Year-End Celebrations
Our theme this year, which is also one of our core values, was United.
- We believe Holland Public Schools is the center of a thriving city, and it is our responsibility to unite the community around the success of ALL students.
It has been another amazing year at Holland Public Schools. For the 2nd year in a row, HPS grew in enrollment, which is a reflection of the trust we are gaining in the community. Over the last 3 years, we have surpassed enrollment projections by 350 students.
Inspire Award
We continue to build partnerships across the community, which have led to increased opportunities for our students and additional support for our staff. Holland Public was honored with the Inspire Award from the West Coast Chamber of Commerce in September. A quote from the chamber regarding this award stated “They inspire the community by uniting around the success of every student, creating trailblazing programs for staff and students, and providing meaningful opportunities in and out of the classroom to ensure academic and personal growth.”
Holland Educational Foundation
The Holland Educational Foundation has blossomed this year under the leadership of Kate Bolt as the Executive Director. They have supported classroom grants, field trips, clubs, the Power H Impact Awards, and the Teachers Live Here program. More than anything, HEF has provided a great opportunity for parents and community members to get involved. This is truly a unifying force in our community.
Celebrating the Class of 2025
We are excited to celebrate our 2025 Holland High Graduates. Over 75% of our graduates are continuing their education after high school. We have also seen an increase in students entering the workforce and skilled trades, pursuing careers in welding, cosmetology, construction, and automotive technology.
We also celebrated academic achievement with 31 students earning Gold Cords for a GPA of 3.5–4.0, and 29 students receiving Red & White Honor Cords for maintaining a GPA above 4.0.
It is estimated that this Class of students has earned more than $1.6 million in scholarships.
We wish the 2025 HPS graduates well and want to thank them for setting an example for our younger students and this community.
Athletics
33 Distinguished Athlete Awards were presented based on a point system that considers athletic participation, individual and team success at the conference or state level, and academic performance.
As part of the District’s Strategic Plan we set a goal that All students (TK-12) will participate in a minimum of 1 school-sponsored sport, club, or community involvement activity, with 40% of High School students participating in athletics.
We are seeing growth in numbers in nearly all sports and are seeing significant increases in participation rates in our feeder programs
The athletic department is finalizing an Athletics Handbook and Coaches Handbook that will outline policies, program expectations, and feedback opportunities. The updated handbooks will be available at the annual fall parent meeting.
In addition, we are working with our Facilities Department to increase access to our facilities for youth development.
Keep your student athlete active and engaged through Sports Performance and Camp Opportunities offered throughout the summer. Visit the Holland Athletics Website for a list of camps and workouts this summer.
5 Year Facility Plan
This winter HPS rolled out a 5-year facility plan which will allow every student in the district to benefit from updated learning spaces. Phase 1 of that plan is currently underway.
Phase 1:
Heights Elementary- will open in the fall of 2026 with space for an additional classroom per grade. This will be mosty a brand-new facility with a nature-based theme.
West Elementary- construction will begin this fall with significant updates building-wide. Improvements will included: increased natural light, extending learning areas, increased preschool classrooms, and an additional classroom per grade level. This project will be done in phases with students remaining at West. Construction will be completed by the fall of 2027.
Attendance boundaries will be redrawn for Jefferson Elementary as early as the Winter of 2026. Jefferson students will then be split between Heights and West in the fall of 2027.
Phase 2: (Dependent on the passing of the bond in August)
The Jefferson Building would undergo significant renovations to put it on par with the rest of the buildings in the district. This would then become the home for Holland Language Academy in the Fall of 2028.
Included in Phase 2 would be finalizing plans for our Maplewood, Longfellow, and VanRaalte properties.
There is a community meeting Tuesday, June 3 at 6 and 6:30pm in the Board Training room regarding the August 5th Election and the 2025 bond.
August 5th Special Election
On August 5th Holland Public Schools will have a special election for a $49,225,000 bond which will ensure all of our students will benefit from updated learning spaces, including the updates to the Jefferson Building mentioned above. If passed, this would maintain the current millage rate of 4.73 mills - consistent with the rate set by voters in May 2021. Learn more about the Bond Proposal.
Passage of this bond will also allow us to install a multi-use, competition-ready facility at the high school to host football games and marching band competitions. Also included in this bond will be new roofs, upgrades to HVAC units, transportation, technology, and safety upgrades.
While there is much to celebrate, we have a lot of work to do to get this district to the next level.
Have a great summer!,
Superintendent Nick Cassidy