Dear Hudsonville Community,
I trust you have been enjoying a wonderful summer, cherishing valuable moments with your loved ones amidst Michigan's splendid weather. We're eagerly anticipating the commencement of the 2023-2024 school year and the return of our students, staff, and families to our schools. It's only a matter of days before our classrooms once again buzz with enthusiasm for learning.
Our administrative team is meticulously finalizing the details for the upcoming school year. Our efforts in recruiting highly skilled educators have been fruitful, and we're enthusiastic about the invaluable contributions they'll make in nurturing our students' growth throughout the year. With summer drawing to a close, there are several updates to share.
As many of you have witnessed firsthand, our campuses have been undergoing substantial renovations. The construction of the new high school fieldhouse is well underway, and we're optimistic about its anticipated winter opening. This addition is a significant milestone for our community, affording us a high school venue capable of accommodating our entire student body, expanding athletic facilities, and providing space for future co-curricular programs. Thanks to your unwavering support and the successful 2019 bond referendum, this is just one of many exciting enhancements occurring across our district. Other notable improvements include:
The completion of the new 5/6 Building @ Georgetown on the north end of the district is set to welcome students toward the end of this month. Our 5/6 students and their families will have the opportunity to tour the building at their open houses on August 15. It stands as a remarkable space for our children's education.
Bauer Elementary's expansion is in its early stages. Two additional classrooms, much-needed restrooms, and a gymnasium are currently under construction and are projected to be finished by the fall of 2024.
Following the start of the school year, Park Elementary will initiate its renovation and expansion project. Detailed designs can be found on our website, showcasing the exciting changes taking place. Due to the project's scope, construction is expected to span approximately two years.
These transformative improvements will have a lasting positive impact on current and future HPS students, and our entire community. We're profoundly grateful for your continued dedication to the students we have the privilege to serve.
The State budget now encompasses free meals for our students in the 2023-2024 school year. Here are pertinent details about this fantastic opportunity to provide nourishment for our children:
Eligibility for free school meals extends from students in the Great Start Readiness Program (Michigan's pre-K program for four-year-olds) through 12th grade. Furthermore, students up to age 26 who are part of special education programs are also eligible. Unfortunately, the Hudsonville Early Childhood Center (ECC) operates under the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP), which wasn't included in the state's budget. Nonetheless, students enrolled in our GSRP (Great Start Readiness Program) at the ECC will still benefit from cost-free meals.
The program covers one breakfast and one lunch per student per day.
While there's no need to complete a form to access free meals, schools will still request parents to provide household income information. This data ensures that lower-income families remain eligible for other forms of assistance. Please reference our website here for additional details.
As of the current status, funding is secured for the 2023-2024 school year. Advocates are hopeful that the program will persist in the following school years.
We consider ourselves fortunate to possess a dedicated team of educators across the district. I'm delighted to share that we've welcomed over 40 new certified staff members to our faculty for the upcoming academic year.
Once more, thank you for your steadfast support of Hudsonville Public Schools and the students within our care. With excitement, we anticipate the return of students on Monday, August 21st, and eagerly await the unfolding of their achievements as proud Hudsonville Eagles throughout the year.
Sincerely,
Doug VanderJagt, Ph.D.
Superintendent
Hudsonville Public Schools
