice. Wednesday
      Date: Mar 12
      Calendar: HLA Calendar
    • Early Release Day 2:21 PM to 2:51 PM
      Early Release Day
      Date: Mar 12
      Time: 2:21 PM to 2:51 PM
      Location: Holland Language Academy, 461 Van Raalte Ave, Holland, MI 49423, USA
      Calendar: HLA Calendar
  • 19 March
    • Early Release Day 2:21 PM to 2:51 PM
      Early Release Day
      Date: Mar 19
      Time: 2:21 PM to 2:51 PM
      Location: Holland Language Academy, 461 Van Raalte Ave, Holland, MI 49423, USA
      Calendar: HLA Calendar
  • 25 March
    • HLA Spring Concert 3-5th 5:40 PM to 7:40 PM
      HLA Spring Concert 3-5th
      Date: Mar 25
      Time: 5:40 PM to 7:40 PM
      Location: Holland High School (PAC)
      Calendar: HLA Calendar
      Choir 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
  • 26 March
    • Early Release Day 2:21 PM to 2:51 PM
      Early Release Day
      Date: Mar 26
      Time: 2:21 PM to 2:51 PM
      Location: Holland Language Academy, 461 Van Raalte Ave, Holland, MI 49423, USA
      Calendar: HLA Calendar
  • 28 March
    • Half Day - ALL Students 8:15 AM to 11:20 AM
      Half Day - ALL Students
      Date: Mar 28
      Time: 8:15 AM to 11:20 AM
      Calendar: HLA Calendar
      TK-5 | 8:30-11:35am
  • 2 April
    • Early Release Day 2:21 PM to 2:51 PM
      Early Release Day
      Date: Apr 2
      Time: 2:21 PM to 2:51 PM
      Location: Holland Language Academy, 461 Van Raalte Ave, Holland, MI 49423, USA
      Calendar: HLA Calendar
  • 3 April
    • Power H Shop 4:30 PM to 6:00 PM
      Power H Shop
      Date: Apr 3
      Time: 4:30 PM to 6:00 PM
      Location: Maplewood Elementary School, 925 Central Ave, Holland, MI 49423, USA
      Calendar: HLA Calendar
      The 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.
  • 4 April
    thru April 13
  • 9 April
    • be nice. Wednesday
      Date: Apr 9
      Calendar: HLA Calendar
    • Early Release Day 2:21 PM to 2:51 PM
      Early Release Day
      Date: Apr 9
      Time: 2:21 PM to 2:51 PM
      Location: Holland Language Academy, 461 Van Raalte Ave, Holland, MI 49423, USA
      Calendar: HLA Calendar
  • 16 April
    • Early Release Day 2:21 PM to 2:51 PM
      Early Release Day
      Date: Apr 16
      Time: 2:21 PM to 2:51 PM
      Location: Holland Language Academy, 461 Van Raalte Ave, Holland, MI 49423, USA
      Calendar: HLA Calendar
  • 23 April
    • Early Release Day 2:21 PM to 2:51 PM
      Early Release Day
      Date: Apr 23
      Time: 2:21 PM to 2:51 PM
      Location: Holland Language Academy, 461 Van Raalte Ave, Holland, MI 49423, USA
      Calendar: HLA Calendar
  • 30 April
    • Early Release Day 2:21 PM to 2:51 PM
      Early Release Day
      Date: Apr 30
      Time: 2:21 PM to 2:51 PM
      Location: Holland Language Academy, 461 Van Raalte Ave, Holland, MI 49423, USA
      Calendar: HLA Calendar
  • 1 May
    • Power H Shop 4:30 PM to 6:00 PM
      Power H Shop
      Date: May 1
      Time: 4:30 PM to 6:00 PM
      Location: Maplewood Elementary School, 925 Central Ave, Holland, MI 49423, USA
      Calendar: HLA Calendar
      The 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.
  • 7 May
    • Early Release Day 2:21 PM to 2:51 PM
      Early Release Day
      Date: May 7
      Time: 2:21 PM to 2:51 PM
      Location: Holland Language Academy, 461 Van Raalte Ave, Holland, MI 49423, USA
      Calendar: HLA Calendar
  • 8 May
    • Half Day - ALL Students 8:15 AM to 11:20 AM
      Half Day - ALL Students
      Date: May 8
      Time: 8:15 AM to 11:20 AM
      Calendar: HLA Calendar
      Tulip Time KinderParade TK-5 | 8:30-11:35am
  • 14 May
    • be nice. Wednesday
      Date: May 14
      Calendar: HLA Calendar
    • Early Release Day 2:21 PM to 2:51 PM
      Early Release Day
      Date: May 14
      Time: 2:21 PM to 2:51 PM
      Location: Holland Language Academy, 461 Van Raalte Ave, Holland, MI 49423, USA
      Calendar: HLA Calendar
  • 21 May
    • Early Release Day 2:21 PM to 2:51 PM
      Early Release Day
      Date: May 21
      Time: 2:21 PM to 2:51 PM
      Location: Holland Language Academy, 461 Van Raalte Ave, Holland, MI 49423, USA
      Calendar: HLA Calendar
  • 26 May
  • 28 May
    • Early Release Day 2:21 PM to 2:51 PM
      Early Release Day
      Date: May 28
      Time: 2:21 PM to 2:51 PM
      Location: Holland Language Academy, 461 Van Raalte Ave, Holland, MI 49423, USA
      Calendar: HLA Calendar
  • 2 June
    • Field Day 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM
      Field Day
      Date: Jun 2
      Time: 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM
      Calendar: HLA Calendar
  • 3 June
    • Half Day - ALL Students 8:15 AM to 11:20 AM
      Half Day - ALL Students
      Date: Jun 3
      Time: 8:15 AM to 11:20 AM
      Calendar: HLA Calendar
      TK-5 | 8:30-11:35am
  • 4 June
  • 11 June
  • 9 July
  • 13 August
  • 10 September
  • 8 October
  • 12 November
  • 10 December
  • 14 January

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

We are Here For You and your student.

Click here for emotional & mental health resources.


 

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.