October 19, 2025

Sunday, October 19, 2025

We just wrapped up our 40th day of school, and we’re deep in the rhythm of teaching, learning, and holding high expectations for every student, especially in the area of Spanish Language Output. I firmly believe that true success in bilingual education requires a strong partnership between school, home, and student. There is a strong correlation between Spanish language output, reading, writing, and math success, they are all interconnected disciplines that build upon one another. One key part of that success is accountability in using the language. Your child will not grow in Spanish if they are refusing to speak it. Please continue to support your child by encouraging and reminding them of why you chose bilingual education for them. Thank you for your continued partnership. 

Girls Basketball HPS District-Wide Open Gym

Basketball season is just around the corner, and we’re kicking it off with a District-Wide Girls Basketball Open Gym

  • Date: Saturday, October 25

  • Time: 9:00–10:15 a.m.

  • Place: The Dome

  • Who: All HPS girls, grades 3–12

This event is a great opportunity to promote a love for the game, grow participation, and build community through the amazing sport of basketball. Bring your energy, your friends, and your school spirit,  let’s get ready for a great season!

Building Vocabulary Through Conversation  This year, we’re focusing on the explicit teaching of vocabulary, helping students understand what words mean, how they’re used, and how they connect to other words. When students don’t know key vocabulary, comprehension and reading success are impacted.

I challenge you to notice how few people actually talk when you’re out at a restaurant, most are on their phones. Let’s change that by making time to talk and connect with our children. Conversation builds language, confidence, and success in both languages.

Family Climate Survey Twice a year, we ask families to complete our School Climate Survey to share honest feedback that helps us grow and improve. If you already filled it out during conferences, thank you! If not, please take a few minutes to do so now,  the survey is short and completely anonymous, complete it here. Your voice matters! 

Medication Reminder

For the safety of all students, any medication prescribed or over-the-counter, must have a doctor’s note and be kept on file at school. This includes items such as pain relievers, or allergy medicine.

Please work with your child’s doctor and the school office to ensure all required documentation is submitted before sending medication to school. Thank you for helping us keep every student safe and healthy. 

Palabras Poderosas Family Night  Confirm Attendance Today! Calling all pizza lovers!  Join us for HLA’s Family Night: Palabras Poderosas on Wednesday, November 19, from 6:00–7:00 p.m. Come learn fun vocabulary strategies with our teachers and take home activities you can use for extra practice.

Space is limited, so don’t wait, confirm your attendance no later than November 10 to secure your spot and dinner! Confirm attendance here. 

Red Note Raffle Winner! Congratulations to Sarah Perez, our Red Note Raffle winner! 
Please email ivasquez@hollandpublicschools.org to claim your gift card.Thank you to everyone who participated,  and keep reading the Red Note for your next chance to win!

Pick a Date to Donate!

Our only fundraiser of the year is happening all through October, and we’re counting on your support to help us reach our goal!

Every dollar raised goes directly to the HLA PTO account, funding the special events and experiences our students love,  including Muffins with My Special Person, Donuts with Dudes, VIP Day, Math Night, Reading Night, Field Day, Día del Niño, and so much more!

Please hold on to your envelopes until November 1st. This gives you the entire month of October to collect donations and help make this fundraiser a huge success!

Don’t forget! There’s also an option to donate online by scanning the QR code located on the registration log inside your fundraising envelope.

Upcoming HLA Events: 

HLA Family Night: Language Fidelity, Thursday, October 2, 6-7pm

Trunk or Treat, Thursday, October 30, 6:00-7:00pm

HLA VIP Day, Friday, November 14 

3rd & 2nd grade, 9:00-9:45

1st & 5th grade, 10:00-10:45

Kinder & 4th grade, 1:00-1:45

Palabras Poderosas con Pizza, Wednesday,  November 19, 6-7pm