

The Friday Focus
December 1, 2023
From the Office of the Superintendent
HVRSD Strive PTO and HVRSD Pupil Services Presents: "Supporting Parents and Caregivers of Classified Students" Dec. 7th with Dr. Bianca Coleman, Ph.D., BCBA-D from Behavior Therapy Associates, To register for this zoom presentation, email lorikelly@hvrsd.org by Nov 30th. Please click on the link for more information.
Pomptonian is looking for Part Time Employees to join our team. We provide the cafeteria services for HVRSD. Being fully staffed could really help us enhance the service to the students. Please click on the link for more information!
Please see "Community Events" for additional upcoming programs!
Student-Parent-Teacher Conferences: Thank you to all of the students, parents, and guardians who attended conferences at HVCHS last week. We truly appreciate your willingness to collaborate with us! If you attended conferences, please check next week’s Focus for our feedback survey, which will help us to improve our practices in the future.
Chamber Singers Madrigal Dinner
HEAR YE! A Madrigal Dinner shall commence in due course! Purchase tickets by Dec 12th at tinyurl.com/madrigal23. The Chamber Singers will entertain you while you dine on salad, a main course, and dessert, all while sipping a traditional wassail. The performers are your wait staff and entertainment during this hilarious evening of song and show! This event is general admission seating and is open to the public with a limit of 150 tickets sold. Tickets must be purchased no later than Dec 12th and may be purchased on this site or by sending cash/check (made out to MTPA) in with a choir member.
FESTIVE DRESS ENCOURAGED!
Unified Champion School Recognition: HVCHS was honored to be one of only two schools in New Jersey to be nationally recognized as a 2023 Special Olympics Unified Champion School, based on our inclusive practices. We are so proud of each and every student and staff member who made this recognition possible!
Gratitude Campaign: Thank you to the HVCHS Student Council for organizing a gratitude campaign prior to Thanksgiving break. It was a wonderful way to focus on all of the positive things that are happening at HVCHS!
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!
Recent Communication from HVCHS: Please be sure to review the recent communication from HVCHS, including the October edition of HVCHS Updates.
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? 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 here. 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 overview of upcoming events and Class fundraisers!
Check the The Timberlane ``Principal's Page" for weekly information!
Picture MakeUp Day is scheduled for Monday, December 4, 2023. If you want to order pictures, log on to mylifetouch.com and use Picture ID EVTVPPD2D.
Yearbooks are on sale! The early bird price is $35. Click HERE to order your student's yearbook now!
Penny Wars: We'll be participating in a fun activity, that is actually a WIN-WIN-WIN. We'll be having a 'penny wars' competition that will provide students with fun and coveted "Community Points" toward the coveted "Team Cup." But far more importantly, we'll be raising money to provide books to Franklin Elementary School in Trenton, NJ, just in time for the holidays. Scholastic will match our money to get books that we'll deliver to the students at Franklin AND will give us 'Scholastic Points' to use right here at TMS. We will be able to make a huge impact for elementary school kids, gain resources for the Timberlane library, and have a blast while engaging in some fun competition. Here's how to participate: On Monday 12/4, Tuesday 12/5 and Wednesday 12/6, the jars will be displayed in each lunch. Students will then be allowed to continue to add money to their own jar and place pennies in the jars of their rival homerooms.The total amount of pennies will be deducted from the amount of cash and checks in each homeroom. The homeroom with the highest remaining total will be the winner.
Our Book Fair is coming soon! It is a great way to find literature that kids will love on all levels and in all genres. Students will visit the book fair with their LA classes - check with their teachers for the date We still need volunteers. Sign-up genius linkThe Book fair will remain open on 12/12 from 3:30 - 6 pm. Join us for some shopping, snacks, and student performances.
8th Grade Committee and Support- If you'd like to sign up to support, or lead, some of our efforts to make this year a special one for our 8th graders, please CLICK HERE to volunteer to join or chair a committee. You don't even have to have an 8th grader, you can get familiarity and knowledge with the event for next year or the year after
Absences, Late Arrival & Early Dismissal - Parents should call our TeleSafe # 609-737-4004, Ext 2, by 8:00 a.m., to report an absence or late arrival. If your child is leaving early, please be sure to send in a note when possible. If the need occurs after the start of school, please call the Main Office.
