District News

Six spellers enter; one speller leaves a champion! (At least the losers get a juice box.)

• March 5-8 
• Thurs-Sat at 7pm  
• Sat-Sun at 1pm
• HHS PAC

A riotous ride, complete with audience participation, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is a delightful den of comedic genius. The small cast and unit set make this a perfect option for high schools or community theatres. The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is a fast-paced crowd pleaser and an instant favorite.

Vocal Dimensions earned a Division 1 rating (with a perfect sight reading score!) at the MSVMA District Choral Festival last week. The score qualifies them for MSVMA State Choral Festival in May.

Concert Choir and Chorus were each a couple points shy of qualifying for State earning very high Division 2 ratings.

National School Breakfast Week is March 3-6 

National School Breakfast Week celebrates the important role a nutritious school breakfast plays in helping students start their day ready to learn, grow, and succeed. Observed each year during the first full week of March, NSBW shines a spotlight on the School Breakfast Program and the dedicated school nutrition professionals who fuel students every morning!

This week we introduce you to Keegan Welsh, a junior at Holland High School with a passion for music and an incredible summer opportunity!

• Listen Now!

The Michigan High School Athletic Association has selected HHS Senior Maggie Telgenhof among 14 student-athletes from Class A member schools to receive scholarships through the MHSAA/Farm Bureau Insurance Scholar-Athlete Award program. 

This week we introduce to the final seven semi-finalists for the Power H IMPACT Award!

• Listen Now!

From Jefferson: Stephanie Carlson, Cynthia Alvarado, Maria Rosas
From Nature-base Holland Heights: Julie Morren, Melissa Kontio, Lauren Lancaster
Student Engagement Semi-finalist: Colin Mulder

Holland Police Department is hosting a Junior Police Academy for 7th and 8th grade students.

• July 13-30
• Monday through Thursday
• 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• The Academy is offered at no cost to students or their families.
• Apply by April 3

Contact Student Resource Officers Nicole Hamberg at 616-355-1703 OR Nic Wedeven at 616-355-1725 with any questions.  

This week we introduce to the next seven semi-finalists for the Power H IMPACT Award!

• Listen Now!

From HLA: Anna Slenk, Maria Huerta, and Nydia Morin
From Holland Middle School: Alec Driscoll, Stephanie Bleeker, Derek Orme
Student Engagement Semi-finalist: Mark VanHarmalen

Parent/Teacher Conferences are a great way to engage with your student's teacher!

• Preschool: February 17 & 25, 4:15-7:15p and February 26, 8:30a-3:15p. 
• PreK+/K thru Grade 5: February 17 & 25,  4:15-7:15p. 
• HMS & HHS: February 18 & 24, 3:30-6:30p

It’s dark, it’s cold, are spring and summer ever going to get here?  Living in Michigan, winter can seem like it lasts forever.  Many people go through a time of decreased energy and sadness.  This is often called the winter blues.  The winter blues are often mild and clear up on their own in a short amount of time.  

You can help beat the winter blues by:

This week we introduce to the first seven semi-finalists for the Power H IMPACT Award!

• Listen Now!

From West: Lisa Dekker, Ivana Osziova, and Cherish Witters
From Holland High School: Sue Hemmeke, Jason Siersma, and Dan Telgenhof
Student Engagement Semi-finalist: Bethany VanOss

• Each SemiFinalist receives a $500 prize provided by HEF and an anonymous Holland family.
• 7 Finalist will be selected by building and district colleagues - each receiving a $1000 prize provided by HEF and an anonymous Holland family.
• 1 Winner will be chosen by the community in late April. The winner will receive a $5000 prize provided by HEF and an anonymous Holland family.

Congratulations to our February Students of the Month at Holland Middle School!

• Hadelyn Owens
• Ellen Cox
• Kamila Delgadilio

They demonstrate what it means to be DUTCH (Diverse, United, Thrive, Committed, Honorable).

The DICK’S Sporting Goods Foundation recently awarded HPS a Sports Matters Foundation grant for $13,000!  The grant will launch a pilot program to provide transportation to students who may not otherwise be able to participate in afterschool athletic programs otherwise due to transportation issues. 

HPS Nutritional Services Monthly Newsletter:

• The Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Program 
• Meet the HOLLAND HIGH SCHOOL Food Service Staff
• No Cost Breakfast

Inclusion Week (February 9-13) is a dedicated time to celebrate diversity, promote understanding, and foster a school culture where all students feel valued and included regardless of ability. 

• Throughout the week, we highlight the importance of inclusive practices in education by engaging students and staff in activities that promote empathy, collaboration, and accessibility.

By embracing inclusion, we strengthen our community and create a learning environment where everyone belongs.

This week, we're talking with parents about the Small Schools and Big Opportunities available at Holland Public Schools

• Listen Now!

The College Board Organization recognizes Holland High School as an official College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) Test Site.  Test takers may include:

• High School Students
• Homeschool Students
• Current College Students
• Adults Returning to College
• Military Service Members & Veterans

Since January 2023, 24 HPS Teachers have been awarded more than $573k toward the costs of purchasing a home in or near the district.

“The Teachers Live Here program was an incredible support throughout my home-buying process, and I am truly grateful for Hollands' investment in teachers. Living closer to my school has helped me feel more connected to my students, their families, and the community I serve.”

-Lilian Bol, the very first recipient of a Teachers Live Here grant.

The City of Holland Human Relations Commission's annual Social Justice Awards recognize individuals and organizations who exemplify the virtues of social justice by promoting equal opportunity and equal access for all residents!

• Anotidaishe Grace Mangwiro (Class of 2026) | Youth Social Justice Award - For uplifting marginalized communities, amplifying youth voices, and promoting equity.
• Kayla Gearring (HHS Special Ed. Teacher)| Accessibility - For championing supportive structures that expand opportunities for students of all abilities and backgrounds.

As part of our district’s ongoing efforts to create a safe, welcoming, and supportive learning environment for all students, your child will be invited to take a Social Emotional Learning Survey  Wednesday, January 28 - Friday, February 6. 

• The results of the survey will help our staff strengthen programs and support that increase our learner’s awareness and competency with social emotional skills.
• Results of the survey will be published in March on the district website.

Finalists for the 2025-26 Michigan High School Athletic Association's Scholar-Athlete Awards have been announced.  2 Seniors from Holland High School are among the 120 finalists statewide:

• Maggie Telgenhof
• Andrew Legg

To be eligible for the award, students must have a cumulative grade-point average of 3.50 (on a 4.0 scale) and previously have won a varsity letter in at least one sport in which the MHSAA sponsors a postseason tournament. Students also were asked to respond to a series of short essay questions and submit two letters of recommendation and a 500-word essay on the importance of sportsmanship in educational athletics.

32 winners will be announced in February.

HPS is accepting nominations for the annual Power H IMPACT Awards. On the podcast this week, we talk with last year's winner, HMS Assistant Principal Kyle Kreps.

• Listen Now!

Crossing guard safety tips for students and parents - 

• Follow the crossing guards instructions very carefully.
• Please walk your feet and bikes in the crosswalk.
• Before crossing it's very important to wait until the guard has traffic stopped.
• Make sure to smile, say hello and thank each guard for their service!!

Jessica Janiuk, Holland Middle School Psychologist,  is the latest recipient of a Teachers Live Here Grant!  She is receiving $27,300 for down payment assistance and an additional $2,500 to help with closing costs on her new home in the HPS district.

HPS is grateful to Jessica for her commitment to her students! 

Enrollment is open for families for the 2026-2027 school year. This week, we talk with Jefferson Kindergarten teacher Mary Wilcox about the Small Schools and Big Opportunities at Holland Public Schools!

Listen now!

A Warm Welcome Back from Holiday Break! 

We hope everyone enjoyed a restful and joyful holiday season. As we return to school, your school nurses are here to support student health and wellness so every child can thrive in the classroom.

• Seasonal Health Reminders
• Medication & Health Plans
• Winter Weather Safety

Holland Public Schools will once again host Feeding America Mobile Food Pantries is 2026.

The mobile food pantry is open to all people regardless of income, which school district they attend, or where they live. It is a drive thru system where a box of food will be loaded into your vehicle. It ends at 5:15 pm or when food has run out. 

 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

Holland Public Schools is committed to helping students and families THRIVE. Today, Jason Craner tells us more about HPS’ partnership with the Outdoor Discovery Center and their upcoming Unplugged Speaker Series.

Listen Now!

HPS Nutritional Services Monthly Newsletter:

• The Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Program at West, Heights, and Jefferson Elementary is going amazingly well!
• Meet the HOLLAND MIDDLE SCHOOL Food Service Staff
• No Cost Breakfast

At Holland Public Schools we love to share the stories of how our staff members are having a positive impact on the lives of students and families in the community.

• Nominate a HPS Staff member for the 2026 Power H Impact Award by sharing a story about how they have had an impact on your life!

There are thousands of pictures of Great Kids Doing Great Things on the HPS SmugMug page.  

Sydney Bryer, a Special Ed Teacher at Jefferson, is the latest recipient of a Teachers Live Here Grant!  She is receiving $27,300 for down payment assistance and an additional $2,500 to help with closing costs on her new home in the HPS district.

HPS is grateful to Sydney for her commitment to her students!

Congratulations to members of Dutch Theatre for their outstanding performances at the Michigan Thespians Festival.

SUPERIOR RATING: 

• Abby Hart & Olivia Zoet - Musical Theatre Duet
• Abby Hart - Musical Theatre Solo
• Olivia Zoet - Musical Theatre Solo

EXCELLENT RATING:

• Molly Hugget & Couri Strong - Musical Theatre Duet
• Stella Perkins & Meredith Lewin - Duo Acting

This week we talk with the newest Trustee on the Holland Public Schools Board of Education, Rebekah Schipper.

• Listen Now

Holland High Bands, Choirs and Orchestra will combine talents this week for a holiday tradition.  This week we talk with a member of each group about the annual HHS Holiday Collage Concert.

• Listen now!

Holland High Bands, Choirs, and Orchestras present their annual Holiday Collage Concert at the Jack Miller Auditorium at Hope College on Saturday, December 13 at 7pm.

HPS Nutritional Services Monthly Newsletter:

• The Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Program at West, Heights, and Jefferson Elementary is going amazingly well!
• No Cost Breakfast Program Message
• Meet the  WEST ELEMENTARY Food Service Staff

Holland High School teacher Dan Telgenhof was honored Saturday by the University of Michigan Basketball team as "Teacher of the Game". As a part of Education Day, Mr. Telgenhof was during the game at Chrisler Arena.  Go Dutch! and Go Blue!

As we approach the holiday season, it’s important to keep in mind that we need to take care of ourselves physically and emotionally. To balance holidays and health, we should think about prioritizing self-care.

Our monthly newsletter from the Holland Hospital School Nurses.

Congratulations to 2025 HHS Graduate Zahir Amini for earning a Seal of Biliteracy Achievement Scholarship!

Dear Holland Community,

As we move into the holiday season, we want to share important updates on the progress of our long-term facility work across Holland Public Schools. Thanks to your continued support, especially through the 2021 and 2025 bond initiatives, we continue to make meaningful improvements to support safe, innovative, and future-ready learning environments for all students. 

• Listen to HPSPodcast 6.15 with Superintendent Cassidy.

Trustees have appointed Rebekah Schipper to fill a vacancy on the Board of Education. Schipper will finish out the term left vacant by Tim Marroquin who was recently elected to the Holland City Council. Schipper will have the option to run for election in November 2026.

Have you heard about all the great things happening with the PreSchool program at Holland Public Schools. This week, we're talking with Patty Beatty, Director of Early Childhood.

• Listen Now!

A special thank you to our Holland neighbors who donated new winter coats, boots, gloves, and hats to stock the shelves of the Power H Shop!

• The Power H Shop will open to any HPS Family in need on Wednesday, November 19, 4:30-6pm for a Winter Shopping Event at Maplewood Elementary.

It’s never too early to start talking to children and teens about the risks they face online and continue talking about them at every age. Continuous discussions and reminders are key to safe online habits.

Please join Holland Public Schools in thanking Board of Education Secretary Tim Marroquin for his service to the students and families of the City of Holland.

• Learn more about how the Board of Education will fill the remainder of the term.

Holland Dutch Theatre is ready for opening night of The SpongeBob Musical! This week we talk with Abby Hart and Olivia Zoet from the cast of the show.

• Listen Now!

It's Flu Season and the Holland Hospital School Nurses have some important notes on the Flu.

Downtown Holland is partnering with HPS to host a winter gear donation drive to help keep elementary school students warm and dry this winter. A total of 14 Downtown Holland businesses will be collecting donations as part of the drive, being held from November 3 – 16. 

Holland Public School families in need will be able to collect the items at their Power H shopping event on November 19, with details provided to students by HPS.

The health and well-being of HPS students & families is our highest priority. 

During this government shutdown we know that many HPS families could experience food insecurity; especially those that rely on SNAP benefits. If your family is experiencing food insecurity during this government shutdown, HPS is here to help.  

Holland Public Schools and the BeNice organization will host Thrive Together on Thursday evening at Holland Middle School.  This is a night focused on mental health for students and their families.  On the HPSPodcast his week, we talk with Holland Hospital School Nurse Program Mental Health Care Manager Lisa Gort about the district's focus on helping students Thrive and on this important event.

• Listen Now!

Thrive Together will be held Thursday, October 6, 5:30-7pm at Holland Middle School.

HPS Nutritional Services Monthly Newsletter:

• Exciting News for Middle School Students Can Now Enjoy Ala Carte Options at Lunch!
• Staff Spotlights, Meet some of our HPS Nutrition Lead Food Service Servers: Lori Lutke, Heather Bowes, Linda Wilson

National Honor Society is teaming up with Versiti for their annual Blood Drive at HHS.

• Wednesday, November 12, 8-2pm

Members of the Holland Orchestras invite you to celebrate Halloween with them this week at their De-Composers Concert. 

• LISTEN NOW!

The De-Composer's Concert is Wednesday, October 29 at 7pm in the HHS PAC!

A night of music inspired by Tim Burton hosted by Holland Orchestras.

• Wednesday, October 29, 7pm at HHS PAC
• Tickets just $10 | Available at the door and online.

COME DRESSED TO SCARE IF YOU DARE!!!!!!!

This week we hear from the 2025 Distinguished Alumni Award Winners.

• Listen Now!

The Holland Educational Foundation will honor each of these Alumni at their Red Tie Gala on Saturday, November 8 at 5:30.

Take a look at the Holland Dept of Public Safety School Resource Officers (SRO) and Community Policing Officers who are assigned to our schools.

• Ofc. Nicole Hamberg - Holland High
• Ofc. Nic Wedeven – Holland Middle
• Ofc. Spencer DeGraaf – Heights
• Ofc. Padron-Hernandez – West and HLA
• Ofc. Rod Mendoza - Jefferson

Legal ownership of firearms comes with important safety responsibilities to prevent accidental firearm injuries and deaths, thefts, and suicide, including among children.

• Under House Bill 5451, beginning October 1, 2025, Michigan law will require school districts to distribute a safe storage informational notice—developed by the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS)—to the parent or legal guardian of each student each October.

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HPS is proud to partner with be nice. to help our students and families THRIVE!

• Learn more about the be nice. program's  four-step action plan that's proven to save lives.

HPS is celebrating National School Lunch Week. This week, we talk with the Director of HPS Nutritional Services, Aretha Banks.

• Listen Now!

Halloween Safety  - Kids love the magic of Halloween, but costume and traffic safety are essential for trick-or-treaters. Here are some tips to keep everyone safe.

Holland Public Schools Nutrition Department will be taking our students on a trip around the Globe to celebrate National School Lunch Week. Please join us a we celebrate these different cuisine styles from around the world.

It's Homecoming Week and on the HPSPodcast this week, we're talking with Angie Martin with the Holland Educational Foundation about all the great ways for Alumni and the Holland community to celebrate with students.

• Listen Now!

Congratulations to 92.7 The  Van‘s September Teacher of the Month. Stephanie Carlson from 5th Grade Teacher at Jefferson Elementary School 

Mrs Carlson was nominated by Joanna Gonzalez who says "Stephanie is great with her kids and makes learning fun!"

Special thanks to Keller Williams Harbortown.

HPS Nutritional Services Monthly Newsletter

Holland Public Schools has been awarded both the 10 Cents a Meal Grant and the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Grant for the 2025–2026 school year. While these two programs are separate, we’ll be combining our efforts to ensure our students enjoy locally grown fresh fruits and vegetables throughout the school year.

Congratulations to our September Students of the Month!

• VENELOPE GARCIA - 6th grade
• AMYRA ANDRLIK - 7th grade
• DAVIS CURRIER - 8th grade

Homecoming week is full of fun events for all HPS Students, Families, and Alumni!

• Powder Puff & Alumni Football Game | Sunday, October 5, 5pm
• Homecoming Parade | Friday, October 10, 6pm
• Homecoming Game | Friday, October 10, 7pm
• HOCO Fun Run | Saturday, October 11, 9am
• HOCO Dance | Saturday, October 11, 8-11pm

Each year, 1.5 million students enter the National Merit Scholarship Program by taking the PSAT/NMSQT. 

• Wilson Lin was named a Semifinalist in the competition! This is an incredible honor, recognizing you among the top 1% of high school students in the country. The program offers three types of awards: the National Merit $2,500 Scholarship, corporate-sponsored scholarships, and college-sponsored scholarships, awarded to about 7,880 students annually. 
  
  
• Emma Deenik has been recognized as a Commended Student.  Only 34,000 students nationwide earn this recognition, placing them among the top 50,000 high scorers. While Commended Students do not continue in the competition for National Merit Scholarships, this honor highlights students’ outstanding academic achievement and potential for continued academic success.

HPS will celebrate our partnership with Be Nice. helping students and families THRIVE!  Join us at the home football game on Friday, September 26, 7pm.

• Visit the Be Nice. table before the game for information about their four-step action plan that's proven to save lives.
• Meet former Lions quarterback Eric Hipple
• In-game information about the four-step Be Nice. action plan.
• Halftime performance by the Holland Marching Band.. .plus fun on-field student games
• Holland Dutch v. Belding 

This week we talk with HLA Principal Iliana Vasquez about 2nd Annual Gentex STEM Night and first ever Paper Airplane Contest! It happens Thursday, 5-7pm at the HHS Commons.

• Listen Now!

She Named Him "Little Fire" tells the powerful and heartbreaking story of Gloria White and her son Aidan. It was created by HHS Alum Tails Jekel (Class of 2022). The oil painting is being displayed during ArtPrize in the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum.

Our schools have adopted The “I Love U Guys” Foundation’s Standard Response Protocol (SRP). Students and staff will be training, practicing, and drilling the protocol throughout the year.

• SRP is a uniform, planned, and practiced response to any incident is the foundation of a safe school. 
• The SRP is action-based, flexible, and easy to learn. It rationally organizes tactics for response to weather events, fires, accidents, intruders and other threats to personal safety.

HPS is committed to providing safe and secure learning environments for students & staff.

HHS Student Senate is hosting a movie night featuring Cars 2.  

• Friday, September 19, 8pm at HHS Soccer Field
• All grades/ages are welcome
• Bring a lawn chair or blanket 
• Snacks for purchase

Gentex is sponsoring the 2nd Annual Districtwide STEM Night on Thursday, September 25, 5-7pm in the HHS Commons

• Chemistry Experiments
• Robotics Demonstration
• LEGOs
• Virtual Reality Games
• Community Partners
• and more!

Whose paper plane can fly the furthest? Fold and fly your plane in the Paper Airplane contest to see if it's you! 

Talk to your STEM teacher to learn more!

HPS is proud to partner with be nice. to help our students and families THRIVE!

• Learn more about the be nice. program's  four-step action plan that's proven to save lives.

Students at Holland High School have a new way to connect with service opportunities in our city! Learn more about the new Rotary Interact Club at HHS.

• Listen Now!

Check out the monthly newsletter from the Holland Hospital School Nurses!

• A recap of the 12th annual School Nurse Fun Run!

Congratulations to this month's Caught Being Awesome winner from the Van Andel Institute for Education, Michelle DeBoer, of Holland Language Academy!

HPS Students and Staff will celebrate the kickoff of Hispanic Heritage Month on Friday night. This week, we talk with HLA Principal Iliana Vasquez about the 5th Annual Hispanic Heritage Month Community Celebration

• Listen Now!

HPS Nutritional News Monthly Newsletter

• School Breakfast Program
•  Celebrating 25 Years of Service 
•  10 Cent-a-Meal for Michigan Kids & Farms

The registration deadline for the Annual Holland Hospital School Nurse Fun Run is September 8. Get all the details in this week's HPSPodcast.

• Listen Now!

The Dutch Football season opens on Thursday v. GR Union at Hope College. This week, we're talking with Seniors Tanner Kingery and Xavier Murphy about their goals for this football season.

• Listen Now!

Holland Hospital invites all students, families, friends and faculty to join us for the annual School Nurse Fun Run on Thursday, September 11 at Holland High School.

As we start the 2025-26 school year, I want to update you on an important issue in Lansing that could impact our students, staff, and programs in the coming months.

It's back-to-school for HPS students and on the HPSPodcast this week we're talking with HHS Student Senate President Maggie Telgenhof.

• Listen Now!

 In partnership with the Critter Barn, Holland Public School is now offering Pre-K Farm School.

• 4-year-old students will travel to the Critter Barn each week for lessons about life on the Farm.
• Lessons they learn at the farm will help teach students about Math and Reading.
• Develop and nurture each child's academic, social, emotional, and creative abilities.
• Students will build friendships and experience caring teachers.

There are limited openings in the 25-26 HPS Pre-K Farm School.

We’re excited for another great school year at Holland Public Schools—full of learning, connection, and opportunities for every student.

• HPSPodcast 6.1 - Listen Now!

School Starts Thursday, August 21. (Open House is Tuesday, August 19, 4-6pm at your school)

Free Veggies available at the HMS Greenhouse on Tuesdays (August 5, 12, and 19) 10am-12n

• blackberries
• raspberries
• peppers
• cucumbers
• beans
• jalapeno peppers
• tomatoes
• flowers
• and lots more coming!

This week, we get a summer update from Superintendent Nick Cassidy - along with details about the 2025 Bond Proposal on the August 5 ballot for Holland Voters.

• Listen Now!

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.

This week we talk with the Future Prep'd team from Holland High School and hear about the answer to their driving question: How can HPS unite the community around the success of ALL students?

• LISTEN NOW

MEET UP & EAT UP SUN MEALS (Serving those that are 18 years & under through the summer months)

We look forward to seeing you and your child(ren) at a site near you. 

***NO 7-DAY BOX SERVICE JULY 3^rd

This week we get an update on what's happening with the Holland Educational Foundation from Executive Director Kate Bolt.

• Listen now!

We're busy this summer hiring great people to work with the great kids at Holland Public Schools.

We currently have openings for:

• Bus Drivers
• Lunch Servers
• Cleaning Services
• Substitute Teachers
• More!

This week we talk with Candis Deboer about Period Project 49423.

• Listen Now!