August 19, 2026

Back to School | West Elementary

Welcome back to another exciting school year at Holland West! I hope you and your family had a wonderful summer and had plenty of opportunities to relax, spend time together, and create lasting memories.

As we prepare to welcome our students back, I am filled with excitement for all that the new school year will bring. You may notice that Holland West looks a little different when you return. We have been busy making improvements to our school, and we are excited about the changes taking place! While the construction work continues, we ask that you please pardon the dust and have patience as we put the finishing touches on our building. We appreciate your understanding and support as we work to create an even better environment for our students and staff. Despite the construction, one thing has not changed—Holland West remains a place where every child is known, valued, and supported. Our dedicated teachers and staff are committed to creating engaging learning experiences, building meaningful relationships with students, and helping every child grow academically, socially, and emotionally.

As we begin the year, we encourage our students to come to school each day ready to learn, grow, and make a difference. We will continue to focus on kindness, respect, responsibility, perseverance, and a growth mindset. We want every student to know that they are capable of great things and that their effort and determination matter. Families are an important part of our school community, and your partnership makes a tremendous difference. We encourage you to stay connected with your child's teacher, support regular attendance and positive work habits, read together, and celebrate your child's accomplishments and growth. Together, we can help every student have a successful and rewarding school year. Thank you for your continued support, patience, and partnership—especially as we navigate our construction projects. We are excited about the improvements happening at Holland West and even more excited about the students, learning, and memories that will fill our halls this year.

Welcome back, Holland West! Let's make it a great year!

With warm regards, 

Mr. Tolson, Principal Holland

West Important Dates First Day of School: Thursday, August 27

Meet the Teacher/Open House: Tuesday, August 25, 4:00pm-6:00pm

Picture Day: Tuesday, September 28

West Student Drop-Off and Pick-Up Procedures

Thank you for reviewing our procedures for drop-off and pick-up. Our number one goal is the safety of our West students! Similar to last year, all vehicles dropping off and picking up students will need to use the right-hand lane. Adults are expected to stay inside their vehicles during this time. ONLY pull through the drop-off/pick-up lane if your student(s) can independently get in and out of your vehicle. If you need to get out to talk to a teacher or go into the school building, please park in the parking lot.

Morning Drop-off 

Morning Drop-Off begins at 8:00 AM for all students If your child needs to arrive prior to this time, then please check out our Books and Games Morning Program (which kids love!!) Books & Games provides students with an hour of supervised reading, homework help, and games, plus a free breakfast an hour before school starts each morning. https://www.hollandpublicschools.org/pub/news/posts/3615

  • Pull your vehicle all of the way forward to the curb by the construction fence to unload your student(s). 
  • Leave minimal space between vehicles to allow as many drop-offs as possible at one time.
  • Leave space for the cross-walks to be used by adults and children– Do not park in the cross-walk.
  • As soon as your student(s) has exited your vehicle, please pull forward to the road that the next car may unload.
  • Students should enter through the front doors.
  • Please do not drop your students off on the West playground (by the church). We will not have adult supervision on this playground.
  • Parking is NOT allowed curbside! Please park in the parking lot if you need to stay longer or get out of your car with your child. This will help keep traffic moving!

Afternoon Pick-Up– Adults Stay in Cars 

  • Pull your vehicle all of the way forward to the curb by the construction fence to load your student(s).
  • Leave minimal space between vehicles to allow as many pick-ups as possible at one time. 
  • As soon as your student(s) has safely entered your vehicle, please pull forward to the road so that traffic flow continues moving.
  • No parking in the pick-up lane. If you need to get out of your car for any reason, please use the parking lot to park and walk up to the building. We are trying to keep traffic moving quickly and safely for everyone.

Afternoon Pick-Up– Adults Walking up to the Building 

This year, students will be lining up by class under the awning at the front entrance. Teachers will be monitoring students and will help to facilitate sending students to vehicles. If you park and walk up to the building, please stay on the front walkway– Do not enter the playground area, and stand to the sides of the front walkway to make room for students.

Late Student Arrivals and Late Parent Pick-up

If your student is arriving at school after the start of the day, 8:30 AM, then he/she/they must be signed into the office by an adult. Please do not send your child into the building unaccompanied.

Our school day ends at 3:36 PM. Please pick your child(ren) up promptly at the end of the day. Our office and administrative staff often have other obligations, and we cannot guarantee that there will be supervision.

Transportation 

Here's a few reminders about District Transportation policy:

  • K-5 students who live 1.25 miles from school and HMS/HHS students who live 1.5 miles from school will not be provided transportation to and from school.
  • Out-of-district school of choice families will not be provided transportation to and from school. Students can ONLY be picked up and dropped off at their PRIMARY address.
  • The Transportation Department will send a message early next week about bus stops and times. Learn more about the MyRideK-12 App: https://www.hollandpublicschools.org/for-parents/transportation/ 

Communication between school and home is essential. Be sure to:

  • Download the new HPS Mobile App. This two-way communication tool will keep you connected to what's happening at school: snow day announcements, newsletters from your principal, and messages from your teachers. Download now at https://www.hollandpublicschools.org/pub/news/posts/3628. (The app is currently available on Google, and will be ready soon for iPhones)
  • Visit our school website for updates.
  • Follow West Elementary on social media for reminders, celebrations, and upcoming events.

Quick Reminders 

Food Service and Lunch Reminders

  • Holland Public Schools is excited to once again offer NO-COST breakfast and lunch to every student during the 2026-2027 school year through the Michigan School Meals Program!https://www.hollandpublicschools.org/pub/news/posts/3608 
  • Our school lunch menu is linked on the HPS website.
  • Students who bring home lunch are encouraged to bring a beverage such as a juice box, milk box or water bottle. To purchase milk by itself is 75 cents.
  • Please consider pre-cooking ramen noodles and EZ-Mac. These food items take quite a while to prepare and it limits the time students have to eat.