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Holmdel Township School District

"A Commitment to Excellence"

Superintendent's Weekly Update - November 24, 2025

Posted Date: 11/24/25 (3:42 PM)

Holmdel logo featuring a stylized bee and text in blue.

Superintendent's Weekly Update

#WeAreHolmdel #LiveHolmdelBlue #HolmdelProud

November 24, 2025
Dear Holmdel Township School Community,

I hope this message finds you well. It’s hard to believe we have already completed a quarter of the 2025–26 school year! As we approach Thanksgiving and the holiday season, we reflect on an outstanding fall filled with achievements and memorable experiences.

The fall performing arts season concluded this past weekend with an exceptional production by the Holmdel High School Theater Guild in their performance of Puffs. On the athletic front, our fall teams showcased remarkable dedication and skill. It was a banner season for our district, with notable successes including a Group Championship in girls’ tennis (4th in a row!) and our first-ever sectional championships in girls’ volleyball and football.

Our schools continue to earn recognition for excellence, including Indian Hills’ Blue Ribbon School designation and accolades from U.S. News & World Report for the outstanding quality of our elementary and middle schools.

These accomplishments reflect the incredible dedication, collaboration, and support of our entire school community. As I often say, our successes are the result of everyone working together to provide the best experiences and environment for our community’s most precious resource: our children.

On behalf of the district administration and staff, I wish all our community members a happy, healthy, and joyful Thanksgiving. May this season be a time to reflect, celebrate the blessings in our lives, and remember those who may be facing challenges, including food insecurity, within our broader community.

With gratitude and warm wishes,
Dr. Cascone
 

Student & Program Highlights

Green Team's Earth-Friendly Adventures!

The Green Team is buzzing with new projects that are making our schools happier, healthier, and greener. From wiggly worms to teamwork, students are discovering just how fun it is to help our planet.

This fall, the Green Team welcomed some tiny new helpers—worms! These little decomposers are boosting the district’s composting efforts by breaking down food scraps even faster. “The worms have been driving student inquiries!” shared Green Team Committee Member Hailey Weinstein. In Mrs. McTague’s STEAM class at Indian Hill, students are journaling, observing, and asking great questions as they become true worm experts.

The composting project continues to grow, with more students than ever getting involved. “The number of volunteers to assist from the Student Council increased significantly,” noted Green Team member Jaclyn Gargano. Thanks to all these helping hands, awareness is spreading, and families are even beginning to compost at home. Over the summer, students and staff worked together to keep the system running smoothly.

Healthy soil produced at Indian Hill will support gardens and green spaces across the district, including the Village Elementary butterfly garden and the Satz School greenhouse—an inspiring example of schools helping schools.

Through posters, flyers, and presentations, the Green Team is sparking important conversations about sustainability and empowering everyone to make Earth-friendly choices. Next time you toss something out, think like the Green Team: Can it be recycled? Can it be composted? Every small step makes a greener difference.
A teacher and students gather around a computer in a classroom setting.
 

ICYMI

2026-27 Draft School Year Calendar

At the November BOE Committee of the Whole meeting, the administration shared a draft of the school district calendar for the 2026–27 school year.

The administration appreciates all those community members who have reached out with feedback and questions. The feedback will be discussed with the board at the December 10 public BOE Committee of the Whole meeting. The calendar is expected to be approved by the Board at the December 17 regular public Board of Education meeting. To view the draft 2026-2027 school calendar, click here.

The link below shows the portion of the aforementioned meeting in which the administration walked the Board through the calendar, month by month.


Chartwells Newletter

Check out the latest news from our from food service provider.
Holmdel School District Food Services Newsletter, November 2025, with Thanksgiving and football themes.

Messages Received: Parent Square FAQ

We want to extend our sincere thanks to our school community for sharing your feedback regarding the implementation of the ParentSquare communication platform. Your input is invaluable as we work to make communication more effective and responsive for everyone.

Please take a moment to review the FAQ document linked below, which addresses the common questions and topics raised.


This document is a living resource; new questions and considerations will continue to be added, so we encourage you to keep reaching out to the administration with any thoughts or concerns.
 

Community Bulletin Board

Holmdel Graduate Omar Abuattieh Named Rhodes Scholar

We are thrilled to celebrate 2020 Holmdel High School graduate Omar Abuattieh, who has been named a 2026 Rhodes Scholar, Rutgers University’s first in over 30 years. Earlier this year, Omar was also recognized as Rutgers’ 15th Truman Scholar for his dedication to public service and leadership.

Omar, a Palestinian-American resident of Holmdel, is completing his Doctor of Pharmacy at Rutgers. He has an impressive record of civic engagement, including organizing community service projects, serving in student government, and working to improve healthcare policy.

The Rhodes Scholarship will allow Omar to pursue postgraduate studies at the University of Oxford, reflecting his commitment to service, leadership, and making a global impact.

We are incredibly proud of Omar and inspired by his achievements, which show that local students can reach extraordinary heights.





Shop, Groove, Celebrate at Village School

The Village School Parent Student Association (PSA) is hosting its Holiday Vendor Fair on Sunday, December 7th, from 10 AM – 3 PM, offering the community a chance to shop local and discover a variety of unique and seasonal items.

New this year, the Music and Art Academy of Holmdel will bring live performances throughout the day, allowing students to share their musical talents and spread holiday cheer. A professional gift wrapper will also be available, giving families the opportunity to have their purchases beautifully wrapped on site. Returning to the event is A Small World Gift Shop, providing students another opportunity to shop for special items from the Village Holiday Shop, whether they missed it earlier or want a few additional gifts.

This festive event highlights the creativity and community spirit of our Village School families, and reflects the PSA’s ongoing dedication to enriching the school experience for all.
A blue poster advertises the Village Elementary's Vendor Fair: Blue Winter Wonderland.

Explore Semiquincentennial Programs at the Monmouth County Library

The Monmouth County Library is offering a variety of programs to celebrate the Semiquincentennial, our nation’s 250th anniversary in 2026. This flyer highlights events and activities designed for all ages, from educational workshops and storytimes to community discussions and special performances. These programs are a wonderful opportunity to learn about our shared history, engage with our community, and celebrate this historic milestone.

Check out the flyer below to see all the ways you can participate!

 

Save the Date!

A yellow sticky note with 'SAVE THE DATE' in a red circle, pinned to a surface.

  • November 26 - Early Dismissal for all
  • November 27 & 28 - Thanksgiving Break
  • December 9 - IH Winter Concert 6:30 pm
  • December 15 - HHS/Satz Winter Choral Concert 7:00 pm
  • December 16 - HHS/Satz Band Winter Concert 7:00 pm
  • December 23 - Early Dismissal for all
  • December 24 -January 2 - Winter Break
  • January 5 - Classes Resume
 

Public BOE Meetings

A green apple rests on a stack of books next to a chalkboard that reads 'SCHOOL BOARD MEETING'.
Upcoming meetings December 10th & December 17th (accessible via Zoom link) will be posted to the district webpage within 24
hours of the meeting).

Click here to access archived video and/or audio recordings of Board of Education meetings dating back to 2014-15.

Celebrating Excellence in Our Schools

At last week’s Board of Education meeting, the Board and administration were proud to recognize the outstanding student-athletes and coaching staff of our championship Holmdel High School Girls’ Tennis and Girls’ Volleyball teams. Their exceptional seasons are a testament to their hard work, resilience, and commitment to excellence.

In addition, the Board was pleased to honor District School Safety Specialist Frank Papalia for his dedicated service in keeping our schools safe. His professionalism and steadfast support play an essential role in the well-being of our students and staff.

Congratulations to all who were recognized for their remarkable contributions to our school community.
A group of students and adults pose for a photo, holding certificates in a school setting.
A group of students and adults pose for a photo, holding certificates in a school setting.
A group of people stand together, holding a certificate in a modern room.
 

Quote of the Week

“I am grateful for what I am and have. My thanksgiving is perpetual.” – Henry David Thoreau
 
I thank you for your time and consideration and wish you a peaceful week ahead.

Dr. J. Scott Cascone