·     Last month I reported on the Merck Scholars and mentioned Holmdel had one student among the 26 students from New Jersey honored. However, Holmdel High School actually had two Merck Scholars. Congratulations to our second student who scored third in the state on the Chemistry test. She, too, was recognized at the ceremony and luncheon at Merck Research Laboratories in Rahway.

·     I would like to share with you the District’s Mission Statement as developed by the Community Relations Committee:

Mission:  A Commitment to Excellence

 The mission of the Holmdel Township Public Schools is to provide a comprehensive and caring educational environment that will develop the potential of every student into achievement.  In partnership with our community, the School District will support all our students’ efforts to meet and exceed the New Jersey Core Curriculum Standards, and to become responsible and resourceful citizens and life-long learners.

             If anyone has comments or suggestions, please email me.

·     Mr. Loughran reports that 115 students, grades 9-12, and 20 staff members at Holmdel High School earned perfect attendance for the 2007-2008 school year!

·     The results of the Advanced Placement Tests taken this spring have arrived!  90% of the students who attempted the exams received a score of 3 or higher.  43% received a 5 which is the highest possible score. Further, 49.5% of the 2008 graduating class passed at least one AP exam during their high school career.  The passing rate is consistent with past performance.  Of even greater significance is the number of students in the 2008 graduating class who passed at least one exam during their high school career.  It is the highest that we have seen in at least four years.

Trends:
In 2001, student enrollment at HHS was 1,039 and 131 students took 394 test with 24% receiving a score of 5.

In 2008, student enrollment at HHS was 1,115 and 238 students took 520 test with 43% receiving a score of 5.

More students are attempting a challenging exam and more students are exceeding expectations!

·     Dr. Schwartz reports that all AP courses (such as Calculus BC, Chemistry and Biology) being taught by new or different teachers in 2008-09 have been approved by the AP audit and all other course have been renewed.

·     I am pleased to share with you that ARISE has selected Meryl Gill, Director of Special Services, as “Teacher of the Year.”

Activities towards meeting district goals:

Differentiated Instruction

·     We have completed two of the modules for professional development offered by Pearson as a bonus for our enrollment as an early user of Learnia. The two sessions addressed using the standards to direct instruction and balancing assessments in the classroom. The third module will be given on July 29 and will address differentiated instruction. The workshops have been attended by various administrators.

·     Some Indian Hill School teachers attended a workshop about differentiated instruction this summer. They will bring this information back to their individual classes and share what they learned with their colleagues at grade-level meetings.

·     Many of our administrators attended the Principals’ Leadership Conference at Princeton University earlier this month pertaining to differentiated instruction.
 

Character Education

·     Various teachers from Village and Indian Hill schools are attending a week-long training session on Responsive Classroom. These teachers will bring this information back to their individual classes and share what they learned with their colleagues in the fall.

Technology

·     Indian Hill has ordered new computers with the generous donation received from the PLG and will be setting up several “4-computer classrooms” for teachers to use with their students in all areas of the curriculum.