Jefferson Back to School Information

WOW! The kick-off to begin the Watch D.O.G.S (Dads Of Great Students) program at Jefferson was a huge success!! 

GSRP is FREE for families who qualify. We have immediate Openings at

• Jefferson Pre-K
• West Pre-K
• Natured-based Holland Heights Pre-K

Full-day classes are offered Monday through Thursday at each of HPS' K-5 buildings with a variety of family needs in mind.  GSRP is a state-funded preschool program serving children who turned 4 by December 1, 2022.

Monday, January 16 at the Holland Civic Center

"Why We Can't Wait!"

• Doors open at 11am
• Community Celebration 11:45am-12:45pm
• Essays and Artwork of HPS students will be featured

Thank you: City of Holland, Community Foundation Holland/Zeeland Area, Gentext Corporation, and I Am Academy

TRAILS will help students to see someone else's perspective, to foster compromise, to treat others kindly, and to have empathy and understanding.

We're excited to be back in school tomorrow (Thursday, January 5) for the first time in 2023.

We have been monitoring student attendance in our buildings over the past few days and have noticed an increase in absences due to influenza, especially at Jefferson.  Jefferson has been identified as an “outbreak” due to the number of cases.   At this time, we have no plans to close the building, but wanted to notify you of this status.    

We also want to remind you of some precautionary measures we can take as a community to reduce the spread of illnesses.  

Everyone at Holland Public Schools is so thankful to be a part of the Holland Community…. this week, we talk to students at Holland Middle School and Jefferson Elementary about the other things they are thankful for!

Due to the winter storm and poor road conditions, Holland Public Schools will be closed on Friday, November 18.  

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

On the ballot in the City of Holland: 19.5-Mill Non-Homestead Millage Proposal

• Supports Daily Operating Budget
• Does Not Apply to Primary Residences

HPS to Provide Free COVID Home Test Kits to Families and Staff.

It's National School Lunch Week 2022! See all the fun ways you can join us in celebrating!

This week, we talk with OCSN Reps Lauren Gray and Mallory Timmer about the Power H Shop, a new resource available to all HPS Families.

A grand Opening Open House for the Power H Shop will be held on Wedenesday, October 5, 4-6pm at Longfellow School (24th and State).

The School Climate Survey is a student survey of their perception of the school they attend.

• It is anonymous. 
• Students will complete this survey in class during the week of October 10,2022.

If you do not wish for your child to participate in this important activity, please sign and return this form to the school by October 7, 2022.

The Holland OCSN and Pathways to Potential Team is hosting an Open House for the Power H Shop on Wednesday, October 5th, from 4-6 pm. All Holland Public Families are welcome!

The Power H Shop is an initiative to support families experiencing crisis or financial hardship, by providing free household items through a dignified retail setting, and thus alleviating a family's financial hardship. 

Holland Hospital is excited to invite all students, families, friends and faculty to participate in the 2022 School Nurse Fun Run on Thu, Sep 29 at Holland West Elementary School. 

Blanca Astua has children at HLA, HMS and HHS.  She's been appointed to Governor Whitmer's first-ever Michigan Parents' Council.

• Thank you for serving HPS families and families of students around the state of Michigan!

Celebrate Homecoming 2022 | September 26 - October 1

If your family has not yet applied, please do so today.  Applications need to be completed by Friday, Sept 30. For more information, call 616.494.2245

Friday, September 16, 6:30pm at the HHS Varsity Football celebrate the start of Hispanic Heritage Month. During the football game on September 16, we will celebrate with special music, dance, food trucks, and a march of the flags from Latin countries. Come celebrate with us!

Welcome from the Ottawa Community Schools Network (OCSN) team! We are a group of coordinators serving in five Holland Public Schools: Holland West, Jefferson, Holland Language Academy, Holland Middle School and Holland High School. We assist families and students by providing integrated health and social supports through various means.

Keep an eye out for our regular newsletters including community resources, OCSN events and initiatives! Learn more about us here OCSN Website.

This week, we talk with students, teachers, principals, and parents about what has them excited as we start a new school year!

We love when parents or guardians get involved! Make sure to fill out the district volunteer form (once each school year). 

