![page background](https://cdn.smore.com/_fr/pumpkin-20.43f8be66.jpg)
![Logo](https://cdn.smore.com/u/thumbs/8947/thumb-0c823b554b97b15deb95eb691e1c657c.png)
The Friday Focus
October 20, 2023
From the Office of the Superintendent
It's a great time of year to get out and explore Hopewell Township Trails! Click here for the comprehensive Downloadable Trail Guide or the Interactive Trails Maps
courtesy of Friends of Hopewell Valley Open Space
Cybersecurity Awareness Month: KnowBe4 is the world's first and largest security awareness training and simulated phishing platform. To improve your security awareness and learn what you can do to protect yourself, visit this training module: Home Internet Security Awareness Training. Use the password “homecourse”. Also, please visit KnowBe4 Children’s Interactive Cybersecurity Activity Kit for the type of actual phishing scams that your child(ren) may encounter.
Upcoming Events:
- HVCHS Haunted Hallways & Food Drive Event, Fri Oct 27 5-9pm at HV Central High School. Sponsored by the HVCHS Choirs Program.
- In Conversation with Authors Beverly Mills and Elaine Buck Tues Oct 24, 2023 @ 7 pm via Zoom. Sponsored by the Pennington Public Library.
- Mercer County Job & Career Fair, Weds Oct 25 3:30-6pm at Cure Arena: Career Industries and Trades representation
- Princeton Public Library Exhibit: “Through the Storm: Finding Home”, featuring artists from HomeFront will be on display from Oct. 23 through Dec. 31.
- The Book Lovers Luncheon with Fiona Davis, author of "The Spectacular" on November 19th!
The Luncheon is a fundraiser for the Hopewell Valley Education Foundation.
Proceeds support the annual Author-in-Residence program in the Hopewell public schools.
Please see "Community Events" for additional family-friendly area programs!
Fall Play: We are excited to present our fall play, Peter and the Starcatcher, in the HVCHS Performing Arts Center at 7 p.m. on Friday, November 3 and Saturday, November 4. Please join us for this adventure-filled, heartwarming production!
Black & Gold Cup Update: After a Gold Team win during the 2022-23 school year, the Black Team is making a strong comeback! The Black Team (Class of 2025 & 2027) earned 400 points by receiving the highest percentage of positive praise referrals, highest percentage of on-time students, and lowest rate of discipline throughout the month of September, while the Gold Team (Class of 2024 & 2026) earned 100 points through Kahoot competition and Music Monday. October is off to a great start, with both teams earning points throughout Spirit Week and the pep rally.
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!
Bus Evacuation Drill: Our bus evacuation drill will take place during the morning of Tuesday, October 24. All students who are transported to school via bus will participate in practicing an emergency bus evacuation upon their arrival at school.
Fall Athletics: The schedule can be found here. Please come out to support our student-athletes as they compete in tennis, football, volleyball, field hockey, soccer, cheerleading, and cross-country!
What’s Happening at HVCHS? Please follow us on Twitter: @HVCentralHS and Instagram: hopewell_valley_central_hs for pictures, updates, and fun facts. Fundraising activities from our classes, clubs, and teams can be found here.
Recent Communication from HVCHS: Please be sure to review the recent communication from HVCHS, including the September Newsletter, Back to School Newsletter and HVCHS Returns website.
HVCHS PTO Dog Byte: Check out this comprehensive list of upcoming events, fundraisers and class information from the PTO!
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.
*Dates to Remember*
October 23: Yearbook Photo Retakes
October 24: Bus Evacuation Drill
October 27: Winter Athletics Registration Deadline
November 3 & 4: Upcoming Play: Peter and the Starcatcher!
Fall Concert, Tuesday Oct 24th at 7pm: Join us for a night of music
by our talented 6th Grade (first marking period) ensembles, featuring
Band*Choir*Orchestra!
Students should arrive at 6:15 pm
CLICK HERE for the October 6th Bands Newsletter.
Red Ribbon Week:-Next week we'll be observing Red Ribbon Week, the nation's largest "Drug-Free" campaign. We'll be talking throughout the week about the dangers of drugs. During the week, we'll be celebrating a "Red Ribbon Spirit Week": Monday 10/23-Wear Red; Tuesday 10/24-Wear Sunglasses; Wednesday 10/25-Wear Fuzzy/Fun Socks; Thursday 10/26-Hat Day; Friday 10/27-Wear Pajamas
Lifetouch Picture Days October 24th & 25th. Use this link to order your pictures ahead of time.
TMS Picture Day ID - EVT7SN9QH
In-House Physicals, Tuesday, October 24th, 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.
Bus Evacuation Drill, Wednesday. Oct 25th: All students who are transported to school via bus will participate in practicing an emergency bus evacuation.
Sixth Grade Night Out, October 27th: Students will rotate through pumpkin painting, games in the gym, Giant and Lawn Games, and Pop Culture Trivia. Admission is $10.00 a student. Cash or checks are fine- checks made out to TMS Student Council. Please have your children drop their money off in room A205 during lunch or in Ms. Adler's mailbox in the main office. Money should be in an envelope labeled with your child's name. Students will be signing up in groups of 8 during lunch this week and next (Smaller groups will be combined, singles will be put with a group). The purpose of groups is to keep the rotations from getting overcrowded. Students will be assigned a time slot for activities but will be intermixing and mingling with other groups, as well. The cost of entry covers supplies and concessions; students will not need to bring money with them. Students will report to the new gym upon dismissal. Students must get picked up at 5:30 pm at the school.
Halloween, Tuesday, Oct 31: We will be inviting students to dress for Halloween if they are interested. We'll have lots of fun activities during the school day, including a costume contest, door decorating contest, and more. Please note for costumes: Costumes must be school-appropriate; No weapons, no blood, no guts; Masks must be removed after initial judging; No suggestive or revealing costumes; If you are unsure of your costume - ask an administrator
Parent-Teacher Conferences: 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.
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 so for a pass to leave class at the time they need to leave. If the need occurs after the start of school, please call the Main Office. Please be aware Timberlane Drive is closed between 2:30 - 3:00 for TMS and CHS dismissal.
Absences and Late Arrival: Parents should call our TeleSafe # 609-737-4004, Ext 2, by 8:00 am, to report an absence or late arrival.
Check the The Timberlane ``Principal's Page" for weekly information!
Follow us on Twitter @Timberlane_HV, or on instagram @timberlane_timberwolves
THE TMS PTO has some great Upcoming Events!
BBQ Night - October 24th: Order from the QCrew and Pick up at the Timberlane front loop!
Krispy Kreme Doughnuts - November 20th (early dismissal day!)
TMS Night at the Wells Fargo Center (SIXERS!) - March 8th
*Dates To Remember*
10/24 & 10/25 Picture Days
10/24 Winter Physicals
10/24 Fall Concert!
10/25 Bus Evacuation Practice
10/27 6th Grade Night Out
BT Principal's Page - provides links to information and activities and is updated regularly.
BT PTO Bear Flash October - Everything you need to know for the next month & beyond!
Griggstown Pie Fundraiser. All proceeds will go to support the 5th Grade committee activities. Griggstown Pies are great for any season. Pot Pies can provide you with an easy dinner and the fruit pies are perfect for the holiday season. The pies come frozen, uncooked and with baking instructions.
BT PTO Oktoberfest/Trunk Or Treat - Please join us for an evening of spooky family fun!
Click here for more information.
BT Halloween Parade - We will continue our tradition of having our parade in the morning. Families are invited and can park AFTER arrival and head to the blacktop. Please click here for more information.
BTPTO Dine Out - Support a local business and help the Bear Tavern PTO. Swing by Deli on a Bagel anytime on Thursday, October 26th and let them know you are a Bear Tavern family. A portion of the day's proceeds will be donated back to the Bear Tavern PTO.
BT Veterans Day -Our Ceremony will be held on Wednesday, November 8th at 2:00 PM. We will have a small reception after a brief whole-school meeting. We will determine the event's location (inside or outside) depending upon the weather as we get closer and will notify all participants.
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 am 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, as teachers do not always have an opportunity to check their email. 609-737-4005 btmainoffice@hvrsd.org
*Dates To Remember*
10/24 - Bus Evacuation Drill
10/26 - BT Dine Out Deli on a Bagel
10/27 - Spooktacular Oktoberfest: Trunk or Treat/5th Grade Bake Sale
10/31 - Halloween Parade and Class Parties
11/1 - Schoolwide Pajama Day
11/8 - Wear Red, White, & Blue
11/9 & 11/10 - School closed (NJEA convention)
11/10 - Veterans Day - Schools/Offices Closed
The Principal’s Newsletter - Hopewell’s Happenings is a monthly update of all things HES!
35th Annual Hopewell Harvest Fair, Saturday, October 21st from 10am -4pm
Lifetouch Picture Day - Our Fall picture day is Friday, October 27th. Use the following link to order your pictures ahead of time:
Order School Pictures Today HES Picture Day ID - EVT9HHBSZ
Hopewell Borough Halloween Parade - Oct 29th - All Ages Welcome! Clink on link for all info.
Library Volunteers - Calling all parents! We need your support in the HES library. Join our team of dedicated volunteers to shelve books and organize the library. Your help ensures our students have a well-organized and inspiring reading space. Let's work together to maintain an enriched learning environment. Sign up today to be a part of our library volunteer team! Contact Mrs. White at leawhite@hvrsd.org
Governor’s Educator of the Year- Each year, the Hopewell Valley Regional School District participates in the Governor's Educator of the Year (GEOY) program. The intent of this program is to recognize the hard work of outstanding teachers and educational services professionals. Below you will find a nomination forms. Please return nomination forms directly to Dr. Brettell by Thurs, 11/9/23.
Governor’s Educator of the Year Nomination (pdf)
Governor’s Educator of the Year Nomination (Google form)
Eligible Certification Areas for Educational Services Professionals
Absences & Late Arrivals - Parents/Guardians should call our TeleSafe number 609-737-, Ext 2, by 8:00 am 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, as teachers do not always have an opportunity to check their email. 609-737- 4007 or hwmainoffice@hvrsd.org
School Lunches - Use the following link for the 2023-2024 school lunch page.
*Dates To Remember*
10/21 Hopewell Harvest Fair!
10/27 Lifetouch Picture Day
10/29 Hopewell Borough Halloween Parade
10/31 Halloween Parade
Walk/Bike to School Wednesday - What an awesome turn out for this week!
Our final walk/ride for the fall will be next Wednesday, Oct 25th.
Join us for a great time walking with your fellow All Stars.
SB Principal's Page can be found here: "Principal's Page"
Governor’s Educator of the Year- Each year, the Hopewell Valley Regional School District participates in the Governor's Educator of the Year (GEOY) program. The intent of this program is to recognize the hard work of outstanding teachers and educational services professionals. Below you will find nomination forms.
Please return nomination forms directly to Ms. Gianfredi by Thursday, November 9, 2023.
Governor’s Educator of the Year Nomination (pdf)
Governor’s Educator of the Year Nomination (Google form)
Eligible Certification Areas for Educational Services Professionals
PTO Trunk or Treat - Friday, October 27th, 6pm-8pm. Trunks must supply their own candy or handouts for an estimated 400 kids (it doesn't have to be candy, it can be toys, pencils, etc.). You'll get free entry for up to three kids with your trunk! Without a trunk, entrance is $5 per child in advance or $7 at the door. Adults are free. Register A Trunk only here Trunks must arrive at 5:30pm to allow time for set up!
Halloween Parade - details will be emailed this weekend.
Griggstown Pie Fundraiser - orders due Monday, October 30. ORDER FORM
SB Membership Toolkit - Click on link to register. Contains All volunteer opportunities, class lists and Spirit Wear. Contact StonyBrookPTO@gmail.com with any questions.
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
Fall is almost here! - Don’t forget to label your children's coats, hats, and gloves.
*Dates To Remember*
10/25 - Walk to School Wednesday
10/27 - PTO Trunk or Treat 6:00pm-8:00pm
10/31 - Halloween Parade
11/1 - Sprit Day/Pajama Day
Lifetouch School Picture Day is on Monday, October 23rd. Use the following link to order your pictures ahead of time: Order School Pictures Today TG Picture Day ID - EVT7PVWS6
Halloween- Our Halloween Parade will be on Tues. 10/31 at 9:15 am. Please send your child to school in their costume. The students will march from Curlis Avenue to the corner of Main Street and around the front loop of the school. We ask that families stay out of the front loop so we can maintain the safety of our students as they march through. Parents, guardians and family members are welcome to join us at the end of the parade in the back of the school on the blacktop to take pictures before the students go back into the building. Thank you to all of our class parents who will be volunteering their time to coordinate class parties with our teachers. We are looking forward to a fun day!
Trick or Treat for Unicef- Toll Gate Student Council members invite all students to participate in their Trick or Treat for Unicef campaign this Halloween. UNICEF has helped save and meaningfully improve more children’s lives than any other humanitarian organization. UNICEF won’t stop until every child is healthy, educated, protected and respected. Donations can be made here. More information, including a QR Code, will be sent home next week.
Trash or Treasure- Don’t forget to bring your Halloween candy wrappers and deposit them in the Trash or Treasure recycling box! You don’t have to trash those candy wrappers and doom them to an eternity in a landfill - or, even worse, our oceans. By putting your wrappers in the custom candy wrapper recycling box, you can keep our planet clean and contribute to the circular economy. Thank you for helping to make Halloween sweet and sustainable! This event is sponsored by the TG Green Team.
Governor’s Educator of the Year- Each year, the Hopewell Valley Regional School District participates in the Governor's Educator of the Year (GEOY) program. The intent of this program is to recognize the hard work of outstanding teachers and educational services professionals. Below you will find a nomination form along with the criteria that you should consider, if interested in nominating an educator. Please return nomination forms directly to Mrs. Lauri by Thursday, November 9, 2023.
Governor’s Educator of the Year Nomination (pdf)
Governor’s Educator of the Year Nomination (Google form)
Eligible Certification Areas for Educational Services Professionals
Support Professional of the Year- We will once again be recognizing support staff professionals from Hopewell Valley, for their hard work and dedication to the district. If you know of a paraprofessional, secretary, custodian, maintenance worker, bus driver, van attendant, or technology specialist who is dedicated, inspiring, and making a difference in the lives of staff, parents, and students, please take the time to nominate this person. This can be done by clicking on the link below, completing the nomination form, and returning it to Tana Smith via email by Thursday, November 9, 2023. Administrators, staff members, parents, students, and community members are encouraged to participate.
Support Professional Nomination (pdf)
Support Professional Nomination (Google form)
School Lunches - Use the following link for the 2023-2024 school lunch page.
Dismissal Changes - If your dismissal plans change at any time, please email
tgmainoffice@hvrsd.org, (this email will go to both main office secretaries, Ashlee Dana and Patricia Jaczko) to inform them of the change. Please also cc' your child's homeroom teacher.
Reporting Student Absences- Please remember to call the Telsafe line 609-737-4008, option 2) for any absences or tardiness. Emails to a teacher may not be seen in a timely manner.
Dates to Remember:
Monday, 10/23/23: Lifetouch Picture Day
Tuesday, 10/31/23: Halloween
Thursday, 11/9/23: NJEA Convention - Schools Closed
Friday, 11/10/23: Veteran’s Day - Schools/Offices Closed
Community Events
Hopewell Valley YMCA Youth Activity Center: October Calendar of Events!
Includes Art Club, Next Gen Leaders, Daily Homework Help and More!
EVENTS MAY BE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DUE TO WEATHER
35th Annual Hopewell Harvest Fair, Saturday, October 21st from 10am -4pm
Haunted Hopewell 2023, Sat Oct 21 at Woolsey Park, 3-5pm (www.hopewelltwp.org/recreation)
This event will include a featured show, trick or treating, photo spot, games, and fun activities all with a Halloween theme! Event will be fun for all ages, the young and the young at heart! Get your costumes together one week early and join us! We are also looking for community groups to participate in our Trick or Treat Village. If you are a community group and would like to be involved, email us at recreation@hopewelltwp.org
Pennington Borough Police Department: "Trunk or Treat" 10/21 5pm-8pm, Trenton Cyrus Lodge No. 5 131 Burd St. Pennington. To register your vehicles, please RSVP by 10/14 to Nthomas@penningtonboro.org
The Watershed Institute: check site for details of 10/28 Not-so-Scary Halloween Hike!
Hopewell Borough Fire Department, Halloween Parade, Sunday, Oct 29th
We will line up at the train station at 12:30pm and march toward the firehouse, where prizes and snacks are given out!
Hopewell Library Halloween at Gazebo Park! Sunday, Oct 29th, 1:30 pm
After the Hopewell Fire House's annual Halloween Parade, the Hopewell Public Library will host a Halloween-themed extravaganza at Gazebo Park! Come in costume and join us for a variety of Halloween-themed activities, including a spooky read aloud. This event is free and open to the public but please register in advance here.
Homefront Annual Halloween 5K and 1 Mile Walk/Run plus Preschooler Pumpkin Dash!, 10/29 at 9am Carnegie Center on a United States Track and Field certified course.Click on link for details.
Howell Living History Farm Corn Maze is OPEN! a 4-acre maze with 3 miles of paths! click on link for more info!
Shady Brook Fall Fest Discount code! sponsored by the Hopewell Valley Education Foundation
Carroll's Barn for Fall Fun! 10am-6pm every day, 3980 Princeton Pike, Lawrence Township
New hay maze, carving kits, trucked in treats!
Terhune Orchards, Fall Family Fun Weekends, Sat & Sun, until Oct. 29, 10am-5pm
Children's activities include scavenger hunts, rubber duck races, pumpkin paintings and many more ways to interact with nature on the farm.
Hopewell Valley YMCA Safe Sitter Babysitter Course, beginning 11/8: Childcare/First Aid & Rescue Skills
NLSA School's Out Clinics: 11/9 & 11/10 Daily cost: $45. 9am-12pm 2009-2016 Birth Years
Location: Independence Park or Twin Pines. Clink on link for more detail!
Mercer Park Ropes and Zip Lines Course is now Open! Check site for information, programs and costs.
Hopewell Valley Youth Wrestling, First practice on 11/7. Click on link for more information.
Hopewell Valley Turkey Trot! Clink on the link to register for this fast and fun race across Mercer Meadows! Proceeds benefit Hopewell Valley Wrestling.
Hopewell Basketball Association: Click on link for Winter Hoops Information.
Here are the links to the local libraries for upcoming storytimes, events and programs: