Opening day at HLA
Kids celebrate Day of the Child
riboncutting at new playground
Field Day at HLA

I believe every child deserves the chance to succeed, no matter their circumstances. As a proud graduate of Holland Public Schools and a parent whose children learn in our buildings, I believe deeply in the work we are doing together for my children and yours.

This is my nineteenth year in education and my eleventh as principal, yet my passion for teaching and supporting children has never been stronger. I am grateful for the privilege of serving the community that shaped me, and I look forward to all we will accomplish together for our students this year.

-Iliana Vasquéz
Principal



The Red Note - HLA Newsletter

Check here each Sunday afternoon for an updated newsletter.

What's Happening at HLA:

2026-2027 Books & Games - HLA

Books & Games provides students with an hour of supervised reading, homework help, and games, plus a free breakfast an hour before school starts each morning.

  • It also gives parents/guardians an extra hour to start their day or  to get to work on time!

Students must be registered Books & Games 1 day before attending.

Back-to-School Events

School Starts Thursday, August 27!

Check out the lists of suggested school supplies

2026 TCOB Day - Takin' Care of Business Day

We're getting ready for the first day of school and handling all the administrative business before the first day of school on August 27.

  • Taking Care of Business Day is Tuesday, August 11
  • Drop-in 1-6pm at Holland High School Office

For K-12 families who have NOT completed online registration OR who need assistance with:

  • Registration or Enrollment
  • Parent Portal
  • Academic counseling
  • Paying fees
  • These services will NOT be available at Open House on Tuesday, August 25!

Students who need transportation during the first two weeks of school must register BEFORE Wednesday, August 12.

HLA School Supply Suggested Shopping List - 2026-27

The first day of School is Thursday, August 27.

Read Full Article

HPSPodcast 6.41

On the podcast this week, we talk with Patty Beatty, Director of Early Childhood about all the great things happening with HPS Preschool.

Calendar for 2026-2027

2026-2027 Calendar Highlights

  • First Day of School:  August 27
  • Labor Day Weekend | No School: September 4-7
  • Fall Break | No school: October 23
  • Professional Development Day | No school: November 6
  • Thanksgiving Break: November 25-27
  • Holiday Break: December 20- January 3
  • MLK Day | No School: January 18
  • Midwinter Break: February 26-March 1
  • Professional Development Day | No school: March 19
  • Spring Break: April 2-April 11
  • Professional Development Day | No school: April 23
  • Memorial Day | No School: May 31
  • Last Day of School: June 9

Fighting the Summer Slide - Workbook

Studies show that over the summer students lose a considerable amount of what they've learned during the previous school year.  That's why HPS is sending home Summer Learning bags with every K-5 student in the district. 

Set aside time each day to do an activity with your child. This investment will help them stay engaged and retain more of what they've learned.

Read Full Article

2026 Summer Adventure Camps with ODC

We are excited to announce that enrollment is now open for the 2026 Summer Adventure Camps with the Outdoor Discovery Center! This engaging summer program is designed for students going into 1st grade through 5th grade and will focus on literacy skills through hands-on, nature-rich experiences.

  • Adventure Camp will be held at Jefferson Elementary 282 W 30th Street
  • June 15-July 23
  • 8:30am – 12:30pm each day (Breakfast and Lunch will be available at no cost.)

The Summer Adventure Camp with ODC is led by the Outdoor Discovery Center’s Education Network and will take the place of HPS Summer School.  This is the ONLY Summer School option being offered at HPS in the summer of 2026 for K-5 students.

Read Full Article

7-Day Meal Box -2026

HPS is proud to provide 7-Day Meal Boxes to families in the district during the summer months.

Each box will contain a menu with food prep instructions and food items for 7 breakfasts and 7 lunches per week. 

  • Meal pick-up will be located at Central Wesleyan Church (446 West 40th St. Holland MI 49423 - Door A) from 12:00-1:00 PM 
  •  Thursday, June 11 through July 30
  • Meals will be distributed based on a first come first served basis and not based on pre-registration. 

There is no need to register for these meals... just stop by during the pick-up time to receive the meals for your student(s).

Read Full Article
Lisa Gort (Center) is the HPS School Mental Health Care Case Manager

Nurse Notes - May

For the last 77 years, May has been designated as Mental Health Awareness Month.  It was introduced by the organization Mental Health America, with the focus of increasing awareness, reducing stigma, and promoting wellness.

In this month's newsletter, you'll learn more about practices that can help improve our children’s mental health as well as our own.  

Read Full Article
Registration/Enrollment Block Party & Ice Cream Social

HPSPodcast 6.31

This week we talk with our Community Coordinators Alex Crisp (Holland Heights & HMS), Grace Stupka (West & Jefferson), and Kate Leighton-Colburn (HLA and HHS) about the Registration Block Party and Ice Cream Social on Wednesday, April 29, 5:30-7pm at Holland Middle School.

2026 District Art Awards

Congratulations to our 2026 District Art Award Winners:

  • Cassidy Russell, Grade 12
  • Jordan Garcia, Grade 11 
  • Von Bunnell II, Grade 9
  • Jose Mendez Pimentel Jr, Grade 8
  • Hendrick Hoekman, Grade 7
  • Charlotte Buck, Grade 6
  • Gennesis Ramirez-Ramirez, Holland Heights 5
  • Tamari Jeanne, West 3
  • Noah Fortuna, Jefferson 3
  • Cecelia Ferreira, HLA 4

The award-winning artwork will hang in the Board Training Room at the District Admin Building for next year.

Read Full Article

HLA Calendar

HLA Calendar
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Holland Language Academy
461 Van Raalte Ave

Holland, MI 49423
Phone: 616-494-2600
Fax: 616-393-7652

Teachers & Staff

School Times:

  • Full Day | 8:15am* - 3:21pm
  • Wednesday Early Dismissal | 2:21pm
  • Half Day | 8:15* - 11:20am

*Please do not arrive at school earlier than 8:10

HLA Office Hours:

  • 7:45am- 4pm | M-F (August-June)

HLA Media Center

We are Here For You and your student.

Click here for emotional & mental health resources.


Volunteer at HLA:

We love when parents or guardians get involved. Make sure to fill out the district volunteer form (once each school year) and return it to the office.