Bobcat Bulletin

Hello, Holland Brook Parents and Guardians!

Welcome to the 2026–2027 school year! The hallways have been far too quiet without your children’s curiosity, laughter, and energy. Whether you are returning to Holland Brook or joining us for the first time, we are so glad to have you as part of our Bobcat family.

As I begin my third year as principal of Holland Brook School, I am excited and grateful for the opportunity to continue leading this wonderful school community. Our focus remains on creating a safe, supportive, and engaging environment where every student feels connected, challenged, and prepared to grow.

This year, we will continue to build upon the strong traditions of Holland Brook while aligning our work with the new District Strategic Plan goals of Academic Rigor, Human Connection and Belonging, and Future Preparedness. These priorities reflect what we want for every student: meaningful learning experiences, strong relationships, a true sense of belonging, and the skills and confidence needed for future success.

Throughout the summer, our team has been busy preparing for an exciting year ahead. From our main office staff and custodians to our teachers, instructional assistants, specialists, and counselor, everyone is ready to welcome our students back and make the 2026–2027 school year a memorable one.

Parents and guardians, your partnership continues to be an essential part of our success. We look forward to seeing you at school events, celebrating student accomplishments, supporting classroom learning, and sharing in the many moments that make Holland Brook such a special place.

Here’s to a year filled with learning, connection, growth, and Bobcat pride. Welcome back! If you ever need assistance, please do not hesitate to contact the Front Office or reach out to me directly at 908-823-0454. We are always here to help.

Warmly,
Dr. Jonathan Moss

I am also excited to introduce some new staff members who will be contributing to your child's educational journey here at HBS. Please extend a warm Bobcat welcome when you see them!

Nadia Toth, 5th Grade

Jordan McChesney, 5th Grade

Michael Newman, Instrumental Music

Tara Maher, School Nurse

Jennifer Prior, Behaviorist

Yolanda Campuzano, 4th Grade Spanish

Maria de los Santos, 4th Grade Spanish

Colleen Cabllaro, 5th Grade Spanish

Homeroom teacher placement for all students will be available to view in Genesis, our student information system, at 2:00pm on Wednesday, August 19, 2026. Please be sure to update your Genesis contact information if items have changed. You can access the parent portal here.

This academic year, all student schedules will feature a designated period for Intervention. During this time, Intervention services are provided to students who receive them, while those who do not, will utilize this allocated time for Academic Support. This approach ensures that all students receive targeted academic assistance in the subjects where they require the most support, tailored to their individual academic needs. Teachers will provide further insight into your child's schedule during the upcoming Back to School Night.

As we get ready to kick off a new school year, I would love to showcase our school community by sharing summer memories from our families. If you would like to participate, please send a few pictures of your family and the activities you enjoyed this summer to jmoss@readington.k12.nj.us. I will create a slideshow to be displayed on our school TVs during the first couple of days of school for students and staff to enjoy. This is a wonderful opportunity to highlight our families and celebrate the experiences that made summer special!

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 4- Early Dismissal Day

September 7 - School Closed for Labor Day
September 8 - HBS Picture Day
September 11 - HBS School-wide Pep Rally
September 11 - HSA Bobcat Welcome Back Event at HBS
September 14-18 - HBS Book Fair

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

For classroom supplies, go to the Holland Brook Webpage. Click Here.

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.