Greetings, ZPS Families and Community,
The 2024-2025 school year is underway, and it has been a fantastic start. On August 26, our ZPS team gathered just before the first day to celebrate the start of the new school year. As part of our professional development, our theme, “A Million Little Moments,” reminds us that we do this important work together. This work is grounded in the importance of strong relationships at every level and in every moment. We are so fortunate to have a strong team encompassing all our departments, all of which contribute to our success as a school district and community.
We continue to make significant strides in our 2023-2028 Strategic Plan, with progress in 6 focus areas to enhance student learning, staffing, and community engagement. By focusing on long-term goals, we're building a stronger foundation for our district's future.
Zeeland Public Schools is committed to partnering with families and the community to provide our students with the best educational experience. Our learning experiences and program opportunities are exceptional, and we look forward to celebrating our many successes throughout the year.
We hope these brief updates keep you informed about what is happening around ZPS and spark excitement and conversations about the bright future of Zeeland Public Schools:
2021 Bond Update
It was a busy summer around ZPS, with summer programming and facility upgrades keeping our ZPS staff busy and our families engaged. As our 2021 Bond work concludes, we want to express our heartfelt gratitude to our community for your enthusiastic support for various upgrades around the district:
Renovations continue at Adams Elementary. The new art room was open for the start of the school year.
Instruments and pianos were replaced at Zeeland East High School, and Tech Ed and Broadcasting equipment at Zeeland West were updated.
The property purchase and groundbreaking for the new Soccer, Lacrosse, and Tennis Sports Complex at the high schools are underway, and we can't wait to see its impact on our students and community. With an anticipated completion date of Fall 2026, we are eagerly looking forward to its grand opening.
HVAC and roofing replacement and installation took place at Roosevelt Elementary, as well as many parking upgrades and an addition to the Administration building, including a large group learning space that is regularly used for staff professional development.
Please visit our website to learn more about ongoing projects in the district and contact us with any questions.
Safety and Security
In partnership with law enforcement and first responders, our district safety committee works to keep our buildings safe for students and staff. The district had a full scale safety audit conducted last year and has used those results to inform security enhancements. All building entries are locked with intercom systems connected to our main offices. ZPS has also strengthened its visitor and volunteer system, adding more security layers while improving efficiency to protect students and staff in all our buildings. All district building doors have been clearly labeled to assist emergency responders in the event of an emergency.
Zeeland Education Foundation
This year, celebrating its 20th anniversary, the Zeeland Education Foundation continues to enhance academic excellence for all ZPS students. Utilizing a direct impact fund and a legacy endowment, the Foundation equips students and staff with resources to promote academic achievement and extraordinary learning opportunities, “making quality public education a lifetime gift”. This year, along with many teacher grants, ZEF supported ZPS with the addition of two new elementary specials: Media Maker and Outdoor Learning (ZQ). The generous district grant supports the teachers in launching these courses with texts, materials, and professional learning in an effort to offer engaging experiences for students.
Career-based learning opportunities, including an educator academy and a public safety course, also stimulate meaningful engagement for our 9-12 students and are supported by ZEF.
To learn more about ZEF, please visit their website.
Celebrating ZPS Together
As you plan your weekend, consider joining us Friday evening for the Bird Bowl. This event highlights our athletics teams, unified athletics program, performing arts, Zeeland Recreation programs, and more. It’s a fun-filled night and a great reminder of all the incredible things happening in our school district.
Zeeland Public Schools is incredibly grateful for the support and partnership with our families and community. We do this important work together. Thank you for being an essential part of our ZPS community. Here’s to a successful and fulfilling year ahead!
Dr. Brandi-Lyn Mendham
Superintendent
Zeeland Public Schools