Principal’s Message Dear Holland Township Parents, Guardians, and Community Members, Thank you for visiting our website and for being part of our active school community. We welcome your involvement and commitment to the educational success of our students. Holland Township is a Pre- Kindergarten through 8 school serving approximately 670 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 proud to have been designated a New Jersey School to Watch. Holland Township was one of four New Jersey schools to receive this distinctive honor. Schools accommodating grades 6, 7, and 8 are eligible for this program which recognizes institutions that provide a strong academic program while being responsive to the middle school students’ social and emotional well being. Holland Township 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 all students at the middle level completing Pre Algebra or Algebra I. Technology is a component of the daily instructional program. The district houses two computer labs as well as controlled internet access in every classroom. Students are engaged in important research in their classrooms through the use of laptop computers. Classroom teachers utilize SmartBoards to create meaningful interactive lessons. Student presentations are a regular occurrence at Board of Education meetings. The school 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, Star Reading and Helping Hands as well as a full range of athletics. We are proud of our commitment toward reaching and positively influencing all students. Our learning community is comprised of a devoted group of professionals, aides, staff members, and parents. 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, and an annual Senior Citizen/Veteran Luncheon. Middle level students have the opportunity to travel abroad in a German Exchange Program and in a Cultural Exchange to France. Third through seventh grade students are introduced to a Spanish Language program and all students in grade eight complete Spanish I. A newly-implemented Spanish Enrichment elective course compliments the current Spanish program with hands-on experiences that broaden the students’ cultural understanding emphasizing the continuous use of the Spanish language to strengthen communication skills. Field trips are planned for each grade level to enhance cultural exposure. 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. Nancy Yard
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September 5th, 2010
