Van Holten Elementary School is in its 42nd year of operation. While the cornerstone of the building indicates 1963, the school officially opened its doors in September of 1964. At that time, every available space was used to accommodate an enrollment of over 800 students. Our present library was divided into two small classrooms and art, music and other instructional rooms were not available. Bridgewater Township was growing at a rapid rate, and community support for education was very high. In the early years, class sizes were in excess of 30 students compared to average sizes now of about 21 students.

When Van Holten was opened, we had thirty-four teachers and eleven support staff for grades K-5. Van Holten's first principal was Teresa R. Kelly who served as principal for ten years, retiring in 1975, after serving the district for 43 years. Ernest R. Shuba was appointed principal in 1975. Mr. Shuba will be retiring in August 2006 and Mr. Robert Phillips will become Van Holten's new principal starting in the 2006/7 school year.

In summary, the teachers and parents of Van Holten School have a long tradition of working together as partners in the education of their students. They have been devoted to making their students' years at Van Holten a valuable and memorable experience. That spirit continues at Van Holten as the district and community prepare for Van Holten's future as a K-4 school beginning with the 2006-7 school year.