Bobcat Bulletin

Hello HBS Families,

We are off to a wonderful start at Holland Brook School! It has been great to see our students return with so much excitement, enthusiasm, and positive energy. As we move through September, our focus is on helping every student feel connected to our school community while establishing the routines and expectations that will support a successful year.

Building Strong Routines

The beginning of the school year is an important time for students to develop habits that promote responsibility and independence. Our teachers are helping students learn classroom routines, organize their materials, manage their time, and take greater ownership of their learning. Families can reinforce these habits at home by maintaining consistent evening and morning routines, encouraging students to prepare for the next day, and helping them develop increasing independence.

Learning, Thinking, and Growing

Our 4th and 5th grade students are already engaged in meaningful learning experiences throughout the school day. Across all subject areas, teachers are challenging students to think deeply, ask questions, collaborate with others, and persevere when learning becomes difficult. As the year progresses, we will continue to provide students with opportunities to build confidence, strengthen their skills, and take an active role in their own learning.

Connection and Belonging

One of our most important goals this year is ensuring that every child feels a strong sense of connection and belonging at HBS. Whether it is through classroom experiences, Bobcat Block, special events, or the relationships students build with one another and our staff, we want every student to know that they are an important part of Holland Brook School.

This year, families will also have additional opportunities to be part of the learning taking place at HBS. Throughout the year, teachers will be inviting families into the building for classroom activities, celebrations, and other opportunities to connect with their child’s school experience. We look forward to opening our doors and creating more opportunities for families to share in the special moments happening throughout our school.

Partnering With Families

A strong partnership between home and school is essential to student success. September provides several opportunities for our families to become involved and connected with HBS. We look forward to seeing many of you at Back to School Night, visiting our HBS Book Fair, and participating in upcoming HSA events throughout the year.

As always, communication is incredibly important. Please do not hesitate to reach out with questions, concerns, or ideas. We value your partnership and appreciate all that you do to support our students and school community.

Important Dates

• Back to School Night: Wednesday, September 23rd at 6:00 PM

Thank you for helping us begin the school year on such a positive note. I am excited about what lies ahead and look forward to a year filled with learning, growth, connection, and many memorable moments for our Bobcats!

Warm regards,
Dr. Moss

We are excited to share that Holland Brook School is now on Instagram! Stay connected with us by following @hollandbrookbobcats. Our page will highlight the incredible things happening every day at HBS from classroom activities and student achievements to special events and school spirit. It’s a great way to celebrate our Bobcat community and see the joy of learning in action.

By following us, you’ll get a closer look at the heart of our school and the many ways our students shine. We look forward to building an even stronger connection with families and the community through this new platform. Don’t miss out head to Instagram and give @hollandbrookbobcats a follow today!

Last week, we kicked off the school year with an exciting pep rally that brought our entire school community together! The gym was filled with energy as our 4th and 5th grade students cheered, participated in fun activities, and showed their Bobcat pride. The enthusiasm throughout the event helped set a positive tone for the year ahead.

A special focus of this year’s pep rally was our theme of connection and belonging. Student representatives from every homeroom had the opportunity to share with the school community what it means to belong at HBS. Their thoughtful reflections highlighted the importance of kindness, friendship, inclusion, support, and making sure everyone feels like an important part of our school.

We also took time to celebrate our students, teachers, and staff and recognize the positive contributions they make to HBS each day. The pep rally was a wonderful reminder that our school is strongest when we support one another, celebrate each other, and work together as one community.

It was great to see so many smiles and so much school spirit throughout the event. We look forward to carrying that sense of connection, belonging, and Bobcat pride with us throughout the entire school year.

Go Bobcats!

Dear Parents and Guardians,

I hope this message finds you well! We are excited to invite you to our upcoming Back to School Night. This will be a wonderful opportunity to meet your child's teacher, learn more about their daily schedule, classroom expectations, and the exciting year ahead.

Event Details:

Date: Wednesday, September 23, 2026
Time: 6:00–8:00 p.m.

Schedule:

6:00–6:40 p.m.: Large group presentation in the HBS Gymnasium. Dr. Moss will provide opening remarks, followed by Dr. Hart, our Superintendent. Our specials teachers will then share information about their programs and what students can look forward to this year.

6:40–8:00 p.m.: Parents and guardians will visit their child's homeroom for teacher presentations.

During the evening, you will have the opportunity to meet your child's teacher, learn more about classroom routines and expectations, review curriculum and instructional goals for the year, and hear about important events and opportunities to stay involved.

Please note that Back to School Night is intended for parents and guardians only. The program is not designed for students, but we encourage you to share what you learn with your child afterward.

We strongly encourage your attendance as we continue to build a strong partnership between home and school. Your support plays an important role in helping our students thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

We look forward to seeing you on Wednesday, September 23!

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is becoming an increasingly common part of our students’ daily lives. While nothing can replace strong relationships, meaningful instruction, and hands-on learning, we also recognize the importance of teaching students how to use AI tools responsibly, ethically, and effectively.

During the 2025–2026 school year, our district brought together educators, administrators, technology staff, students, and a parent to develop clear expectations for the use of AI in our schools. This work resulted in a framework designed to support both students and staff while maintaining our focus on academic integrity, critical thinking, privacy, and responsible technology use.

Our AI protocols are built around three key areas:

Guidelines for Ethical and Acceptable Use outline appropriate ways AI may be used in school and reinforce expectations related to academic honesty, privacy, creativity, and independent thinking. AI should support learning, not replace it.

Guiding Principles reflect our district’s commitment to transparency, critical thinking, student privacy, and meaningful human connection. AI is viewed as a tool that can enhance teaching and learning while keeping students and educators at the center of the process.

Best-Practice Protocols provide practical guidance for teachers and students. Educators may use AI to support instruction and planning while maintaining professional judgment. Students may use AI for appropriate purposes such as research, feedback, and guidance when permitted, with proper attribution and within expectations for academic integrity.

Families are also an important part of this work. We encourage parents and guardians to talk with their children about responsible AI use, digital citizenship, and the importance of using technology in ways that support not replace their own thinking and learning.

For additional information, please visit our website or review the AI Handbook. We will also share additional information during Back to School Night.

The Board of Education is in the process of adopting an updated policy regarding student use of internet-enabled devices, including cell phones, during the school day. While the language is more detailed, the expectations are similar to those already in place and align with state guidance around focused learning environments and responsible technology use.

The policy uses the term “Bell-to-Bell,” meaning personal internet-enabled devices must remain off and stored from arrival through dismissal, including lunch, recess, and transitions. This includes cell phones, smartwatches, tablets, and similar personal devices. District-issued devices may still be used for instructional purposes.

For Holland Brook students, this means cell phones should remain off and stored in backpacks/cubbies throughout the school day, while smartwatches should be placed in school mode. If you need to contact your child during the day, please call the Main Office. Students may also use the office phone when needed.

Exceptions may be made for students with IEP or 504 accommodations, documented health needs, translation needs, caregiving responsibilities, or legitimate emergencies.

Students who do not follow the policy will receive age-appropriate redirection, with repeated violations potentially resulting in the device being held in the Main Office, parent pickup, or additional consequences consistent with the district’s Code of Conduct.

We appreciate your partnership in helping us maintain a focused, engaging learning environment. The policy will be discussed at the August 18 Board of Education meeting, and families are welcome to contact the school administration with any questions.

Readington Township Public Schools has launched its 2026–2031 Strategic Plan, providing a roadmap for continued growth while balancing academic excellence with future-ready learning.

The plan is centered around four key areas:

Academic Rigor: Maintaining high expectations for all students while providing the support needed to build independence, responsibility, and greater ownership of learning.

Belonging and Human Connection: Creating school environments where every student feels valued, supported, and connected. This year’s work will include a focus on UDL, MTSS, and Morning Meeting.

Future Preparedness: Building skills such as digital literacy, critical thinking, responsible technology use, and ethical decision-making to prepare students for an evolving world.

Fiscal Stewardship: Continuing to make responsible financial decisions that support strong educational programs while protecting the district’s long-term financial health.

These goals will guide our work over the next five years as we continue working “Together, to Inquire and Inspire.”

September 14-18 - HBS Book Fair

September 21 - Schools Closed for Yom Kippur
September 23 - HBS Back to School Night 6:00-8:00pm

The Hunterdon County YMCA is offering aftercare daily until 6:00 p.m. (There is no morning care.) Click Here to register.

Click here for the HBS Breakfast and Lunch Menu.

Website: https://www.readington.k12.nj.us/Domain/161

Location: 52 Readington Road, Whitehouse Station, NJ, USA
Phone: (908) 823-0454
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/readingtonschools
Twitter: @HBSBOBCATS

• We empower members of our community to lead purposeful lives with integrity, to cultivate a spirit of discovery, and to embrace connections in our diverse, global society.

  
  

• Academic Rigor: We hold high expectations for every learner. By meeting students where they are and providing essential supports, we ensure that rigor serves as a bridge to their future success. This year's focus will be on developing a framework to foster academic responsibility and independence along with a review of curriculum to identify areas for student-led and choice-based learning activities.

• Belonging and Human Connection: We believe belonging is the catalyst for achievement. We are dedicated to creating a culture where every student feels supported and empowered to shape our collective success. This year belonging will be anchored in the Universal Design for Learning (UDL), the Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS), and Morning Meeting.

• Fiscal Stewardship: We remain committed to responsible budgeting and proactive monitoring of costs. Our goal is to protect the long-term financial health of the district while sustaining the high-quality education all children deserve.

• Future Preparedness: We are equipping our learning community to act with confidence and ethical discernment. Our curriculum will emphasize digital literacy, critical thinking, and sustainability to prepare students for an evolving world. District focus will be found in promoting responsible digital citizenship.