District News

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?

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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.

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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.

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HPS is proud to provide 7-Day Meal Boxes to families in the district during the summer months.

Each box will contain a menu with food prep instructions and food items for 7 breakfasts and 7 lunches per week. 

• Meal pick-up will be located at Central Wesleyan Church (446 West 40th St. Holland MI 49423 - Door A) from 12:00-1:00 PM 
•  Thursday, June 12 through August 7, 2025

There is no need to register for these meals... just stop by during the pick-up time to receive the meals for your student(s).

Created by Ready for School and delivered by teachers, Kindergarten Readiness Camp combines the routines of a typical school day with play to build the academic and social skills that kindergarten teachers say they want to see in their students. When a child is curious, asks questions, and is comfortable in the classroom environment, it helps with being ready to learn.

• June 16 - July 31 at West Elementary
• FREE for all HPS families with a K-student enrolled in the 2025-2026 school year
• Breakfast and Lunch provided at no cost
• Transportation available
  
  
  

This week, we talk with Alba Rodriguez Lima, the State Champion in High Jump!

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Joy Kooyer (3rd Grade at West Elementary) has been awarded $5000 for self-designed professional development!

Fund for Teachers, one of the nation's leading organizations supporting preK-12 educators, has announced its 2025 grant recipients, including Mrs. Kooyer. After a rigorous review process, her proposal was selected and she was awarded a grant to visit the setting of "Number the Stars" - her favorite book for 3rd Grade readers.

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.

Heathy food to feed your summer! Summer meal sites provide breakfast & lunch for children 18 and younger, Monday through Friday all summer long... at no cost to families.

• No registration needed. Just drop in.

This summer, Herrick District Library, Ottawa County Parks and Recreation, and the City of Holland Recreation Department are coming together to present the 2025 Summer Reading Challenge: The Truth is Out There.

• Pick up a trail map beginning June 9 to complete the challenge. Maps are available at either Herrick District Library location.

The Holland High School Athletic Department recognized the incredible achievements of our student athletes during Athletic Awards night.

• 2025 Male and Female Athlete of the Year
• Milton L. Hinga Award
• Holland Athletics Power H Impact Award
• State Champion Alba Rodriguez Lima

Our theme this year, which is also one of our core values, was United.  

• We believe Holland Public Schools is the center of a thriving city, and it is our responsibility to unite the community around the success of ALL students. 

HPS is proud to award $29,000 in Teachers Live Here grants to Meghan Kelly! Along with $26,500 in down payment assistance, Kelly also received $2,500 to assist with closing costs because she is purchasing a home within the school district boundaries.  

HPSProud of Louis, Aaron, and Jewish. #GoDutch

Superintendent Nick Cassidy will host an informational meeting on Tuesday, June 3 with presentations at 6pm and 6:30pm concerning the 2025 Bond Proposal that will be on the August 5 ballot for Holland Voters. He'll also answer any questions residents may have about the proposal.  The meeting will be held in Administration Bldg. - Board Room.

HHS Socials Studies Teacher Nick Vartanian was the Keynote Speaker at the HPS 2025 Commencement on May 21.  His address was titled "Willing to Serve".

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• 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.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month and your school nurses want to promote positive mental health for our HPS family.  

Hosted by  the HHS Disc Golf Club and the SHORE Clubs, 

• Wednesday, June 4th after the last day of school (First groups will start around 11:00 AM)
• 2 person teams - All Students & Staff are invited to play | If you need a teammate, register as a "free agent."
• 3 Divisions: Beginnger (9-holes), Intermeidate/Advanced (9-holes), Advanced (18-holes)
• Prizes for: Longest Drive, Longest Putt, Closest to the Basket, Top Teams in each division

Congratulations to the Class of 2025! This week, we replay the speech from our Commencement Student Speaker, Miriam Lopez-Koolhaas - Student Senate President.

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HPS is celebrating its largest group of recipients of the Seal of Biliteracy 

• 21 students received 21 seals in 4 languages other than English.

Since the state started awarded them in 2019, HPS has awarded 95 seals to 91 students in 12 languages.

At their regular meeting this week, members of the Board of Education recognized the 2025 Retirees from Holland Public Schools.

2025 Top 10 students (listed alphabetically):

• Valedictorian: Adam Alderson (4.476 GPA)
• Salutatorian: Gabriel Bos (4.442 GPA)
• Alexander French
• Hadleigh Hilgert
• Hailey Huggett
• Hannah Maginnis
• Emma Margaron
• Eleanor McMullen
• Ruby VanHuis
• Ryland VanderPloeg

An additional 31 students earned Gold Cords for a GPA of 3.5–4.0, and 29 students receiving Red & White Honor Cords for maintaining a GPA above 4.0.

Follow the Class of 2025 as they tour the district on their final day of school! 

For the safety of all students and staff, Holland Public Schools takes this matter very seriously.  

• Staff members are discussing with students the potential consequences of participating in this “challenge”.
• Students will be held accountable for damage.
• We also encourage parents/guardians to have conversations with students about social media, student behavior, and potential consequences.

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. 

HPS will host the annual Registration & Enrollment Block Party on May 21.  This week, we talk with HHS Community Coordinator Tyler Mouw about it.

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Sunday, August 17 at Winding Creek Golf Club

$125/Player

• 18 Holes
• 2 carts/team
• Awards Dinner
• Player Gifts
• Raffles
• $20/Awards Dinner Only

Register now!

• Get your team together OR we can build a team for you.
• Registration deadline is August 10.

HPS is proud to award two more Teachers Live Here grants to Holland educators:

• Isabella Smith (Kindergarten at Jefferson)
• Alec Driscol (Holland Middle School)

Along with $26,500 in down payment assistance, they could also get $2,500 to assist with closing costs if they purchase a home within the school district boundaries.  

HMS Teacher, Kyle Kreps was awarded $5,000 for being named the 2025 Power H IMPACT Award Winner.  

We invite you to congratulate Kreps as he represents HPS in the Tulip Time KinderParade.

Congratulations to the Holland High School Chorus for their Division 1 Excellent Rating at MSVMA State Choral Festival on Friday - something this group hasn’t done before!

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.

The Holland High Forensics team is headed to the State Competition at Saginaw Valley State University. 

• Annie Lou Howell- Poetry 9/10
• Chaza Ben- Extemporaneous
• Mia Rodriguez- Duo Commentary
• Eleanor McMullen- Duo Commentary
• Leila Sundararajan- Program in Oral Interpretation 

Congrats to Jocy, Zion, and Emma!  They are great examples of what it looks like to #GoDUTCH - Diverse, United, Thrive, Committed, and Honorable!

Karinna Martinez (12th Grade) was recognized today for her Honorable Mention winning entry in C-SPAN's annual student video documentary competition, StudentCam.

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.

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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.

15 Holland Early College Students collectively earned 860 college credits, an average of 57 credits each. 

• 8 HEC students earned their full Associates Degree!

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.

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.

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.

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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, 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

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! 

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.

This week we hear from the 2025 Power H IMPACT Award Finalists.

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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

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

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.

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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!

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

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.

Seven Holland Middle School students will compete at the National History Day competition at Central Michigan University on April 19, 2025.

This week we talk to Superintendent Nick Cassidy about the district's 5-year Facility Plan.

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Upcoming Community Engagement Opportunities:

• Wednesday, March 26, 5-7pm | District Administration Building 

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.

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

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.

Read-A-Thon | Launch Into a Universe of Stories!

Reading Minutes for K-5 Schools as of March 18!

1. Jefferson - 7,340 minutes 
2. HLA - 11,895
3. West - 7,805
4. Heights - 5,625

Keep up the great work - and keep reading!

This week we talk with members of Vocal Dimensions about their show Vocals on Broadway.

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Show Times:

• Thursday, March 20 - 7pm
• Friday March 21 - 7pm
• Saturday, March 22 - 4:30pm

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

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.

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.

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.

Congratulations to our Students of the Month

• Hendrik Hoekman | 6th Grade
• Will Rund | 7th Grade
• Kailina Beltran | 8th Grade

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

Listen Now!

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

Listen Now!

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

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

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. 

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

Listen Now!

The first rule of Days, is that you don't talk about Days.

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

Listen Now!

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

Sororophobia is written by HHS Alum Laney Lynch

• February 7 at 7pm | HHS PAC
• February 8 at 2pm | HHS PAC

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. 

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.

• Listen Now!

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!

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!

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 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

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.