Dear Holmdel Township School Community,
I hope this message finds you well!
As we step into February, Groundhog Day on February 2 reminds us that brighter days, and spring, are just around the corner. Whether Punxsutawney Phil sees his shadow or not, there’s plenty to celebrate this week!
February 2–6 is National School Counseling Week, and it’s the perfect time to recognize the incredible work of our school counselors.
Christine Barbara – Village
Stephanie Jennings – Indian Hill
Lauren Simione – Indian Hill / Village
Melissa Finnegan – Satz
James Bruce – Satz
Jillian Chandler – High School
Steven Macri – High School
Tracey Marasco – High School
Lori Vona – High School
Nicole Wilson – High School
Every day, they support our students’ growth, guide them through challenges, and champion their success both academically and personally. Let’s take a moment this week to show our appreciation, whether with a kind word, a note of thanks, or a small gesture of gratitude. Their dedication truly makes our schools a better place!
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Registration for the Monmouth County Schools Partnership for Wellness Symposium is now open! This meaningful evening will take place at Brookdale Community College on March 11th, beginning at 5:30 PM, featuring a keynote by Rebecca Bryan on “Positive Childhood Experiences are the Foundation of Lifelong Resilience” and breakout sessions curated for the needs of students, parents, and educators.
The evening will conclude with a panel discussion by mental health experts and students from around Monmouth County, discussing the importance of mental health and wellness. Additionally, multiple local, County and State agencies will be in attendance, providing meaningful resources on an array of topics. Please join us as we continue to work together to support the mental wellness of our communities! #BeYouBeWell
**The first 300 attendees will receive a FREE copy of Unselfie!**
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I had the pleasure of attending the Shore Conference Middle School Wrestling Tournament at Raritan High School this past Saturday, and what an incredible experience it was! While serving as guest principal at William R. Satz School last Friday, a few of our wrestlers asked if I would be at the tournament. Having attended last year and thoroughly enjoyed it, I was excited to be there again.
It was wonderful to spend time with our student-athletes and meet so many supportive parents along the way. The energy in the gym was electric, and our wrestlers rose to the occasion with determination and skill.
The results were outstanding:
- AJ La Bate, 95 lbs – Champion
- Jack Marchiano, 115 lbs – Champion
- Jack Smith, 126 lbs – 2nd place
- Sam Aung, HWT – 3rd place
- Sam Grinberg, 144 lbs – 4th place
Even more impressive, two of these wrestlers are in their first year, and two are in only their second year of wrestling—a testament to their dedication, hard work, and potential.
Congratulations to these athletes for representing Holmdel with heart, grit, and sportsmanship. The future of Holmdel wrestling is bright!
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We are proud to share and celebrate an outstanding achievement by Anderson Cosmas, a student at Satz Middle School, whose dedication, talent, and passion for music have recently been recognized at the highest levels.
This month, Anderson earned acceptance into both the All Shore Orchestra and the New Jersey State Youth Orchestra (NJSYO)—two highly selective, prestigious ensembles that draw from an exceptionally talented pool of young musicians across our region and the state. Selection into these orchestras is the result of a rigorous audition process and reflects not only technical skill, but also musical maturity, discipline, and a deep commitment to the art.
Participation in these outside select orchestras provides students with extraordinary opportunities to perform advanced repertoire, collaborate with peers who share a similar passion for music, and learn under the direction of accomplished conductors and clinicians. Anderson’s accomplishment is a testament to countless hours of practice, perseverance, and a genuine love of music.
We extend our congratulations to Anderson and gratitude to the educators and family members who continue to support and inspire his musical journey. Achievements like this exemplify the talent, dedication, and spirit of excellence that define our students, and remind us all of the incredible opportunities that flourish when hard work meets opportunity.
Please join us in congratulating Anderson Cosmas on this remarkable accomplishment!
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Last week we shared a standalone budget newsletter with key information on the District’s proposed 2026-27 budget, including our financial context, priorities, and planning timeline. If you missed it, you can review all of the materials here: January 29th Budget Newsletter
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What’s on the menu this winter? ❄️
Our January Food Services Newsletter highlights immune-friendly, student-approved meals designed to keep our learners healthy, energized, and ready to succeed during the colder months. From colorful fruits and veggies to cozy soups and whole-grain favorites, discover how our dining team is nourishing students from the inside out—plus a fun Discovery Kitchen feature and a celebration of National Soup Month. Be sure to take a look and see what’s cooking in our schools!
Click here for January's newsletter.
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Registration is now open for the 2026–27 Holmdel Public Schools Pre-School program! Secure your child’s spot for a year of early learning, growth, and fun. Plus, don’t miss our Pre-School Summer Enrichment programs, designed to keep little minds curious and engaged all summer long. Learn more and register today!
Preschool Registration Link: Go HERE Summer Enrichment Program Link: Go HERE
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Kindergarten 2026–2027 registration opened on Friday, January 16th. Please visit the Holmdel School District website, www.holmdelschools.org, to access the Kindergarten Registration Portal. Families may upload all required registration documentation and, if desired, schedule an optional online appointment with the school. In-person registration appointments will take place Wednesday through Friday, February 24–26, at Village Elementary School. An in-person appointment is not required if documents are submitted through the portal.
On the home page, select the “Registration Information” box, then click the “2026–2027 PreK and Kindergarten New Student Registration Only” link to create a portal account and, if documents are not submitted through the portal, schedule an appointment.
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Following a highly successful inaugural summer, Camp Invention returns to Holmdel for its second year, offering students an engaging, hands-on STEM experience designed to inspire creativity, collaboration, and innovative thinking. Through interactive challenges and real-world problem solving, campers bring their ideas to life while building confidence and having fun along the way.
Registration is now open. Families can save $25 on Week One (July 13–16, 2026) with promo code FUN25 (expires March 31, 2026). An additional $60 savings is available for Week Two using the exclusive registration link provided in the Week One confirmation email.
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- February 13 - Early Dismissal for Students / PD Day for Staff
- February 16 - School Closed - Presidents' Day
- February 17 - School Closed for Students / Lunar New Year - PD Day for Staff
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Please take notice that whenever the Holmdel Township School District Board of Education is required by law or by order or rule of any court to publish or advertise a legal notice, it will publish or advertise the legal notice on the Holmdel Township School District Board of Education's official Internet website, in compliance with P.L. 2025, c. 72. This is a change from the past, whereby the district published notices in an official newspaper. Legal notices can be accessed on our district website's at https://www.holmdelschools.org/legal-notices
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The board will hold its monthly regular public meeting on Wednesday, February 25th, at 7:00 PM in the High School Auditorium. 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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“The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character – that is the goal of true education.” – Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
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As we usher in the month of February, we begin our observance and celebration of Black History Month. President Gerald Ford recognized Black History Month in 1976, during the celebration of the United States Bicentennial. He implored Americans to "seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history".
The following link has some fascinating resources and articles to shed light on the origins of Black History month and the many important contributions Black Americans have made to American society. Throughout this month, pursuant to New Jersey state learning standards, our teachers will engage our students in various curricular activities to celebrate and appropriately observe this important month.
I thank you for your time and consideration and wish you a peaceful week ahead.
Dr. J. Scott Cascone
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