Above and Beyond #4

Stop by Holland Heights on a Monday or Wednesday between 3:37 and 5 pm and you'll see a group of 15 boys running. For the first time, Holland Heights has a Total Trek Quest running team. Total Trek is the equivalent of Girls on the Run, but it's for boys. This program wouldn't be possible without the coaching of our very own 5th grade teacher, Todd McKay. Twice a week, Mr. McKay volunteers his time to run with the boys and teach lessons about self-esteem. The program culminates on November 22 with a 5K Celebration Run. Thanks to Mr. McKay for going above and beyond by giving of his time and energy for such a great program.

Above and Beyond #3

East K-8 has established a "family" atmosphere. Each family is headed by a staff member and includes a group of students ranging from grades 1 - 8. This year's family theme is character traits. The families meet monthly to discuss and do an activity highlighting a specific character trait. Each staff member at East k - 8 goes above and beyond by facilitating each family meeting. Lois Mulder has played and integral part in the success of the family concept. She has put in many extra hours, researching, planning, training staff, gathering materials and organizing implementation of the lessons. In short East K - 8 has a true family atmosphere because of the dedication and hard work of Lois Mulder, teachers, staff and administrators.

Above and Beyond #2

Beth Byrne is currently a first grade teacher at Harrington Elementary School. Over the last 10 years, Beth has voluntarily held a Summer Reading Club for her students. The students in her class are invited to come back to school during the summer months once a week for two hours. During that time, Beth does a read-aloud story where she continues to build upon the comprehension skills she taught during the school year. Each student also practices their reading using their own box of leveled books. Beth is there to support and encourage them. Since the arrival of the Big READ Bus during the summer months, Beth coordinates her club to be held on the same day as its stop at Harrington. This allows the students to take a book home from the box she provides, and visit the Big READ Bus to check out another book. Thanks to Beth for going “above and beyond” to support the students at HPS!

Probationary Teacher meeting

The HEA encourages all probationary teachers and their mentors to attend the Annual MEA Probationary Teachers' Workshop

This workshop is intended for all first, second, third and fourth year probationary teachers as well as their mentors and any other interested HEA members.

The 2008 Probationary Teachers' Workshop will be held on:

Tuesday, October 14, 2008--Holland Double Tree Inn Conference Center--4:00 PM until 9:30 PM.

Registration is from 4:00-4:30 PM, the MEA provides all materials and a free dinner. There is no cost to attend this workshop. Everything is free.

Not only can you receive very important information but all hours can be counted for "mentoring hours" as well as PSD hours.

In order to register all you have to do is call: 1-800-458-9213 and provide your name and the name of the school district you teach in.

All of you are strongly encouraged to attend this fantastic workshop.

Have a wonderful summer!

Kiel Nowakowski Receives HEA Scholarship

On Thursday, May 29, 2008 at the Holland High School Senior Honors Convocation the Holland Education Association presented its 2008 H.E.A. Scholarship.

This $500.00 scholarship was presented to: Kiel Nowakowski the son of Merri Martens.

Kiel will attend The University of Michigan to study Psychology and French. A few of his personal interests are international study and affairs, guitar and making movies. He also has been active with Model UN, National Honor Society, French Honor Society and Junior Rotary.

Congratulations Kiel Nowakowski.

Above and Beyond #1

Since it's creation in the fall of 2005, the HEA has been using this blog to share information with teachers and community members. Thank you for reading and being loyal subscribers. Today we would like to introduce a new piece called "Above and Beyond". This piece will focus on specific teachers or groups within the HEA family who are doing great things with students. Things that are above and beyond the requirements from the federal and state level. Great things are happening every day in Holland Public Schools. Great teachers make those things happen. Enjoy.

Please click here to read a letter to the editor about Mrs. Amy Johansen's first grade class at Holland Heights.