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The Friday Focus
October 13, 2023
From the Office of the Superintendent
PARENTS: Cybersecurity Awareness Month: KnowBe4 is the world's first and largest security awareness training and simulated phishing platform. To improve your security awareness, understand how cybercriminals try to mislead and manipulate, and learn what you can do to protect yourself, visit this training module: Home Internet Security Awareness Training. Use the password “homecourse”. For content that children can more easily understand, please check out KnowBe4 Children’s Interactive Cybersecurity Activity Kit with actual phishing scams that they may encounter.
TEACHERS: Saturday, October 21, 2023, 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Sterling Hill Mining Museum & National Earth Science Teachers Association presents The 2023 GeoSTEM Academy for Elementary and Middle School Teachers : "An Earth Science Journey from Ore to Store"
The content of this workshop is a perfect fit for elementary and middle school teachers seeking innovative ways to identify and connect students to everyday and local Earth and Space Science phenomena. Attending teachers will receive classroom resources to effectively tie the workshop content into their curricula related to the grades K-8 2020 New Jersey SLS for Science, Ambitious Science Teaching (AST), and OpenSciEd. Additionally, six professional development hours will be provided. This event is co-hosted by Sterling Hill Mining Museum and National Earth Science Teachers Association. Registration Link: https://nestanet.org/event-528629/Contact: Missy Holzer (missy.holzergmail.com)
In Conversation with Authors Beverly Mills and Elaine Buck
Tuesday, October 24, 2023 @ 7 pm via Zoom. Sponsored by the Pennington Public Library. The founding Black families of Sourland Mountain and Central New Jersey put down roots, built homes, established churches, and navigated their lives in an unforgiving world. Tracing lineages to the colonial era, many of the families have origins obscured through time and distorted by race. Through extensive research and interviews authors Elaine Buck and Beverly Mills reveal stories of the families who shaped the region for generations. In June 2022, they appeared in the New Jersey PBS Special titled The Price of Silence, The Forgotten Story of New Jersey’s Enslaved People.
Youth Mental Health First Aid is a training program intended for any adult who interacts with youth. It teaches how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges among children and adolescents ages 12-18.
If you are a parent of children or a community member that interacts with young people ages 12-18 and are interested in attending this one-day training, please complete this form by October 15.
We are pleased to offer this training to parents, staff and community members thanks to a grant from the Hopewell Valley Municipal Alliance.
Upcoming Events
- Mercer County Job & Career Fair, Sat. Oct 25 3:30-6pm at Cure Arena: Career Industries and Trades representation
- The Book Lovers Luncheon on November 19th!
Please see "Community Events" for additional family-friendly area programs!
Thank you to Mike Schwartz for providing this picture from last year's Pink Out Game.
Homecoming Thank You: Thank you to our Student Council advisors and officers for creating and implementing a fantastic spirit week, engaging Homecoming pep rally, and wonderful Homecoming Dance. Thank you to Mr. Becker and HV Athletics for organizing a successful Homecoming weekend of athletic events, and thank you to all of the alumni who returned to celebrate HVCHS!
Pink Out Game: The Hopewell Valley CHS Football Team will have their annual Pink Out Game on Friday, October 13th at 7pm. All proceeds from the sale of pink out gear and apparel goes to support individuals and families affected by cancer.
HVCHS Parent Advisory Council (PAC): The PAC is designed to provide a forum for our parents and guardians to share input with the principal, and is comprised of randomly selected parent representatives from each grade level. Thank you to everyone who volunteered to participate. The randomly selected grade level representatives are:
Class of 2024: Kathy Somers & Amar Vibhute
Class of 2025: Deb Dumont & Hannah Williams
Class of 2026: Sue Dayner & Ryan Kennedy
Class of 2027: Eva McKenna Tramontana & Christine Ruhl
HVCHS PTO: Kerry Nulman
STRIVE PTO: Kate Hamm
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!
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!
HVCHS PTO Dog Byte: Check out this comprehensive list of upcoming events, fundraisers and class information from the PTO!
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.
Please be sure to review the recent communication from HVCHS, including the September Newsletter, Back to School Newsletter and HVCHS Returns website.
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 18: HVCHS PTO Meeting, 9 a.m.
October 23: Yearbook Photo Retakes
October 24: Bus Evacuation Drill
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. You will be prompted to make a copy of the Google form, or you can print and write on the pdf attachment
Please return nomination forms directly to Mr.Turnbull 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
In-House Physicals, Tuesday, October 24th 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.
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.
Bus Evacuation Drill: Our bus evacuation drill will take place during the morning of Wednesday, October 25. All students who are transported to school via bus will participate in practicing an emergency bus evacuation.
Lifetouch Picture Day: School picture day is on October 23rd and 24th. Use the following link to order your pictures ahead of time so your student doesn’t need to bring anything to the photographer but their name!:Order School Pictures Today TMS Picture Day ID - EVT7SN9QH
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.
Click here for the TMS Website
Click The Timberlane ``Principal's Page" for necessary information and contacts.
Check out Mr. Turnbull’s newsletter "Timberlane Topics"
THE TMS PTO has a new website! Please click here for updated information.
TMS Updates: For additional information about TMS, please visit our webpage, or follow us on Twitter @Timberlane_HV, or on instagram @timberlane_timberwolves
*Dates To Remember*
NEW DATE: 10/27 6th Grade “Night Out”
10/25- Bus Evacuation Practice
10/24 & 10/25 Picture Days
BT Principal's Page on the BTES Website provides links to information and activities and is updated regularly. Also, check out the “BT Basics” newsletter!
The Amazing Pumpkin Carve 2023 - The event features giant pumpkins, carved and electrified by local artists, live music, fire pits with story telling, games, and cornhole.
Click here for more information.
BT PTO Bear Flash October - Click here for everything you need to know for the next month and beyond
BT 5th Grade Committee - Fall 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 arrive frozen, uncooked and come with baking instructions.
BT PTO Oktoberfest/Trunk Or Treat - Please join us for an evening of spooky family fun!
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 Lost & Found - Our lost & found is overflowing. Please have your student visit the table for any misplaced items. We will donate everything after Halloween.
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*
10/16 Peace Week
10/20 Preschool Collaboration Day (No Preschool)
10/24 Bus Evacuation Drill
10/27 Oktoberfest/Trunk or Treat
10/31 Halloween Parade
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.
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
Bike, Roll & Walk - Tuesday, October 17th we are planning to organize a Bike, Roll & Walk parade from the Hopewell Train Station to school. There will be a specific route with checkpoints along the way. Further information and details will be sent out soon.
Hopewell Borough Halloween Parade - Date and Time found HERE
Cybersecurity Awareness Month - KnowBe4 is the world's first and largest security awareness training and simulated phishing platform. To improve your security awareness, understand how cybercriminals try to mislead and manipulate, and learn what you can do to protect yourself, visit this training module: Home Internet Security Awareness Training. Use the password “homecourse”. For content that children can more easily understand, check out KnowBe4 Children’s Interactive Cybersecurity Activity Kit
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
PTO Membership Toolkit - Sign up for the school directory to manage the information you want to share and choose whether to receive important PTO announcements about upcoming events, such as the school T-shirt giveaway and the book fair. If you have any questions about the directory, reach out at hesdirectory@gmail.com.
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.
Fall is almost here! - Don’t forget to label your children's coats, hats, and gloves.
*Dates To Remember*
10/16-10/20 - HES Celebrates Peace Week
10/17 - Bike/Roll/Walk-to-School Event
10/15 - Bus Evacuation Drill
10/27 - Lifetouch Picture Day
10/31 Halloween Parade
2nd Annual Color Run - Join us on Friday, October 13 for the Color Run at 5:30 pm!
Find details HERE. Don’t miss out on the fun!!
October means Walk to School Wednesdays!
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. You will be prompted to make a copy of the Google form, or you can print and write on the pdf attachment
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
SB Principal's Page can be found here: "Principal's Page."
PTO Trunk or Treat - Friday, October 27th, 6pm-8pm. Details will be sent home next week. Register A Trunk Here: www.tinyurl.com/SBtrunks2023 *Please Note: This link is ONLY to register to host a trunk.
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.
Fall is almost here! - Don’t forget to label your children's coats, hats, and gloves.
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
*Dates To Remember*
10/20 No PEECH Classes
10/27 - PTO Trunk or Treat
10/31 Halloween Parade
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. You will be prompted to make a copy of the Google form, or you can print and write on the pdf attachment. 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. These individuals will be selected by a committee facilitated by Tana Smith and recognized by the Board of Education. 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)
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
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:
Thursday, 10/19/23: Gator Gathering - Wear “You Matter” Shirt
Friday, 10/20/23: Preschool Team Collaboration Day - No PEECH
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!
Hopewell Township Clean Communities Day! Sat Oct 14, 9am: Meet at the Public Works building Help your community and earn money for your organization! Registration is not required. Your group will receive protective gear, the tools needed and an assigned area. Be sure to bring water, snacks and sunscreen! for more info, email Melissa at MLaing@hopewelltwp.org
Hopewell Valley Arts Council’s 9th Annual Amazing Pumpkin Carve, Oct 11-Oct 15, Woolsey Park Visitors will delight in an illuminated walk through creative Halloween fun. Local artists' skills transform colossal pumpkins into whimsical masterpieces—grinning skeletons, gooey goblins, and more. Enjoy live music, kids maze with hay bales, face painting, cornhole, and games! Join us for this unforgettable celebration of art, fall fun, and community!
The Hopewell Community Oktoberfest Saturday October 14, 2023, 4:00 PM - 10:00 PM
This family friendly event is open to all. There will be a live band, corn hole games, pumpkin painting, door prizes, BBQ and pig roast. The event helps to raise money for Children's Dyslexia Centers of New Jersey through the Trenton Cyrus Foundation raffle. Tickets for the raffle can be purchased separately. Click here for more information
2023 Charity Flag Football Game: Police Vs. Fire, The Battle of the Valley! Sat Oct 14, CHS Field Game starts at 6pm, $5 Admission. Featuring: Notorious P.I.G. Food Truck. All Proceeds raised Benefit Capital Health Center for Comprehensive Breast Care.
How to Create a Large Native Plant Garden, Hopewell Train Station, Sat Oct 14, 10:00am-11:30am. Learn how to create a large native plant garden: how to collect and sort seeds, when to and how to sow those seeds in winter, and how to prepare a plot. Event is sponsored by Hopewell Public Library
Trails 4 Tails Fest 5K : 10/14 at Washington Crossing State Park, Bring your dog to the 5K race or participate in the 5K or 15K without a dog. All races are on a trail course. This event is a fundraiser benefiting It’s a Ruff Life Rescue.
Princeton University Concerts Presents Family Concert for Ages 3-6”, Sat Oct 14 A relaxed performance for kids ages 3-6 and their families, curated and performed by The Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center Tickets are available at puc.princeton.edu, or by phone at 609-258-2800 (Mon-Fri, 11AM-4PM).
Shady Brook Fall Fest Discount code! sponsored by the Hopewell Valley Education Foundation
Howell Living History Farm Corn Maze is OPEN! a 4-acre maze with 3 miles of paths! click on link for more info!
Saturday, October 21st - Haunted Hopewell! Join us for our third annual Haunted Hopewell event from 3:00-5:00pm at Woolsey Park. Event will include a Halloween themed show, trick or treating area, games and fun activities with a Halloween theme! Get your costumes together early and meet up with your friends and neighbors.
35th Annual Hopewell Harvest Fair, Saturday, October 21st from 10am -4pm
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
Hopewell Valley YMCA Safe Sitter Babysitter Course, beginning 11/8: Childcare/First Aid & Rescue Skills
Martial Arts for Kids: Tuesday evenings at Toll Gate Elementary, 10/17-11/21 (no class on 10/31) from 6:45-7:45pm. This class is for children ages 7-12.
Sockey on Thursday evenings, 10/12-11/16 at Toll Gate Elementary from 6:45-7:30pm. Class is open to children in grades 1-5.
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.
Terhune Orchards, Fall Family Fun Weekends, Sat & Sun, until Oct. 19, 10am-5pm
Children's activities include scavenger hunts, rubber duck races, pumpkin paintings and many more ways for children to interact with nature on the farm.
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.
Goal is to support Homefront in their mission to change the lives of local children impacted by poverty and homelessness. Click on link for details.
The Watershed Institute: check site for details of 10/28 Not-so-Scary Halloween Hike!
Carroll's Barn for Fall Fun! 10am-6pm every day, 3980 Princeton Pike, Lawrence Township
New hay maze, carving kits, trucked in treats! Take your fall family photo and pick your perfect pumpkin!
Mercer Park Ropes and Zip Lines Course is now Open! Check site for information, programs and costs.
All-Ages Folk Dances, Princeton: Perfect for ages 4-104, always live music, all dances will be taught, no experience needed. October and November dates.
Hopewell Valley Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving Morning! Clink on the link to register for this fast and fun race across Mercer Meadows! Proceeds benefit Hopewell Valley Wrestling.
Here are the links to the local libraries for upcoming storytimes, events and programs: