Red Note - HLA Newsletter
Week 20, Sunday, January 19, 2025
As we enter Week 20 of the school year, we are filled with pride and gratitude for the progress our students and school community have made together.
Here’s what’s coming up:
Parent-Teacher Conferences are just around the corner! This is a valuable opportunity to connect with your child’s teacher, celebrate their progress, and discuss goals for the remainder of the year.
The sign-up link for conferences will be included in next week’s Red Note. Conferences are scheduled in 10-minute time slots, so we encourage you to prepare by jotting down any questions or concerns to make the most of this time.
Conference Dates:
Tuesday, February 11: 4:15 PM - 7:15 PM
Wednesday, February 19: 4:15 PM - 7:15 PM
Benchmark Testing: Students are working hard as we complete mid-year assessments, which help us better understand their growth and needs.
We also have so much to celebrate! From academic achievements to the everyday kindness and resilience our students show, your support plays a key role in making our school a special place to learn and grow.
Thank you for continuing to partner with us in your child’s education. Together, we are building a strong foundation for success.
‘25-’26 HLA Sibling Enrollment
It’s hard to believe that we are already getting ready for the ‘25-’26 school year. Please look carefully at the dates below .
Big Opportunity Night This event is geared towards new families wanting to tour the school and meet kindergarten teachers. (attendance is not required)
Sibling applications due on Wednesday, February 5
Open enrollment applications due on Wednesday, February 19
Lottery will be held at 10:00am, if needed on Wednesday, February 26
If you have any questions, please contact the HLA office at 616-494-2600
HLA Sibling Application for the '25-'26 School Year
HLA Student Interest Form '25-'26 School Year(new families, non-siblings)
COACHES STILL NEEDED! - Spring 2025 Total Trek Quest
We are excited to offer these programs to our HLA 3rd-5th grade students again this spring, but we need volunteer coaches to make it happen! We are in need of coaches for both programs. Coaches receive discounted registration fees for their student(s)! For more information about these coaching positions, see here: TTQ.
Community Action House Free Tax Preparation Assistance Available
Need help preparing your tax return this year? Community Action House’s VITA program provides no-cost assistance with tax filing. Visit here to determine if you qualify and to schedule an appointment, beginning January 15.
Girls on the Run | Spring 2025 Registration is Still Open!
Girls on the Run (GOTR) is an afterschool program for 3rd-5th grade girls that incorporates training for a 5K run (scheduled for May 31) and other physical activities along with a life skills curriculum that is “designed to enhance girls’ social, emotional and physical skills and behavior to successfully navigate life experiences.” Practices will be on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 3:15-4:30 pm, beginning March 11. See here for more information. Scholarships are available to help with registration fees. To register your student, visit https://www.pinwheel.us/register/index/2025Ottawaprogram
HLA Parent/Teacher Conferences | Meal Donations Needed
We are collecting $20.00 donations to help provide food for our teachers during our upcoming parent/teacher conferences in February. If you are interested in contributing, please sign up here. Thank you for your support for our staff!
MLK Day Events and Activities | Monday, January 20
In recognition of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day on January 20, the Holland Museum is hosting events for all ages and has prepared at-home lessons for families of elementary students. See here for all of the details.
Parking Issues on both 19th & 20th Street
Many of you have noticed the traffic congestion during drop-off and pick-up times. While Officer Padón has been assisting, it’s important that we work together as a school community to ease these traffic jams.
At the end of the day, when picking up your children on 19th Street, please avoid parking in the middle of the street and waiting for your child to come to your car. Streets like 19th and 20th are designed for continuous traffic flow, and parking in these areas disrupts that flow.
Additionally, please refrain from parking on 20th Street in a way that blocks bus and car traffic. For clarity on designated areas and proper traffic flow, please refer to the map below.
Our goal is to ensure the safety of all children and prevent any inconvenience, such as receiving a citation for traffic violations. Thank you for your cooperation in making our school environment safer and more efficient for everyone.
Popcorn Sponsors are Needed
We are excited to announce that Popcorn Friday is returning on Friday, January 31st, and will take place bi-weekly. This beloved tradition allows us to offer free popcorn to our students, and we need your support to keep it going!
We are seeking sponsors at $165.00 per event. Whether through your place of employment or your personal business, your sponsorship will make a big impact on our students. As a token of our gratitude, we’d love to recognize your business in our Red Note. Please send us your logo so we can feature it!
Together, we can make Popcorn Friday a continued success
Student Teacher | 3rd grade
Mrs. Urbina is excited to welcome a student teacher form Hope College this semester. Ms. Yessica Moreno will be learning and growing under her guidance. Please take a moment to introduce yourself and get to know Ms. Moreno as she joins our school community.
Tienda PODER | Volunteers Needed Every Week!
We are in need of volunteers to help run HLA’s PODER (“POWER”) Store! Every Friday, the PODER Store visits several classes for 20 minutes so that students can buy a prize with their PODER tickets. Students receive PODER tickets throughout the week for following our behavior expectations. We need 1-2 volunteers for each time slot. If you are interested in volunteering, you can sign up here. If you’d like to help, please be sure to also fill out Holland Public’s volunteer form before visiting. Thank you for your consideration!
Total Trek Quest | Spring 2025 Registration is Still Open!
Total Trek Quest (TTQ) is an afterschool program for 3rd-5th grade boys that “combines the physical activity of training for a 5K run (scheduled for May 10) with a curriculum that focuses on learning to set goals, building strong relationships, and making healthy choices… to encourage positive mental health and wellness while also preventing high-risk behaviors.” Practices will be on Mondays at 3:15-4:45 pm and Wednesdays at 2:15-3:45 pm, beginning March 3. See here for more information. Scholarships are available to help with registration fees. To register your student, visit https://www.pinwheel.us/register/index/AOSpring25.
Upcoming Events: We’ll keep you updated as new events are added because your involvement is important to us. Stay tuned for our calendar of events, and we look forward to having you join us!
Upcoming Events
Math Carnival, Tuesday, March 25, 6:00-7:00 pm
Glow Dance, Friday April 18, 6:00-8:00 pm
Talent Show, Friday April 25 (during the school day)
3rd - 5th Grade Spring Music Concert, March 25
Choir concert 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
Fifth Grade Graduation, Wednesday May 28, 6:00-7:00 pm
Field day, Monday, June 2 (during the school day)
Winter Benchmark Assessment
We have started Benchmark Assessments, below you will find the schedule with the test dates and times. It is essential that students get a good night’s sleep, have a nutritious breakfast, and most importantly, arrive at school on time.
Benchmark testing is crucial as it provides the information needed to differentiate instruction and tailor it to meet the needs of your child. Please remind your child to take their time and focus solely on what is on their screen. This is not a race, but an opportunity to celebrate areas of growth and identify the next steps in their learning.
Thank you for your continued support in ensuring your child’s success.
- Wednesday, January 22, Math (K-5th)
- Tuesday, January 28, English Reading (3rd-5th)