District News

Holiday Break begins with a HALF DAY on Friday,  December 20.

• HMS Dismiss at 10:35am
• HHS Dismiss at 10:50am
• HTS & HLA Dismiss at 11:20am
• JEF & West Dismiss at 11:35am

NO SCHOOL on December 21- January 5

Looking back at the great kids doing great things in 2024.

• LISTEN NOW!

HMS Student Council collected jars of Peanut Butter to benefit service/therapy dogs like Shimmy and Rocky.  

260 jars of Peanut Butter was donated this week to Paws with Cause! #HPSProud

This month read more about:

• HPS Nutrition Service is awarded grant to provide students with locally grown fruits & vegetables
• Thank you to local food providers!

REMEMBER: All HPS students are provided Breakfast & Lunch at no cost!

Thank you to members of the Haworth Leadership Team who donated 46 new gifts & toys to the Power H Shop for the Holiday Season.

Our Community Coordinators will make sure HPS families/students who need the gifts the most have them before Christmas morning.

We are grateful to all our community partners who support the success of all students.

Join HPS is congratulating Patti Arndt on her second retirement from the district.

• She started teaching in 1969 at Harrington School. (She also taught at Van Raalte School)
• She retired the first time in 2009.
• She came back to the district in 2022, working part-time in an ASD classroom at West Elementary.
• Today, was her last day in a classroom.

All of us at HPS will miss the incredible impact Mrs. Arndt has on students and families in Holland.

Here is the feed of the HMS Winter Choir Concert - rescheduled after a Snow Day on Thursday, December 5.

This week we talk with Patty Beatty, Director of Early Childhood at HPS, about all the great things happening in our pre-school classrooms.

• Listen Now!

As the Winter Athletic Seasons gets underway in the Dutch Dome (and Holland Aquatic Center), here is a reminder about some of the rules and expectations for students and families who attend games/meets:

• Middle school age and younger MUST be an accompanied by an adult
• No student backpacks
• No re-entry for any spectators
• All school rules apply during events 
• The Dome and the parking lots are a drug free school zone which includes any vape products.

#GoDutch

 It’s never too late to improve attendance!

• Going to school more often will make a difference 
• Attendance habits will follow your child into work and life

Denooyer Chevy donated $900 to provide Social/Emotional learning materials for HPS pre-school students!

This is what uniting the community around the success of all students looks like! 

Thank you!

Each year the Michigan Elementary and Middle School Principals Association recognizes principals from the regional principal networks for their outstanding contributions to their school communities as well as their commitment to colleagues within the professional association.

• Congratulations to Mr. Derr! Your leadership and commitment to excellence is inspiring!

HPS GOAL: Engage and Inform parents and community members through consistent two-way communication.

HPS continues to work on engaging parents and the community through effective communication.   This has included using Remind, My Ride K-12, and Parent Portal.

The next level of work will be to 

• Gather feedback from parents so we have an understanding of what they need and want
• Streamline the enrollment and registration process
• Create standards for communication so that parents are not overwhelmed with the number of messages received

We'll also host focus groups of parents on:

• Thursday, January 9

If you are interested in participating in the Communication Focus groups, please drop us an email.

REMIND is the best way to get “Snow Day” announcements from HPS.

'Tis the season for holiday music.  This week we talk with Abby Hart and Olivia Zoet about what's happening in HHS Performing Arts

• Listen Now!

Join us for an afternoon of entertainment, laughter, and inspiration as we celebrate the performing arts in this unique setting.

• Sunday, December 8, 3pm | HHS Commons
• FREE! Donations Accepted.

This intimate performance features a variety of smaller scenes, musical numbers, and special acts. Many of our talented students are preparing these pieces for the state thespian festival, college auditions and musical theatre solo and ensemble. You’ll have the unique opportunity to witness their hard work up close while enjoying a cozy atmosphere complete with hot cocoa and cookies!

Join Holland Bands, Holland Choirs, and Holland Orchestra for their Annual Winter Collage Concert

• Saturday, December 7, 7pm
• First Reformed Church,  630 State St

Holland Recreation and Holland Public Schools are excited to partner together to offer a new After School Basketball Program.  The after-school basketball practice option is being offered for the 3rd/4th grade levels.

• PRACTICE: December 9 - February 10 - Mondays & Wednesdays | 3:45-5:15pm
• GAMES: Thursdays, January 9 – February 13. | 5:30 and 6:30pm

There are still spots available for 3^rd and 4^th grade girls to register for this program!

The Community Foundation of the Holland/Zeeland Area & the Ottawa Area Intermediate School District have donated $27,364.92 for books for the newly renovated Book Nook at Holland High School.

We are incredibly grateful to the OAISD and the Community Foundation of the Holland/Zeeland Area for their generous donation to our Book Nook. Providing high-interest, choice books to our students sparks a lifelong love of reading and positively impacts learning and academic achievement. Holland High School is fortunate to have such a supportive and invested community. -HHS Principal Mehall

We are proud to recognize our outstanding students who have shown exceptional dedication to the DUTCH expectations: Diverse, United, Thrive, Committed, and Honorable. 

• 6th grade | Kailea Brown
• 7th grade | Leighton Smith
• 8th grade | Gizele Benavides

Their hard work, respect, and positive impact on our school community truly embody what it means to be a Holland Middle School student.

Get your Christmas shopping done in the Red and White Shop with new items like sweatpants, crew necks, and hats! 

• Stop by the athletic office Monday-Friday between 8am and 3pm to shop! 
• We will also have the shop open during varsity basketball games.

Thanks for supporting Holland Athletics! Go Dutch!

There is much to celebrate in this season of Thanksgiving and much to bring hope as we begin to look towards a new year.  

 Listen to HPSPodcast 5.16 with Superintendent Nick Cassidy

As we head into Thanksgiving break, I want to express thanks and gratitude for our talented educators who inspire and nurture the potential in every child, for our committed staff who keep our schools running smoothly, and for our students who remind us every day why we do what we do. I am equally grateful for our families and community members, whose trust and investment in our schools enable us to provide opportunities that shape the future.

It’s that time of year where influenza prevalence is starting to rise. 

Congratulations to Lydia Williams, Speech Pathologist at Holland Heights - the latest recipient of a Teachers Live Here Grant.  Lydia has been award $26,500 toward the down payment of a home in or near the Holland School District. 

Holland Public Schools is excited to open An inclusive preschool classroom at West Elementary!

A team from Holland Public Schools is in Arizona this week talking with State Superintendents from around the country about the Future Educator program at Holland High School. 

LISTEN NOW!

Following updates to more efficient heating units and control systems in HPS facilities, we earned a $59,579.80 rebate from SEMCO Energy!

The rebates are the result of 2 years of collecting data and a reduction in energy costs.

• A huge thank you to Darick Lalonde, Director of Maintenance of Grounds and his team for their hard work and responsible use of district resources.

Starting in January, Holland Public Schools will have an exciting opportunity to offer preschool programming to families in our community who have children turning 3-years-old on or before December 1st, 2024. 

• Children will be enrolled in our current preschool classrooms at HLA, West and Jefferson. 
• Full days 
• 5 Days/Week
• Spots will be limited!

16 varsity teams and 12 JV teams competed in the the 18th Annual event.  

• The Varsity A team of Adam Alderson, Alan Juarez, Eleanor McMullen, and Ben Rund-Scott finished in 6th place.  
• The Varsity B team of Landen Butch, Wilson Lin, Mia Rodriguez, and Harper Schoon-Tanis finished in 10th.  
• The JV team of Sam Huizinga, Chanelle Jackson, Chris Logan, Kimia McMullen, and ME Tanis finished in 4th in their group.

The DNA will be in action again on December 7 when they travel to Kalamazoo for the Swim N Win Invitational

Holland Public Schools is excited to be using the My Ride K-12 app!

This app will let parents:

• Use their phone to follow your student’s bus in real time.
• See estimated arrival times of the bus to the bus stop.
• Check for bus information.
• Receive updates on their phone about any changes in daily bus routes.

