Dear Holmdel Township School Community,
I hope this email finds you well.
It has been a generation since digital devices, one-to-one computing initiatives, and instructional technology first emerged in public education. Since that time, they have become assimilated in many ways into the teaching, learning, and assessment process.
This trend arguably accelerated during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, of late, there is a growing body of research and literature that has sought to reevaluate the impact of this technological paradigm shift on student achievement, skill development, and mental health.
Horvath questions the rapid and widespread adoption of digital tools in schools, arguing that it often outpaces evidence of impact on student learning. He suggests that overuse of devices can undermine foundational skills such as handwriting, attention, and deep cognitive processing. While not opposed to technology, he emphasizes that it should be used purposefully and selectively, reinforcing, not replacing, strong instructional practices.
Similarly, within the education profession, administrators and faculty members have begun to reflect more consistently on our current path. The emergence of artificial intelligence has further emphasized the importance of this reevaluation. We have also received feedback from members of our parent community seeking district leadership and guidance, as many are engaging with this evolving research and raising thoughtful questions.
We are in the final stretch of the current school year, and it would be untimely to place a complex goal such as this on the agenda at this time. However, I want to reassure the community that both the administration and the Board of Education are committed to approaching this work thoughtfully and deliberately. A goal in this area will likely be included in next year’s district goals, subject to Board approval.
As superintendent, I would envision the first year of this work as focused on fact-finding and knowledge-building, through a review of research and literature, as well as collaboration with other New Jersey districts and partners beyond the state. A key first step would be assessing the extent to which there is balance within our own system. While there is a common perception of overreliance on technology and underemphasis on analog and interpersonal learning, this remains speculative without a comprehensive review of practices by grade level and subject area.
I offer these remarks in recognition of growing community interest. In the interim, I welcome feedback, observations, and ideas, and look forward to engaging in these important questions together as a district committed to thoughtful leadership.
|
|
On Saturday evening, April 25, the Holmdel Foundation for Educational Excellence (HFEE) held its Pearl Gala at the Tilling House at Suneagles Golf Club, a beautiful venue in Eatontown, celebrating 30 years of philanthropy and service to the Holmdel Township school community.
The event was sold out, and guests enjoyed a festive cocktail hour, basket raffles, a silent auction, a delicious dinner, and dancing to a live band.
On behalf of the Holmdel Township school community, please join me in thanking the HFEE trustees, in particular Gala Co-Chairs Brittany Mallardi and Amanda Volk, for the countless hours they dedicated to organizing this incredible event, as well as all of the community members, donors, and sponsors who helped make the evening a tremendous success.
Sustaining an education foundation for three decades is no easy feat, and it is a testament to the strength of our community, as well as the spirit of volunteerism and generosity that defines Holmdel. Long before the motto “Live Holmdel Blue,” HFEE has been at the forefront, embodying what it means to be engaged and active community citizens.
|
Students in the IHS Entrepreneur Club have been hard at work developing their own businesses and are excited to showcase their efforts at the upcoming Spring Market Day. The vendor fair will be held on Thursday, May 7, from 5:30–7:00 p.m. at Bell Works in the main atrium. We anticipate a strong turnout of family, friends, and community members in support of our students’ creativity and initiative. Please consider sharing the attached flyer in your parent communications and help spread the word about what promises to be a memorable event. |
Get ready for a night of incredible live music at the Holmdel High School Jazz Festival! 🎶
Join us on Friday, May 1, 2026, from 6:00 PM – 9:30 PM in the Holmdel High School Auditorium for an evening featuring 7 outstanding local high school jazz bands.
🎟️ Tickets:
$15 Adults
$5 Students/Seniors
Come support talented young musicians and enjoy an unforgettable celebration of jazz right here in our community. 🎺🎹🥁
|
|
This month’s Discovery Kitchen features refreshing Chilled Gazpacho Cups as part of our “Waste Warrior” initiative. Made from fresh, no-cook ingredients like tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers, this vibrant dish shows students how simple, nutritious foods can also help reduce food waste and support a more sustainable future.
Alongside this spotlight, April also recognizes Global Child Nutrition Month and Earth Day, highlighting the connection between healthy meals, student well-being, and caring for our planet. From plant-forward dishes and global flavors to everyday choices that reduce waste, our cafeterias continue to promote balanced nutrition and environmental responsibility—one meal at a time.
To read the April Food Service Newsletter, click here.
|
Holmdel Township School District is proud to continue its partnership with The Balance Project, a mission-driven nonprofit dedicated to helping children, families, and communities cultivate a healthier relationship with technology, strengthen mental wellness, and foster greater overall life balance.
