Dear Holmdel Township School Community,

I hope this finds you well. The season of autumn represents a time of transition, and that certainly holds for our school year. We have now moved into the second quarter, with conferences beginning next week.

Each week, including this one, I am continually amazed by the extraordinary accomplishments and exceptional talents within our school community. From academic achievements to outstanding performances in the arts, remarkable athletic feats, and meaningful acts of community service, our students and staff consistently demonstrate excellence at the highest levels. These accomplishments are the result of a holistic community effort, partnerships between school, home, and the broader community, which together create the environment in which our students thrive.

I invite you to join me in celebrating these successes and taking pride in all that we are accomplishing together. Feeling genuinely positive about our strengths and achievements does not make us complacent; rather, it lifts our spirits and strengthens our resolve to continue the important and challenging work ahead.

Let us carry that pride and energy forward as we strive for even greater growth and impact in our schools.

With gratitude,

Dr. Cascone

On Friday night, history was made at Bob Roggy Field as the Holmdel High School Football team captured its first-ever state sectional title. Congratulations to the student-athletes, Coach Kavanagh, and his coaching staff for their remarkable achievement.

Special thanks to the Holmdel High School Cheer Team, Dance Team, and Pep Band, whose energy and spirit played a key role in motivating the team throughout the season. The district is also grateful to the Holmdel Township Police Department, Holmdel Fire Rescue Co. 2, and EMS for ensuring the safety of all attendees.

Friday Night Lights always showcases the extraordinary nature of our school and community, but this championship night was particularly special. Many alumni, including members of the Class of 1991, returned to cheer on the Hornets. That 1991 team was the last, and only other, to reach the final, making this victory even more historic.

This year’s team has delivered a championship that will be remembered by all Holmdel Hornets, past, present, and future. The Hornets now continue their bid for a state Group championship this Friday at home, in an atmosphere sure to be electric. Come out and show your support!

The Holmdel High School Girls Volleyball Team delivered an unforgettable performance last Tuesday, battling through an intense five-set match to capture the Central Sectional Championship. The team’s determination, teamwork, and resilience were on full display as they dramatically secured the title.

The Lady Hornets advanced to the Group semifinals on the road, where they once again pushed their opponent to a decisive fifth set. Despite a hard-fought effort and another nail-biting finish, the team fell just short of advancing to the Group Championship, concluding their impressive season with a 23–3 record.

This year’s accomplishments reflect the outstanding dedication of the student-athletes and the leadership of the coaching staff. Their grit, sportsmanship, and competitive spirit made the Holmdel community exceptionally proud.

Congratulations to the girls and to everyone who supported them throughout this exceptional season. Go Hornets!

This past weekend, four of our talented Holmdel High School musicians—Pranav Deshpande, Charlotte Stanislawczyk, Jess Burden, and Keoni Baheti had the exciting opportunity to participate in the TCNJ Honors Music Festival.

Our students enjoyed learning from the festival’s faculty, performing alongside other outstanding student musicians, and gaining valuable insights during the instrumental masterclasses. They found the experience both inspiring and educational, and we are proud of their dedication and artistry.

Next weekend, they will showcase all they’ve learned during their final rehearsal and concert!

Check out more highlights from the festival on their Instagram page.

Congratulations to Jenny Chang and Elizabeth Koo from Satz Middle School on their acceptance into the All Shore Intermediate Band following this weekend’s auditions!

A special recognition goes to Jenny Chang, who earned first chair with the highest flute score. We are so proud of their talent and dedication!

Last week, Indian Hill School proudly welcomed more than 25 veterans who generously volunteered their time to speak with and inspire our students. Their presence provided an invaluable learning experience, offering firsthand perspectives on service, sacrifice, and civic responsibility.

A sincere thank-you goes to the PLG at Indian Hill for once again sponsoring, organizing, and supporting this meaningful event with such care and exceptional effort. Their commitment helps ensure this annual tradition remains impactful for our entire school community.

I was also proud to be joined by Board President Christian DiMare, Vice President Alison LoPresti, and Board Member Peter Reddy, himself a veteran, who participated in the program and helped honor those who have served.

Events like this remind us that civic duty, patriotism, and support for our military are deeply valued within the Holmdel community. I am honored to lead a district where these principles continue to thrive.

Last Wednesday, five Holmdel High School student-athletes officially signed commitments to continue their athletic careers at Division I universities. The signings took place in the high school media center, where students were joined by family, friends, and teammates to celebrate this exciting milestone.

Congratulations to:

Kudos to Supervisor of Athletics Michael Casale for organizing another top-notch signing day event, providing a memorable experience for the student-athletes and their families. This annual celebration highlights the incredible talent, dedication, and hard work of Holmdel’s student-athletes and the support of the entire school community.

Yesterday, Holmdel High School proudly hosted a free cardiac screening clinic for students, made possible through the generosity of the Pediatric Cardiology Group of Drs. Albert, Zales, and Castro, along with two resident physicians who volunteered their time and expertise. Between 9:00 AM and 12:00 PM, approximately 125 students received comprehensive cardiac evaluations.

Special thanks to Supervisor of Athletics Mr. Michael Casale for coordinating this initiative and to High School Nurse Jen Pollinger for supporting students and assisting the medical teams throughout the clinic. We are also grateful to Hackensack Meridian Health for sending representatives who provided free CPR/AED refresher training.

Holmdel’s partnership with this cardiology group began in 2018, following the tragic passing of Holmdel High School student-athlete Jack Dowd in 2017 from an undiagnosed cardiac condition known as Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Dysplasia/Cardiomyopathy (ARVD/C). His memory continues to inspire our ongoing efforts in prevention and awareness.

The clinic also provided an opportunity to meet Patricia Trott, founder of Nicole’s Heart Foundation, established in memory of her daughter Nicole, a St. John Vianney graduate who passed from an undiagnosed congenital heart defect called Anomalous Left Coronary Artery from the Pulmonary Artery (ALCAPA). Her advocacy has helped countless families and highlights the lifesaving importance of early detection.

Every year in the United States, sudden cardiac arrest claims an estimated 7,000–10,000 children and adolescents, many with no prior symptoms. Screenings like the one held yesterday play a vital role in identifying hidden cardiac risks and protecting student health.

Thank you to everyone who made this event possible, and to the students who took this important step for their well-being. Together, we continue to strengthen the safety and health of our Holmdel community.

The Holmdel Foundation for Educational Excellence (HFEE) continues to make a big impact in our schools—from the Aquaponics System and Math Mobility Program to new music and science resources. Your support helps us keep our schools at the top! Scan the QR code below to donate and make a difference in our students’ education.

Goal number three of the board-approved 2025–26 district goals is to design and launch an online Parent University platform that provides families with accessible, high-quality resources to support student learning, well-being, and home–school partnership. In advancement of this goal, I am excited to announce the launch of the first module of our online Parent University, which is dedicated exclusively to providing resources for parents on Parenting in the Digital Age.

Our district has launched a partnership with The Social Institute (TSI), a leader in empowering students, families, and educators to navigate their learning and well-being, including A.I., social media, and devices, in healthy ways. 

No matter your child’s current tech use, whether they use devices and apps regularly or are just beginning to ask questions, the resources offered through this partnership are designed to be flexible and family-friendly.

Register your free account for The Toolkit. Many families refer to this as the CliffsNotes of social media and technology! 

Once enrolled, courses will be available on your Thinkific dashboard anytime you log in.

These courses are designed to be self-paced and can be completed on your own schedule. We encourage all families to complete the courses.

The district is honored to be your partner on this journey. We understand that each household has its own values and approach to technology, and we fully respect that. This programming is not about prescribing rules or parenting strategies. It’s about offering ideas and tools that you can use in whatever way fits your family best.

As you progress through the courses, please feel free to email any questions to parentuniversity@holmdelschools.org.

"Success is never final; failure is never fatal. It’s courage that counts." – John Wooden

I thank you for your time and consideration and wish you a peaceful week ahead.

Dr. J. Scott Cascone