District News

HPSPodcast 5.32
Dutch Theatre's production of The Wizard of Oz runs May 1-4 at the HHS PAC. This week, we talk with cast members Sophia Palmateer and Hailey Huggett.

2025-26 Student Registration
As we prepare for the start of the next school year, it's time register your student for 2025-26. 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 2025-2026 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.
- Register by May 21 to be in the running for a $100 Meijer gift card.

Jump In! Enrollment/Registration Block Party
We’ll celebrate new students and families to Holland Public Schools and offer assistance to complete online registration and enrollment.
Wednesday, May 21, 5-6:30pm at Holland Middle School
- FREE Ice Cream from The Polar Patrol.
- FREE Summer Goodie Bag, book giveaways, and fun summer learning activities!
- The Ottawa County Health Dept will be there giving the required Vision & Hearing screenings for Kindergarten Enrollment.
- Current HPS families who are registered for 2025-26 by May 21 will be entered into a drawing for $100 Meijer gift cards!

2025 District Art Awards
Congratulations to the following artists for being selected to receive a 2025 District Art Award:
- Vik Howard - 12
- Evelyn Lewin - 12
- Olivia Weiss - 10
- Abbie Cox - 6
- Clara Ward - 7
- Rebekah Salas - 8
- Jensen Mullennix - JEF | 4
- Eliza Cardenas-Gallegos - HLA| 4
- Levi King - HTS | 4
- Elin Klinge - WST | 4
These artists' works will be displayed in the Board Training Room at the District Administration Building until April of 2026.

Tulip Time KinderParade 2025
HPS Students (Grades 1-5) are invited to march in the Tulip Time KinderParade on Thursday May 8. If you are planning on your child walking in the parade, they must have a costume and you must fill out this form by Monday, May 5.

Dutch Theatre Presents: Wizard of OZ By L. Frank Baum
- Thursday, May 1, 7pm
- Friday, May 2, 7pm
- Saturday, May 3, 2pm
- Saturday, May 3, 7pm
- Sunday, May 4, 2pm
- Sunday, May 4, 6pm

Five-Year Facility Plan - Public Meeting
HPS Families and members of the Holland Community will have one more chance to give input on the district's five-year facility plan on Monday, May 12, 3:45pm at Holland Language Academy. Superintendent Nick Cassidy will discuss:
- Phase 1 of the Plan (Redistricting K-5 buildings)
- Phase 2 of the Plan (Building Renovations, Facility Construction, and Use of Existing Facilities)
- Results of a Community Survey
This meeting was originally scheduled to happen on Monday, April 28 but was cancelled to give additional time to gather more/better information about the Facility Plan.

HEC Students Complete 13th Year!
15 Holland Early College Students collectively earned 860 college credits, an average of 57 credits each.
- 8 HEC students earned their full Associates Degree!

District Art Show
The HPS Art Department is proud to show the incredible works of art created by students from all HPS buildings.
- May 1-15 in the Art Gallery at Holland High School
An Opening Night reception will be held on May 1, 4:30-6pm in the Art Gallery at Holland High School.

HPS Orchestra Alumni to Celebrate Mrs. O'Neill's Retirement
HPS Orchestras Director Mrs. Oneill (formerly Mayer) will retire after this school year. All string orchestra alumni who played under Mrs. O’Neill’s direction (at either the middle or high school level) are invited to perform alongside the current Holland High School Orchestra at the Spring Concert on Monday, May 19 at 7pm in the HHS Performing Arts Center.

Anne Frank Essay Contest Winners
This district-wide essay contest invited students to reflect on what courage means in their own lives and/or how community impacts the world around them.
Congratulations to our Essay Contest Winners:
- K-5: June Nelson | 5th Grade at HLA
- HMS: Nevaeh Mullennix | 7th Grade
- HHS: Skyana Chiv | 10th Grade
Winners shared their essays at the Exhibit Opening Dinner sponsored by the Holland Educational Foundation on Tuesday, April 22.


