Dear Holmdel Township School Community,
I hope this email finds you well.
As we begin Teacher Appreciation Week, I would like to take a moment, on behalf of the Board of Education and the administration, to extend our sincere appreciation and admiration for everything our faculty members do each day. The work of our educators has arguably never been more important or more challenging, yet it remains as noble and impactful as ever. Their dedication, care, and commitment to our students continue to shape not only academic outcomes, but the character and future of our community.
Throughout the week, our administrators and school-based parent groups have thoughtfully planned events and gestures to recognize and celebrate our staff. We hope these expressions of gratitude are both uplifting and affirming as we enter the homestretch of the school year.
We also recognize National School Nurses Day on May 6th, an opportunity to honor the essential role our nurses play in supporting the health, safety, and well-being of our students every day. Please join me in thanking Jennifer Polinger (High School), Casey Schulhafer (Indian Hill), Lindsey Gallo (William R. Satz), and Susie Caamano (Village School) for their compassion, professionalism, and faithful care.
I encourage all parents and guardians to take a moment this week to send a note of thanks to a teacher who has made a meaningful difference in your child’s life. These simple gestures of appreciation go a long way in recognizing the extraordinary efforts of those who serve our students so faithfully.
Thank you for your continued support of our schools and the incredible individuals who make them so special.
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In celebration of America's 250th upcoming birthday and in partnership with Holmdel's America 250th Committee, Indian Hill 4th graders took part in a town-wide scavenger hunt organized by Holmdel Recreation. This fun, free community event involved students and their families following clues on the Goosechase App.
Tasks lead participants around town to discover fascinating information about Holmdel's history and its role in the Revolutionary War. Since the 4th graders study this particular time in our nation's history, it was an opportunity that couldn't be missed!
Students had a blast discovering interesting historical facts about Holmdel's role in the American Revolution. The last task of the challenge involved taking a group photo to celebrate the team's success! Students were encouraged to show their patriotic spirit by wearing the colors red, white, and blue.
What an incredible photo celebrating the 250th birthday of America!
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May is award season for high school theatre, and I am pleased to share the following recognitions for our students at two upcoming events.
The Count Basie Center Basie Awards recognize excellence in Monmouth County theatre. Our students earned multiple 2026 nominations and honors:
Nominations
- Adrian Cardinoza – Outstanding Supporting Performance (Comedy)
- Mason Christy – Outstanding Featured Performance (Comedy)
- Samvi Raj – Outstanding Lead Performance (Comedy)
- Outstanding Stage + Tech Crew of a Play
Honorable Mentions
- Emerson Granata – Outstanding Lead Performance (Musical)
- Kim Hong – Outstanding Supporting Performance (Musical)
The Basie Awards ceremony will be held on May 19.
At the statewide Montclair State University Foxy Awards, students also received the following nominations:
- Samantha Ayers – Costume Design for a Play
- Lilia Dietz & Leo DiMare – Lighting Design for a Play
- Samvi Raj – Leading Role in a Play
The Foxy Awards ceremony will be held on May 21.
These honors build on earlier recognition at the 2026 New Jersey Thespian Festival, where students earned Superior ratings in monologues and design, and Thespian Troupe #34 received the Silver Honor Troupe Award for excellence in production, outreach, and service.
Congratulations to all of our student performers and designers.
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This past Friday evening, Holmdel High School proudly hosted its annual Jazz Festival, bringing together outstanding student musicians from across the region. Participating ensembles included the John P. Stevens Jazz Ensemble and Jazz Lab Band, Monmouth Regional High School, Rahway High School, the William R. Satz Jazz Band, and the Holmdel High School Jazz Band.
The evening featured adjudication by Jeff Lesser and Wilbur Wittemann, who provided valuable feedback and selected the night’s awards. As hosts, the Holmdel ensembles performed but did not compete, allowing visiting schools to be recognized for their performances.
Soloist Awards were presented to two students from Rahway High School and one student from the John P. Stevens Jazz Ensemble. John P. Stevens also earned section honors for Best Saxophones, Best Trumpets, and Best Trombones, while Rahway High School was recognized for Best Rhythm Section.
A sincere thank you is extended to our Holmdel Jazz Band parents and students for their tremendous support with ticketing, food donations, and concessions. Their efforts were essential to the success of the event.
It was a wonderful evening celebrating the talent, dedication, and spirit of jazz in our schools.
Click the links below to enjoy the Holmdel Jazz Band's performances:
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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.
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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. |
Hi Balance Project Community,
See below for details (including more about our special guest!) + for a reminder of our other newly released school resources.
Join us for our Bringing Balance to School webinar series kicking off on 5/4.
This series will be led by Katie Dello Stritto, long-time educator, principal, parent, TBP Steer Co member and Community Lead.
Katie will share guidance and a suggested path forward based on her experience as both an educator and parent. You will leave this session with insights & learnings, as well as actionable steps to discuss how to bring balance to your school.
Hope to see you there!
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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.
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Yesterday, more than 900 runners and walkers gathered on a beautiful morning in Holmdel for the inaugural Billy DiMaio 5K Run/Walk, honoring the legacy of a beloved Holmdel High School student-athlete remembered for his extraordinary ability to bring people together.
Billy’s father, Bill DiMaio Sr., shared heartfelt remarks about his son’s lasting impact and his gift for uniting people, a spirit clearly reflected in the strong turnout and community support throughout the morning.
