Bobcat Bulletin
October 2024
A Message from Dr. Moss
October at HBS
Dear Families,
Welcome to October! We are entering the heart of fall, and it’s an exciting time at our school. The leaves are changing, the weather is cooling, and our classrooms are buzzing with energy and learning. October is packed with engaging activities, learning opportunities, and important events.
Fall Parent-Teacher Conferences
Our Fall Parent-Teacher Conferences will take place November 4th-6th. This is a great opportunity to meet with your child’s teacher to discuss their progress so far and set goals for the rest of the year. Your involvement is key to your child’s success, and we encourage you to attend. Please look out for sign-up information via Genesis. The times are as follows: Monday, November 4th 12:45 pm - 2:45 pm and 5:00 pm --7:00 pm. Tuesday, November 5th and Wednesday, November 6th 12:45 pm- 2:45 pm.
Halloween Parade
Our annual Halloween Parade will be held on October 31st! Students are encouraged to bring costumes to school and they will have the opportunity to change prior the parade, but please remember to keep them school-appropriate and safe. We’re looking forward to celebrating together as a school community.
Safety Reminder: Cooler Weather and Layering
As the weather begins to cool down, please make sure your child is dressed in layers to accommodate varying temperatures throughout the day. Mornings can be chilly, but classrooms are warm, so layering helps everyone stay comfortable.
Supporting Learning at Home
As we move further into the school year, I want to take a moment to remind everyone about the importance of continuing learning at home. Whether it’s reading together, practicing math facts, or encouraging curiosity through hands-on activities, your involvement is critical to your child's success.
Thank you for your ongoing support and involvement. Let’s make October a month full of learning, fun, and community!
Warm regards,
Dr. Moss
What I Love About Holland Brook (Student Edition)
In this section, you will hear from various students throughout the year on their thoughts and experiences about HBS. This month we will highlight 4th grader Alexandra Konicek and 5th grader Daniel Bruggeman.
My name is Alexandra Konicek and I am a fourth grader at Holland Brook School. I know that it is still early in the school year, but I already love being a Bobcat! Everywhere I look I see friendly faces from old friends and new. Our school offers so many cool clubs and I can’t wait to join one to learn a new skill. I also love participating in band. I just started to play the flute and really look forward to performing with my band mates in front of an audience someday. I am so excited for all the experiences I will have at HBS this year!
Hello! My name is Danny Brueggeman and I am a 5th grader at Holland Brook School. My favorite things about Holland Brook School are math and specials classes, especially PE. I also love being in the band. Last year in 4th grade I played the baritone and this year I graduated to the tuba! We even have after school band practice in 5th grade. All the teachers here are fantastic and I really like our new principal, Dr. Moss and secretary, Mrs. Salaj! HBS rules!!
Therapy Dogs at HBS
We are thrilled to announce the addition of therapy dogs to Holland Brook! These specially trained dogs are helping our students manage stress, build confidence, and foster emotional well-being. Research shows that interaction with therapy dogs can reduce anxiety, improve mood, and even enhance focus. Students will have the opportunity to spend time with the dogs during select times, offering them a calming presence during the school day. Whether a quick pat or a longer visit, these furry friends are here to provide unconditional love and comfort to everyone who needs it.
Our school’s therapy dog program is part of our larger commitment to mental health and wellness. Teachers, counselors, and staff are working together to ensure that all students have access to this wonderful resource in a safe and supportive environment. We are excited to see the positive impact these dogs will have on our students' lives, and we encourage families to talk with their children about the experience. Keep an eye out for future updates as we continue to integrate this program into our school culture!
One School, One Book: Building a Community of Readers
We are excited to kick off our annual "One School, One Book" program, an initiative that brings our entire school community together through the shared experience of reading the same book. This year, all students, teachers, and staff will be reading Fright Club. The goal of this program is to create a culture of reading within the school and at home, promoting literacy and fostering a sense of connection across grade levels. Through daily reading and discussion, we hope to spark conversations and deepen our love for books.
Throughout the program, there will be fun activities and classroom discussions to engage students with the story. Reading the same book allows us to share a common experience, which strengthens the bond between students, teachers, and families. We encourage everyone to participate and make this a memorable reading adventure!
BMX Assembly - Week of Respect
This past week, our students were treated to an action-packed BMX assembly that was as thrilling as it was educational. Professional BMX riders wowed the crowd with their incredible tricks, flips, and jumps, but the real highlight came from the powerful message behind the stunts. The performers shared personal stories about overcoming challenges, standing up to bullies, and the importance of kindness and inclusion. Their message was clear: everyone has the power to make a difference by choosing to lift others up, rather than tear them down.
The students were fully engaged, cheering for each trick and nodding along to the important lessons about self-confidence and respect. The assembly encouraged everyone to look out for one another, and reminded our students that they can be everyday heroes by speaking out against bullying. It was a fantastic way to combine entertainment with a meaningful and lasting impact! A big THANK YOU to the HSA for sponsoring the event!
Upcoming Important Dates
Monday, October 14-Friday, October 18 - Violence Awareness Week
Monday, October 14 and Tuesday, October 15 - School is closed for teacher in-service
Wednesday, October 16 - District Wide Unity Day
Friday, October 18 - HSA Pumpkin Bash
Wednesday, October 23-Thursday, October 31 - Red Ribbon Week
Tuesday, October 29 - Picture Day Make-Ups
Thursday, October 31 - HBS Halloween Parade at 1:15 p.m.
Monday, November 4-Wednesday, November 6 - Parent Teacher Conferences
Thursday, November 7-Friday, November 8 - School is closed for NJEA Convention
YMCA Aftercare
The Hunterdon County YMCA is offering aftercare daily until 6:00 p.m. (There is no morning care.) Click Here to register.
HBS Breakfast and Lunch Menu
Click here for the HBS Breakfast and Lunch Menu.
HBS October Calendar
Important Links
Click here to view the currently approve calendar for the 2024-2025 school year.
Contact and Social Media
Website: https://www.readington.k12.nj.us/Domain/161
Location: 52 Readington Road, Whitehouse Station, NJ, USA
Phone: (908) 823-0454
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/readingtonschools
Twitter: @HBSBOBCATS
Readington Township Public Schools Mission Statement
We empower members of our community to lead purposeful lives with integrity, to cultivate a spirit of discovery, and to embrace connections in our diverse, global society.
District Strategic Goals
- Inquisitive Learning - Create and establish an inquiry-based framework that values an interest-driven learning environment. Learners will, individually and collaboratively, focus on identifying, analyzing, and solving problems as inquisitive members of their community.
- Partnerships - Establish partnerships that foster meaningful educational opportunities on local, regional, and global scales. Prepare all learners to become engaged and productive citizens through service to others, collaboration, and real-world connections.
- Social Awareness - Our learners will feel connected, valued, and secure in digital and non-digital learning environments cultivated by a shared sense of community. Every individual will develop skills that promote an awareness of self and others as well as the environment, including the ability to understand the impact of their decisions.