We hope parents of all K-5 bus riders will download and use the app.

Top Ten Reasons to Try School Meals

1. Studies prove that children perform better academically with a balanced meal at both Breakfast & Lunch.
2. It saves time grocery shopping and packing lunches.
3. It saves money and extends your household budget.
4. Breakfast and lunch is a great time to spend with friends.
5. Whole Grains, Protein, Fruits, Veggies & Milk are offered with all School Meals.
6. Meals include kid-friendly national brand name items, but with lower sodium, fat & saturated fat.
7. Our delicious menus have calorie and sodium limits and zero grams of trans fats.
8. You are helping your local school Nutrition Program stay fiscally sound.
9. It is convenient for Students & Parents.
10. Breakfast & Lunch are FREE for all HPS students.

This week we talked with HHS Community Coordinator Tyler Mouw about this week's Family Engagement Night… 

• Listen Now!

Family Engagement Night is Thursday, November 14, 5-7pm at Jefferson (ALL HPS families are invited to attend).

Please RSVP, so we know how much pizza to order!

Don’t miss this chance to connect, learn, and celebrate our community together!

• Thursday, November 14, 5-7pm at Jefferson Elementary (open to ALL HPS family)
• Enjoy engaging social-emotional learning activities hosted by our community partners
• Sign up for holiday gift assistance with the Salvation Army. 
• FREE food for everyone!

Get one for yourself AND get one for someone on your holiday shopping list. Support Holland Wrestling!

High School students account for 30% of Versiti's Blood Supply.  The impact students can make on our hospitals is invaluable.

• Wednesday, November 13 | 8am-2pm at the District Admin Building.
• Hosted by National Honor Society
• Walk-ins welcome, as schedule allows.
• Donate and receive a one-of-a-kind Nirvana-inspired t-shirt, while supplies last.

Holland High School will host the 87th Annual Veteran's Day Assembly on Monday at 10am in the Dutch Dome. Today, we talk with HHS Assistant Principal Zach Kapla about the importance of hosting this longstanding tradition.

• Listen Now

As Veterans Day approaches, Holland High School is proud to continue its tradition of honoring the brave individuals who have served in the armed forces. Veterans Day, observed every November 11, is a time to recognize the dedication, loyalty, and sacrifices made by veterans to protect our freedoms and uphold our nation’s values. Taking time to express gratitude can make a lasting impact, not only on veterans but also on our own sense of community and shared history.

HPS is hosting a job fair Wednesday, October 30, 9-11am at West Elementary.  We're looking to hire Instructional Assistants, Secretaries, Substitute Teachers, Bus Drivers and Aides and Food Service.  Today we talk with Tara Schafer, an Instructional Assistant who was hire during a similar job fair a year ago.

• Listen Now!

The HHS Marching Band will perform their production of "I AM" at Ford Field in Detroit on Saturday night! #GoDutch

Ambria Depoy, Johanna Mulder, Aiden Lambers, and Lexi Gibson will run in the D2 Cross Country State finals at the Michigan International Speedway next week Saturday. GoDutch!

Join the Holland Educational Foundation for a special evening of dinner, art, and celebration as we mark 40 years of supporting Holland Public Schools through the Holland Educational Foundation.

• Saturday, November 9, 2024 | 6:30 - 9:00pm | Holland High School

Whether you’re a longtime supporter or new to HEF, this is your opportunity to contribute to the mission of HEF in a meaningful way.

The 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. 

First* Thursday of the month, 4:30-6pm at Maplewood Elementary

• November 7
• December 5
• *January 9
• February 6 | Give Back Event (no shopping)
• March 6
• April 3
• May 1

As Holland High School prepares to host the last home football game of the season, here is a reminder about some of the rules and expectations for students and families who attend the game:

• Middle school age and younger MUST be an accompanied by an adult
• No student backpacks
• No re-entry for any spectators
• All school rules apply to events held at Hope College. 
• The stadium and parking lot is a drug free school zone which includes any vape products.

Holland will host Godwin Heights at the Hope College Stadium, Friday at 7pm. #GoDutch

The Holland Orchestra will perform their annual Decomposer's Festival - Antics in the Attic on October 23, 7pm in the HHS Commons.  We talk to senior Elanor McMullen about the concert, about playing in the Orchestra, and what she loves about Holland High School.

Listen Now!

The Michigan Alliance for Prevention of Sudden Cardiac Death of the Young is recognizing HPS as a MI HEARTSafe School District.  West, Holland Heights, Jefferson, and Holland Middle School received the award for the first time, HLA was awarded last year, and Holland High School has been awarded a HEARTSafe designation four times.

• To receive the award schools must have:
• A Medical Emergency Response Plan
• A Medical Emergency Response Team
• CPR/AED Training for staff
• Accessible and Maintained AEDs

In the last year, over 130 staff members have been CPR/AED trained with another 70 for the near future.

Students and Staff at HPS are safer because of the hard work of our Holland Hospital School Nurses, the Holland Fire Department, Safety Director Joe Soto, the Michigan Alliance for Prevention of Sudden Cardiac Death of the Young, and Project Adam (Automated Defibrillators in Adam' Memory)

This week, we meet Betty Nguyen (11th Grade) - another great kid doing great things at Holland Public Schools!

• Listen Now!

Help students never miss the bus again.

The My Ride K-12 app helps improve communication between parents and HPS transportation staff and provides tools that help keep parents informed about their children’s daily journey on the bus. Parents/guardians can securely use the My Ride K-12 app to see bus stop location, their child’s assigned route, scheduled pickup time, and when to expect the bus each day.

In Quiz Bowl action this past Saturday, the Dutch Nerd Army (DNA) opened their season by competing in the Jan Rademacher Memorial tournament in White Cloud.  The team ran into some tough competition, including two schools that placed at Nationals last year. Although their 3-6 records weren't what they wanted, they came away with some positives, and are looking forward to a great season.  Ben Rund-Scott was the top individual scorer on the day.

• The DNA will be in action again on November 16, when they host the 18th Annual Holland Fall Quiz Bowl Invitational.
  

In this newsletter from HPS Nutritional Services:

• What’s for breakfast? 
• Farm Fresh and Locally Grown
• Food Allergies and Special Diets

Every now and then, it’s helpful to revisit our expectations for fan behavior at our games to ensure we’re creating the best possible environment for our student-athletes. While this reminder may only apply to a small number of people, sharing it with everyone helps reinforce the positive culture we want to maintain.

We're talking about Friday's 4th Annual Hispanic Heritage Month Community Celebration. 

Listen now!

Friday, October 11, 6pm at Ray & Sue Smith Stadium at Hope College

• Holland Football v Comstock Park - Hispanic Heritage Month Uniforms
• Pre-game Parade of Flags
• A special pre-game performance from the HHS Band
• HHS Cheerleaders will perform at halftime
• Food Trucks: Dolce Minicakes, Poncho's Tacos, and Schnack Trap
• Pre-game music from Banda Tamborazo Villanueva

Join the students and staff at HPS as we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with our neighbors!

Inspire Award: This award was presented to Holland Public Schools, a cornerstone of education in the Holland community since 1848. They inspire the community by uniting around the success of every student, creating trailblazing programs for staff and students, and providing meaningful opportunities in and out of the classroom to ensure academic and personal growth.

This week we talk with HEF President John Johnston to learn more about how the Holland Education Foundation plans to celebrate their 40 years of serving students and families in the City of Holland.

Listen Now!

All HPS Students and Families are invited to join Gentex for a districtwide S.T.E.A.M. Night (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics)on Thursday, September 26, 5-7pm at Holland High School

• Chemistry demonstrations
• Robotics programming
• Math games
• Engineering challenges
• Art projects
• Fun games,
• PRIZES... and more!

HPS will host a district-wide S.T.E.A.M. Night Thursday night (9/26, 5-7pm at Holland High). 

Listen Now!

Registration is open for dance classes with Ballet Folklorico Sol Azteca.

Johnny Rodriguez (class 2004) is the Executive Director of Latin American's United for Progress and is being recognized by HPS and the Holland Educational Foundation for the profound impact he and LAUP are having in our community.

