Highlights since our last board meeting:

• Preparing the budget for the 2009-2010 school year encompasses many hours of preparation so that Holmdel can continue to provide the quality of education that Holmdel is known for.  We invite you to share any suggestions, comments, or views regarding the budget that you might have during this busy planning time.  Please be reminded that you have the opportunity to speak at every Board meeting and also monitor the website which invites comments/questions related to the school budget.
  
  
• On Wednesday, December 17, 2008 at Holmdel High School, in conjunction with the Holmdel Police Department and the Monmouth Country Emergency Response Team (MOCERT), conducted a live intruder drill. The drill began at approximately 7:45 am and was concluded by 8:55 am – after a short break, all classes resumed at 9:15 am.
  
  Everyone is to be commended for the cooperative, attentive, and serious manner in which they conducted themselves during this morning's exercise. Commander Stout from the MOCERT team extended his compliments to the entire staff and student body -- noting that they were "far and away the most well-mannered group the MOCERT team had interacted with in Monmouth County."
  
  Special thanks to Officers Cusick, Smyth, Cannata, and Tuschmann from the Holmdel Police Department for coordinating this morning's drill, a high school Senior for playing the "hostage", and to Mr. Laplante and his US History class for their cooperation once the "intruder" barricaded himself in their room.
  
  While we hope we never have to experience the real thing, it is a comfort to know that, as a result of this drill, we are better equipped to face the challenges such an event would present.

• On Wednesday, December 3, 2008 the W.R. Satz Knowledge Masters Team finished 35th out of 639 schools worldwide.  They placed second in New Jersey, behind Woodrow Wilson in Edison.  The Knowledge Masters is a timed academic trivia competition with a total of 200 questions.  We are very proud of this wonderful accomplishment.
  
  
• On Friday, December 5, 2008 I attended the Friday evening performance of Peter Pan.  The students did a wonderful job.  Thank you to the teachers, administrators, and staff who supported the children and made this performance possible.

• Ms. Atkinson and Ms. Smith, two of our Indian Hill teachers, have their students involved in a wonderful holiday project; they are recording books on tape to donate to the Count Basie Children’s Learning Center in Red Bank.  What a thrilling project for these students to be involved in.
  
• The Holmdel Alliance to Prevent Alcoholism and Drug Abuse will be holding the Heroes and Cool Kids Conferences, at Vonage in Holmdel.  Many thanks for the cooperative efforts of Officer Dave Tuschmann, Ms. Rudolph, and Mr. Harper to persuade Vonage to donate the use of their facility and provide lunch for this Conference that will benefit many children.
  
• Indian Hill had their first "Heroes and Cool Kids" experience for this year.  Holmdel High School student leaders worked with the Indian Hill sixth graders for a “Meet and Greet.”  Two more worthwhile sessions will be held this year focusing on bullying and drugs/alcohol.
  
• The students of Mrs. Esposito's and Mrs. Clark's MD classes have collaborated with Brighton Gardens Assisted Living facility to start a structured learning program focusing on transitioning into the community after graduation.  The students will be involved in the everyday operation of the facility as well as participating in social events with the residents.  Wednesday, December 10, was the first day of the program. The students worked together with some residents to create a beautiful bulletin board with a winter theme entitled "Let it Snow".  Everyone used their imaginations to create a Winter Wonderland from a blank landscape. The students enjoyed the process immensely and felt a sense of pride and accomplishment in their work.  We would like to thank the staff and residents of Brighton Gardens for their warm welcome and hospitality.
  
• Ms. Whitten, an English AP and senior class teacher has been named the Bayshore Area Educator of the Year for 2008-2009 by the Local Chapter of the Masons.  She was nominated by a colleague.  We are very proud of her recognition.
  
• 'Tis the season of giving and the Village School has honored that spirit.  Ms. Kenney, a second grade teacher, organized “The Giving Tree”.  Students collected toys for underprivileged children in Monmouth County through Family and Children Services in Long Branch. A total of 192 second graders contributed generously and sixty additional gifts were purchased by Village staff and families for a total of 252 gifts that were delivered on Dec. 10th.  Thanks to Mr. Balicki and his staff for delivering those gifts to make so many children happy.
  
  
• Ms. Shapter and several other first grade teachers organized care packages for our soldiers in Iraq.  Thanks to the families for their generous donations of necessities, snacks and monetary donations to pay for shipping. 
  
• The sixth grade students at Indian Hill held a Science Fair.  The students and staff did a wonderful job with their electricity projects.
  
• Mr. Woods presented his Star Lab to the fifth grade classes.  This was wonderful experience for the students and staff.
  
• Indian Hill would like to give a big thank you to all the parents for their support and cooperation working with the school during the Parent-Teacher conferences.
  
• I attended the Middle School Holiday performance on Tuesday, December 9.  Congratulations to the performers and their teacher, Mr. Goetke, on a wonderful performance.
  
• On Thursday, December 11, Holmdel High School presented the 2008 Holiday Choral and Bell Concert.  The Madrigal Choir’s rendition of The Twelve Days of Christmas was exceptional.  Kudos to the students and Mr. Goetke, their director. 
  
• The Culinary Arts Club is proud to report that almost 1000 cans and boxes of food were donated by Holmdel High School students this month in its food drive competition. The homerooms that brought in the most items of food were led by Ms. Sachs and Mr. Cohen and they will be treated to a bagel breakfast by Ms. Peters right before the holiday break. The food was donated to benefit Lunch Break in Red Bank.  Way to go, Holmdel High!

• A Spelling Bee was held by Mr. Dowd with a number of very qualified participants.  Congratulations to the winner!
  
• The seventh graders and their chaperones had a fabulous trip to Ellis Island - the whole day went smoothly, students’ behavior was excellent, and the weather even cooperated.
  
• Students purchased lots of books and reading accessories at the Book Fair hosted by Mr. Rothauser and Mrs. Mika with the help of Satz parents.  Thanks for a job well done.

• An eight Grader won the New Jersey division of a worldwide Peace Poster contest sponsored by the Lions Club.  You can view the winning poster in the Asbury Park Press website AAP.com, click on submissions.
  
  
• The girls field hockey team has achieved the following during the 2008 Fall Season; Group III – North Jersey Champions, Central Jersey – Group III Champions, “A Central” Public School Division Champions, #4 – Shore Conference Final Ranking, #13 - Star Ledger Final Ranking, and the School Record for Field Hockey Wins – 16  (16- 2 – 3).  Congratulations to our girls field hockey team!

• One of our very own members of the Boys Cross Country Team has achieved the following achievements;             Honorable Mention – All American, 1st Team – All Northeast, 1st Team – All State, and 1st Team – All Shore.  He also was one of four New Jersey athletes that qualified for the prestigious National Footlocker Championships in San Diego, CA.  He placed 27th in the race and was the first NJ runner to cross the finish line.  He also broke school records at Bucks Mill Park, Warinanco Park, Van Cortlandt Park and Thompson Park. Congratulations!

• On behalf of the Holmdel Board of Education, I would like to wish everyone a very joyous holiday season, along with a very healthy and happy new year.