April 27, 2026

West April News #2

Dear West Families,

April is flying by!! Our fifth grade students have completed the ELA and Math portion of M-STEP and will be taking the Science and Social Studies tests this week. Fourth graders begin testing this Thursday. Please check out the M-STEP schedule below for updates dates for third grade!

Help us make this year’s KinderParade the BEST EVER by signing your student(s) up to march! Students in first grade and older are invited to help represent West on Thursday, May 7. Tulip Time KinderParade permission slips are due by May 4: https://www.hollandpublicschools.org/pub/news/posts/3520 

Tulip Time Children's Costume Rental: Friday, May 1, 4:30-7pm and Saturday, May 2, 9:30-12pm at Maplewood. https://www.hollandpublicschools.org/pub/news/posts/3519 

As we prepare for the start of the next school year, it's time to register your student for 2026-27. This is something we ask ALL current HPS families to do EVERY year. https://www.hollandpublicschools.org/pub/news/posts/3515 A fun and easy way to register is at the Registration Block Party on April 29, 5:30-7pm at HMS. Get assistance with student registration, and come say HI! to HPS Community Partners. https://www.hollandpublicschools.org/pub/news/posts/3517

Thinking about next year. . . Student Learner Profile forms are available in the front office. This is the form to fill out if you would like to provide specific information about your student's learning style, educational needs, or other special considerations as we look at creating classes for next year.

Holland voters will see a Sinking Fund Proposal on the May 5 ballot. In addition to supporting ongoing facility repairs and improvements, the updated language in the proposal would allow the district to use these funds for transportation and maintenance vehicles.  Learn more about the proposal before voting on May 5: https://www.hollandpublicschools.org/pub/news/posts/3514  

As always, please contact our administrative team with any questions or concerns!

Warmly,

Chad Tolson, Principal

Jennifer Heinritz, Assistant Principal

Important Dates:  

  • April 14-May 15: MSTEP Testing 

  • May 1– Velo Kids Bike School for Kindergarten and 1st Grade 

  • May 7– Half-Day and Tulip Time KinderParade

This Week’s PBIS Focus Lesson: Breakfast

This week we will be reviewing the routine and expectations for breakfast. Help us by reviewing the morning announcements with your student(s), and asking your student(s) how they show POWER in the identified area of the building!

Watch the Daily Announcements HERE: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1IWB4IaF91B2XEQxH_P8wBPod1NqYs7iD?usp=sharing

M-Step Testing

For the month of April, and some of May, our 3rd, 4th and 5th grade students will be taking M-STEP, which is the Michigan Student Test of Educational Progress. Please help us support our West students with a successful testing experience by doing the following: Get a good night of sleep, eat breakfast at home or at school, arrive on-time to school, bring healthy snacks on testing days, and bring a full water bottle. Below are the grade-level testing dates:

  • 3rd Grade: May 6, May 12, May 13

  • 4th Grade: April 30, May 5, May 6 

  • 5th Grade: April 14, 15, 21, 22, 28

Makeups: May 14, 15, 18-20