The students and faculty returned for the 2023-2024 school year rejuvenated and ready to begin a new year of learning. As the students returned it was encouraging to see they were confident in what school should look like at the beginning of the year. It is so nice being able to start school without wondering what is in store, and getting back to “normal” school activities is a refreshing way to start the year. Thank you for sharing your child with us each and every day, we will try our very best to insure their safety and instill a love for learning. 

As Holland ISD continues to look for areas in which to grow, safety protocols for each campus have been the focus for our District. This year a School Resource Officer (SRO) has been hired to be around the campus each day when school is in session. He has done an excellent job of fitting into the culture and climate that exists on campus. His role is to partner with the school in providing the safest campus possible. 

This fall we will once again be able to offer our Fall Carnival, Family Nights, Community Thanksgiving Meal, Band Concerts, and Elementary Christmas Programs. Community outreach is a goal of ours and we encourage you to attend these events to strengthen the bond between home and school. Holland ISD will set high expectations for all students and we know that working together is the best way for them to reach their full potential. 

I would like to thank those of you that have filled out the ESSER survey, if you have not I encourage you to do so. There are several of the same questions, but times have certainly changed in the last four years. The survey provides discussion amongst administrators and gives the district information when we begin to look into a need or concern. The feedback thus far this year continues to be helpful as we work to be the best educational tool we can be for your student. Philosophical differences might exist, but we can all agree that we want to provide an environment that is safe and encouraging as we push our students to their maximum growth this year. The Return to School plan has been recommended to the Board of Trustees at this point, it will stay a recommendation until we can update it with some new information from you, at that point the school board will adopt a plan in September. The survey can be accessed here if you have not completed it and would like to do so.

Thank you for the continued support and opportunity to work with your students on a daily basis, we look forward to a successful year in all areas at Holland I.S.D.,

Shane Downing

Welcome back to another exciting school year!  We are thrilled to have all of our students back on campus and look forward to a year filled with learning, growth, and positive experiences.  Parents and guardians, your partnership is vital to the success of our students. We value your involvement, feedback, and support as we work together to provide the best educational experience for your children. Please know that our doors are always open, and we encourage open communication throughout the year.  I have high hopes for the year ahead, and I am confident that with the dedication of our students, the commitment of our educators, and the unwavering support of our families, we will achieve great things together! 

We have had an excellent start to the school year. All of our students and staff are working hard and getting back into the swing of school. We are starting the school year strong and have lots of events going on: Student Council elections, UIL sign-ups, Volleyball, Football, Cheer, and Cross Country. Remember to check your email at the beginning of each month to check out our Hornet Happening newsletter, and as always, call or email us if you have any questions or concerns. We are always happy to help! 

Our 2023-2024 school year is off to a great start! You can feel the excitement from the students as you walk around our buildings. Thank you for sharing your students with us and being patient as we work out any glitches in our processes/systems. We are looking forward to a fantastic school year full of growth.

I will be sending a parent newsletter containing helpful information at the beginning of each month. It goes to the email address that you have provided in Ascender. If you do not receive it, please let us know. Teacher will also communicate with you regularly through your student's folder and/or Class Dojo. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to let us know. 

The Hornets worked hard during summer workouts and it showed as Hornet football picked up a 31-14 win over Burton in week 1.  The kids and dedicated coaching staff are motivated to win the district championship this year and will give their all for Holland in the process.

Hornet cross country has been working since July as it prepares for a repeat of last year's district championship. The season competition opened with a meet at Lions Park, hosted by Temple High School. The cross country teams will compete with schools large and small over the next seven weeks, culminating in the district meet, which will be held this year in Cameron on October 7. 

The Lady Hornets have been hard at work since July 31st which marked the first day of practices for the 2023 Hornet Volleyball season. The first 4-5 weeks of volleyball are considered “tournament season.” We have played in competitive round robins and tournaments in Rogers, Caldwell, Cameron, Rosebud-Lott, and are now finishing up our last varsity tournament in Moody. The Lady Hornets junior varsity teams  are hosting the Hornet F/JV Tournament this coming weekend and then will participate in the Jarrell JV tournament. These young women have brought their competitive energy to practice and games everyday. Their season had a rocky start with two home court losses to CTCS and Milano. Since then the Lady Hornets have turned things around with a big home court win against a tough Florence team and a couple of away wins against Moody and Oglesby. They finished 4th in district last year and made it to the first round of playoffs. Their goal this year is to finish 2nd in district play and make it as far as they can in playoffs. Holland can be proud of these motivated young women and their accomplishments. The Lady Hornets are grateful for all of the community support. Hornets! Win!

Dear Parents:

*If your child has received immunizations, please submit those to the school nurse. This will enable the nurse to update your child's immunization records at school. 

* We are already seeing some illnesses with various symptoms. If your child is sick, please have your child stay home from school if they are running a fever (of 100 or higher), vomiting, or having diarrhea. Your child may return to school once they are free of fever for 24 hours without the help of Tylenol or Ibuprofen, and free of vomiting and diarrhea for 24 hours. This will help your child to rest and recuperate. 

*We will have the Baylor Scott & White Physicians see patients in our School Based Health Clinic throughout the school year except for those Wednesdays when there is no school in session. They will be here on Wednesdays 8:00 AM -12 Noon. (See attached schedule) Please call our clinic at 254-657-2839 if you need to schedule with a doctor or if you have any questions. 

Cynthia Pajestka, RN & Reagan Honeycutt, BSN, RN