Dear Parents and Guardians,

Welcome back to the 2026-2027 school year. School begins this year on Thursday, September 3. We will operate on a full day schedule that first day. See below for start and end times for all schools:

HS 7:30-1:50
MS 7:45-2:05
GES 8:25-2:35
GGES 9:00-3:10
MCES 8:25-2:35
SRHES 8:25-2:35
SES 9:00-3:10

This year, the Neptune Township School District remains committed to three key priorities: advancing academic achievement, strengthening communication and partnerships with families, and maintaining a strong focus on the physical and emotional well-being of our students and staff.

Our students will continue to benefit from a comprehensive academic experience that includes diverse elective courses, enriching extracurricular opportunities, and engaging after-school programs. Throughout the year, students will have opportunities to explore the arts, athletics, clubs, leadership activities, and other enrichment experiences that help foster creativity, confidence, and personal growth. A visit to our district website offers just a glimpse into the outstanding accomplishments, learning experiences, and school spirit that define our Neptune community.

We are proud of the high-quality education provided across the Neptune Township School District. The evidence can be seen every day—in our classrooms, in the impressive work displayed throughout our schools, at athletic and community events, and through the meaningful interactions between students, staff, and families. As we continue moving forward together, our teachers, coaches, and staff remain dedicated to setting high expectations, supporting student growth, and helping every learner reach their full potential.

Our students deserve the very best educational experience we can provide, and that success is strongest when schools and families work together. Open communication, shared support, and active involvement are essential to helping every child thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. We encourage all families to partner with us and take an active role in their child’s educational journey. A shared commitment to our vision of a “Community for ALL Learners” will continue to strengthen our schools and ensure success for every Neptune student.

As a reminder, please abide by the following visitor expectations.
· Visitors must have an appointment. Please refrain from coming to the school to meet with a staff member without a scheduled appointment. No visitors are to enter the building with students during arrival or dismissal.
· When visiting the school, REMEMBER TO BRING PROPER PHOTO IDENTIFICATION.
· At the buzzer, it is expected that you will state the purpose of your visit and/or specify with whom you have an appointment. Once the appointment is verified, you may enter the building.
· When you enter the building, do not hold the door for others behind you. They, too, will be asked to state the purpose of their visit.
· Once inside, report to the main office and provide the secretary with your photo identification and await directions from the secretary.
· If you must bring a forgotten item to school, please drop it off in the main office. Do not enter the hallway or go directly to classrooms unless directed by the Principal.
· Please remember that if you need to pick up your children earlier than scheduled dismissal time, you must notify the office in writing prior to dismissal. In an emergency, call the office to notify the school. REMEMBER TO BRING PROPER PHOTO IDENTIFICATION.

We look forward to partnering with our families and community members as we work together to provide the high quality educational program our students deserve. Neptune Township School District is a Community for ALL Learners where we value opportunity, diversity, and accountability.

Welcome back to the 2026-2027 school year.

Respectfully,
Dr. Tami R. Crader
Proud Superintendent, Neptune Township Schools
A Community for ALL Learners
Opportunity, Diversity, Accountability

The Board of Education has posted for a superintendent to begin on or around November 1, 2026. Thirty-two complete applications were received. The Board vetted those applicants according to their certification/licenses, experience, and evidence of successful leadership. Now that the Board has an understanding of the profiles of qualified candidates, they would like to hear from members of the public. Please respond to the following questions. Thank you for your participation.

Dear Parents/Guardians,

As we prepare for the upcoming school year, our district remains committed to providing a high-quality education and fostering an environment where every student can thrive. In support of this goal, and in accordance with New Jersey’s new statewide mandate, NJ P.L. 2025, c. 195, our district will implement a "bell-to-bell" restriction on all personal internet-enabled devices, including smartphones and smartwatches, effective September 1, 2026.

The guidelines below are established to promote a focused, distraction-free learning environment that enhances academic engagement while supporting students’ social and emotional well-being. District Guidelines Elementary School Students: Devices must be turned off and stored in backpacks throughout the school day.

Middle School Students: Devices must be turned off and secured in assigned lockers upon arrival. High School Students: Devices must be turned off and stored in backpacks or lockers throughout the school day.

Full-Day Restriction: For all grade levels, devices must remain stored away during instructional time, passing periods, and lunch periods.

