Dear Holmdel Township School Community,
I hope this finds you all well and settling into the new year. I had a number of opportunities to get into the schools and cheer on our student athletes last week, and I look forward to doing the same for our student performers with several upcoming events.
As part of our ongoing commitment to character education, this month's theme is “EMPATHY”, understanding and connecting to other people’s feelings. As we begin the new year, let us welcome the spirit of empathy together -#liveholmdelblue!
As we have entered the new calendar year and the Board has reorganized, both the Board and administration are ramping up discussions and preparations for the development of the school district’s 2026–27 budget.
As was shared earlier in the fall, before the holiday season, our school district, like many school districts across the state, is experiencing financial challenges that will make the development of next year’s budget a difficult endeavor.
Over the coming months, in advance of the board's prospective approval of the not-to-exceed budget in March, I will be sharing weekly budget briefings and highlights through this newsletter to keep the community informed and up to date on the various factors, challenges, and potential decisions that will need to be made to balance the budget.
To initiate this process, I believe it will be helpful for the community to revisit last year’s budget presentation, as well as a presentation delivered before the adoption of last year’s budget that provided valuable historical context regarding the district’s financial history. These presentations will offer helpful background to support understanding of future budget briefings and informational communications.
Below, you will find the full videos from last year’s budget presentations. I encourage all community members to review them and to stay tuned for upcoming weekly budget briefings.
You can view the videos of the presentations in their entirety by clicking the links below:
I thank you in advance for your attention and engagement.
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Last week, Governor Phil Murphy signed new legislation aimed at restricting the use of cell phones in New Jersey public schools, a measure designed to support student focus, well-being, and academic engagement. As the Governor noted during the bill signing, the law establishes a statewide framework, with additional details and guidance to be issued by the New Jersey Department of Education.
With regard to this recently signed legislation, first and foremost, we will be awaiting further guidance from our overseeing authority, the New Jersey Department of Education, including clarity around implementation expectations and, most importantly, a definitive start date. Once that information is provided, we will carefully review it and communicate the next steps clearly and promptly to our school community.
That said, as many families are already aware, the Holmdel Township School District is well-positioned in this area. The District is currently in its second year of what is essentially a ban on student cell phone use in grades K–8. At the high school level, cell phones are not permitted during academic classroom settings; however, students are allowed to use their devices during lunch periods and passing time.
Our existing practices reflect our ongoing commitment to creating focused learning environments while also recognizing the role technology plays in students’ lives when used appropriately. As always, any future adjustments will be guided by state requirements, best practices, and thoughtful input from our educators, administrators, board of education, and families.
Once formal guidance is received from the New Jersey Department of Education, we will be sure to keep the community informed with any updates or changes that may be required. Thank you, as always, for your continued partnership and support.
To read the full article from the patch click here.
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Holmdel High School was honored to be informed that it has earned AP Honor Roll – Gold Status, an improvement from Silver Status last year and narrowly missing Platinum Status.
The AP Honor Roll designation, awarded by the College Board, recognizes schools that have demonstrated a strong and sustained commitment to expanding student access to Advanced Placement coursework while also improving performance on AP exams. Schools earning Gold Status have successfully increased the number of students participating in AP courses and exams, while maintaining high levels of achievement, as measured by the number of students earning qualifying scores.
This recognition is a testament to the outstanding work of our Advanced Placement students, faculty, administration, and boards of education, past and present, whose collective efforts have made both access and success in AP programs a clear priority. Their focus on rigorous instruction, student support, and inclusive participation continues to yield meaningful results.
Expanding opportunities for students to challenge themselves academically, while ensuring they are well-prepared to succeed, has been one of the key factors contributing to Holmdel High School’s continued upward trajectory and rising rankings. We are proud of this achievement and look forward to building on this momentum in the years ahead.
To read the full report click here.
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The hallways of Indian Hill Elementary were filled with more than just the usual winter excitement this season. For weeks, students poured their creativity into a mission of kindness: crafting over 400 handmade cheer cards for patients at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK). The project reached its heartwarming conclusion as student representatives and staff hand-delivered the collection, proving that even the youngest members of the Holmdel community can make a monumental impact.
For Project Coordinator Mr. Jusinski, this annual tradition is a cornerstone of the Indian Hill experience. "This tradition really matters because it’s become part of who we are", Jusinski explained. Every year, students learn that a simple card can make a big difference. It’s a chance for them to practice kindness, empathy, and caring for others in a real way.
The project serves as a bridge between the classroom and the wider Holmdel community. By sending these messages to MSK, students realize that their actions have power beyond the school walls. "Knowing that students have been doing this year after year helps them see that giving back is something our school truly values", Jusinski added.
