Holland Heights

Important June Dates

1 –  End of Year Cook Out and Games

6 – 6/7  Grade Awards Assembly – 10:00 AM – Parents of 6/7 graders invited to attend.

6 – Last day of school for ALL Grades –  School is Dismissed at 11:00 AM

Important Dates for May  

May Dates

4 – Market Day for 4th grade

9,10 – ½ day for ALL Students  – School dismissed 11:00

10 – Tulip Time Kinder Parade    

    ½ day of school for all students – All dismissed at 11:00 AM

    Kids marching in the parade must be back to school, in costume, by 12:45. 

    Bus leaves at 1:00.

18 – Dad’s Night at the Whitecaps w/Mr. Derr

28 – Memorial Day – No School

Holland Heights

May Newsletter 2018

Note from the Principal

Can you believe it?  It’s already May and before you know it, school will be out for the summer.  Thank you for all of your support this school year.  Please continue to take an active role in your child’s learning throughout this summer, so they continue to grow as a learner.  Perhaps the most important skill you can work on with your child is reading, so when you have some quiet time at home, pick up a book and read.  It would be great for your child to read to you, you read to them and also have them read to themselves. 

During this month it is also very important to remind your child to keep working hard until the end of the school year.  Many of our learners will be finishing up the end of the year testing so please encourage them to give their best effort each day.  There are many distractions this time of the year, but we want to make sure your child is always doing their best while they’re at school.

We would love to have you continue using our building-wide expectations, “Show Respect, Act Safe, Be Responsible and be Ready to Learn,” with your child at home during the summer.   I’m sure you can find ways to incorporate these into many of your own household expectations, so feel free to use them as often as you want.  If we work together all year round, our kids will continue to grow into responsible citizens of our community.  Thanks again for allowing us the opportunity to work with your child every day.  They are truly wonderful children with unlimited potential for success! 

Dad’s Night Update

Our last Dad’s Night w/Mr. Derr will be held on Friday, May 18.  We would like to spend a night out at a Whitecaps game, so Mr. Derr has selected this date for us to attend a game.  We will carpool to the game, so if you have little ones that need to get to bed early, you can leave when you choose to.  Sign up information has been sent home for those interested in attending the game.  Thanks, and please strongly consider attending this event with your child if at all possible.  Please contact the office or email Mr. Derr at kderr@hollandpublicschools.org if you are interested in attending.  I need to know who will be attending by Wednesday, May 9 so I can order the tickets.  Thank you. 

End of the Year Cook Out and Games Night.

Mark your calendars – June 1 is the Holland Heights End of the Year Cook Out from 5-7 pm.  This event will be just like last year as we will have a variety of local organizations here to hand out information for you and your family with activities you can participate in this summer.  We will also have a few fun activities for the kids to play.  We will provide hot dogs, chips, cookies and a drink.  There will also be a raffle that will give you an opportunity to win a prize for attending.   We would love all of you to come out and enjoy some time with your child’s teacher and their friends.  Spend some time getting to know some other Heights families celebrating another great school year. 

Lost and Found

Our building lost and found area is bursting at the seams.  If your child is missing an item of clothing or a pair of shoes, we may have it in our lost and found area.  Please have your child take a look or maybe you are able to stop in, before the end of the year to take a look, to see if we have that missing item.  All of our lost and found items will be donated to a local charity, at the end of the school year, if they are not claimed. 

Tulip Time Art Exhibit – May 5-12 at the Holland High School Art Center

Opening Reception May 4, 4:30 – 6:00 PM

May 5, 8, 9, 12 – 3:15 – 6:00 PM

May 10,11 – 12:00 – 6:00 PM

Important Dates for May and June

May Dates

4 – Market Day for 4th grade

9,10 – ½ day for ALL Students  – School dismissed 11:00

10 – Tulip Time Kinder Parade     ½ day of school for all students – All dismissed at 11:00 AM

Kids marching in the parade must be back to school, in costume, by 12:45.  Bus leaves at 1:00.

18 – Dad’s Night at the Whitecaps w/Mr. Derr

28 – Memorial Day – No School

June Dates

1 –  End of Year Cook Out and Games

6 – 6/7  Grade Awards Assembly – 10:00 AM – Parents of 6/7 graders invited to attend.

6 – Last day of school –  School is Dismissed at 11:00 AM

Holland Heights April Newsletter

A note from the Principal, Mr. Derr

We are getting close to the end of the school year and it is very important for you, the parents, to make sure your child finishes the year strong.  M-Step Testing is beginning in April for grades 3-7 and will continue until the end of May.  Please encourage your child to do their best when taking these tests.  We believe our kids can do very well on these tests if they take their time and give it their best effort.  Also, continue to work with your child at home on their homework and always make sure they are reading and doing some math problems with you EVERY night.  Please encourage your child to always do their best at school, even when things are challenging.  We can’t do it alone as a school, but together we can accomplish so much more in helping your child become a better learner every day.  Thank you for allowing us to work with your child every day here at Holland Heights.  I just love seeing their smiling faces walking into school each day!

Attendance Reminders

It’s very important that your child is attending school every day.  It is also important to have your child arrive at school on time every day.  We want your child to have the best opportunity to learn and regular school attendance will help your child become a better learner.  We don’t want your child to miss out on the great learning that is going on every day here at Holland Heights, so please make sure your child is in school, on time, every day.  Thanks for all you do in getting your child to school every day on time.  We love each and every one of them!

Dad’s Night Update

Our last Dad’s Night w/Mr. Derr will be held in May at a date to be determined.  We would like to spend a night out at a Whitecaps game, so Mr. Derr is going to check the schedule and find a date for us to attend.  Sign up information will be sent home in the next few weeks for those interested in attending the game.  Thanks, and please strongly consider attending this event with your child if at all possible. 

Dates for the Calendar

April 13 – Holland Heights 5K – Please sign up now or the day of the race.  6:00 is start time.

April 19 – PotBelly Fundraiser 5-8 PM – 25% of all sales during this time goes to our school in supporting our college visits.  Please make plans to have dinner there or you can take it to go.  Thanks.

12359 James Street Suite 10 is the address for PotBelly in the Shops at Westshore. 

April 20 – No School for Students  - District Professional Development Day

5th-grade M-Step Dates – April 17, 19, 24, 26

Holland Heights

March 2018 Newsletter

A note from Mr. Derr:

Parents, let’s make sure we are doing all we can to make things safe for our learners at the end of each day.  Please do not stop your car in the road and have your child come to you.  Instead, park your car in an appropriate spot in front of the building, or on one of the side streets, and walk over to pick them up.  I am seeing too many learners walking into the road to get in the car, and that is not safe.  In addition, be considerate of others, who are picking up their child, and be patient when waiting to pull out to leave the parking area.  If we all work together at being safer and patient at the end of the day, it will only benefit the safety of our children.  Let me know if you have any questions or concerns.    Thanks for your help with this. 

The Holland Heights 5K is back!!

Mark your calendar for the 7th annual Holland Heights 5K run on April 13.  Forms will be sent home with your child, so be sure to fill it out and start training for the run.  Get those forms in early so we can get those Amazing T-shirts ordered.  We would like this to be a family event for all ages.  That means grandparents and siblings are all invited to participate.  Walking is ok for this event also.  It’s all about getting out with the family for an evening of fun and fitness.  This is one event you won’t want to miss!

Parent - Teacher Conferences

Please be sure to look for information coming home that will provide you with an opportunity to schedule your child’s Parent-Teacher Conference.  It is very important for you to be in contact with your child’s teacher during the school year to make sure we are all working together to help your child become a better learner every day.   Here are the dates and times:

March 1  –                         3:30 – 6:30 PM - TK-7

March 6 -                        12:00  – 3:00 PM –  TK-7 School dismissed 11:00

March 8 -                       3:30 – 6:30 PM – TK-7

March Attendance Madness!!!

Attendance March Madness is baaaack! Starting the week of March 5th each class will compete with attendance to move to the next round in the bracket until we have our two finalists for the championship the week of March 26th! We will be taking the best percentage of attendance for the week for each class and will determine what classes move on to the next round. The Attendance March Madness Champion will celebrate with a party on March 29th! Please help your students get to school on time every day unless they have a fever or are sick. Heights staff appreciates your help with this! Let the madness begin!!!

District Meeting with Dr. Brian Davis

Holland Public Schools and Superintendent Davis will be hosting two informational meetings for parents of Holland Public Schools on March 1 and March 6 at 7:00 p.m. in the commons area of East K-7 located at 373 E. 24th Street. The purpose of these meetings is to share a "State of the District Address" on the current/future plans and needs of the district, and results of the most recent parent survey.

Dates for the calendar

March 19 – Dad’s Night – 5:30 – 6:30 – Please call the office or email Mr. Derr to let us know if you will be attending so we can plan for food.  Thanks.   kderr@hollandpublicschools.org

March 30 – No School – Spring Break Begins

Thurs, March 1 Conferences
TK-7 Conferences 3:30-6:30 | 8-12 Conferences 4:30-7:30

Tues, March 6 1/2 Day for students, Conferences
TK-7 Conferences 12:00-3:00 | 8-12 Conferences 12:30-3:30

Thurs, March 8 Conferences
TK-7 Conferences 3:30-6:30 | 8-12 Conferences 5:30-8:30

March 30-April 6 Spring Break

Holland Heights February 2018 Newsletter

A note from Mr. Derr:

Please continue to support and encourage your child in coming to school “Ready To Learn”.  What I mean by this is, every child must come to school with the proper materials for learning, homework completed and the right frame of mind for learning.  They must have a good attitude about learning and always give their best effort in class.  We have noticed that the students who are making the biggest gains in learning, are participating in class appropriately, doing their homework, reading, and doing some math facts at home in the evenings.  This little bit of extra effort is paying off for those who are doing it on a regular basis.  A good nights sleep with a healthy breakfast in the morning will also prepare your child for a good day of learning.  So I am encouraging you to connect with your child every day after school to make sure they do their homework, read, and work on some math facts every night.  With your support and encouragement, your child will amaze you with the growth they make in learning this year.  Thank you for your support. 

Holland Heights Popcorn Fundraiser!

Holland Heights will be having its spring fundraiser beginning on Friday, Feb. 2 and ending on Tuesday, Feb. 20.  Popcorn will be delivered on March 7.  ALL money raised will go directly to Holland Heights teachers and students to support school field trips and other Holland Heights related activities.  Holland Heights will make 50% profit on every item sold!  If we had each child sell at least one item, our school would make $1500!!   So please do what you can to participate in this fundraiser for your child and our school.  Thank you for supporting Holland Heights.

The Holland Heights 5K is back!!

Mark your calendar for the 7th annual Holland Heights 5K run on April 13.  Forms will be sent home with your child, so be sure to fill it out and start training for the run.  Get those forms in early so we can get those Amazing T-shirts ordered.  We would like this to be a family event for all ages.  That means grandparents and siblings are all invited to participate.  Walking is ok for this event also.  It’s all about getting out with the family for an evening of fun and fitness.  Don’t miss out!

Kindergarten Information for  2018-19

If you have a child at home who will be eligible for Kindergarten in the fall, we have an event you might be interested in.

Feb.  13   6:00 – 7:00 PM – Kindergarten Information Night – spend some time with our Amazing Kindergarten and Transitional Kindergarten Teachers along with the Principal to hear about these programs.  

Dads and Donuts  w/Mr. Derr – Sat. Feb. 24,  10:00 am

Come on out and spend some time talking about how you can support your child at home and also how to get more involved at school with your child.  We will share some donuts and juice together, have some good conversation and take home some valuable information about different ways to connect with your kids. Please contact the office at 494-2750 or email Mr. Derr at kderr@hollandpublicschools.org if you can attend so we can plan for how much food/drink I need that morning. Thanks and we hope to see many of you there. 

Important Dates

Feb. 2 – Popcorn Fund Raiser begins

Feb. 13 – Kindergarten Information Night 6:00 - 7:00

Feb. 19 – No School – Mid winter break

Feb. 20 –  Popcorn Fund Raiser packets are due

Feb. 22 – STEM/Reading Night – 5:30 – 7:00

Feb. 24 – Dads and Donuts w/Mr.Derr 10:00 – 11:00 AM

Happy New Year!!!!

January  2018 Newsletter

Winter Weather Reminders:

The school building isn’t open until 7:30 am. 
Be sure to dress your children in their warm coats, gloves, boots, and hats when they leave home in the morning.  We go outside during the day, and your child needs to be dressed for the weather.  We have some donated winter weather items, so let us know if we can help. 

Attendance:  Absences and Tardies

The K-5 bell rings at 7:55 am, to let the kids know it’s time to line up, with class beginning at 7:57 am.  6/7 Music busses leave at 7:45 and 7:50.  It is very important for your child to be here on time every day to make sure they aren’t missing learning time.  We are required to report students with excessive tardies and absences to the truancy officer.  This is something that I don’t like to do, but we need your help in getting your child to school on time every day.  Thanks. 

Traffic Update

Please be sure to pick up your child at the appropriate location.  K-3 will continue to pick up out front and 4-7 will pick up on the back circle drive.  Be respectful of the buses that pick up in front and back and please do not park in their spaces. Also, please do not stop or park on the street, blocking traffic, to pick up your child.  For the safety of all, please park on one of the side streets and walk over to pick up your child.

Dads Night w/Mr. Derr Friday, Jan. 19

Please mark your calendar for our next Dads Night w/Mr. Derr on Friday, Jan. 19.  We will be meeting here at school for some pizza and social time at 6:00.  We will then head over to Holland High School for the Varsity Boys Basketball game around 6:45.  Game time is 7:30.  The Varsity Girls game will be going on when we arrive so we will be able to watch some of that game also.  Bring your children and enjoy a night out with them.  Please call the office, 494-2750 or email Mr. Derr (kderr@hollandpublicschools.org), by Jan. 17, if you plan to attend so we can get an idea of how many will be attending.  There is no cost for this event. 

Important Dates and Events

Jan. 12 – End of First Semester – Grades for 6/7 are completed.  All makeup work must be done.

Jan. 15 – No School – Martin Luther King Day

Jan. 16 – First day of Late Winter Sports  - 6,7/8 Boys Swim/Dive, 7th Girls Basketball, 6,7/8 Wrestling

Notes from the Nurse

When Your Child is Ill

With flu season right around the corner this year, keeping sick children home from school is more important than ever.  While prevention is the key, there may be times when your child does become ill with the flu.  In order to protect the health of other students and school staff, children who are sick should not attend school.  Students who are sick should remain home until they are fever free for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medicines.  Keeping your child home allows your child to rest and recover.  If your child’s symptoms become severe, you should contact your child’s health care provider.  Thanks for your help in keeping our school as healthy as possible. 

A Note From Mr. Derr - Parent-Teacher Conferences Are Here!

I would just like to take a minute to remind you about the importance of attending Parent-Teacher Conferences during the week of Oct. 30.  Please make sure you signed up for a time with your child’s teacher.  It is very important to stay in communication with the staff here at school, in order to stay on top of what your child is learning throughout the school year.  We want to make sure that you are informed, and this is a great time to hear about the many different things that are going on with your child at school.  It is also a chance for you to inform the teacher about any concerns you may have and also learn what you can do at home to support your child’s learning.  Our goal is for 100% of our parents to attend Parent-Teacher Conferences, so we look forward to seeing you during that week. 

Parent-Teacher Conference Schedule

Oct. 31 – 12:00 – 3:00

Nov. 1 – 3:30 – 6:30

Nov. 2 – 3:30 – 6:30

½ Day of School on Oct. 31 and Nov. 3 – School Dismissed at 11:00 for ALL STUDENTS.

Winter Reminders

As we near the cold winter season, it is very important that we make sure our children are coming to school with the appropriate clothing.  We will be going outside during the school day, so please be sure to have your child dressed for the weather.  A winter jacket, gloves/mittens, hat, and boots should be worn to school each day.  Your child can bring a pair of shoes to wear during class time in their backpack or they can leave them here at school in their locker or by their hook.  We do have a few donated winter weather clothing items, so let us know if there is something we can help you out with.   

Thanksgiving Break

Nov. 22 – 24    No School – Enjoy time with your family!!

Dad’s Night w/Mr. Derr for Holland Heights Dads –  Monday, November 20th

Monday, November 20th, will be our third Dad’s night with Mr. Derr.  Plan to meet from 5:30 – 6:30.  We will again have a meal together and spend some time discussing how the Dads of Holland Heights learners can impact our school.  Please call the main office (494-2750) to let us know if you are able to attend so we can plan for the food that night. 

Quote of the Month

“Work hard to create in your children a good self-image.  It’s the most important thing you can do to ensure their success.”

Holland Heights October Newsletter

A.  A Note from Principal Derr:  School Wide Behavior Expectations Reminder!!

Please continue to remind your child about the school expectations on Being Respectful, Acting Safe, Being Responsible and coming to school Ready to Learn.  These are also expectations you can have with your child at home.  We want to improve on these as learners every day here at school.  We must work together, as a team, to teach our children these expectations.  

B.  Traffic Safety Note:

 Just a reminder, when dropping off on the back drive in the morning, the lane nearest the sidewalk is for drop off only.  The outside lane is for those who have dropped off to pull out and exit the parking area.   Please do not stop in that lane to drop off your child.  Also, please note that when exiting you are in the correct lane for going right or left.  Thanks for being patient with each other at the busy times of the day when dropping off and picking up your child. 

C.  POTBELLY Fundraiser for Holland Heights!!!

Tuesday Oct. 24 from 5-8 PM at Potbelly Sandwich Shop at the Shops at Westshore.   12359 James Street Suite 10

Invite your family and friends  to participate in this event!!!

D.  October Parent Night – Reading / Technology Night

                  Mark your calendars!!  Holland Heights K-7 Parent Night Oct. 26, Dinner at 5:30 with Tech/Reading sessions from 6:00 – 6:30.  We will have information for you about how we are using Technology at school and some safety tips for technology at home.  We will also have a session to give you some tips to help your children improve their reading skills.  Kids are welcome to come that evening in their Halloween costumes.  Mark your Calendar!

E. Dad’s Night w/Mr. Derr – Oct. 16

 ATTENTION HOLLAND HEIGHTS DADS!!!  Clear your calendar for Monday Oct. 17 for an hour of food and discussion with Mr. Derr.  This event begins at 5:30 and will end around 6:30.  We will spend some time having a meal together and then Mr. Derr has a few things he would like to share with you.  So, Dads of Holland Heights, make sure to put this date and time on your calendars so you don’t miss this event.  Please call the office or email Mr. Derr at kderr@hollandpublicschools.org to let us know if you will be attending.  Thanks.

F. Volunteer forms

Please make sure to fill out and turn in your volunteer form for this school year.  We need this in order for you to help us out here at school or to chaperone on field trips.  We want you involved as parents or guardians, so make sure to fill this out and return it to the office.  We also need a few parents to help with PTO.  PTO is different this year, now it’s called the Parent Participation Committee, but we need 3-4 parents to help with this program.  Please contact the office or Mr. Derr if you are able to help with PPC.  Thanks!

G. School Attendance: A Key to Success

By making your child's school attendance a priority, you will be taking an important step in supporting your child's school success, and setting a good example. Starting in October at the end of each month children with perfect attendance for the month will be given a key ring to add monthly brag tags for each month they have perfect attendance. Also, at the end of both semesters in January and June there will be a celebration party with ice cream or pizza for all of the students who have had perfect attendance for the semester! I’m looking forward to celebrating with your child for their AMAZING attendance! – Ms. Williams – DHHS Success Coach

A Note from Principal Derr:  Heights Power and Heights Pride!

The learners at Holland Heights have started the year learning about having the Power to make a positive difference in their school and taking Pride in themselves and their school.  There are four expectations we have of every learner here at Holland Heights:  Show Respect, Take Responsibility, Act Safely, and come to school Ready to Learn.   If all of the learners at Heights use their power to fulfill these expectations, we believe they will have a big impact on the climate and culture here at school.  We can only improve the climate and culture at school with your continued support of the expectations we have of your children.

 We are off to a great start this fall and the expectations are high for ALL of our learners at Holland Heights.  Thank you for allowing the staff at Heights to teach your child every day.  We look forward to partnering with you this school year to help your child be the best they can be!

School Safety Procedures

Please be sure to check in at the office if you have specific business at the school.  You must have a school issued ID badge in order to enter the main building.  You will need to provide some type of collateral in order to get a badge.  This ensures that we will get the badge returned before you leave.  If you plan to be in the building with your child for a specific purpose, you must have an approved volunteer form on file in the district.  Forms have been sent home or you can pick one up in the office.  We want all of our children to be safe, so please support us in making your child’s school as safe as can be. 

Traffic Safety Note:        

Please be alert when dropping off your child in the morning.  Please do not park in the staff parking lot during the school day, especially in the morning when staff is coming to work.  Please use the parking spots on 12th Street if you need to come in the building.  At the end of the school day, please do not park on the road across the street from the school or stop in the road to pick your child up.   Instead, meet your child out in front of the school and walk with them to your car.  Thanks for your cooperation with this safety matter.

 Parent Participation Committee News – Volunteers Needed!

Many exciting activities are being planned for the school year.  In order for these events to take place, the PPC is in need of volunteers.  Please consider donating some of your time to help with one or more of these events.  I would like each parent to commit to volunteering a minimum of 2 hours this school year.   If you have any questions, please feel free to call the school.    Remember, you must have a volunteer form on file in order to volunteer.  Forms are available in the main office.  Thank you for considering this opportunity to help your child’s school.  If you are interested in helping out with the PPC team, please call the office and leave your name and contact number and/or email address.  Thank you.

Mark your Calendar:

 Dad’s Night w/Mr. Derr – Sept. 18,  5:30 – 6:30 pm

This will be our kickoff night for Dad’s Night with Mr. Derr during the school year.  We will spend our first night having a meal together and getting to know each other.  All dads/stepdads/grandfathers or guardians of Holland Heights learners are invited to attend this event.  Please call the office at 494-2750 or email Mr. Derr at kderr@hollandpublicschools.org , by Sept. 16, to let us know you can attend so we can plan for how much food we will need.  Thanks. 

Title One Info Night – Sept. 25, 5:30 – 6:00 pm

From 5:30 – 6:00 there will be a parent meeting in the media center to discuss what it means for your child attending a Title One School.
This is also the time of year where your child’s teacher will be sending home information about where your child is starting the year academically.  Your child has taken assessments during the first month of school, in Reading and Math, to determine areas of strength and areas needing support.  Please make sure to look this information over and contact your child’s teacher if you have any questions.  We want all of our learners to be successful and this can happen if we work together in supporting your child. Your child’s teacher will be able to share with you what you can do at home to help your child continue to grow as a learner.

Quote of the Month

Expect the Best from your child and yourself!

Do you know Heights has a Facebook page?

Holland Public Schools

Holland Public Schools and Superintendent Davis will be hosting informational meetings for parents of Holland Public Schools on March 1 and March 6 at 7:00 p.m. in the cafeteria of East K-7 located at 373 E. 24th Street and March 15, 9 am and 7 pm at Holland Early College, this meeting is specifically for familes of HEC. 

The purpose of these meetings is to share a "State of the District Address" on the current/future plans and needs of the district, and results of the most recent parent survey. Read More

Holland Heights Student Council is collecting coins for the Rescue Mission. 

UPDATE:

We raised over $521 for the Rescue Mission!  This money is going to feed 125 people at the mission. Thanks to everyone who supported us.  Special Thanks to Mrs. Ruhf's class who donated $112 dollars!

Students wanted to do a service project that would help our community.  This money will be used by the Rescue Mission to buy Thanksgiving meals for those in need.  Our first goal is to raise $40 and that would feed 20 people and our second goal is to get to $80.  Each Thursday we will be sending some student council members to your room to get the change bottle to count the money in there.  We will bring it back so you can keep collecting until November 17th.  We will keep a tally and the winning class will receive donuts and juice from the student council.  Thanks in advance for helping to make this coin drive successful!