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Holmdel Township School District

"A Commitment to Excellence"

Superintendent's Weekly Update - May 11, 2026

Posted Date: 05/11/26 (03:24 PM)


Holmdel logo featuring a stylized bee and text in blue.

Superintendent's Weekly Update

#WeAreHolmdel #LiveHolmdelBlue #HolmdelProud

May 11, 2026
Holmdel Public Schools Strategic Plan 2023-2028 cover featuring Holmdel High School and student photos.
Dear Holmdel Township School Community,

I hope this finds you well. I trust all the mothers enjoyed a joyous and restful Mother’s Day. I also trust you were able to find some time to relax and to take in your children and loved ones, for whom you do so much each day.

Strategic Plan Survey

As we approach the end of the school year, I want to share information about our annual survey process, which plays an important role in evaluating and benchmarking progress within our five-year strategic plan. As we conclude the third year of this plan, the feedback we receive from students, families, and staff is especially valuable in helping us reflect on our progress and inform our continued work ahead.

We are very interested in the perspectives of our families as a critical part of this process. Our family–school partnership remains central to student success, and your voice helps ensure our efforts remain aligned with the needs of our community.

Included is a live link to the Family Engagement Survey. The survey will be open from May 11 through May 22. It is easy to complete, simply click the link and respond to a series of questions rated on a five-point scale. There are also three open-ended questions for additional comments and feedback.

All survey responses are anonymous; individual respondents are not identified. We kindly ask that families complete one survey per school attended in your household.

In addition, our students will complete the Student Voice Survey, which provides important insight into their school experience and supports our districtwide planning efforts. The administration schedule is outlined below.

Survey links are also included for your review. Should you wish to opt your child out of the survey, please contact the building principal at least 48 hours prior to the scheduled administration date.

Student Survey Administration Date(s)

Grade 3
May 14th, 15th & 18th 

Grade 4-6
May 14th

Grade 7-8
May 21st & 22nd

Grade 9-12
May 19th & 20th

We appreciate your partnership in completing these important surveys. Parents, guardians, students, and staff all play an essential role in shaping our schools, and we are grateful for the time and thought you contribute to this process. Your feedback is vital to our continued growth and success as a district.

Thank you for your ongoing support of Holmdel Township Schools.

Latest Buzz

Balancing Life & Tech: Community Perspectives Panel

The Balance Project Holmdel invites the community to an engaging Perspectives Panel focused on the importance of balancing life and technology, featuring a diverse group of experts in health, education, and wellness.

Panelists include pediatric occupational therapist Emily McCue of Sticks & Sprouts, occupational therapist Katie McEvoy, Chantal M. Simonelli, Principal of William R. Satz Middle School, and Samantha Saffioti, social worker and mental health specialist with Hackensack Meridian Health. The evening will also feature additional Holmdel High School student voices.

Attendees can also take part in complimentary wellness offerings, including free blood pressure screenings and an interactive wellness wheel with prizes.

The event will be held on Wednesday, May 13th, at 7:00 PM in the auditorium in the Holmdel High School Auditorium, with both in-person attendance and a virtual option available.

A timely opportunity for families and community members to reflect on healthy digital habits and overall well-being.

You are invited to a Zoom webinar!
When: May 13, 2026 07:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Topic: Perspectives Panel by the Balance Project Holmdel

Join from PC, Mac, iPad, or Android:
A poster announces a 'Perspectives Panel' event by The Balance Project Holmdel, featuring four women and discussing balancing life and tech.

Summer AI Social Impact Program

This summer, Holmdel High School will once again host Designing Projects for Social Good with Generative AI, a project-based program brought to Holmdel by Mrs. Alicia Killean, District Supervisor of Science, Technology, and Engineering, in partnership with Inspirit AI.

Designed for students entering grades 6–12 (including graduating seniors), the program provides hands-on experience with leading generative AI tools such as ChatGPT, Perplexity, Cursor, and Lovable. No prior coding experience is required.

Students will explore foundational concepts in generative AI, practice prompting strategies, and engage in guided “vibe coding” labs before designing and building an original project focused on a real-world social challenge such as healthcare, sustainability, education, engineering, or equity. The program concludes with a student showcase of final projects.

Separate middle and high school sections will be offered. The program includes 32 hours of instruction led by AI practitioners and graduate students from top universities and is hosted on-site at Holmdel High School. Tuition is $1,600. Interested families may complete this short interest form and review the accompanying program brochure. for additional details.

Student & Program Spotlight

Holmdel Relay for Life Returns

Holmdel High School’s annual Relay for Life will take place this Friday, May 15, from 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. on Roggy Field. The event, organized by the Holmdel High School National Honor Society and student leadership team, promises to be an evening centered on community, service, remembrance, and hope in support of the American Cancer Society.

