From the Office of the Superintendent
VETERANS DAY MESSAGE:
A reflection from Admiral Harry Harris, Commander, U.S. Pacific Command, (excerpts from 11/11/17 speech):
There can be no doubt that America’s fighting men and women have given much to ensure that our great nation stays free. We owe a debt of gratitude to all those who served… to all those who were injured… and especially to all those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
And today, members of our Armed Services are deployed around the world… at sea, in the air, and on land… they protect our national interests to ensure America’s beacon of light continues to shine, even to the farthest and darkest reaches of the globe.
America is the country she is because of her heroes, past and present. People who put the nation’s interest above self-interest… who put patriotism above profit… and who put love of country above love of self.
Upcoming Mercer County K-3 Educator Workshops!:
The New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE) has launched their Reading Acceleration Professional Integrated Development (RAPID) Initiative that targets research informed literacy practices in early elementary grades (Kindergarten through Grade 3). We are pleased to announce our partnership with the NJDOE to provide RAPID training for educators in Mercer, Monmouth, and Ocean counties. Workshop options include:
- 1-day workshop: 8:30am-12:30pm (11/14/23)
- 1-day workshop: 8:30am-12:30pm (11/30/23)
- 1-day workshop: 8:30am-12:30pm (01/23/24)
The Book Lovers Luncheon with Fiona Davis, author of "The Spectacular" on Nov 19th! In addition to being a great event, the Luncheon is a fundraiser for the Hopewell Valley Education Foundation. Proceeds support the annual Author-in-Residence program in the Hopewell public schools.
On November 28 at 1:00 PM Operation Parent presents an impactful webinar with Parents Against Vaping E-Cigarettes (PAVe), which will uncover the health risks of youth vaping, shed light on the tobacco industry’s tactics and trends for marketing to youth, and acquire practical strategies for essential conversations with your child. All registrants will receive a recording of the webinar through Operation Parent. To register: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/2782765408505261655
Mercer County Co-Occuring Task Force Presents " The Opioid Crisis in NJ: Current Trends and Evidence-based Treatment Options" Wed. Nov 29th 9:30am-12:30pm
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 currently 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!
Congratulations to the cast and crew of Peter and the Starcatcher on their outstanding performances last weekend. We are so proud of you!
HVCHS PTO Thank You: Thank you to the HVCHS PTO for bringing the Dunkin Donuts Cruiser to HVCHS and providing our staff with coffee and munchkins. It was greatly appreciated!
Conferences: HVCHS will be providing opportunities for conferences on Monday, November 20 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. and Tuesday, November 21 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Please see the email sent by Ms. Riley earlier this week for specific information about scheduling via Meet the Teacher and about our conference formats. We are looking forward to meeting with you and your child!
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 2, by 8:00 am to report an absence or late arrival. Please also review our attendance procedures for details about our policies.
Please check the The Dog Byte: CHS PTO listing of upcoming fundraisers and events!
Check the The Timberlane ``Principal's Page" for weekly information and Timberlane Topics!
Veterans Day Ceremony- On November 13th, Veterans with a connection to Timberlane will be honored for their service and sacrifice. After a brief ceremony, we will have a small reception and an opportunity for Veterans to interact with each other and with the students with whom they are connected (children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, etc.). For additional information, see Timberlane Topics.
Making a Difference One Box at a Time- TMS is going to make Thanksgiving meals for those in need in the Hopewell community and make meal bags for patrons of TASK. Details to students will be explained in packs. The School wide goal is 80 dinner boxes and 500 bagged meals. We will also accept gift cards to PQM, Stop & Shop, and ShopRite to help us meet our school goals! Donations will be taken until November 17. Ask your student what is needed or reach out to their pack teacher.
Parent-Teacher Conferences will be held on Friday, November 17 (afternoon) and Monday, November 20 (afternoon and evening). Due to the availability of slots, conference sign-ups will be invitation only for the first 1-2 weeks, then will be open to everyone. Details to follow.
TMS Jazz Band is starting
TMS Jazz Band holds auditions in November to start in December. Open to all students in grades 6 through 8. Seeking students who play trumpet, trombone, saxophone, drum set, piano, guitar, bass (and also flute, clarinet, baritone). Please click here for info and to register for auditions! Questions? Email David Schwartzer (davidschwartzer@hvrsd.org), director.
CHS Indoor Percussion seeks interested 8th Graders
HV Indoor Percussion Ensemble (HVIPE) is a high school-based ensemble that accepts students in grades 8 through12. All percussion students are encouraged to join, but no experience is needed. Beginners are welcome! Info meeting on Monday, Nov. 13th at 7:00 pm in the CHS Band Room. Click here for the interest flyer. Questions? Email Mark Eichenberger, (markeichenberger@hvrsd.org), director.
