The Friday Focus

"Toxic Online Culture: Unpacking the Influence of Social Media, Memes, Gaming." Live webinar with Dr. Lisa Damour, psychologist and bestselling author, Tuesday, March 19, 2024 at 8:00pm

Our panelists will help parents understand why online influences have power over kids, and offer strategies to help kids manage the feelings and pressures they face. This webinar, which will be recorded, is designed for parents and caregivers of tweens and teens, but all are welcome. Questions for the panelists can be submitted live or in advance. This free program is part of our Connected Schools programming. Registration is required.

"The Big Read": HVRSD and Pennington Public Library 2024 NEA Big Read aim is to bring our community together around one book, Circe by Madeline Miller.

Upcoming events include: Circe's Magic: 3/13 @ 2pm The Watershed:

Join us for a family-friendly exploration of the magic of plants! We will start with a winter wildflower walk to identify common native plants and learn their medicinal (magical) properties. Recommended for ages 6+.

Hopewell Valley Education Foundation "Spring Fling Luncheon" Sunday, March 24th 11-3pm, at Cobblestone Creek Country Club with Fashion Show by Poppy Boutique! Proceeds benefit HVEF's mission to enhance educational excellence at all HVRSD schools.

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.

Upcoming Dates of Note

3.13 Early Dismissal (Staff Professional Development)

3.16 Hopewell Valley 5K "Lucky Bulldog Dash"

3.24 HVEF Spring Fling Luncheon

3.27 Faculty Musicale

Please see "Community Events" for additional upcoming programs!

Join us for the final performances of "How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying" a witty and timeless musical, March 8 & 9 at 7pm in the Performing Arts Center at HVCHS! Purchase tickets here!

Mercer County Technical Schools Career Fair, March 14th 6:00pm-8:00pm Meet and speak with potential employers from a range of career paths, including: culinary arts, Welding, Plumbing, HVAC, Electrical, Military and Education. This is for all students of MCTS at our Sypek Center.

Black & Gold Cup March Madness: The Gold Team is competing against the Black Team in a March Madness style bracket of games throughout the month of March. Who will be the ultimate winner? Check the Focus each week to find out!

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 electives, and review the information provided by the Counseling Department.

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.

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 HVCHS PTO Dog Byte: with details and links to upcoming programs, events and class fundraisers.

*Dates to Remember*

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

March 7: Hopewell Valley Night Off

March 16: Hopewell Valley 5K "Lucky Bulldog Dash"!

March 27: Faculty Musicale

Here is Principal Turnbull's Principal's Page

St. Baldrick's 2024- 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!

**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 13th.

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

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

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

Spring Sports start on March 18th: Baseball, Softball, Lacrosse and Track & Field.

Early Dismissals: Please advise your child of early dismissals prior to coming to school and send them to school with a note. Students need to present the note to the main office right off the bus for a pass to leave class. If the need occurs after the start of school, please call the Main Office, not TeleSafe. Please be aware Timberlane Drive is closed between 2:30 3:00 for TMS & CHS dismissal.

TMS PTO Wolf Flash - with news of upcoming events and programs!

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*

Sunday, March 10th - Daylight Savings

Tuesday, March 12th TMS PTO Meeting at 7:30pm via Zoom

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

Wednesday, March 27th Faculty Musicale

May 6-10- NJSLA Testing

Thank you to all who participated in the St. Baldrick's challenge on every level!

We so appreciate all of your support for this well-deserving charity!

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

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

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

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*

The Principal’s latest 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

HES 2023-2024 Yearbook - Order your 2023-2024 Hopewell Elementary Yearbook HERE. Yearbook sales will close April 24, 2024.

Author Visit - Roxie Munro will be visiting HES on Tuesday, March 19th.

Talent Show - On Thursday, March 21st, Hopewell Elementary Student Council is excited to host a Talent Show for students in grades 3-5, @ 6:30pm. Click link HERE to purchase tickets. Ticket sales will help fund some new equipment for our school’s playground.

HES Color Run - To support our efforts, The Nature Harmony Project Committee, in partnership with the Green Team, will be hosting a Color Run on Saturday, April 27th at 11am. Additional announcement and details to follow. We hope to see you there!

The March Madness Basketball Tournament Is Underway! Click here for the tournament schedule.

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

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:

3/11 - Whole School Meeting (Wear your HES Grey T-Shirt)

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

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

Here is the most recent Stony Brook Scoop Newsletter.

The Principal’s Page is on the SB Website.

The ReadaFun Reading Challenge Is On! In coordination with “Read Across America Week,” our ReadaFun Reading Challenge kicked off on Mon, March 4. Events included guest readers, Roxie Munro author visit, and “Dress Like a Character Day.” Details were sent home and e-mailed. Click here for account instructions. Click here for ReadaFun challenge details.

Bedtime Bags - The SB Student Council is sponsoring a school-wide “Bedtime Bag” collection through 3/12 for the children at Millhill Child and Family Development Center in Trenton. We are collecting the following items organized by grade: hot chocolate (Pre-K), fuzzy socks (1st/2nd), toothpaste/toothbrushes (3rd) and children’s picture books (4th/5th). Thank you for your generosity!

SEL Day - On March 13th we will observe our NJ Social Emotional Learning Day by wearing All Star shirts and time with Buddy classes. The PTO will provide snacks & drinks for $1 each (limit of 1 of each per child - cash only)

The March Madness Basketball Tournament Is Underway! Click here for the tournament schedule.

SCIENCE FAIR UPDATE - DATE CHANGED TO SATURDAY, MARCH 23RD & REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN! CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS AND TO REGISTER. Check out the FLYER!

SB Parents Night Out - Support the 5th Grade Committee with a Parents Night Out!

Kids Heart Challenge for the American Heart Assn - Students will participate in activities for the challenge in wellness class. Please see the INSTRUCTIONS to participate.

SB 23/24 Yearbook! - Order your 23/24 Stony Brook yearbook with school code: 14277924

Absences & Late Arrivals - Parents/Guardians should call our TelSafe 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, please e-mail the main office in advance at sbmainoffice@hvrsd.org. Last-minute changes should be called in to 737-4006.

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

School Lunch information can be found on these links.

Membership Toolkit - Volunteer opportunities, class lists & apparel can be found here. Click here to register. Contact StonyBrookPTO@gmail.com with any questions.

*Dates To Remember*

3/12: Bedtime Bags Donations Due

3/13: Early Dismissal at 12:45pm / SEL Day-wear All Star t-shirts / SB PTO Half Day Snack Time

3/22: Parents Night Out

3/2 3: NEW DATE for Science Fair

Join us on Friday, March 8th from 6-8pm at the TGG PTO Skate Night at the Princeton Day School Ice Rink! Arrive by 5:45 PM for skate rental ($5 per skater) and bring cash for the PTO bake sale to benefit the 5th grade class.

TGG PTO Math Night - Join the PTO on Thursday, March 14th from 6-8pm for an evening of mathematics-based family fun, games, puzzles and more. Activities are divided by academic level (but we encourage everyone to try everything!). At least one adult is requested to attend with their child(ren) as certain activities require partner discussion or assistance.

PTO Spring Social - Save the date for a night of kid-free fun on Saturday, April 13th at 6:00pm at 1 North Main Street in Pennington. There will be live music, a silent auction, and catering by Emily’s Cafe. Stay tuned for ticket sale information coming soon.

The Spring Book Fair will be in the Media Center. The hours for TG Families will be March 19 -21 from 3:45 - 6:30 pm.

• We need Volunteers! Please consider volunteering your time to help with set up/take down, be a cashier or a book finder. We need your help to make our book fair successful. Volunteer Signup

• eWallets - If you would like to create an eWallet for your child please visit our Book Fair website. Toll Gate Spring Book Fair 2024

• Teachers eWallets - will also have the opportunity to create eWallets which families may contribute to as well. Teacher eWallet

• Teacher Classroom Wish List will also be back please look for the Poster at the Book Fair.

• Online Book Fair - Can't come to our Book Fair in-person our Online Book Fair will run from March 15 - March 28 (25% of sales come back to TG) Online Book Fair

**Stay tuned for evening activities and raffle prizes.

Art Show- During book fair hours, please visit the art show in the Media Center. View more information here.

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

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

Dates to Remember:

Friday, 3/8: PTO Skate Night

Wednesday, 3/13: Early Dismissal Day for Staff Development,

Wednesday, 3/13: PTO Meeting @ 7:00 PM (via Zoom)

Thursday, 3/14: PTO Math Night 6:00-8:00 PM

Friday, 3/15: Trimester 2 Report Cards Available on Parent Portal

March 19th-21st: PTO Book Fair

THE YMCA March 2024 Calendar - Programs for Grades 6 and up.

Currently offering two free programs: Ping Pong Wars and XBox Competition. as well as The Beauty Academy. In addition, the Youth Activity Center (YAC) for students in grades 6th-9th is open Monday through Friday from 3:00-6:00pm. Provides daily snacks and a variety of activities, including foosball, pool, Xbox, ping pong, and more. Additionally, we offer homework help and provide access to computers for student use.

Hopewell Recreation Spring and Summer Program Guide click on link for registration and information.

Terhune Orchards: Upcoming Read & Explore Programs

Bunny Trails Spring Festival! March 30 & 31

Follow a self-guided treasure hunt around the farm, discovering around the farm, discovering Spring!

Enjoy craft activities and meet Terhune's real bunny rabbit, Ginger.

The Watershed Institute: March calendar of Events

Spring Mini-Camp April 2 - April 4 Grades K-6

Bring your campers for a mini-camp experience complete with a day of hiking, exploring, playing, and enjoying spring surprises.

State Theatre NJ Programs:

"Milk & Cookies" storytelling and music series with Suzi Shelton. 3.9 at 10am & 12 pm. Shelton brings an exhilarating musical performance that promotes diversity, inclusion, and kindness, featuring melodies that are sure to be fun for the whole family. The 12 p.m. show is sensory-friendly. $5 including a cookie and milk after the show.

Pinkalicious The Musical 3.10 at 2pm

The long-running hit Pinkalicious The Musical makes its State Theatre New Jersey debut! The one-hour musical, for kids ages 2-7, is based on the best-selling children's book “Pinkalicious” by Elizabeth Kann and Victoria Kann.

PI Day Princeton: Einstein was born on 3.14 - the numeric equivalent of Pi! Every year, the town of Princeton celebrates with an irrational number of events, including an Einstein Look-a-Like & Pi Recitation contest and pie sampling experience! Please click on link for the events on 3/9 and 3/14!

Girls in Gear: Offers Learn to Ride, Bike Rides and Bike Maintenance with locations at Hopewell Elementary and Toll Gate.

OG All-Stars Competitive Cheerleading Brochure : Provides a positive, inclusive and affordable cheer experience.

Spring Hoops: Games Start April 8th. 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 and to register go to www.hopewellbasketball.com

Hopewell Valley YMCA: Instructional Basketball Grades 3-5

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

Mondays at Stony Brook Gym, 6:00-7:00pm Dates: Session 1: 3/11–4/ 22/Session 2: 5/6– 6/17

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. Games on 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 of all skill levels.

Soccer Shots, Central Jersey: Offers three different programs to meet the developmental needs of children aged 2-8. We aim to build character skills and confidence while having a whole lot of fun!

McCarter Theater Presents: The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show, Sunday, March 17th 1pm & 3pm

This popular stage show brings Eric Carle's classic children's books to life are sure to marvel at the stunning menagerie of more than 75 puppets from Carle's stories, including Brown Bear, Brown Bear, 10 Little Rubber Ducks, The Very Lonely Firefly and the star of the show, the famously Very Hungry Caterpillar.

The Princeton Neuroscience Network announces the annual Brain Bee Competition, a high school neuroscience competition that is held at the regional, national, and even international levels! Our Brain Bee is taking place on Saturday, March 23th, 2024 from 9:00 am - 3:00 pm. 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.

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 Recreation Spring and Summer Program Guide click on link for registration and information.

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 Camp 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. Students can choose to learn new coding skills in game design, web design, cybersecurity, or data science and artificial intelligence! 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 more.

Arts Council of Princeton: Offers Spring Break and Summer camps and classes.

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 ! 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: 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.

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.