Shelly Blystra's Classroom
Shelly Blystra is a 2nd grade teacher at Holland Heights Elementary. She is a 26-year veteran teacher in the district. She teaches in the same classroom where she went to school as a 2nd grade student herself.
No significant improvements have been made to the classroom spaces at Holland Heights since it was built in 1952. The same is true for West Elementary; a building designed in 1977 as a Middle School. And in other HPS facilities, important infrastructure projects on the district’s master plan remain unfinished.
The Build 2021 bond proposal would allow the district to:
- Make significant investments into programs for our K-5 students including construction of new instructional space at Holland Heights & West Elementary.
- Complete unfinished renovations and infrastructure improvements at all HPS facilities as identified in the district master plan.
- Address Health & Safety measures in each of the district’s buildings.
- Upgrade instructional technology.
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As we close another successful school year at Holland Public Schools, I want to take a moment to thank our students, staff, families, and community for their continued support and partnership. Together, we are building something truly special, and it is clear that Holland Public Schools is a district on the rise.
As we prepare for the start of the next school year, it's time to register your student for 2026-27. This is something we ask ALL current HPS families to do EVERY year. Completing the registration lets us know:
- Your student(s) will be returning next year!
- Your household contact information is up to date
- Your student health information is up to date
- if you are requesting transportation for the 2026-2027 school year (Deadline to request bussing is August 1.)
Without this information, your student can not be added to a class list for next year OR have a class schedule created for them.
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.
Holland Middle School was named one of just 419 schools in Michigan as a Green School by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Environment (EGLE).
To earn MI Green Schools certification, HMS completed at least 10 approved environmental activities throughout the school year. For example:
- Student-led recycling efforts
- The Bird Feeder project
- The HMS Greenhouse
Michigan Green Schools supports and celebrates the achievements of PreK-12 schools in protecting the state's air, land, water, and ecosystems through their commitments to environmental education and stewardship actions.
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.
Friday, May 22, 7pm at the HHS Performing Arts Center
- Featuring the talented Dutch Theatre Company
- Recognize the Dutch Theatre Class of 2026
- Exclusive Announcement of the 26-27 Dutch Theatre Season
- Admission is by donation to support the Dutch theatre Program
"Are You Smart Than An 8th Grader?" Trivia Night at HMS | May 21 from 6-8 pm.
This fundraiser promises a fun night of learning, laughter and community building.