Holderness News

It’s a hot August morning on the Holderness campus, and Elizabeth McClellan has a lot on her mind.

 

The summer sky, hazy from wildfires burning thousands of miles away in California and other western states, hints at a future dimmed by the widespread effects of climate change. Just a week ago, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change released a report warning of “irreversible” warming in the coming decades, regardless of any future reduction in carbon emissions.

Holderness School is excited to begin the 2021-22 school year with its largest student body in the school’s 143-year history, and its largest ninth grade class ever.

Holderness School is pleased to announce the hiring of the Rev. Abby VanderBrug as the school’s new interim chaplain. 

The 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games may have ended a few weeks ago, but one Holderness alum is gearing up to compete in the 2020 Paralympic Games in Tokyo later this week.

The Rev. B. W. “Pete” Woodward, Jr. Prize is given in recognition of a Holderness graduate in their junior year of college for academic performance, exceptional leadership and contributions made to their college community. 

This year we have the honor of awarding this prize to two outstanding and deserving recipients.

In late May, after graduation and final exams, Holderness School faculty will meet for Holderness Symposium, a learning experience designed to foster important conversations around teaching and learning. This year, faculty will learn from Jessica Lahey, noted teacher and best-selling author of The Gift of Failure. 

Celebrating its 142nd Commencement, Holderness School hosted an unforgettable on-campus, in-person to honor the remarkable and resilient Class of 2021.  Due in large part to the hard work and foresight of the school’s COVID-19 response, graduates were able to receive their diplomas with handshakes and smiles, all while surrounded by family and united by the strong bonds of the Holderness School community.  

 

The Honor Roll recognizes and commends outstanding achievement and effort in the academic program. Holderness School recognizes that each student's growth and progress is complex. Quarterly comments written by faculty better reflect the unique path traveled by each student, and the Honor Roll and Effort Honor Roll are simplified but significant markers of the engagement of our students in the most recent marking interval.

Dear Holderness Community,

It has been two months since Phil Peck announced that he will retire in June 2022. The outpouring of support for Phil has been so gratifying to observe, and we are happy to report that he is thriving during this transition. We are equally excited to share that the search for the next Holderness Head of School is progressing quite well. In our recent NEASC (New England Association of Schools & Colleges) accreditation, Holderness was praised for remaining “true to itself” through dedicated leadership, a commitment to mission, and a foundation of unwavering values. Combined with its reputation for academic strength, excellent outdoor and athletic programming, and an incredibly loyal community of alumni, families, students, employees, and friends, this sense of self that Holderness has is attracting a strong and diverse group of potential candidates expressing interest in the position. It is clear that what we all know, understand, and love about the unique nature of Holderness and its community is being recognized far and wide.

This spring, students can swap their skis for a paddle and personal flotation device, because the school is launching a new whitewater kayaking team.