

The Friday Focus
January 26, 2024
From the Office of the Superintendent
PEECH (Preschool and Early Education for Children of Hopewell) Program Application 2024-2025 Please fill out the attached form - linked above) for the general education preschool program admission process for both new and returning students. Application is not a guarantee for admissions. The application is due Friday February 23, 2024. You will hear about acceptance by March 15, 2024.
Kindergarten Registration for the 2024-25 year will begin on Feb 5th.
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). Please see the attached Registration Letter for additional information. Students must be registered for Kindergarten in order to sign up for the camp.
Pennington Public Library, The Big Read, starting Feb 1st:
HVRSD is partnering with Pennington Public Library for the 2024 NEA Big Read initiative, which aims to bring our community together around one book, Circe by Madeline Miller. This program is designed to broaden our imaginations and understanding of our world, our neighbors, and ourselves through the joy of sharing a good book. Starting February 1, 2024, the Library will be distributing free copies of Circe to the public while supplies last. Please read and pass it along to a friend, family or neighbor. There will also be free book discussions and thematic programming. NEA Big Read is a program of the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with Arts Midwest.
Digital Wellness Initiative - On Feb 1st at 8pm, please tune in to The Download on Device Adoption: The Skills Your Children Need Before Getting A Smartphone, featuring author Devorah Heitner. (Promo & Flyer linked HERE) This webinar is specifically designed for elementary parents.
**Date changed** Strive Summer Camp Expo, now Saturday, Feb 3rd 10am-2pm, Hopewell Valley Central High School Get started on planning a great summer for your children! Learn about camps in the area, meet camp staff. Email hvrsdstrivepto@gmail.com with questions.
*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.
From Common Sense Media:
The Best Kids' Everything from 2023
Our editors' top-rated picks for movies, TV shows, books, games, and podcasts.
Please see "Community Events" for additional upcoming programs!
Black & Gold Cup Food Drive: As part of our Black & Gold Cup competition, we will be hosting a food drive during the month of January & February to support the Hopewell Valley Mobile Food Pantry. The Black Team (Grades 9 & 11) will be collecting boxes of granola bars and the Gold Team (Grades 10 & 12) will be collecting cereal. The winning team will receive 100 competition points! Donations can be brought to the HVCHS Main Lobby throughout the month of January & February. We appreciate your help as we support our neighbors!
January 31 Schedule: Due to the half day on January 31, we will have a special schedule including all eight periods. As on all special schedule days, recitation will not meet.
2024-25 Program of Studies: In preparation for course selection for the upcoming year, please take a few moments to review the newly approved Program of Studies, which has been posted on the HVCHS website. The Program of Studies provides important information about course descriptions, eligibility, and other details about academics at HVCHS.
Winter Athletics: There are over 330 student-athletes participating in our winter athletic season! Please come out to support our student-athletes as they compete in wrestling, cheerleading, basketball (boys, girls, AND Unified!), swimming, diving, track, and ice hockey. The winter athletic schedule can be found here.
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? 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 listing of upcoming events and Class fundraisers.
*Dates to Remember*
January 26: F Day Schedule
January 31: ½ Day Schedule
February 2: Hopewell's Got Talent! 7pm CHS PAC
February 7: MTPA Meeting 7pm via Zoom LINK
The Timberlane `Principal's Page" is on the TMS Website. Is a one-stop hub for all of the information that you need throughout the year.
Come and join members of TMS’ Junior Thespian Troupe 89533 for "Villainous Hearts: A Villainous Valentine's Cabaret! An evening of songs from your favorite villains. All proceeds will go towards the theater department. Tickets are $10 in advance, or $12 at the door. When: Friday, February 9, 6:00pm, at the Black Box theater at Central high school. Visit Our.show/valentines to order tickets now!
Audition materials for the TMS Spring musical "Mary Poppins" are now available! Visit https://timberlanemusical.blogspot.com/ to access the material, read the character information, and start practicing. Auditions will be the week of February 12th.
2024 TMS SPRING SPORTS
- Registration and medical forms for spring sports are due by Friday, March 1st.
- Spring Sports: Baseball, Softball, Boys and Girls Lacrosse and Boys and Girls Track & Field start on Monday, March 18th
- 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 will be offered on Tuesday, February 13th from 9:00 am-12:00 pm in the TMS school nurse's office. They 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.
TMS Updates - For additional information about TMS, please visit our webpage or follow us on Twitter @Timberlane_HV or Instagram @timberlane_timberwolves.
Yearbooks are on sale now! The early bird price is $35. Click HERE to order your student's yearbook now!
Absences, Late Arrival & Early Dismissal - Parents should call our TeleSafe number 609-737-4004, Ext 2, by 8:00 am, 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. Teachers do not always see their emails while teaching during the day or there may be a substitute in the classroom who does not have access to email.
*Dates To Remember*
1/31: Early (Noon) Dismissal - Staff Development
2/9 Villainous Hearts Cabaret, 7pm
Week of 2/12 Mary Poppins Auditions
BT Principal's Page - provides links to information and activities and is updated regularly.
BT PTO Bear Flash - Everything you need to know for the month & beyond!
BT 5th Grade - Please join us to celebrate the 5th Grade 1000th Day Party on February 2nd! A Winter White Out Social to celebrate and mark their 1000th day of school featuring games, karaoke, food, and fun. Click here for more information and click here to volunteer.
BT Cookie Gram - Click here to purchase Valentine Cookie Grams to support the 5th Grade Committee.
BT Author Visits Bear Tavern - Author/Illustrator Roxie Munro is coming to BT on March 18! The BTPTO, in partnership with HVEF, is proud to offer students the opportunity to meet and interact with a best-selling children's author and illustrator. More information about her works can be found at www.roxiemunro.com. BTPTO is offering students the opportunity to order copies of her works in preparation for the event. Click here to place your order. Kindly place your order by Friday, February 2 to ensure delivery before the March event. If you have any questions, please contact Author in Residence Committee member Lynn DeClemente Losavio at ldeclemente@sewardjohnsonatelier.org
BT St. Baldrick's Day - On Friday, March 9th, at Amalfi’s Restaurant, we will raise money to fight Childhood Cancer. You can join “Team Bear Tavern” or donate here.
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*
1/31 - Half Day/Staff Development, Preschool (PM Only)
2/2 - 5th-Grade 1000th Day 6 - 8:30 PM
2/16 - NO PRESCHOOL (Collab Day)
2/19 - Presidents Day (Schools/Offices Closed)
*Please see the Superintendent's section for PEECH and Kindergarten registration information
The Principal’s January Newsletter - Hopewell’s Happenings is on the HES Website.
Digital Wellness Initiative - On Feb 1, 2024, at 8pm, please tune in to The Download on Device Adoption: The Skills Your Children Need Before Getting A Smartphone, featuring author Devorah Heitner. (Promo & Flyer linked HERE) This webinar is specifically designed for elementary parents.
CHUBBY’s Project - SOUPerbowl of Caring sponsored by 1st Grade - Feb 5th - Feb 9th.
Tackle hunger and score a touchdown of compassion at the Souper Bowl of Caring. Link HERE for more information.
Valentine’s Day Dance - PTO is hosting a Valentine’s Day Dance on Friday, February 9th, exclusively for 2nd, 3rd and 4th graders. Find more details by clicking on the provided link HERE. Stay tuned for upcoming information about a special event for Kindergarten and 1st grade students.
HES 2023-2024 Yearbook - Order your 2023-2024 Hopewell Elementary Yearbook HERE
Winter is here! - Don’t forget to label your children's coats, hats, and gloves so they can find their way home!
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- 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
Dates to Remember:
Wednesday, 1/31: Whole School Meeting (Wear HES gray T-Shirt), Early Dismissal for Students; Preschool Half Day (PM ONLY)
Tuesday, 2/5: Whole School Meeting (9:00AM Wear your Favorite Sports Gear)
February 2/7: MTP Meeting 7pm via Zoom LINK
Science Fair Update - In collaboration with the Stony Brook PTO, we will be moving the Science Fair to March 16th. This is an important event for our students, and we cannot run the Science Fair without the support of volunteers. There are many different ways to help out... and we need you! If you are interested and available help, or just have questions, please email nicolegianfredi@hvrsd.org.
School Meeting and Character Rally / PTO Snack Time
January 31 is an early dismissal day so we are planning a day full of fun! Here is the plan:
Send your child in Stony Brook gear. Everyone wear your All Star shirts.
We will start the day with a School Meeting focused on the next Character Strong trait - Perseverance.
We will spend time with Buddy classes. The older and younger students love to spend time with each other. Ask your child about their Buddy class!
We have a special snack time planned. Support the 5th Grade and purchase a snack. The 5th Grade Committee will be selling chips, pretzels, popcorn, juice and water. Each item will be sold for $1.00 and each child can buy one snack and one beverage. Our students will have their snack with their Buddy class. There is more info in the FLYER. If you choose not to purchase a snack, you can send one in with your child.
We will end the day in the gym practicing all of our Character Strong skills with a fun Character Rally. We will engage in some school-wide activities, and then watch some 5th grade vs. teacher games.
The Principal’s Newsletter - The Principal’s Page is on the SB Website. It has links to The Scoop and other important and useful information for families.
Attendance Procedures - Please refer to our Attendance Procedures document for details regarding school absences, late arrivals or early dismissals.
Changes In Students’ Dismissal - If you have a dismissal change, please email the main office in advance at sbmainoffice@hvrsd.org, as teachers do not always have an opportunity to check their email. Any last-minute needs at 3pm or later should be called into 609-737-4006, ext. 2.
Winter Is Here! - Don’t forget to label your children's coats, hats and gloves so they can find their way home! Unclaimed items will be donated at the end of January.
PaySchools Central Food Service - Here are links for 2023-2024 school lunch information.
SB Membership Toolkit - All volunteer opportunities, class lists, and Spirit Wear can be found on MembershipToolkit. Click here to register. Contact StonyBrookPTO@gmail.com with any questions.
