Mr. Van Bennekum is in his fifth year as the principal of Holderness Central School and is starting his nineteenth year in education. Originally a native of New Hampshire, he grew up in nearby Gilford where he resides today with his wife Cathy, a middle school math teacher, and his two children Nicholas 14, and Kaitlyn 12. Mr. Van Bennekum began his career in Chesapeake Virginia, where he taught for seven years as a middle school math, science and social studies teacher. In addition to teaching, he also served as an Athletic Director and Boys’ Basketball coach. The following year, he was offered his first administrative appointment as an Assistant Principal for the Chesapeake Public Schools. He served the communities of Indian River, Western Branch and Deep Creek for twelve years before making the move back to his home state of New Hampshire. Mr. Van Bennekum is a graduate of Old Dominion University in Norfolk Virginia with a B.S. in Elementary Education grades 4-8 and holds a M.S Ed. in Administration.

Mrs. McKenney has been the Office Manager here at Holderness Central since 2007. Mrs. McKenney is also a Notary Public.

Janis and her family moved to Holderness in 1980, with Holderness Central School being one of the main reasons. She and her husband, Rick, thought that this was the best place to raise their children, Matthew and Kaitlin.

She started working at HCS in 1989 as playground supervisor. With additional responsibilities over the years, her job has evolved to Administrative Assistant.

Even though there have been many changes over the years, Janis still loves her job and is enjoying the opportunity to see the children of her former students who are now attending HCS.

The Holderness ACE Program’s mission is to maintain an after school program for the children of Holderness Central School in grades K-8 that provides personal growth and enrichment, academic enhancement, and safety.
Holderness ACE is a non-profit (501C3) endeavor developed to provide after school care for grades K-8 for the students at Holderness Central School. Holderness ACE, also a New Hampshire state licensed group child care center program, focuses on the needs of the whole child: physical, emotional, social, familial, and cognitive. Activities and enrichment programs within ACE are designed to enhance what children are already learning in school as well as provide new ideas and activities in order to create life-long lasting experiences for the children.

To e-mail suggestions to the School Board please e-mail hcsschoolboard@hcs.sau48.org

The School Board hosted a Round Table discussion on Thursay, November 8th.  Please click here for more formation.  HCS Roundtable Presentation

School Board Members:

Dr. Joseph Casey, Chair

Ms. Bonni Acton

Ms. Carolyn Mello

Ms. Kelly Schwaner

Mr. Brian Sutherland

The Wellness Committee serves to represent the school and community by being a resource and advocate for improving wellness at HCS and to fulfill the requirements of the federally mandated HCS Wellness Policy.

The committee is dedicated to creating a school culture that supports wellness. One of our goals for the 2012-2013 school year is to create enthusiasm for wellness at HCS by sponsoring a variety of activities. A list of all of our goals, the HCS Wellness Policy and links to other motivating resources can be found in the sidebar.

We are actively looking for members to broaden the representation of the school community. The committee is ideally composed of parents, teachers, health professionals, school food service representatives, school board members, students and members of the public. If you are interested in participating, or have suggestions for the committee please contact Susan Dwyer SDwyer@sau48.org.

We are currently meeting on the 1st Wednesday of the month at 3:00pm in the Art Room at HCS.

The Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) is a group that includes all members of the Holderness Central School Community. The PTA works constructively with the School Board, Principal, and Faculty to promote a close and caring atmosphere for our children, and to foster a sense of community among all those associated with Holderness Central School. Everyone is encouraged to participate.

The PTA sponsors several events throughout the school year including the Holiday Bazaar, Parent Workshops, Family Dances, Candidates Forum and Kindergarten Open House.

We are proud of what the PTA has done for Holderness Central School. With your help, it has clearly made a difference. In the coming school year, we hope to increase our family participation, develop new events and programs, and improve our communication with you. Parent involvement in our school helps make Holderness Central a special and nurturing place for our children. We are open to any suggestions, and hope to hear from you.

To contact PTA please e-mail holdernesscentralpta@yahoo.com

Building Services