Superintendent's Weekly Update - December 22, 2025

Posted Date: 12/22/25 (03:55 PM)

Superintendent's Weekly Update

#WeAreHolmdel #LiveHolmdelBlue #HolmdelProud

December 22, 2025

Golden "Happy Holidays" text with a dark blue background and falling snow.

Dear Holmdel Township School Community,

I hope this finds you well. As we move into the final week before our holiday recess, on behalf of the faculty, staff, administration, and Board of Education. I wanted to wish you all the best for a restful and enjoyable break. To all our community members, celebrating Christmas, may your holidays be joyous and blessed in the warm and merry company of family, friends, and loved ones.

May the new year be happy, healthy, and prosperous. We look forward to seeing everyone in 2026 and continuing our most important work together. As I reflect on 2025 and look ahead to the new year, I remain honored and privileged to serve this amazing community and its exceptional children.

Latest Buzz

Jack Cannon Earns N.J. Football Player of the Year

Holmdel Township School District is proud to celebrate Holmdel High School senior Jack Cannon, who has been named the 2025 New Jersey Football Player of the Year by NJ.com. Jack’s extraordinary season as quarterback not only brought statewide recognition to his individual accomplishments, but also highlighted the strength, dedication, and spirit of the Holmdel Hornets football program. His leadership on and off the field, record-setting performance, and commitment to his teammates exemplify the very best of Holmdel athletics. We congratulate Jack, his family, coaches, and teammates on this outstanding achievement that brings great pride to our entire Holmdel community.

A football player in a blue uniform runs with the ball, evading a tackle on a grassy field.

Student & Program Highlights

Winter Concerts Highlight Holmdel’s Musical Excellence

Holmdel’s holiday spirit was on full display during two wonderful winter concerts featuring our middle school and high school musicians. On Monday, December 15, choral students entertained audiences with a festive program, followed by the band concert on Tuesday, December 16, which showcased musical growth, precision, and energy across a wide range of selections. These performances highlighted the talent and dedication of our students and the outstanding work of our music educators.

We thank our families and community members for their continued support and are proud of our students for bringing such joy to the Holmdel community this holiday season.

A conductor leads an orchestra on stage with a black curtain backdrop.

A jazz band performs on stage with a pianist, drummer, bass player, and horn section.

A choir of young people wearing Santa hats sings from sheet music on a stage.

A choir of young people in black attire stands on risers on a stage, facing an audience.

Save the Date!

December 23 - Early Dismissal for all
December 24 - January 2 - Winter Break
January 5 - Classes Resume
January 22 & 23 - Satz Musical 6pm
January 27 - HHS/Satz Winter Dance Concert 6pm
January 29 - HS National Honor Society Induction Ceremony 6pm

Public BOE Meetings

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

On Wednesday, December 17th, the Board of Education convened for a public meeting and had the distinct pleasure of celebrating the many individuals and groups who contribute to the pride, spirit, and educational richness of Holmdel Township Schools.

The Board of Education and administration proudly hosted the High School Boys Varsity Football Team in recognition of their outstanding achievement as A-North Division Champions and Central Jersey Group III Sectional Champions. The cheer and dance teams, along with the pep band, were also recognized for the energy, enthusiasm, and school spirit they bring to our community, as was the dedicated leadership of the Touchdown Club and the Pep Band Parent Organization for their incredible support of our student-athletes and programs. The Board also had the honor of recognizing the Vietnam Veterans of America for their many years of visiting our schools to speak with students, share their personal stories, and bring history to life through meaningful, firsthand experiences.

The evening concluded with heartfelt recognition of outgoing board members John Buckley, Jeff Mann, and Board President Christian DiMare for their years of service, leadership, and steadfast commitment to Holmdel Township Schools.

The Board of Education will hold its annual reorganization meeting, at which newly elected board members are sworn into service on

January 7, 2026. I would like to extend my congratulations to our newly elected board members, Greg Fernandez, Joanne Lam, and Brittany Manning.

Please join me in welcoming and wishing them all well as they commence their new roles in the Holmdel Public Schools Board of Education.

The meeting will also be accessible via Zoom, and the link will be posted to the following 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.

A group of people, some wearing hats and certificates, pose for a photo on tiered seating.

A group of young men and adults pose for a photo on a stage in front of a black curtain, many holding certificates.

A diverse group of adults and young people pose for a photo on tiered risers in front of a black curtain.

A diverse group of students and adults pose for a photo on tiered risers in front of a black curtain.

Quote of the Week

“Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow.” – Albert Einstein

I thank you for your time and consideration and wish you a peaceful break.

Dr. J. Scott Cascone

Parent Groups