Superintendent

Hudsonville Public Schools
3886 Van Buren
Hudsonville, MI 49426
Phone: (616) 669-1740
Fax: (616) 669-4878

Superintendent
Dr. Douglas VanderJagt
 

Dear Hudsonville Families,

Welcome to the 2026-2027 school year!

I hope your summer provided time to relax, make memories with family and friends, and enjoy everything that makes a Michigan summer so special. As we prepare to welcome students back into our classrooms, our entire staff is excited for another year of learning, growth, and new opportunities.

Our theme for this school year is "Excited for Where We Are Going, Proud of Where We Have Been." I can't think of a better way to describe Hudsonville Public Schools. We have so much to be proud of as a district, thanks to the incredible students, families, and staff who have built such a strong tradition of excellence. At the same time, we are always looking ahead, finding new ways to serve students, strengthen our schools, and prepare every child for a successful future.

Students will begin the school year on Wednesday, August 26, with half days that day and the remainder of the week. These shorter days give students and staff an opportunity to settle into new classrooms, routines, and friendships before we jump into a full schedule.

As a reminder, breakfast will be available beginning August 26, with sack lunches served August 26 through 28 and on all Early Release Days. While Meals continue to be FREE to all students this year, we encourage every family to complete the Free & Reduced Meal Application. Approved applications help provide valuable funding for our schools and may also qualify families for discounts on athletics, technology, testing fees, and other programs. You can also print and return the application to our Food Service Department. Additional information, menus, and applications are available at jenhudfood.org, or you can contact our Food Service Department at [email protected] or (616) 457-2400.

This fall, we're also excited to welcome more than 30 new staff members to the Hudsonville family. They bring great experience, enthusiasm, and a passion for serving students. If you happen to meet one of our new team members in the community or at a school event, I hope you'll help us give them a warm Hudsonville welcome.

Every year, I find myself looking forward to that first morning of school. There’s just something about seeing kids walk through the doors again, catching up with friends they haven’t seen all summer, and watching our staff welcome them back. After summer break, our buildings come alive again, and it's a great reminder that school is about people and relationships as much as it is about learning.

As parents and guardians, your partnership is one of the greatest influences on your child's success. Thank you for everything you do to support learning at home, encourage your children, and stay engaged with our schools. Together, we can make this an outstanding year for every student.

I'd also like to thank our custodial, maintenance, transportation, food service, and office teams who have spent the summer preparing for another successful school year. Their work behind the scenes ensures our schools are safe, welcoming, and ready for students on day one.

Thank you for the trust you place in Hudsonville Public Schools. We are grateful for the opportunity to partner with you in your child's education. Here's to a wonderful school year as we remain Excited for Where We Are Going and Proud of Where We Have Been.

Have a great start to the school year, and Fire Up - Go Eagles!

Doug VanderJagt, Ph.D.

Superintendent