Weekly Newsletter- Week of January 12

Upcoming Dates for HMS Families- Mark Your Calendars!

• 1/19 NO SCHOOL 
• 1/21 Start of First Tee Golf Class (for those signed up)
• 1/28 SEL Screener (Information coming) 

MANY AFTER SCHOOL OPPORTUNITIES: 

Culture Works

We’re really excited for a fun new batch of classes. 

• Mondays we’ll have Pottery on the Wheel with the fabulous Emily Christensen. The class is for grades 7-9, and the class size for this one will be small to make sure everyone gets the time they need on the wheel.
• Tuesdays we’re offering a Dungeons and Dragons class for high school students (taught by local therapist Phil Quinn), and Animation for middle school (taught by former student, current comic colorist and vibrant personality Vi Villanueva). 
• Wednesdays we are bringing back Open Studio which gives students access to all of our supplies, instructors who know the studio, and time to explore new mediums. 
• Thursdays we will have a Photography class for high schoolers taught by Jaer Medina, and students can check out their camera for the duration of the 9-week class to work on their skills outside of class time! We’ll also be offering a Drawing and Painting class for middle school students with our new college intern, Adeline Lembright. 
• If someone wants to try CultureWorks for the first time, these will be fun and beginner-friendly classes to learn some basics.

We will provide free transportation from West Ottawa and Holland Public Schools to classes for anyone who needs it. SEE THE ATTACHMENT FOR MORE DETAILS

Softball!

To all Holland Middle School girls interested in playing little league or rec league softball this spring. A great opportunity for all wanting to reach their potential in the game of softball. The best part, is no cost to you! 
We have an offseason workout program that meets every Sunday at the Middle School Aux Gym from 4:00-6:00. Prior experience is not required. We will be learning the basic fundamentals along with high level components and mental disciplines of the game. 

You will learn proper hitting technique including sacrifice bunting, slap bunting, hit and run just to name a few. You will also learn the proper fielding techniques along with bunt defense, first/third defense, base running and the acumen of how the game is played. Each girl will be learning infield and outfield positional play. Those interested in pitching and catching will get work in every practice as well. Enter through door #18 on the north side of the middle school building.

If you have any questions please email me at tgriffore1960@icloud.com

First Tee After School Golf Class Opportunity!

We are happy to announce that the First Tee organization will be offering a 5 week golf class for HMS students on Wednesdays after school. The class will be held once a week on Wednesdays Jan 21, 2026 - Feb 18, 2026 in the Cafeteria.  Students must sign up in advance and the cost is $50 and it is free for students who qualify for free/reduced lunch. Here is the link for sign-up… 

The First Tee Program for ages 7-17 supports the exploration of both character and golf skills in active and collaborative ways. The learning experiences in the course help to build inner strength, self-confidence, and an enthusiasm for the sport, while encouraging the development of positive Game Changing behaviors. Classes are designed to accommodate new and returning golfers of the same age.

Career Exploration Club Notes-

The Career Exploration Club will not meet on the typical day in January.  So,  there will be no meeting on Jan. 13.  We will instead be taking trips to career sites.  For the January meeting, we will visit Holland Hospital to learn about health careers on January 22.

PBIS AT HMS

Holland Public Schools is focused on celebrating positive behavior in all of our buildings. This is done by a system referred to as Positive Behavior Intervention System/Supports, PBIS.

In overview, here at the middle school the system is set up so students can receive points for their positive behavior that aligns with the district matrix of D.U.T.C.H., Diverse, United, Thrive, Committed, and Honorable. Students can then save these points to be spent at their PBIS School Store or in a school-wide raffle. The school stores are open weekly by grade level and consist of snacks, little toys, stickers, drinks, and teacher passes. Raffles are held once a month for big ticket items. During the first quarter our students were recognized in all the different areas of our matrix. Here are the stats:

MAP TESTING:  

Your students will take this second MAP test this week.  It is a test that will allow teachers more information on how your student is growing and ways to help support their students in continuing to grow.  

• What it is: A computer-based test that adapts to your child's answers, getting harder if they do well and easier if they struggle, giving a precise picture of their skills.
• What it measures: Academic growth and achievement in core subjects like Math, Reading, and Language Usage.
• Why it's used: To help teachers tailor instruction, identify learning gaps, and for you to see your child's progress over time (fall, winter, spring).
• The Score: The RIT score measures what a student knows and their growth, regardless of grade level, offering a detailed snapshot of their unique learning path.
• Accessing Results: Schools usually provide reports (often through parent portals) to show your child's strengths and areas for growth, helping you partner with teachers.

How to support your child:

• Encourage regular reading and math practice.
• Engage in conversations, writing, and problem-solving activities at home.
• Remember it's a tool to support learning, not a final judgment.

Next HMS Celebration! 

We will have our next celebration day in February!  We will celebrate students who met their growth goals in MAP and/or those who made the honor roll.  This information will come out to parents the week of January 26th by email.