March 15, 2021

Be Ready! Possible school or bussing cancellations on March 18 & 19.

HPS prepares for possible staff shortages due to symptoms that could follow second shot of COVID-19 immunizations.

It was 51 weeks ago today that Governor Whitmer made the announcement that all schools in Michigan would be closing due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Following our shift to remote learning last spring, a team of staff and parents started working to find ways to safely provide in-person instruction. In August, with the commitment of students and their families to a new set of health protocols, we were able to do just that. 

Thank you for your part in providing a healthy and safe learning environment for our students and staff.  Also, thank you for your grace and flexibility.

HPS Staff continue to demonstrate their commitment to the health and safety of your student and to the Holland  community by getting vaccinated for COVID-19. 

February 16 was a snow day for HPS. It was also the day the Ottawa County Department of Public Health made hundreds of vaccines available for school employees in the area. Many of our teachers, bus drivers and other staff were able to get their first round of vaccinations that day. For many, their second round of vaccinations was scheduled for Wednesday, March 17.

We’ve heard symptoms of fever, fatigue, headache, and soreness at the injection site can be felt, in some cases, a day or so following the second shot. Because so many of our staff are scheduled to receive their second vaccinations on March 17, there is concern that some of them may not be able to report to school/work on March 18 or 19.

We are working now on contingency plans. Our goal, as it has been all year, is to provide in-person instruction while keeping everyone in our buildings (and on our busses) healthy and safe. However, because of a potential shortage of teachers, substitute teachers, office secretaries, or bus drivers on those days, we are asking that you and your family be prepared should your child’s building be closed OR should your child’s bus not be running those days.

  • If schools are closed, and if you anticipate needing childcare on March 18 or 19, please start making those plans now.
  • If your child’s bus is canceled on March 18 or 19, please start making plans now for how you will transport your child to and from school.
  • HPS Nutrition Services will continue to provide breakfast and lunch for all students in the district on March 18 or 19. (Details will be announced.)
  • If schools are closed or buses canceled on March 18 or 19, an announcement will be made on our website, through email, on parent portal, social media, local television and radio, and mobile text alerts. Sign up for Mobile Text Alerts by texting HPS to 74121.

Thank you again for your grace and patience during what has been a difficult year for our staff and students. 

Dr. Brian Davis
Superintendent, Holland Public Schools