The Friday Focus

Special Services Resource Fair

Sat, Feb 24th, Hopewell Elementary School, 10:30-2:30

Learn about resources and supports available in our community, including therapists, agencies, recreation and more!

Neighbors Feeding Neighbors, Pop-Up Food Pantry, Sat, Feb 24th, Hopewell Train Station, 10:00-1:00. Community Giving Collaborative Event. Free Produce and Groceries! Everyone is Welcome. Learn more at TheChubby'sProject.org

Mercer County Technical Schools "College Fair", Tues. March 5th, 6pm-8pm

The annual NJACAC College Fair during which college representatives meet with prospective students to answer any questions. Here is the list of colleges expected to attend.

If you missed the "Generation AI: Intro for Parents With Pat Yongpradit" program about the practical applications of AI in classrooms and the benefits and challenges of integrating this technology into our children's learning experiences, here is a link to the recording of the presentation: https://www.youtube.com/live/W1s688DHxSI?si=BW-nGlSvO7gF3sYD&t=1541. For more information on programs sponsored by Princeton Common Ground, please visit https://www.princeton-commonground.org

"The Big Read": HVRSD has partnered with Pennington Public Library for the 2024 NEA Big Read which aims to bring our community together around one book, Circe by Madeline Miller. The Library is distributing free copies of Circe to the public while supplies last.

Upcoming events include:

Big Read Kickoff: in Conversation with Author Daniel Mendelsohn, Feb 25th 23pm via zoom

Daniel Mendelsohn is an internationally bestselling author, critic, essayist, and translator. The featured book Circe retells a Greek story from the eponymous heroine’s point of view, giving voice to a lesser goddess of Homer’s The Odyssey.

Take Home Craft, March 1st - 31st

Circe's Magic: Join us for a family-friendly exploration of the magic of plants at the Watershed

Kindergarten Registration for the 2024-25 year is open. Kindergarten Camp will be held at all 4 Elementary Schools from July 8th - 11th and July 15th - 18th (M-Thurs. 8:30-11:30 am). This Registration Letter contains additional information. Students must be registered for Kindergarten in order to sign up for the camp.

Hopewell Valley Education Foundation "Spring Fling Luncheon" Sunday, March 24th 11-3pm,

with Live Fashion Show by Poppy Boutique! Proceeds benefit HVEF's mission to enhance educational excellence at all HVRSD schools.

Upcoming Dates of Note

3.16 Hopewell Valley 5K "Lucky Bulldog Dash"

3.24 HVEF Spring Fling Luncheon

Please see "Community Events" for additional upcoming programs!

Summer Job & Service Fair

Did your student miss the job and service fair? Over 30 employers and service organizations participated offering summer employment and service opportunities. Questions? Please contact the Hopewell Valley Municipal Alliance at hvmunicipalalliance@gmail.com.

2024-25 Course Selection: Course selection has begun for the 2024-25 school year! Please be sure to encourage your child to review the 2024-25 Program of Studies for courses for which they are eligible, select multiple electives, and review the information provided by the Counseling Department as soon as possible.

Winter Musical Save the Date: Performances of How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, a witty and timeless musical, will take place in the Performing Arts Center at HVCHS on March 1&2, 8&9 at 7 p.m.

Hopewell Valley PBA Dodgeball Tournament: March 1st at 6:00pm. HVCHS is excited to partner with the Hopewell Township Police Department to host a dodgeball tournament. Prizes will be awarded for the tournament winners as well as the team with the best theme and the best team spirit.

Watershed Academy for High School Students, Summer 2024 : Offers immersive environmental investigations on the 950-acre property. Each five-day session engages students in a world of science where they ask questions and identify problems, gain skills and knowledge, explore root causes of environmental injustice, propose solutions, learn about career opportunities and how to advocate for change. Please click on the link for additional information and dates.

Alumni Database: Are you a graduate of HVCHS? Are you a parent or guardian of a recent graduate? We are encouraging all HVCHS alumni to join our Alumni Directory. Complete our Database Form and indicate what type of information you would like to receive from HVCHS. We're looking forward to connecting with our graduates!

Absences & Late Arrivals: Parents/Guardians should call our TeleSafe number 609-737-4003, Ext 1, by 8:00 am to report an absence or late arrival. Please also review our attendance procedures for details about our policies.

What’s Happening at HVCHS?

What’s Happening at HVCHS? Please follow us on Twitter: @HVCentralHS and Instagram: hopewell_valley_central_hs for pictures, updates, and fun facts. Our daily morning announcements can be found on the school website and via this link. Fundraising activities from our classes, clubs, and teams can be found on our fundraising calendar. Also, check out our HV Student Publications Network page for student-created podcasts, digital videos, and more!

The Hopewell Valley CHSPTO "Dog Byte" a comprehensive listing of upcoming events and Class fundraisers.

*Dates to Remember*

March: 1, 2, 8, 9: The Winter Musical at CHS PAC

March 1: 1st Annual The First Annual Hopewell PBA 342 Dodgeball Tournament

March 7: Hopewell Valley Night Off

Here is Principal Turnbull's February Timberlane Topics and Principal's Page

**Handicapped Spaces: Please respect the handicapped spaces AND the loading areas adjacent to them. These are critical areas for students and families who need them. Please do not drop off or park in the spaces without a handicap placard and authentic need.**

St. Baldrick's 2024-We are at 26 Team Members and growing! We'll be shaving on March 13th at Timberlane. There are multiple ways to support Team Timberlane in our quest to raise money to fight childhood cancer. We set $10,000 as our goal, but I am confident that we can raise $20,000 and be the top fundraising team in the area (right now we are in third place, behind another district team that will remain nameless, but we are charging hard.)!

**Please note that we are part of the "Amalfi's-Lawrenceville" St. Baldrick's event. The date on the website says Sat., March 9, but we are shaving @TIMBERLANE on WEDNESDAY, MARCH 13. Feel free to stop by Amalfi's on Saturday because it is a wonderful event, but we are participating on Wednesday!**

1. Join the team and shave your head while collecting pledges!

2. Make a donation to the team (or specific shavees)!

3. Purchase a "Team Timberlane: T-Shirt for $15 (last day to order is Friday 2/23).

4. Attend the "Shamrocks and Shenanigans" Family Game Night ($5 per person for tons of food, snacks, games, contests, and FUN). Click Here to sign up. Click Here for details.

TMS Spring Sports Start Monday, March 18th - Baseball, Softball, Boys & Girls Lacrosse and Boys & Girls Track & Field.

Registration and medical forms for Spring Sports are due by Friday, March 1st. Please click here to access the registration page and print medical forms. Any student who is not registered and does not have either a physical form or health history update form on file with the school nurses will not be able to try out or practice until they do. In-House Physicals on Feb. 26th are open to students in grades 6-8 by appointment only and are $25 a child. (Checks should be made out to HVRSD.) Please use this link to sign up for an appointment.

March Madness 8th Grade Style! March 15th 3:00-5:00. Sign-ups during lunch from March 11th-14th.

TMS Updates - For additional information about TMS, please visit our webpage or follow us on Twitter @Timberlane_HV or Instagram @timberlane_timberwolves.

*Dates To Remember*

Thursday, February 29th - First Day of "Lucky Costume Challenge" (contest to see which teachers will wear ridiculous costumes on 3/13)

Friday, March 1st - Shamrocks & Shenanigans Family Game Night @ TMS 6-8 pm (benefit for Team Timberlane - St. Baldrick's). Click here for details

Thursday, March 7th - Hopewell Valley Night Off

Sunday, March 10th - Daylight Savings

Wednesday, March 13th - St. Baldrick's at TMS

Wednesday, March 13th - Early Dismissal (Staff Professional Development)

Friday, March 15th - March Madness 8th Grade Style/8th Grade Night Out

BT Principal's Page - Provides links to information and activities

BT PTO Bear Flash - Everything you need to know for the month & beyond!

BT Kids Heart Challenge -Click here for more information. Closes on Feb 23!

HVYMCA March Mania - It’s tourney time!!! The tournament is open to all 3rd - 5th grade students and is free to register and play. Click here for more information. Registration closes on 2/23!

BT Lost and Found - Our lost and found is growing. Please have your students stop and look for their misplaced items.

BT St. Baldrick's Day - Friday, March 8th, at BT, we will raise money to fight childhood cancer. You can join “Team Bear Tavern” or donate here.

BT 5th-Grade Congratulatory Ad - Make the 2023- 2034 yearbook even more special for your 5th grader. A student congratulatory ad is a loving tribute to your student personalized with your sentimental message and a cherished photo. Create a memory that will last a lifetime. Click here for more information. All ad submissions and payments must be received by Friday, April 26th.

PaySchools Central Food Service - Use the following link for the 2023-2024 school lunches.

Absences & Late Arrivals - Parents/Guardians should call our TeleSafe number 609-737-4005, Ext 2, by 8:00 a.m. to report an absence or late arrival. Thank you.

Changes In Students’ Dismissal - If there is a change in how students will be going home (pick up, take the bus, after-school program, etc.), please be sure to call or email the main office at 609-737-4005 btmainoffice@hvrsd.org

*Dates To Remember*

3/1 - Women's History Month

3/4 - 3/8 - Read Across America Week

3/7 - Hopewell Valley Night Off

3/8 - St. Baldrick Challenge

3/13 - Early Dismissal/Staff Development, Preschool AM Only

*Reminder: There is no lunch served on early dismissal days*

3/18 - Author Roxie Munro Visit

The Principal’s Page is on the SB Website with links to The Stony Brook Scoop.

Kids Heart Challenge for the American Heart Association -Students will start various activities for the challenge next week in wellness class. Please see the FLYER and INSTRUCTIONS for more information. If you decide to participate, everything can be done online. Paperwork will also be sent home with each student.

Black History Month - Students can help create slides for our daily morning announcements this month to highlight important Black Americans daily. Parents, please feel free to work on this with your child using these guidelines.

Lifetouch Spring Photos - Lifetouch will be at Stony Brook on Tuesday, March 5th. Each student will be photographed and you have the option of purchasing photos. These photos will not be placed in the yearbook. Order forms will be sent home 2/23.

SB 23/24 Yearbook! Order your 23/24 Stony Brook yearbook HERE! (Enter school code: 14277924)

Science Fair Update - The date has been changed to Sat, March 23rd and we need volunteers! There are many different ways to help out! If you are interested in volunteering or just have questions, please email nicolegianfredi@hvrsd.org.

Roxie Munro Author Visit - Non-fiction author will be coming on Thurs, March 7th for a special assembly! She will present to all of our students and host a lunch for a select group of SB All Stars!

Fifth-Grade Fundraiser! Until 2/29 - The 5th Grade Committee has teamed up with Driven Coffee for a fundraiser that offers craft coffees/beverages and snacks. The goal is to raise $2,000 for 5th-grade activities. This is a virtual fundraiser and all orders will be conveniently shipped directly to the purchaser. Click here to order!

Absences & Late Arrivals - Parents/Guardians should call our TeleSafe line at 609-737-4006, Ext 2, by 8:00 am to report an absence or late arrival.

Changes In Students’ Dismissal - If you have a dismissal change, e-mail the main office in advance at sbmainoffice@hvrsd.org. Any last-minute changes should be called into 609-737-4006.

Attendance Procedures - Please refer to our Attendance Procedures for details regarding school absences, late arrivals and early dismissals.

Here are links for 2023-2024 school lunch information.

SB Membership Toolkit - All volunteer opportunities, class lists, and Spirit Wear can be found on the Membership Toolkit. Click here to register. Contact StonyBrookPTO@gmail.com with any questions.

*Dates To Remember*

2/26: Heart Challenge begins

3/5 Lifetouch Picture Day

3/7: Author Roxie Munro

3/23: Science Fair

Please click here to view Mrs. Lauri’s February newsletter.

Save the Date! - Field Day will be held on Friday, May 24th.