Article submitted by Lisa McTague, Indian Hill School Media Specialist/STEM Teacher
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As technology plays a bigger role in students’ daily lives, both in and out of school, it’s more important than ever for families to help children develop healthy, balanced tech habits.
The Social Institute will be hosting a 30-minute virtual #WinAtSocial Family Presentation designed to equip parents and guardians with practical strategies to support students’ well-being, learning, and real-world connections while navigating social media, gaming, AI, and more.
All families are encouraged to attend this informative session. More details and registration information are included below.
Date: January 26th
Time: 6:30 pm
Length: 30 minutes
Registration Link: http://winat.social/4ns9i5t
Who: Families
Questions? Visit TheSocialInstitute.com
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Key Club and the HTEA, in conjunction with the NY Blood Center, are sponsoring a blood drive at Holmdel High School on Friday, January 30, from 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM in the auxiliary gym, and they desperately need your help.
Though the drive is designed to encourage student donors, we also have many staff members who donate at these drives, as well as community members, and this time they are all needed. The NY Blood Center just sent out a press release on January 6 declaring a blood shortage emergency, which means every donation is vital.
Winter weather, holiday disruptions, and illness have significantly reduced donations, while hospital demand remains steady. All blood types are urgently needed, with O-negative and O-positive especially critical for emergency care. New Jersey's blood supply is less than a two-day inventory, far below what hospitals need to care for patients.
The upcoming blood drive at Holmdel High School is even more incredibly important given the circumstances, so please consider donating.
If you are unable to attend the drive, please consider making an appointment at a nearby donor center or mobile drive at nybc.org or by calling 1-800-933-2566. The NY Blood Center press release can be found here (attached) for more information and links.
Key Club and the HTEA thank you for your time and attention.
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The Community Outreach team at Hackensack Meridian Health is offering two upcoming Safe Sitter programs on Monday, January 19 (MLK Day) in Brick and Monday, February 16 (President's Day) in Hazlet.
Safe Sitter is a babysitting training program where students will learn house safety, CPR demonstrations, how to kickstart a babysitting career, and more.
Additional information:
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Come and join the Holmdel Township Green Team for a seed sowing workshop and discover how to start native plants from seed, best done outdoors during the winter. It's a fun family activity! |
Students interested in building confidence and public-speaking skills are invited to participate in the Young Speakers Academy this February and March. Led by instructor Paul Ireifej, this 8-week program helps students strengthen communication, presentation style, and self-expression in a fun and supportive setting. Registration information and program details can be found in the flyer below. |
- January 15 - Satz One Read Event Kick Off 6pm
- January 19 - School Closed MLK Day
- January 22 & 23 - Satz Musical 6pm
- January 27 - HHS/Satz Winter Dance Concert 6pm
- January 29 - HS National Honor Society Induction Ceremony 6pm
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The Pearl Gala
Celebrating 30 Years of Gifting
Join the HFEE for an elegant evening benefiting the Holmdel Foundation for Educational Excellence.
Saturday, April 25, 2026
Attire: Black Tie Optional
Sponsorships and Tickets - Coming Soon
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Last Wednesday, January 7th, the Board of Education held its annual reorganization meeting in which newly elected board members, Dr. Greg Fernandez, Ms. Joanne Lam, and Mrs. Brittany Manning were sworn into service. I would also like to extend my congratulations to our newly appointed board President, Mr. Peter Reddy, and Vice President, Mrs. Kim Tuccillo. Please join me in welcoming and wishing them all well as they commence their new roles in the Holmdel Public Schools Board of Education.
This month of January, we celebrate School Board Appreciation Month, honoring our board members for their tireless efforts in guiding our district. Their dedication ensures our schools provide the best opportunities for every student. We are deeply grateful for their vision, passion, and commitment to putting our children first. Thank you for building a foundation for success.
The board will hold its monthly Committee of the Whole meeting on Wednesday, January 21st, at 7:00 PM and its regular public meeting on Wednesday, January 28th, at 7:00 PM in the High School Media Center. The meetings are also accessible via Zoom link and will be posted to the district webpage within 24 hours of the meeting.
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"We must walk on in the days ahead with an audacious faith in the future.” -Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
The most influential of African American civil rights leaders during the 1960s, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., was instrumental in the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which outlawed discrimination in public accommodations, facilities, and employment, and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. King was awarded the Nobel Prize for Peace in 1964. Martin Luther King’s accomplishments have continued to inspire generations of Americans, including this educational leader.
There will be no school on Monday, January 19th, in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. day. Classes will resume on Tuesday, January 20, 2026.
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I thank you for your time and consideration and wish you a peaceful week ahead.
Dr. J. Scott Cascone
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