We’re excited to share that the Bulldog Buddies Peer Mentoring Program has expanded to Ninth District Elementary!
Through Bulldog Buddies, student peer mentors from Holmes High School meet twice a month with 4th and 5th grade students for mentoring sessions focused on building relationships, strengthening social-emotional skills, and helping younger students prepare for middle school. Activities are designed around Covington Independent Public School’s Portrait of a Learner competencies while helping students grow in key social-emotional skills like self-awareness, relationship building, and responsible decision-making.
The program also develops leadership and communication skills in our high school mentors as they guide activities and support their younger peers.
“The peer mentoring program has been incredibly meaningful for our students at Ninth District Elementary,” shared school counselor Dr. Onkst. “Students who often struggle in social situations have flourished - children we rarely saw smile were beaming, and others felt empowered to share their difficult experiences because of the warm, welcoming environment created by the Holmes mentors.”
This year, Bulldog Buddies has already created 48 mentoring matches across five schools, continuing to strengthen connections and support students across Covington.
Through Bulldog Buddies, student peer mentors from Holmes High School meet twice a month with 4th and 5th grade students for mentoring sessions focused on building relationships, strengthening social-emotional skills, and helping younger students prepare for middle school. Activities are designed around Covington Independent Public School’s Portrait of a Learner competencies while helping students grow in key social-emotional skills like self-awareness, relationship building, and responsible decision-making.
The program also develops leadership and communication skills in our high school mentors as they guide activities and support their younger peers.
“The peer mentoring program has been incredibly meaningful for our students at Ninth District Elementary,” shared school counselor Dr. Onkst. “Students who often struggle in social situations have flourished - children we rarely saw smile were beaming, and others felt empowered to share their difficult experiences because of the warm, welcoming environment created by the Holmes mentors.”
This year, Bulldog Buddies has already created 48 mentoring matches across five schools, continuing to strengthen connections and support students across Covington.

Congratulations to Marcia McMillen! She was recognized as Volunteer of the Month at the Covington Independent Public School's Board of Education meeting on March 12. She has been a mentor at Holmes High School for nearly 2 ½ years. Marcia exemplifies the best qualities one looks for in a mentor. She is open, kind, reliable, dedicated, and caring. She is a champion in our efforts to spread the good word about Holmes High School. She is a treasured mentor and a treasured community member. Holmes High School is proud to honor Mrs. Marcia McMillen with the Volunteer of the Month Award. Thank you for all you do!

Attention Class of 2030 Parents!
Join us at Holmes High School on March 19 for our Incoming 9th Grader Parent Meeting. This is your chance to explore career pathway options, learn about our Advanced Programs, and meet the teachers and staff who will support your student's journey.
Schedule:
4:30 – 5:30 PM: Visit Pathway Classrooms
5:30 – 6:00 PM: Informational Meeting with Counselors & Admins
6:00 – 6:30 PM: Campus Tour
We can’t wait to welcome our newest Bulldogs! 🐾
Join us at Holmes High School on March 19 for our Incoming 9th Grader Parent Meeting. This is your chance to explore career pathway options, learn about our Advanced Programs, and meet the teachers and staff who will support your student's journey.
Schedule:
4:30 – 5:30 PM: Visit Pathway Classrooms
5:30 – 6:00 PM: Informational Meeting with Counselors & Admins
6:00 – 6:30 PM: Campus Tour
We can’t wait to welcome our newest Bulldogs! 🐾

Finding our zen in the heart of the school.
To keep things sound-friendly and inclusive for everyone, we moved our Covington Yoga sessions today to the library commons. It was amazing to see faculty and students practicing side by side today.
A big thank you to Covington Yoga, and Ms.Elder, our gym teacher, for the extended invite!

Term 2 bulldogs with no referrals, good grades, and perfect attendance, earned a special day of discovery at the Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal.
Hard work, 100% attendance, and great choices in the classroom really do lead to amazing places!

March 1-3 HHS students competed in the Kentucky DECA State Career Development Conference. These students took tests and performed role plays based on topics in marketing, management, hospitality, and finance.
Our HHS chapter garnered many accomplishments.
Sophomore William Walker was elected as the Region 4 VP of Public Relations.
DaMya Hughes, Caniyah Rice, DeMari Phillips, and Jaida Barnes placed top 10 in their role play events.
Alex Reynoso and Xarion Foster placed top 5 in their testing events. Konscious Johnson and Brayden Green placed 3rd while Rashawn Johnson placed 2nd in their testing events as well!
Senior Aubree Grabow was recognized as a Diamond in the Rough winner and also placed 3rd in Business Services Marketing Series.
Senior Antoine Thompson was recognized as Chapter Member of the Year and placed 1st in Principles of Entrepreneurship.
Aubree and Antoine will travel to Atlanta, Georgia this April to compete at the International Career Development Conference.
Holmes High School was awarded 2 additional places for Internationals for achieving Thrive level in chapter campaigns which were completed throughout the school year.
Congratulations to our DECA team for their incredible achievements!

Current freshman students spent a day learning about course offerings available at Holmes. Students heard about the CTE pathways, our newly designed Fine Arts pathways, and our Advanced Program offerings including Honors Courses, AP Classes, IB Courses and Diploma Track, and Dual Credit partnerships with NKU Young Scholar Academy, NKU School-Based Scholars and Gateway Community & Technical Courses. Holmes has options for every student; be sure to ask your student about their future plans.
Save the Date!! Rising 9th grade students and parents will have an opportunity to hear similar presentations on March 19. More information will be sent home and posted soon.
Save the Date!! Rising 9th grade students and parents will have an opportunity to hear similar presentations on March 19. More information will be sent home and posted soon.

Empowered women empower women.
Join us after school February 11 for an afternoon full of sweets, treats, and girl power!
Join us after school February 11 for an afternoon full of sweets, treats, and girl power!
Forecast: 100% chance of success (and hopefully some sun)! ☀️📈
Our DECA club braved the elements to get to Orlando for their big competition. Wishing this future generation of leaders safe travels and an unforgettable trip.
Go get 'em! #DECA #Bulldogs
Our DECA club braved the elements to get to Orlando for their big competition. Wishing this future generation of leaders safe travels and an unforgettable trip.
Go get 'em! #DECA #Bulldogs


We’re excited to welcome Applegate Dentistry & Medspa as another new employer partner in the Covington Work-Based Mentoring Program!
A Holmes High School senior recently had the opportunity to job shadow at Applegate Dentistry & Medspa, where she spent time alongside dental hygienists and learned about day-to-day responsibilities, patient care, and the skills needed to succeed in the field. This experience was especially meaningful, as dental hygiene is her dream career and the path she plans to pursue at the University of Louisville next fall.
Special thanks to Dr. Barry Applegate, Rebecca Agner and the amazing staff for welcoming our student, sharing their expertise, and helping bring her career goals to life through real-world learning. We are so grateful for partners who invest in our students and their futures!
A Holmes High School senior recently had the opportunity to job shadow at Applegate Dentistry & Medspa, where she spent time alongside dental hygienists and learned about day-to-day responsibilities, patient care, and the skills needed to succeed in the field. This experience was especially meaningful, as dental hygiene is her dream career and the path she plans to pursue at the University of Louisville next fall.
Special thanks to Dr. Barry Applegate, Rebecca Agner and the amazing staff for welcoming our student, sharing their expertise, and helping bring her career goals to life through real-world learning. We are so grateful for partners who invest in our students and their futures!

We’re excited to welcome the Covington Police Department as our newest partner in the Covington Work-Based Mentoring Program!
Holmes High School sophomores recently visited the CPD station where they toured the facility, met with several officers, and learned about daily police procedures and responsibilities. Students were introduced to the wide range of career paths within the department, including patrol, investigations, and specialized units, and had the chance to ask questions about training, education requirements, and what a career in law enforcement really looks like.
A special thank you to Sergeant Brian Powers and Specialists Alex Rose and Josh Knott for spearheading this mentoring initiative and creating such an engaging, informative experience for our students. We are grateful for CPD’s commitment to mentoring and career exploration for Holmes High School students!
Holmes High School sophomores recently visited the CPD station where they toured the facility, met with several officers, and learned about daily police procedures and responsibilities. Students were introduced to the wide range of career paths within the department, including patrol, investigations, and specialized units, and had the chance to ask questions about training, education requirements, and what a career in law enforcement really looks like.
A special thank you to Sergeant Brian Powers and Specialists Alex Rose and Josh Knott for spearheading this mentoring initiative and creating such an engaging, informative experience for our students. We are grateful for CPD’s commitment to mentoring and career exploration for Holmes High School students!


Holmes Families!
We want to partner with you to help our students succeed. Join us for a special Parent Attendance Workshop on Tuesday, February 3. Come for the info, stay for the fun!
We are taking care of the evening plans for you:
Free Dinner provided for the family.
Complimentary Tickets to that night's Varsity Basketball game.
Raffles & Prizes just for attending!
Location: Holmes High School Cafeteria
Time: 5:30 PM
Let’s pack the cafeteria and then pack the stands! See you there! 🐾
We want to partner with you to help our students succeed. Join us for a special Parent Attendance Workshop on Tuesday, February 3. Come for the info, stay for the fun!
We are taking care of the evening plans for you:
Free Dinner provided for the family.
Complimentary Tickets to that night's Varsity Basketball game.
Raffles & Prizes just for attending!
Location: Holmes High School Cafeteria
Time: 5:30 PM
Let’s pack the cafeteria and then pack the stands! See you there! 🐾
It’s game time, Holmes High!
We are kicking off the 2026 Attendance Challenge. The rules are simple: Show up, be on time, and win big.
Check out what you can earn just by being in class and on time:
February: A trip to Dave & Buster’s
March: Ice Cream Truck & Snack Cart rewards
April: A trip to Kings Island in May!
We are kicking off the 2026 Attendance Challenge. The rules are simple: Show up, be on time, and win big.
Check out what you can earn just by being in class and on time:
February: A trip to Dave & Buster’s
March: Ice Cream Truck & Snack Cart rewards
April: A trip to Kings Island in May!
THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY REMINDERS:
No school on Wednesday-Friday, November 26-28.
Offices are open on Wednesday, November 26, and closed Thursday and Friday, November 27 and 28.
The District Enrollment Center is closed Wednesday-Friday, November 26-28.
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
No school on Wednesday-Friday, November 26-28.
Offices are open on Wednesday, November 26, and closed Thursday and Friday, November 27 and 28.
The District Enrollment Center is closed Wednesday-Friday, November 26-28.
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
Get ready to join us for this years powderpuff game!
Can't come to the game but want to donate to the cause? Please follow the link underneath to do just that!
https://raiseyourway.donordrive.com/participants/21680
Can't come to the game but want to donate to the cause? Please follow the link underneath to do just that!
https://raiseyourway.donordrive.com/participants/21680

Say cheese, it's time for the annual Fall School Photos!
Mark your calendars for Monday, October 27th.
Here's the scoop:
When: Monday, October 27th
Where: Photos will be taken during student's English class time.
What to do: Plan your perfect outfit! This is your chance to show off your school spirit and best smile for the yearbook.
Mark your calendars for Monday, October 27th.
Here's the scoop:
When: Monday, October 27th
Where: Photos will be taken during student's English class time.
What to do: Plan your perfect outfit! This is your chance to show off your school spirit and best smile for the yearbook.

Get ready for a big night at HHS!
Join us this Thursday, October 30th for two great events:
Parent Teacher Conferences from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Please come by to meet with your student's teachers!
Our Senior Night Football Game against Scott High School!
Before the game, we'll have a Tailgate from 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM. The first 100 students to arrive will get a free ticket to the game, plus snacks and fun!
All events begin at the Cafeteria Door. We hope to see you and your family for conferences and to cheer the team to victory!
Join us this Thursday, October 30th for two great events:
Parent Teacher Conferences from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Please come by to meet with your student's teachers!
Our Senior Night Football Game against Scott High School!
Before the game, we'll have a Tailgate from 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM. The first 100 students to arrive will get a free ticket to the game, plus snacks and fun!
All events begin at the Cafeteria Door. We hope to see you and your family for conferences and to cheer the team to victory!

Ready to help shape the next chapter for Covington Independent Public Schools?
We're inviting all community members to give their feedback on the search for our new Superintendent. This is your opportunity to share what qualities, experience, and vision you believe our next superintendent should have.
Join the conversation:
Oct. 27 | 6–8 p.m. | Latonia Elementary
Oct. 28 | 6–8 p.m. | Center for Great Neighborhoods
Childcare, translation, and refreshments will be available. Advance registration is encouraged!
We're inviting all community members to give their feedback on the search for our new Superintendent. This is your opportunity to share what qualities, experience, and vision you believe our next superintendent should have.
Join the conversation:
Oct. 27 | 6–8 p.m. | Latonia Elementary
Oct. 28 | 6–8 p.m. | Center for Great Neighborhoods
Childcare, translation, and refreshments will be available. Advance registration is encouraged!

Cheer on the Bulldogs at Homecoming 2025
Holmes High School’s 2025 Homecoming Parade is scheduled for tomorrow, Friday, September 26, at 5:00 p.m. Come out and support the Bulldogs as we celebrate 200 years of public education in Covington.
Parade Route (beginning at 5:00 p.m.):
Exit Holmes High School back parking lot
Left on Eastern Avenue
Left on Wallace
Right on Greenup Street
Left on 20th Street
Left on Madison Avenue
Return to Holmes High School front entrance
The Bulldog football team will host Jackson County at 7:30 at Tom Ellis Stadium. The Homecoming King and Queen will be crowned at halftime. Go Bulldogs!
Holmes High School’s 2025 Homecoming Parade is scheduled for tomorrow, Friday, September 26, at 5:00 p.m. Come out and support the Bulldogs as we celebrate 200 years of public education in Covington.
Parade Route (beginning at 5:00 p.m.):
Exit Holmes High School back parking lot
Left on Eastern Avenue
Left on Wallace
Right on Greenup Street
Left on 20th Street
Left on Madison Avenue
Return to Holmes High School front entrance
The Bulldog football team will host Jackson County at 7:30 at Tom Ellis Stadium. The Homecoming King and Queen will be crowned at halftime. Go Bulldogs!

Is your student wanting to get behind the wheel, but isn't fully ready?
Please join us September 30 at 3:15pm in the high school library for a driver's education course.
Join us immediately after from 4:30-6pm for our Boys Soccer Senior Night Tailgate!