*Dates To Remember*
1/31 - Early Dismissal at 12:45pm
1/31 - School Meeting/Character Rally
1/31 - Candela’s Dine Out Day/Night
*Please see the Superintendent's section for PEECH and Kindergarten registration information
Monthly Principal Newsletter - Please click here to view Principal Lauri’s January newsletter.
TG Spirit Days - The Toll Gate Student Council is sponsoring several Spirit Days throughout the year. To participate, we are requesting a small donation that will benefit the Hopewell Valley Mobile Food Pantry. We hope you participate in each spirit day and help us support our local community. Sports Day is coming up on Friday, 2/9. Please bring canned protein (tuna, chicken, stews, chilis, beans, peanut/nut butters, etc.) to donate. Click here to view all of our upcoming Spirit Days. Thank you!
Coat Drive - Student Council & Green Team are co-sponsoring a collection drive to benefit One Warm Coat, a national nonprofit organization that provides free coats to children and adults in need while promoting volunteerism and environmental sustainability. One Warm Coat believes in each person’s right to shelter from the elements and is committed to sharing warmth, without discrimination, one coat at a time. Gently worn coats should be clean and wearable without any holes or stains. Drop your items into the labeled box in your hallway now through January 31st. Email Mrs. Kampe (kimberlykampe@hvrsd.org) or Mrs. Mayer (kimberlymayer@hvrsd.org) if you have any questions. Thank you for your support!
Lost and Found- Our Lost and Found table is growing! Please take a minute to look through our current Lost and Found folder to see if you recognize anything that may belong to your child. If you want to claim something, please let your child know they can pick it up from the Lost and Found table right outside of the cafeteria.
Follow us on Instagram! https://www.instagram.com/tollgategrammar_hv/
Dates to Remember:
Wednesday, 1/31/24: Staff Development/Early Dismissal at 12:45 PM
Wednesday, 2/7/24: Walk, Bike or Roll to School Day
Thursday, 2/8/24: Gator Gathering
Friday, 2/9/24: Sports Day (Sponsored by the Student Council)
Friday, 2/16/24: Preschool Team Collaboration Day - No PEECH
Monday, 2/19/24: Presidents Day - Schools/Offices Closed
*Please see the Superintendent's section for PEECH and Kindergarten registration information
Community Events
Hopewell Valley Children's Theatre presents "Annie" Jan 26-28th at the Performing Arts Center at Central High School. For showtimes, tickets and more information please go to www.ShowTix4U.com.
The Watershed Institute: Groundhog Day Celebration! Sat. Jan 27th, 10am-12:30pm
Groundhog Day is a curious mix of fact and fiction. Learn the difference as you make your way around the Watershed Reserve in search of clues to find Wally the Woodchuck. This program is part treasure hunt, part nature hike and plenty of imaginative fun. Meet the naturalists, try your hand at chucking wood with a catapult or trebuchet, and search for groundhog holes on this festive winter morning. We estimate it takes about an hour to do all the stations. Please plan to arrive between 10 -11:30 am to get the most out of the event! Ages 5 and up. In-person program, adult attendance required. Discount available for members.
Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL) 2024 Ronald E. Hatcher Science on Saturday Lecture series will start this Saturday, January 27 with a lecture on “Art in the Age of Artificial Intelligence.”
Science on Saturday is in its 39th year, long enough that some families attending include three generations of the Science Education Department fans. It’s aimed at promoting science literacy among the public and young people. The program is funded by the DOE’s Fusion Energy Sciences program. Visit https://www.pppl.gov/events/science-saturday for additional information.
The next two sessions are:
- Jan. 27: “Art in the Age of Artificial Intelligence,” Ahmed Elgammal, professor in the Department of Computer Sciences and founder and director of the Art and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory, Rutgers University-New Brunswick
- Feb. 3: “Natural Products as Antivirals,” Sandra Daise Adams, professor, Department of Biology, Montclair State University
Spring Hoops Registration Opens on February 1st! Play The Hottest Game in Town, weeknights at TMS. Spring Hoops is 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 signed up will strengthen their skills and understanding of the game through the Jr. NBA curriculum. Players will be group evaluated to provide the perfect blend and conditioning for each player to gain the knowledge and competencies to continue to grow in the game.
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
Greater Princeton Youth Orchestra, 2023-24 Winter Concert, Feb 3rd, Richardson Auditorium, 7:00pm Concert Orchestra and Symphonic Orchestra
Grounds for Sculpture "Night Forms"
An after-hours, multi-sensory light and sound experience that uses projection mapping to engage with the Ground For Sculpture art and horticulture collections.
Tipple & Rose, Nassau Street, Princeton: Kids Story Time with Jeff! Every Saturday at 10am.
The Mercer County Ice Skating Rink is Open!
Palmer Square: Skating on the Square, Hulfish Street Behind the Nassau Inn.
OPEN SKATE – Saturdays & Sundays until February 25th, 12pm – 3pm & 4pm – 7pm
- $10 cash PER PERSON/ $12 +fees with credit card. Bring your own skates or borrow ours! (skate rental included in ticket price)
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 .
Here are some ideas of indoor play spaces for cold and rainy days!
The Bucks County Children's Museum
Here are the links to the local libraries for upcoming storytimes, events and programs: