West PreK-5th Grade Elementary

Love your STEM class?

Keep exploring over the summer with more design, electronics, and inventions!

• Free
• HPS 4th and 5th graders
• July 8-12 or July 22-26
• 8:00-3:00 Mon-Thurs, 8-12 Friday. 
• Breakfast, lunch, and snack included
• Bus transportation provided from your regular bus stop. (Specific bus times will be provided at the end of the school year)

Return the signed registration and liability forms to your STEM teacher.

Registration form English

Liability Form English

Registration form Spanish

Liability Form Spanish

No School Friday, April 26

Tulip Time

Kinderparade Student participation form went home last week. Please return them ASAP.
For HPS 1st – 5th grade students needing a Dutch costume – rental is $5 a costume and can be rented at:

Holland Language Academy
461 Van Raalte Avenue

The dates/times are:

• Friday May 3 from 4:00pm-7:00pm
• Saturday May 4 from 9:00am-12:00pm

Key Tulip Time dates:

• Wednesday May 8 – Tulip Time 1⁄2 day
• Thursday May 9 – Tulip Time 1⁄2 day – however if the parade is cancelled on this day, we will have a full day of school. School dismisses at 11:40am. The 1st through 5th grade marchers need to return to their building by 1:00 (in costume) to ride the bus with their classmates to the beginning of the parade route. The bus will leave school promptly at 1:10-1:15. When your student is done marching (approx. 3:00-3:15) parents are responsible for picking u their children at the Kollen Park boat launch lot, between 12th and 13th streets by 3:15pm.
• Friday May 10 – Full day, unless Kinderprade is cancelled Thursday May 9, then Friday becomes a 1⁄2 day.

MSTEP

MSTEP is upon us and there are important reminders for ALL families

1. Please bring your children to school on time. School begins at 8:40 am
2. Get plenty of rest!! Sleep is so important for successful testing
3. Eat a good, healthy breakfast
4. Encourage your students to do their best!

3rd & 4th grade testing is April 30-May 2

Testing dates are on Tuesdays & Thursdays
Thank you West families for your support during this important time!

West Volunteer Appreciation Day

We want to take some time to say ‘Thank You’ for all you do at West! Please stop by the office conference room for some yummy ‘Thank You’ treats!

• When: Wednesday, May 1
• Time: Anytime throughout the school day
• Who: Anyone donating time to our wonderful students and staff.

Teacher Appreciation Week

Hello parents of West student. Did you know that the week of May 6 is teacher appreciation week? We want to show our appreciation to our teachers, encourage them in the last weeks of school and provide them a small snack to fuel them to the end. We are in need of items (on the below link) to be brought to the West office no later than Friday, May 3. We will make and create Goodie bags that will be delivered to the teachers on Wednesday, May 8th. Thank you so much for your continued support – it is greatly appreciated! Please use this link to sign up!

West Music Concert

**Correction: For the Elementary Music Concert on Tuesday, May 21st West students need to report to Christ Memorial Church at 7:10pm for their performance which starts at 7:30pm. Previous communication asked students to report at 6:50pm, which is not correct. 1st, 3rd, and 5th grade students need to only report 20 minutes before the concert begins. We sincerely apologize for the miscommunication! Please contact your child's music teacher if you have any questions. Thank you!

All of our 1st, 3rd, and 5th grade students at West will be putting on their Spring Music Concert on Tuesday, May 21st at Christ Memorial Reformed Church. (595 Graafschap Rd.) This performance will be at 7:30pm and will be in collaboration with the 1st, 3rd, and 5th graders from HLA. Students should dress nicely and arrive 20 minutes earlier at 7:10pm to find their seat with their designated class. The entire concert will be no longer than 45 minutes total. You should expect a letter to come home with your child this week in regards to these concert details. We look forward to showing you all the music we have been practicing and encourage you to invite your family and friends to attend. It will surely be a fun and festive evening!

STEM

Thank you to everyone who has brought in items for the STEM program. We are still in need of empty cereal boxes.

The last week for Library check out is: May13-17.

We will not have Library check out after May 17. All books must be returned the week of May 20-24

Field Day Help Needed

We need two people to Co-Chair our Annual West Field Day. Our Field Day is on Friday, May 31st and we run two sessions, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. If you are interested, please contact Kelly Hulst or Principal Ramirez. This is a fun fill day which everyone enjoys being outside, as well as the great activities.

Tulip Time

Kinderparade Student participation form went home last week. Please return them ASAP.
For HPS 1st – 5th grade students needing a Dutch costume – rental is $5 a costume and can be rented at:

Holland Language Academy
461 Van Raalte Avenue

The dates/times are:

• Friday May 3 from 4:00pm-7:00pm
• Saturday May 4 from 9:00am-12:00pm

Key Tulip Time dates:

• Wednesday May 8 – Tulip Time 1⁄2 day
• Thursday May 9 – Tulip Time 1⁄2 day – however if the parade is cancelled on this day, we will have a full day of school.
• Friday May 10 – Full day, unless Kinderprade is cancelled Thursday May 9, then Friday becomes a 1⁄2 day.

MSTEP

MSTEP is upon us and there are important reminders for ALL families
1. Please bring your children to school on time. School begins at 8:40 am 2. Get plenty of rest!! Sleep is so important for successful testing
3. Eat a good, healthy breakfast
4. Encourage your students to do their best!

• 5th grade testing begins April 16-25
• 3rd & 4th grade testing is April 30-May 3

Testing dates are on Tuesdays & Thursdays
Thank you West families for your support during this important time!

West Music Concert

All of our 1st, 3rd, and 5th grade students at West will be putting on their Spring Music Concert on Tuesday, May 21st at Christ Memorial Reformed Church. (595 Graafschap Rd.) This performance will be at 7:30pm and will be in collaboration with the 1st, 3rd, and 5th graders from HLA. Students should dress nicely and arrive 20 minutes earlier at 6:50pm to find their seat with their designated class. The entire concert will be no longer than 45 minutes total. You should expect a letter to come home with your child this week in regards to these concert details. We look forward to showing you all the music we have been practicing and encourage you to invite your family and friends to attend. It will surely be a fun and festive evening!

April Character Trait

Honesty is when you speak the truth and act truthfully. What is honesty? Many children think honesty means you "don't tell a lie"-- and that is definitely part of being honest. But honesty means more than not lying. A more complete definition of honesty shows that an honest person doesn't do things that are morally wrong. If something you do is breaking the law or if you have to hide what you are doing because you'll get in trouble, you are probably not being honest.

HPS Summer Athletic Camps/Physicals

Get connected to our HPS community and check out these Dutch Sports camps. Hard copy signups will be sent home soon with your student within the next few weeks. You can also pick them up at the Athletic Office.
Upcoming 6th-12th graders -Physical Exam (PPE) Night is Wednesday, April 24th at South Washington Family Medicine, 904 Washington Ave #210, Holland, MI 49423. The cost is $15.00 and can be paid with cash or check. No health insurance of any kind is required to attend. Checks can be made payable to Holland High School. Students who complete their physical on April 24th will receive an individual season pass for free admission to all home athletic events during the 2019-20 school year. Please pick up a physical form in the main or athletic offices. Prior to physical night, pages 1 and 3 need to be filled out and signed by parent.

Open Enrollment for 2019-2020

• We will once again be conducting a 105/105c Limited Position Enrollment Period for 2019-2020. The limited spaces, limited enrollment period will be April 8-May 17, 2019,
• All applications must be filled out completely and received (emailed, mailed or dropped off in person) at our pupil accounting office at the District Administration Building by May 17, 2019, 4:00 p.m. Applications may also be faxed to 616-392-8225.
• If the number of applicants exceeds the number of available spaces, a lottery will be conducted to establish a waiting list on May 17, 2019 at 4:00 p.m., in the Board Room of the Holland Public Schools District Administration Building located at 320 W. 24th Street, Holland, MI. 49423.
• School of Choice acceptance notification will be made the week of May 20, 2019. Applications for non- resident district enrollment once accepted, must be completed by August 12, 2019, or enrollments are forfeited, and an individual must reapply during the next open enrollment period. Students will begin class on the first day of school. Here is the link for more information and the application:

Drop off/Pick Up Line Reminder

West families: Please be courteous and patient while picking up & dropping off your children. Our #1 goal is to keep children safe. We do that by using the crosswalk and designated parking areas. Please do not park along the curb or get out of your vehicle when it is drop off/pick up time, if you need to park, you must use the parking lot. Thank you for your patience as the adults outside are trying to keep kids safe each day.

Student Learner Profiles

If you would like to share your child's unique learning style with the building principal prior to the classroom assignments please fill out the appropriate form below. Please follow this link , turn in the form no later than May 1.

STEM

Thank you to everyone who has brought in items for the STEM program. We are still in need of empty cereal boxes.

The last week for Library check out is: May13-17.

We will not have Library check out after May 17. All books must be returned the week of May 20- 24.

Field Day Help Needed

We need two people to Co-Chair our Annual West Field Day. Our Field Day is on Friday, May 31^st and we run two sessions, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. If you are interested, please contact Kelly Hulst or Principal Ramirez. This is a fun fill day which everyone enjoys being outside, as well as the great activities.

FroYo Challenge

Way to go West families and friends, we have moved on in the froyo challenge! We roll into a new week of the competition which started Sunday. Please head to Orange Leaf by Friday and put your receipt in the West elementary bucket!

HPS Summer Athletic Camps/Physicals

These affordable and fun sports camps are fun by the HHS coaching staff and HHS athletes and go for a couple days to a week. Ages vary for each camp. Get connected to our HPS community and check out these Dutch Sports camps http://www.hollandsportscamps.com/

Hard copy signups will be sent home soon with your student within the next few weeks. You can also pick them up at the Athletic Office. Upcoming 6^th-12^th graders -Physical Exam (PPE) Night is Wednesday, April 24^th at South Washington Family Medicine, 904 Washington Ave #210, Holland, MI 49423. The cost is $15.00 and can be paid with cash or check. No health insurance of any kind is required to attend. Checks can be made payable to Holland High School. Students who complete their physical on April 24^th will receive an individual season pass for free admission to all home athletic events during the 2019-20 school year.

Winners of the Breakfast Challenge

Our amazing Ms. Nancy and the West winners of the breakfast challenge! These students got to create a special breakfast menu that is featured this week, and they all got to pick their favorite breakfast. Sprinkled pancakes anyone?! Pictures L-R is Ayden Jolly, Jaelynne Wolfe, Persephanie Costa, Bryson Forker and Will Lubbers. Congratulations!

April Character Trait

Honesty is when you speak the truth and act truthfully. What is honesty? Many children think honesty means you "don't tell a lie"-- and that is definitely part of being honest. But honesty means more than not lying. A more complete definition of honesty shows that an honest person doesn't do things that are morally wrong. If something you do is breaking the law or if you have to hide what you are doing because you'll get in trouble, you are probably not being honest.

Important dates for 5^th Graders and Parents

All 5^th grade parents are invited to attend a Parent Information Meeting on April 16 at 6:30 pm in the HMS Cafeteria. This is an opportunity for parents to ask questions and learn about our 6th grade program.

• On April 17 and 19 HMS will welcome the 5^th graders!
• April 17 Holland Heights and Jefferson 5^th graders April 19 West and HLA 5^th graders

All 5^th graders will be spending the morning doing two activities while visiting HMS. 1) The students will take a tour of HMS with a current student guide. 2) They will have a chance to spend time listening to the band, choir, and orchestras prior to making their music choice for 6^th grade.

Student Learner Profiles

If you would like to share your child's unique learning style with the building principal prior to the classroom assignments please fill out the appropriate form for a Student Learner Profile. Turn in the form no later than May 1.

PBIS Donation Needs

Hello West family! We are still in need
of donations for our PBIS fund. PBIS stands for "Positive Behavior Interventions & Supports" and we use this to reinforce positive behavior & choices that students make. They earn POWER tickets when caught doing the 'right thing' and submit their tickets to a weekly drawing, where we reward them with candy, snacks, trinkets & toys (such as stickers, yo-yos, snap bracelets, books, posters, etc). This is a research driven strategy and we heavily rely on PBIS to increase positive behavior from our students. Any donations, monetary or otherwise, would be greatly appreciated to help West & PBIS! Thank you!

Drop off/Pick Up Line Reminder

West families: Please be courteous and patient while picking up & dropping off your children. Our #1 goal is to keep children safe. We do that by using the crosswalk and designated parking areas. Please do not park along the curb or get out of your vehicle when it is drop off/pick up time, if you need to park, you must use the parking lot. Thank you for your patience as the adults outside are trying to keep kids safe each day.

The last week for Library check out is: May 13-17.

We will not have Library check out after May 17. All books must be returned the week of May 20- 24.

No School Friday, March 29 to Friday April 5 for Spring Break. School Resumes Monday, April 8.

Student Learner Profiles

If you would like to share your child's unique learning style with the building principal prior to the classroom assignments please fill out the appropriate form here. Please turn in the form no later than May 1.

Important dates for 5th Graders and Parents

All 5th grade parents are invited to attend a Parent Information Meeting on April 16 at 6:30 pm in the HMS Cafeteria. This is an opportunity for parents to ask questions and learn about our 6th grade program.
On April 17 and 19 HMS will welcome the 5th graders!

• April 17 - Holland Heights and Jefferson 5th graders
• April 19 - West and HLA 5th graders

All 5th graders will be spending the morning doing two activities while visiting HMS. 1) The students will take a tour of HMS with a current student guide. 2) They will have a chance to spend time listening to the band, choir, and orchestras prior to making their music choice for 6th grade.

Open Enrollment for 2019-2020

We will once again be conducting a 105/105c Limited Position Enrollment Period for 2019-2020. The limited spaces, limited enrollment period will be April 8-May 17, 2019,

• All applications must be filled out completely and received (emailed, mailed or dropped off in person) at our pupil accounting office at the District Administration Building by May 17, 2019, 4:00 p.m. Applications may also be faxed to 616-392-8225.
• If the number of applicants exceeds the number of available spaces, a lottery will be conducted to establish a waiting list on May 17, 2019 at 4:00 p.m., in the Board Room of the Holland Public Schools District Administration Building located at 320 W. 24th Street, Holland, MI. 49423.
• School of Choice acceptance notification will be made the week of May 20, 2019. Applications for non- resident district enrollment once accepted, must be completed by August 12, 2019, or enrollments are forfeited, and an individual must reapply during the next open enrollment period. Students will begin class on the first day of school. Here is the link for more information and the application

March Character Trait

Perseverance is the ability and self control that pushes you to work through challenges. Having perseverance means that when you are facing a challenge, you use your mind and your body to overcome it. Perseverance means you are able to wait and work through difficulties, whether they have to do with your mind, your body, or your emotions.

Drop off/Pick Up Line Reminder

West families: Please be courteous and patient while picking up & dropping off your children. Our #1 goal is to keep children safe. We do that by using the crosswalk and designated parking areas. Please do not park along the curb or get out of your vehicle when it is drop off/pick up time, if you need to park, you must use the parking lot. Thank you for your patience as the adults outside are trying to keep kids safe each day!

PBIS Donation Needs

Hello West family! We are still in need of donations for our PBIS fund. PBIS stands for "Positive Behavior Interventions & Supports"  and we use this to reinforce positive behavior & choices that students make. They earn POWER tickets when caught doing the 'right thing' and submit their tickets to a weekly drawing, where we reward them with candy, snacks, trinkets & toys (such as stickers, yo- yos, snap bracelets, books, posters, etc). This is a research driven strategy and we heavily rely on PBIS to increase positive behavior from our students. Any donations, monetary or otherwise, would be greatly appreciated to help West & PBIS! Thank you!

STEM

Thank you to everyone who has brought in items for the STEM program. We are still in need of cardboard paper towel and toilet paper tubes, juice/milk half gallon cardboard containers (not the plastic jugs) and empty tissue boxes

Volunteer for Popcorn Friday(s)

Please sign up to volunteer for Popcorn Fridays

PTO Meeting

Monday March 25th 6:30-7:30

March is Reading Month

Spring is upon us! And that means ‘March is Reading Month’ is here along with our BIG school fundraiser: The Read-A-Thon! We have a really big goal this school year for raising funds from this read-a-thon. We are trying to reach $11,000!! This is big, but if you break it down by student it’s a very manageable goal. If each student raised $25 then we would reach $11,000. It would be so exciting to be able to say, “We did it!”. These funds are going to be used for things like classroom cash for the teachers, field trip money for each classroom, incentives for students for good behavior, and fun family activities. Plus if we reach the goal of $11,000 then the school will get a prize as a whole. (We are working on a fun school assembly with a special guest for this!) The Read-A-Thon will take place at school during school hours on Friday March 22nd. The students will stop all classroom activities and head to the halls to get comfy and read for 1 hour. So the money they are collecting as pledges will be for this reading hour at school. The money and collection form is due back to school no later than Friday March 22nd. If you are done collecting pledges before then, you may send it back sooner. Again we are asking each student to try to collect at least $25 in pledges for the Read-A-Thon. But of course it would be exciting if they collected over that amount and help offset the amounts that are less than $25 to help us reach our goal. The exciting thing about the Read-A-Thon is that 100% of the money collected goes right back to our school!

Music

On Monday, March 25 leaving at 10:15 the 4th grade students will be traveling to the Jack Miller Auditorium on Hope College campus to play with 1000 other 4th graders around the greater Holland/Zeeland/Saugatuck area. This is part of the Link Up program created by the Carnegie Foundation and adopted by the Holland Symphony Orchestra. Students will be singing and playing recorder along with the symphony orchestra. They will play at 11:15 returning to school around12:30.
Since, there so many schools participating there is room for only the students, their teacher and a couple of chaperones per class. Please fill out your volunteer form in the office and join the 4th graders!

March Character Trait

Perseverance is the ability and self control that pushes you to work through challenges. Having perseverance means that when you are facing a challenge, you use your mind and your body to overcome it. Perseverance means you are able to wait and work through difficulties, whether they have to do with your mind, your body, or your emotions.

Dutch Costume Resale

• Costume Drop-Off - Monday, March 25, 2019 12:00pm – 6:00pm
• Costume Resale – Tuesday, March 26 5:00pm to 8:00pm
• Payment Pick up – Thursday, March 28 5:00pm- 7:00pm

Held at Harderwyk Ministries: 1627 West Lakewood Blvd, Holland, 49424

Drop off/Pick Up Line Reminder

West families: Please be courteous and patient while picking up & dropping off your children. Our #1 goal is to keep children safe. We do that by using the crosswalk and designated parking areas. Please do not park along the curb or get out of your vehicle when it is drop off/pick up time, if you need to park, you must use the parking lot. Thank you for your patience as the adults outside are trying to keep kids safe each day!

Open Enrollment for 2019-2020

We will once again be conducting a 105/105c Limited Position Enrollment Period for 2019-2020. The limited spaces, limited enrollment period will be April 8-May 17, 2019,

• All applications must be filled out completely and received (emailed, mailed or dropped off in person) at our pupil accounting office at the District Administration Building by May 17, 2019, 4:00 p.m. Applications may also be faxed to 616-392-8225.
• If the number of applicants exceeds the number of available spaces, a lottery will be conducted to establish a waiting list on May 17, 2019 at 4:00 p.m., in the Board Room of the Holland Public Schools District Administration Building located at 320 W. 24th Street, Holland, MI. 49423.
• School of Choice acceptance notification will be made the week of May 20, 2019. Applications for non- resident district enrollment once accepted, must be completed by August 12, 2019, or enrollments are forfeited, and an individual must reapply during the next open enrollment period. Students will begin class on the first day of school. Here is the link for more information and the application

PBIS Donation Needs

Hello West family! We are still in need of donations for our PBIS fund. PBIS stands for "Positive Behavior Interventions & Supports"  and we use this to reinforce positive behavior & choices that students make. They earn POWER tickets when caught doing the 'right thing' and submit their tickets to a weekly drawing, where we reward them with candy, snacks, trinkets & toys (such as stickers, yo- yos, snap bracelets, books, posters, etc). This is a research driven strategy and we heavily rely on PBIS to increase positive behavior from our students. Any donations, monetary or otherwise, would be greatly appreciated to help West & PBIS! Thank you!

STEM

Thank you to everyone who has brought in items for the STEM program. We are still in need of cardboard paper towel and toilet paper tubes, juice/milk half gallon cardboard containers (not the plastic jugs) and empty tissue boxes

Volunteer for Popcorn Friday(s)

Please sign up to volunteer for Popcorn Fridays