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*
12/7 - 12/14 - Book Fair!
12/12 - PTO Meeting! 9:30 am. CLICK HERE for Zoom Link
12/22 - Early dismissal (12:00 pm)
12/25 - 1/1 - Winter Break (Return 1/2)
Principal's Page - provides links to information and activities and is updated regularly.
PTO Bear Flash - Everything you need to know for the month & beyond!
BT Holiday Shop - from December 1st to December 5th this year!
Your student(s) can purchase gifts for their loved ones, wrap them up, and have them just in time for the holidays. This experience helps foster independence, teaches budgeting, and serves as an opportunity to help out around the house to earn money for their gifts.
Please click here to sign up as a volunteer for this fun event.
Flapjacks With Frosty - Saturday, December 2nd; click here for more information.
BT Treble Makers - Will sing at Hopewell Township’s Annual Community Tree Lighting on Monday, December 4th, at 6:00 p.m. Stop by to support our 5th-grade vocal ensemble. Adults and children of all ages are welcome. Goodie bags from the Recreation Department will be available for children while supplies last.
BT Annual Appeal - The BTPTO has reached 80% of the Annual Appeal, and with your help, we can close that gap. Your child(ren) now has the opportunity to participate in a special activity with our principal, Mr. Billy. Click here for information. Contributions to the annual appeal can be made here. All donations are greatly appreciated.
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 609-737-4005 btmainoffice@hvrsd.org
*Dates To Remember*
12/1 - 12/5 - Holiday Shop
12/7 - Hanukkah Begins At Sunset
12/8 - End Of First Trimester
12/8 - Preschool Team Collaboration Day - No PEECH
12/15 - Report Cards Available on the Parent Portal
12/22 - Pajama Day
The Principal’s Newsletter - Hopewell’s Happenings is a monthly update on the HES Website
Flapjacks With Frosty - Saturday, December 2nd; click here for more information
Lifetouch Picture Retake Day, Tuesday, December 5th. If you missed the first picture day or would like your photo retaken on this day, you can order ahead on mylifetouch.com. Enter Picture Day ID:EVTNSB9QN.
Don't Forget to Order This Year's School Pictures: ENJOY 10% OFF your order! CODE: F202310OFF EXPIRES: May 1, 2024 Redeem Now
Last Call for Lost and Found: Please have your children check the table by the cafeteria by Dec. 8th. Click this LINK for photos of our table. All items will be donated. Please label your children's coats, hats, and gloves.
Absences & Late Arrivals - Parents/Guardians should call our TeleSafe number 609-737- 4007, Ext 2 by 8:00 a.m. to report an absence or late arrival. Thank you.
HES 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 609-737-4007 hwmainoffice@hvrsd.org
Student Council CHOP Fundraiser - Pajama Day Friday, December 15th - More information to come.
HES 2023-2024 Yearbook - Order your 2023--2024 Hopewell Elementary Yearbook Here
Don't Forget to Order This Year's School Pictures: ENJOY 10% OFF your order! CODE: F202310OFF EXPIRES: May 1, 2024 Redeem Now
Lost and Found - The Lost and Found pile is growing! Please have your children check the table by the cafeteria before Thanksgiving. Click this LINK for photos of our table. All items will be donated after the break.
Absences & Late Arrivals - Parents/Guardians should call our TeleSafe number 609-737- 4007, Ext 2 by 8:00 a.m. to report an absence or late arrival. Thank you.