HPSPodcast 5.31
This week, we talk with Grace Dattadeen and Shiloh Maples. They are student-docents for the Community of Courage, Anne Frank Exhibit now open at Holland High School.

Nurse Notes - April
Spring brings a variety of activities and opportunities for families to enjoy the outdoors, but it also presents potential health and safety concerns. Here are some essential health and safety tips for parents and families to consider this spring season.

Howard Takes First Place at Debut Art Show
Senior Vik Howard's American Icon was awarded First Place at the Holland Area Arts Council Debut 2025 Art Show.
Junior Owen Baer's Metal Face Munchies Cereal Box design was awarded Honorable Mention.
Junior Mark Jordan received the Holland Friends of Art Award for Fallout.
Community of Courage - Anne Frank Exhibit
Community of Courage, a student-guided exhibit about the life of Anne Frank, will be at Holland High School April 20-May 7, 2025.
Community partners and the general public are encouraged to experience the exhibit on the following dates:
- Thursday, April 24, 6-8pm
- Tuesday, April 29, 6-8pm
- Monday, May 5, 8am-3pm
- Tuesday, May 6, 8am-3pm
- Wednesday, May 7, 6-8pm

2025-2026 Important Dates
Calendar Highlights:
- First Day of School | Thursday, August 21
- Homecoming | Friday, October 10
- Thanksgiving Holiday | November 26 - November 30
- Holiday Break | December 20 - January 4
- MLK Day | Monday, January 19
- Mid-Winter Break| Friday, February 27 - Monday, March 2
- Spring Break | Friday, April 3 - Sunday, April 12
- Class of 2026 Commencement |Tuesday, May 19
- Last Day of School | Wednesday, June 3
These dates are tentative, pending ratification of The Board of Education at the April Board of Education Meeting.

2025 Tulip Time Costume Rental - $5
- Friday, May 2 | 4:30-7pm at Holland Language Academy, 461 VanRaalte
- Saturday, May 3 | 9:30-12pm at Holland Language Academy, 461 VanRaalte
For HPS students, Grades 1-5, marching in the KinderParade on Thursday, May 8.

What's Cookin' in April
Look what's new in a cafeteria near you! Now offering Cereal Bowls.
- Cinnamon Toast Crunch
- Trix
- Cocoa Puffs
- Lucky Charms
- Blueberry Chex
- Honey Cheerios
A great way to start your day!

Public Notice - BOE Executive Committee Change of Date and Time April 21, 2025

DNA finishes in Top 20 at State Tournament
The Holland High Varsity Quiz Bowl team, Dutch Nerd Army finished 16th overall in the Class A State Quiz Bowl Tournament at UM-Ann Arbor on Saturday, April 12. The team was led by Senior Ben Rund-Scott, the top individual scorer for the DNA. Also competing for the DNA were seniors Adam Alderson, Alan Juarez, Eleanor McMullen, and Mia Rodriguez, along with junior Wilson Lin. Everyone was able to contribute and score at the event.

HPSPodcast 5.30
This week we hear from the 2025 Power H IMPACT Award Finalists.
March - Students of the Month
Here's what staff members are saying about our Students of the Month at Holland Middle School.
- Calia Campos | 6th grade
- Benedict Ortiz | 7th grade
- Jay Hughes | 8th Grade

Hiring Bus Drivers
We have immediate openings for bus drivers at Holland Public Schools:
- Starting pay: $22.30/hour
- Paid Training
- License Fee Reimbursement
Contact the Transportation Department to set up an interview - 616.494.2950

HPSPodcast 5.29
This week we talk with Kate Bolt from the Holland Educational Foundation about the Community of Courage Anne Frank Exhibit coming to Holland High School.

