The Friday Focus
November 3, 2023
From the Office of the Superintendent
Mercer County Technical Schools (MCTS), Tues. Nov 7th at 7pm
All HVRSD 8th, 10th and 11th grade parents and students are invited to a virtual Zoom Information Session. Register: www.hvrsd-org.zoom.us
MCTS offers full time Academy programs in Stem, Health Science and Culinary Arts (apply in 8th grade) as well as ""Shared-Time" programs in a host of different CTE careers (Auto, Tech, Cosmetology, Nursing, HVAC, Carpentry, Landscaping, Graphic Arts and many others, (apply in 10th grade). 11th graders with a 3.2 GPA are eligible to apply for the "Career Prep" programs, when they take dual credit college classes at Mercer County Community College during their Senior year.
For Parents/Caregivers: As a continuation of our ongoing Digital Wellness Initiative, the Hopewell Valley Municipal Alliance and Hopewell Valley Regional School District are pleased to
bring this webinar to our community. Click on link for flyer & registration information
"How to Pull Kids Back from the Social Media Rabbit Holes" Wed. Nov 8th at 8pm
Featured panel:
- Dr. Emily Weinstein, Co-Director of the Center for Digital Thriving, Harvard Graduate School of Education
- Eisha Buch, Director, Education Development & Programs, Common Sense Education
- Dr. Sophia Choukas-Bradley, Clinical Psychologist and Director of Teen and Adult Lab, University of Pittsburgh
As part of Common Sense's focus on digital well-being, our researchers have identified seven ways that kids react to social media, many of which can produce negative outcomes. With the help of research-backed cognitive behavioral therapy, we've created new, user-friendly tools to help kids recognize these thought traps and develop strategies to counter them with positive habits of mind that really work.. and may work for adults and educators, too! This 50-minute live webinar will feature a psychologist and the authors of our new curriculum and is great for those parenting kids who are already using social media or will be soon. All are welcome! We will solicit questions ahead of time and allow time for Q&A. This webinar will be recorded and shared with those who register.
Registration Now Open for Mercer County K-3 Educators:
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.
Upcoming Events
- Hopewell Valley Veterans Association Ceremony Sat Nov 4th at 11am Woolsey Park The Hopewell Valley Veteran’s Association will once again be paying tribute to all of our veterans at the Township’s annual Veteran’s Day Ceremony. Join us to show your support!
- "Hopewell Feeds Neighbors: a 5K Walk", Sunday Nov 5th 10am. Hopewell Council of Churches Sunday of Service, in partnership with The Chubby's Project. Join us for a walk through St. Michael's Preserve to benefit The Chubby's Project. Register at TheChubbysProject.org
- 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.
- HVRSD Strive PTO and HVRSD Pupil Services Presents: "Supporting Parents and Caregivers of Classified Students" 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.
Please see "Community Events" for additional upcoming 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! Tickets can be purchased online via showtix4u.com
Is your HVRSD high school student interested in a career in Law? Have them join us for a Career, Coffee & Learn! Coffee, tea and a light breakfast will be served, Nov 7th during Recitation in the CHS Community Room. Sign-up: Please have your student sign-up Friday November 3, 2023 https://forms.gle/nESJJnBSwnLKLyWc7
Presenter Bio: Susan L. Swatski-Lebson is a partner in the Princeton, N.J. office of Hill Wallack LLP. She is a member of the firm’s Employment and Labor Law Department, focusing on litigating federal and state employment matters. In addition, Ms. Swatski counsels employers of all sizes on an ongoing basis on labor and employment law matters. She also represents employees with employment contracts and separation agreements.
Note: Please have your student notify the teacher of their 3rd session class in advance, just in case you are a few minutes late. *This event is run in collaboration with Hopewell Valley Municipal Alliance* Contact Ms. Getman with questions at nicolegetman@hvrsd.org
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. Additional information regarding scheduling, availability, and format will be shared on November 7. We are looking forward to meeting with you!
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. Riley by Thursday, November 9.
Governor’s Educator of the Year Nomination (pdf)
Governor’s Educator of the Year Nomination (Google form)
Eligible Certification Areas for Educational Services Professionals
Black & Gold Cup Update: The Competition for the Cup is heating up! During the month of October, the Black Team (Grades 9 &11) won 400 points for winning Spirit Day contests, having the highest percentage of on-time students, and receiving the largest number of positive praise referrals. The Gold Team (Grades 10 & 12) won 600 points for their achievements with Music Monday, Halloween costume competitions, and Theme Song Thursday, as well as having the lowest percentage of discipline referrals. Currently, the Black Team has 800 points and the Gold Team has 700 points; it’s a close competition!
