To lean in is to move from passive participation to active engagement, choosing to embrace challenges rather than sitting on the sidelines. In our school environment, it represents the moment a student takes full ownership of their education that takes them beyond the basic requirements to pursue a deeper, more personal understanding. Whether it is a student volunteering a difficult answer, applying a classroom concept to a personal project, or pushing through the initial discomfort of mastering a new skill, Leaning In is the intentional act of showing up with purpose, curiosity, and initiative.
Beyond the classroom walls, this mindset is fundamentally about courage and drive. It means accepting opportunities for growth even when the path forward feels uncertain or demanding. By leaning in, our students transform from observers of their own lives into the primary architects of their experiences, viewing every obstacle as a chance to refine their skills and every success as a platform for further exploration. Ultimately, it is the transition from simply learning a subject to truly living it, and it is a quality we are proud to cultivate here at Holmdel.
As we wrap up another, I am consistently struck by the incredible initiative our students show when faced with the unique learning landscape we strive to provide here at Holmdel High School. It is one thing to offer a rigorous curriculum; it is quite another to see students truly lean into the opportunities that set their educational experience apart.
In our hallways and classrooms, we see learning that refuses to be contained by a bell schedule. We see this passion come to life when our students immerse themselves in the languages they study by choosing to speak them fluently and confidently with peers outside the classroom, or when they spend hours building and tinkering with project ideas they have designed in class, turning a conceptual spark into a tangible, working reality.
It is equally rewarding to hear stories of our students taking the lead at home by teaching a favorite lesson to family members, proving that the best way to master a subject is to share it with others. These experiences are designed to be more than just milestones; they are the building blocks of a lifelong curiosity. We are proud to support a culture where our learners feel empowered to explore, fail, and succeed in ways that are uniquely Holmdel.
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Our theatre program continues to shine on the state stage, following up a successful January at the NJ Thespian Festival with a new wave of prestigious recognition. We are thrilled to announce that several students have earned nominations for the Foxy Awards (Theatre Night Awards) at Montclair State University, an annual red-carpet event celebrating the highest levels of excellence in New Jersey school theatre.
Recognized for their exceptional work on our fall production of Puffs, these students represent the diverse talent—from technical design to center-stage performance—that defines our program:
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Samantha Ayers – Outstanding Achievement by a Student Costume Designer
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Lilia Dietz & Leo DiMare – Outstanding Achievement by a Student Lighting Designer
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Samvi Raj – Outstanding Achievement in a Leading Role
This achievement is another incredible "feather in the cap" for our performing arts department this year. The Foxy Awards will be held on May 21 at Montclair State University, where our nominees will join the best young artists in the state. Please join us in congratulating these students on their hard work and well-deserved recognition!
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This past spring break, Holmdel High School students took their passports to task and traveled the world, extending their learning outside the classroom. While we celebrate the global initiative of our students, these trips taken over spring break were independent, non-school-sponsored ventures and not official district programs. It is nonetheless inspiring to see our staff and students seeking out such profound real-world experience and personal growth entirely on their own initiative. |
Over break, nine students had the unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the daily life of a young French highschooler. Beyond the classroom, the students were engaged with the sobering history of the region.
A core component of the trip was a visit to the Natzweiler-Struthof concentration camp, the only one of its kind on French soil, and the nearby World War II memorial museum. These visits allowed students to reflect on the complexities of the 20th century.
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The students also explored the "Capital of Europe," home to the European Parliament and the breathtaking Cathédrale Notre-Dame. They visited the castle of Haut-Koenigsbourg, a perched fortress offering a deep dive into medieval history and providing panoramic views of the Upper Rhine Plain.
Finally they walked through some of the oldest streets of the French capital and climbed up the two levels of the Eiffel tower, dining at one of the oldest Bouillon Chartier in Paris among other things.
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A memorable moment of the trip was Holmdel High School Junior, Morgan McLaughlin's great-grandfather was among the young American soldiers who liberated Ribeauvillé on December 3rd, 1944.
Ms. Cogger, while in France with the students, brought this unique opportunity to life in a way no textbook ever could. As a French native, she commented on how incredibly moving it was to facilitate this connection. “A truly profound and emotional realization to stand in the very town where a student's ancestor fought for the freedom of my country.” With the help of two local historians, students retraced the same steps Morgan’s great-grandfather walked.