Through education, conversation, and community engagement, The Balance Project equips families with practical tools to navigate today’s digital world while prioritizing connection, well-being, and purposeful living.
As part of this ongoing collaboration, a series of upcoming events offers meaningful opportunities for parents, students, and community members to engage in workshops and experiences designed to spark reflection and support healthier habits at home and beyond.
Click HERE to view the upcoming events.
Don't Miss out!
|
Families are invited to take part in two timely learning series, offered in partnership with Hackensack Meridian Health, designed to support student safety, wellness, and healthy development.
The Parent/Guardian Talk Series will feature practical guidance on topics such as E-Bikes: What You Need to Know (April 30) and Keeping Your Child Safe: Inside & Outside the Home (May 12), offering strategies to help families navigate emerging safety concerns at home and in the community.
In addition, the Mental Health Webinar Series will provide expert-led sessions throughout May, including discussions on adolescent mental health in a changing world (4/29), treatment options from traditional therapy to brain-based care (5/6), addiction recovery approaches (5/13), women’s mental wellness across the lifespan (5/20), and sports psychiatry for athletes at all levels (5/27).
If interested, the QR codes in the flyer below can be used to register.
Together, these programs offer valuable insights and resources to help support the well-being of children and adolescents.
|
We’re excited to introduce a new Family Course now available through our partnership with The Social Institute: A.I. Safety Essentials: Protecting Our Children from Privacy Risks, Deepfakes, and Misinformation.
Artificial intelligence has widespread risks for kids—privacy, deepfakes, emotional chatbot use, and misinformation. This course helps families explore simple safety rules, communication strategies, and ways to help kids use A.I. responsibly.
Next Steps:
If you have not already, register your free account for The Toolkit. Many families refer to this as the CliffsNotes of social media and technology! Go to the Toolkit, click Activate Account, and enter our school code: 55b5197A69096D
Access the Family Courses:
As a reminder, all courses are designed to be self-paced and can be completed on your own schedule. 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.
|
The Indian Hill Student Council, led by Mr. Jusinski, along with the PLG and school community, is supporting two meaningful causes through this year’s Walk-A-Thon.
One fundraiser benefits the Boomer Esiason Foundation, a cause close to our community. Mrs. Neville, one of our teachers, has a son living with cystic fibrosis and has been actively involved with the foundation, which is dedicated to supporting individuals with CF and advancing research toward a cure. With May recognized as Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month, this effort is especially timely. In support,
Indian Hill faculty member, Ms. Karen Bennett, will be running the New York City Marathon on behalf of the foundation, with all proceeds going directly to its mission.
The Walk-A-Thon also supports the Special Olympics, empowering athletes through training, competition, and the joy of sport.
Please consider donating using the link or QR codes on the attached flyer to support one or both of these important causes.
|
Indian Hill School is looking to inspire the next generation of leaders, and they need your help. The Parent Liaison Group (PLG) is hosting its annual Career Day on May 29, inviting community members to share their professional journeys, skills, and experiences with students.
Whether you’re in healthcare, business, education, public service, or the arts, this is a wonderful opportunity to make a meaningful connection and spark curiosity in our learners. Sign up by May 15 to be part of this engaging and impactful day!
|
Grab your paddles—Holmdel High School Baseball is hosting a community Pickleball Tournament on May 17! With divisions for all skill levels, cash prizes, and a fun-filled day at Bailey Lane courts, it’s a great way to support our student-athletes and enjoy some friendly competition. |
The Holmdel Township School District is pleased to offer a variety of indoor and outdoor facilities available for community and business use. From athletic fields and gymnasiums to meeting and performance spaces, the district provides flexible options to support local programs, events, and activities.
Click HERE for the facility rental forms.
|
|
- April 30 - Transition & Wellness Expo - Bell Works - 2pm
- April 30 - HHS Film Festival 7 pm
- May 1 - HHS Jazz Festival 6 pm
- May 7-Indian Hill Entrepreneurs Club Fair - Bell Works 5 -7 pm
- May 7 & 8 Satz Spring Play 6 pm
- May 12 IH Spring Band/Chorus Concert 7 pm
- May 15 HHS Relay for Life 4 pm
|
|
The board will hold its next monthly public meeting on Wednesday, April 27th, 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.
|
|
The development occurs through reciprocal give-and-take, the teacher taking but not being afraid also to give.
-John Dewey
|
I thank you for your time and consideration and wish you a safe and peaceful week ahead.
Sincerely yours,
Dr. J. Scott Cascone
|
|
|