The first day of school is Wednesday, August 24!

JEFFERSON | HLA | HOLLAND HEIGHTS | WEST

• Full Day | 8:30am - 3:36pm
• Half Day | 8:30am - 11:35am

HOLLAND MIDDLE SCHOOL

• Full Day | 7:30am-2:42pm
• Half Day | 7:30-10:35am

HOLLAND HIGH SCHOOL

• Full Day | 7:45am-2:55pm
• Half Day | 7:45-10:50am

• Monday, August 8, 6:30-7:30pm

We hope you're having a Great summer! Before the first day of school, our new Principal, Mrs. Folkert would love to meet you and your family!

On Monday August 8, 6:30-7:30pm, stop by Jefferson to say "Hi!" The HPD Polar Patrol will be here with FREE Ice Cream. We'll also have some fun games and great giveaways!

We can't wait to see you!

There are several leadership positions open on the HPS PTO for the upcoming school year.

Need help with enrolling a student for 2022-23 school year during the summer? Please visit our District Administration offices at 320 W. 24th

• Monday-Thursday | 8:30-4p
• Friday | 8:30-3:30p
• Call 616.494.2000

  HHS Vocal Dimensions

We invited Holland Alum Diamante Balcazar (Class of 2021) to come visit Jefferson Elementary, where he attended school as a boy.

Meet new administrators at Jefferson Elementary, Holland High, Holland Middle School, and District Administration offices.

Thank you to our OCSN Coordinators for this list of fun family activities and summer resources.

Registering your student for the 2022-2023 school year is as easy as updating/reviewing your Parent Portal account.  Be sure that you update:

• Contact information
• Health information for student
• Transportation Needs for next year

This information will help us determine staffing needs for next year, make classroom assignments, build bus routes and more.  Thank you for helping prepare for next school year!

Important information for parents or guardians of student’s eligible for Free and Reduced Lunch at Holland Public Schools.

Recently, there was a Band & Orchestra Instrumental Parent Meeting on May 17th. This event was for all 5th grade families who have a student that will be joining the Holland Middle School 6th Grade band or orchestra this fall.

To celebrate African American History, fifth grade students at Jefferson participated in a writing contest sponsored by the I Am Academy. Students picked a famous African American and completed a research report including information about the impact the individual had on the world. We had four winners, each receiving a $50 gift card. Winners include Nilma Garcia Ramos, Louie Orme, Nola Wade, and Langdyn Grigg. 

We are excited to present our spring concerts for you on May 18 & 19 at Holland West Elementary.

There will be two concerts each evening.

• 3rd grade classes at West and Heights Elementary - Wednesday, May 18, 6pm
• 5th grade classes at West and Heights Elementary - Wednesday, May 18, 7pm
• 3rd grade classes at HLA and Jefferson Elementary - Thursday, May 19, 6pm
• 5th grade classes at HLA and Jefferson Elementary - Thursday, May 19, 7pm

View chemistry experiments, explore robotics and pick up resources to use at home.

• May 26, 5-6:45pm

Ms. Beckley's TK Class will be closed until Monday.

Please watch your child for signs/symptoms of Influenza. You should keep children home and avoid contact with other people if they have flu symptoms.

HPS Students (grades 1-5) are invited to participate in the Tulip Time KinderParade on Thursday May 12.

• If your planning on your child walking in the parade, you must fill out the form below by Monday, May 2.

All 5th grade students and parents interested in finding out more about the instrumental music program are invited to attend a very important meeting on May 17, 7:00PM at Holland Middle School. Contact Mr. Reikow or Mr. Grapis for more information.

• Friday, May 6 | 4-7pm at Holland Language Academy, 461 VanRaalte
• Saturday, May 7 | 9-12pm at Holland Language Academy, 461 VanRaalte

For HPS students, Grades 1-5, marching in the Kinderparade on Thursday, May 12.

Because the Tulip Time Festival has reduced the number of parades during the week, we are adjusting our schedule to better match their new parade schedule.

• Wednesday, May 11 is now a FULL DAY of school for all HPS students and Staff.
• Thursday, May 12 is a HALF DAY of school  -  The KinderParade is scheduled for this day.
• Friday, May 13 is now a HALF DAY of school - This is the RAIN DAY for the KinderParade.  Even if it doesn't rain on Thursday, students will still have a HALF DAY of school on Friday.

All three days are FULL DAYS for HPS STAFF.

During the month of March, we celebrate Women's History Month by honoring the women who lead Holland Public Schools. This week we talk with 3rd Grade Teacher Julie Mishoe from Jefferson Elementary.   Listen to the Podcast or watch the video!

During Women's History Month, HPS is honoring women who lead in the district. 

Lanada Avinger is the Principal of Jefferson Elementary. Ms. Avinger reflects leadership and the impact she's having on Holland Public Schools.

Deaf History Month is March 15 - April 15.  

• Students studying ASL (American Sign Language) at Holland High School hosted a ASL Fashion Show 
• Students in our DHH Program (Deaf/Hard of Hearing) visited class rooms at HLA
• Dean Stevenson visited with students at JEF

Grand Rapids Gold mascot, Buckets visited students at Jefferson and West today to encourage and challenge them to read 20 minutes every day! Students who accept the challenge and log their hours can win prizes, including the chance to win a family “flex ticket” to a Grand Rapids Gold Game. The Grand Rapids Gold Elevate Reading Program is a partnership with Gentex!

Tuesday March 15, 6:30pm at HMS

• Learn about CURRICULUM and CLASS SCHEDULING 
• For parents of incoming 6th-grade students

National School Breakfast Week celebrates the importance of a nutritious school breakfast in fueling students for success. This year’s theme, “Take Off with School Breakfast,” reminds parents and stakeholders that a healthy school breakfast helps ensure students’ academic success in school so they can “take off” and reach their goals.

After new guidance from the CDC, students and staff will no longer be required to wear a mask while riding an HPS bus.

As COVID restrictions change, hot lunches will be phased back in at West, HLA, Holland Heights, and Jefferson!

• FRIDAY - NO SCHOOL for All Students
• MONDAY - NO SCHOOL for All Students

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).

Interim Superintendent Nick Cassidy announces that Holland Public Schools will no longer require masks to be worn during the school day, effective Monday, February 21. 

Parent/Teacher Conferences are right around the corner! Please see the link below to sign up for your time slot.

• Wednesday, February 16 - 4:15-7:15p
• Tuesday, February 22 - 4:15-7:15p
• Thursday, February 24 - 12:30-3:30p (Half Day of School)

This week we talk with Patty Jones, a mom of three students at Jefferson Elementary, about how HPS has been right for her and her family!

Holland Public Schools will host an Enrollment Open House this week for families who are looking into Kindergarten for next fall.  Today, we talk with two members of the Holland High School Class of 2022 - Bre Eaves and Isaiah Arredondo - about their K-12 experience at Holland Public Schools.

Come discover why Kindergarten at Holland Public Schools is Right for You and your family!

• February 3, 6-7pm at Holland Heights, West Elementary and Jefferson Elementary 
• February 10, 6-7pm at Holland Language Academy

During Black History Month, students will hear the Untold Stories of African American historical figures you may not have heard about - but who contributed to this nation's history. 

FREE haircuts for ALL Jefferson families (18 & younger).

February 2022

We will try to avoid remote learning, but want you to be prepared for this possibility if we cannot adequately staff our classrooms. 

WATCH ONLINE! Join Holland Public Schools and the City of Holland in a Community Celebration of the life and work of Rev. Dr Martin Luther King jr. on January 17 at 12noon.

Contact-tracing dropped, Quarantine and Isolation timelines reduced, Masks still required at HPS.

Holland Public Schools will be closed Friday, January 7 due to poor road conditions.

Starting in 2022, HPS will use REMIND to announce weather-related school cancelations and delays.

HPS is committed to keeping our schools open, staff in classrooms, and students in seats.

 Dismissal times: 

• HMS 10:35am
• HHS 10:50am
• K-5 11:35am

One resource highly recommended from Protect Young Eyes is Bark.

• MONDAY - Blizzard Day: wear white gloves and snowflakes
• TUESDAY - Cheer for Holiday Gear: sweaters, hats, headbands, etc.
• WEDNESDAY - Comfy Day: Wear your comfiest clothes.
• THURSDAY - Holiday Character Day: Dress like your favorite holiday character
• FRIDAY - Candy Cane Day: wear Red and White

Saturday 10a-4p at Holland High School.

This is a clinic for students 5-11yo who received their first dose at West on November 12.

Use entrance 31 - Student Parking Lot #1 (Please avoid the circle drive on Van Raalte)

All HPS schools will be closed on Monday and Tuesday, November 22 & 23.

Scenraios: Who MUST stay home or will be sent home?

Honoring All Who Served | Thursday, November 11 at 11am.

The Ottawa County Department of Public Health will distribute the Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccine for Children Ages 5-11.

November is National Native American Heritage Month. This week, we're talking with Taran McZee, HPS Director of Equity and inclusion about how and why we celebrate.

This month is a time to celebrate rich and diverse cultures, traditions, and histories and to acknowledge the important contributions of Native people.

A special thanks to the Salvation Army and members of United Federal Credit Union for collecting and donating school supplies to the students and teachers at Jefferson Elementary!

NO SCHOOL on Friday, October 22

Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with the students of Holland Public Schools.

• The Holland Football Los Dutch will host Mona Shores on Friday, October 15.  

Join us for Pre-game activities and a special Halftime Show

We know you need to do drop-off and pick-up quickly, as you have other important things to do. So, we thank you for your cooperation in keeping all children safe!

Parent/Teacher conferences will be held online this year:

• Tuesday, October 12 from 4:15 - 7:15 p.m.
• Wednesday, October 20 from 4:15 - 7:15 p.m.
• Thursday, October 21, 12:30-3:30pm

We are encouraging parents of students at the Elementary Schools to schedule a meeting time with their teacher in advance. 

Principal Avinger meets with parents to discuss what it means for Jefferson Elementary to be a Title 1 school.

Title I Parent Informational Meeting
Friday, October 1 · 6:00 – 6:15pm
Google Meet joining info
Video call link: https://meet.google.com/itz-uzrz-wfs
Or dial: ‪(US) +1 225-614-2587‬ PIN: ‪172 105 812‬#

The School Climate Survey is an anonymous perception-survey of student, parent, and staff in the district.

September 29- October 17
Packet Pick Up: Wednesday, September 29 at Holland West 

Half Day release times:

• HMS: 10:35am
• HHS: 10:50am
• HTS/WST/JEF/HLA: 11:35am

Show your school spirit and join us by participating in these fun dress up days at school.

• MONDAY: Comfy Day
• TUESDAY: Team Jersey/Shirt Day
• WEDNESDAY: Super Hero Day
• THURSDAY: Mismatch Day
• FRIDAY: Red & White Day

This weekend, please check you Parent Portal for updated route information:

• Bus Number
• PickUp/DropOff Times
• Bus Stop Locations

These changes to bus assignments will take effect on Monday, September 13.

A letter from Superintendent Shanie Keelean:

Thank you for participating in the recent survey of HPS Families about the start of the school year. More than 400 of you participated in this survey. The information you shared will not only help us improve next year’s kickoff of the school year, but will also help us reach our goals for supporting Every Student, Every Day.

In this ANONYMOUS SURVEY, members of the District Leadership Team and the Board of Education are looking for your feedback of the first week of the school year. 

Just one sleep left 'til the first day of school!  Here's what you need to know about getting back to school.

Update the information in Parent Portal to register your student and request student transportation.

Meet your teachers and see your classrooms! 

• Everyone will be required to wear a mask!
• To help allow for social distancing, please don't linger in the building.
• COVID Vaccination Clinics will be set up by OCDPH.

Can't wait to see you all!

School starts on Tuesday, August 24. Can't wait to see you then!

(Updated end times for HALF DAYS at Elementary Schools.)

Vaccines to be encouraged. Face coverings will be required.

Meet Lanada Avinger: the new Principal at Jefferson Elementary.

Securely includes software that detects when a student may be considering self-harm.

We're gassing up the buses! Our principals and school leaders will be out on Tuesday visiting several bus stops.

• Stratford Way | 11:40-12noon
• Lincoln Estates | 12:10-12:30pm
• Meadowlanes | 12:40-1pm

We'll have prizes, a treat, and free books for all the kids who come to the the bus stop to say HI!

From the desk of Superintendent Shanie J. Keelean

Vaccine Clinics this week at HHS and HMS.
OCDPH will set up vaccination clinics during Open House on August 23 at each school building. 

Here's a list of the recommended school supplies your student will need for the start of the school year.

Community Choice Credit Union to host Backpack Giveaway for HPS students on August 3, 4-7pm | 114 S. Waverly Rd

UPDATED TIMES AND LOCATIONS FOR JULY AND AUGUST.

Members of Team 74 CHAOS will will be participating in the National Night Out at Kollen Park on Tuesday, August 3rd from 5:30-8pm.

The HPS coaching staff and Athletic Department are excited to offer sports camps for our students again this summer!

Your needs don't stop just because the school year is over! Luckily, your OCSN Community School Coordinators are working this summer and we are here to serve YOU!

Cub Scouting is fun for the whole family!

WATCH FOR AN ANNOUNCEMENT ABOUT POP-IN READING EVENTS IN JULY!

Learn & practice reading skills all summer!

• Free books & raffle prizes
• Fun make & take activities
• K-3 students & siblings

Each year HPS asks parents to register their student(s) for the next school year. Updating the information in your Parent Portal account helps us: 

• Build class lists.
• Determine transportation needs.
• Stay in touch with you during the school year.

Back-To-School on Tuesday, August 24!

For the second week in a row, HPS reports 0 new cases of COVID-19 and 0 quarantines among students and staff. 

• A weekly COVID-19 dashboard will only be published during the summer months if there are new cases or quarantines to report among students participating in summer school activities.

Students at Holland Public Schools start their summer break this week, but the learning will continue all summer long!  This week, we're talking about the summer programs being offered at HPS.

We wish you a safe, healthy spring and summer.  Thank you again for all you’ve helped us accomplish and for supporting PTO and the students, teachers, and families of HPS through this unique and challenging year.

Bus #44 for Middle School and Jefferson will not run this morning or afternoon.

Important information for parents or guardians of student’s eligible for Free and Reduced Lunch.

Miss the Band and Orchestra Instrument information meetings?

Outdoor Discovery Center Summer Camp 2021

TONIGHT at 6:30
Online instrument meeting for 2021 6th and 7th grade band/orchestra.
Learn more about the music program at Holland Middle School AND instrument rental or purchasing.

Get the latest information about youth summer recreation programs, leagues, camps and clinics being offered by the City of Holland.

HPS Board of Education votes to no longer require the quarantine of students considered "close-contacts"  of positive cases at school with some exceptions. Any student who is currently on quarantine, and who is not impacted by one of the three conditions noted below, may return to school and extra-curricular activities effective immediately.

View chemistry experiments, explore robotics and pick up resources to use at home.

We are pleased to present you with the Annual Education Report (AER) which provides key information on the 2020-21 educational progress for the Holland City School District and our schools.

Congratulations to these great student artists for earning District Art Awards:

• Tessa Nienhuis
• Maria Mead
• Ashlyn DePoy
• Tina Wu
• Neah Ayala
• Nayeli Trevino
• Nicole Souder
• Mickey Higgins
• Tyler Punch
• Claudia Kurniawan

Jefferson Elementary will be added to the state's outbreak list on Monday, May 3 due to two school-associated cases.

ONLINE MEETING: May 18 at 6:30

IN PERSON MEETING: May 20 

• A-L at 6:30pm in HMS Cafeteria
• M-Z at 7:15 in HMS Music Rooms

Positive cases are down... Quarantines are up.

HPS Staff preparing for the emotions students experience following national events.

(Artwork of George Floyd by Isaac Jekel - 10th Grade)

REMINDER: HOLLAND HIGH SCHOOL (HEC&HVRT) WILL RETURN TO IN-PERSON INSTRUCTION ON MONDAY APRIL 19

• Students in grades 9-12 will be remote for two weeks through April 22.
• Students in grades PreK-8 will return to school for in-person learning on Monday, April 12.

Please continue to report positive COVID cases/test results through the Spring Break week. Call your school building or 494-2005 to leave a detailed message. This information will allow us to conduct any necessary contact-tracing involving classmates and staff.

The Holland Area Arts Council is having some super fun art camps this summer for elementary and middle school friends! The camps cover everything from drawing to jewelry to painting! They are offering a variety of camps for all ages and there are scholarships available if needed. All camps will be carried out in a COVID-safe manner. Check out the flyer for information on how to sign up and full class descriptions are on our website! We can't wait to get back to creating art!

This week, we talk with Tyler Riley... He's building relationships with students and having a big impact!

If approved by voters on May 4, BUILD 2021 would generate $74,650,000 for improvements across the District - including about $6 million in projects at Jefferson Elementary.

This year all of the HPS PTO’s are joining together to support our K-8 students and their enthusiasm for reading.

This is our ONE AND ONLY fundraiser for the 2020-2021 school year.  Please help us make it a success! 

The Holland Youth Advisory Council (HYAC) held a book drive to benefit the students of Jefferson. Tuesday, they dropped off over 900 gently used books! Some books will go in the school library, some will go in classroom libraries, and some books will be given to the students at Jefferson to take home and add to their home library! 

Thank you HYAC!

Thursday, March 18 at 6pm

For rising 6th-grade students OR students from outside the district considering enrolling at Holland Middle School.

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

Two school-associated cases at West Elementary School will drop off the state's Outbreak School list on Monday morning.

Ottawa County Department of Public Health Miles of Smiles - Mobile Dental Unit 

Watch a video recording from one of our online Kindergarten Information meetings.

K-5 Parent Teacher Conferences will be held via Zoom on February 3, 9 and 11. Sign up for a time to meet with your child's teacher today!

Two school-associated cases at Holland High School will drop off the state's Outbreak School list on Monday morning.

Get text alerts about school-day changes, cancellations, and emergencies at HPS sent directly to your mobile device.  Just text HPS to 74121.

Holland Public Schools will be closed on Monday, January 18 to celebrate the life and work of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Here is a list of events being hosted in the area to celebrate MLK Day.

Longtime HPS Kindergarten teacher, Shari Maat shares her stories about how HPS has been right for her and her family.

As we prepare to come back to school tomorrow morning for the first time in 2021, please take a minute to read the following reminders about HPS’ COVID-19 Guidelines.

HPS Principals and School Nurses have some tips on safely returning to school following the Holiday Break.

PLEASE continue to report positive cases & quarantine information to your school over the holiday break. 

Face-to-face instruction will resume at all HPS schools on Monday, January 4, 2021 as planned.

We have so much to celebrate...Let's show some Holiday Spirit this week!

During remote learning, HPS will continue to provide breakfast and lunch for all children under 18 years-old in the district.

Trouble with your iPad? A glitch on your Chromebook? We can help with you HPS-provided learning devices.

We went to Jefferson Elementary to talk to 2nd Graders from Mrs. Bartone's class about Thanksgiving. Hear what they had to say:

This will be the last COVID-19 dashboard we will provide until we return to face-to-face instruction.

Staff, student, and family expectations during remote learning.

The latest orders from the State of Michigan mostly match actions already being taken by HPS; expands to include sports.

Despite some increases in COVID-19 numbers this week, we continue to believe that one of the safest places for our children is at school. 

HPS Nutrition Services will continue to provide breakfast and lunch for all children under 18 years-old in the district should classrooms or schools need to be be closed.

We want you to be ready for the possibility that your child’s classroom, or school, could transition to remote learning very soon due to the growing number of COVID-19 cases and quarantines.

Have a talent to share with the world?

The next episode of HPSGT is open to ALL students at ALL HPS schools.

In partnership with Spectrum Health, and their Visiting Nurses Flu Clinic Program, we will be offering a drive-thru flu shot clinic Saturday, November 7 from 9a.m.-Noon at Holland Heights and Jefferson Elementary. 

Will your child(ren) come to school for face-to-face instruction OR will they stay at home for online learning?

Let us know your plans for Second Semester by November 1.

Holland High School remains on the the state's Outbreak list, however our dashboard shows improving numbers district-wide this week!

• This week saw a jump in positive test results among students along with increases in the number of students and staff in quarantine or isolation.
• Holland High School will be listed among known COVID-19 outbreaks at K-12 schools

Our teachers are excited to meet with you to discuss your child’s academic progress.  Please take a minute to read through the following details about the upcoming Parent Teacher Conferences at Holland Public Schools.

There is one new confirmed case of a student with COVID-19 at Holland High School, however this student had no close-contacts with staff or students in the days before being tested.

Between now and November 1, we are asking all families to once again choose between face-to-face instruction at school OR online learning from home for the second half of the academic year.

45 Students are being quarantined after close contact with HPS staff who have tested positive for Covid-19… But, again this week, 0 students testing positive! Not all seven staff members in isolation or quarantine have tested positive; some are quarantined for close contact outside the classroom with someone who has tested positive.

Three HPS staff members are currently in insolation or quarantined with positive COVID-19 test results as a result of exposure from outside their classroom. After careful contact-tracing, 13 HPS students who came in close contact with these staff members (being within 6 feet of the staff member for 15 cumulative minutes) are being contacted by OCDPH to quarantine and be tested.

Information about these surveys and how to opt your student out of participating.

Check back here often for news about our next Town Hall Meeting.

New rules & limited tickets for Dutch Football games in 2020.

Friday dismissal times:

• Elementary Schools: 11:35am
• Middle School: 10:49am
• High School: 10:50am

Virtual Event runs from Oct 1- 11, 2020

Contactless Drive-Thru Packet Pick Up:  Thursday, Oct 1 at Holland West Elementary School, 500 W. 24th St.

In our efforts to be transparent,  HPS will provide a weekly update showing:

• The number of confirmed COVID-19 positive cases 
• The number of students who are in quarantine because of close contact with a student testing positive for COVID-19 
• The number of staff members who are in isolation or quarantine due to close contact with a student testing positive for COVID-19

We want you to be ready for the possibility that schools could close. Here are a few things to keep in mind.

OPEN HOUSE EVENTS ARE FOR FACE-TO-FACE LEARNERS ONLY!

MONDAY, AUGUST 24

• TK-5th (Students Last Name A-L) 4-6p
• 6th-12th (Students Last Name M-Z) 4:30-6:30pm

TUESDAY, AUGUST 25

• TK-5th (Students Last Name M-Z) 4-6pm
• 6th-12th (Students Last Name A-L) 4:30-6:30pm

FOR ONLINE LEARNERS ONLY 

Drive-thru Chromebook & Ipad Pick-up at your school:

• ADDED DATES*** Monday,  August 24 | 4-6ppm at Longfellow (32 E 24th St)
• ADDED DATES*** Tuesday, August 25 | 4-6pm at Longfellow (32 E 24th St)

Grade K-2 students will be issued a district iPad. Grade 3-12 will be issued district Chromebooks. Face-to-face learners will get their device during the first week of school). Remember the $20 Technology Learning Fee for Middle & High School students.

Before leaving for school, please complete this symptoms screening with your student.

This year, all Holland Public Schools teachers will be using Google Classroom to manage classroom instruction, assignments, and communication with students and families.

During face-to-face instruction, and even if we need to return to online instruction for all students, this is a powerful tool that will make tracking what's happening in classrooms easier and more efficient.

In this article, we have curated a catalog of tutorial videos for parents and students in both English and Spanish; quick and easy-to-follow instructions for using Google Classroom.

Whether you'll be learning online from home OR learning Face-to-face at school, please apply for free/reduced-price lunch.

An important letter to parents for preparing students to return to school.

Superintendent Davis has an update on getting back to school! 

The guidance provided by Governor Whitmer’s roadmap is an important first step in providing local districts with the direction and clarity needed to begin creating reopening plans.  It is our hope that we have more specifics to share the first week of August. Our goal is to bring our completed plans to the Board of Education for approval at that time.   

The Open Enrollment Period for limited spaces begins on June 1, 2020, and ends on June 30.