*Dates To Remember*
Tuesday, 12/5: School Picture Retakes
Friday, 12/8: Trimester 1 Ends
Friday, 12/8: Preschool Team Collaboration Day - No PEECH
Monday, 12/11: - Whole School Meeting - Spirit Wear
Friday, 12/15: Trimester 1 Report Cards Available on the Parent Portal
Friday, 12/15: Pajama Day
Friday, 12/22: Early Dismissal at 12:45 PM
Monday, 12/25: Schools/Offices Closed for Christmas Day
Tuesday, 12/26-Friday, 12/29: Schools Closed for Winter Break
Monday, 1/1/24: Schools/Offices Closed for New Year’s Day
PTO Book Fair & Silent Auction, Dec 4th-8th: In-School Shopping Days 12/4-12/7 and Family Shopping on 12/8. More information will be available soon.
4th & 5th Grade Winter Concert - The 4th and 5th Grade Winter Concert is Thurs, Dec 14 at 7pm at the Hopewell Valley Central High School Performing Arts Center. The concert will feature performances from the 4th and 5th grade choirs (these include all students in 4th and 5th grade) as well as the orchestras, band, and Festival Ensemble! Please click here for more information including times and concert attire.
SB "Principal's Page" is a hub of information and links to the "Stony Brook Scoop".
PTO Chipotle Fundraiser - The PTO will host a Chipotle Fundraiser on 12/9 from 4-8pm. Click here for details!
Absences & Late Arrivals - Parents/Guardians should call our TeleSafe number 609-737-4006, Ext 2, by 8:00 am 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, as teachers do not always have an opportunity to check their email: 609-737-4006/sbmainoffice@hvrsd.org
School Lunch Information for 2023-2024
SB Membership Toolkit - Click on link to register. Contains All volunteer opportunities, class lists and Spirit Wear. Contact StonyBrookPTO@gmail.com with any questions.
*Dates To Remember*
12/4 - 12/8 - Book Fair & Silent Auction
12/9 4-8pm - Chipotle Fundraiser
12/14 @ 7pm - 4th & 5th Grade Winter Concert
12/22 - 12:45 Early Dismissal
12/25 - 1/1 - No School
Don’t forget to label your children's coats, hats, and gloves!
Walk, Bike, or Roll to School- The Toll Gate Green Team invites you to Walk, Bike, or Roll to School on Wednesday, December 6th. By walking, rolling, or biking to school, you will help reduce the amount of air pollutants emitted by automobiles. These air pollutants result in increases in ground-level ozone, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter such as particles of dust, soot, smoke, dirt and liquid droplets. Lace up your sneakers and/or strap on your helmets to get to school and help the Green Teamers create a healthier environment around Toll Gate.
Toll Gate Movie Night will be on Friday, 12/8 from 6:00-8:00 PM in the Toll Gate gym. Click here for more details.
Principal Newsletter- Click here to view Principal Lauri’s November newsletter.
Dismissal Changes - If your dismissal plans change at any time, please email
tgmainoffice@hvrsd.org, (this email will go to both main office secretaries, Ashlee Dana and Patricia Jaczko) to inform them of the change. Please also cc' your child's homeroom teacher.
Reporting Student Absences- Please remember to call the Telsafe line 609-737-4008, option 2) for any absences or tardiness. Emails to a teacher may not be seen in a timely manner.
Follow us on Instagram! https://www.instagram.com/tollgategrammar_hv/
Dates to Remember:
Tuesday, 12/5: Gator Gathering & Pajama Day Fundraiser
Wednesday, 12/6: Walk, Bike or Roll to School Day
Thursday, 12/7: PTO Meeting at 7:00 PM (via Zoom)
Friday, 12/8: Toll Gate Movie Night 6:00-8:00 PM
Friday, 12/8: Trimester 1 Ends
Friday, 12/8: Preschool Team Collaboration Day - No PEECH
Friday, 12/15: Trimester 1 Report Cards Available on the Parent Portal
Friday, 12/22: Early Dismissal at 12:45 PM
Monday, 12/25: Schools/Offices Closed for Christmas Day
Tuesday, 12/26-Friday, 12/29: Schools Closed for Winter Break
Monday, 1/1/24: Schools/Offices Closed for New Year’s Day
Community Events
Pennington 39th Annual Holiday Walk, Dec. 1st, 6-9pm, Howe Commons, South Main Street
Downtown businesses and restaurants will be open. Featuring: Ice Carving, Caroling, Dance performance, Tree and Menorah lighting, photos with Santa. Also go to: LoveHopewellValley.com for more info!
