Holmes Middle School

05/28/2026

Last week, we celebrated the achievements, leadership and dedication of our Hornets during our end-of-year awards ceremony.

The ceremony recognized students across a range of accomplishments, including the prestigious Tri-Ship Award for scholarship, citizenship, and leadership, as well as Service Awards honoring students who make a positive impact on the school community each day. Our Hornets were also celebrated for academic excellence, perseverance, sportsmanship, and their involvement in programs and activities throughout the year.

Students were also recognized through Presidential Awards for academic excellence and perseverance, Outstanding Academic Achievement honors, Sportsmanship Awards, GPA Honors Awards, AVID Awards, and Rockstar Awards celebrating students who consistently stand out through their positive contributions and recognition throughout the year.

Congratulations to all of this year’s award recipients on an incredible year at Holmes!

05/23/2026

Incredibly proud of Selma's service to our Board over the past year. You've made a difference for our Hornets that will last for years to come!

As we close out the school year, we want to extend a huge thank you to our third cohort of Student Board Representatives for their leadership, perspective, and dedication to District 21 this year.

To Selma C. at Holmes, Farid S. at London and Alex K. at Cooper, thank you for serving as student voices at the Board of Education table and helping shape conversations that impact our schools and community.

Your willingness to lead, represent your peers, and share your experiences has made a meaningful difference. We are proud of all you’ve accomplished and grateful for the time and energy you dedicated to this important role.

Best of luck in high school!

05/22/2026

New assistant principal alert! We're thrilled to welcome Ms. Laura Nasello to the nest for the 2026-27 school year!

05/13/2026

A fantastic finale for the year’s jazz season!

Our final jazz band concert of the year last week showcased the energy, talent and hard work of our Hornet musicians, who closed out the season on a high note.

The performance was a great celebration of everything they've accomplished this year, and the music isn't over just yet – join us tonight at 7 p.m. for the Spring Band Concert!

We hope to see families there as we wrap up a strong year of music and celebrate our student performers one more time.

05/12/2026

We are thrilled to share that Faraz Chaudry, instrumental music teacher and orchestra director at Holmes Middle School, has been named a 2026 honoree for the ParentSquare Teacher Appreciation Awards!

This recognition celebrates educators who make every connection count by building meaningful relationships with students and families. Mr. Chaudry’s commitment to fostering communication, community, and a love of music reflects the very best of what this award represents. Congratulations on this well-deserved honor!

05/11/2026

Our eighth-grade AVID students recently took an exciting first step on their college journey with a visit to Concordia University!

Our Hornets explored campus, learned what college life is like, and began envisioning their own futures beyond middle school. This experience was a meaningful opportunity to connect classroom goals with real-world pathways...and to spark big dreams for what comes next!

A great first college visit and an inspiring day for our AVID scholars!

04/17/2026

It’s official — we have a finish line!

The last day of school for students is Tuesday, June 2! As we head into the final weeks, let’s celebrate a year full of growth, achievements, and unforgettable moments.

Here’s to ending the year strong and soaking in every last milestone along the way. Let the countdown begin!

04/15/2026

Who lives in a pineapple and is taking the stage tonight?!

Aye aye, captain! Join us under the sea for Holmes Middle School's spring musical, SpongeBob Jr.!

🕖 Show starts at 7 p.m.
🚪 Doors open at 6:30 p.m.
🎟️ Tickets are FREE!

Get ready for a splash-tastic night filled with laughter, music, and Bikini Bottom fun as our talented Hornets bring this beloved story to life. You won't want to miss this nautical nonsense!

So grab your friends, channel your inner SpongeBob, and come cheer on our stars of the sea.

04/13/2026

“Study the past if you would define the future.”

For Benjamin Neidich, that idea isn’t just a quote—it’s how he leads.

From a history teacher to now principal of Holmes Middle School, his journey has always been about helping students see their place in a bigger story, and empowering them to shape what comes next. Whether supporting staff behind the scenes or celebrating former students now thriving as colleagues, his impact is felt in the quiet, meaningful moments that define a school community.

Read his full “My Why” story and learn what drives his work every day: https://ccsd21.org/news/my-why-benjamin-neidich-principal-at-holmes

04/06/2026

Happy National Assistant Principals Week! 🎉

This week, we're celebrating the amazing Ms. Genson and Dr. Zimmerman for the leadership, care and dedication they bring to Holmes each and every day. From supporting our Hornets to helping the school run smoothly, their impact is felt in so many ways.

Be sure to join us in thanking Ms. Genson and Dr. Zimmerman for all they do to make Holmes a great place to learn and grow!

03/30/2026

As we wind down , we're celebrating the amazing band concert earlier this month at Holmes Middle School! Our current (and future) Hornets filled the gymnasium with energy, skill and passion, showing off all the hard work they've put in this year.

A huge thank you to our talented musicians, directors and families for making the night unforgettable!