Holland Homecoming is September 22-28 and is full of activities for everyone in the community.

This week we talk with HHS Assistant Principal Josh Rumpsa about school safety, student engagement, and the Holland High's new cell phone policy.

Listen Now!

This is our first Family Engagement Event of the year!  Spend time meeting with community resources, then you'll have a chance to learn more about your student's classes.

In 2024, the Holland Educational Foundation granted a CleverTouch screen to Special Education teachers at West Elementary.

It is with a heavy heart that we are sending another communication in response to a tragedy at a school, this time at a High School in Winder, Georgia.

As you know, every HPS student gets a breakfast and a lunch at no-cost this year! 

HOWEVER, when students need a milk to go along with a sack breakfast/lunch brought from home, that milk will cost the student .75 cents. (State funding allows us to provide full meals at no cost to students, but does not pay for à la carte menu items for students.)

If your student wants an à la carte milk to go along with a sack breakfast/lunch, please be sure add funds to their student account, or bring exact change.

If you have any questions or concerns, or need help with the account, please contact our Nutrition Services Department at 616.494.2245. Thank you for understanding! 

The PowerH Shop will be open Thursday, September 5, 4:30-6pm at Maplewood.  This week, we talk with HLA Community Coordinator Ashley Golin about the shop.

Listen Now!

We welcome Martin Veliz to the Holland Schools Board of Education.

Veliz is a dad of a student at Holland Middle School and a leader in the community (LAUP, Jubilee Ministries, and Southshore Village Business Improvement District). 

Veliz will serve on the Board of Education until the general election in November 2026. He is filling the seat left vacant by Linda Falstad who retired from the Board of Education in August. 

HPS HR is hosting a Job Fair on Thursday, September 5, 1-3pm at the District Administration Building (320 W 24th). 

Positions available:

• Instructional Assistants
• Bus Drivers
• Bus aides
• Substitute Teachers

Drop in to fill out an application and for on the spot interviews. 

Sunday, September 15 at The Ravines in Saugatuck

$100/Player

• 18 Holes
• 2 carts/team
• Awards Dinner
• Player Gifts
• Raffles
• $20/Awards Dinner Only

Register now!

• Get your team together OR we can build a team for you.
• Registration deadline is September 1.

Donna Brooks helped establish an endowment for the Class of 1966 Promise Scholarship. She is a consistent financial donor to the Holland Educational Foundation. And is a 2024 Distinguished Alumni Award winner. 

Thank you Donna for all you do for the students and families in Holland.

Dutch Football is ready to kickoff their season on Thursday night against Ottawa Hills.  This week we talk with team captain Jacob Torres.

Listen Now!

Holland Hospital and Life EMS Ambulance joined forces today to collect community donations of: 

• essential medical supplies (band-aids, gauze wraps, cotton balls, and more)  for the School Nurse Program 
• school supplies (backpacks, pencils, notebooks, crayons, tissues, and hand sanitizer) for the Power H Store.

Before the first day of school, HPS educators heard from LAUP Executive Director Johnny Rodriguez.

Before Saturday's Battle of the Badges Charity Softball game - between the Police and Fire Departments, HPS Safety & Security Director Joe Soto was presented with a check for $7,615.  The donation will benefit HHS student athletes who need assistance to cover the costs associated with participating in athletic teams and events. #GoDutch

HHS Student Senate is showing School of Rock, 

• Friday at 8:45pm on the HHS Soccer Field
• Bring Chairs & blankets
• Concessions Available
• Open to all HPS families
• FREE!

Students and teachers head back to school Thursday, August 22. Today, we talk with one of the leaders of the Class of 2025!

Take a listen.

Trustees will interview candidates for the open seat on the Board of Education on Monday, August 26, 2024, 5pm.

• 5:00 pm   Maris von Websky
• 5:30 pm   Kathryn A. Schoon-Tanis
• 6:00 pm   Martin Veliz

Location: District Administration Building Board Training Room

Holland Hospital is excited to invite all students, families, friends and faculty to participate in the 2024 School Nurse Fun Run on Thu, Sep 19 at Holland West Elementary School. 

Students can enter the Fun Run for FREE by making a goal to improve their health! It can be a physical challenge, change in their eating habits or starting a wellness activity.

HPS is looking for volunteers that would be interested in becoming a part of a Parent Safety Committee. The purpose of this committee will be to discuss safety issues and concerns, policies that are safety-related, and ideas about steps to ensure safety. 

• Led by Joe Soto, HPS Director of Safety & Security
• Meeting on second Wednesday of every month, 6:30-8:30pm at District Admin Bldg.
• Starting in October, ending in May.

Books & Games provides students with an hour of supervised reading, homework help, and games, plus a free breakfast an hour before school starts each morning.  It also gives parents/guardians an extra hour to start their day or  to get to work on time!

• Books & Games is FREE for all HPS students to attend!
• One hour before the start of school EVERY school day
• Students must be dropped off one-hour before the start of school 
• Supervision provided by HPS Staff

We are incredibly excited to introduce you Rocky! Rocky is a Golden Retriever and a therapy dog at West Elementary.

Kids and families at Holland Public Schools are getting ready to head back to school. This week we talk with HPS Superintendent Nick Cassidy.

Listen Now!

For the 2024-25 school year, HPS will once again be participating in the Michigan School Meals Program. 

• All HPS students to have one breakfast and one lunch per school day at NO-COST to them. 
• Milk only purchases (all buildings) or à la carte items (high school only) must be paid for at the time of purchase with either cash or funds in their account.

 Any food service related questions can be directed to our webpage or 616-494-2245.

In order to help our transportation department get students to and from school safely and on time, we will stagger start and dismissal times at our elementary schools during the 2024-2025 school year.  Please notice the time changes at HLA and Holland Heights.

Holland Heights and HLA : 

• 8:15am-3:21pm 
• Half Day Dismiss 11:20am 
• Early Release 2:21pm

We are excited to announce that beginning with the 2024-2025 school year, Holland Public Schools will be implementing Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) Bus Expectations across our district's transportation services. This initiative aims to create a safe, respectful, and responsible environment for all students who utilize our school buses.

There's not much left standing at Holland Heights.  We're making way for a beautiful new school designed for Outdoor Learning!  

• Watch us grow...and get enrolled before our new facility opens in 2026.

During construction, students will attend Longfellow Elementary at State & 24th.

Holland Public Schools is looking for volunteers to join a Parent Safety Committee in the coming school year.  We talk about it with District Director of Safety & Security, Joe Soto.

Listen Now!

Please join Holland Public Schools in thanking Board of Education Secretary Linda Falstad for her service to the students and families of the City of Holland.

This week, we talk with Patty Beatty, HPS Director of Pre School about all the great things happening at HPS with our youngest learners!

Listen Now!

Holland families are welcome to come to the HMS Greenhouse for FREE produce and flowers.

• Monday, 6-7pm
• June 10-August19

Our Kindergarten Screening Process helps us make sure we’re connecting with every student’s unique learning needs. We schedule individualized screening appointments for youngsters and parents on specific dates in May.

The results provide an evaluation resource for parents and teachers to review prior to finalizing the decision about program and class placement.

• August 1, 4-7:30pm
• August 2, 8am-4pm

at HPS District Administration Building

During construction at Holland Heights Elementary, students will attend Longfellow Elementary (24th & State). 

Transportation will be provided for students in the Holland Heights neighborhood - requests must be made by August 7 (Please complete student registration.)

Our new school will feature:

• Classrooms designed for nature-based learning and small class sizes
• designated outdoor learning spaces
• a new media center  
• expanded gym

Our new school opens in 2026!

Guarantee a spot at the NEW HOLLAND HEIGHTS!

Dear HPS Families and Neighbors in the Holland Community,

There is a buzz in our community about the great things happening at Holland Public Schools. It started in the classrooms and hallways of our schools, but it continues to grow because you are re-telling the stories of great kids doing great things at HPS. Here are a few more celebrations you can share as you run into neighbors and friends during this summer break.