Spirit Days - Dress as a Book Character Day is coming up next Friday, 3/1. If you are able to, please bring a box of pasta to donate to the Hopewell Valley Mobile Food Pantry. Click here to view all of our upcoming Spirit Days.

Donations for Brandywine Living - Please click here to view a letter regarding a request from the 2nd grade team for donations. Thank you!

Our third annual Toll Gate Green Week Student Expo will be held during Hopewell Valley Green Week on Wednesday, April 24th. Students in grades 3-5 are invited, but not required, to create a project around a Global Climate Issue to present at the Student Expo. View this slide deck for more information. Sign up via Google Form by Friday, February 23rd. Presentations to be dropped off to the Media Center the morning of April 24th. Email Mrs. Kampe (kimberlykampe@hvrsd.org) with any questions. Students in grades K-5 will visit the Green Week Student Expo during school hours to learn about Global Climate Issues. Parents are also invited to visit the Student Expo, which will be held in the gym, on Wednesday, April 24th from 3-3:30 pm.

Digital Wellness Initiative at Toll Gate: Spring Parent Series "Tech Talk": We are excited to announce Tech Talk - a four-part series educating parents on technology use as it pertains to your child. Session 1 will take place at Toll Gate, with a webinar option for those that cannot make it live!

Save the dates!

• Session 1: Wednesday, February 28: Dr. Suze Palinski- Parenting and Technology: What Do I Need to Know? Register Here
• Session 2- Tuesday, March 26: Ms. Melissa Lauri & Ms. Bonnie Lieu- Getting Ready to Give the Device? Device Options and Imperative Conversations to have with your children before they transition to middle school
• Session 3- Wednesday, April 17: High School Student Panel- Popular Apps and Peer Pressure
• Session 4- Tuesday, May 7: Habits & Rules to set for your young children and their device management

Dates to Remember:

Wednesday, 2/28: Tech Talk at Toll Gate (Session 1)

Friday, 3/1: Dress as a Book Character Day

Friday, 3/1: ReadAFun Begins

Tuesday, 3/5: Author Roxie Munro Visits Toll Gate

Wednesday, 3/6: Walk, Bike or Roll to School Day

Thursday, 3/7: Hopewell Valley Night Off

Friday, 3/8: PTO Skate Night

Thursday, 3/14: PTO Math Night

The YMCA announces the February calendar and a new series of programs!

The Youth Activity Center (YAC) offered to students in grades 6th-9th, Monday through Friday from 3:00-6:00pm and provides daily snacks and a variety of activities for the students. We have foosball, pool, Xbox, ping pong, and more available for their enjoyment. Additionally, we offer homework help and provide access to computers for student use.

Ping Pong Wars for Grades 6th-8th

The Beauty Academy for Grades 6th-10th

Movie Time, Feb. 29th

After School Child Care at the Youth Activity Center, Free, Grades 6th & 7th

Homework Help, Grades 6th 8th

The Watershed Institute:

Maple Sugaring, Saturday, 2/24 at various times

Winter Fairy Festival, 3/1 11am-2pm

Fairies and Friends gather outdoors for magical activities, including: building fairy houses, scavenger hunts, games and crafts.

Howell Living Farm: Maple Sugaring, 2/24

Terhune Orchards: Read & Explore Series Fur, Feathers, Fluff: Keeping Warm in Winter, 2/27 and 3/2. Learn about how animals keep warm in winter! We will read two stories and make a craft.

Hopewell Recreation and US Sports Institute Children's Tennis, Track & Field, and Multi-Sport classes, from April - June. Tennis classes are held at Independence Park, and Track & Field and Multi-Sports classes are at Woolsey Park. Register early to secure your child's spot at www.hopewelltwp.org/recreation or mail in the registration form attached to the flyers.

Girls in Gear, locations at Hopewell Elementary and Toll Gate: We teach life skills through bike skills! Offers Learn to Ride, Bike Rides and Bike Maintenance programs.

OG All-Stars Competitive Cheerleading Brochure : Provides a positive, inclusive and affordable cheer experience. OG All-Star Cheer Basics 101, March 2nd - April 27th: Learn basic cheerleading motions, jumps, stunts dance and cheer!

Cotsen Children's Library "Stained Glass Stories" Sat. March 2nd, 10am-2pm, Bookscape Gallery in Firestone Library: Celebrate the fairy tales featured at the Cotsen Children’s Library’s current exhibit “Once Upon New Times: Reimagining Children’s Classics.” We’ll be shedding some light on those old tales – and we mean it quite literary! Using the provided supplies, you can create your very own stained glass window of your favorite story. View our gallery of original windows, take a peek at the glass art of the University Chapel, and play with color and shapes at our light tables! All ages welcome. No fee, no registration required

Spring Hoops: Weeknights at TMS and open to anyone who wants to play basketball. Boys and Girls Grades 3rd to 12th For more info on Spring Hoops, please contact us at ask@hopewellbasketball.com or call 609-540-0419. To register online go to www.hopewellbasketball.com. Website has all the scheduled games, Stats, and write ups.

Games Start April 8th.

Hopewell Valley YMCA: Instructional Basketball Grades 3-5

Players will strengthen their skills and understanding of the game through the Jr. NBA curriculum.

Days: Mondays, Location: Stony Brook Gym Dates: Session 1: March 11–April 22/Session 2: May 6– June 17 Practice Times: 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Hopewell Valley Soccer Association: Registration for Spring 2024 Rec Soccer is OPEN until Wednesday 3/27! Our spring season runs from Sunday, April 14th until Sunday, June 9th for grades 3-12 and June 18th for pre-K to grade 2 (see below for details by division). Games are Sunday afternoons. No games will be held on Memorial Day Weekend (May 26th).

Hopewell Valley Lacrosse: Registration is Open for Spring 2024!

Open to boys and girls ages K-8th grade, HVL’s Spring 2024 Program provides developmental lacrosse instruction for boys and girls, K-8th grade of all skill levels. We invite you to learn about our program offerings on the attached link!

Hopewell Valley Baseball & Softball Association: Babe Ruth Registration Deadline is March 1st.

The First Annual Hopewell PBA 342 Dodgeball Tournament Friday, March 1st at 6pm at HVCHS. Get ready to dodge, dip, dive and dodge! Proceeds to benefit HVCHS Seniors and Hopewell PBA 342 .

The Princeton Neuroscience Network announces the annual Brain Bee Competition, hosted by Princeton University. The Princeton Brain Bee chapter is a regional chapter of the USA Brain Bee championship. The Brain Bee is a high school neuroscience competition that is held at the regional, national, and even international levels! Our Brain Bee, taking place on Saturday, March 23th, 2024 from 9:00 am - 3:00 pm, welcomes high school students who will take part in a written exam, and the twenty top scorers will move on to an exciting oral round. The winner of the Brain Bee will then move on to the National Brain Bee for a chance to represent the USA in the International Brain Bee!

If any high school students are interested, please direct them to the Princeton Brain Bee Registration 2024 due on March 11th 11:59 pm. Questions will be compiled and generated from information presented in the Brain Facts Book, which is the official textbook used for the competition. In the past Princeton University students have hosted a variety of review sessions as part of our virtual mentorship program to prepare for the competition. The sessions were recorded and are available for the students to use as a resource. The majority of sessions are aligned with each chapter presented in the Brain Facts Book and can be found through the link: https://www.brainfacts.org/archives/2012/the-brain-facts-book

*Save the Date! Hopewell Valley 5K "Lucky BullDog Dash", March 16th

Building on the success of the first event, we have decided to establish an annual tradition in our community. The funds raised from this event are used to fund senior year activities including Post Prom and Senior Sunrise, Senior Sunset and other activities.

Here are the links to the local libraries for upcoming storytimes, events and programs:

Hopewell Public Library

Pennington Public Library

Mercer County Library - Hopewell Branch

Hopewell Township Recreation: Summer 2024 Sneak Peak: All program information will be available soon!

Watershed Academy for High School Students, Summer 2024 : Offers immersive environmental investigations on the 950-acre property. Each five-day session engages students in a world of science where they ask questions and identify problems, gain skills and knowledge, explore root causes of environmental injustice, propose solutions, learn about career opportunities and how to advocate for change. Please click on the link for additional information and dates.

Hopewell Tennis & Swim Summer Programs: Firefly and Tennis Camps

Schafer Sports Center Summer Camp Registration : We offer campers a variety of activities including gymnastics, sports and playground games, both full and half day programs. We are also offering camp inclusion for children with special needs: Inclusion Sports Performance Training.

Girls Who Code Free Virtual Summer Programs Overview: Our free virtual summer programs are open to 9-12th graders who identify as girls or non-binary. Any coding experience level is welcome! Students can choose to learn new coding skills in game design, web design, cybersecurity, or data science and artificial intelligence! As they build computer science skills, students will learn about the many diverse careers in tech through virtual events with professionals in the field. Apply at girlswhocode.com/summerapply by March 22, 2024.

Art Sparks Hopewell - Summer 2024 Camp: provides theme-based creative experiences during which children get to explore a variety of media such as acrylics, collage, watercolors, pastels, charcoal, printmaking, sculpture, assemblage, colored pencils, clay and much more.

Hopewell Valley Soccer Association: Bulldog Soccer Camp: Grades 1-8, August 12th-15th

Timberlane Athletic Fields, led by HVCHS Coaches and Players.

Summers at Pennington

offers a wide range of programs that allow campers to explore and dive into subject matter they are interested in.

ESF Summer Camps has launched our Winter Savings Promotion for Summer 2024! Enroll today to secure your spot and lock in the great pricing on the 2024 line-up of award-winning camps for boys and girls, ages 3-15. We invite you to learn more about ESF Camps, our 40+ year history of serving communities, and new and exciting developments for Summer 2024 in the pre-recorded webinar below, featuring Co-Founder and Executive Director, Michael Rouse and members of the ESF Team.

Virtual Open House Click Here!

Princeton University’s Campus Recreation Summer Day Camp: designed for children entering grades 1-8. The camper's day will be filled with a variety of sports, games, arts and crafts, and camp activities that will keep your camper active and engaged throughout the week. Each camp also provides weekly programs or trips for their specific grade level. All campers are given camp gear.

Registration for Non-University/Community members opens Monday, March 4, 2024.

Attend an open house to learn more about the camp: Saturday, March 2, 2024, from 10am-2pm in the Dillon Gymnasium For more information, visit https://campusrec.princeton.edu/summer-day-camp/general-info Questions? Contact Dianna Clauss, 609-258-0880 or at reccamps@princeton.edu

Princeton University Sports Camps: All camps and clinics are held on campus. Each camp is directed by the Princeton University varsity coaches, with assistance from college coaches and players from around the country.

McCarter Summer: for our young stars aged 7-15! Our Summer Camps are taught by highly experienced creative arts professionals, including actors, theatre directors, choreographers, musical directors, designers, and visual artists.

Stuart Country Day School Summer Camp: Take advantage of early bird discount until 3/15. Stuart is offering 22 new programs for a total of 60 sessions over 11 weeks. There is a camp offered every week of the summer at the preschool, lower, and middle school levels, giving families an opportunity for their daughters or sons to spend their entire summer at Stuart. We also have exciting new offerings for high school students.

Maple Shade Farm, Hopewell: Riding lessons, equine-facilitated learning sessions and a summer nature/sports camp

Rylor Lacrosse Summer Camp: The mission of Rylor Lacrosse is to provide a fun, safe and positive learning environment where Lacrosse players can improve their lacrosse skills and understanding of the game.

Apple Hart Farm: Farm Camp provides a rich, outdoor experience in which budding nature lovers connect with the natural world in a safe, nurturing environment.

Eggert Aquatics: Offering customized swim programming for all ages, needs and abilities.

Fal-Rooney Summer Camp: The uniqueness of our summer camps is that they’re like an all day gym class where teams compete against each other for the coveted cup at the end of the week. Our summer camps are geared towards those in first to ninth grade.