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Holmdel High School

"A Commitment to Excellence"

Dr. Herits' Weekly Update 10/9/26

Posted Date: 10/09/26 (04:25 PM)


HOLMDEL HIGH SCHOOL

October 9, 2026

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The Home - School Connection

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Connecting Early, Supporting Growth

Strong connections between home and school begin with open communication and a shared commitment to our students’ success. With October 15 marking the midway point of our first marking period, I encourage our Holmdel High School families to connect with their son or daughter’s teachers and strengthen this important partnership. This is a valuable opportunity to celebrate progress, ask questions, and identify areas where additional support may be helpful. Being proactive allows families and teachers to work together before concerns grow, while reinforcing the shared commitment we have to each student’s learning, confidence, and well being.

When reaching out, I encourage you to approach conversations with positivity, openness, and a willingness to listen. Sharing insights about your child, asking about classroom expectations, and seeking suggestions for support at home can lead to meaningful conversations and practical next steps. Even when discussing challenges, a respectful and collaborative approach helps keep our focus on student growth. By maintaining consistent communication and welcoming one another’s perspectives, we build the trust and connection that help our students feel supported both at home and at school.

Please do not wait for a concern to arise or a report card to arrive before reaching out. A brief email, a question, or a conversation can open the door to a stronger relationship and a better understanding of your child’s experience. Whether you are sharing something positive, seeking clarification, or discussing a challenge, initiating dialogue early gives us the opportunity to respond together with care and purpose. Your perspective matters, and we welcome your partnership throughout the school year.

A positive and cordial approach also models for your son or daughter how to communicate respectfully, listen to different perspectives, and work through challenges constructively. These conversations show students that asking questions and seeking support are valuable skills they can practice in school and throughout life.
 

Stay In The Know

October Student Newsletter

Each month, Dr. Requa shares a student newsletter designed to keep students informed, connected, and engaged in the Holmdel High School community. The newsletter highlights important announcements, upcoming events, available resources, and opportunities for students to become involved and make the most of their high school experience. Families are encouraged to review the newsletter together and use it as a starting point for conversations about school responsibilities, activities, and goals. 

 

Engagement, Growth, and Belonging

Student success is built through meaningful engagement, personal resilience, emotional well-being, and strong partnerships among students, families, and educators. At Holmdel High School, students are encouraged to take ownership of their education by participating in academics, athletics, the arts, clubs, leadership opportunities, and school traditions. Through both achievement and challenge, students develop perseverance, confidence, maturity, and the ability to advocate for themselves.
 
The Club & Activity Fair was rescheduled for  October 15.  This is a wonderful opportunity for students to become more engaged in the school community, explore new interests, and challenge themselves beyond the classroom. By discovering the many clubs and activities available, students can form meaningful connections, develop new skills, and make the most of their high school experience.
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Winter Athletics Registration

We are pleased to inform you that plans for the high school and middle school sports seasons for the 2026-2027 school year are now underway! 

High School Sports begin: 

Ice Hockey, Swim, Cheer, & Dance: November 16
  • Physicals Due: October 29
Basketball, Wrestling, Fencing, and Indoor Track: November 30
  • Physicals Due: November 16

Holmdel High School

If you have not done so already, please be advised that the registration portal for all Holmdel High School student-athletes is open, and can be found on the athletics website. The medical eligibility form must be completed and submitted by: 

  • High School: October 29 (Ice Hockey, Swim, Cheer, & Dance) 
  • High School: November 16 (Basketball, Wrestling, Fencing, & Indoor Track) 
     
  • All students must have a valid physical completed on the sports physical packets which can be found on the  athletics website  or nurses website. 
     
  • As of May 22, 2024, the state of New Jersey has changed their guidelines. Only the medical eligibility form will need to be uploaded upon registration.  
     
  • Once the registration is completed and the medical eligibility form is uploaded, the nurse will review the information and submit it to the school physical for final approval. 
     
  • The nurse will meet with the school physician for approval prior to the start of the season. Please note, any registration/information received after the deadline will likely result in a delay of try-outs. The nurse will NOT be able to clear your child for practice until the school physician has reviewed the information. 
 
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Making a Difference Through Service

As principal of Holmdel High School, I am continually impressed by the generosity and dedication our students demonstrate through volunteer service. Their selfless commitment creates a significant and lasting positive impact throughout our community while exemplifying the character, compassion, and spirit of service that define Holmdel High School. 

Volunteering provides students with a meaningful opportunity to strengthen their connection to the school and the greater community. Through service, students develop empathy, responsibility, leadership, and valuable interpersonal skills while learning that their time and talents can make a positive difference in the lives of others. Volunteering also creates new relationships, builds a sense of belonging, and reinforces the importance of becoming an engaged and compassionate citizen. 

Students interested in volunteering can connect with our school counseling office, where opportunities to serve are regularly shared. Whether supporting a local organization or taking part in a community event, volunteering is a meaningful way to explore interests, build connections, and make a positive difference.  Be sure to visit the School of Counseling volunteer page for these listings.
 
Another opportunity is through our very own community’s HFA.  They are looking for volunteers to help us with our snack stand duties and field duties on the days that we have home games at Roggy Field, which are on Saturdays and Sundays through the end of October.  If any students, or their family members, are interested, can they please reach out to volunteers.hfa@gmail.com. 
 
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Living Holmdel Blue

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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"!

October's theme is RESPECT
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Upcoming Events

Oct 10: Blood Drive
Oct 12: School Closed for students
Oct 13: 8th Grade Open House
Oct 15: Club & Activity Fair
Oct 14: PTSO Snack Sale (@ dismissal)
Oct 14: PTSO Meeting, 7pm, HHS
Oct 22: Homecoming Dance
Oct 23: Homecoming Game

 

Resourceful Links

Family Centered Links to Help Your Teen Thrive

Holmdel High School

 

Dr. Michael-John Herits

Principal, Holmdel High School