It is my pleasure to welcome our students, families, faculty, and staff to the 2026–2027 school year. There is a special energy that comes with the opening of school such as the return of students to our hallways, the beginning of new friendships and experiences, and the opportunity for every member of our community to grow and achieve.
Serving as principal of Holmdel High School continues to be an incredible honor. What makes our school exceptional is not simply what happens in our classrooms, but the dedication, compassion, and shared commitment demonstrated throughout our entire community. Our teachers and staff bring tremendous passion and energy to their work each day, creating a learning environment that is both challenging and supportive. Their genuine interest in our students provides the foundation for success.
As we begin this new year, we remain committed to nurturing the whole student. Academic achievement is an essential part of the high school experience, but so are personal growth, resilience, emotional well-being, and the development of strong character. We want our students to be curious learners, thoughtful classmates, responsible citizens, and confident young adults prepared to meet the opportunities and challenges ahead.
Students, I encourage you to become active participants in your school experience. Challenge yourselves academically, explore your interests, and take advantage of the many opportunities available through extra-curricular activities, athletics, the arts, clubs, leadership, and community service. Your involvement will help you form meaningful connections, discover new strengths, and build lasting memories. Represent Holmdel High School with pride, and remember that your daily choices contribute to the culture of our school.
Families, your partnership is vital to the success of our students. Staying informed through ParentSquare, attending school events, encouraging positive habits at home, and simply asking your child about their day can make a meaningful difference. Open and compassionate communication between home and school helps ensure that every student feels valued, understood, and supported. When our students, families, educators, and staff work together, we create the conditions in which every student can thrive.
I am excited about all that lies ahead for our school. Let us approach this year with enthusiasm, kindness, curiosity, and a shared commitment to excellence. Together, we can make this year one filled with pride, progress, and memorable achievements.
Welcome back, and best wishes for an outstanding school year. |
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As your principal, I believe that student success is developed through purposeful engagement, personal resilience, attention to well-being, and a strong partnership among students, families, and educators. These guiding principles are practiced here at Holmdel High School. We encourage our students to take ownership of their education and become active participants in every aspect of the high school experience. Through academics, athletics, the arts, clubs, leadership opportunities, and school traditions, students are able to explore their interests, form meaningful relationships, and strengthen their connection to our community. We also recognize that genuine growth often occurs during challenging moments. Discomfort, setbacks, and demanding periods provide students with valuable opportunities to develop perseverance, maturity, confidence, and the ability to advocate for themselves.
Academic achievement, however, cannot be separated from emotional health and personal well-being. Healthy routines, adequate rest, balance, and self-awareness provide the foundation students need to perform at their best and sustain their success. Most importantly, our students do not travel this journey alone. Families, teachers, counselors, coaches, and students share responsibility for creating a supportive environment in which every learner feels valued, challenged, and encouraged. When we work together with high expectations, compassion, and a common purpose, we provide our students with the tools and confidence necessary to achieve lasting success. |
Holmdel High School began the 2026–2027 school year by welcoming our freshmen and new students during New Student Orientation on August 27. The program gave students an opportunity to become familiar with the building, visit their classrooms, meet members of the administrative and school counseling teams, receive their Chromebooks, and ask questions before the official opening of school. Students were introduced to many of the routines and resources that will support them throughout the year, including arrival and dismissal procedures, study hall and flex-time expectations, academic integrity, the Code of Conduct, school counseling services, and the responsible use of technology. Most importantly, students were encouraged to establish meaningful academic and personal goals, challenge themselves, communicate proactively, and become active members of the Holmdel High School community.
During the opening weeks of school, we also met with students at each grade level through our annual class meetings. These meetings allowed the administrative and school counseling teams to address the opportunities, responsibilities, and important milestones associated with each year of the high school experience. Students reviewed schoolwide expectations, academic responsibilities, available support systems, communication practices, and the importance of making thoughtful decisions. We emphasized that success is not measured by grades alone; it is also developed through resilience, personal responsibility, self-advocacy, positive relationships, and a willingness to become involved.
Throughout each meeting, students were encouraged to take ownership of their high school journey. Whether participating in a club, joining an athletic team, becoming involved in the arts, attending school events, or pursuing a leadership opportunity, every student has the ability to strengthen our school community while discovering new interests and talents. These experiences build confidence, character, and a genuine sense of belonging.
Our message to every class was clear: be proactive, be inquisitive, set attainable goals, and make the most of every opportunity available at Holmdel High School. The high school years move quickly, and we want each student to approach them with purpose, pride, and enthusiasm. We look forward to working alongside our students and families as we make the 2026–2027 school year one of continued growth, meaningful engagement, and shared success.
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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.
There are many ways in which students can get involved. Students can access volunteer opportunities by visiting our School of Counseling web page or visiting their office suite, or by viewing the presentation screens throughout the school. One such 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. |
An email from Lors Photography was previously sent to all high school families enabling you to select photo packages or schedule Senior Portraits.
Underclassmen Photos are Monday, September 14 (New Gym)
Senior Portraits September 21-25, & 28 (Lower Commons) |
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"!
September's theme is RESPONSIBILITY |
Sept 14: Underclassmen Photos Sept 16: PTSO Meeting Sept 21-25 & 28: Senior Portraits (3 - 8pm) Sept 23: Senior Parent Presentation Oct 10: Blood Drive
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