The Friday Focus
February 2, 2024
From the Office of the Superintendent
Strive Summer Camp Expo, Saturday, Feb 3rd 10am-2pm, Hopewell Valley Central High School
Start planning a great summer for your children! Learn about camps in the area, meet camp staff. Email hvrsdstrivepto@gmail.com with questions.
Parent Partnership: is a parent support group for parents and other caregivers of adolescents or young adults with a substance abuse disorder. Our group meets every Monday evening from 7-8:30 in the basement of The Saint Paul's Church in Princeton NJ. The group is not affiliated with St. Paul’s Church or with the Catholic Church - St. Paul’s is kindly providing space for our group to meet free of charge. Our group is small, but vibrant, and would welcome new members at any time. The aim is to help alleviate parents' stress and impact on their daily lives as a result of their child’s addiction. We are engaging speakers to briefly present on a topic at one meeting per month which will be followed up with discussions. Our February speaker is an addictions counselor who treats adolescents and young adults working toward recovery. In March, we will hear from a college student in recovery and her mother tell us about their journey over the past few years. Please reach out if interested.
Pennington Public Library: "The Big Read": 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. The Library is 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.
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 begins 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). This Registration Letter contains additional information. Students must be registered for Kindergarten in order to sign up for the camp.
Hopewell Valley's Night Off is March 7!
This community-wide initiative was created for families to “take the night off” to spend time together. With the support of our schools and local community all sports practices, classes and homework will be canceled on this special evening. Don't know what to do with your night off? Visit this link for some great ideas! Special thanks to the Hopewell Valley Municipal Alliance for initiating this event.
Hopewell Valley Education Foundation "Spring Fling Luncheon" Sunday, March 24th 11-3pm,
with Live Fashion Show by Poppy Boutique, Cobblestone Creek Country Club, Lawrenceville.
Proceeds benefit HVEF's mission to enhance educational excellence at all HVRSD schools.
Girls Who Code’s Free Virtual Summer Programs Overview
Our free virtual summer programs are open to 9-12th graders who identify as girls or non-binary. Any coding experience level is welcome!
In addition to our free programs, we offer a financial support grant of up to $300 and laptop and hotspot access for eligible students.
This year, students can choose to learn new coding skills in game design, web design, cybersecurity, or data science and artificial intelligence! As they build computer science skills, students will learn about the many diverse careers in tech through virtual events with professionals in the field.
Students receive priority consideration if they apply at girlswhocode.com/summerapply by February 14, 2024. Regular-decision applications are due by March 22, 2024.
From Common Sense Media: The Best Kids' Everything from 2023
Our editors' top-rated picks for movies, TV shows, books, games, and podcasts.
Dates of Note
2.5 Kindergarten Registration Begins!
2.6 Strategic Planning Session #1 @ 6 pm in HV Central High School
Community Room/Cafeteria
2.19 Presidents' Day--Schools and Offices Closed
Please see "Community Events" for additional upcoming programs!
Hopewell’s Got Talent: Friday, February 2nd at 7pm in the PAC.
The annual talent show featuring the talented students of HVCHS
Open to all ages and proceeds support the HVCHS Choir Department.
Tickets are $7 per person, sold at the door.
Congratulations to the HVCHS Wrestling Team, the Mercer County Tournament Champions! The wrestling team has earned this honor for 14 of the past 16 years. In addition to the team’s overall success, four individual members of the team won first place in their weight classes during the tournament. We are excited to celebrate Coach Harpel and our student-athletes!
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 2024-2025 , 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.
Black & Gold Cup Food Drive: As part of our Black & Gold Cup competition, we will be hosting a food drive to support the Hopewell Valley Mobile Food Pantry. The Black Team (Grades 9 & 11) are collecting boxes of granola bars and the Gold Team (Grades 10 & 12) are collecting cereal. The winning team will receive 100 competition points! Donations can be brought to the HVCHS Main Lobby throughout February. We appreciate your help as we support our neighbors!
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*
Friday, Feb 2nd: Hopewell's Got Talent! 7pm at the PAC
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.
CANDY GRAMS: Send a note and lollipop to a friend on sale 2/7- 2/9 in lunch for $1. For each Candygram sold, TMS Student Council will donate a portion of the price to Companions for Heroes, an organization that helps join servicemen/women and their families with shelter dogs.
7th Grade Night Out: February 16th from 3:00-5:00 pm. There will be a scavenger hunt around the school! Sign ups are during lunch. $10 a person. If you would like to contribute/donate treats or drinks or help during it please sign up here. Labeled items can be dropped off in the vestibule at Timberlane the week of the event.
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!
*Dates To Remember*
February 2: Hopewell's Got Talent! 7pm CHS PAC
February 9th Villainous Valentines!
Week of 2/12: Mary Poppins Auditions
2/13: In-House Spring Sports Physicals
2/13: PTO Meeting 9:30am via Zoom
2/19: President's Day - Schools/Offices Closed
2/23: 8th Grade Snow Tubing Field Trip
3/1: Spring Sports Registration Deadline
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.
BT Principal's Page - provides links to information and activities and is updated regularly.
BT Global School Play Day - On February 7th, During Global School Play Day, participants are encouraged to allow students ample time for free play without the use of screens, structured games, or adult direction. The idea is to let children explore their creativity, problem-solving skills, and social interactions in an unstructured and spontaneous environment.
HVYMCA March Mania - It’s tourney time! The tournament is open to all 3rd - 5th grade students and is free to register and play. Click here for more information.
BT Author Visits Bear Tavern - Author/Illustrator Roxie Munro is coming to BT on March 18th! 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 2nd 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*
2.2 Fifth Grade 1000 days party! 6pm-8:30pm
2/7 - Wear BT Gear/Global School Play Day
2/9 BT Sports Day
2/14 Valentine's Day - Wear pink or red
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 February 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.
The Chubby’s Project Donation: The SOUPerBowl of caring is being sponsored by 1st Grade, from Feb 5-Feb 9th. Link HERE for more information.
Author Visit - Author/Illustrator Roxie Munro will be visiting our school in March and we are partnering with the local bookshop Bear and the Books to offer families signed copies of her books for purchase. Orders are due by February 6th.
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.
HVYMCA March Mania - It’s tourney time!!! The tournament is open to all 3rd - 5th grade students and is free to register and play. Link HERE for more information.
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:
2/5: Whole School Meeting (9:00AM Wear your Favorite Sports Gear)
2/7: Global School Play Day, Student Council Officers Meeting (8:05AM)
2/9: 100th (Kindergarten) & 1,000th (5th Grade) Day of School Celebrations;
Valentines Day Dance
2/16: NO PRESCHOOL (Collab Day), PTO Meeting (8:45AM)
2/19: Presidents Day (Schools/Offices Closed)
*Please see the Superintendent's section for PEECH and Kindergarten registration information
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.
Science Fair Update -The Science Fair was moved 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 or just have questions, please email nicolegianfredi@hvrsd.org.
Non-fiction author Roxie Munro will be coming to Stony Brook on Thurs, March 7th for a special assembly with our All-Star students! She will present to all of our students and host a lunch for a select group of SB All Stars. In advance of her visit, we are preselling a selection of her books. Please use the link below to order. Any books ordered through the SBPTO will be signed by Roxie Munro on the day of her visit to Stony Brook!
https://stonybrookelementarypto.membershiptoolkit.com/author2024
Book orders are due by Mon, Feb 5 and can be placed online using our order link or by sending cash/check into the SB Main Office (checks should be made payable to Stony Brook PTO or SBPTO).
Fifth-Grade Fundraiser! - The Fifth-Grade Committee has teamed up with Driven Coffee, a Minnesota-based craft coffee roaster, for a fundraiser that offers delicious coffee, teas and hot chocolate. Our goal for this fundraiser, which will be live from February 1-29, is to raise $2,000 for 5th-grade activities. This is a virtual fundraiser, so all orders will be conveniently shipped directly to the purchaser. Please share our group-specific link with friends and family To place your order, please visit: https://www.drivencoffeefundraising.com/ref/stony-brook-elementary/
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.
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*
Family Fun Night 2/23
*Please see the Superintendent's section for PEECH and Kindergarten registration information
Author Visit - Renowned author Roxie Munro is coming to Toll Gate for a visit in March. The Toll Gate PTO, in partnership with the HVEF, is proud to offer students the opportunity to purchase copies of her works, which will be SIGNED during her visit. A selection of Roxie’s books will be discussed during her visit. All purchases should be made through the TG PTO Membership Toolkit. https://tollgategrammarpto.membershiptoolkit.com/form/m/270584 All orders are due by Monday, February 5th!
TGG Students Featured in Edutopia Video - Mrs. Horsley and some of her Wellness students were featured in this Eutopia video and article, "Making Physical Education More Well-Rounded." Edutopia is a free source of information, inspiration, and practical strategies for learning and teaching in preK-12 education. They are published by the George Lucas Educational Foundation, a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization. Congratulations to Mrs. Horsley and her students for being a part of this
unique experience!
Green Team Updates - Green Team's Trash or Treasure boxes are returning for the month of February. Items accepted in the Trash or Treasure box include: candy wrappers, snack and chip bags, granola bar wrappers, gum wrappers, and other foil-based packaging. The box is located in the cafeteria and will help to keep hundreds of wrappers out of landfills.
Green Team shipped two boxes to Terracycle last week! Thank you for supporting our initiatives to reduce the amount of waste produced in the cafeteria. Items accepted for our Terracycle collections: sauce packets (any brand accepted), Babybel packaging, Little Bites packaging, and GoGo Squeeze packages (any brand accepted).
Wednesday, February 7th is a Walk, Bike, or Roll to School Day.
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!
March Madness: Interested in signing up for the annual Hopewell Valley YMCA Tom Jackson 3v3 Basketball Tournament? The tournament is open to all 3rd – 5th grade students and is free to register and play. Tournament Dates are March 1st - March 29th. For more information, click here. **Registration closes on Friday, 2/23/24.**
Green Week Student Expo - We are excited to share the plans for our third annual Toll Gate Green Week Student Expo. It will be held during Hopewell Valley Green Week on Wednesday, April 24th. Students in grades 3-5 are invited, but not required, to create a project around a Global Climate Issue to present at the Student Expo. View this slide deck for more information. Sign up via Google Form by Friday, February 23rd. Presentations to be dropped off to the Media Center the morning of Wednesday, April 24th. Email Mrs. Kampe (kimberlykampe@hvrsd.org) with any questions you may have about the Toll Gate Green Week Student Expo or students may stop by Room 305 between 8:15 and 8:35 am on the following dates: Thursday, 2/8, or Friday, 2/16.
Students in grades K-5 will visit the Green Week Student Expo during school hours to learn about Global Climate Issues. Parents will also be invited to visit the Student Expo, which will be held in the gym, on Wednesday, April 24th from 3 - 3:30 pm.
Dates to Remember:
Monday, 2/5/24: Kindergarten Registration Opens for the 2024-2025 School Year
2/5/24-2/9/24: National School Counseling Week
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
Friday, 2/23/24: PEECH Applications Due for the 2024-2025 School Year
*Please see the Superintendent's section for PEECH and Kindergarten registration information