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.
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!
Please check the The Dog Byte: CHS PTO listing of upcoming fundraising and events!
Check the The Timberlane ``Principal's Page" for weekly information and
Mr. Turnbull's Timberlane Topics!
2023-2024 TMS WINTER SPORTS-Registration and medical forms for MS fall sports are due by Wednesday, November 8th. 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. TMS WINTER SPORTS START MONDAY, NOVEMBER 27th-Boys & Girls Basketball: Open to 7 & 8 grade only; Wrestling and Cheerleading: Open to 6, 7, 8 grade.
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.
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 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
Items Forgotten At Home: When parents/guardians drop items off for students they are buzzed into the vestibule where the belongings are placed into the yellow bins by grade level. Students check there when convenient. 7/8th grade students are aware. 6th grade students are learning this procedure.
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*
11/9 NJEA Convention - Schools Closed
11/10 Veteran’s Day - Schools/Offices Closed
11/17 Parent/Teacher Conferences
11/20 Krispy Kreme Doughnuts - November 20th (early dismissal day!)
BT Veterans Day -Our Ceremony will be held on Wednesday, November 8th at 2:00 PM
in the gym. We will have a small reception after a brief whole-school meeting.
Veterans are invited to arrive at 1:30 p.m. to get settled and mingle.
Principal's Page - provides links to information and activities and is updated regularly.
PTO Bear Flash October - Click here for everything you need to know for the next month and 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 Parent Teacher Conferences - Please stay tuned; information regarding sign-ups will be shared soon.
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.
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*
11/8 - Wear Red, White, & Blue, Veterans Day Celebration
11/9 - NJEA Convention - Schools Closed
11/10 - Veterans Day - Schools/Offices Closed
11/13 - Lifetouch Picture Retake Day ID#: EVTK2JDTG
11/17 - 11/20 - Parent Teacher Conferences
11/17-11/22 - Early Dismissals
11/23 - 11/24 - Thanksgiving Holiday Break - Schools/Offices Closed
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.
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.
Lifetouch Photo Retake Day - Lifetouch will be here on December 5th for Picture Day make-ups. Forms will be sent home as we get closer to the date.
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
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 photo’s 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 am to report an absence or late arrival. Thank you.
HES Changes In Students’ Dismissal - Families, 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*
11/6 - Fire Safety Education Day rescheduled
11/9 - NJEA Convention - Schools Closed
11/10 - Veterans Day (Observed) - Schools/Offices Closed
11/17 - 11/20 - Parent Teacher Conferences
11/17-11/21 - Early Dismissals
11/23 - 11/24 - Thanksgiving Holiday Break - Schools Closed
We are looking for All Star Family Veterans -The November Character Trait is Gratitude.
We will have a month of gratitude, but we will focus our school meeting on November 8th
on thanking veterans. If you have a veteran in your life, please click on this link.
The linked form will have further information on how to honor your All Star Family Veteran.
SB "Principal's Page" has contact information, upcoming events, links to all sorts of information and activities and is updated regularly.
Lifetouch Photo Retake Day - If you would like to have your child(ren)’s photo retaken, please send them in with your student on Wednesday, November 8th. Students who were not present on October 5th have been notified and forms were sent home. If you have any questions, please contact sbmainoffice@hvrsd.org.
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*
11/8 November School Meeting - Veterans Appreciation
11/9 - NJEA Convention - Schools Closed
11/10 - Veteran’s Day - Schools/Offices Closed
Thanksgiving Food Drive
Don’t forget to label your children's coats, hats, and gloves.
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!
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 also be recognizing support staff professionals 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)
Dates to Remember:
Thursday, 11/9/23: NJEA Convention - Schools Closed
Friday, 11/10/23: Veterans Day - Schools/Offices Closed
Community Events
Hopewell Valley Turkey Trot is in less than 3 weeks!!
Clink on the link to register for this fast and fun race across Mercer Meadows! Proceeds benefit Hopewell Valley Wrestling.
Terhune Orchards: Nov 4th & 5th More Fall Fun - Free for All!
Join us for more fall fun on the farm this weekend, November 4 & 5!No admission tickets required.
Come out and enjoy the fresh air and country fun! Our Corn Maze will remain open for one final weekend! Enjoy the fall colors on the farm as our trees are in full fall foliage.
Don't miss the final weekend for our amazing, one of a kind Adventure Story Barn all about Johnny Appleseed: the legend, the lore, and more!
Cider making, Sat. Nov 4th 10:00am-4:00pm
Fresh apple cider awaits those who help make it! To earn a taste, all you have to do is turn the crank of the cider press. Peel an apple with a hand-crank apple peeler and stop by the farmhouse for lunch!
Corn Maze: Last day is Sat. Nov 4th 12:00pm -4:00pm!
Cherry Grove Farm "Cow Parade" Sat, Nov 4th 1-6pm
At our annual Cow Parade, we celebrate and honor our cows who provide us with fresh milk daily, from which we make all our farmstead cheeses. This autumnal afternoon features hay rides, face painting, kids’ games, food, music, beer, local artisanal vendors and more! Fun for the whole family is guaranteed.
Fall Music Series - Palmer Square Princeton: Sat. Nov 4th, 12pm-2pm
Vintage Vibe Tribe: Paying homage to the jazz age and creating a retro atmosphere, The Vintage Vibe Tribe performs popular music with classic swing instrumentation.
Arts Council of Princeton "el Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) Festival", Sat. Nov 4th
Celebrate el Día de los Muertos with the Arts Council of Princeton! Join us for a free, family-friendly outdoor festival to learn about this culturally rich holiday with Mariachi, dance, delicious food and hands-on projects inspired by traditional folk art.
We Make/Autism at Work "4th Annual Harvest Event, Mardi Gras Style!" Sunday, Nov 5th, 1-4pm
Enjoy an autumn afternoon as we feature Mardi Gras-inspired masks created by persons with autism who are on staff at WE MAKE. Enjoy tapas, themed appetizers, a brass band, and family-fun games along with a wine tasting, as we raise money for We Make’s Employment Programs!
Hopewell Valley Basketball Association: Winter Hoops Mandatory Assessments! Wed. Nov 8th
Division 1, 3rd - 5th grade/7pm - 8pm Division 2, 6th - 8th grade/8 - 9pm
Open Registration at the door both nights. Players only have to show to 1 mandatory assessments. Registration will close on November 8th at midnight.
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
The Watershed Institute:
Fall Mini Camps: 11/9, 11/10: Spend your fall school break exploring nature with the Watershed Educators!
Northern Saw Whet Owl Banding Family Program 11/11 & 11/18: This rare experience allows you to observe the saw-whet owl banding project that takes place at The Watershed Reserve every autumn.
Holiday Market "Sip and Shop Craft Market" 11/30 6pm-9pm Enjoy light refreshments while you shop from local craft sellers!
Pennington Farmers Market "Holiday Bazaar" Sat Nov 11th 9am-11am
Pennington Farmers Market will be hosting their annual Holiday Bazaar with Regular Vendors and special guests offering products that will be great for your holiday table or for gift giving!
Princeton Outdoor Arts Market "Sauce for the Goose" Sat, Nov 11th, 10am-4pm
Princeton’s favorite holiday art market is back! Now in its 29th year, Sauce for the Goose is an established destination for unique, high-quality handmade gifts. Shop directly from local artisans and crafters working in ceramics, textiles, jewelry, apparel, home decor, and more. Located right on Robeson Place, next to the Arts Council’s building at 102 Witherspoon Street.
Diwali Dance Program, Lawrenceville branch of Mercer County Library, Nov 15th 6:30-8:00
Join us to celebrate Diwali, the festival of lights, which marks the victory of good over evil. Guru ‘Kalashree’ Sukanya Mahadevan, founder of Shishya School Of Performing Arts and her students, will present their mesmerizing dance performances. Her students have performed heir dances based on Hindu mythology and modern-day concepts at prestigious venues such as Carnegie Hall in NYC. Advanced registration is appreciated. CONTACT: Lawrence Adult Services Staff 609-883-8292 lawprogs@mcl.org
Hopewell Valley YMCA Safe Sitter Babysitter Course, beginning 11/8: Childcare/First Aid & Rescue Skills
Washington Crossing State Park Observatory: Click on link for viewing event information!
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 Soccer Association: Registration for Winter 2023 is open!
Our winter season runs from Sunday, January 21st until Sunday, March 17th.
Children ages 3 to 18 are eligible to participate and are grouped into divisions. Though we use age as of 9/30 to assign divisions, our focus on fun and friendship means that our intention is to keep children playing with their classmates. For our Pre K program, players must be at least 3 years old as of the start of the season, 1/21/2024.
Here are the links to the local libraries for upcoming storytimes, events and programs: