The Friday Focus
November 17, 2023 - November 30, 2023
From the Office of the Superintendent
From Carolyn McGrath, Teacher of Art, CHS:
It is with great pride that I announce the release of the Fifth National Climate Assessment, contains artwork from three HVCHS students! They are: Ananya Anil, Amelia Klun, and Julia Yu. In addition to inclusion in the report, Amelia was one of 10 entrants who was awarded a prize for her outstanding work! The artwork was made during Art Club, a CHS extracurricular activity that I advise. We spent several weeks learning about climate change causes and impacts and designing art pieces that would respond to the content of the report. The Fifth National Climate Assessment is "the US Government’s preeminent report on climate change impacts, risks, and responses. It is a congressionally mandated interagency effort that provides the scientific foundation to support informed decision-making across the United States." You can find the gallery of artwork here. Student artwork is also featured throughout the report, alongside major recognized climate artists.
Here are the links to our student's works:
The next Superintendent Chat about "School Climate" is on Thursday, November 30th at 6:30pm. This will be a virtual event. During this session, we will be discussing some concerning student behaviors we are seeing this school year. Our school leaders will be present for this panel discussion. We'll be providing information about how the community can partner with schools to create the positive environment our students need to thrive.
Register in advance for this webinar: registration link
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information with instructions as to how to join the webinar.
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.
On November 28th at 1:00 PM Operation Parent presents an impactful webinar with Parents Against Vaping E-Cigarettes (PAVE), which will uncover the health risks of youth vaping, shed light on the tobacco industry’s tactics and trends for marketing to youth, and acquire practical strategies for essential conversations with your child. All registrants will receive a recording of the webinar through Operation Parent. To register: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/2782765408505261655
Mercer County Co-Occuring Task Force Presents " The Opioid Crisis in NJ: Current Trends and Evidence-based Treatment Options" Wed. Nov 29th 9:30am-12:30pm
HVRSD Strive PTO and HVRSD Pupil Services Presents: "Supporting Parents and Caregivers of Classified Students" Dec. 7th 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.
Mercer County K-3 Educator Workshops!:
We are pleased to announce our partnership with the NJDOE to provide RAPID training for educators in Mercer, Monmouth, and
- 1-day workshop: 8:30am-12:30pm (11/30/23)
- 1-day workshop: 8:30am-12:30pm (01/23/24)
Pomptonian is currently looking for Part Time Employees to join our team. We provide the cafeteria services for HVRSD. Being fully staffed could really help us enhance the service to the students. Please click on the link for more information!
Please see "Community Events" for additional upcoming programs!
National Merit Recognition: We are excited to celebrate our students’ achievements in the National Merit Scholarship Program! Twenty-five students earned recognition as Commended Scholars, and two students earned recognition as National Merit Semi-Finalists. In addition, two students were named College Board National Hispanic Recognition Program Scholars, and two students were named College Board National African-American Recognition Program Scholars. Please join us in congratulating these students on their recognition!
Conferences: We are looking forward to meeting with HVCHS parents and guardians during our student-parent-teacher conferences. Please see the email sent on November 8 for additional information. The school store will be available for sales (using cash or check only) during conferences. All sales support our Academic Essentials program!
1 ⁄ 2 Day Schedules: On November 17, 20, 21, and 22, we will be following a modified schedule due to our dismissal at 12 p.m. In order to maximize instructional time, we will continue to follow the letter day schedule, but we will reduce our class periods to 38 minutes.
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 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 overview of upcoming events and Class fundraisers! Upcoming Events include: Class of '24 Trivia Night Dec. 6th; Class of '25 Designer Handbag Bingo on Dec 1; Wildflower Fundraiser on Nov 20th & 21st; Uno Fundraiser for the Class of 2026 on Nov. 17th as well as Flapjacks with Frosty on Dec. 2nd.
Check the The Timberlane ``Principal's Page" for weekly information and Timberlane Topics!
TMS WINTER SPORTS START MONDAY, NOVEMBER 27th
Parent-Teacher Conferences will be held on Friday, November 17th (afternoon) and Monday, November 20th (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.
It’s Doughnut Time! Monday November 20th: the PTO will be selling Krispy Kreme doughnuts at the end of the half day. Remember to bring your dollar bills! CASH Only.
Yearbooks are on sale now! The early bird price is $35. Click HERE to order your student's yearbook now!
8th Grade Committee and Support- If you'd like to sign up to support, or lead, some of our efforts to make this year a special one for our 8th graders, please CLICK HERE to volunteer to join or chair a committee. You don't even have to have an 8th grader, you can get familiarity and knowledge with the event for next year or the year after!
Indoor Color Guard Seeking 8th Grade Students! Like to dance? Are you a performer? Do you like trying new things? Indoor Color Guard may be for you! Interest Meeting is November 20, Monday at CHS. Use tinyurl.com/indoorguard to attend.
TMS Jazz Band is starting: holds auditions in November to start in December. Open to all students in grades 6 through 8. Seeking students who play trumpet, trombone, saxophone, drum set, piano, guitar, bass (and also flute, clarinet, baritone). Please click here for info and to register for auditions! Questions? Email David Schwartzer (davidschwartzer@hvrsd.org), director.
Picture MakeUp Day is scheduled for Monday, December 4, 2023. If you want to order pictures, log on to mylifetouch.com and use Picture ID EVTVPPD2D.
Book Fair Volunteers Needed! Thurs. Dec 17th - Thurs. Dec. 14th: Volunteering at the Book Fair is one of the most fun and rewarding ways to get involved in helping students become better readers! . Any time that you can donate would be greatly appreciated. Any questions please contact barbaramccarty@hvrsd.org Click here to sign up for a volunteer shift.
Building Security - Parents who wish to drop off something for their child will be asked to continue to use the previously established drop off system, which allows parents to leave labeled items in the secure vestibule without entering the main office area. It is very important that we avoid interruptions to classroom instructional time, as well as limit time in the hallways. Please alert your child of early dismissals the day prior and send them to school with a note so that we may provide them a pass. Students must remember to pick up items dropped off by parents, as they will not be paged. If your child forgets their chromebook, plan with your student whether or not you will be bringing it to TMS so they can check the vestibule. Students can always call from the main office.
Absences, Late Arrival & Early Dismissal - Parents should call our TeleSafe # 609-737-4004, Ext 2, by 8:00 a.m., 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*
11/17 & 11/20 Parent/Teacher Conferences
11/17 Jazz Band Auditions Signup Deadline
11/20 Krispy Kreme Doughnuts
11/20 Indoor Color Guard Info Meeting
11/27 Winter Sports Start
12/4 Picture Make up Day
12/7 - 12/14 TMS Book Fair
Early Dismissal Days- We will have Early Dismissal Days on 11/17, 11/20, 11/21 and 11/22. Please remember that lunch will not be served. Students will be dismissed at 12:45 PM.
Parent Teacher Conferences - Click here to sign up for your conference. Click here for Food Drive items.
Scholastic Book Fair - Shopping will run from 11/16 - 11/20 and the sale will be open during parent-teacher conference times, so stop by and do some holiday shopping.
Click here for information.
Staff Appreciation Dinner, Monday, Nov. 20th - During conferences, the Staff Appreciation Committee will host a hot catered dinner for teachers and staff. Click here to sign up for a supply donation or help set up. Want to make a monetary donation toward the dinner order? Click here.
Principal's Page - provides links to information and activities and is updated regularly.
PTO Bear Flash - Everything you need to know for the month & beyond!
BTPTO Dine Out at PJ's Pancake House on Thursday, Nov. 30th. Please remember to show this flyer or mention that you are a Bear Tavern family. Both dine-in and take-out are eligible, and the fundraiser will run all day.
BT Holiday Shop - December 1st to December 5th this year! Please look for more information and volunteer opportunities before Thanksgiving break.
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.
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 609-737-4005 btmainoffice@hvrsd.org
*Dates To Remember*
11/17 - 11/20 Parent-Teacher Conferences/Food Drive
11/20 - Staff Appreciation Dinner
11/17-11/22 - Early Dismissals
11/23 - 11/24 - Thanksgiving Holiday Break - Schools/Offices Closed
11/30 - BT Dine Out at PJ's Pancake House
12/1 - 12/5 - Holiday Shop
The Principal’s Newsletter - Hopewell’s Happenings is a monthly update on the HES Website.
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.
Spirit Day: Our whole school meeting and spirit day is Wednesday, November 22nd. Dress up like someone or something that you are grateful for.
Chubby’s Donation: This November, our HES community provided food for 27 families in need to assist the Chubby’s Project right here in Hopewell. Our staff raised over $900 to cover the cost of turkeys, while our students provided donations of stuffing, mashed potatoes, canned vegetables, cornbread, and gravy. In addition to our meal donations, the HES community donated 31 pot pies and 23 fruit pies to accompany the meals. 5th-grade students were able to contribute by personally delivering these items to Chubby’s. We are so happy to continue with this wonderful tradition of supporting families in need during the holidays.
Thanksgiving 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.
HES 2023-2024 Yearbook - Order your 2023--2024 HES Yearbook HERE
Lifetouch Picture Retake Day will be on Tuesday, December 5th. If you missed the first picture day or would like your photo retaken on this day, you can order ahead on mylifetouch.com. Enter Picture Day ID:EVTNSB9QN
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 photos 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 a.m. to report an absence or late arrival. Thank you.
*Dates To Remember*
11/22 - Spirit Day
11/17 - 11/20 - Parent Teacher Conferences
11/17-11/22 - Early Dismissals
11/23 - 11/24 - Thanksgiving Holiday Break - Schools Closed
12/8 - PTO Meeting at HES
Student Council: Thank you families for donating to the Student Council Thanksgiving Food Drive. They were able to donate 26 bags of food and gift cards to The Mill Hill Child and Family Development Center. Students hand delivered them on Thursday and we’re so proud of them!
Conferences: Will be held today, Friday, 11/17 and Monday, 11/20.
Early Dismissal Days - We will have Early Dismissal Days on 11/17, 11/20, 11/21 and 11/22. Students will be dismissed at 12:45pm. Please remember that lunch will not be served and there are no enrichments on half days.
SBPTO Shake Shack Fundraiser Mon. Nov 20th: Show THIS FLYER at the register or use code DONATE25 on the Shack App or kiosk. 25% of your purchase will be donated to SB!
PTO Book Fair & Silent Auction, Dec 4th-8th: In-School Shopping Days 12/4-12/7 and Family Shopping on 12/8. More information will be available soon.
SB "Principal's Page" is a hub of information and links to the "Stony Brook Scoop".
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.
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*
11/17-11/22 Early Dismissal Days at 12:45
11/17 & 11/20 Parent Teacher Conferences
11/20 - SBPTO Shake Shack Fundraiser
11/23 - 11/24 - Thanksgiving Holiday Break - Schools Closed
12/4 - 12/8 - Book Fair & Silent Auction
Don’t forget to label your children's coats, hats, and gloves!
Early Dismissal Days- on 11/17, 11/20, 11/21 and 11/22 at 12:45 pm. Please remember to bring a snack in on these days because lunch will not be served.
Parent-Teacher Conferences- on both Friday, November 17th and Monday, November 20th. Conferences will take place in person, however, we are happy to offer a zoom meeting, if you would prefer. This year we are asking that if you would like to meet with one of our special area teachers, you send them an email, with conferences as the subject line. Given the number of students that our special area teachers have, we would like to ensure that the parents who have specific questions about their child's progress get a conference before the sessions are all booked up. To book an appointment, please view the links on this document.
Lifetouch Picture Retake Day Mon. Nov 27th. If you missed the first picture day or would like your photo retaken on this day, you can order ahead on mylifetouch.com. Enter Picture Day ID: EVTD8QQXC. If you'd already ordered a package but would like your photo retaken, simply return your original package on Picture Retake Day. Please email ashleedana@hvrsd.org if you would like your child’s photo retaken, so their name can be added to the retake list.
TASK Thanksgiving Food Drive- It’s time for the 38th annual Trenton Area Soup Kitchen (TASK) Thanksgiving food drive at Toll Gate! Please click here for more information on how you can help.
- 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 generosity!
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.
Principal Newsletter- Click here to view Principal Lauri’s November newsletter.
Dates to Remember:
Friday, 11/17, Monday, 11/20 & Tuesday, 11/21: Early Dismissal at 12:45 PM for Conferences
Monday, 11/20 & Tuesday, 11/21: TASK Pie Baking
Wednesday, 11/22: Early Dismissal at 12:45 PM
Thursday, 11/23 & Friday, 11/24: Thanksgiving Holiday - Schools/Offices Closed
Monday, 11/27: Lifetouch Picture Retake Day
Thursday, 11/30: Fall Assembly
Wednesday, 12/6: Walk, Bike or Roll to School Day
Thursday, 12/7: PTO Meeting at 7:00 PM (via Zoom)
Community Events
Hopewell Valley Turkey Trot is coming up!
