May News
Calendar
May
1 M-Step for 3rd/5th Graders
6 M-Step for 3rd and 4th Graders
7 Early Release Day/M-Step for 4th Graders
8 HALF—DAY All Students - Tulip Time
13 M-Step for 4th Graders
14 Early Release Day
16 Popcorn Friday
20 Commencement
21 Early Release Day
21 Spring Music Concert Wednesday May 21st, 2025 at 6pm for 2-3 and 6:45pm for 4-5 at Holland High School Performing Arts Center
22 4th Grade Market Day
23 Field Day!
26 NO SCHOOL for All Students Memorial Day
28 Early Release Day
June
3 HALF DAY for ALL Students
4 HALF-Day/LAST Day for ALL Students
Principals Corner
Dear West Families,
As we enter the final month of the school year, I want to take a moment to reflect on all we’ve accomplished together. This year has been filled with learning, growth, challenges, and many moments to celebrate. I’m incredibly proud of our students, staff, and families for their hard work, support, and resilience throughout the year.
End-of-Year Highlights & Important Dates
Teacher Appreciation Week: May 5-9. – Let’s show our amazing teachers how much they are valued! See the following link. West Holland Favorite things
Tulip Time Parade: May 8. - Here is the link to sign up to march in the parade - Parade Permission Form
Field Day: May 23. – A fun-filled day of games and outdoor activities. Volunteers are welcome!
Last Day of School: June 4. – Early dismissal at [time]. Report cards will be sent home this day.
Thank you for being incredible partners in education. Your involvement has helped make this school year successful and memorable. Whether you volunteered, attended events, or supported your child’s learning at home—your contributions matter.
To our 5th graders, we send our best wishes as you move on to middle school. You’ll always be part of the West family!
Have a safe, restful, and joyful summer. I look forward to welcoming many of you back in August!
Yours in education,
Chad Tolson
Important Drop Off Information
Friendly reminder to West Families, student drop-off for Books & Games must occur between 7:30-7:40 am. Doors lock from 7:40 am to 8:00 am students may not be dropped off and left unattended. Outdoor supervision from staff commences at 8:15 am. Thank you for your help in keeping our student body safe!
Spring Music Concert
Wednesday May 21st, 2025 at Holland High School Performing Art Center 6pm for 2nd & 3rd Graders (Arrive by 5:20pm) and 6:45pm for 4th & 5th Graders (Arrive by 6:20pm)
State Testing
Through May we are still testing! Please ensure students are well-rested and prepared. Your encouragement means the world to them!
HPS PTO - West News
Staff Appreciation Week is May 5-9!
We have a fun week planned to celebrate our amazing staff at West! Please see the attached flyer for ways your kiddo can participate! Flyers are in English, Spanish, Dari, and Swahili. Find staff favorites here.
We could use some help with drinks and utensils for staff appreciation meals. Please drop off items at the front office by Monday, May 5. Sign up here.
Field Day
Field Day is May 23rd! Join us for an end-of-year favorite! Sign-up to volunteer here.
Questions? Contact Jenn Abplanalp, the HPS PTO - West Coordinator, at west@hps-pto.org
2025-26 Student Registration
As we prepare for the start of the next school year, it's time register your student for 2025-26. 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 2025-2026 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.
- Register by May 21 to be in the running for a $100 Meijer gift card.
It doesn't take long to update this information in your Parent Portal account - but it is so important that you do it very soon!Read Full Article Share
Tulip Time KinderParade 2025 - West
HPS Students (Grades 1-5) are invited to march in the Tulip Time KinderParade on Thursday May 8. If you are planning on your child walking in the parade, they must have a costume and you must fill out this form by Monday, May 5.
West Kinder Parade PermissionRead Full Article
2025 Tulip Time Costume Rental - $5
- Friday, May 2 | 4:30-7pm at Holland Language Academy, 461 VanRaalte
- Saturday, May 3 | 9:30-12pm at Holland Language Academy, 461 VanRaalte
For HPS students, Grades 1-5, marching in the KinderParade on Thursday, May 8.
Students must have permission from parents to join HPS in the KinderParade on May 8.
Student Learner Profiles
Student Learner Profiles offered to request a grade level teacher are due no later than May 16. Please focus your comments on specific information about your child's learning styles, educational needs and other special considerations that should be made. Supportive statements which include informative details about your child should accompany your comments. Information included on this form is read by the building principal only. Learner Profiles can be picked up at the front office.
The main goal of HPS is to provide a diverse and equal learning opportunity for all students. We consider academic, social and emotional concerns in order to make a successful student-teacher match. Other factors such as gender and ethnicity are taken into account in order to provide balanced classrooms. It should be noted that a variety of circumstances such as: changes in staff positions, changes in enrollment or specific individual needs may impact student placements. Class placements are made by the building principal in compliance with HPS Board of Education Policy 5120.
Composting Update
Holland West continues to Compost like Champions. In our first 3 weeks of collection, we have kept 59 pounds of food waste from the landfill and are slowly transforming it into compost. We will continue to collect every Friday until the end of the year!
Character of the Month
