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:

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.

Earth Day Craft Night
Celebrate Earth Day with HHS SHORE Club. Drop in Monday, April 21, 6-7:30pm at the HHS Commons and create crafts with recycled materials.
- FREE!
- Family Fun!
- For ALL HPS Families

Tulip Time KinderParade 2025 - HLA
HPS Students (Grades 1-5) are invited to march in the Tulip Time KinderParade on Thursday May 8. If you are planning on your child walking in the parade, they must have a costume and you must fill out this form by Monday, May 5.

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

2025 Tulip Time Costume Rental - $5
- Friday, May 2 | 4:30-7pm at Holland Language Academy, 461 VanRaalte
- Saturday, May 3 | 9:30-12pm at Holland Language Academy, 461 VanRaalte
For HPS students, Grades 1-5, marching in the KinderParade on Thursday, May 8.

Ready. Set. Go! Enrollment/Registration Block Party
We’ll celebrate new students and families to Holland Public Schools and offer assistance to complete online registration and enrollment.
Wednesday, May 21, 5-6:30pm at Holland Middle School
- EVERY family enrolled in HPS Kindergarten who attends the BLOCK PARTY will get a Summer Goodie Bag with books and fun activities for summer learning!
- The Ottawa County Health Dept and Miles of Smiles will be there giving the required Vision & Hearing screenings for K Enrollment.
- Current HPS families who are registered for 2025-26 by May 21 will be entered into a drawing for $100 Meijer gift cards!

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.
- Register by May 21 to be in the running for a $100 Meijer gift card.

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!

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
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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21 April
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District-wide Craft Night hosted by SHORE Club 6:00 PM to 7:30 PMDistrict-wide Craft Night hosted by SHORE ClubDate: Apr 21Time: 6:00 PM to 7:30 PMLocation: Holland High School - CommonsCalendar: HLA CalendarCelebrate Earth Day with the SHORE Club - Create crafts and have fun!
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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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HLA Versiti Blood Drive 2:30 PM to 7:00 PMHLA Versiti Blood DriveDate: Apr 29Time: 2:30 PM to 7:00 PMCalendar: HLA Calendar
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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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Artist Reception & Show 4:30 PM to 6:00 PMArtist Reception & ShowDate: May 1Time: 4:30 PM to 6:00 PMCalendar: HLA CalendarArt reception featuring the artwork of K-12 students from around the District. Family, friends and general public are welcome! Please enter: Door 46 (W. 24th & VanRaalte Ave, lot #3) or back doors of Commons/lunchroom (park in lot #1 student parking off W 24th St.)
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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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1 Maythru May 15
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District Art ShowDate: May 1 - May 15Location: Holland High School, 600 Van Raalte Ave, Holland, MI 49423, USACalendar: HLA CalendarThe HPS Art Department is proud to show the incredible works of art created by students from all HPS buildings. An Opening Night reception will be held on May 1, 4:30-6pm in the Art Gallery at Holland High School.
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2 May
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Tulip Time Costume Rental - $5 4:30 PM to 7:00 PMTulip Time Costume Rental - $5Date: May 2Time: 4:30 PM to 7:00 PMCalendar: HLA CalendarFriday, May 2 | 4:30-7pm at Holland Language Academy, 461 VanRaalte
Saturday, May 3 | 9:30-12pm at Holland Language Academy, 461 VanRaalte
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3 May
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Tulip Time Costume Rental - $5 9:30 AM to 12:00 PMTulip Time Costume Rental - $5Date: May 3Time: 9:30 AM to 12:00 PMCalendar: HLA CalendarFriday, May 2 | 4:30-7pm at Holland Language Academy, 461 VanRaalte
Saturday, May 3 | 9:30-12pm at Holland Language Academy, 461 VanRaalte
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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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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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15 May
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HLA Spring Concert 3-5th 5:40 PM to 7:40 PMHLA Spring Concert 3-5thDate: May 15Time: 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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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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Registration/Enrollment Block Party 5:00 PM to 6:30 PMRegistration/Enrollment Block PartyDate: May 21Time: 5:00 PM to 6:30 PMLocation: Holland Middle School, 373 E 24th St, Holland, MI 49423, USACalendar: HLA CalendarFamilies attending the Block Party will be greeted by local service agencies. HPS registrars will also offer assistance with completing annual registration OR starting the enrollment process for 25-26.
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Registration/Enrollment Block Party 5:00 PM to 6:30 PMRegistration/Enrollment Block PartyDate: May 21Time: 5:00 PM to 6:30 PMLocation: Holland Middle School, 373 E 24th St, Holland, MI 49423, USACalendar: HLA CalendarFamilies attending the Block Party will be greeted by local service agencies. HPS registrars will also offer assistance with completing annual registration OR starting the enrollment process for 25-26.
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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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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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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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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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11 March
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be nice. WednesdayDate: Mar 11Calendar: HLA Calendar
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8 April
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be nice. WednesdayDate: Apr 8Calendar: 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.