Relay for Life has become a meaningful tradition within the Holmdel community, bringing students, staff, families, and residents together for an important cause that impacts countless individuals and families. The evening will feature food vendors, games, music, activities, and special surprises throughout the event.

To date, the fundraising effort has already generated nearly $20,000 for the American Cancer Society, a testament to the generosity and commitment of the Holmdel community. There is still time for additional participants to register and contribute to the cause before the event.

The district extends its appreciation to the National Honor Society students, faculty advisors, volunteers, and community supporters whose hard work and dedication continue to make Relay for Life one of Holmdel High School’s signature community events.

We encourage all members of the Holmdel community to come out on Friday evening to support this outstanding effort and stand together in the fight against cancer.

Poster for Relay For Life of Holmdel, "Light Up The Night!" on May 15th, 4-10 PM at Holmdel High School.

Celebrating Musical Excellence

Congratulations to HHS musician Pranav Deshpande on an outstanding bassoon performance with the Eastern Wind Symphony.

Congratulations as well to Satz 8th grader Anderson Cosmas and HHS students Pranav Deshpande and Charlotte Stanislawczyk on their excellent performances with the New Jersey State Youth Orchestra (NJSYO).

Kudos to our Satz Jazz Band for a terrific performance at the Holmdel High School Jazz Festival on May 4th. Special recognition goes to Anderson Cosmas, who earned the Best Solo award for drums, and to our saxophone section for receiving the Best Section award.

A diverse group of musicians in black attire plays various instruments on a wooden stage.
Three young musicians stand with their instrument cases in front of an orchestra banner.
A diverse group of students in formal attire stand in a school hallway, holding various musical instruments including guitars, saxophones, and a trumpet.

Student Law Day Contest Medalist

Seventh grader Jillian Vincelli submitted an entry to the Law Day Contest hosted by the Monmouth Vicinage in partnership with the Monmouth Bar Association. Jillian earned 3rd place in the Grades 6–8 Poetry Competition for her outstanding submission. She will be recognized at an awards ceremony on June 3rd at the Monmouth County Courthouse. Congratulations to Jillian. To read Jillian’s entry, click here.
 

Community Bulletin Board

10th Annual HFEE 5K Run / Walk 2026 and Kids' Fun Run - June 13, 2026

A wonderful opportunity for our community to come together in support of our schools and
students.

5K Run / Walk and Kids 1 Mile Fun Run
Meet at Bell works @ 8:45 am
Race Time:
9:00 am - Kids Fun Run
9:45 am - 5K Race

Sign up by May 28th to receive a T-Shirt
5K Race: $40
Kids (Ages 11 and under): $25

👉To register click here.
Poster for HFEE's 10th Annual 5K Run/Walk and Kids' Fun Run at Bell Works on Saturday, June 13, 2026.

Monmouth County Event: Protecting Kids Online

The Monmouth County Balance Project is pleased to share that Special Agent Chris Moriarty of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Project iGuardian will be presenting in Monmouth County on May 14th as part of the national Know2Protect campaign.

The Project iGuardian® program is dedicated to helping families, educators, and community members better understand and prevent online exploitation by equipping adults and students with the knowledge needed to stay safe in digital environments.

This important session is open to parents, educators, administrators, and community leaders from across New Jersey. We encourage interested stakeholders to attend and engage in this critical conversation on student safety and digital awareness.

RSVP Here.
Event poster titled 'Protecting Kids Online' with statistics on cybercrime and information about a US Dept of Homeland Security presentation.

Inspire the Future at Indian Hill’s Career Day

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!
Poster announcing Indian Hill's Annual Career Day on May 29th, featuring illustrations of a construction worker, doctor, and businessman.
A modern building with a curved roof and stone pillars is illuminated at dusk.

Holmdel Schools Open Facilities for Community Use

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.
 

Save the Date!

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


  • May 12 IH Spring Band/Chorus Concert 7 pm
  • May 15 HHS Relay for Life 4 pm
  • May 19 District Art Show / HS & Satz - Bell Works 6:00 pm
  • May 20 District Art Show - Village & Indian Hill - Bell Works 6:00 pm
  • May 20 HS Spring Choral Concert 7 pm
  • May 21 Incoming 4th grade Parent Orientation 7 pm
  • May 22 Early Dismissal for all
  • May 25 - School Closed - Memorial Day
 

Public BOE Meetings & Alerts

A green apple rests on a stack of books next to a chalkboard that reads 'SCHOOL BOARD MEETING'.

The board will hold its next monthly public meeting on Wednesday, May 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.

 

Quote of the Week

“The health of a democratic society may be measured by the quality of functions performed by private citizens.”-Alexis de Tocqueville

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

Sincerely yours,
Dr. J. Scott Cascone