Welcoming the 2024-2025 School Year
August 14, 2024
Dear Freehold Regional Community,
I cannot believe how fast this summer has flown by and that our schools will reopen to all our students in a few short weeks. I hope every student takes advantage of the exemplary educational opportunities here in the Freehold Regional High School District this school year. It is an absolute joy to see our students leading in the classroom, in their community, and in extracurricular and co-curricular activities.
As September approaches, I want to provide an update. We are excited for the upcoming 2024-2025 school year and look forward to our 2nd year of work on the Strategic Plan, Compass 3.0.
The Board of Education recently approved an amended budget for the 2024-2025 school year which allows the Freehold Regional High School District to make improvements during this school year, including:
restoring teacher positions,
restoring positions to support students’ education, health, and wellness,
reinstating the RAISE Academy for our students,
enhancing security measures,
addressing certain facility needs, and
reinforcing the structural integrity of the budget.
Most importantly, the amended budget is a step in the right direction as it strengthens us fiscally and positions the district to ensure an exemplary education for all students.
For the 2024-2025 school year, I want to remind our students and families of three important focus areas: Attendance, Best Behavior, and Cell Phones. Maintaining excellent attendance in school is critically important. Every day counts! We want all of our students to build relationships, engage fully in their learning, and grow academically through their four years of high school. We expect all students to adhere to the District Student Code of Conduct as outlined in the Student-Family Handbook. Additionally, there is one new practice that is going into effect this school year that I want to bring to your attention. In order for every student to progress as a confident learner and realize their full potential, cell phones and the distractions they pose in the classroom need to be addressed. Therefore, the use of cell phones by students will not be permitted during class time and cell phones must be put away. Students may use their cell phones during lunch. This will allow our students to be more focused on the instructional program taking place in each classroom, each period, every day, without distraction. If parents or guardians have an emergency or need to reach your child when class is in session, please contact the main office staff who will facilitate getting the message to them. Further details on each of the focus areas are available in the Student-Family Handbook.
As a district, we are committed to our students’ education, and we know that these practices will ultimately help students reach their full potential and the highest academic outcomes. We appreciate your partnership in making our classrooms exceptional learning environments. If your child is in need of support or assistance at any time, please reach out to your child’s school counselor. We are here to help and serve your child(ren) to ensure their success through their high school years.
I know this will be an exciting school year, and I cannot wait to see all the success that is achieved. Savor these remaining weeks of summer and I look forward to seeing you all soon!
Sincerely,
Nicole P. Hazel, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools