Jefferson

Fall Parent/Teacher Conferences

Tue, 06 Oct 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Parent/Teacher Conferences are a great way to engage with your student's teacher!

Grades PreK-5 Conference Schedule | Please schedule a conference time at the link below.

Tuesday, October 13 | 4:15-7:15pm
Wednesday, October 21 | 3:30-6:30pm
Thursday, October 22 | 12:30-3:30pm

Grades 6-12 Schedule | Conferences at HMS and HHS are un-scheduled/walk-in.

Thursday, October 15 | 3:30-6:30pm
Tuesday, October 20 | 3:30-6:30pm

What's Cooking | October Newsletter from Holland Nutrition Service

Mon, 05 Oct 2026 10:05:00 GMT

Nutrition Services is excited to bring a little extra fun to our cafeterias by celebrating special National Days throughout the school year. These give us another opportunity to make mealtime enjoyable, introduce students to different foods, and encourage participation in our school meal programs.

National Taco Day | October 6 - We will kick off the month by celebrating with a delicious Breakfast Taco!
Count Day Celebration | October 7 - All students in attendance will receive a refreshing Cool Tropics treat.
National Apple Day | October 21 - We will celebrate by serving Apple Cobbler with lunch.
National Pumpkin Day | October 26 - Everyone who eats lunch with us that day receiving a delicious slice of Pumpkin Bread.

HHS Hosts Family Session on Teen Mental Health in the Social Media Age

Tue, 29 Sep 2026 10:00:00 GMT

HPS families are invited to an informative and interactive session with Hope College professor Dr. David Myers from 4–5 p.m. on Wednesday, September 30, in the Holland High School Performing Arts Center.

Celebrating Mr. Cal's 90th Birthday!

Sat, 26 Sep 2026 12:00:00 GMT

Mr. Cal has been volunteering at HPS since 2000. First at Longfellow and then at Jefferson. He works in our Books and Games program and runs a chess club with students.

Happy 90th Birthday Mr. Cal, and thank you for all you do for the students and families at Jefferson Elementary.

HPSPodcast 7.7

Wed, 23 Sep 2026 01:11:00 GMT

Holland Public Schools, along with GENTEX Corporation, will host out 2nd Annual districtwide STEM Night and Paper Airplane Flying Contest on Thursday, September 24, 5-7pm at HHS. This week, we talk with STEM Teacher Janis Johns about what you and your family can expect at the FREE event!

LISTEN NOW!

Jefferson Weekly Updates

Thu, 17 Sep 2026 04:00:00 GMT

HPSPodcast 7.5

Wed, 09 Sep 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Students & families from each of the K-5 Elementary Schools are encouraged to come to the Varsity Football Game on Friday Night for Elementary Night at Dutch Football. We're talking about it this week with HHS Athletic Director Blake Muller.

Listen Now!

Volunteer at HPS Schools

Mon, 07 Sep 2026 10:32:00 GMT

We love when parents volunteer at school because your time, talents, and presence make a real difference for our students and staff.

Whether you have an hour to help at an event, share a special skill, support a classroom, or simply lend a hand, your involvement helps make our schools stronger and our students’ experiences even better.

We’d love to have you join us! Please take a moment to complete our volunteer form and let us know how you’d like to get involved

September is FULL of fun at Jefferson!!!

Sat, 05 Sep 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Home Football Games - Reminder of Rules and Expectations

Wed, 26 Aug 2026 14:34:00 GMT

As Holland High School prepares to host the last home football game of the season, here is a reminder about some of the rules and expectations for students and families who attend the game:

Middle school age and younger MUST be an accompanied by an adult.
No student backpacks.
No re-entry for any spectators.
All school rules apply to events held at Hope College.
The stadium and parking lot is a drug free school zone which includes any vape products.
HHS Students with 5Star App will be admitted for FREE.
HMS Students with an athletics pass will be admitted for FREE.

Holland will host Godwin Heights at the Hope College Stadium, Thursday at 7pm. #GoDutch

Open House and First Day Fun!

Tue, 25 Aug 2026 04:00:00 GMT

We are excited to see everyone tonight at Open House from 4 pm-6 pm!

Thursday is first day of school. It is a full day of school from 8:30 am- 3:36 pm.

Donuts at Dawn on the playground from 8:10 am -8:40 am. Come enjoy a donut, take some pictures with your students and see them off on their first day!

Bus Behavior Expectations

Tue, 25 Aug 2026 01:41:00 GMT

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.

Outdoor Movie Night

Sun, 23 Aug 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Districtwide Movie Night - Friday, August 28, 8pm | HHS Soccer Field

MOVIE: Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse
FREE!
Bring Lawn Chairs and Blankets

Hosted by HHS Student senate.

Welcome Back to School

Tue, 18 Aug 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Welcome Back to School!

We are thrilled to welcome you and your students back for another wonderful school year! There's so much excitement in the air as we prepare to start this new adventure together. We can't wait to see all the smiling faces and help every student grow and learn.

To help make the start of school as smooth as possible, we've gathered some important information below. Please take a moment to review these details, especially our pick-up and drop-off procedures.

Calendar for 2026-2027

Mon, 17 Aug 2026 04:00:00 GMT

2026-2027 Calendar Highlights

First Day of School: August 27
Labor Day Weekend | No School: September 4-7
Fall Break | No school: October 23
Professional Development Day | No school: November 6
Thanksgiving Break: November 25-27
Holiday Break: December 20- January 3
MLK Day | No School: January 18
Midwinter Break: February 26-March 1
Professional Development Day | No school: March 19
Spring Break: April 2-April 11
Professional Development Day | No school: April 23
Memorial Day | No School: May 31
Last Day of School: June 9

Jefferson School Supply Suggested Shopping List - 2026-27

Mon, 17 Aug 2026 04:00:00 GMT

The first day of School is Thursday, August 27.

Back-to-School Events

Sun, 16 Aug 2026 04:00:00 GMT

School Starts Thursday, August 27!

Freshman Family Night - August 18 6-8pm | Holland High School
6th Grade Orientation Night- August 20 5-6:30pm | Holland Middle School
Open House - Tuesday, August 25 4-6pm | Every HPS School

Check out the lists of suggested school supplies

2026-2027 Books & Games - Jefferson

Wed, 05 Aug 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Books & Games provides students with an hour of supervised reading, homework help, and games, plus a free breakfast an hour before school starts each morning.

It also gives parents/guardians an extra hour to start their day or to get to work on time!

Students must be registered Books & Games 1 day before attending.

2026 TCOB Day - Takin' Care of Business Day

Fri, 31 Jul 2026 15:34:00 GMT

We're getting ready for the first day of school and handling all the administrative business before the first day of school on August 27.

Taking Care of Business Day is Tuesday, August 11
Drop-in 1-6pm at Holland High School Office

For K-12 families who have NOT completed online registration OR who need assistance with:

Registration or Enrollment
Parent Portal
Academic counseling
Paying fees
These services will NOT be available at Open House on Tuesday, August 25!

Students who need transportation during the first two weeks of school must register BEFORE Wednesday, August 12.

GRAND OPENING of New Nature-based Holland Heights

Fri, 31 Jul 2026 04:00:00 GMT

The Holland community is invited to celebrate the Grand Opening of the new Nature-based Holland Heights Elementary School!

Sunday, August 16, 4-6pm
856 E 12th St
Public Welcome
Tours of the new building!

HPSPodcast 6.41

Wed, 08 Jul 2026 03:59:00 GMT

On the podcast this week, we talk with Patty Beatty, Director of Early Childhood about all the great things happening with HPS Preschool.

Listen Now

Fighting the Summer Slide - Workbook

Mon, 01 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Studies show that over the summer students lose a considerable amount of what they've learned during the previous school year. That's why HPS is sending home Summer Learning bags with every K-5 student in the district.

Set aside time each day to do an activity with your child. This investment will help them stay engaged and retain more of what they've learned.

2026 Summer Adventure Camps with ODC

Tue, 19 May 2026 04:00:00 GMT

We are excited to announce that enrollment is now open for the 2026 Summer Adventure Camps with the Outdoor Discovery Center! This engaging summer program is designed for students going into 1st grade through 5th grade and will focus on literacy skills through hands-on, nature-rich experiences.

Adventure Camp will be held at Jefferson Elementary 282 W 30th Street
June 15-July 23
8:30am – 12:30pm each day (Breakfast and Lunch will be available at no cost.)

The Summer Adventure Camp with ODC is led by the Outdoor Discovery Center’s Education Network and will take the place of HPS Summer School. This is the ONLY Summer School option being offered at HPS in the summer of 2026 for K-5 students.

7-Day Meal Box -2026

Sun, 10 May 2026 07:22:00 GMT

HPS is proud to provide 7-Day Meal Boxes to families in the district during the summer months.

Each box will contain a menu with food prep instructions and food items for 7 breakfasts and 7 lunches per week.

Meal pick-up will be located at Central Wesleyan Church (446 West 40th St. Holland MI 49423 - Door A) from 12:00-1:00 PM
Thursday, June 11 through July 30
Meals will be distributed based on a first come first served basis and not based on pre-registration.

There is no need to register for these meals... just stop by during the pick-up time to receive the meals for your student(s).

HPSPodcast 6.31

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 16:00:00 GMT

This week we talk with our Community Coordinators Alex Crisp (Holland Heights & HMS), Grace Stupka (West & Jefferson), and Kate Leighton-Colburn (HLA and HHS) about the Registration Block Party and Ice Cream Social on Wednesday, April 29, 5:30-7pm at Holland Middle School.

Listen Now!

2026 District Art Awards

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Congratulations to our 2026 District Art Award Winners:

Cassidy Russell, Grade 12
Jordan Garcia, Grade 11
Von Bunnell II, Grade 9
Jose Mendez Pimentel Jr, Grade 8
Hendrick Hoekman, Grade 7
Charlotte Buck, Grade 6
Gennesis Ramirez-Ramirez, Holland Heights 5
Tamari Jeanne, West 3
Noah Fortuna, Jefferson 3
Cecelia Ferreira, HLA 4

The award-winning artwork will hang in the Board Training Room at the District Admin Building for next year.

2026 District Art Show

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 13:30:00 GMT

The HPS Art Department is proud to show the incredible works of art created by students from all HPS buildings.

April 30-May15 in the Art Gallery at Holland High School

An Opening Night reception will be held on April 30, 4:30-6pm in the Art Gallery at Holland High School.

Social Emotional Learning Survey - Spring 2026

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 12:00:00 GMT

As part of our district’s ongoing efforts to create a safe, welcoming, and supportive learning environment for all students, your child will be invited to take a Social Emotional Learning Survey April 27-May 8.

The results of the survey will help our staff strengthen programs and support that increase our learner’s awareness and competency with social emotional skills.
Results of the survey will be published in late May on the district website.

HPSPodcast 6.30

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 17:00:00 GMT

The Holland High School S.H.O.R.E Club will celebrate Earth Day next week... and you're invited to celebrate with them!

Listen to Learn More!

SHORE Club Earth Day Craft Night

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Wednesday, April 22, 5-7pm in the HHS Commons

For all HPS Families: K-12!
A fun family craft with members of the HHS SHORE Club

Connor Fowler Receives Teachers Live Here Grant

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 05:00:00 GMT

Connor Fowler is the latest HPS Teacher to receive a Teachers Live Here grant. He was awarded $27,300 in down payment assistance toward the purchase of a home in the area.

HPSPodcast 6.28

Tue, 24 Mar 2026 15:20:00 GMT

Vocal Dimensions performance of Legends & Icons hits the stage of HHS PAC March 26-28. This week, we're talking with Vocals members Ka'Shay Louks and Luke Rund-Scott.

Listen Now!

Holland Bands' Easter Egg Hunt Extravaganza & Taco Drive

Thu, 19 Mar 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Thousands of Eggs. Hundreds of Prizes!

There will be raffle prizes, baked goods, and authentically delicious tacos for sale plus, of course, an Easter Egg Hunt with fun prizes!

Saturday March 28, 1-3pm
First Reformed Church of Holland
$5 Admission | $10 Taco Plate

This is great for the young or just the young at heart! Hope to see you there!

Nurse Notes - March

Mon, 16 Mar 2026 04:00:00 GMT

This month, we are celebrating National Nutrition Month, an annual campaign created by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. This year’s theme focuses on how we can fuel our bodies for the future while enjoying the flavors of the present! In this month's Nurse Notes:

Fuel for the Future
Nutrition by the Numbers
"Monster" Energy Bites

Whether you are a student fueling up for a big test, a staff member looking for an afternoon energy boost, or a parent planning family dinners, nutrition is the foundation for success in and out of the classroom.

Whats' Cooking - March

Mon, 02 Mar 2026 05:00:00 GMT

HPS Nutritional Services Monthly Newsletter:

Celebrating Breakfast in Schools
National School Breakfast Week menu
No cost breakfast and lunch each school day for ALL students

National School Breakfast Week - The Quest for Breakfast

Sat, 28 Feb 2026 05:00:00 GMT

National School Breakfast Week is March 3-6

National School Breakfast Week celebrates the important role a nutritious school breakfast plays in helping students start their day ready to learn, grow, and succeed. Observed each year during the first full week of March, NSBW shines a spotlight on the School Breakfast Program and the dedicated school nutrition professionals who fuel students every morning!

Dutch Theatre Presents The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee

Thu, 26 Feb 2026 05:00:00 GMT

Six spellers enter; one speller leaves a champion! (At least the losers get a juice box.)

March 5-8
Thurs-Sat at 7pm
Sat-Sun at 1pm
HHS PAC

A riotous ride, complete with audience participation, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is a delightful den of comedic genius. The small cast and unit set make this a perfect option for high schools or community theatres. The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is a fast-paced crowd pleaser and an instant favorite.

HPS Podcast 6.23

Tue, 17 Feb 2026 05:00:00 GMT

This week we introduce to the final seven semi-finalists for the Power H IMPACT Award!

Listen Now!

From Jefferson: Stephanie Carlson, Cynthia Alvarado, Maria Rosas
From Nature-base Holland Heights: Julie Morren, Melissa Kontio, Lauren Lancaster
Student Engagement Semi-finalist: Colin Mulder

Parent Teacher Conferences - Winter 2026

Tue, 10 Feb 2026 05:00:00 GMT

Parent/Teacher Conferences are a great way to engage with your student's teacher!

Preschool: February 17 & 25, 4:15-7:15p and February 26, 8:30a-3:15p.
PreK+/K thru Grade 5: February 17 & 25, 4:15-7:15p.
HMS & HHS: February 18 & 24, 3:30-6:30p

Whats' Cooking - February

Sat, 31 Jan 2026 05:00:00 GMT

HPS Nutritional Services Monthly Newsletter:

The Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Program
Meet the HOLLAND HIGH SCHOOL Food Service Staff
No Cost Breakfast

Inclusion Week

Thu, 29 Jan 2026 05:00:00 GMT

Inclusion Week (February 9-13) is a dedicated time to celebrate diversity, promote understanding, and foster a school culture where all students feel valued and included regardless of ability.

Throughout the week, we highlight the importance of inclusive practices in education by engaging students and staff in activities that promote empathy, collaboration, and accessibility.

By embracing inclusion, we strengthen our community and create a learning environment where everyone belongs.

HPSPodcast 6.20

Tue, 27 Jan 2026 05:00:00 GMT

This week, we're talking with parents about the Small Schools and Big Opportunities available at Holland Public Schools

Listen Now!

Social Emotional Learning Survey

Thu, 22 Jan 2026 15:00:00 GMT

The results of the survey will help our staff strengthen programs and support that increase our learner’s awareness and competency with social emotional skills.
Results of the survey will be published in March on the district website.

HPS Podcast 6.18

Tue, 13 Jan 2026 05:59:00 GMT

Enrollment is open for families for the 2026-2027 school year. This week, we talk with Jefferson Kindergarten teacher Mary Wilcox about the Small Schools and Big Opportunities at Holland Public Schools!

Listen now!

Whats' Cooking - January

Mon, 05 Jan 2026 05:00:00 GMT

HPS Nutritional Services Monthly Newsletter:

The Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Program at West, Heights, and Jefferson Elementary is going amazingly well!
Meet the HOLLAND MIDDLE SCHOOL Food Service Staff
No Cost Breakfast

2026 Power H IMPACT Award - Nominations

Fri, 02 Jan 2026 05:00:00 GMT

At Holland Public Schools we love to share the stories of how our staff members are having a positive impact on the lives of students and families in the community.

Nominate a HPS Staff member for the 2026 Power H Impact Award by sharing a story about how they have had an impact on your life!

Teachers Live Here - Sydney Bryer

Wed, 24 Dec 2025 05:00:00 GMT

Sydney Bryer, a Special Ed Teacher at Jefferson, is the latest recipient of a Teachers Live Here Grant! She is receiving $27,300 for down payment assistance and an additional $2,500 to help with closing costs on her new home in the HPS district.

HPS is grateful to Sydney for her commitment to her students!

Nurse Notes - December

Mon, 01 Dec 2025 06:09:00 GMT

As we approach the holiday season, it’s important to keep in mind that we need to take care of ourselves physically and emotionally. To balance holidays and health, we should think about prioritizing self-care.

Our monthly newsletter from the Holland Hospital School Nurses.

Reminder about REMIND

Mon, 24 Nov 2025 11:02:00 GMT

REMIND is the best way to get “Snow Day” announcements from HPS.

HPSPodcast 6.13

Tue, 11 Nov 2025 05:30:00 GMT

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.

Listen Now!

Downtown Holland To Host Winter Gear Donation Drive to Benefit HPS

Thu, 06 Nov 2025 05:00:00 GMT

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.

Food Insecurity During the Government Shutdown

Wed, 05 Nov 2025 05:00:00 GMT

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.

HPSPodcast 6.12

Tue, 04 Nov 2025 05:00:00 GMT

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.

Listen Now!

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

Weekly Update 11/3-9

Mon, 03 Nov 2025 05:00:00 GMT

Welcome to November!

Thanks to all the families who came to the Fall Festival last week...it was a super fun night with lots of great costumes and tons of candy!

Fill out a quick form to give us feedback and help us plan for our next family night!

This week:

Thrive Together district family event

Friday 1/2 day

Click to get all the details!

Weekly Update...last week of October

Mon, 27 Oct 2025 04:00:00 GMT

Lots of fun things happening this week:

Still accepting Candy donations in the office!

Fall Festival Thursday night from 6-7pm

Dia de los Muertos Ofrenda display at school!

Friday is our first POWER players celebration!

Click for more information

Weekly Updates 10/20-24

Tue, 21 Oct 2025 04:00:00 GMT

Important Information this week:

Parent Teacher Conferences:

Wednesday 4:15-7:15

Thursday 12:30-3:30 (1/2 day for students...school ends at 11:36)

Friday is Fall Break for all HPS students; NO school!

Click for more information on upcoming events!

Meet our Student Resource Officers!

Sun, 19 Oct 2025 04:00:00 GMT

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

HPSPodcast 6.9

Tue, 14 Oct 2025 04:00:00 GMT

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

Listen Now!

Taste the World | National School Lunch Week

Sun, 12 Oct 2025 04:00:00 GMT

Holland Public Schools Nutrition Department will be taking our students on a trip around the Globe to celebrate National School Lunch Week. Please join us a we celebrate these different cuisine styles from around the world.

Nurse Notes - May

Tue, 27 May 2025 05:50:00 GMT

May is Mental Health Awareness Month and your school nurses want to promote positive mental health for our HPS family.

Nurse Notes -March is National Nutrition Month

Sat, 22 Mar 2025 04:50:00 GMT

March is National Nutrition Month, and it’s the perfect time to focus on healthy eating habits that support growing minds and active bodies! Balanced nutrition is essential for your child’s energy, focus, and overall well-being.

Here are some tips and ideas to help your family make healthy choices this month and beyond.