Dutch Weekly January 11 - 17
Thanks to the staff who worked to clear campus Friday!
Make plans to watch the virtual State of the School address
When: Wednesday, Jan. 15 at 6:30 p.m.
Link: https://meet.google.com/hhb-cduo-oik
Questions for Head of School JP Culley may be sent to news@hollandhall.org before the event starts at 6:30 p.m.
Parental Choice Tax Credit update
The Parental Choice Tax Credit program would like to make you aware of an update regarding the Spring 2025 period. The cap for this period has not been met, therefore, credits will be allocated to the next eligible taxpayers in line, based on their previously submitted applications and the credit amount they would have received for the Fall 2024 period only. These credits are only available for students that were enrolled in both Fall 2024 and Spring 2025.
The Oklahoma Tax Commission will begin issuing Spring 2025 credit payments on or about January 15, 2025.
Parental Choice Tax Credit portal opens Feb. 18
Although the portal doesn't open until Feb. 18, schools are hard at work submitting student enrollment information for the next school year.
Families will receive their Enrollment Verification Number (EVN) in time to start the application process in February.
But your family's names, addresses and birthdays must be correct in the Holland Hall Parent Portal. Please take a moment now to check it or update it.
If the information listed in our system doesn’t match what is on your tax return, your application will not be accepted, and you risk being put at the bottom of the list.
More information will be provided as it’s released from the Oklahoma Tax Commission. You can also check for updates at oklahoma.gov/tax/individuals/parental-choice-tax-credit.html
Once you log in to the Parent Portal, gotohh.org/parentportal:
- Click the Update Household Information link in the menu on the left side of the screen on a desktop, or in the hamburger menu at the top of the screen on a mobile device.
- Press Start.
- Make sure the first and last names listed as Parent 1 or Guardian 1 and Parent 2 or Guardian 2 are spelled just as they are on your tax return. For example, if you use initials or a middle name as your preferred name, make sure your first name is the one that appears as your first name on your tax documents.
- Check your address. Is it the same one that appears on your tax return?
- Click submit.
NOTE: If your child has more than one household, the information you need to check is the Billing Household’s Parent 1 or Guardian 1 and Parent 2 or Guardian 2 field.
Next, go to Update Student Information in the menu on the left side of the screen. Then:
Select the student you are checking information for.
- Make sure the student’s first name and last name appear as they do on any tax documents.
- Check your child’s birthdate for errors.
- Click Submit and repeat for any other children.
More information will be provided as it’s released from the Oklahoma Tax Commission. You can also check for updates at oklahoma.gov/tax/individuals/parental-choice-tax-credit.html.
Almost sold out: Trivia Night tickets going fast!
Our annual Trivia Night is almost sold out! We still have a limited number of individual tickets, tables, and sponsorships available, so don’t miss your chance to join the fun and support our event. Reserve your spot today before they’re gone!
Click here to register.
MS Play - Night at the Wax Museum
The Middle School Theatre Production of "Night at the Wax Museum" will run January 17-18 at 7 p.m. in the Branch Theatre of the Walter Arts Center.
Click here to purchase tickets.
Lands’ End New Year's sale on uniforms extended
Good info from your school nurses: Fueling Strong Bodies and Minds
As we head into a new year, it's the perfect time to talk about how we can fuel our minds and bodies with healthy, balanced meals. It is important for students to stay energized and focused throughout the school day. A nutritious lunch plays a significant role in boosting energy, improving concentration, and supporting overall well-being. Here are some simple and practical tips for packing healthy school lunches and encouraging healthy eating habits.
- Make fruits and vegetables part of their daily routine, with the goal of making ½ of your lunchbox fruit and vegetables. Find fun and creative ways to add fruit or vegetables at every meal.
- Include protein as it is an essential for muscle growth and repair and also keeps energy levels steady throughout the day. .
- Choose whole-grains for essential nutrients and fiber.
- Limit fast food and processed foods and snacks, such as chips, cookies, and candy. But don't completely ban your favorite snacks. Instead, make them "once-in-a-while" foods. This helps kids to not feel deprived.
- Limit sugary drinks, such as soda and fruit-flavored drinks. Serve water instead.
- Introduce new foods slowly. Children often do not like to try new foods. Introduce one new food at a time in small portions. Serve new foods with other foods you know your child likes.
- Involve kids in planning One of the best ways to ensure that kids eat what you pack is to involve them in the lunch planning process. Ask them to help pick out fruits, vegetables, and proteins they enjoy. You can also let them choose between different healthy lunch options, so they feel invested in their meals and more likely to eat them.
Here are a few simple ideas to get you started.
- Sandwiches: Make your child a sandwich on whole-wheat bread with protein, such as chicken or turkey. Add healthy vegetables, such as lettuce, tomato, cucumber, and/or avocado.
- Wraps: Wraps are another great option for lunch. You can fill whole-wheat tortillas with lean protein, healthy vegetables, and hummus or guacamole.
- Quesadillas: Quesadillas are quick and easy. You can fill them with cheese, beans, vegetables or meat.
- Fruit and yogurt parfait: Parfaits can be a healthy and refreshing lunch option. You can layer yogurt, fruit (berries are a great option), and granola in a bowl.
- Vegetables: Carrot sticks, celery sticks, cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, cucumber sticks, and small salads are great options. To make them more appealing, consider serving them with Ranch dressing.
- Mini quiches: Add your child’s favorite veggies and place in a thermos to keep warm.
- Smoothies: These are quick, easy and can also be put in a thermos. Look for nutrient-rich foods like yogurt, vegetables, colorful fruits, and seeds.
Remember to send a water bottle with your child every day. It is important for your child to stay hydrated.
Healthy lunches support strong minds and bodies, so let’s make every school day a chance to fuel up right. A little planning can make all the difference!
Click here for information about the benefits of healthy eating for children from the CDC.
Congratulations to Holland Hall's FLIK team
Did you know that 85 million Americans are impacted by food allergies and intolerances, including 33 million who have a potentially life-threatening condition?
Holland Hall’s FLIK food service team has successfully completed the FARECheck training and assessment earning them the Silver Certification! FARE is the leading non-profit group devoted to food allergy research, education, and advocacy. FARECheck is an enhanced training and review program in food handling and safety practices to help keep the food allergic individuals safe and included when eating out.
Congratulations Jenny Baxter and the FLIK team! We appreciate all you do to keep us fed, healthy, and safe!
Click here for more information on food allergies.
The Dutch Exchange needs cold-weather donations
Have your kids outgrown their Holland Hall hoodies, sweatshirts or jackets? The Dutch Exchange could use them! We are completely out of all adult sizes, and running low on youth sizes.
Donations can be made any time the A.R. and Marylouise Tandy Dining and Wellness Center is open. The Dutch Exchange is the place to drop off or shop for gently used uniform and spirit wear, and is located next to the B.T. in the Tandy, behind the front welcome desk.
One more month to buy personalized yearbooks
Your student's name and icons may be added to the 2025 yearbook cover until Jan. 24, 2025. Our photojournalists are on the move — you don't want to miss this book.
Click here to purchase your yearbook.
PRIMARY SCHOOL
Update to Student/Family Handbook for 2025-2026
As we move into the Spring semester, we want to draw your attention to an update that will be in our Student/Family Handbook for the upcoming school year. Please contact Vanessa Jones if you have any questions or concerns.
Class Placement Policy
Our goal is to create balanced, inclusive, and supportive classrooms where every student can thrive. The placement process involves careful consideration of various factors, including academic diversity, social-emotional well-being, and classroom dynamics. To ensure fairness and equal consideration for all students, we do not accept or honor specific requests for teachers or classmates. This policy allows our faculty to thoughtfully create environments that support each student’s growth and foster a positive learning community. Thank you for trusting us to make decisions with the best interests of your child and the entire school community in mind.
Ms. Ariel's Winter Art Studio
Let your young artists expand their creativity as we adventure into January. This class will start with a discussion on winter landscapes, snowflakes, and animals that thrive in cold weather, sparking students' imaginations.
This delightful art enrichment adventure encourages creativity, fine motor skills, and an appreciation for the beauty of winter!
Dates: 1/13, 1/27, 2/3, 2/10, 2/24, and 3/3; No classes on 1/20 MLK Day and 2/17 Winter Break
Day & Time: Monday - 3:15-4:15 p.m.
Grades: JK-3rd
Where: PS - Multi-purpose room
Pick-up: Primary School flagpole at 4:15 p.m.
Cost: $120 (6 weeks)
Class size: 20
Register: dalmohandis@hollandhall.org
Note: Please let us know if your child will need to go to aftercare.
MIDDLE SCHOOL
7th/8th Grade Spring Sport Selection
7th and 8th graders have received their spring sport enrollment form. They will need to fill it out electronically by Wednesday, Jan. 15, at 1 p.m. Any sport may require a tryout or be cancelled if the number enrolled is too many or too few. Spring sports will begin on Feb. 3.
Be aware of the advisory placement policy
Our goal is to create balanced, inclusive, and supportive advisory groups where every student can thrive. The placement process involves careful consideration of various factors, including academic diversity, social-emotional well-being, and group dynamics. To ensure fairness and equal consideration for all students, we will not be taking or honoring specific requests for teachers or classmates. This policy allows our faculty to thoughtfully create environments that support each student’s growth and foster a positive learning community. Thank you for trusting us to make decisions with the best interests of your child and the entire school community in mind.
National Charity League - Bixby Chapter Membership Drive
National Charity League is a mother-daughter philanthropic organization with four local chapters. Female students in the Classes of 2029, 2030, and 2031 who live in Union or Bixby School Districts are eligible for membership in the Bixby Chapter, which serves 13 national and local non-profits. Members develop community in attending meetings and social events as well. For more information, contact Upper School College Counselor, Ashlee Lowry at alowry@hollandhall.org.
UPPER SCHOOL
Reminder to Yearbook senior ad buyers
If yearbook staff is designing your ad, please submit all materials and ask your pro photographer to email or Dropbox images you've requested. Ava Khorgami '25 is in charge and can be reached via email journalism21@hollandhall.org. If you or another designer is preparing your ad, please have your finished, approved file emailed no later than Jan. 19, 2025.
The 25-26 FAFSA is live
Filling out the FAFSA is a crucial step in securing financial aid for college – and completing it in a timely manner can increase your chances of aid at some schools. If your student is requesting need-based financial aid from any college, please take care to fill it out.
To do:
- Create an FSA ID: Both the student and at least one parent must create an FSA ID at studentaid.gov if you don’t already have one. This ID will be used to sign the FAFSA and access federal student aid information.
- Gather Required Documents: To complete the FAFSA, you’ll need information from your 2023 tax return, W-2s, and any other financial documents for both the student and parent(s). Make sure to have these ready before you begin.
- Complete the FAFSA: Go to fafsa.ed.gov to start the application. Make sure to list all of the schools to which the student is applying.
Check each college’s financial aid deadlines. Some colleges encourage prompt completion of the FAFSA to maximize scholarship opportunities.
Some private colleges may also require the CSS Profile in addition to the FAFSA. The CSS Profile costs $25 for the first school and $16 for each subsequent school.
Contact your counselor for assistance with applying for financial aid.
Weekly summer program suggestions from College Counseling
Please contact Ashlee Lowry at alowry@hollandhall.org for more information about any of these programs.