Dear Holmdel Township School Community,

This week, the district will observe the Week of Respect. This ties perfectly into the district’s ongoing commitment to character education and October's theme: "RESPECT." It embodies the essence of seeing value in all people and things and treating them with care.

In a time when respect and civil discourse are sometimes in short supply, the district celebrates and acknowledges the value of respect through our ongoing "Live Holmdel Blue" character education program. Let us aspire, as a community that excels and serves as a role model in so many other ways, to do the same in how we engage with and treat one another.

Our ongoing goal is to make our schools nurturing and inviting environments for all students, at all times. In alignment with this, the district continues to do its best to stay focused on its primary academic mission while reinforcing positive behavioral norms, especially within the larger societal context of a culture that can sometimes feel divisive and critical. Contrary to the assertions of some, we remain confident that our schools are among the safest and most nurturing environments for our students.

These are environments in which clear expectations for behavior exist, supports are in place to help students meet those expectations, and accountability is consistently upheld.

I am hopeful that this renewed focus and emphasis on positive student behavior and a supportive school environment provides reassurance to our parents, students, and community that Holmdel schools remain places where every child can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

Sincerely,

Dr. Cascone

I wanted to share an exciting upcoming resource for families and students. At the end of 2025, a tween-friendly version of Jonathan Haidt’s The Anxious Generation will be released: The Amazing Generation: Your Guide to Fun and Freedom in a Screen-Filled World. This new book provides practical guidance for navigating the challenges of growing up in a digital world, helping tweens build balance, resilience, and healthy habits around technology.

This could also serve as a wonderful opportunity to engage in a family book club, where parents and children can read and discuss the book together, sparking meaningful conversations about screen time, wellness, and connection in today’s world.

For more information about the book, visit: The Amazing Generation

We look forward to seeing how families and staff might engage with this resource and encourage discussions that support the social and emotional growth of our students.

In honor of Veterans Day, the Parent Liaison Group at Indian Hill School is proud to host a special Veterans Breakfast and Student Meet-and-Greet to recognize and celebrate those who have served in our armed forces. Breakfast will be served from 7:30 - 8:30 and then you will be assigned 2 classrooms to speak with students about your journey and experiences.

Date: Friday, November 14, 2025

Time: 7:30 AM – 8:30 AM Breakfast;  8:30 AM - 10:15 AM Classroom Visits

Location: Indian Hill School; 735 Holmdel Rd, Holmdel, NJ 07733

Veterans are warmly invited into our school community, parents, grandparents, family members, or friends, to join us for breakfast and the opportunity to speak with our students about your service, experiences, and what Veterans Day means to you.

If you or someone you know is a veteran and would like to participate, please sign up using the link below or contact me with any questions.

This event is a meaningful way for our students to connect with and learn from those who have served. We hope you’ll join us for this special celebration.

The Holmdel chapter of The Balance Project is gearing up for a new year with an initial community meeting scheduled for October 6th at 7:00 in the high school media center. Click HERE to access a community technology survey developed by the Holmdel Balance Project along with an RSVP link for the October 6th meeting.

The Balance Project's digital parenting series starts this week!

Don’t forget to sign up for the upcoming Digital Parenting Webinars in partnership with the Digital Mom!! The first session is THIS Wednesday October 8th at 8pm.

Get a handle on group chat. Learn how to say yes safely, how to set up parental controls and how to coach your child through this highly nuanced form of communication. Attendees receive a copy of The Digital Mom’s Texting Contract & The Golden Rules of Texting Etiquette.

Minecraft, Roblox & Fortnite. Game Ratings, Game Chat & Time Limits. Console, PC or iPad. Whatever the game or wherever it's played, learn what to look for and how to set it up as safely as possible. Attendees receive The Digital Mom Gaming Contract & Cheat Sheet

Learn how this notoriously intimidating app actually works. From tricky navigation to secret areas, you will learn how Snapchat works and how to make it as safe as is possible. Attendees receive The Digital Mom’s Social Media Contract & The Snapchat Safety Matrix

“While there is a ton of information coming at parents of what NOT to do regarding technology and our children, Sarah Trombley is the first person I’ve encountered who has done the research for parents of what is reasonable to incorporate and for what age. Even more importantly, she is informing parents on the “how,” which every parent is searching for. I was hooked after seeing her speak, and I’m now an avid follower and great believer that her work is so desperately needed. Parents, schools, and even the children themselves could all benefit from her expertise in helping navigate this ever-changing world of technology.” –Laura P, Parent of a 5th grader

At Holmdel Public Schools, student safety is our top priority. 

When schools conduct drills, students and staff are informed ahead of time. Parents and guardians will receive a message from the principal shortly afterward confirming the drill took place.

If an emergency protocol is needed for a real situation, the school will first communicate with students, staff, and first responders. Parents and guardians will be updated as soon as possible with important details and context.

Here’s what you need to know about two important drills:

When: External/Internal emergency (severe weather, environmental hazards, staff/student medical emergency)

What Happens: Stay in classrooms or safe areas, doors and windows secured, instruction may continue

Purpose: Protect students and staff while indoors

When: Threat inside or near the school (intruder)

What Happens: Lock classroom doors, turn off lights, move out of sight from doors/windows, staff guide students calmly

Purpose: Minimize visibility and access to protect everyone

Tip for Families: Talk with your child about these drills and reassure them they are for their safety.

For more info, visit the NJDOE School Preparedness and Emergency Planning page.

As part of the district's ongoing commitment to student safety and well-being, Holmdel Public Schools has completed its annual review of district practices and protocols related to the Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying (HIB) statute and board policy.

To assist families in understanding these policies and navigating the law if the need arises, the district administration has created a helpful Parent FAQ document. This resource provides clear guidance on reporting procedures, definitions, and the support available to students and families.

We encourage all parents and guardians to review the FAQ to better understand Holmdel’s procedures for promoting a safe, respectful, and supportive school environment.

Tire Rack Street Survival teaches young drivers how to react to real world driving emergencies and become better drivers by combining classroom instruction with behind the wheel simulations of unexpected driving conditions that require quick and correct action to avoid crashes.

Students will learn how to build good judgement while driving, understand the limits of their vehicle, and use the vehicle’s safety systems to avoid crashes. Behind the wheel exercises develop proper responses that are frequently not what young drivers’ instincts tell them to do – but are the correct action to avoid trouble. The school is open to all drivers ages 16-21 who hold a valid driver permit or license. 

The primary emphasis of Tire Rack Street Survival is a “hands-on” driving experience in real-world situations! The student will drive their own car to learn about its handling limits and how you can control. The students will become more observant of the traffic situation they find themselves in. They will learn to look far enough ahead to anticipate unwise actions of other drivers. As the students master the application of physics to drive their cars, they will make fewer unwise driving actions themselves. They will understand why they should always wear their own seat-belts, and why they should insist that their passengers wear seat-belts, too!

For more information please see below - 

To register for the next event in NJ - 

Sunday, October 19th, 2025, 8:00AM-4:30PM

Location 200 Campgaw Road, Mahwah, NJ

Mark your Calendar!