It was a powerful reminder of the enduring bond between our two countries and the lasting impact of service. “My greatest hope is that this trip provided my students with a living history that stays with them far longer than any classroom lecture. I want them to carry the realization that they are part of a global community with deep, interconnected roots. By retracing the steps of the liberators in Ribeauvillé and standing in the shadow of the Struthof Memorial, they didn't just learn about the past, they felt its weight and its value. I hope they gained a deep understanding of the historical bonds between France and the United States. Ultimately, I hope they returned to Holmdel not just as better French speakers, but as compassionate global citizens who understand that our shared history is a foundation for our future friendship.”
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Fourteen of our students recently returned from a transformative eight-day immersion in Costa Rica, led by Sra. Knice and Sra. Taylor. This journey was a true masterclass in global citizenship, beginning with wildlife expeditions where students spotted howler monkeys, sloths, and caimans, and concluding with the vibrant rhythms of La Cimarrona, a traditional masked dancing troupe. Beyond the sights, our students leaned into the heart of the culture, touring a local organic farm to learn about sustainable agriculture from a retired principal and enjoying a true farm-to-table experience. |
The trip was defined by a balance of high-adventure and deep human connection. While students marveled at the cloud forests from ziplines and hanging bridges, they also dedicated meaningful time to others, purchasing essential supplies for 18 children at a local orphanage and spending the afternoon playing and bonding with them. Whether they were navigating the lush trails of Manuel Antonio National Park or practicing their Spanish in small local towns, these learners returned to Holmdel with more than just souvenirs—they returned with a deeper understanding of their roles in our global community. ¡Pura Vida!
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Our art students recently returned from an unforgettable inaugural week-long immersion in Paris, a journey that turned the world’s most famous galleries into their personal studios.
From the hallowed halls of the Louvre and the Musée d’Orsay to the breathtaking heights of the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe, our students engaged with centuries of creative genius. The trip provided a comprehensive look at French history and aesthetics, spanning from the grandeur of Versailles and the Loire Valley to the tranquil, impressionist beauty of Monet’s gardens in Giverny.
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Beyond observing the masters, our students leaned into their own creative potential through hands-on artistic experiences. A highlight of the trip was a private lesson with a local Parisian graffiti artist, where students learned the techniques of modern street art. In a unique moment of school spirit, they were even taught how to "tag" a legal mural wall with "Hornets," leaving a temporary but meaningful mark on the city.
Whether sketching in the shadow of Notre Dame or cruising the Seine, these young artists returned home with a global perspective and a renewed passion for their craft.
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As we celebrate students pursuing their passions, we are incredibly proud to highlight the remarkable achievements of Holmdel High School senior Duo Zhang.
Over spring break, Duo traveled to Copper Mountain to compete in the 2026 USASA National Championships, the largest event of its kind in the United States. Competing at the highest level of his sport, Duo earned an outstanding 2nd place in Giant Slalom and 3rd place in Slalom, officially ranking him second overall in the nation.
These recent medals are the culmination of a distinguished competitive career; throughout his time at the national championships, Duo has amassed a total of one gold, one silver, and two bronze medals. His journey is a testament to the power of dedication and perseverance. As Duo prepares to graduate this spring and embark on his college journey, he remains committed to his sport with the ultimate goal of one day representing the United States on the national team. We look forward to seeing him continue to lean into his pursuit of excellence on and off the mountain.
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Be sure to read the February/March issue of Holmdel High School's student newspaper, The Sting
On behalf of the editorial team and writing staff, Mrs. Blustein and Mr. Gurney (Newspaper Advisors) hope you enjoy the issue, the in-depth reporting and dedication that went into its publication.
It's not too late - if you are interested in joining the team, whether it be writing, graphics, photography, etc., please let any of our editors/advisors know.
Hope you have a great weekend and, as always, happy reading!
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Holmdel High School’s Decision Day is June 10th! To help seniors celebrate, the National Honor Society is working with DP Sweets Cookies to bring you our first annual Decision Day cookie fundraiser.
Decision Day Cookies represent the schools you have been admitted to, personalized with you in mind. Use the order form (found below) and be sure to indicate your name, your decided school, and any other personalizations you would like.
