Back to School

Sunday, January 11, 2026

Welcome Back! 

Welcome back, HLA families, and happy new year! This is our first school newsletter of the year. The newsletter will continue to be our primary way to share important updates, reminders, and upcoming events, so we encourage families to review the information that applies to them and refer back as needed.

We are currently in the middle of benchmark testing, and our students have been working hard to show what they know. In addition, our 3rd–5th grade students had a wonderful opportunity to go ice skating, generously sponsored by LG Chem. It was beautiful to see so many first-time skaters take risks, lean on one another for support, and get back up after falls and bumps. Through this experience, students learned so much about perseverance, courage, and themselves.

Thank you, LG Chem, for supporting our students and making this meaningful experience possible. Thank you, families, for your continued partnership as we begin this next chapter of the school year.

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HPS Podcast 6.2

It's back-to-school for HPS students and on the HPSPodcast this week we're talking with HHS Student Senate President Maggie Telgenhof.

Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) Bus Expectations

Holland Public Schools is implementing Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) Bus Expectations across our district's transportation services. This initiative aims to create a safe, respectful, and responsible environment for all students who utilize our school buses.

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students learn about baby chicks.

Pre-K Farm School

 In partnership with the Critter Barn, Holland Public School is now offering Pre-K Farm School.

  • 4-year-old students will travel to the Critter Barn each week for lessons about life on the Farm.
  • Lessons they learn at the farm will help teach students about Math and Reading.
  • Develop and nurture each child's academic, social, emotional, and creative abilities.
  • Students will build friendships and experience caring teachers.

There are limited openings in the 25-26 HPS Pre-K Farm School.

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West - Back to School Message

We are excited to welcome you back for another great year at Holland West! You will see that we are entering into our 1st year of a complete remodel at West.  The east wing of the building will be under construction in the 1st phase and shouldn’t interfere much with our daily operations.  However, we will be cozy at the other side of the building with every classroom and office now in use.

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A Back To School Message From Superintendent Cassidy

We’re excited for another great school year at Holland Public Schools—full of learning, connection, and opportunities for every student.

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Welcome Back to Holland Heights!

We are excited to see you all back for another great year at Holland Heights @Longfellow.  We are here at Longfellow for one more year before we go back to our “HOME” up in the Heights as construction will be completed next spring.  The new building is looking great and we are excited to get there next year!!

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Back-to-School Mailer

School Starts Thursday, August 21. (Open House is Tuesday, August 19, 4-6pm at your school)

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2025-2026 Important Dates

Calendar Highlights:

  • First Day of School | Thursday, August 21
  • Homecoming Friday, October 10
  • Thanksgiving Holiday | November 26 - November 30
  • Holiday Break | December 20 - January 4
  • MLK Day | Monday, January 19
  • Mid-Winter Break| Friday, February 27 - Monday, March 2 
  • Spring Break | Friday, April 3 - Sunday, April 12
  • Class of 2026 Commencement |Tuesday, May 19
  • Last Day of School | Wednesday, June 3

These dates are tentative, pending ratification of The Board of Education at the April Board of Education Meeting.

More...

The first day of school is Thursday, August 21!

HLA | HOLLAND HEIGHTS

  • Full Day | 8:15am - 3:21pm
  • Half Day | 8:15am - 11:20am

JEFFERSON | WEST

  • Full Day | 8:30am - 3:36pm
  • Half Day | 8:30am - 11:35am

HOLLAND MIDDLE SCHOOL

  • Full Day | 7:30am-2:42pm
  • Half Day | 7:30-10:35am

HOLLAND HIGH SCHOOL

  • Full Day | 7:45am-2:55pm
  • Half Day | 7:45-10:50am
Calendar
Last Month Previous January 2026 Next Next Month
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  • 14 January
    • ODC Network Unplugged Speaker Series - Navigating Technology with a Purpose
      Date: Jan 14
      Time: 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM
      Location: Ridge Point Community Church 340 104th Ave, Holland, MI 49423, United States
      Calendar: District Calendar
      Our nation is facing an epidemic: we’ve lost time, focus, and real connection at school, work, and play. Screen time has taken over, and we’re at a tipping point. At ODC Network, we believe it’s not just about cutting down on screens; it’s about what you replace that time with. We believe the Future Lives Outdoors. In 2026, we’re digging into the problems and the solutions. Join us for Unplugged: Disconnect to Reconnect, a 4-part speaker series featuring nationally-renowned experts who will explore how technology is reshaping our lives, share the science of human connection, and offer practical ways to restore balance for ourselves, our families, and our communities.
  • 19 January
  • 26 January
    • Find Your Fit @ HHS 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM
      Find Your Fit @ HHS
      Date: Jan 26
      Time: 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM
      Calendar: District Calendar
      Tour Holland High School  |  Meet teachers |  Find out about electives | Learn more about clubs & teams  |  Holland Early College   |  and more..... For families of students considering enrolling at Holland High School for the  2026-2027 school year OR current 8th grade students.
  • 28 January
    • HLA Big Opportunity Night 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM
      HLA Big Opportunity Night
      Date: Jan 28
      Time: 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM
      Calendar: District Calendar
      Kindergarten and Preschool Enrollment nights.

      Visit your school, see your classroom and say HI! to teachers and principals.  We can't wait to meet you.

      Ready to Enroll?
    • Jefferson Big Opportunity Night
      Date: Jan 28
      Time: 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM
      Location: Jefferson Elementary School, 282 W 30th St, Holland, MI 49423, USA
      Calendar: District Calendar
      Kindergarten and Preschool Enrollment nights.

      Visit your school, see your classroom and say HI! to teachers and principals.  We can't wait to meet you.

      Ready to Enroll?
  • 29 January
    • HOLLAND HEIGHTS Big Opportunity Night
      Date: Jan 29
      Time: 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM
      Location: Longfellow School, 32 E 24th St, Holland, MI 49423, USA
      Calendar: District Calendar
      Kindergarten and Preschool Enrollment nights.

      Visit your school, see your classroom and say HI! to teachers and principals.  We can't wait to meet you.

      Ready to Enroll?
    • WEST Elementary Big Opportunity Night
      Date: Jan 29
      Time: 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM
      Location: Holland West School, 500 W 24th St, Holland, MI 49423, USA
      Calendar: District Calendar
      Kindergarten and Preschool Enrollment nights.

      Visit your school, see your classroom and say HI! to teachers and principals.  We can't wait to meet you.

      Ready to Enroll?
    • HMS Step Up Night 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
      HMS Step Up Night
      Date: Jan 29
      Time: 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
      Location: Longfellow School, 32 E 24th St, Holland, MI 49423, USA
      Calendar: District Calendar
      HMS Enrollment night.

      Whether you're new to HPS or a 5th grade student at one of HPS' Elementary schools, tonight is a great night to learn about the opportunities available at Holland Middle School.

      Ready to Enroll?
  • 12 February
    • ODC Network Unplugged Speaker Series - Navigating Technology with a Purpose
      Date: Feb 12
      Time: 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM
      Location: Holland Civic Center Place 150 W Eighth St, Holland, MI 49423, United States
      Calendar: District Calendar
      Our nation is facing an epidemic: we’ve lost time, focus, and real connection at school, work, and play. Screen time has taken over, and we’re at a tipping point. At ODC Network, we believe it’s not just about cutting down on screens; it’s about what you replace that time with. We believe the Future Lives Outdoors. In 2026, we’re digging into the problems and the solutions. Join us for Unplugged: Disconnect to Reconnect, a 4-part speaker series featuring nationally-renowned experts who will explore how technology is reshaping our lives, share the science of human connection, and offer practical ways to restore balance for ourselves, our families, and our communities.
  • 17 February
  • 18 February
  • 24 February
  • 25 February
  • 27 February
    thru March 2
  • 3 March
    • ODC Network Unplugged Speaker Series - Raising Kids in a Digital World
      Date: Mar 3
      Time: 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM
      Location: West Ottawa Performing Arts Center 1024 136th Ave, Holland, MI 49424, United States
      Calendar: District Calendar
      Our nation is facing an epidemic: we’ve lost time, focus, and real connection at school, work, and play. Screen time has taken over, and we’re at a tipping point. At ODC Network, we believe it’s not just about cutting down on screens; it’s about what you replace that time with. We believe the Future Lives Outdoors. In 2026, we’re digging into the problems and the solutions. Join us for Unplugged: Disconnect to Reconnect, a 4-part speaker series featuring nationally-renowned experts who will explore how technology is reshaping our lives, share the science of human connection, and offer practical ways to restore balance for ourselves, our families, and our communities.
  • 17 March
    • ODC Network Unplugged Speaker Series - Raising Kids in a Digital World
      Date: Mar 17
      Time: 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM
      Location: Ridge Point Community Church 340 104th Ave, Holland, MI 49423, United States
      Calendar: District Calendar
      Our nation is facing an epidemic: we’ve lost time, focus, and real connection at school, work, and play. Screen time has taken over, and we’re at a tipping point. At ODC Network, we believe it’s not just about cutting down on screens; it’s about what you replace that time with. We believe the Future Lives Outdoors. In 2026, we’re digging into the problems and the solutions. Join us for Unplugged: Disconnect to Reconnect, a 4-part speaker series featuring nationally-renowned experts who will explore how technology is reshaping our lives, share the science of human connection, and offer practical ways to restore balance for ourselves, our families, and our communities.
  • 3 April
    thru April 12
    • SPRING BREAK
      Date: Apr 3 - Apr 12
      Calendar: District Calendar
  • 24 April