New to HMS Guide

How doe HMS Communicate?

Newsletter- We will have a newsletter posted on our website and sent to you via email every Sunday.  

Teachers- Teachers will communicate using email or phone calls

What are important dates in August?

• August 20th- (5:00-6:30) 6th Grade Night 

• August 24th- (4:00-6:00) Open House

  • 7th and 8th grades and 6th grade students who were unable to attend the 6th grade night

• August 27th- First day of school

• August 28th- Picture Day
  *Bussing- MUST have registration done by 8/19 to have it on the first day of school*

My student has an IEP or a 504.  How will I find out about their supports and case manager?  

When will I find out my student’s case manager?

Case managers will connect with all families the first 2 weeks of school.  

How will teachers know about my student’s accommodations?

Case managers will send out a snapshot of all the accommodations and things to know about your student in the first week of school. 

What is the attendance policy and what are the procedures?
Attendance Matters! Please plan for your student to be absent 9% or less days in the 2026-2027 school year.  This is approximately 16 school days.  Absences are recorded by calling (616)494-2401. Failure to do so will result in an unexcused absence.  

Regular attendance has been proven to be an easy way to help keep students on the path to graduation and future success. Attending school helps build momentum and keeps students connected to the community of the classroom. Being tardy to class has a negative impact:

• Arriving late to class disrupts the teaching and learning, and is disrespectful to the teacher and your classmates.

• Arriving late to class adds up:

  • 10 minutes/day = 50 minutes/week = Over 1 week missed/school year

How will I know about my student's grades? 

• Teachers will update grades weekly.  This can be viewed in Parent Portal.  

• Did you know:  You can set up weekly alerts for grades through Parent Portal. Video

• Every Thursday, please expect to see a yellow paper where your student will do grade checks and have a study hall to accomplish work.  

• NEW this year:  Report Cards will be mailed home at the end of each quarter.  Progress reports will still be posted on Parent Portal.  

What should I know about Chromebooks?
Each student will pick up their chromebook in their advisory each day at 7:30.  They will have the same class for their 7th hour as well.  They will plug in their chromebook every 7th hour.  Should a student need to take their chromebook home, they can check it out with their 7th hour teacher.  

Optional: 

Insurance- You can purchase insurance on the device through the parent portal.  Should your student drop or break their chromebook, the $20 will insure a first time fix. This is available in parent portal

How can my student and I get involved at HMS?  

Students- Get Involved:

Sports:  Interested in sports? Visit our website for information. 

Clubs:  Clubs will begin after Labor Day. The full list with dates/times will be in the August 23rd newsletter.  

Parents- How to get involved

Parents and families are always welcome to get involved at Holland Middle School! There are many ways to support our students, including volunteering at school events, helping with activities, or simply being an active part of our school community. A full list will be in the NEXT newsletter.  Until then, please fill out your background check, so you are ready.  Background check- fill out every year

PBIS Rewards Store: Once our PBIS Rewards Store is up and running for the school year, parents will have the opportunity to volunteer during lunch to help run the store. More information about signing up will be shared when the store opens!

What should I know about lockers?

Please have a backpack daily.  **Students will be allowed to have a locker after Q1, if they have under 5 tardies and do not have any infractions with safety- drugs/weapons  

Sports lockers are available for athletes and will be handled by the coach.  
**Storage is available in the front office for students not eligible for a locker.  

What are the regulations with cell phones and chromebook games?

NEW!  Students will NOT be permitted to play games on their chromebooks UNLESS it is a school authorized game or a reward day.  This includes lunch and recess.  Students will receive lunch detention for failure to comply.  WHY:  In efforts to both reduce screen time and minimize distractions, this will help in creating a time and a place of when it is appropriate versus not.  

Phones and Communication Devices: 

We are phone/outside electronics free: 7:30-2:42 

This includes meta glasses, cell phones and smart watches (if using for communication)

*If the violation occurs during 7th hour, the intervention will continue into the next school day.

Additionally, cell phones may not be used during the school day to photograph or video any student or staff member without their express consent or for an educational purpose.

See Board Policy 5136 for complete guidelines and rules regarding cell phone use at school.

If you have any questions, please contact a member of the Administrative Team at 494-2401.