Frequently Asked Questions

What time is lunch?  How long is it?

Schedules can vary from year to year . We have had as many as 4 lunch shifts in the past but plant to have 3 different lunch shifts next year.  https://holman.psdr3.org/about-holman/ho-dailyschedule

What kind of lunch choices do we get?

The Holman cafeteria has a large variety of choices daily. Each day for your main dish you can choose between the main entree (which is similar to the lunch choices you have in elementary school) or you can choose from the Mexican bar (items such as nachos, quesadilla, tacos), pizza (two different topping choices each day), chef salads, hot sub sandwich or PBJ, hot chicken sandwich (regular or spicy), cheeseburger, or cheese-stuffed bread sticks. In addition to your main dish, you have salad bar & vegetables each day to choose from as well as fruit options and of course a drink (white, chocolate or strawberry milk).  You can access the lunch calendar HERE or on the Holman web site. 

Besides all of that which is included in your lunch price, you can get "extras" (for extra money) such as chips, cookies, and a variety of other drink options (bottled water, carbonated fruit drinks, and Capri Suns). These choices may vary next year, but give you a good idea of the type of variety we offer in the Holman cafeteria!

Is it hard to get from one class to another in Middle School? Will I get lost? Is there time to go to the bathroom?

You have enough time between classes to get where you need to be as long as you aren't wasting too much time visiting with friends. :-) At the start of the year while you are still learning, your teachers will be very patient in helping you get to class and understanding of you being a little bit late at first. And while you might get lost or turned around a bit at first, within a week or two you'll be an expert at finding your way around Holman! There is time to use the bathroom between some of your classes. You will figure out as you become familiar with your schedule and the building that during some passing periods you may not have extra time and need to go straight to class (when your classes are farther apart), but between other classes you will have plenty of time to take care of your needs (when your classes are closer together).

Do we get lockers?

There is currently no plans to have lockers for the 2023-24 school year. 

Do I have to dress out for PE class? Where will I change clothes? 

Yes.  We have two gyms, each with their own private locker room to change every day. 

What is the difference between Gym A and Gym B?

Holman has two gyms. One is inside the main building and is called Gym A; the other is a short walk outside and is called Gym B. When you receive your schedule, you will notice that your P.E. class will be in one of these gyms.  Gym A is a little bigger but Gym B is broken up into two smaller gyms and is closer to the field and tennis courts.

Are all 6th grade classes on the same floor?

No. Your core classes (Science, Social Studies, ELA) will  probably all be in the same area, but other classes such as elective classes,  some Math classes, and P.E. will be in other parts of the building.

Will I have time to use restroom between classes? What if I am late for class?

You will have a passing period between classes giving you reasonable time to get where you need to be. If your next class is close by, you will have time to use the restroom, or grab a drink, but if your next class is far away you may not have time. Therefore, you will figure out over the first couple of weeks of school how to plan your day--you will plan your restroom, and drink breaks when you know you have time. You will also have passes from your team teachers in case of emergency, so you can leave class if you need to go to the restroom. If you are late to class.... The first week of school, being tardy (late) to class will certainly be understood as you are learning your way, and there will not be any consequences. But normally during the year, you will get a warning on your first few tardies, and then you can receive lunch or after-school detentions if you continue to be tardy to class.

What is the average amount of homework you get each day?

This, of course, varies from day to day and from class to class, but.... You should expect to have homework nightly and to spend anywhere between thirty minutes to two hours completing it. If there is a night when you do not have homework, we encourage you to still spend some study time to look over notes from class, organize/clean-up your binder, and read your library book to keep you in the routine of "homework time".

Will we have the same teacher more than once a day?

Most likely, yes you will. For example your advisory teacher may also be your math teacher. Or your science teacher may also be your academic lab teacher.

Can I tour the building? If so, when?

Yes, when you come to pick up your schedule you can tour the building then on your own.  You can also peek inside with our online building tour. 

Will we go on field trips? Where? When?

This varies from year to year and from class to class, but you will go on some field trips. Some field trips 6th graders have taken in the past for example are: St. Louis Zoo, Meramec Caverns, and various plays and musical productions.

Is there D.A.R.E. at Holman?

No, D.A.R.E. is only in 5th grade, but Holman does have a full-time School Resource Officer (SRO) at our school who is a Bridgeton Police Officer. The officer is available to support students and help out when students have questions, needs or concerns about school or their community. Of course the officer also helps ensure our safety at school.

Does bullying happen often at Holman? Do older kids (7th & 8th graders) pick on 6th graders since we are new?

Bullying is a serious offense that is not tolerated at Holman. When or if it does occur, staff will work with all students involved to end the behavior and find a resolution. Incoming 6th graders sometimes hear stories of being picked on because you are new, and while some joking may occur, this is not actually a big problem at all. Most of the time the three grade levels (6th, 7th, & 8th) are in separate areas of the building near their teams and their lockers. During some passing periods, students from all three grades may cross paths\.But, again, anytime you feel bullied or witness bullying, please report it to an adult so the situation can be quickly resolved.  You can also report it anonymously online through the Holman web site. 

Do we get iPads in Middle School?

Yes.  Every student is assigned an iPad to use at school.  They can be taken home daily and will be used in most classes.  Learn more about the take home device program by clicking HERE. 

What is Pirate Academy?

Pirate Academy is a personalized learning model that is optional for Holman students.  The Pirate Academy students will work together in the same team for all three years at Holman and all three grade levels are combined.  Learn more about the program HERE

Do you have Band, Orchestra, or Choir?

YES!  We have a variety of electives you can take at Holman.  You can learn more about all the options you have HERE

Is there anywhere a parent can get additional help?

YES!  We have a Parent University web site with information on helping with student devices as home as well as how to create accounts to follow your child's progress.  You can access it HERE