Weekly Newsletter HMS: Week of January 27th

Important Dates:

The Craft Club will not be meeting this week and will not meet during the month of February.  We will start regular meetings again in March.

January 29 1:45-3:00 First Tee Golf Class Begins (see sign up information below)

February 6  Big Futures Week Welcome to HMS Open House for 5th grade families or families of students who are new to HMS  5:00-7:00pm.  **Please spread the word about this event to anyone that you know who would like more information about Holland Middle.

February 11 8th grade LAUP Youth Development Conference field trip to Hope College

February 17 & 18 Holland High School counselor visits classes to help 8th grade students take the first step to schedule for 9th grade classes.  Parents will get an email with details and next steps to assist with this process.

February 18th- Conferences 3:30-6:30

February 20th- Honor Roll All A’s reward day & pep assemble

February 20th- Math 

February 21st- No School 

February 24th - No School 

February 27th- 

• MAP Reading Reward Day- (Wednesday Schedule)

• Data Meeting#2

February 28th- MAP Math Reward Day -(Wednesday Schedule)

March 20 8th Grade Field Trip to MiCareerquest Career Fair in Grand Rapids

March 25 7th Grade Field Trip to Air Zoo

March 6  Holland High School “Find Your Fit” Meeting and Open House for 8th graders and their parents 6:00-7:30pm.  8th grade families please mark your calendar and plan ahead to be able to attend this important event!

March 20 8th Grade Field Trip to MiCareerquest Career Fair in Grand Rapids

March 25 7th Grade Field Trip to Air Zoo

New After School Activity Starting!  

Interested in learning golf and having fun after school? The First Tee of Holland organization will be offering an opportunity for students to learn more about the game of golf in an exciting 5-session program (Jan. 29-Feb.26)!

• When: Early Release Wednesdays after school, 1:45–3:00 PM ~Jan. 29-Feb.26

• Who: Open to all middle school students—no golf experience or equipment needed!

• Cost: Free for students who qualify for free/reduced lunch, $50 for those who do not qualify.

This is a great opportunity to develop new skills, make friends, and enjoy an engaging activity!  Use the link below to sign up…

https://firsttee.my.site.com/parentRegistration/s/add-to-cart?website=www.firstteewestmichigan.org&language=en_US&session=a0HUH000005TG89

Martin Luther King Jr. Writing Contest

Theme: "History in the Making: I am the Dream” 

The fascinating thing about dreams is that they are unique to each individual. Often, they seem unachievable, yet they are full of vibrancy and hope. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s dream was just that—a vision of hope and possibility.

On August 28, 1963, Dr. King delivered his iconic “I Have a Dream” speech during the March on Washington. In this speech, he shared a perspective unlike most at the time, addressing the pervasive issue of racism in America. While acknowledging the challenges and injustices that necessitated his message, Dr. King still conveyed a message filled with hope, patriotism, and a deep belief in human dignity.

This year, we invite students to reflect on Dr. King’s legacy and how his dream continues to resonate in their lives through our Martin Luther King Jr. Writing Contest.

Essay Contest Details

Theme:"History in the Making: I Am the Dream"

You are encouraged to express yourself in any style of writing (e.g., essay, story, poetry, etc.). Submissions will be graded on content, organization, style, and writing mechanics.

Here are some suggested prompts to help guide your writing. These are optional—you may choose any approach that connects to the theme:

1. Reflecting on Change: Write a letter to Martin Luther King Jr. explaining how his dream has influenced your life and how you are contributing to its realization in today’s world.

2. The Power of Voice: Imagine delivering your own "I Have a Dream" speech at the Lincoln Memorial today. What would you include, and how would you address current social and political issues?

3. Envisioning the Future: Describe a future world where Martin Luther King Jr.’s dream is fully realized. How does it differ from today’s world, and what steps did society take to get there?

4. Personal Journey: Share a personal story or experience that reflects the ideals of equality, justice, and peace championed by Dr. King. How has this experience shaped your understanding of his dream?

5. Creative Expression: Write a poem or short story that captures the essence of the phrase "I Am the Dream." How do you embody the ideals and aspirations Dr. King spoke about?

6. Comparative Analysis: Compare and contrast the civil rights movement of Dr. King’s time with a modern social movement. How are the ideals, challenges, and strategies similar or different?

Submission Requirements:

• Include:

  • Your first and last name.