Enforcement: Consequences for non-compliance are outlined in the Code of Conduct section of each school's student handbook.
Maintaining Communication

We understand the importance of keeping families connected during the school day. As a reminder, please be sure that the school’s phone number is not blocked on your phone. If an urgent matter or emergency arises, parents and guardians should contact the school's main office. School staff will ensure that students receive messages promptly. Likewise, students who
need to contact a parent or guardian during the school day may do so through the school office.

Accommodations will be provided for documented medical needs, requirements specified in an IEP or 504 Plan, or circumstances authorized by a healthcare professional.

Thank you for your partnership, understanding, and support as we implement this statewide requirement. Together, we can create a learning environment that maximizes student focus, engagement, and success.

Sincerely,
Dr. Tami R. Crader, Superintendent
Neptune Township Schools
A Community for ALL Learners
Opportunity, Diversity, Accountability

The NAC's 2026 Aquatic Adventures Camp, designed for swimmers age 6 - 13 runs Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays in July and August. The camp consists of two days per week at the NAC and one trip per week for different aquatic activities. Trips typically include Kayaking, Junior Guard, Water Park exploration, Water Park Fun at Breakwater Beach, Wibit Park in Forked River, and Sandy Hook Marine Marsh Trip and Exploration.

Dear Neptune Township School District Families and Community,

After much reflection and gratitude, I am writing to share that I will be retiring from the Neptune Township School District at the end of October 2026. Serving this district has been an honor. I’m grateful to the educators, staff, administrators, students, families, Board members, and community members who make this district a special place to work and learn. Together, we’ve celebrated successes, worked through challenges, and created experiences I’ll always value.

One of the greatest joys of my time in Neptune has been getting to know our remarkable students. Their energy, resilience, kindness, talents, and accomplishments have been a constant source of inspiration.

Whether in classrooms, on athletic fields, on stage, or throughout the community, our students continually remind us why this work matters. I will deeply miss the smiles, conversations, and moments of pride that came from watching them learn, grow, and succeed.

While I look forward to the opportunities that retirement will bring, leaving a school district that has been such an important part of my life is not easy. The Neptune Township School District has truly been my second home —a place where I have built lifelong friendships and shared countless meaningful moments with students, families, colleagues, and the community.

The Board of Education has begun the process of selecting the District’s next Superintendent of Schools following my retirement. The Board’s goal is to appoint a new Superintendent to begin on or about November 1.

The search process will be informed by community feedback gathered through the District’s most recent strategic planning process as well as ongoing public input. The Board expects to interview qualified internal and external candidates in the upcoming month.

Candidates will be evaluated based on their certification and qualifications, including leadership experience, communication skills, knowledge of school district operations, and ability to guide the District forward. The Board will utilize resources from the New Jersey School Boards Association and Board counsel to ensure a thorough, fair, and professional search process that complies with all legal and confidentiality requirements.
Once a finalist is selected by the Board of Education, the new Superintendent’s contract will be submitted to the county office and subsequently approved through a public hearing and Board vote.

Thank you for allowing me the privilege of serving this incredible district. It has truly been an
honor to be part of the Neptune Township School District.

Sincerely,
Dr. Crader
Proud Superintendent, Neptune Township Schools
A Community for ALL Learners
Opportunity, Diversity, Accountability

Wednesday, April 22, 2026 from 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. LIMITED SPACE. REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED!
This event is FREE for Neptune Twp. Elementary Students. Grades K-5 ONLY.
See flyer to register your child(ren) by April 10, 2026.

Neptune students recently gained a broader perspective on the arts thanks to a visit facilitated and funded by Mr. Kelson Lumpkin of the Instrumental Opportunity Foundation. Guest artist Diana Ladio captivated our middle and high school band and chorus students with live performances that highlighted versatile playing styles and techniques. The experience deepened for our high school band during a clinic where Mrs. Ladio bridged the gap between education and the professional world. During her performances she spoke passionately about entrepreneurship in music, encouraging students to create their own paths, and fielded questions about her journey and the industry. It was an inspiring day that connected classroom concepts to real-world career possibilities.

The New York Giants and Gatorade have selected Mr. Mike Seber of Neptune High School (Neptune, N.J.) as the Lou Rettino High School Coach of the Week for Week 9 of the 2025 season. The Neptune Scarlet Fliers improved to 8-1 and won their 8th game in a row on Friday night, defeating Raritan 26-13. The victory made Neptune the Class D South Shore Conference Champions and gave this storied football program their first division title since 1998. Neptune dedicated the game to former head coach and long-time football assistant Tom Walsh, who died in July, one week after retiring after 40 years as an educator.