A dozen handmade, personalized cookies that celebrate your achievement are only $60. Cash or check (made payable to Holmdel National Honor Society) and a completed Decision Day Cookies Order Form can be brought to Room 150 by April 27th.
You can also submit your order form digitally via this Google Form. All cookies will be available for pickup from Room 150 on Decision Day.
All cookies will be available for pickup from Room 150 on Decision Day!
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In an effort to expand the resources available to our families, our annual Transition Fair has evolved into the Transition and Wellness Expo. This event brings together organizations that support students with special needs as they plan for life after high school.
Families and students will have the opportunity to connect with a wide range of vendors offering services related to transition planning, specialized college programs, vocational training, residential options, and physical and mental wellness.
The goal of the Expo is to create a one-stop experience where families can learn about the many supports available to help students move toward independence and overall well-being.
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At Holmdel Township School District, we are committed to ensuring our students have the tools they need to stay informed, organized, and connected. While ParentSquare has been our primary bridge for family communication, we are officially rolling out StudentSquare, the student-facing side of our unified communication platform.
StudentSquare is a communication and organization app specifically designed for middle and high school students. It functions as a direct extension of ParentSquare, allowing students in grades 7-12 to engage with their school community in a modern, streamlined way.
Check out all the information and instructions HERE to download the app and and be in the know!
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The school year is in full swing and the complex is busy with plenty of extracurricular activities which extends the time in which students, staff, and families attend events. We are continually reviewing our practices to improve flow and efficiency.
As a friendly reminder regarding established arrival and dismissal procedures at the complex, I would like to revisit driving practices during this time. Please remember that for safety, we absolutely cannot have cars stopping along the driveway circling the complex to let students out, nor can drivers double park when waiting for students. And as an environmental reminder, we ask that cars are not idling while waiting for students. These actions create significant hazards and traffic jams.
For those driving students to school, here is a quick recap of the designated entry points:
- Staff and students who are parking in the main lot must enter at the Crawfords Corner Road/Longstreet Road traffic light, turn left after Dr. White Lane, and proceed to the main parking lot. Please remember this area, including the spot near Door 1, is strictly for staff and student parking only, and there is no parent/guardian drop-off permitted here, as there is no exit from this lot.
- For all parent/guardian drop-offs, students being driven must continue past the main lot to the back of the school and drop off at Door 21 (at Satz Middle School). After dropping off, kindly continue forward and exit onto Crawfords Corner Road.
- I want to highlight that this year, Dr. White Lane has been opened earlier in the morning than in previous years. In the past, it opened at 7:55 AM; now, once buses are accounted for, this lane has been made available sooner (7:45 - 7:50) to alleviate the flow of traffic that proceeds around the complex. Access to Dr. White Lane for drop-off at Door #10 will only be available after all school buses have arrived and cleared the area.
We appreciate you keeping these guidelines in mind as we work together to ensure every student starts their day safely. Your thoughtful cooperation in following these steps is vital for the safety of all our students and for keeping traffic moving smoothly, which in turn helps all students get to their assigned classes on time.
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Goal number three of the board-approved 2025–26 district goals is to design and launch an online Parent University platform that provides families with accessible, high-quality resources to support student learning, well-being, and home–school partnership. In advancement of this goal, I am excited to announce the launch of the first module of our online Parent University, which is dedicated exclusively to providing resources for parents on Parenting in the Digital Age.
Our district has launched a partnership with The Social Institute (TSI), a leader in empowering students, families, and educators to navigate their learning and well-being, including A.I., social media, and devices, in healthy ways.
No matter your child’s current tech use, whether they use devices and apps regularly or are just beginning to ask questions, the resources offered through this partnership are designed to be flexible and family-friendly.
Register your free account for The Toolkit. Many families refer to this as the CliffsNotes of social media and technology!
- Go to Toolkit, click Activate Account, and enter our school district code: 55b5197A69096D
- On the course page, select "Enroll for Free".
- Create an account by entering your email and setting a password.
Course Offerings:
-Diving Deeper into the Apps Students Use
-Using Tech to Control Tech: Strong Settings for Apps and Devices
-From Helicopter to Huddling: How to Talk with Our Children About Social Media and Tech
-Helping Your Family Navigate Social Media and Tech in Healthy, High-Character Ways
-Co-Creating Family Standards for Positive Tech Use
Once enrolled, courses will be available on your Thinkific dashboard anytime you log in.