  • Your grade.

  • A title for your writing.

• Length: 5-10 sentences.

• Deadline: Friday, January 31, 2025.

• Submission: Send your writing electronically to Mr. Harris at rharris@hollandpublicschools.org.

Contest Prizes:

• Winners:Three winners will be selected per grade.

  • One overall winner will be chosen from each grade.

• Recognition: The three overall winners will be invited to present their winning writings at the next Holland Public Schools Board of Education meeting.

We look forward to reading your submissions and celebrating the ways you honor Dr. King's dream

January 2025 PBIS Spotlight: "U" is for United

At Holland Middle School, we are proud of our PBIS framework, which helps us foster a positive and supportive environment for all students. This month, we are focusing on the "U" in our DUTCH expectations: United. 

This school year, our school community has embraced the PBIS framework, demonstrating what it means to be united. Together, we have worked to build a positive and fun learning environment for all students where respect, responsibility, and safety guide our actions. By focusing on these shared values, we have created a stronger sense of community, belonging and support for every student and staff member. A few fun events so far this year include, pep assemblies, activity night, jingle jam, Paws With A Cause Community project and reward holiday party.

What does it mean to be United?

• Being United means working together, supporting one another, and embracing teamwork.

• Students demonstrate unity by collaborating respectfully in class, including others during group activities, and building positive relationships with their peers.

How are we teaching Unity?

• Teachers are encouraging students to participate in group projects and activities that emphasize cooperation.

• Our PBIS lessons highlight the importance of listening, showing empathy, and resolving conflicts peacefully.

Celebrating Unity at HMS:

• This month, we will be recognizing students who go above and beyond to show what it means to be United—whether it’s helping a friend, welcoming a new student, or showing school spirit.

• Ask your child about how they’ve worked as part of a team or shown kindness to others recently!

Let’s continue working together as a community to ensure Holland Middle School is a place where everyone feels connected and supported. Thank you for helping us reinforce the value of being United at home and in our school!

A special thank you to Barber Ford for supporting positive behavior at HMS

A special thank you to Zeigler Hyundai/GMS for supporting  positive behavior at HMS

A special thank you to Holland 7 for supporting  positive behavior at HMS

A special thank you the staff at HMS for always supporting students

Food Services: 

Check out the Top Ten Reasons to Try School Meals: www.hollandpublicschools.org/pub/news/posts/3022

Tutoring: 

FREE Afterschool tutoring will start THIS week on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Parents are responsible for the transportation. This will be 2:45- 4:00. Here is the sign up! ALL SIGNED UP MAY ATTEND!https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfYBXSL6FP6PSDI-wwNgW3KaHf54syZqo5H7xGVclR_hnRHaw/viewform?usp=sf_link

Bus Info:

Information about your child’s bus route - in the palm of your hand. Download the MyRide app.

https://www.hollandpublicschools.org/pub/news/posts/2965

Nurses Corner: 

A quick reminder that we are a scent-free school

Here is some additional information on how strong scents such as perfumes, aftershave, body sprays, and other scented sprays and lotions can have a negative impact on our staff, students and visitors. 

Several studies indicate that chemically based scents like perfumes, colognes and body sprays are linked to reduced lung function, chest tightness, wheezing and inflammation in the lungs.  This can lead to breathing problems.  It can also cause hives, watery, itchy, burning eyes, runny nose and congestion, headaches, nausea, dizziness and generally not feeling well. 

People who have a diagnosis of asthma or allergies and are exposed to these scents may have severe reactions as strong scents are triggers for asthma and allergic reactions.   This may require the need for emergency medication and even emergency medical  treatment.   

Here is a link to explain in detail the impacts of chemical scents. 

How can you help as a parent to ensure the health and safety of our school community? 

• Please talk with your children about the harmful effects of these types of scents. 

• Have your child avoid using and taking perfumes, body sprays and colognes to school. 

Feel free to contact the school administrator if you have any questions or need clarification and thank you for your cooperation in keeping our school a healthy place to grow and learn.

Covid testing is offered through the Holland Hospital School Nurse team for students and staff. We are NOT handing out testing kits this year.  Please complete the form below and one of our school nurses will contact you to discuss the best time to come for a test.   Results will be communicated to you after the test is completed via a phone call.  Sorry we are unable to test family members. To request testing please complete this google form  Covid test request form.