District News

A strong school system is important to community unity & success. Recently, Holland Public Schools shared a 5-Year Facility Plan.

Key themes of the 5-Year Facility Plan:

• Provide equitable access to programming & opportunities
• Right-size our district to reduce operational costs
• Invest in students, staff, & programs 

In order to plan & to be good stewards, we have a short survey we would like you to complete.

Thank you in advance for your time & for helping to shape the future of Holland.

This pop-up exhibit brings to life the story of the young Jewish girl who – in the pages of her world-renowned diary – documented two years of hiding in German-occupied Amsterdam during World War II. By sharing Anne's legacy with visitors, student docent leaders will inspire our community to never be bystanders but instead to stand up together against antisemitism, bigotry, and inequality wherever it may exist today.

SAVE THESE DATES:

• April 21- May 10 | Exhibit Open at HHS Media Center
• April 22 HEF | Exhibit Grand Opening Dinner at HHS

March is National Nutrition Month, and it’s the perfect time to focus on healthy eating habits that support growing minds and active bodies! Balanced nutrition is essential for your child’s energy, focus, and overall well-being. 

Here are some tips and ideas to help your family make healthy choices this month and beyond.

Read-A-Thon | Launch Into a Universe of Stories!

Reading Minutes for K-5 Schools as of March 18!

1. Jefferson - 7,340 minutes 
2. HLA - 11,895
3. West - 7,805
4. Heights - 5,625

Keep up the great work - and keep reading!

This week we talk with members of Vocal Dimensions about their show Vocals on Broadway.

• Listen Now!

Show Times:

• Thursday, March 20 - 7pm
• Friday March 21 - 7pm
• Saturday, March 22 - 4:30pm

This week Superintendent Nick Cassidy met with HPS staff members to share HPS' 5-year Facility Plan. This plan will:

• Ensure Every Student and Staff Member at HPS benefits from upgraded, 21st-century facilities
• Provide equitable access to programming
• Right-size our district to reduce operational costs
• Allow us to invest in our students, staff, and programs

Summer EBT is Back! Summer Grocery Benefits for Kids

SUN Bucks is the new name for the Summer EBT grocery benefit. Eligible families will receive $120 per child to purchase groceries over the summer.

During National School Breakfast Week HPS saw a 16.75% increase in the number of students eating breakfast!!

• Heights 27%
• High School 15%
• HLA 23%
• Jefferson 10%
• Middle School 13%
• VRTech 15%
• West 17%

A special thank-you to our Kitchen Leads: Stacey, Sandy, Julie, Lori, Heather, Melissa & Linda for making it all come together!

Keep up the good work and keep encouraging your students to start their day with a nutritious school breakfast! 

• Breakfast & Lunch is no-cost to all HPS students.

This week we talk to Superintendent Nick Cassidy about the district's 5-year Facility Plan.

Listen Now!

Upcoming Community Engagement Opportunities:

• Thursday, March 20, 6-7pm | HLA Math Carnival 
• Wednesday, March 26, 5-7pm | District Administration Building 

DNA had a good showing at the White Pigeon "Trash" Tournament this weekend. All the questions at the tournament focused on music, sports, and other bits of pop culture.  

• The team of Landen Butch, Alan Juarez, Wilson Lin, Eleanor McMullen, and Mia Rodriguez went 5-0 in their morning bracket to qualify for the top 4.  In the afternoon, they went 1-2 in that top bracket to finish in 3rd place overall.  
• As individuals, Alan Juarez and Mia Rodriguez finished in 10th and 11th place, respectively.  

Way to go DNA!  The team will have their final competition on April 12, when they travel to UM-Ann Arbor for the State Finals.

Congratulations to our Students of the Month

• Hendrik Hoekman | 6th Grade
• Will Rund | 7th Grade
• Kailina Beltran | 8th Grade

This week on the HPSPodcast, we're talking with Kayla Gearring and Rionna Garino about Inclusion Week and The Game.

Listen Now!

This week, we introduce you to the Power H Award Building Finalists:

• Holland Language Academy: Kyla Reichert, Denia Rodriguez, and Kate Meyer
• Holland Heights: Liz Melangton, Todd McKay, Diana Sandoval
• District Support: Lucio Lozano

Listen Now!

For the 2024/2025 school year, HPS has been able to certify 43% of staff members in CPR/AED/1st Aid.  This includes teachers, coaches, IAs, bus drivers, food service, office staff and Administration.

This would not have been possible without the partnership with Holland Department of Public Safety - Fire Services. 

• Fire Marshal Bret Groendyke 
• Fire Fighter Angela Lound

Vocal Dimensions will bring a bit of Broadway to the Tulip City.