The course began on Billy DiMaio Boulevard and wound through Holmdel High School—where Billy graduated and played lacrosse—before continuing through his neighborhood and family’s street, creating a meaningful connection to his life and legacy.
Participants included alumni, current students, staff, and residents, all supporting the Billy DiMaio Foundation. Billy DiMaio Foundation Funds raised will assist victims of mass violence and their families. Local officials, including Mayor Rocco Impreveduto, Deputy Mayor Foster, and Committeeman Romano, joined residents on the course, underscoring the community-wide commitment to the event’s purpose. A Holmdel High School girls lacrosse student-athlete led the female field with a first-place finish, highlighting the continued strength of our student-athletes.
The event’s success was made possible through the efforts of the Holmdel Police, Fire, and First Aid squads, the Recreation Department, and the Department of Public Works. We extend sincere gratitude to the DiMaio family for their leadership in establishing what will surely become a meaningful annual tradition.
Thank you to everyone who showed up to make this first annual event a landmark success for our town!
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The Holmdel Girls 5/6 lacrosse team delivered an outstanding performance at the Jersey Girls Challenge Tournament, finishing the day undefeated at 3-0 and capturing the championship title for the third consecutive year. With this achievement, the team continues its perfect season, improving to an impressive 9-0 record.
Throughout the season, the players have demonstrated exceptional commitment, teamwork, and sportsmanship. Their continued success is a reflection of their hard work and dedication, and this accomplishment is well-deserving of community recognition.
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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!
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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. |
Have you experienced the remarkable talent of vocalist Phil Bruschi? Known for his dynamic performances ranging from Sinatra classics to the timeless music of Neil Diamond, Phil will be bringing an unforgettable evening of music and storytelling to Holmdel in support of a deeply meaningful cause.
On Saturday, May 30, 2026, Phil Bruschi presents “Neil Diamond: Singer, Songwriter” at the Holmdel High School Auditorium. The evening will feature a celebration of Neil Diamond’s iconic music, along with engaging reflections on his career, and will include performances of favorites such as “Sweet Caroline,” “Hello Again,” “Cracklin’ Rosie,” and “September Morn.”
This special event will benefit The Frances Foundation for Kids Fighting Cancer, an extraordinary organization that provides critical support to pediatric cancer patients and their families. The Foundation continues to expand its impact, assisting more children and families than ever before during some of life’s most difficult journeys.
Event details include:
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Date: Saturday, May 30, 2026
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Time: 6:30–8:30 p.m. (followed by light refreshments)
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Location: Holmdel High School Auditorium, 36 Crawfords Corner Road
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Admission: $65 per person | $45 seniors
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Registration: www.francesfoundation.net/donate
- or Venmo (please note “Diamond”)
This promises to be a memorable evening of outstanding music in support of an important mission. We hope to see members of our community come together to enjoy the performance and extend meaningful support to the Frances Foundation and the families they serve.
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Join the Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore for a hands-on Geology event where students will dive into rocks, minerals, and crystals through fun experiments, geode exploration, and creative take-home activities. Learn, discover, and register today for this engaging STEM experience on May 9th from 10 am–12 pm in Holmdel! |
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.
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- May 7 Indian Hill Entrepreneurs Club Fair - Bell Works 5:30 -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
- 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
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At the April 29 public meeting of the Board of Education, the 2026–27 school district budget was presented and approved by a vote of 7–2.
While this budget was not without its challenges, we continue to see school districts and communities navigating a particularly difficult financial environment.
Through hard work, diligence, collaboration, and thoughtful feedback, we were able to move forward into the next school year with the district’s core mission largely intact, supporting academics, athletics, the arts, and extracurricular activities.
The challenges we faced this year will likely present themselves again in future years. However, please be assured that the Board of Education and administration will begin work on next year’s budget almost immediately. The development process will include early and ongoing opportunities for community input, including surveys, budget town halls, and, of course, public Board of Education meetings.
Your engagement and feedback will be essential in charting a course forward that reflects the will of the community to the greatest extent possible.
You may click here to view the video of the final budget presentation and corresponding question-and-answer session with the Board.
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At its April 29 public meeting, the Holmdel Board of Education proudly recognized William R. Satz principal Mrs. Chantal Simonelli for being named 2026 Middle Level Administrator of the Year by the New Jersey Association for Middle Level Education. This award honors administrators who demonstrate excellence in leadership and a strong commitment to middle level education. Recipients are recognized for creating meaningful learning experiences for early adolescents, fostering a positive school climate, and supporting both the academic and social-emotional needs of students. We congratulate Mrs. Simonelli on this well-deserved recognition and thank her for her continued commitment to our students and staff. |
At the April 29 meeting, the Holmdel Board of Education proudly recognized student-athletes from our winter sports programs, celebrating their outstanding achievements across swimming, track & field, fencing, wrestling, and basketball. These student-athletes were honored for their commitment, teamwork, and excellence throughout the season, representing Holmdel with pride both in competition and in the community.
To view the slide show click here.
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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.
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If you are planning for a year, sow rice; if you are planning for a decade, plant trees; if you are planning for a lifetime, educate people. – Chinese Proverb
“Our job as nurses is to cushion the sorrow and celebrate the joy, everyday, while we are ‘just doing our jobs.’”—Christine Belle
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I thank you for your time and consideration and wish you a safe and peaceful week ahead.
Sincerely yours,
Dr. J. Scott Cascone
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