Wallaby Tales Traveling Zoo, Fri. Dec. 1, 4:30 pm–5:30 pm Pennington Boro Public Library Registration Required: The ever-popular Wallaby Tales Traveling Zoo returns to kick off Pennington’s Annual Holiday Walk! Witness wonderful wildlife with an amazing, comical, and educational presentation of live animals. Sure to mesmerize everyone in the audience from toddlers through adults. This event will be held OUTDOORS. Please dress for the weather and bring your own blanket!
Flapjacks with Frosty, Sat., Dec. 2nd, 10am-12pm CHS Cafeteria, Ticket sales end 11/17.
Organized by the students and teacher representatives of the Class of 2026! Ticket price includes breakfast with Frosty, crafts, story time, winter games and more! Tickets are $20 per child. Children must be accompanied by a parent/guardian.
Hopewell Fire Department Holiday Events: Tree Lighting, Sat. Dec 2 at 6pm
After the Town tree is lit, gather inside the firehouse for a cozy chat with Santa!
See details for Gift Drop Off and Santa & Elves Firetruck Delivery!
Princeton University, Science Outreach: "Science Saturdays" at Trenton Free Library, first session is Dec. 2nd from 1-2pm. Students will engage in hands-on engaging, science activities each month.
Jingle All the Way 3K, Dec. 3rd, Lawrenceville: Unleash your inner rock star and join us to benefit Special Olympics New Jersey athletes! This themed run celebrates all abilities and is a joyous holiday tradition for all involved!
Hopewell Township's Holiday Lighting Ceremony, Mon., Dec 4th: Festivities begin at 5:30; Ceremony starts at 6:00pm. Join us at the annual tree lighting ceremony at which we honor a special community group or individual for their community service in 2023. All ages welcome!
Hopewell Basketball Association: registration is open for Winter Hoops Program, which begins on Dec. 2nd.
Pennington Basketball Association's Girls 3v3 Rec registration is now open!
Grades 2-4 & 5-7. Tuesday evenings at TMS. Starts Dec 5th and goes through February.
Skating on the Square, Palmer Square: Until Feb. 25 on the outdoor synthetic rink.
Thurs & Fri 4-7pm; Sat & Sundays 12-3om and 4-7pm. Now booking private parties!
Grounds for Sculpture "Night Forms" Until April 7, 2024
An after-hours, multi-sensory light and sound experience that uses projection mapping to engage with the Ground For Sculpture art and horticulture collections.
Hopewell Art and Community, Sunday, Dec. 10 10am-3pm, Hopewell Train Station: featuring handcrafted gifts by local artists, live music and holiday photo opportunities.
Hopewell Township Annual Holiday Decorating Contest! Registration is open and judging will take place on Dec 19th & 20th: Grab your lights, inflatables, tinsel and wreaths! Prizes will be awarded to the top three scoring houses!
American Repertory Ballet's production of "The Nutcracker", Dec. 9th at Patriots Theater, Trenton Visit arballet.org for more info and additional locations.
Princeton University YouthCampus presents A World of Patterns: 2023 Holiday Science Lecture for families, Sat. Dec. 9th.
Club Dreams: Winter Wonderland Camp, Tues. Dec. 26th - Friday, Dec 29th, 12pm-5pm.
This camp is for the special needs community only. Siblings are welcome.
Cost is $200 for the entire camp of $55. per day. This includes lunch,
Activities will include arts 7 crafts, STEM, dance/Music, games, open play and lots of fun!
Hopewell Valley Soccer Association: Registration for Winter 2023 is open!
Our winter season runs from Sunday, January 21st until Sunday, March 17th.
Children ages 3 to 18 are eligible to participate and are grouped into divisions. Though we use age as of 9/30 to assign divisions, our focus on fun and friendship means that our intention is to keep children playing with their classmates. For our Pre K program, players must be at least 3 years old as of the start of the season, 1/21/2024.
Here are the links to the local libraries for upcoming storytimes, events and programs: