From the Desk of Superintendent Cassidy
As we close another successful school year at Holland Public Schools, I want to take a moment to thank our students, staff, families, and community for their continued support and partnership. Together, we are building something truly special, and it is clear that Holland Public Schools is a district on the rise.
This year brought many reasons to celebrate. We continued to see growth in student achievement, reductions in problematic behaviors, and increased participation in extracurricular activities. We continue to invest in ways to help students find connections through athletics, the arts, clubs, leadership opportunities, and other activities that help them feel a sense of belonging and purpose. We are also making significant investments in literacy through updated Media Centers and dedicated staff who will help connect students with books, foster a love of reading, and support lifelong learning. Creating strong readers remains one of our highest priorities, and we are excited about the opportunities these enhanced spaces and resources will provide for our students.
We also continue to make tremendous progress on our five-year facilities plan. Thanks to the incredible support of our community, we are transforming the educational experience for current and future generations of students. By 2028, every Holland Public Schools student will be learning in updated, modern learning spaces designed to support high-quality instruction and student success.
June 1 marked another exciting milestone as we celebrated the groundbreaking of our new athletic complex. Construction will begin in early June, and we look forward to watching this vision become a reality. The project will create opportunities for generations of students and families, and we are especially excited that the first home football game in Holland High School history is scheduled for the fall of 2027.
The momentum extends beyond athletics. Construction at Holland Heights is nearing completion and will finish this month, allowing students and staff to return to a beautifully updated building in August. At the same time, planning is already underway for the new Holland Language Academy facility, which will open in 2028. These projects represent major investments in our students and our community.
As we continue implementing our facilities plan, some changes will help us operate more efficiently while ensuring every student has access to outstanding learning environments. Beginning in the fall of 2027, elementary attendance boundaries will be adjusted, with students currently attending Jefferson Elementary transitioning to either Holland Heights or West Elementary. We will continue to communicate regularly with families throughout the planning process to ensure a smooth transition.
When all of these projects are complete, every Holland Public Schools student will be learning in updated educational spaces, and our district will be positioned to operate more efficiently and effectively while maximizing resources for student learning and success. This is an exciting time in the history of Holland Public Schools, and the future has never looked brighter.
As summer begins, I encourage all of our students and families to stay connected and engaged. Continue reading together, explore the many opportunities available through local community organizations, and take advantage of the camps and programs offered by Holland Public Schools throughout the summer months.
We are also excited about the work of our Athlete Development Coordinator, Mike Woodby, who will be providing students with workout and training opportunities all summer long. His efforts are helping students build healthy habits, develop confidence, and strengthen connections with their peers and coaches.
Before summer gets into full swing, please make sure you have completed registration for the 2026-27 school year. Early registration helps us plan effectively and ensures a smooth start to another great year.
Thank you for being part of Holland Public Schools. The progress we are making is only possible because of the commitment and belief of this entire community. I hope you have a safe, enjoyable, and well-deserved summer. We look forward to welcoming our students back in the fall and continuing the momentum that is making Holland Public Schools a destination district and a place where every student can thrive. The best days of Holland Public Schools are ahead of us.
Go Dutch!
Nick Cassidy
Superintendent
Holland Public Schools
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Summer starts this week for the kids and staff at Holland Public Schools. This week Superintendent Nick Cassidy looks back at the 2025-26 school year - and ahead to the 2026-27 school year!
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. 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 2026-2027 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.
Athletes of the Year: Andrew Legg, Maggie Telgenhof, and Josiah VanHekken
Milton L. Hinga Award: Keoni Gainey and Xavier Murphy
Celebrating the positive behavior and amazing contributions of the students to the HMS community!
- 6th grade: Elise Perez
- 7th grade: Niki Clark
- 8th grade: Gerardo Hernandez
Holland Public Schools is excited to offer free summer meals through the Meet Up and Eat Up/SUN Meals Program from June 8 through August 7. Meals will be available at various sites throughout the Holland community for all children and teens ages 18 and under. We'll also provide 7-Day Meal Boxes for each child in your household. No registration or income requirements are needed. All meals are provided at no cost to families.
Last week, Holland High School celebrated the Class of 2026 at Commencement exercises. Today, we hear from HHS Student Senate President Maggie Telgenhof as she addresses her class during graduation.
Holland Middle School was named one of just 419 schools in Michigan as a Green School by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Environment (EGLE).
To earn MI Green Schools certification, HMS completed at least 10 approved environmental activities throughout the school year. For example:
- Student-led recycling efforts
- The Bird Feeder project
- The HMS Greenhouse
Michigan Green Schools supports and celebrates the achievements of PreK-12 schools in protecting the state's air, land, water, and ecosystems through their commitments to environmental education and stewardship actions.