Read-A-Thon Final Results!
MINUTES READ
- HLA - 31,315 minutes | First place class: Marroquin
- Heights - 21,120 minutes | First place class: Byrne
- West - 20,413 minutes | First place class: Witters
- Jefferson - 15,640 minutes | First place class: Thornton
- HMS - 85,000 minutes | First place class: 8th Grade
FUNDS RAISED
- K-5 - $3566
- HMS - $4133
Thank you to everyone who’s helped fundraise for PTO! Keep up the great work - and keep reading!

Power H Shop - April 3
The Power H Shop is an initiative to support families experiencing crisis or financial hardship, by providing free household items through a dignified retail setting, and thus alleviating a family's financial hardship.
- Thursday April 3, 4:30-6pm at Maplewood Elementary

HHS Students' Artwork Featured in "Début" Art Show
21 works of art created by 17 HHS students have been juried and selected for the Holland Area Arts Council's "Début" Art Show
- You can see the works at HAAC (downtown Holland) April 10-May 24.
- There is a special artists' reception on April 17, 5:30-7pm at HAAC. Awards will be announced at 6pm.

HMS Students to Compete in National History Day State Competition
Seven Holland Middle School students will compete at the National History Day competition at Central Michigan University on April 19, 2025.

HPSPodcast 5.28
This week we talk to Superintendent Nick Cassidy about the district's 5-year Facility Plan.
Upcoming Community Engagement Opportunities:
- Wednesday, March 26, 5-7pm | District Administration Building

5-Year Facility Plan Survey | Shaping the Future of Holland
A strong school system is important to community unity & success. Recently, Holland Public Schools shared a 5-Year Facility Plan.
Key themes of the 5-Year Facility Plan:
- Provide equitable access to programming & opportunities
- Right-size our district to reduce operational costs
- Invest in students, staff, & programs
In order to plan & to be good stewards, we have a short survey we would like you to complete.
Thank you in advance for your time & for helping to shape the future of Holland.

Anne Frank - Community of Courage Exhibit coming to HPS
This pop-up exhibit brings to life the story of the young Jewish girl who – in the pages of her world-renowned diary – documented two years of hiding in German-occupied Amsterdam during World War II. By sharing Anne's legacy with visitors, student docent leaders will inspire our community to never be bystanders but instead to stand up together against antisemitism, bigotry, and inequality wherever it may exist today.
SAVE THESE DATES:
- April 21- May 10 | Exhibit Open at HHS Media Center
- April 22 HEF | Exhibit Grand Opening Dinner at HHS

Nurse Notes -March is National Nutrition Month
March is National Nutrition Month, and it’s the perfect time to focus on healthy eating habits that support growing minds and active bodies! Balanced nutrition is essential for your child’s energy, focus, and overall well-being.
Here are some tips and ideas to help your family make healthy choices this month and beyond.

March 26, 2025 Board of Education, Special Meeting

Read-A-Thon Update!
Read-A-Thon | Launch Into a Universe of Stories!
Reading Minutes for K-5 Schools as of March 18!
- Jefferson - 7,340 minutes
- HLA - 11,895
- West - 7,805
- Heights - 5,625
Keep up the great work - and keep reading!

HPSPodcast 5.29
This week we talk with members of Vocal Dimensions about their show Vocals on Broadway.
Show Times:
- Thursday, March 20 - 7pm
- Friday March 21 - 7pm
- Saturday, March 22 - 4:30pm

HPS 5-Year Facility Plan
This week Superintendent Nick Cassidy met with HPS staff members to share HPS' 5-year Facility Plan. This plan will:
- Ensure Every Student and Staff Member at HPS benefits from upgraded, 21st-century facilities
- Provide equitable access to programming
- Right-size our district to reduce operational costs
- Allow us to invest in our students, staff, and programs

What's Cookin' in March!
Summer EBT is Back! Summer Grocery Benefits for Kids
SUN Bucks is the new name for the Summer EBT grocery benefit. Eligible families will receive $120 per child to purchase groceries over the summer.

More HPS Students Taking Advantage of School Breakfast!
During National School Breakfast Week HPS saw a 16.75% increase in the number of students eating breakfast!!
- Heights 27%
- High School 15%
- HLA 23%
- Jefferson 10%
- Middle School 13%
- VRTech 15%
- West 17%
A special thank-you to our Kitchen Leads: Stacey, Sandy, Julie, Lori, Heather, Melissa & Linda for making it all come together!
Keep up the good work and keep encouraging your students to start their day with a nutritious school breakfast!
- Breakfast & Lunch is no-cost to all HPS students.

Dutch Nerd Army Gets Ready for State Finals
DNA had a good showing at the White Pigeon "Trash" Tournament this weekend. All the questions at the tournament focused on music, sports, and other bits of pop culture.
- The team of Landen Butch, Alan Juarez, Wilson Lin, Eleanor McMullen, and Mia Rodriguez went 5-0 in their morning bracket to qualify for the top 4. In the afternoon, they went 1-2 in that top bracket to finish in 3rd place overall.
- As individuals, Alan Juarez and Mia Rodriguez finished in 10th and 11th place, respectively.
Way to go DNA! The team will have their final competition on April 12, when they travel to UM-Ann Arbor for the State Finals.
February Students of the Month
Congratulations to our Students of the Month
- Hendrik Hoekman | 6th Grade
- Will Rund | 7th Grade
- Kailina Beltran | 8th Grade

HPSPodcast 5.27
This week on the HPSPodcast, we're talking with Kayla Gearring and Rionna Garino about Inclusion Week and The Game.

HPSPodact 5.26
This week, we introduce you to the Power H Award Building Finalists:
- Holland Language Academy: Kyla Reichert, Denia Rodriguez, and Kate Meyer
- Holland Heights: Liz Melangton, Todd McKay, Diana Sandoval
- District Support: Lucio Lozano

HPS Staff CPR Training
For the 2024/2025 school year, HPS has been able to certify 43% of staff members in CPR/AED/1st Aid. This includes teachers, coaches, IAs, bus drivers, food service, office staff and Administration.
This would not have been possible without the partnership with Holland Department of Public Safety - Fire Services.
- Fire Marshal Bret Groendyke
- Fire Fighter Angela Lound

Vocals On Broadway
Vocal Dimensions will bring a bit of Broadway to the Tulip City.
- Thursday, March 20 - 7pm
- Friday, March 21 - 7pm
- Saturday, March 22, 4:30pm
$15 for adults \ $10 for students in the HHS Performing Arts Center

Teachers Live Here Grant Awarded to Autumn Starkey
Congratulations to Autumn Starkey, 5th Grade teacher at Holland Heights - the latest recipient of a Teachers Live Here Grant. Autumn has been award $29,000 toward the down payment and closing costs of a home in the Holland School District.

HPSPodcast 5.25
This week, we introduce you to the Power H Award Building Finalists:
- Holland Middle School: Kyle Kreps, Jeff Minkus, and Daniza Palmateer
- Jefferson Elementary: Julie Mishoe, Mary Wilcox, and Chris Taylor
- District Support: Jordi Fuentes
Don't Jinx a S___ D__!
The first rule of Days, is that you don't talk about Days.

HPSPodcast 5.24
This week, we introduce you to the Power H Award Building Finalists:
- West: Joy Kooyer, Kamille Barajas, Sarah Groenheide
- HHS:Carl VanFaasen, Kristen Slotman, Jason Siersma
- District Support: Julie Mokma

The Next "Snow Day" Might Be a "Snow Delay"
For the remainder of the academic calendar, if it is safe to do so, Superintendent Nick Cassidy will consider calling a 2-hour delay rather than a full snow day! This will help ensure students are in school when it is safe for them to be and that we don't have to extend the school calendar beyond June 4.
HMS Students of the Month - January
Take a look at what the staff at HMS is saying about our Students of the Month:
- Zoe Mulder - 6
- Leah Peck - 7
- Charlie DuMez - 8

Student Artwork Selected for Art Show - West
The Michigan Art Education Region 9 Art Show will include:
- Charlie Kraus Girl Looking out the WIndow - drawing (2nd grade | Mrs. Kuiper)
- Marian Reynolds Shmal Behind the Fence - drawing in (4th grade | Mrs. Chamness)
- Vincent Vereeke Basketball - drawing (5th grade | Mrs. Witters)
The show runs February 10-26 at the downtown Grand Rapids Western Michigan University Campus - 200 Ionia Ave SW | Mon-Fri 8:30a-5:30p.

