At Holland Public Schools we offer education programs that are Right for Me. However, it is just as important to us that we we support students' mental, physical and social/emotional health. We are Here for You!
Being a student is stressful, but trying to juggle school work and other responsibilities while experiencing mental illness can make it even harder. Approximately one in five youth aged 13–18 live with mental health conditions and approximately 75 percent of people with mental health issues develop them prior to the age of 24. Mental health conditions can feel debilitating and scary, making some learners retreat inward rather than seek help.
Do you need support? Please complete this form and a member of our support team will contact you.
CDC Child Development Basics:
The early years of a child’s life are very important for his or her health and development. Parents, health professionals, educators, and others can work together as partners to help children grow up to reach their full potential. Visit the CDC's Child Development Basics webpage.
If you find you or your student are in need of emergency Mental Health Services:
- Michigan Crisis Hotline: Dial 211
- Ottawa County Emergency Crisis Line: 616-396-4357
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255
- 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline - If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org
- Crisis Text line number is 741741 and text "Help".
- For immediate emergency dial 911.
Social Emotional Resources
Child Mind Institute
When a child is struggling, the whole family is affected. At the Child Mind Institute we want to help you make good decisions for your kids and navigate the challenges of parenting. We explore the concerns and challenges we hear about most from parents and provide expert guidance on how to respond in the most effective way. And if you have a child who needs support, we offer resources that can help you get the best care for that child and the best outcome for your family.
Additional Parent Resources on Common Emotional Health Issues
Articles to Help with Mental Health
- CDC| Information on Anxiety and Depression in Children
- National Institute of Mental Health | Teen Depression
- University of Michigan | 10 Tips to Stay Mentally Healthy
- MentalHealth.gov | Mental Health and Substance Use
- American Psycological Ass. | Resilience Booster-Parent Tip Tool
- Michigan State Universty | Help young children identify and express emotions.
- Trails To Wellness | Sticking to a Schedule
Food Insecurity Resources
The critical role nutrition plays in mental health.
The fuel we use can make all the difference and directly affects the function of your brain and mood. Eating high-quality foods that contain vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants will nourish the brain in a positive way. Similarly, just like an expensive car, your brain can be damaged if you ingest anything other than premium fuel. A diet high in refined sugars can impair brain functions and worsen the mental health symptoms.
VISIT HPS NUTRITION SERVICES
Other Local Food Resources:
Family Resources
American Pediatric Association | Child Abuse Prevention
Ed and Nancy Hanenburg Children's Advocacy Center | Local Children's Advocacy Center |
Resilience | Advocates for Ending Violence
- Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Advocacy, Counseling (Free), Case Management, Groups, Emergency Shelter, 24 Hour Emergency Hotline.
Holland Rescue Mission | Helping individuals overcome homelessness
- Family Shelter, Men's Shelter, Biblical Counseling, Case Management.
Good Samaritan Ministries | Ending Poverty and Homelessness through a healthy and engaged and compassionate community
- Housing, Emergency utility assistance, Circles.
Lighthouse Immigrant Advocates | Provides legal support, Education and Advocacy
- Afforable legal advocacy, Educational services and outreach.
Community Action House |End poverty in our community, and help families prosper
- Food Pantry, Clothing, Shelter, Case Management, Utility Assistance.
Department of Health and Human Services | State support for housing, Food, Cash and Health assistance programs
Community Mental Health | Medicaid based mental Health supports
Arbor Circle | Strong Relationships, Resilient People
- Mental Health Counseling, Substance use treatment, family/individual counseling.
Midtown Counseling Services | Is the home for Hope and Encouragement in the City of Holland
- Providing Free in school counseling services, tele-health, and in office counseling services.
Moasic Counseling | Connecting you to hope and healing
- Provides sliding scale counseling fees for any family income, works with all families eliminating all barriers to counseling.
A list of Counseling practices participating in tele-health therapy and accepting new clients.
Local Health Resources
Click this link for a comprehensive list of local health resources:
- Medical Care
- Education and Counseling
- Suicide Prevention
- Substance Abuse
- Food
- Dental
- Health Care Coverage
- Prescriptions
- Vision Services
- Medicine Disposal
- Hospital Bills
Ottawa Community Schools Network Coordinators
Pathways to Potential
School Nurses
School Mental Health Care Manager
Arbor Circle Parenting Skills Classes
Upcoming parenting skills education classes with Arbor Circle.
- Just for Dads
- Engaging Kids in Discipline
- Nuturing Parent Programs
To register, email Nikki Reenders-Arens or call 616-745-9511.
988 | Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
988 is the three-digit, nationwide phone number to connect directly to the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
Mobile Food Pantry in 2022
OCSN (Ottawa Community Schools Network), in partnership with Feeding America West Michigan, will host a mobile food pantry event ON JULY 18 at Holland High School to provide food for those in need.
HMS Greenhouse Harvest | Free Veggies
EVERYONE is invited to help harvest the fruits, veggies and plants at the HMS Greenhouse
- Mondays, 6-7pm at Holland Middle School
Coping with Grief and Loss: A Stay Well Workshop Series
This series of online workshops is intended to support you in your grief process :
- Week 1 - April 18: Denial
- Week 2 - April 25: Anger
- Week 3 - May 2: Depression
- Week 4 - May 9: Anxiety
- Week 5 - May 16: Acceptance
- Week 6 - May 23: Closure and Healing
HPS Podcast 3.30
This week we introduce you to the newest member of the staff at Holland Middle School: Meet Shimmy.
BLOGPOST: Women Lead HPS - Hendrina Cupery
During Women's History Month, HPS is honoring women who lead in the district.
Hendrina Cupery runs the School Nurse program at HPS through a partnership with Holland Hospital. With an introduction from School Mental Health Care Manager Lis Gort, Hendrina reflects on her leadership role at HPS and the impact she's having on the district.
Online Seminars for Early Childhood Development
MSU Extension News - March 2022
HPS provides access to Securly Parent App - keeping students safe online.
HPS is using Securly to keep students safe on their school-issued devices. As part of our commitment to your child’s safety, we’re giving all HPS parents access to the free Securly Home App.
You will receive an invitation email from the Securly Parent App with account setup details on Monday, February 21 . This email will be sent to the account you provided in Parent Portal when registering your chid(ren).