CHS Indoor Color Guard seeks interested 8th Graders
The CHS Indoor Color Guard is a highschoolb-ased ensemble that accepts students in grades 8 through 12. Any students interested in dance, movement, and performance are encouraged to attend the info meeting on Monday, Nov. 20th at 7:00 pm in the CHS Band Room. Students should fill out this Google Form if planning on attending the meeting. Questions? Email Ms. Thompson, (antheathompson24@gmail.com), director.
Make Up Work When Absent: When a student is absent, they are responsible for making up all missed classwork and homework. If a student needs support, they should request a pass to visit their teacher during Pack. If your child has been out for several days, please contact your child’s counselor to work out a support plan.
Absences, Late Arrival & Early Dismissal - Parents should call our TeleSafe # 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.
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*
11/10 Veteran’s Day - Schools/Offices Closed
11/13 Veterans Day Ceremony at TMS
11/13 Indoor Percussion Info Meeting
11/17 & 11/20 Parent/Teacher Conferences
11/17 Task Donations Due
11/17 Jazz Band Auditions Signup Deadline
11/20 Krispy Kreme Doughnuts - November 20th (early dismissal day!)
11/20 Indoor Color Guard Info Meeting
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 Annual Appeal - Funds help with assemblies, field trips, visiting authors, STEAM fairs, community-building events, field days, and more. All donations are greatly appreciated. Donations to the annual appeal can be made here.
BT Staff Appreciation Dinner - During conferences, the Staff Appreciation Committee will host a hot catered dinner for teachers and staff on Monday, November 20th. Click here to sign up for a supply donation or help set up. Want to make a monetary donation toward the dinner order? Click here.
From Nurse Watt: We are in need of some donations: including Girls socks, Girls sizes 5T, 6T, 7, 8 leggings or sweatpants, and Girls/Boys sweatshirts of all sizes. Winter hats and gloves would be great. If you have anything you are willing to donate, you may drop it in the main office or backpack it into school with your child. Thank you!
BTPTO Dine Out - We will have our November Dine Out fundraiser at PJ's Pancake House on Thursday, November 30th. Please remember to show this flyer or mention that you are a Bear Tavern family. Both dine-in and take-out are eligible, and the fundraiser will run all day.
BT Parent Teacher Conferences - Click here to sign up for your conference. Click here for Food Drive items.
PaySchools Central Food Service - Use the following link for the 2023-2024 school lunches.
BT 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.
BT 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*
11/10 - Veterans Day - Schools/Offices Closed
11/13 - Lifetouch Picture Retake Day ID#: EVTK2JDTG
11/14 - 20 - Scholastic Book Fair
11/16 - Children's Grief Awareness Day; Wear Blue
11/17 - 11/20 - Parent Teacher Conferences/Food Drive
11/20 - Staff Appreciation Dinner
11/17-11/22 - Early Dismissals
11/23 - 11/24 - Thanksgiving Holiday Break - Schools/Offices Closed
11/30 - BT Dine Out at PJ's Pancake House
12/1 - 12/5 - Holiday Shop (Be On The Lookout For More Information)
The Principal’s Newsletter - Hopewell’s Happenings is on the HES Website.
Hopewell’s Happenings is a monthly update with links to all sorts of information and activities
Lifetouch- School photos are ready! To order, log in to your account on mylifetouch.com or create an account using your student’s ID number. Make-up date: Lifetouch will be here on December 5th for Picture Day make-ups. Forms will be sent home as we get closer to the date.
Conferences: HES will be providing opportunities for conferences during the following dates and times: Friday, 11/17: 1:40 - 4:20 pm and Monday, 11/20: 1:40 - 4:00 pm; 5:00 - 8:00 pm. Sign up information is in the November Hopewell’s Happenings Newsletter linked above.
PTO Fundraisers - The HES PTO is the volunteer organization behind many fun events and special things for our kids during the school year. Please view our link to the Frog Flash: Fall Fundraising.
Thanksgiving Meals - We will partner with The Chubby’s Project to provide food baskets for families in need. Our goal is to provide food baskets for 27 families. In order to meet this goal, we will be asking families who are able to help out in the following ways:
1. Each grade will collect non-perishable items to go in the baskets:
+ Preschool & Kindergarten: stuffing
+ First Grade: corn bread mix
+ Second Grade: boxed mashed potatoes
+ Third Grade: canned peas, corn or green beans
+ Fourth Grade: cranberry sauce
+ Fifth Grade: gravy
2. Hopewell staff members will be donating turkeys to accompany the baskets. If you have a Pennington Market turkey voucher that you would like to donate, please send it in with your child.
Food donations/vouchers may be brought in from Thursday, November 2nd until Wednesday, November 15th.
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*
11/10 - Veterans Day (Observed) - Schools/Offices Closed
11/13 & 11/22 - Spirit Days (HES Swag/Colors)
11/17 - 11/20 - Parent Teacher Conferences
11/17-11/22 - Early Dismissals
11/23 - 11/24 - Thanksgiving Holiday Break - Schools Closed
SB "Principal's Page" is a hub of information and links to the weekly "Stony Brook Scoop".
Retirement/Welcome - Our beloved Mrs. Kathy Mathews, main office secretary, has retired and we wish her well. Thank you for all of your kind words and gifts! Please welcome Mrs. Smith to take her place. You can contact both main office secretaries (Mrs. Smith and Mrs. Haenni) by emailing sbmainoffice@hvrsd.org. This way we can work together to help you.
Thanksgiving Food Drive - Our Student Council has been organizing a Food Drive to benefit the Mill Hill Child and Family Development Center in Trenton, NJ. HERE is the flyer detailing what each grade level should bring. Food items are due on Monday, November 13. We appreciate any families willing to donate a $15-$20 Shoprite gift card or cash to use towards a turkey for our baskets. Donations can be dropped off to the main office by Tuesday, November 14th.
Conferences - Will be held on Friday, 11/17 and Monday, 11/20. Check the latest “Scoop” Newsletter from the principal to sign up.
SBPTO Shake Shack Fundraiser Mon. Nov 20th: Show THIS FLYER at the register or use code DONATE25 on the Shack App for pick up, delivery or kiosk . 25% of your purchase will be donated to SB!
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.
SB 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*
11/10 - Veteran’s Day - Schools/Offices Closed
11/14 - Thanksgiving Food Drive ends
11/17-11/20 Early Dismissal Days
11/20 - SBPTO Shake Shack Fundraiser
11/23 - 11/24 - Thanksgiving Holiday Break - Schools Closed
Week of December 4 - Book Fair
Don’t forget to label your children's coats, hats, and gloves!
Principal Newsletter- Click here to view Principal Lauri’s November newsletter.
Student Council Spirit Week & Toys for Tots Kick-Off- Please click here to see information about next week’s (11/13-11/17) Student Council Spirit Week and Toys for Tots Kick-Off.
Parent-Teacher Conferences- We will be holding Parent-Teacher conferences on both Friday, November 17th and Monday, November 20th. All of our conferences will take place in person, however, we are happy to offer a zoom meeting, if you would prefer that. This year we are asking that if you would like to meet with one of our special area teachers, you send them an email, with conferences as the subject line. Given the number of students that our special area teachers have, we would like to ensure that the parents who have specific questions about their child's progress get a conference before the sessions are all booked up. To book an appointment, please view the links on this document.
Lifetouch Picture Retake Day will be on Monday, November 27th. 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: EVTD8QQXC. If you already ordered a package but would like your photo retaken, simply return your original package on Picture Retake Day. Please email ashleedana@hvrsd.org if you would like your child’s photo retaken, so their name can be added to the retake list.
TASK Thanksgiving Food Drive- It’s time for the 38th annual Trenton Area Soup Kitchen (TASK) Thanksgiving food drive at Toll Gate! Please see below for a list of the food items we will collect by grade. Food donations can be sent into school any time the week of November 13-17.
Suggested donations per student by grade* *All quantities are suggestions and all donations are appreciated!
Pre-K: (7) 14.5 oz cans of whole kernel corn
Kindergarten: (6) 10.5 oz cans of turkey gravy (no glass jars)
1st Grade: (6) 14.5 oz cans of cut green beans
2nd Grade: (4) boxes Stove Top cornbread stuffing
3rd Grade: (6) 14.5 oz cans of cranberry jelly
4th Grade: (4) 40 oz cans of sweet potatoes
5Kampe: (2) 5lb bags of white granulated sugar
5Mayer: (6) 10.5 oz cans evaporated milk
Turkeys: We will also collect FROZEN turkeys for TASK in front of Toll Gate on November 20 and 21.
Pie Baking: A beloved Toll Gate tradition! Students will bake sweet potato pies in the Toll Gate cafeteria on November 20 and 21. Sign up here to bake with your student’s class and/or to transport items to TASK.
Donations: If you would like to make a monetary donation to support TASK, please donate via Paypal (using QR code / link below) or give cash or check (made out to TGG PTO) in an envelope marked TASK 2023 to Ashlee Dana in the TG office. Paypal link for TASK donations
Please email valerie.buchert@outlook.com with any questions. Thank you in advance for your support and generosity!
Dates to Remember:
Monday, 11/13-Friday, 11/17: Student Council Spirit Week, Toys for Tots Kick-Off
& TASK Donations Due
Wednesday, 11/15: Gator Gathering - Wear “You Matter” Shirt
Friday, 11/17, Monday, 11/20 & Tuesday, 11/21: Early Dismissal at 12:45 PM for Conferences
Monday, 11/20 & Tuesday, 11/21: TASK Pie Baking
Wednesday, 11/22: Early Dismissal at 12:45 PM
Thursday, 11/23 & Friday, 11/24: Thanksgiving Holiday - Schools/Offices Closed
Monday, 11/27: Lifetouch Picture Retake Day