Student Artwork Selected for Art Show - Holland Heights
The Michigan Art Education Region 9 Art Show will include:
- Fox by Levi King (4th grade | Mr O'Connell)
- Wildcat by Henry Hoesch (4th grade | Mrs Mason)
The show runs February 10-26 at the downtown Grand Rapids Western Michigan University Campus - 200 Ionia Ave SW | Mon-Fri 8:30a-5:30p.

Big Opportunity Week | February 3-7
At Holland, we off SMALL SCHOOLS so that every student gets the individual care they deserve, while still providing the BIG OPPORTUNITIES they need to succeed.
During Big Opportunity Week, we invite you to come visit our schools, meet teachers and principals, and start the enrollment process.
- Tuesday, February 4, 5-7pm at WEST ELEMENTARY and NATURE-BASED HOLLAND HEIGHTS at Longfellow School
- Wednesday, February 5, 5-7pm at JEFFERSON ELEMENTARY and HOLLAND LANGUAGE ACADEMY
- Thursday, February 6, 5-7pm Step Up to Learning at HOLLAND MIDDLE SCHOOL
- Thursday, **March** 6, 5-7pm Find Your Fit at HOLLAND HIGH SCHOOL

Power H Shop Give Back and School Drive
February is our Give Back Month for the Power H Shop. Instead of shopping this month you can:
- drop of donations during the event (Thursday, February 6 at Maplewood)
- drop them off at any school (there's a box in the office!)
- send them from our Amazon Wishlist.

HHS Student receives Honorable Mention in National Art Competition
Delaney Wilson (Grade 10) received Honorable Mention in the Scholastic Art Awards for her Chuck Close inspired grid style acrylic painting titled, Inner Child.

Big Opportunities - Step Up to HMS
Thursday, February 6, 5-7pm.
Check out all the great opportunities available for students at Holland Middle School. You’ll love it here!
- We will have academic information meetings in the cafeteria at 5:15pm and 6:15pm
- An interactive tour with stations around the school for families to visit and learn more about HMS
- See classrooms and meet teachers!
Any Holland families interested in attending HMS are invited. All HPS 5th-grade Parents and Students are encouraged to attend.

Do you want to join the Emerald City?
Auditions for Middle School students to join the upcoming HPS production of The Wizard of OZ will be:
- Monday February 10 from 6-7:30PM in the PAC at Holland High School.
There's a place for everyone!
Tentative Performance Dates: First week of May.
Questions: Contact Mrs. Miller - Theatre Director

Dutch Theatre Presents Sororophobia
Sororophobia is written by HHS Alum Laney Lynch
- February 7 at 7pm | HHS PAC
- February 8 at 2pm | HHS PAC

A Response to Federal Immigration Policy and Enforcement
Holland Public Schools is committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment for all students, regardless of their status. We believe every child has the right to pursue a public education free from fear or discrimination, and we remain steadfast in our mission to serve every child and family in our community with dignity and respect.

HPSPodcast 5.22
Holland Public Schools is accepting nominations for the 2025 Power H Awards. On the Podcast this week, we look back at Finalist for the 2024 Power H Impact Award.

Thank You Fleetwood Furniture!
The 4th-graders in Mrs. Gruppen's class at Jefferson will have new flexible seating provided by Fleetwood Furniture!
- Check out these new Soft Rock Stools!
- Fleetwood Furniture also provided beautiful new identification cards for Occupational Therapy equipment.
The Holland Community is UNITED around the success of all students!

HHS Singers Among TOP 200 High School Choir Members in Michigan
Best of luck to Paige Frens and Chris Logan as they perform with the State Honors Choir this weekend.
The State Honors Choir represents the TOP 200 high school choir members in the state of Michigan!

BeNice Basketball Friday in the Dome
Due to cancellation of basketball games this week, we are changing up Friday's basketball schedule:
- 4:00 (Dome): JV boys
- 4:00 (Aux): JV girls
- 5:30 (Dome): Varsity Girls
- 5:30 (Aux): Freshmen Boys
- 7:00 (Dome): 20 minute Unified Game
- 7:45 (Dome): Varsity Boys

We need Munchkins for Dutch Theatre's Production of Wizard of Oz
We are looking for 2 sets of 20-30 Munchkins, and hope to have students from all of our elementary schools represented. MUNCHKIN AUDITIONS for 3rd-5th grade students (preferably under 5'2") are:
- Thursday, January 30 at 5, 6 or 7pm (sign up for a time below.)
- Saturday 2/1/25 at 9:30am (The first Munchkin rehearsal is Saturday, 10a-12n...so if you attend the audition Saturday morning, you should plan on staying for rehearsal until noon.)
Tentative Performance Dates: First week of May.
Questions: Contact Mrs. Miller - Theatre Director

What's Cooking | January Newsletter from Holland Nutrition Service
The Holland Nutrition Service Department is excited to offer a nutritious and delicious breakfast to your student(s). We encourage all parents/guardians to take advantage of our School Breakfast Program — breakfast is available at NO COST to students.

Two from HPS Earn City of Holland Social Justice Awards
Congratulations to two representatives from Holland Public Schools for being recognized by the City of Holland with a Social Justice Award.
- Karinna Martinez (Class of 2025) was awarded the Social Justice Youth Award recognizes her commitment to make the City of Holland a better place for everyone to call home.
- Chase Magsig (DHH Deaf Language Model) was awarded the Social Justice Award for his work to improve accessibility for the DHH Community in the City of Holland.
Thank you Karinna and Chase for everything you do in the City of Holland.

Special Education Family Night
This series of Family Nights will support families with student who have a disability or suspects their child may have a disability.
- When: February 25 from 6-7
- Where: Administration Building-Board Room | 320 W. 24th
At our first meeting:
- Introductions and Intentions
- A walkthrough of Holland’s new Special Education Family Handbook
- Answers to your questions about Special Education at HPS

2025 Unified Basketball Schedule
Unified Basketball is back in 2025. Be sure to catch a game and support these student athletes this season!

Reminder about REMIND
REMIND is the best way to get “Snow Day” announcements from HPS.

United Sports and Peer-to-Peer Gear!
Support Holland Unified Sports and Peer-to-Peer by purchasing a custom shirt or sweatshirt hand-crafted by students in the High School Categorical Work-Based Learning Program. These students are involved in every step of the process, from selecting the designs to printing and packaging the apparel for delivery, gaining valuable skills and experience along the way!
There are two designs to choose from.
- Short Sleeve T-Shirt: $10
- Long Sleeve T-Shirt: $15
- Hoodie: $25
Orders and payments are due by January 21st. (cash or check payable to Holland Public Schools)
All orders will be fulfilled and delivered to your (or your students) building by January 31st or you can pick them up during the home basketball game on January 31st between 5-7 pm.
Introducing: My Ride K-12
Holland Public Schools is excited to be using the My Ride K-12 app!
This app will let parents:
- Use their phone to follow your student’s bus in real time.
- See estimated arrival times of the bus to the bus stop.
- Check for bus information.
- Receive updates on their phone about any changes in daily bus routes.
We hope parents of all K-5 bus riders will download and use the app.

HPSPodcast 5.20
This week we talk with HEF Ex. Director Kate Bolt: The Holland Educational Foundation is looking to make 2025 even better than 2024.

Dutch Nerd Army (DNA) Opens League Season In Stellar Fashion
Out of the 14 total varsity teams from 8 schools, Holland finished 1st and 4th.
- Adam Alderson, Landen Butch, Alan Juarez, Wilson Lin, Eleanor McMullen, Mia Rodriguez, Ben Rund-Scott, and Harper Schoon-Tanis.
This puts them in the lead as they pursue another league title.
Out of the 10 teams present, JV finished 4th and 5th.
- Sam Huizinga, Chanelle Jackson, Chris Logan, Kimia McMullen, and ME Tanis.
The DNA will be in action again next Monday as they travel to Hopkins to begin the round robin portion of the season.

24 Pictures for 2024
The following collection of photos is not necessarily a collection of my favorite photographs from 2024. Rather, this is a collection of photos that helps capture the story of Holland Public Schools in 2024.

Nurse Notes - Holiday Blues?
Many find the holidays a time of sadness and stress. A new study showed that 64% of people with mental illness report holidays make their conditions worse. But even without a diagnosis of a mental illness, sadness and stress are very real feelings.
Here are some suggestions to make the holidays less stressful and more joyful:

HPSPodcast 5.19
Looking back at the great kids doing great things in 2024.

Student Council PB Drive for Paws with a Cause
HMS Student Council collected jars of Peanut Butter to benefit service/therapy dogs like Shimmy and Rocky.
260 jars of Peanut Butter was donated this week to Paws with Cause! #HPSProud

What's Cooking | December
This month read more about:
- HPS Nutrition Service is awarded grant to provide students with locally grown fruits & vegetables
- Thank you to local food providers!
REMEMBER: All HPS students are provided Breakfast & Lunch at no cost!

Thank you Haworth!
Thank you to members of the Haworth Leadership Team who donated 46 new gifts & toys to the Power H Shop for the Holiday Season.
Our Community Coordinators will make sure HPS families/students who need the gifts the most have them before Christmas morning.
We are grateful to all our community partners who support the success of all students.

Mrs. Arndt Celebrates 2nd Retirement
Join HPS is congratulating Patti Arndt on her second retirement from the district.
- She started teaching in 1969 at Harrington School. (She also taught at Van Raalte School)
- She retired the first time in 2009.
- She came back to the district in 2022, working part-time in an ASD classroom at West Elementary.
- Today, was her last day in a classroom.
All of us at HPS will miss the incredible impact Mrs. Arndt has on students and families in Holland.
HMS Winter Choir Concert
Here is the feed of the HMS Winter Choir Concert - rescheduled after a Snow Day on Thursday, December 5.

HPSPodcast 5.18
This week we talk with Patty Beatty, Director of Early Childhood at HPS, about all the great things happening in our pre-school classrooms.

Winter Home Games - Reminder of Rules and Expectations
As the Winter Athletic Seasons gets underway in the Dutch Dome (and Holland Aquatic Center), here is a reminder about some of the rules and expectations for students and families who attend games/meets:
- Middle school age and younger MUST be an accompanied by an adult
- No student backpacks
- No re-entry for any spectators
- All school rules apply during events
- The Dome and the parking lots are a drug free school zone which includes any vape products.
#GoDutch
The Power of Being Here
It’s never too late to improve attendance!
- Going to school more often will make a difference
- Attendance habits will follow your child into work and life

Thank You Denooyer Chevy!
Denooyer Chevy donated $900 to provide Social/Emotional learning materials for HPS pre-school students!
This is what uniting the community around the success of all students looks like!
Thank you!

Principal Derr Honored by MEMPSA
Each year the Michigan Elementary and Middle School Principals Association recognizes principals from the regional principal networks for their outstanding contributions to their school communities as well as their commitment to colleagues within the professional association.
- Congratulations to Mr. Derr! Your leadership and commitment to excellence is inspiring!

Communication Survey
HPS GOAL: Engage and Inform parents and community members through consistent two-way communication.
HPS continues to work on engaging parents and the community through effective communication. This has included using Remind, My Ride K-12, and Parent Portal.
The next level of work will be to
- Gather feedback from parents so we have an understanding of what they need and want
- Streamline the enrollment and registration process
- Create standards for communication so that parents are not overwhelmed with the number of messages received
We'll also host focus groups of parents on:
- Thursday, January 9
If you are interested in participating in the Communication Focus groups, please drop us an email.

HPSPodcast 5.17
'Tis the season for holiday music. This week we talk with Abby Hart and Olivia Zoet about what's happening in HHS Performing Arts

Dutch Theatre Presents: Unexpected Encore
Join us for an afternoon of entertainment, laughter, and inspiration as we celebrate the performing arts in this unique setting.
- Sunday, December 8, 3pm | HHS Commons
- FREE! Donations Accepted.
This intimate performance features a variety of smaller scenes, musical numbers, and special acts. Many of our talented students are preparing these pieces for the state thespian festival, college auditions and musical theatre solo and ensemble. You’ll have the unique opportunity to witness their hard work up close while enjoying a cozy atmosphere complete with hot cocoa and cookies!

Winter Collage Concert
Join Holland Bands, Holland Choirs, and Holland Orchestra for their Annual Winter Collage Concert
- Saturday, December 7, 7pm
- First Reformed Church, 630 State St

Afterschool Basketball - 3rd & 4th Grade
Holland Recreation and Holland Public Schools are excited to partner together to offer a new After School Basketball Program. The after-school basketball practice option is being offered for the 3rd/4th grade levels.
- PRACTICE: December 9 - February 10 - Mondays & Wednesdays | 3:45-5:15pm
- GAMES: Thursdays, January 9 – February 13. | 5:30 and 6:30pm
There are still spots available for 3rd and 4th grade girls to register for this program!

CFHZA and OAISD donate $27k to HHS Book Nook
The Community Foundation of the Holland/Zeeland Area & the Ottawa Area Intermediate School District have donated $27,364.92 for books for the newly renovated Book Nook at Holland High School.
We are incredibly grateful to the OAISD and the Community Foundation of the Holland/Zeeland Area for their generous donation to our Book Nook. Providing high-interest, choice books to our students sparks a lifelong love of reading and positively impacts learning and academic achievement. Holland High School is fortunate to have such a supportive and invested community. -HHS Principal Mehall
HMS Students of the Month - December
We are proud to recognize our outstanding students who have shown exceptional dedication to the DUTCH expectations: Diverse, United, Thrive, Committed, and Honorable.
- 6th grade | Kailea Brown
- 7th grade | Leighton Smith
- 8th grade | Gizele Benavides
Their hard work, respect, and positive impact on our school community truly embody what it means to be a Holland Middle School student.

Public Notice - BOE Annual Organizational Meeting December 16, 2024, 6:15 p.m.

Red & White Shop for the Holidays
Get your Christmas shopping done in the Red and White Shop with new items like sweatpants, crew necks, and hats!
- Stop by the athletic office Monday-Friday between 8am and 3pm to shop!
- We will also have the shop open during varsity basketball games.
Thanks for supporting Holland Athletics! Go Dutch!

A Letter from Superintendent Nick Cassidy - November 2024
There is much to celebrate in this season of Thanksgiving and much to bring hope as we begin to look towards a new year.
Listen to HPSPodcast 5.16 with Superintendent Nick Cassidy
As we head into Thanksgiving break, I want to express thanks and gratitude for our talented educators who inspire and nurture the potential in every child, for our committed staff who keep our schools running smoothly, and for our students who remind us every day why we do what we do. I am equally grateful for our families and community members, whose trust and investment in our schools enable us to provide opportunities that shape the future.

Teachers Live Here Grant Awarded to Lydia Williams
Congratulations to Lydia Williams, Speech Pathologist at Holland Heights - the latest recipient of a Teachers Live Here Grant. Lydia has been award $26,500 toward the down payment of a home in or near the Holland School District.