• Thursday, March 20 - 7pm 
• Friday, March 21 - 7pm
• Saturday, March 22, 4:30pm

$15 for adults \ $10 for students in the HHS Performing Arts Center

Congratulations to Autumn Starkey,  5th Grade teacher at Holland Heights - the latest recipient of a Teachers Live Here Grant.  Autumn has been award $29,000 toward the down payment and closing costs of a home in the Holland School District. 

This week, we introduce you to the Power H Award Building Finalists:

• Holland Middle School: Kyle Kreps, Jeff Minkus, and Daniza Palmateer
• Jefferson Elementary: Julie Mishoe, Mary Wilcox, and Chris Taylor
• District Support: Jordi Fuentes

Listen Now!

The first rule of Days, is that you don't talk about Days.

This week, we introduce you to the Power H Award Building Finalists:

• West: Joy Kooyer, Kamille Barajas, Sarah Groenheide
• HHS:Carl VanFaasen, Kristen Slotman, Jason Siersma
• District Support: Julie Mokma

Listen Now!

For the remainder of the academic calendar, if it is safe to do so, Superintendent Nick Cassidy will consider calling a 2-hour delay rather than a full snow day!  This will help ensure students are in school when it is safe for them to be and that we don't have to extend the school calendar beyond June 4.

Take a look at what the staff at HMS is saying about our Students of the Month:

• Zoe Mulder - 6
• Leah Peck - 7
• Charlie DuMez - 8

The Michigan Art Education Region 9 Art Show will include:

• Charlie Kraus Girl Looking out the WIndow - drawing  (2nd grade | Mrs. Kuiper)
• Marian Reynolds Shmal Behind the Fence - drawing in (4th grade | Mrs. Chamness)
•  Vincent Vereeke Basketball - drawing (5th grade | Mrs. Witters)

The show runs February 10-26  at the downtown Grand Rapids Western Michigan University Campus -  200 Ionia Ave SW | Mon-Fri 8:30a-5:30p.

The Michigan Art Education Region 9 Art Show will include:

• Fox by Levi King (4th grade | Mr O'Connell)
• Wildcat by Henry Hoesch (4th grade | Mrs Mason)

The show runs February 10-26  at the downtown Grand Rapids Western Michigan University Campus -  200 Ionia Ave SW | Mon-Fri 8:30a-5:30p.

At Holland, we off SMALL SCHOOLS so that every student gets the individual care they deserve, while still providing the BIG OPPORTUNITIES they need to succeed.

During Big Opportunity Week, we invite you to come visit our schools, meet teachers and principals, and start the enrollment process.

• Tuesday, February 4, 5-7pm at WEST ELEMENTARY and NATURE-BASED HOLLAND HEIGHTS at Longfellow School
• Wednesday, February 5, 5-7pm at JEFFERSON ELEMENTARY and HOLLAND LANGUAGE ACADEMY
• Thursday, February 6, 5-7pm Step Up to Learning at HOLLAND MIDDLE SCHOOL
• Thursday, **March** 6, 5-7pm Find Your Fit at HOLLAND HIGH SCHOOL

February is our Give Back Month for the Power H Shop. Instead of shopping this month you can: 

• drop of donations during the event (Thursday, February 6 at Maplewood) 
• drop them off at any school (there's a box in the office!)
• send them from our Amazon Wishlist.

Delaney Wilson (Grade 10) received Honorable Mention in the Scholastic Art Awards for her Chuck Close inspired grid style acrylic painting titled, Inner Child.

Thursday, February 6, 5-7pm. 

Check out all the great opportunities available for students at Holland Middle School.  You’ll love it here!

• We will have academic information meetings in the cafeteria at 5:15pm and 6:15pm
• An interactive tour with stations around the school for families to visit and learn more about HMS
• See classrooms and meet teachers!

Any Holland families interested in attending HMS are invited. All HPS 5th-grade Parents and Students are encouraged to attend.

Auditions for Middle School students to join the upcoming HPS production of The Wizard of OZ will be:

• Monday February 10 from 6-7:30PM in the PAC at Holland High School.  

There's a place for everyone!

Tentative Performance Dates: First week of May.

Questions: Contact Mrs. Miller - Theatre Director

Sororophobia is written by HHS Alum Laney Lynch

• February 7 at 7pm | HHS PAC
• February 8 at 2pm | HHS PAC

Holland Public Schools is committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment for all students, regardless of their status. We believe every child has the right to pursue a public education free from fear or discrimination, and we remain steadfast in our mission to serve every child and family in our community with dignity and respect. 

