Mrs. Nancy Yard, Principal nyard@hollandschool.org

Principal’s Message

Dear Holland Township Parents, Guardians, and Community Members,

It is with a great deal of pride that I welcome you to the 2011-2012 school year. Thank you for your commitment to and involvement in the educational success of our students. Holland Township is a Pre- Kindergarten through 8 school serving approximately 640 students. We are one of five districts that send its graduating students to Delaware Valley High School to complete their secondary education. Ongoing articulation with the high school and all its sending districts is valued to ensure that our students are well prepared for high school.

Holland Township School is a designated New Jersey School to Watch. We are one of nine New Jersey schools to receive this distinctive honor. Schools accommodating grades 6, 7, and 8 are eligible for this program, which acknowledges institutions that provide a strong academic curriculum while being responsive to the middle school students’ social and emotional well being. This award exemplifies the dedication of our professional staff in continuing to learn and implement programs that are engaging and challenging for all students.   

Holland Township School promotes academic excellence through the alignment of curriculum and materials with the New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards. Curriculum committees meet to discuss research-based practices, assessments, and student achievement. Through the integration of curriculum units, students experience continuous learning across disciplines. Our reading program uses a balanced literacy approach. Our math program includes problem solving and computation with students at the middle level having the opportunity to complete Algebra I. Third through seventh grade students are introduced to a Spanish Language program and all students in grade eight complete Spanish I.

Technology is a component of the daily instructional program. The district houses two computer laboratories as well as controlled internet access in every classroom. Students are engaged in educational research in their classrooms through the use of laptop computers and other portable learning devices. Classroom teachers utilize SmartBoards to create meaningful, interactive lessons. Our students are able to expand their learning beyond the classroom by collaborating with students from other districts and across the globe by utilizing online communication tools.

The Holland Township School community recognizes the arts as being essential to the development of the whole student. Encore programs include physical education, art, Academic and Creative Enrichment (ACE), instrumental and vocal music, and library media. Co curricular activities include Drama, Robotics, Science Club, Student Council, and Helping Hands as well as a full range of athletics. Student recognition programs include Random Acts of Kindness, the Honorable Warrior Luncheon, and Star Reader Program. Field trips are planned for each grade level to provide students with experiences that enrich their academic program. Student presentations are a regular occurrence at Board of Education meetings.

We are proud of our commitment toward reaching and positively influencing all students. We offer a continuum of Special Education services, programs for at-risk students, a gifted and talented and school-wide enrichment program. Professional learning communities, team meetings, and in-service days provide the opportunity for our faculty to engage in a continuous cycle of learning. Our Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO) and Source for Excellence in Educational Development (S.E.E.D.) Foundation continue to provide our district with many additional services that directly impact our students. Student involvement in their local community and in state and world affairs is encouraged and fostered through service learning. Our students participate in such experiences as Trick or Treat for Hunger, The Buddy Walk, Make a Difference Day, the Uganda Project, and an annual Senior Citizen/Veteran Luncheon.

We believe it is the mutual goal of the home and school to collaborate together to help our students understand their role as members of the school community. Our character education program encourages all students to be respectful, persistent, safe, and responsible. Parents can help their children by sharing their expectations in regards to attitude, behavior, and academic achievement for the school year. Our parent portal is open to parents and guardians in grades 5 to 8 to monitor and discuss progress toward these goals. Parent-Teacher and Student Led Conferences are held in the fall. Please be aware that if concerns arise at any time, you may contact your child’s teacher or a school counselor by calling the Main Office at 908 995 2401.

I invite you to be an active member of our learning community. Together we can build a strong educational foundation for every student. I encourage you to utilize the district webpage to learn more about our district and discover the many events our students are participating in. Our Virtual Backpack is updated weekly and provides easy online access to timely information.

Dr. Nancy Yard
Principal