Clink on the link to register for this fast and fun race across Mercer Meadows! Proceeds benefit Hopewell Valley Wrestling.
Tumbles of Princeton: Turkey Kids Night Out, Nov. 17th 5:30-8:30 Ages 3 and Up
Field Day Activities; Turkey Trot Across our Ninja Obstacle Course; Fall Arts & Crafts, Tumble Zone, Open Gym, Pizza Dinner! Click on link for details!
Hopewell Basketball Association: registration is open for Winter Hoops Program, which begins on Dec. 2nd.
Pennington Basketball Association's Girls 3v3 Rec registration is now open!
Grades 2-4 & 5-7. Tuesday evenings at TMS. Starts Dec 5th and goes through February.
Peddler's Village "Grand Illumination Celebration" Nov 17th
Join us for holiday lights and local music and dance performers!
Labyrinth Books, Princeton: Stories & Toys, Sat. Nov 18 2pm-4pm
COME ANY TIME! AGES 3-9 Featuring: authors, illustrators, and beautiful books from Enchanted Lion Books/a small, curated selection of favorite toys from jaZams/activities for kids/Labyrinth and jaZams staff ready to help you find perfect holiday presents for the kids in your life.
Skating on the Square, Palmer Square: Nov. 18-Feb. 25 on the outdoor synthetic rink.
Thurs & Fri 4-7pm; Sat & Sundays 12-3om and 4-7pm. Now booking private parties!
Grounds for Sculpture "Night Forms" Nov 24, 2023 - April 7, 2024
An after-hours, multi-sensory light and sound experience that uses projection mapping to engage with the Ground For Sculpture art and horticulture collections.
Palmer Square Princeton Annual Tree Lighting, Nov 24th at 5pm
This year we will be joined by 11-man vocal harmony group, The Sensational Soul Cruisers!
The Flying Ivories will be back on their Dueling Pianos playing a mix of traditional and sing-a-long favorites that the whole family will enjoy. Of course you can expect appearances from our local community partners from McCarter Theatre and the Princeton Highschool Choir. For a full schedule of events, visit palmersquare.com/events
Hopewell Township Annual Holiday Decorating Contest! Registration Opens Nov 27th and judging will take place on Dec 19th & 20th: Grab your lights, inflatables, tinsel and wreaths! Prizes will be awarded to the top three scoring houses!
The Watershed Institute "Holiday Market "Sip and Shop Craft Market" 11/30 6pm-9pm Enjoy light refreshments while you shop from local craft sellers!
Pennington 39th Annual Holiday Walk, Dec. 1st, 6-9pm, Howe Commons, South Main Street
Downtown businesses and restaurants will be open. Featuring: Ice Carving, Caroling, Dance performance, Tree and Menorah lighting, photos with Santa. Also go to: LoveHopewellValley.com for more info!
Wallaby Tales Traveling Zoo, Fri. Dec. 1, 4:30 pm–5:30 pm Pennington Boro Public Library Registration Required: The ever-popular Wallaby Tales Traveling Zoo returns to kick off Pennington’s Annual Holiday Walk! Witness wonderful wildlife with an amazing, comical, and educational presentation of live animals. Sure to mesmerize everyone in the audience from toddlers through adults. This event will be held OUTDOORS. Please dress for the weather and bring your own blanket!
Flapjacks with Frosty, Sat., Dec. 2nd, 10am-12pm CHS Cafeteria, Ticket sales end 11/17.
Organized by the students and teacher representatives of the Class of 2026! Ticket price includes breakfast with Frosty, crafts, story time, winter games and more! Tickets are $20 per child. Children must be accompanied by a parent/guardian.
Hopewell Township's Holiday Lighting Ceremony, Mon., Dec 4th:Festivities begin at 5:30; Ceremony starts at 6:00pm. Join us at the annual tree lighting ceremony at which we honor a special community group or individual for their community service in 2023. All ages welcome!
American Repertory Ballet's production of "The Nutcracker", Dec. 9th at Patriots Theater, Trenton Visit arballet.org for more info and additional locations.
Club Dreams: Winter Wonderland Camp, Tues. Dec. 26th - Friday, Dec 29th, 12pm-5pm.
This camp is for the special needs community only. Siblings are welcome.
Cost is $200 for the entire camp of $55. per day. This includes lunch,
Activities will include arts 7 crafts, STEM, dance/Music, games, open play and lots of fun!
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: