May 14, 2026

May 14, 2026

------------------------- TODAY'S ANNOUNCEMENTS  ----------------------------

--All current 8th grade football players: Coach Woodruff will be coming down on Friday during lunch for a brief informational meeting. Please quickly grab your lunch and bring it to the Chix Coop. Again, this is for all current 8th grade football players.

--Yesterday Middle School Track and Field competed at Holland Christian for their conference meet. Although it was cold, athletes showed up and the girls team came away with a 2nd place finish while the boys took home the first place trophy. For many this was the final meet of the season and coaches are very proud of all that was accomplished this spring. A select few athletes will travel to the MEGASTARS meet in Lowell on May 27 for a chance to compete against some of the best athletes in the region. Great season Zeeland Track and Field athletes!

--The 8th-grade soccer squad joined forces with 7th-grade players Tuesday afternoon to face a combined Holland Christian team. Both sides fought hard in a highly contested matchup. After Holland Christian opened the scoring, Gabby Follman netted the equalizer just before halftime. Holland Christian struck early in the second half to regain the lead. However, relentless pressure from the Chix paid off when Malia Vardon found the back of the net, sealing a 2-2 draw. The Chix return to action Monday against Zeeland Christian. 

--The Boys 8th Grade Black Volleyball team struggled to find their rhythm early against Grand Rapids Christian and ultimately fell short, but they bounced back quickly and put Byron Center in their place! Colton Ras and Emerson Weiss-Gelmi played HUGE at the net, while Grayson Weiss-Berry and Colin Weiland played scrappy defense, refusing to let anything hit the floor. Our serving was on point all night, with Gavin, Sam, Everett, and both Hudson's stepping up when we needed them most. Proud of the way this team battled back and responded!

--Last night the boys 8th Grade White Volleyball team dominated in their last game of the season. We took on Holland Christian taking all 5 sets for the win! Hudson Keefer, Mason Clawson and Calum Pierson had an all around amazing game between serving and playing hard at the net. We had some amazing defensive work happening in our back row with Will Maatman and Damian Goodman. Jacob Lamnaru was able to join in for our last game helping bring home the victory and Beckham Strykowski showed up ready to serve! A special shout out to Eli Vruggink for taking on the role of setter for this entire season and making it his own! What an amazing season and team! 

--Last night the Boys Gold Volleyball Team took on Baldwin St. in an exciting match to win 2 out of 3 sets. Lincoln Foreman, Davis Laarman, and Liam Zinke went on noteworthy serving spress to help secure the victory. In the second match of the night they took on Riley St. and again won 2 out of 3 matches to end the season with a thrilling win where more excellent serving occurred from Colin Muilenburg, Junius Gerbers, and Grady Huisman. Thanks to savvy defensive passing from Caleb Maust and Sam Wall, our setters facilitated a formidable offense which included some well-timed tips from Max DeVisser. This allowed the entire front row to dominate with blocking, smart tips, and spikes. The positive energy and first-rate effort from each player for the entire night resulted in the best rallys we've seen all season. Way to finish the season strong, Boys Gold Volleyball Team!

-------------------------  REMINDERS FOR STUDENTS  ----------------------------

--For those staying in town on Memorial Day weekend, please consider supporting the Zeeland High School Jazz students in a fundraiser performance! The concert will help fund different Jazz accessories including brass mutes, saxophone stand fronts, and rhythm section equipment.

The concert theme is "The Joy of Gaming" and the ZHS Jazz Ensemble students will be performing a 25 minute, three-movement suite written by video game arranger and composer, Carlos Eiene. This suite of songs will include music from popular titles including Super Mario, the Legend of Zelda, Final Fantasy, Donkey Kong, Halo, Pokemon, and more. 

  • Sunday, May 24th @ 2:30pm
  • DeWitt Auditorium
  • Tickets - $5 adult and $3 student:  PURCHASE LINK
  • Video game attire is encouraged, like a favorite gaming t-shirt (don't feel like you should come dressed fully as Mario...)

Starting at 1:30pm, the auditorium lobby will be open for those who purchased tickets to hang out early and play games. We'll have a few TV's set up with some switches and other systems. If you just want to listen to the music, then we'll see you for the 2:30pm concert start time!

Click this link for more info: The Joy of Gaming Fundraiser

Hope to see you there!

--Hey everyone! We’ve noticed more Chromebooks coming in for repairs lately, so here’s a quick "Pro-Tip" guide on how to avoid accidental damage and those pesky repair fees:

  1. Clear the Ports: Only chargers and USB cables belong in the ports. Anything else—pencils, clips, or snacks—will break the device. If the port breaks, you’ll be responsible for the total cost of a new Chromebook.

  2. Hands Off the Keys: We know they’re clicky, but please don't pull them off! Replacing just one key will cost $40.

  3. Pack with Care: Screens are sensitive to pressure. Avoid stuffing your bag too full or dropping it roughly. A cracked screen is a $150 fix.

  4. Replacement Chargers are available for $15.

Bottom Line: These devices are valuable tools for your education. Please handle them with care to avoid repair bills and lost study time!

--Heading to the Library After a Half-Day of School? We’re glad students enjoy spending time at the Howard Miller Library after school. To ensure the library remains a safe, respectful space for everyone, please remind your student of the following expectations:

Respect the space – Seating belongs in chairs, not in aisles or hallways. Backpacks and instruments must be kept out of walkways. Keep it quiet – Low voices help maintain a calm environment for all visitors. One person per computer – Public computers are for individual use only. Snacks only, please – Small snacks and covered drinks are welcome. Full meals (like pizza) should be enjoyed elsewhere.

The library is a shared community space, not a supervised gathering area. We appreciate your support in helping students use it responsibly. Thank you for helping us maintain a positive environment for all visitors.

--Just a reminder that backpacks aren't allowed in classrooms during the school day.  They must be left in your locker; that includes during 6th hour. They must stay in your locker until after school.

--Having good ATTENDANCE and being at school as much as possible is so important to a successful education.  Please make every effort to arrive to school on time, to get to class on time, and to come every day.  We love having you with us here at Cityside! 

--You must use a crosswalk when crossing the road at any time because we care about your safety.  State law requires you to ONLY cross at a crosswalk.  It is illegal and unsafe to cross anywhere else.  Please make sure to find the closest crosswalks and use those to get where you need to go before or after school.  Thank you! 

--If you leave school early for any reason, you MUST go through the office and let them know you are leaving.  Thank you.

--If your Chromebook needs to be repaired, please bring it to Mr. Navetta in the CBC by 9:00 in the morning so it can be sent off to the technology office the same day.  Just a reminder:  Mr. Navetta does not have any loaner Chromebooks or charging cords for kids who forget them at home.  Please make sure you are charging your Chromebook fully at night and make sure you take it to school every day.  If you forget it, you will need to call home to have someone bring it to you.  If you forgot to charge it, bring your cord from home. Please completely shut down your Chromebook at least once a week to install any updates that are out there and please remember to fully charge it at home each night.

--A quick reminder about Success Time:  If you have been assigned success time or lunch detention, first drop off your assignments and Chromebook (if needed to complete your assignment) to the LGI room and then grab your lunch so you're ready to get to work right away.  If you've turned your assignments in and have a signed slip, you have 3 options:

1. Hand your signed slip to Mrs. DenBoer in the LGI on your way to lunch. 

2. Put your signed slip in the folder on Mrs. DenBoer's office door in the Media Center. 

3. Put your signed slip in the Success Time Folder on the front desk in the Main Office. 

--Students:  There is a donation bin/box beside the Lost and Found table outside of the office.  The bin/box is for clothing donations that will go to the organization City on the Hill to help clothe homeless people. Feel free to donate old gently used clothes by simply putting them in the box. Thank you for your help! 

--------------------------------  FOR PARENTS  ----------------------------------

--HAND2HAND SUMMER FOOD SCHEDULE: Click HERE for summer food pick up dates. This summer, Hand2Hand plans to distribute nearly 10,000 bags of food to families.  Any family with children ages 3-18 can attend any of our events and receive food for each child-no sign-up is required.

--For those staying in town on Memorial Day weekend, please consider supporting the Zeeland High School Jazz students in a fundraiser performance! The concert will help fund different Jazz accessories including brass mutes, saxophone stand fronts, and rhythm section equipment.

The concert theme is "The Joy of Gaming" and the ZHS Jazz Ensemble students will be performing a 25 minute, three-movement suite written by video game arranger and composer, Carlos Eiene. This suite of songs will include music from popular titles including Super Mario, the Legend of Zelda, Final Fantasy, Donkey Kong, Halo, Pokemon, and more. 

  • Sunday, May 24th @ 2:30pm
  • DeWitt Auditorium
  • Tickets - $5 adult and $3 student:  PURCHASE LINK
  • Video game attire is encouraged, like a favorite gaming t-shirt (don't feel like you should come dressed fully as Mario...)

Starting at 1:30pm, the auditorium lobby will be open for those who purchased tickets to hang out early and play games. We'll have a few TV's set up with some switches and other systems. If you just want to listen to the music, then we'll see you for the 2:30pm concert start time!

Click this link for more info: The Joy of Gaming Fundraiser

Hope to see you there!

--Now Hiring: ZPS Bus Drivers & Bus Paraprofessionals! 🚌

Make a difference as the first smile our students see each morning! Join a supportive team with a schedule that matches the school calendar.

  • Perks: Paid training (no experience needed) and summers/holidays off!

  • Apply: Visit zps.org/jobs or call 616-748-3425.

  • Check out this Link.

Be more than a driver—be a mentor. Join ZPS Transportation today!

--ZPS 2026 - 2027 Calendar

--8th Grade Lake Arvesta - Attention Needed--

**** Parents complete this Waiver ASAP:  HERE!  ****

--The online sign up for the Transportation 26/27  school year sign-ups is now open! 
All forms are due by July 1, 2026 with the guidelines printed on the top of the form & on our webpage for out of district student requests.
Here is the LINK for the transportation website that has the online form along with very helpful information under the FAQ's that should answer 99% of questions we field phone calls about.
Also on the Transportation website is a link for the My Ride app.
-ZPS Transportation-

--If your child will not be in school, for any reason, you MUST call the attendance line at 748-3205. Thank you! 

--If you need your child out of school early for an appointment, etc. please call the office ahead of time and we will try to have your student waiting for you.  We will then send them outside when they see you pull up.  Teachers normally will not let a student leave class early unless they are called down by the office.  Thank you!

--If you are picking your child up from school for any reason you must call the office (616-748-3250) before we will let them go.  You may also call their cell phone in addition to the office, but the office must hear from you.  Thank you! 

--Please make sure you have an Infinite Campus Parent Portal account set up.  You will be able to check your student's bus schedule, grades, attendance, etc. with the Parent Portal.  If you have any questions, please contact Heidi Wolters at hwolters@zps.org.

--Sign Up to Receive the 'Z for Me,' our ZPS district email newsletter- Stay informed about the latest ZPS news, events, and updates, including important district announcements (school closings, etc.), upcoming events, and more. Visit Z for Me to sign up.

--ZPS utilizes the School Messenger system to deliver text messages straight to your mobile phone with important information, including school
closings, safety alerts, and more. You can participate in this free service just by sending a text message of "Y" to our school's short code, 67587. For more info: ZPS School Messenger 

--Any message needing to get to a student must be received by 1:20 pm. We call students down at the beginning of their last hour during announcements so we are not disturbing classroom instruction time.

--We need your help to ensure our schools receive important state and federal funding by completing the Education Benefits Form, which collects information for educational program grants.  Even though all students get free breakfast and lunch this year, filling out this form can also provide your child with additional services like summer food support, help with school fees, and potential household support for internet and cable.  Questions?  Please see your building principal. 

--We would like to offer your student the opportunity to participate in a program at Cityside Middle School called “Hand2Hand”. This program helps provide a student with food for the weekends and is intended for families who currently may be experiencing a financial burden.  Please contact the front office if you would like to participate.

--The Miles of Smiles (MOS) mobile dental unit is scheduled to be in Ottawa County Schools during the 2025-2026 school year. Our mobile dental unit provides no cost, preventive and restorative dental services for financially-qualifying children.  Unfortunately, MOS will not be visiting your school this year. However, we want parents to know that they can schedule their child to be seen on our mobile unit when we locate at another Ottawa County School.  Miles of Smiles can be accessed by using the following informational application link:  MILES OF SMILES

--Please do not have lunch food delivered from area restaurants to our students for lunch.  We aren't allowed to sign your credit card receipts, and often the order only comes with a student's first name on it making it very difficult for us to know who it is for.  Students often don't know a lunch is being delivered for them, so they don't come to pick it up and the food goes uneaten. Thanks for understanding!

-------------------------  ATHLETICS ANNOUNCEMENTS  ----------------------------

--Hey Chix Families!  Have you heard the big news in athletics? For the first time ever, the Zeeland Athletic Boosters are allowing you to directly support our Cityside athletics the next time you volunteer! New to Cityside or new to our Athletic Boosters? No problem! Everyone is encouraged to volunteer!  The Zeeland Athletic Boosters are our biggest partner when it comes to supporting our athletes. From purchasing equipment or jerseys, to providing scholarships to our Senior Athletes, our Boosters help support athletic excellence at Zeeland Public Schools.   The next time you volunteer, just write “Cityside” for the team/program you would like to sponsor. By doing this, the funds you raise will go directly to our Cityside Athletics account. Workers earn $10/hour at any ZPS athletic event! Sign up here. Go Chix!

--Student Athletes: Shuttle buses for athletes going from Cityside to the high schools are to board buses 40 & 47 first.  Once those fill up the drivers will direct you to board any other bus which will have open seats for you.

--2026/2027 SPORTS SIGN-UPS:  Final Forms will open for the 2026/2027 school year on May 1, 2026.  Please see the CITYSIDE ATHLETICS WEB PAGE for information and requirements about signing up student athletes.  All registration and sports sign ups must be done online in the Final Forms website.  If your student is planning to participate in any sports during the upcoming school year, please remember that they must have a new sports physical that is dated AFTER April 15, 2026.   Please bring sports physicals to the office to the attention of Mrs. Nelson or upload a PDF copy into your student's Final Forms record.  If you have any questions or need any assistance, please contact Tammy Nelson at: tnelson@zps.org.