These courses are designed to be self-paced and can be completed on your own schedule. We encourage all families to complete the courses.
The district is honored to be your partner on this journey. We understand that each household has its own values and approach to technology, and we fully respect that. This programming is not about prescribing rules or parenting strategies. It’s about offering ideas and tools that you can use in whatever way fits your family best.
As you progress through the courses, please feel free to email any questions to parentuniversity@holmdelschools.org.
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We are pleased to share that the Holmdel High School Eco Club, has partnered with the Holmdel Township Green Team to recognize October as Energy Awareness Month! As part of this initiative, students had developed an anti-idling campaign to spotlight the environmental and energy impacts of unnecessary vehicle idling. If you noticed the signage out front of the high school, this initiative has been underway since the start of the school year. We are very thankful to the Wilson family who have helped make this possible.
We invite you to support these efforts by signing the pledge and turning off your engine while you wait to pick up your child — a simple action that makes a meaningful difference.
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The Holmdel Special Education Parent Advisory Committee (SEPAC) is a volunteer group of parents and guardians that provides input to the school district regarding students with special needs, which has been established in accordance with N.J.A.C. 6A:14-1.2(h).
The group will be meeting this Monday, May 11, at 7pm in the High School Media Center.
The mission of the Holmdel SEPAC is to facilitate communication between parents, staff, the Board of Education and the community regarding the school district’s special education programs; to provide families with meaningful support, education and information regarding those programs; and, to provide input to the District on issues concerning students with disabilities.
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The PTSO is also excited to share that the Holmdel Hornets Knit Blankets are available again!
These sold out in a flash during the fall sale and are back by popular demand. The blankets (pictured right) can be purchased through the PTSO Shop or by using this link to pay through Zeffy.
They are great for the bleachers at cool spring night games and meets, and also make beautiful graduation gifts.
Wrap yourself in Hornet pride!
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Come out and join the PTSO at their next meeting at the Holmdel High School on Wednesday, April 15 at 7 pm.
Take advantage of the opportunity that helps directly support your child, gain insider knowledge of school events, and build a stronger community.
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It is hard to believe we are already moving through March. From the incredible talent displayed in our recent performing arts showcases to the high energy of our winter sports season, it has been a year filled with Hornet Pride.
The 2025-2026 Yearbook is officially available for pre-order! This is the best way to ensure your student has a permanent keepsake of their friendships, achievements, and the unique spirit of this school year. Our student editors have been working tirelessly to capture every highlight, and you won't want to miss the final product.
Be sure to place your order HERE.
LIMITED OFFER!
ORDER A YEARBOOK AT THE DISCOUNTED PRICE:
USE PROMO CODE YRBK5 TO SAVE $5 - BUY NOW & SAVE
Cost with promo code: $135
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Holmdel High School Project Graduation is an organization that was formed to provide a safe, drug-free and alcohol-free overnight celebration for our Graduating Seniors. We are proud to continue this tradition and will be hosting this event immediately following the graduation ceremony this June.
Please consider making a donation HERE to support our efforts. All donations are appreciated! Recognition of your donation will be displayed based on the name you provided.
HHS Project Graduation receives donations through Holmdel PTSO as a 501 (c)(3) Tax Exempt Organization. EIN#223-569-019/000. Please note donation for Holmdel Project Graduation Donations are tax deductible. THANK YOU!
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Holmdel High School strives to develop well-rounded individuals
who exemplify the six pillars of character: trustworthiness,
respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and citizenship.
Through an inclusive and nurturing environment we promote the growth of
each student's character, academics, and personal potential.
Please help support this mission by encouraging your son or
daughter to join us in "Living Holmdel Blue"!
January's Theme is EMPATHY
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Our new School Apparel Shop is now open! This is a shared fundraiser for all four classes. 10% of all sales are donated back to the school and will be shared among the four classes for class events such as fundraising for prom. |
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April 15: PTSO Meeting 7pm
April 20: Spring ESL Night
April 22: World Language Honor Society
April 23: Bring Your Child to Work Day
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