District News

HPSPodcast 5.25

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!

K-5 Parent/Teacher Conferences

Parent/Teacher Conferences continue:

  • Wednesday, February 19, 4:15-7:15pm

Please set an appointment time to meet with your student's teacher:

What's Cooking!

NSBW25 will take place March 3-7, 2025. During this week we will have extra special breakfast items.

National School Breakfast Week (NSBW) celebrates the importance of a nutritious school breakfast in fueling students for success. This special observance during the first week of March celebrates the National School Breakfast Program and the many ways it gives students a great start every day. 

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Dear HPS Community - An Update from Superintendent Nick Cassidy

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
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Don't Jinx a S___ D__!

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

HPSPodcast 5.24

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!

February Family Engagement Night

Holland Public Schools will be hosting a Job and Career Fair at Holland High School. The event will take place from 3:30pm-6:30pm in the Commons (the same time as Student-led Conferences.) It will include local employers like 

  • Ventura Manufacturing
  • Evergreen Commons 
  • Michigan Works
  • MillerKnoll
  • Trans-Matic Manufacturing Co 
  • Comfort Keepers
  • Dutch Village
  • RedWater Restaurants
  • Holland Aquatic CenterHaworth
  • Resthaven
  • City of Holland
  • Holland Museum
  • Escape Ministries 
  • and more! 

Whether you're a student looking for summer work OR a parent/guardian looking for a career move, come check out the opportunities!

February 17, 2025 Board Meeting

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The Next "Snow Day" Might Be a "Snow Delay"

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.

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Find Your Fit at Holland High School

  • THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 6-7:30pm

This event is intended for families of current 8th grade students at Holland Middle School OR any families of a student considering enrolling at Holland High School for the 2025-26 school year. 

  • Tour Holland High School & meet upperclassmen.
  • Say Hi! to your teachers, principals & counselors.
  • Find out about electives & graduation requirements.
  • Learn about clubs & teams. 
  • Explore Holland Early College 
  • ...and much more!

HMS Students of the Month - January

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

Student Artwork Selected for Art Show - West

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.

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Student Artwork Selected for Art Show - Holland Heights

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.

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Big Opportunity Week

Big Opportunity Week | February 3-7

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
Child shopping at Power H Shop

Power H Shop Give Back and School Drive

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.
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HHS Student receives Honorable Mention in National Art Competition

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

STEP Up and Shoes

Big Opportunities - Step Up to HMS

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.

Holland Theatre masks

Do you want to join the Emerald City?

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

Dutch Theatre Presents Sororophobia. Laney Lynch  February 7 at 7pm | HHS PAC February 8 at 2pm | HHS PAC

Dutch Theatre Presents Sororophobia

Sororophobia is written by HHS Alum Laney Lynch

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

Public Notice - BOE Finance & Property and Executive Committee Change of Date, February 7, 2025

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A Response to Federal Immigration Policy and Enforcement

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. 

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Ferguson, Gearring, Marroquin, Conley, Byrne, Starr (L to R)

HPSPodcast 5.22

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.

Thank You Fleetwood Furniture!

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!

HHS Singers Among TOP 200 High School Choir Members in Michigan

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!

BeNice Basketball Friday in the Dome

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
Holland Theatre masks

We need Munchkins for Dutch Theatre's Production of Wizard of Oz

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

What's Cooking | January Newsletter from Holland Nutrition Service

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.

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Two from HPS Earn City of Holland Social Justice Awards

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.

Special Education Family Night

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

2025 Unified Basketball Schedule

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

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Remind logo

Reminder about REMIND

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

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Shirt designs - holland Unified | Holland Dutch

United Sports and Peer-to-Peer Gear!

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.

Introducing: My Ride K-12

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.

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HPSPodcast 5.20

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

Dutch Nerd Army (DNA) Opens League Season In Stellar Fashion

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.  

Mr. Craner snaps a pic of '24 graduates during the Senior Walk at Holland Middle School

24 Pictures for 2024

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.

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Nurse Notes - Holiday Blues?

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:

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HPSPodcast 5.19

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

Student Council PB Drive for Paws with a Cause

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

What's Cooking | December

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!

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Kelly Ashby (HMS), Tyler Mouw (HHS), Kacie Williams (DHH at HTS), Jeff & Tracy Harrison (Haworth), and Ashley Golin (HLA) - L to R

Thank you Haworth!

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.

Mrs Arndt and one of her students on her last day in a classroom.

Mrs. Arndt Celebrates 2nd Retirement

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.

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HMS Winter Choir Concert

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

HPSPodcast 5.18

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

Winter Home Games - Reminder of Rules and Expectations

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

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The Power of Being Here

 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
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Andy Klaasen, from Denooyer Chevy, spent some time with the HLA pre-school students on Friday!

Thank You Denooyer Chevy!

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!

Principal Derr Honored by MEMPSA

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!

Communication Survey

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.

HPSPodcast 5.17

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

Dutch Theatre Presents: Unexpected Encore

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!

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Holland Bands, Holland Choirs, and Holland Orchestra for their Annual Winter Collage Concert  Saturday, December 7, 7pm First Reformed Church,  630 State St
Holland Bands, Holland Choirs, and Holland Orchestra for their Annual Winter Collage Concert Saturday, December 7, 7pm First Reformed Church, 630 State St

Winter Collage Concert

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

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

Afterschool Basketball - 3rd & 4th Grade

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 3rd and 4th grade girls to register for this program!

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Dana VanderLugt, ISD Secondary Literacy Consultant and Andrea Mehall, HHS Principal

CFHZA and OAISD donate $27k to HHS Book Nook

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

HMS Students of the Month - December

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.

Public Notice - BOE Annual Organizational Meeting December 16, 2024, 6:15 p.m.

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JoJo and Grace looking good in PowerH gear.

Red & White Shop for the Holidays

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!

A Letter from Superintendent Nick Cassidy - November 2024

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.

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Lydia with HEF Executive Director Kate Bolt (L to R)

Teachers Live Here Grant Awarded to Lydia Williams

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. 

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Introducing Inclusive Preschool Classrooms!

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

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Public Notice - BOE Teaching for Learning Committee Change of Date December 6, 2024

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State Superintendent Michael Rice, HHS Teacher Sarah Le Febre, HHS Principal Andrea Mehall, and 2024 Alumni and Future Educator Liebbe Martinez (L to R)

HPSPodcast 5.15

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!

HPS Receives $60,000 Rebate from SEMCO Energy

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.

3-Year-Old Pre School Opportunities

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!
Read Full Article
Alan Juarez, Ben Rund-Scott, Eleanor McMullen, and Adam Alderson

DNA hosts Fall Quiz Bowl Invitational

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

November Nutrition Nuggets

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.

HPSPodcast 5.14

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

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!

November Family Engagement Night

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!

Power H Holland Wrestling Holiday Sweatshirt

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

NHS Blood Drive

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.

HPSPodcast 5.13

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.

Honoring all sho served. November 11, 2024. www.va.gov

Honoring Veterans: Holland High School’s 87th Annual Veterans Day Assembly

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.

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HPSPodcast 5.12

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.

Drum Majors Evelyn Lewin, Gaberiel Calanchi, and Reed Bowes

Holland High School Marching Band to Compete in MCBA State Finals

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

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Four Dutch Runners Headed to State Cross Country Meet

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!

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Holland Educational Foundation 40th Anniversary Gala

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.

Power H Shop - November 7

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

Home Football Games - Reminder of Rules and Expectations

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

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McMullen playing in the 2023 Decomposers Festival!

HPSPodcast 5.11

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!

HPS is a MI HEARTSafe School District

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)

Betty with classmate Parker Lepard

HPSPodcast 5.10

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

My Ride K-12: New User Guide for Parents

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.

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Rund-Scott leads DNA in season opener.

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.
Locally Grown Paw Paw Fruit

What's Cooking?

In this newsletter from HPS Nutritional Services:

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

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GameDay Expectations for Dutch fans!

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.

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HPSPodcast 5.9

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

Listen now!

4th Annual HPS Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration

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!

West Coast Chamber of Commerce Recognizes HPS at Annual Awards

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.

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HPSPodcast 5.8

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.

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S.T.E.A.M Night with Gentex

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!
STEM Teacher Nicole Bigler

HPSPodcast 5.7

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

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Ballet Folklorico Sol Azteca - 24/25 Registration

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

2024 Distinguished Alumni Award - Johnny Rodriguez

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.

Homecoming 2024 - Spirit Week

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

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HPSPodcast 5.5

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

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HMS Curriculum Night

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.

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New CleverTouch Screen at West

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

Reminders About School Safety and Security

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.

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Charging for à la carte Menu Items During Breakfast and Lunch

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!