Multilingual Learner Services
Thank you for trusting us with your children! We are here to help you navigate English language services for your child and our school system. You know your children best and have already given them the gift of your language. We can work together to help them.
English Language Services
- Your child will get at least 30 minutes each day of English language instruction from a Multilingual Learner teacher. Beginning students will receive additional support.
- Spanish-speaking students are enrolled in our dual language program K-8. You have the option to choose different services. The purpose of this program is to develop high levels of Spanish and English. Bilingualism is important!
Interpreter Services
- Communicate directly with your child’s teacher through Remind
- Change your preferred language.
- Tell your child’s teacher that you need an interpreter for any in-person meetings like parent / teacher conferences.
- Change your preferred language.
- Call the school. State your child’s name. Say, “I need an interpreter.” The person you called can call you back through Lucio Lozano or a phone interpreter service.
- Call the ML Family Liaison. If you speak a different language than English or Spanish, say “I need an interpreter.” He will call you back with a phone interpreter.
- Choose your preferred language.
Language Assistance Program for all Multilingual Learners (MLs)
All services are provided by general funds or other state-approved sources.
TWBI
Spanish speakers Kindergarten – 8th grade – Students are placed in Two-way Bilingual Immersion program at Holland Language Academy and HMS. (If parents opt out, a form is signed and the students will attend neighborhood school.)
Service Time | Service Providers | Mode of Delivery | |
English Proficiency Level ALL | All day, every day | TWBI teachers | Two-Way Bilingual Immersion |
English Proficiency Level Grade 3-8 | WIDA Test Score of 1.0-2.9 | 3-5: 30-45 min. every day 6-8: 2 periods a day | ML Teacher | Push-in or Pull-out during Reading |
PreK+ - Grade 5 (Heights, Jefferson and West)
Service Time with Multilingual Learner Teacher | Mode of Delivery | |
English Proficiency Level WIDA Test Score of 1.0 – 2.9 | 15-45 minutes, 4-5 times per week | Push-in or Pull-out during Reading |
English Proficiency Level WIDA Test Score of 3.0-3.9 | 15-30 minutes, 3-4 times per week; 5 times if schedule permits | Push-in or Pull-out during Reading or integrated English Language Development with co-teaching |
English Proficiency Level WIDA Test Score of 4.0-4.7 | 15-30 minutes, 2-3 times per week; 5 times if schedule permits | Push-in or Pull-out during Reading or integrated English Language Development with co-teaching |
English Proficiency Level WIDA Test Score of 4.8 + | Annual | Monitored for four years |
Grade 6-8
Service Time with Multilingual Learner teacher | Mode of Delivery | |
English Proficiency Level WIDA Test Score 1.0-2.9 | 2 - 6 hrs./day | English Language Development class Sheltered Instruction |
English Proficiency Level WIDA Test Score 3.0-4.7 | 1 - 6 hrs./day | English Language Development class AND/OR Sheltered Instruction, co-teaching |
English Proficiency Level WIDA Test Score 4.8 + | Annual | Monitored for four years |
Grade 9-12
Service Time with Multilingual Learner teacher | Mode of Delivery | |
English Proficiency Level WIDA Test Score 1.0-1.9 | 2 - 6 periods daily | 1. English Language Development class (ML Sheltered English and Literacy Lab) 2. Sheltered Instruction or co-teaching |
English Proficiency Level WIDA Test Score 2.0-2.9 | 1-6 periods daily | 1. English Language Development class (ML Sheltered English and Literacy Lab – System 44/Read 180) 2. Sheltered Instruction or co-teaching |
English Proficiency Level WIDA Test Score 3.0-4.8 | 1-6 periods daily | Sheltered Instruction or co-teaching |
English Proficiency Level WIDA Test Score 4.8 + | Annual | Monitored for four years |
District Response to Federal Immigration Policy and Enforcement
Holland Public Schools is committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment for all students, regardless of their status. We believe every child has the right to pursue a public education free from fear or discrimination, and we remain steadfast in our mission to serve every child and family in our community with dignity and respect.
As a district, we acknowledge the challenges faced by underrepresented groups in accessing opportunities and achieving their full potential. We are committed to addressing these disparities as we Embrace, Engage, and Equip each student for success in an ever-changing world.
Many families have reached out with concerns regarding changes in federal immigration policy and enforcement. Holland Public Schools remain a safe place for students. We have board policies that protect the educational environment, as well as the rights and privacy of students, including:
- Policy 5540 – Interrogation of Students
- Policy 7440 – Facility Security
- Policy 8330 - Student Records
- The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) protects the privacy of student education records and restricts the sharing of personally identifiable information without parental consent
These policies, and our practices, limit access from any outside agency to our schools, students, and their private information. Further training around these policies and building security will be provided to staff.
For families who may need additional support or have specific questions about immigration policies, we encourage you to connect with trusted local resources:
Latin Americans United for Progress 430 W 17th St #31, Holland, MI 49423 (616) 888-7225 | Lighthouse Immigration Advocates 412 West 24th Street | Holland, MI 49423 (616) 298-8984 | email |
Nick Cassidy, Superintendent
Holland Public Schools is committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment for all students, regardless of their status. We believe every child has the right to pursue a public education free from fear or discrimination, and we remain steadfast in our mission to serve every child and family in our community with dignity and respect.
Who to Call:
