The Friday Focus
January 19, 2024
From the Office of the Superintendent
The public of Hopewell Township is hereby notified that a vacancy exists in the membership of the Hopewell Valley Regional Board of Education. The Board of Education is seeking qualified candidates for membership to the Board. The Board, within the powers delegated to it by law, is the policy-making legislative branch of the School District. This term will run until December 31, 2024. The remaining two-years of the position will be placed on the ballot at the November 2024 General Election.
**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.
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). Registration information will be available soon.
Mercer County Technical Schools (MTS) Assunpink and Sypek Centers first annual "Warming Hearts to Toes on Valentine's Day". They will be collecting socks until 2/8 for the clients of Mobile Meals of Hamilton Township, a local nonprofit that has been helping residents of Hamilton for almost 50 years.
Parent Webinar:
The Download on Device Adoption: The Skills Your Children Need Before Getting a Smartphone on February 1 at 8pm
Description:
Kids are asking for smartphones at younger and younger ages – in some cases, as young as kindergarten -- causing debates in families about the right time to hand over a fully enabled device. We'd like to change the conversation to a more nuanced consideration of the competencies that kids need as they increase their online presence. In practice, it's not an all-or-nothing decision. This webinar will consider the skills that kids need to live safely and responsibly in a digital world. Are they good at communicating on the phone or by text? Are there simpler devices that could serve as an adequate substitute? And what basic rules should be established to vent the tension that these devices can cause in your household? We'll consider how connectivity affects the path to adulthood, and what kids need to thrive as adolescents, which will provide the basis for a spirited conversation about the many options and strategies trending right now. This live Connected Schools webinar will be most useful for parents and caregivers of kids in grades K-6, but all are welcome. The conversation will be recorded. Registration is free but required to receive the link to join the online event. Register here to attend.
Panel Participants and Moderator:
Jasmine Hood Miller (Moderator), Director of Family Engagement & Partnerships, Common Sense Media
Devorah Heitner, PhD., Author of Growing Up in Public: Coming of Age in a Digital World
Amanda Lenhart, Head of Research, Common Sense Media
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 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. We appreciate your help as we support our neighbors!
Marking Period & Semester Reminders: As a reminder, the second marking period and the first semester end on January 25. We will follow an F day schedule with all eight classes on January 26 as we transition to the second semester. Students should be sure to check their class schedules in OnCourse for any changes if they are completing a semester one course.
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 25: Quarter 2/Semester 1 Ends
January 26: F Day Schedule
January 31: ½ Day Schedule
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.
8th Grade Parent/Guardian Open House and Academic Planning Night: 2024 will be an exciting year for you and your family as your child transitions from Timberlane Middle School to Hopewell Valley Central High School. We have several transition events planned for our eighth grade students over the next several months, and in addition to those events, we wanted to provide a special program for our eighth grade parents and guardians.
HVCHS is excited to invite you to the 8th Grade Parent/Guardian Open House and Academic Planning Night on January 24 at 6 p.m. From 6 to 6:30 p.m., parents and guardians are welcome to informally visit various parts of the school and learn more about the opportunities available at HVCHS. Our Academic Planning Program will begin at 6:30 p.m. in the Performing Arts Center, where the department supervisors and building administrators will share information about the various academic options available to students. We look forward to seeing you on January 24. However, if you are unable to attend, please know that the presentation slides will be shared with all eighth grade parents and guardians prior to the start of course selection.
SAVE Animal Rescue Collection-The donation drive will run until 1/24/24 with a drop off box in the Main Hallway.They currently need canned dog & wet cat food, cat and dog treats, canned chicken, cat toys, tough dog toys (no rawhide bones) unclumping /unscented litter, paper towels, sponges, liquid dish soap, window cleaner, and latex gloves.
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!
*Dates To Remember*
1/26: End of First Marking Period
1/31: Early (Noon) Dismissal - Staff Development
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!
BTPTO Dine Out - Join us at Tomatellos on January 25th. Click here for more information.
BT Great Kindness Challenge - During this powerful, unifying, and uplifting week, students are challenged to complete as many acts of kindness as possible. The GKC allows every student to model kindness and develop key social-emotional skills vital for school and life success. Click here for the chart.
BT Cookie Gram - Click here to purchase Valentine Cookie Grams to support the 5th Grade Committee.
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 to RSVP. Please respond no later than January 19th.
PEECH Program Application 24-25 - Please complete the attached form for the general education preschool program process for new and returning students. Application is not a guarantee for admission. 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). Registration information will be available soon.
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*
1/22 - 1/26 - The Great Kindness Challenge
1/23 - Wear Sports Gear
1/24 - Wear BT Gear or Blue & White
1/25 - Wear Hippie Attire or Tie-Dye, PTO Dine Out
1/26 - Pajama Day
1/31 - Half Day/Staff Development, Preschool (PM Only)
The Principal’s January Newsletter - Hopewell’s Happenings is on the HES Website.
Chubby’s Project Donation - During the month of January, our Preschool classes will lead us in collecting hats and scarves for the Chubby's Project. Check out their flyer for more information.
Yearbook Title Page Drawing Contest - LAST CALL! The yearbook committee is currently accepting submissions for the Title Page Drawing Contest. Students from grades K-5 are encouraged to incorporate the HES Honor Pledge into their designs (L-Leadership, E- Empathy, A-- Acceptance, P-Perseverance) while showcasing their creativity and artistic ability. Use the submission form linked HERE and turn them into the Main Office by Friday, January 26th.
HES 2023-2024 Yearbook - Order your 2023-2024 Hopewell Elementary Yearbook HERE
PEECH Program Application 24-25 - Please complete the attached form for the general education preschool program process for new and returning students. Application is not a guarantee for admission. 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). Registration information will be available soon.
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)
Friday, 2/9: 100th (Kindergarten) & 1,000th (5th Grade) Day of School Celebrations;
PTO Meeting 8:45am
Chubby’s Donation Project - In honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, we are engaging in a community service project where we will be collecting new hats, gloves, mittens and scarves to donate to The Chubby's Project in Hopewell. As a school, we will talk about Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy of service. Please see the FLYER for more information. We will be collecting donations through January 26th.
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.
PTO Dine-Out at Candela’s! - Come out and support the SB PTO by dining out at Candela’s for either lunch or dinner on Wed, Jan 31st!
PEECH Program Application 24-25 - Please complete the attached form for the general education preschool program process for new and returning students. Application is not a guarantee for admission. 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. 8:30-11:30am). Registration information will be available soon.
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.
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.
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.
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 - Candela’s Dine Out Day/Night
Monthly Principal Newsletter - Please click here to view Principal Lauri’s January newsletter.
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. 8:30-11:30am).
PEECH Program Application 24-25 - Please complete the attached form for the general education preschool program process for new and returning students. Application is not a guarantee for admission. The application is due Friday, February 23, 2024. You will hear about acceptance by March 15, 2024.
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. Wacky Wednesday is coming up next on Wednesday, 1/24. Please bring in canned beans 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:
Monday, 1/22/24: **NEW DATE** TG Day of Service
Wednesday, 1/24/24: Wacky Wednesday (Sponsored by the Student Council)
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
