April News
Calendar
April
2 Early Release Day
4-13 NO SCHOOL for Students and Staff: Spring Break (April 4, 2025 - April 13, 2025)
15 M-Step for 5th Graders
16 M-Step for 5th Graders
16 Early Release Day
18 Popcorn Friday
22 M-Step for 5th Graders
23 Early Release Day /M-Step for 5th Graders
29 M-Step for 5th Graders
30 Early Release Day
May
1 M-Step for 3rd/5th Graders
6 M-Step for 3rd Graders
7 Early Release Day/M-Step for 4th Graders
8 HALF—DAY All Students l FULL DAY Staff ] Tulip Time/M-Step for 4th Graders
13 M-Step for 4th Graders
14 Early Release Day
16 Popcorn Friday
20 Commencement
21 Early Release Day
21 Spring Music Concert Wednesday May 21st, 2025 at 6pm for 2-3 and 6:45pm for 4-5 at Holland High School Performing Arts Center
23 Field Day!
26 NO SCHOOL for All Students and Staff] Memorial Day
28 Early Release Day
June
3 HALF DAY for ALL Students
4 HALF-Day/LAST Day for ALL Students
Principals Corner
Dear West Families:
Spring is in full bloom, and April is an exciting month at West! We have many wonderful events and activities planned to keep our students engaged and learning. As always, we appreciate your continued support in making our school a fantastic place for our children to grow.
Upcoming Events
Spring Break: April 4-11 – We hope everyone enjoys a well-deserved break!
State Testing: Throughout April – Please ensure students are well-rested and prepared. Your encouragement means the world to them!
Reminders & Announcements
Attendance Matters: Please help your child be on time and present every day to maximize learning.
Registration is open for current students who will be returning to HPS in 25/26. We need ALL current students/families to complete this registration. (This is essentially reviewing info in Parent Portal.)
The Tulip Time parade permission slips are now posted on West’s web page (along with info about the costume rentals).WST
Thank you for being part of our school community. If you have any questions or concerns, my door is always open.
Wishing you all a wonderful April!
Yours in Education,
Chad Tolson
From our Title Team
This year, in March, we partnered with the One School, One Book program. We would like to hear your perspective as a parent. Please take 2-3 minutes to fill out this survey.
From the Health Office
As Spring Break approaches, it is crucial to be aware of Measles, a highly contagious viral illness. Measles spreads easily through the air when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes. It can stay in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves, continuing to infect others. Symptoms typically begin 7–14 days after exposure, though they can surface as late as 21 days after exposure, and may include:
- High fever (may spike to over 104°F)
- Cough
- Runny nose
- Red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis)
- Tiny white spots on the inner cheeks, gums and roof of mouth (Koplik Spots) 2-3 days after symptoms begin
- A rash that is red, raised, blotchy; usually starts on face, spreads to trunk, arms and legs 3-5 days after symptoms begin
Anyone experiencing symptoms is urged to call their healthcare provider before seeking in-person care to prevent further spread. The CDC recommends being fully vaccinated against measles for at least two weeks before international travel.
For more information on measles, please visit the MDHHS website.
Music
Come support our Music program! Spring Music Concert Wednesday May 21st, 2025 at 6pm for 2nd/3rd grades and 6:45pm for 4th/5th grades at Holland High School Performing Arts Center 600 Van Raalte Avenue.
STEM
The 5th-grade cardboard arcade is coming up in May and we need bigger boxes. If you have a bigger cardboard box you would be willing to donate, please bring it to the office and label it STEM!
Also, if you would be willing to help supervise (and have filled out a volunteer form) we need volunteers on: Mondays: May 5, 12, 19 2:45-3:30. Mrs. Witters class Tuesdays: May 6, 12, 20 1:55 - 2:45 Mrs. Stenmens class. 3:45 - 3:30 Mrs. Hildebrands class.
Feel free to email me if you have any questions or would like to volunteer.
Thank you so much!!
Janis Johns
Lost and Found
Please be sure to check our lost and found in the front entry way for any items your student may have left behind. We will be donating a week after returning from Spring Break.
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.
It doesn't take long to update this information in your Parent Portal account - but it is so important that you do it very soon!Read Full Article Share
Tulip Time KinderParade 2025 - West
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.
West Kinder Parade PermissionRead Full Article
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.
Students must have permission from parents to join HPS in the KinderParade on May 8.