Holland Public Schools is accepting nominations for the 2025 Power H Awards.  On the Podcast this week, we look back at Finalist for the 2024 Power H Impact Award.

• Listen Now!

The 4th-graders in Mrs. Gruppen's class at Jefferson will have new flexible seating provided by Fleetwood Furniture! 

• Check out these new Soft Rock Stools!
• Fleetwood Furniture also provided beautiful new identification cards for Occupational Therapy equipment.

The Holland Community is UNITED around the success of all students!

Best of luck to Paige Frens and Chris Logan as they perform with the State Honors Choir this weekend. 

The State Honors Choir represents the TOP 200 high school choir members in the state of Michigan!

Due to cancellation of basketball games this week, we are changing up Friday's basketball schedule:

• 4:00 (Dome): JV boys
• 4:00 (Aux): JV girls
• 5:30 (Dome): Varsity Girls
• 5:30 (Aux): Freshmen Boys
• 7:00 (Dome): 20 minute Unified Game
• 7:45 (Dome): Varsity Boys

We are looking for 2 sets of 20-30 Munchkins, and hope to have students from all of our elementary schools represented.  MUNCHKIN AUDITIONS for 3rd-5th grade students (preferably under 5'2") are:

• Thursday, January 30 at 5, 6 or 7pm (sign up for a time below.)
• Saturday 2/1/25 at 9:30am (The first Munchkin rehearsal is Saturday, 10a-12n...so if you attend the audition Saturday morning, you should plan on staying for rehearsal until noon.)

Tentative Performance Dates: First week of May.

Questions: Contact Mrs. Miller - Theatre Director

The Holland Nutrition Service Department is excited to offer a nutritious and delicious breakfast to your student(s). We encourage all parents/guardians to take advantage of our School Breakfast Program — breakfast is available at NO COST to students.

Congratulations to two representatives from Holland Public Schools for being recognized by the City of Holland with a Social Justice Award.

• Karinna Martinez (Class of 2025) was awarded the Social Justice Youth Award recognizes her commitment to make the City of Holland a better place for everyone to call home.
• Chase Magsig (DHH Deaf Language Model) was awarded the Social Justice Award for his work to improve accessibility for the DHH Community in the City of Holland.

Thank you Karinna and Chase for everything you do in the City of Holland.

This series of Family Nights will support families with student who have a disability or suspects their child may have a disability.

• When: February 25 from 6-7
• Where: Administration Building-Board Room | 320 W. 24th

At our first meeting:

• Introductions and Intentions
• A walkthrough of Holland’s new Special Education Family Handbook
• Answers to your questions about Special Education at HPS

Unified Basketball is back in 2025. Be sure to catch a game and support these student athletes this season!

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

Support Holland Unified Sports and Peer-to-Peer by purchasing a custom shirt or sweatshirt hand-crafted by students in the High School Categorical Work-Based Learning Program. These students are involved in every step of the process, from selecting the designs to printing and packaging the apparel for delivery, gaining valuable skills and experience along the way!

There are two designs to choose from. 

• Short Sleeve T-Shirt: $10
• Long Sleeve T-Shirt: $15
• Hoodie: $25

Orders and payments are due by January 21st. (cash or check payable to Holland Public Schools)

All orders will be fulfilled and delivered to your (or your students) building by January 31st or you can pick them up during the home basketball game on January 31st between 5-7 pm.

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.

This week we talk with HEF Ex. Director Kate Bolt: The Holland Educational Foundation is looking to make 2025 even better than 2024.

• Listen Now!

Out of the 14 total varsity teams from 8 schools, Holland finished 1st and 4th.  

• Adam Alderson, Landen Butch, Alan Juarez, Wilson Lin, Eleanor McMullen, Mia Rodriguez, Ben Rund-Scott, and Harper Schoon-Tanis.  

This puts them in the lead as they pursue another league title.  

Out of the 10 teams present, JV finished 4th and 5th.  

• Sam Huizinga, Chanelle Jackson, Chris Logan, Kimia McMullen, and ME Tanis.  

The DNA will be in action again next Monday as they travel to Hopkins to begin the round robin portion of the season.  

The following collection of photos is not necessarily a collection of my favorite photographs from 2024. Rather, this is a collection of photos that helps capture the story of Holland Public Schools in 2024.

Many find the holidays a time of sadness and stress. A new study showed that 64% of people with mental illness report holidays make their conditions worse. But even without a diagnosis of a mental illness, sadness and stress are very real feelings.

Here are some suggestions to make the holidays less stressful and more joyful:

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.

'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.

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

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!