DECEMBER 2024
December
9 - PTA Meeting (5:30-7 p.m.)
10 - Papa John's Fundraiser (4-8 p.m.) 3305 S. Campbell location
12 - Culver's Night from 4-6 pm (see more info below)
20 - Holiday Class Parties (1:15-2 p.m.)
23 - District Closed
23- Winter Break (Students Out)
January 2025
1-District Closed
2 - Winter Break (Students Out)
3 - Professional Day (Students Out)
6 - Second Semester / Third Quarter
10 - Honor's Assembly (see below for more info)
When: Thursday, December 12, 2024
Where: Culver's, 1400 East Sunshine
Time: 4:00- 6:00 p.m.
Holland receives 10% of ALL sales between the hours of 4:00- 6:00. Holland has received a total of $900 from past events. This money will be used to support staff and students!
Also, the class who has the most families attend will earn a Culver's custard party!
Dear Holland Families,
After watching our 1st and 2nd-grade students shine during their Healthy Me music performance, I was truly inspired by their courage, joy, and enthusiasm as they sang about ways to keep their minds and bodies healthy! As we dive into the holiday season, it’s a perfect time to keep these conversations going. Encouraging our students to stay happy and healthy means focusing on eating balanced meals, staying active, getting enough rest, reading, and finding opportunities to spread joy to others.
As a reminder, please avoid sending processed breakfasts or sugary drinks with students in the morning. These items cannot be brought into the classroom and will need to be saved for lunchtime. If you have any questions or need ideas for healthier alternatives, feel free to reach out to me or Nurse Wisdom—we’re happy to help!
YOUR principal,
Dr. Rachal E. Tarrasch
Holland Families,
Winter is coming and what better time to cozy up with a book to read! We are in the last couple of weeks before Winter Break and are finishing off a reading challenge here at school. Over Winter Break, why not participate in a reading challenge with your scholar(s)?! Have a fun TIC TAC TOE challenge or see how many marshmallows you can fit in the mug of cocoa as you read! Have a comfy, cozy reading time! Take a picture with your completed challenge and send it to ssnyder@spsmail.org to be featured in the January Family Holland Newsletter!
#SPSReadtoSucceed
Happy Reading!
Fifth-graders may apply for Transitional Transfer for the 2025-2026 school year beginning Nov. 1, 2024.
SPS fifth-graders have the opportunity to request a Transitional Transfer for the 2025-2026 school year to a middle school of their choice that is open to transfers. Students interested in this option may submit requests between 7:30 a.m., Friday, Nov. 1, and 5:00 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6.
This type of transfer is offered as part of Springfield Public Schools’ open enrollment option. If your child plans to attend the middle school assigned to them based on the student’s home address, no action is needed.
If your child is on transfer to a current elementary school and you would like for them to attend the connected middle school you will need to submit a request to transitionally transfer to that middle school.
The transitional transfer request form for the 2025-2026 school year must be completed electronically. Requests are granted on a first come, first served basis determined by an electronic time/date stamp.
If your student is interested, visit www.sps.org/transfers to learn more.
WINTER CLASSROOM PARTIES
Winter classroom parties will be held on Thursday, December 20th, from 1:15 to 2:00 p.m. Join us in celebrating with your child's class! If you would like to help with the party, please check with your child's teacher.
Please note that district policy prohibits the serving of homemade treats during the school day. All food items must be store-bought and packaged, with all ingredients listed. Additionally, at least 50% of the food items should consist of healthy choices, such as fruits or vegetables, or non-food items like pencils, stickers, and notepads.
Watch for more information!
$5 donation to help with pizza during the winter parties - https://square.link/u/0Fu8sTeh
NURSE'S CORNER
The cold weather is here! Please make sure your child comes to school with proper winter outerwear, including a coat, hat, and gloves. Students without these items won’t be able to go outside for recess. If your child needs any clothing items such as shoes, gloves, hats, or a winter coat, don’t hesitate to contact the office and ask for the school nurse—we’re here to help!
A quick reminder about our health policy: your child needs to be symptom-free for a full 24 hours before returning to school. You can review the SPS illness policy in the student handbook section on the SPS website for more details. If you’re unsure whether your child is ready to return, feel free to reach out to me with any questions or concerns.
Also, if your child has started a new medication or has developed a new medical condition, please let me know as soon as possible so I can provide the best care.
Finally, please return completed Tooth Truck applications as soon as possible! The Tooth Truck will be visiting our school soon, and we want to make sure your child can participate.
Thank you for your attention, and let me know if you have any questions!
Counseling Corner
During December classroom lessons with the school counselor, your child is learning about how to learn from and solve conflicts with others. These activities provide fun ways to practice these skills at home. The ideas below will reinforce what we are learning in school –there are activities to play, topics to discuss, and behaviors to reinforce. These are all designed to fit into your daily routine and provide opportunities to further connect with your child.
Home to School Connection Ideas:
●Discuss the approach that different family members have used to resolve conflict, and when each approach may be helpful or unhelpful.
●Take opportunities when reading stories or watching television that involve conflict or difference of opinion, to draw your child’s attention to how characters take responsibility for their actions or apologize when they are wrong.
Burrell Referral
It is now easier than ever to make a referral for Burrell supports. You can call and speak with our counselor, Mrs. Breshears, or use the QR code which will take you directly to the referral form. Both are quick and easy. Please reach out if you have any questions at (417) 523-4100.
CONSTRUCT, CONSTRUCTION, WHAT'S YOUR FUNCTION?
The construction of Holland's FEMA shelter and gymnasium is progressing rapidly and is getting closer to the final stages of completion. We are committed to keeping you updated on the developments of this important project, which will serve as a vital resource for our community during emergencies. Stay tuned for more updates as we move closer to opening this facility.
PTA NEWS
**Upcoming Events:**
- **December 9:** PTA Meeting at 5:30 PM in the Holland Library.
- **December 10:** Papa John’s Night from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM. The PTA will receive 10% of net sales on every order from the South Campbell location during this time.
- **December 10:** Skate Night Glow Party from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Springfield Skateland. Enjoy door prizes, black lights, glow sticks, glow-in-the-dark temporary tattoos, and more! The cost is $7 per person, with $1 donated back to the PTA.
$5 donation to help with pizza during the winter parties - https://square.link/u/0Fu8sTeh
Holland Info
Website: holland.spsk12.org/pages/Home
Location: 2403 S Holland Ave, Springfield, MO 65807, USA
Phone: 417-523-4100
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HollandElementarySPS
X: @Holland_SPS