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

Welcome to Holland Language Academy

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

Red Notes - HLA News Letter

Check here each Sunday afternoon for an updated newsletter.

What's Happening at HLA:

Abby and Olivia

HPSPodcast 6.13

Holland Dutch Theatre is ready for opening night of The SpongeBob Musical! This week we talk with Abby Hart and Olivia Zoet from the cast of the show.

Get your tickets to the show!
The SpongeBob Musical logo with Pineapple cartoon

Dutch Theatre Presents: The SpongeBob Musical

The SpongeBob Musical is a vibrant, family-friendly stage show based on the popular cartoon, featuring SpongeBob, Patrick, Sandy, Squidward, and others as they team up to save Bikini Bottom from a volcanic eruption. 

  • Thursday, Nov. 13 | 7pm 
  • Friday, Nov. 14 | 7pm
  • Saturday, Nov. 15 | 3pm
  • Saturday, Nov. 15 |7pm
  • Sunday, Nov. 16 | 2 pm 

The show is celebrated for its creative set design, colorful costumes, and an eclectic soundtrack with songs by artists like David Bowie, Cyndi Lauper, and John Legend. 

Get your tickets today!
Read Full Article
.
Elizabeth Wiersma is the Holland Hospital School Nurse at Holland Middle School

Nurse Notes - November

It's Flu Season and the Holland Hospital School Nurses have some important notes on the Flu.

Where you can get a flu shot.
Read Full Article

Monday, November 9, 2025

What a beautiful evening we experienced at the Holland Education Foundation Gala! It was heart-warming to see so many of our HLA students shine on stage and represent our school with so much pride. Thank you to everyone who supports and gets involved with HEF,  they work tirelessly to secure donations, remove barriers, and enhance learning opportunities for students across our district.

This week we are also full of excitement as we prepare for our VIP Day this Friday, November 14! We deeply value the opportunity to welcome you into our learning spaces as students engage in meaningful learning activities with their special person. 

Important Reminders

  • One human per student — we do not have space for extra babies, toddlers, or siblings

  • Please arrive early to check in and receive your visitor badge

Schedule

  • 3rd & 2nd Grade — 9:00–9:45 AM

  • 1st & 5th Grade — 10:00–10:45 AM

  • Kinder & 4th Grade — 1:00–1:45 PM

We look forward to celebrating learning, connection, and community with you this Friday!

Read Full Article

Downtown Holland To Host Winter Gear Donation Drive to Benefit HPS

Downtown Holland is partnering with HPS to host a winter gear donation drive to help keep elementary school students warm and dry this winter. A total of 14 Downtown Holland businesses will be collecting donations as part of the drive, being held from November 3 – 16. 

Holland Public School families in need will be able to collect the items at their Power H shopping event on November 19, with details provided to students by HPS.

Read Full Article

Food Insecurity During the Government Shutdown

The health and well-being of HPS students & families is our highest priority. 

During this government shutdown we know that many HPS families could experience food insecurity; especially those that rely on SNAP benefits. If your family is experiencing food insecurity during this government shutdown, HPS is here to help.  

Read Full Article

HPSPodcast 6.12

Holland Public Schools and the BeNice organization will host Thrive Together on Thursday evening at Holland Middle School.  This is a night focused on mental health for students and their families.  On the HPSPodcast his week, we talk with Holland Hospital School Nurse Program Mental Health Care Manager Lisa Gort about the district's focus on helping students Thrive and on this important event.

Thrive Together will be held Thursday, October 6, 5:30-7pm at Holland Middle School.

Whats' Cooking - November

HPS Nutritional Services Monthly Newsletter:

  • Exciting News for Middle School Students Can Now Enjoy Ala Carte Options at Lunch!
  • Staff Spotlights, Meet some of our HPS Nutrition Lead Food Service Servers: Lori Lutke, Heather Bowes, Linda Wilson
Read Full Article

Meet our Student Resource Officers!

Take a look at the Holland Dept of Public Safety School Resource Officers (SRO) and Community Policing Officers who are assigned to our schools.

  • Ofc. Nicole Hamberg - Holland High
  • Ofc. Nic Wedeven – Holland Middle
  • Ofc. Spencer DeGraaf – Heights
  • Ofc. Padron-Hernandez – West and HLA
  • Ofc. Rod Mendoza - Jefferson
Read Full Article

Firearm Safety and Harm Prevention

Legal ownership of firearms comes with important safety responsibilities to prevent accidental firearm injuries and deaths, thefts, and suicide, including among children.

  • Under House Bill 5451, beginning October 1, 2025, Michigan law will require school districts to distribute a safe storage informational notice—developed by the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS)—to the parent or legal guardian of each student each October.
PDF File Firearm Storage Requirements and Penalties
PDF File Firearm Safety and Harm Prevention
MCL 28.429
U of M Family Guide to Firearm Home Safety
MDHHS Firearm Safety Information
MDHHS Suicide Prevention (Michigan.gov/SuicidePrevention)
Michigan Department of Health & Human Services
Read Full Article

HPSPodcast 6.9

HPS is celebrating National School Lunch Week. This week, we talk with the Director of HPS Nutritional Services, Aretha Banks.

Learn more about HPS Nutritional Services

Nurse Notes - October

Halloween Safety  - Kids love the magic of Halloween, but costume and traffic safety are essential for trick-or-treaters. Here are some tips to keep everyone safe.

Read Full Article

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Upcoming Events

  • 13 November
    • Dutch Theatre Presents The SpongeBob Musical
      Date: Nov 13
      Time: 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM
      Location: Holland High School, 600 Van Raalte Ave, Holland, MI 49423, USA
      Calendar: HLA Calendar
      • Concord Theatricals Credit. All programs, web pages, publicity, and advertising in connection with performances of the Property, in all media (including print and electronic), shall carry a program note as follows (unless an additional or different notice is specified in writing by Concord Theatricals) in not less than 10-point type: 

      THE SPONGEBOB MUSICAL is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals. www.concordtheatricals.com

      • Author(s) Credit. The Author(s)’s name (including, as applicable, composer(s), lyricist(s) and/or translator/adaptor’s name) will appear in all instances in which the title of the Property appears, including all programs, web pages, house boards, and publicity and advertising in all media (including all print and electronic media) within the control of Licensee. Except as otherwise specified below, the name of the Author(s) will appear on a separate line on which no other name appears as set forth below immediately following the title of the Property and will appear in size of type not less than fifty percent (50%) of the size of the title type, as follows: 

      Nickelodeon™ 

      Based on the series by Stephen Hillenburg  

      Book by Kyle Jarrow

      Original Songs by Yolanda Adams, Steven Tyler and Joe Perry of Aerosmith, Sara Bareilles, Jonathan Coulton, Alex Ebert of Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros, The Flaming Lips, Lady A, Cyndi Lauper, John Legend, Panic! At the Disco, Plain White T’s, They Might Be Giants, T.I. And Songs by David Bowie, Tom Kenny & Andy Paley Additional Lyrics by Jonathan Coulton Additional Music by Tom Kitt 

      Musical Production Conceived by Tina Landau

      ©2023 Viacom International Inc. All Rights Reserved. Nickelodeon, SpongeBob SquarePants and all related titles, logos and characters are trademarks of Viacom International Inc. 

      Created by Stephen Hillenburg.
  • 14 November
    • VIP Day 3rd & 2nd 9:00 AM to 9:45 AM
      VIP Day 3rd & 2nd
      Date: Nov 14
      Time: 9:00 AM to 9:45 AM
      Calendar: HLA Calendar
    • VIP Day 1st & 5th 10:00 AM to 10:45 AM
      VIP Day 1st & 5th
      Date: Nov 14
      Time: 10:00 AM to 10:45 AM
      Calendar: HLA Calendar
    • VIP Day K & 4th 1:00 PM to 1:45 PM
      VIP Day K & 4th
      Date: Nov 14
      Time: 1:00 PM to 1:45 PM
      Calendar: HLA Calendar
    • Dutch Theatre Presents The SpongeBob Musical
      Date: Nov 14
      Time: 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM
      Location: Holland High School, 600 Van Raalte Ave, Holland, MI 49423, USA
      Calendar: HLA Calendar
      • Concord Theatricals Credit. All programs, web pages, publicity, and advertising in connection with performances of the Property, in all media (including print and electronic), shall carry a program note as follows (unless an additional or different notice is specified in writing by Concord Theatricals) in not less than 10-point type: 

      THE SPONGEBOB MUSICAL is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals. www.concordtheatricals.com

      • Author(s) Credit. The Author(s)’s name (including, as applicable, composer(s), lyricist(s) and/or translator/adaptor’s name) will appear in all instances in which the title of the Property appears, including all programs, web pages, house boards, and publicity and advertising in all media (including all print and electronic media) within the control of Licensee. Except as otherwise specified below, the name of the Author(s) will appear on a separate line on which no other name appears as set forth below immediately following the title of the Property and will appear in size of type not less than fifty percent (50%) of the size of the title type, as follows: 

      Nickelodeon™ 

      Based on the series by Stephen Hillenburg  

      Book by Kyle Jarrow

      Original Songs by Yolanda Adams, Steven Tyler and Joe Perry of Aerosmith, Sara Bareilles, Jonathan Coulton, Alex Ebert of Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros, The Flaming Lips, Lady A, Cyndi Lauper, John Legend, Panic! At the Disco, Plain White T’s, They Might Be Giants, T.I. And Songs by David Bowie, Tom Kenny & Andy Paley Additional Lyrics by Jonathan Coulton Additional Music by Tom Kitt 

      Musical Production Conceived by Tina Landau

      ©2023 Viacom International Inc. All Rights Reserved. Nickelodeon, SpongeBob SquarePants and all related titles, logos and characters are trademarks of Viacom International Inc. 

      Created by Stephen Hillenburg.
  • 15 November
    • Dutch Theatre Presents The SpongeBob Musical
      Date: Nov 15
      Time: 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM
      Location: Holland High School, 600 Van Raalte Ave, Holland, MI 49423, USA
      Calendar: HLA Calendar
      • Concord Theatricals Credit. All programs, web pages, publicity, and advertising in connection with performances of the Property, in all media (including print and electronic), shall carry a program note as follows (unless an additional or different notice is specified in writing by Concord Theatricals) in not less than 10-point type: 

      THE SPONGEBOB MUSICAL is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals. www.concordtheatricals.com

      • Author(s) Credit. The Author(s)’s name (including, as applicable, composer(s), lyricist(s) and/or translator/adaptor’s name) will appear in all instances in which the title of the Property appears, including all programs, web pages, house boards, and publicity and advertising in all media (including all print and electronic media) within the control of Licensee. Except as otherwise specified below, the name of the Author(s) will appear on a separate line on which no other name appears as set forth below immediately following the title of the Property and will appear in size of type not less than fifty percent (50%) of the size of the title type, as follows: 

      Nickelodeon™ 

      Based on the series by Stephen Hillenburg  

      Book by Kyle Jarrow

      Original Songs by Yolanda Adams, Steven Tyler and Joe Perry of Aerosmith, Sara Bareilles, Jonathan Coulton, Alex Ebert of Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros, The Flaming Lips, Lady A, Cyndi Lauper, John Legend, Panic! At the Disco, Plain White T’s, They Might Be Giants, T.I. And Songs by David Bowie, Tom Kenny & Andy Paley Additional Lyrics by Jonathan Coulton Additional Music by Tom Kitt 

      Musical Production Conceived by Tina Landau

      ©2023 Viacom International Inc. All Rights Reserved. Nickelodeon, SpongeBob SquarePants and all related titles, logos and characters are trademarks of Viacom International Inc. 

      Created by Stephen Hillenburg.
    • Dutch Theatre Presents The SpongeBob Musical
      Date: Nov 15
      Time: 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM
      Location: Holland High School, 600 Van Raalte Ave, Holland, MI 49423, USA
      Calendar: HLA Calendar
      • Concord Theatricals Credit. All programs, web pages, publicity, and advertising in connection with performances of the Property, in all media (including print and electronic), shall carry a program note as follows (unless an additional or different notice is specified in writing by Concord Theatricals) in not less than 10-point type: 

      THE SPONGEBOB MUSICAL is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals. www.concordtheatricals.com

      • Author(s) Credit. The Author(s)’s name (including, as applicable, composer(s), lyricist(s) and/or translator/adaptor’s name) will appear in all instances in which the title of the Property appears, including all programs, web pages, house boards, and publicity and advertising in all media (including all print and electronic media) within the control of Licensee. Except as otherwise specified below, the name of the Author(s) will appear on a separate line on which no other name appears as set forth below immediately following the title of the Property and will appear in size of type not less than fifty percent (50%) of the size of the title type, as follows: 

      Nickelodeon™ 

      Based on the series by Stephen Hillenburg  

      Book by Kyle Jarrow

      Original Songs by Yolanda Adams, Steven Tyler and Joe Perry of Aerosmith, Sara Bareilles, Jonathan Coulton, Alex Ebert of Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros, The Flaming Lips, Lady A, Cyndi Lauper, John Legend, Panic! At the Disco, Plain White T’s, They Might Be Giants, T.I. And Songs by David Bowie, Tom Kenny & Andy Paley Additional Lyrics by Jonathan Coulton Additional Music by Tom Kitt 

      Musical Production Conceived by Tina Landau

      ©2023 Viacom International Inc. All Rights Reserved. Nickelodeon, SpongeBob SquarePants and all related titles, logos and characters are trademarks of Viacom International Inc. 

      Created by Stephen Hillenburg.
  • 16 November
    • Dutch Theatre Presents The SpongeBob Musical
      Date: Nov 16
      Time: 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM
      Location: Holland High School, 600 Van Raalte Ave, Holland, MI 49423, USA
      Calendar: HLA Calendar
      • Concord Theatricals Credit. All programs, web pages, publicity, and advertising in connection with performances of the Property, in all media (including print and electronic), shall carry a program note as follows (unless an additional or different notice is specified in writing by Concord Theatricals) in not less than 10-point type: 

      THE SPONGEBOB MUSICAL is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals. www.concordtheatricals.com

      • Author(s) Credit. The Author(s)’s name (including, as applicable, composer(s), lyricist(s) and/or translator/adaptor’s name) will appear in all instances in which the title of the Property appears, including all programs, web pages, house boards, and publicity and advertising in all media (including all print and electronic media) within the control of Licensee. Except as otherwise specified below, the name of the Author(s) will appear on a separate line on which no other name appears as set forth below immediately following the title of the Property and will appear in size of type not less than fifty percent (50%) of the size of the title type, as follows: 

      Nickelodeon™ 

      Based on the series by Stephen Hillenburg  

      Book by Kyle Jarrow

      Original Songs by Yolanda Adams, Steven Tyler and Joe Perry of Aerosmith, Sara Bareilles, Jonathan Coulton, Alex Ebert of Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros, The Flaming Lips, Lady A, Cyndi Lauper, John Legend, Panic! At the Disco, Plain White T’s, They Might Be Giants, T.I. And Songs by David Bowie, Tom Kenny & Andy Paley Additional Lyrics by Jonathan Coulton Additional Music by Tom Kitt 

      Musical Production Conceived by Tina Landau

      ©2023 Viacom International Inc. All Rights Reserved. Nickelodeon, SpongeBob SquarePants and all related titles, logos and characters are trademarks of Viacom International Inc. 

      Created by Stephen Hillenburg.
  • 19 November
    • Power H Winter Shopping Event
      Date: Nov 19
      Time: 4:30 PM to 6:00 PM
      Location: Maplewood Elementary (925 Central Ave, Holland, MI 49423
      Calendar: HLA Calendar
      The Student Support Coordinators from HPS Buildings will host a Winter Shopping Event at Maplewood Elementary for HPS Families. -Coats -Hats -Boots -Gloves -Snow pants Thank you to the all the local partners and community members who united to gether around the success for all students.
  • 26 November
    thru November 30
    • HOLIDAY BREAK
      Date: Nov 26 - Nov 30
      Calendar: HLA Calendar
  • 10 December
  • 19 December
  • 20 December
    thru January 4
    • HOLIDAY BREAK 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM
      HOLIDAY BREAK
      Date: Dec 20 - Jan 4
      Time: 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM
      Calendar: HLA Calendar
  • 14 January
  • 19 January
  • 28 January
  • 11 February
  • 17 February
  • 18 February
  • 25 February
  • 27 February
    thru March 2
  • 3 March
  • 11 March
  • 27 March
    • Glow Party 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM
      Glow Party
      Date: Mar 27
      Time: 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM
      Calendar: HLA Calendar
  • 3 April
    thru April 12
    • SPRING BREAK
      Date: Apr 3 - Apr 12
      Calendar: HLA Calendar
  • 8 April
  • 24 April
  • 30 April
    • Día del Niño 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM
      Día del Niño
      Date: Apr 30
      Time: 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM
      Calendar: HLA Calendar
  • 1 May
    • Talent Show 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM
      Talent Show
      Date: May 1
      Time: 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM
      Calendar: HLA Calendar
  • 7 May
  • 12 May
    • HLA Spring Concert 3-5th 5:40 PM to 7:40 PM
      HLA Spring Concert 3-5th
      Date: May 12
      Time: 5:40 PM to 7:40 PM
      Location: Holland High School (PAC)
      Calendar: HLA Calendar
      Choir concert today for 3rd, 4th and 5th grade students at Holland High School’s Performing Arts Center. 3rd: Arrive at 5:40, Perform from 6:00 - 6:25 4th: Arrive at 6:10, perform from 6:35 - 7:00 5th: Arrive at 6:45, perform from 7:05 - 7:30
  • 13 May
  • 21 May
    • 5th Grade Graduation 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM
      5th Grade Graduation
      Date: May 21
      Time: 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM
      Location: HHS PAC
      Calendar: HLA Calendar
  • 25 May
  • 1 June
    • Field Day 12:15 PM to 3:00 PM
      Field Day
      Date: Jun 1
      Time: 12:15 PM to 3:00 PM
      Calendar: HLA Calendar
  • 2 June
  • 3 June
  • 10 June
  • 8 July
  • 12 August
  • 9 September
  • 14 October
  • 11 November

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

Holland Elementary Schools breakfast and Lunch Menu

Holland Public Schools Student Handbook

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.