Weekly Newsletter- Week of April 20th

Upcoming Dates for HMS Families- Mark Your Calendars!

APRIL: 

20    8th graders take MSTEP Social Studies Test

21    6th and 7th graders take MSTEP MATH

23    6th and 7th graders take MSTEP ELA

24    NO SCHOOL - Teacher Professional Development

30    7th grade Field Trip to the Air Zoo 

MAY: 

5     School-wide MAP testing

6     School-wide MAP testing

7     Tulip Time Half Day

18   6th grade Field Trip to John Ball Zoo 

20   8th Grade Field Trip to MiCareerquest in Grand Rapids

25   NO SCHOOL -  Memorial Day

27   8th Grade Field tip Michigan Adventures ** Late Pick up after trip 5:00pm at HMS

JUNE:

3    Last Day of School

3    8th Grade Awards Presentation- info to come

New Opportunity for Current 8th Graders!!

We wanted to share a great opportunity for 8th grade students and families who may be interested in getting a head start on college preparation, future scholarships, and exploring options early. LAUP (Latin Americans United for Progress) and Grand Valley State University are inviting HMS students to participate in a new program.  This program allows students to begin exploring college early while receiving support and guidance from Grand Valley State University. It is a great way to start building confidence and keeping future opportunities open. GVSU Pathways Program (through LAUP)

What students can gain from the program:

• College preparation workshops hosted by GVSU

• Access to resources and support along the way

• Early exposure to a college campus and expectations

• A chance to begin working toward future scholarship opportunities

•  The program also will involve an Early Awareness Scholarship

(Students must stay in the program for 2 years to qualify)

For students with a 3.0+ GPA:

• Michigan residents: $3,000 per year, $12,000 total

• Non-Michigan residents: $3,000 per year plus the difference between full-time Michigan resident tuition and non-resident tuition, approximately $40,000 total

For students who do not meet the 3.0 GPA requirement:

• Michigan residents: $1,000 per year, $4,000 total

• Non-Michigan residents: $1,000 per year plus the difference between full-time Michigan resident tuition and non-resident tuition, approximately $32,000 total

 There is no obligation to attend GVSU, this opportunity simply helps students stay prepared and keep their options open.

Additional opportunity:

• The GVSU Pledge allows families making $50,000 or less to attend GVSU tuition-free 

Important: Students must join the LAUP program to participate.

If your student is interested, please reach out to:

Alicia Valdez
College and Career Advisor, Holland High School
avaldez@hollandpublicschools.org

Or you may also contact:

Edgar Mandujano
LAUP Youth Program Specialist
edgar@laup.org

End of the Year Field Trips: Field Trip information will go home this week for 7th grade and then after spring break for 6th and 8th.  Students know the expections in order to attend.  This was also send to families in a previous REMIND message as well.  Here are those expectations: Field Trip Expectations

Spring Testing: 

As we prepare for the start of the next school year, it's time to register your student for 2026-27. This is something we ask ALL current HPS families to do EVERY year. https://www.hollandpublicschools.org/pub/news/posts/3515
Get assistance with student registration, and come say HI! to HPS Community Partners at the Registration Block Party on April 29, 5:30-7pm at HMS. https://www.hollandpublicschools.org/pub/news/posts/3517
Tulip Time KinderParade permission slips are due by May 4. https://www.hollandpublicschools.org/pub/news/posts/3520  
Tulip Time Children's Costume Rental: Friday, May 1, 4:30-7pm and Saturday, May 2 | 9:30-12pm at Maplewood. https://www.hollandpublicschools.org/pub/news/posts/3519
Celebrate Earth Day with the HHS SHORE Club at the Earth Day Craft Night on April 22, 5-7pm at HHS. A fun night for the whole family! https://www.hollandpublicschools.org/pub/news/posts/3518
Holland voters will see a Sinking Fund Proposal on the May 5 ballot. In addition to supporting ongoing facility repairs and improvements, the updated language in the proposal would allow the district to use these funds for transportation and maintenance vehicles. Learn more about the proposal before voting on May 5: https://www.hollandpublicschools.org/pub/news/posts/3514