Dear Families and Staff,

I hope this message finds you all well. The district and its schools are now humming in rhythm as we enter the thick of the autumn season. The energy in our classrooms and hallways reflects both the commitment of our students and educators.

As we look ahead to October 20th, I’d also like to acknowledge the vibrant celebration of Diwali, a time for reflection, renewal, and the triumph of light over darkness.

May the spirit of Diwali inspire us all to honor and celebrate the many traditions that make our district so special. To all who observe, I wish you a safe and joyous festival!

Wishing everyone a meaningful and uplifting week ahead.

Sincerely,

Dr. Cascone

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.

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.

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!! 

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

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.

One River School of Art + Design in Middletown offers innovative art and design classes, camps, and workshops for all ages, rooted in contemporary art and inspired by living artists from the last 50 years. Founded in 2012, One River aims to transform art education by helping students develop a strong personal voice in today’s visual world.

Students learn from practicing artists, designers, and educators, including college professors and public school teachers, who bring real-world experience to every class. The result: students have more fun, learn faster, and create meaningful, high-quality work.

Explore programs at middletown.oneriverschool.com

To learn more about classes, camps, and workshops go to middletown.oneriverschool.com

Tire Rack Street Survival helps young drivers (ages 16-21) improve their skills through classroom instruction and behind-the-wheel exercises simulating real-world emergencies. Students learn to build good judgment, understand their vehicle’s limits, and use safety systems to avoid crashes.

By driving their own cars in hands-on scenarios, participants develop proper responses to unexpected situations, become more observant, and learn to anticipate hazards.

The program emphasizes safe driving habits, including the importance of seat belt use for themselves and their passengers.

For more information, please see below - 

To register for the next event in NJ - 

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

Location 200 Campgaw Road, Mahwah, NJ

Upcoming meetings on October 22nd and October 29th (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.