Bobcat Bulletin
November 2024
A Message from Dr. Moss
November at HBS
Dear Families,
As the leaves fall and we enter November, I want to take a moment to express my gratitude for our incredible school community. This month, we celebrate the achievements and growth of our students as they continue to learn, discover, and succeed each day.
I’m also excited to share that I recently had the incredible experience of running the New York City Marathon! It was a true test of endurance and commitment, and I couldn’t help but think about our students as I pushed through each mile—knowing that, just like in school, every step forward makes a difference.
Thank you to everyone who participated in our recent parent-teacher conferences. These meetings are such a valuable opportunity to strengthen our partnerships and help each child reach their full potential. Your dedication and engagement in your child’s education are truly appreciated.
As Thanksgiving approaches, I want to thank you all for your continued support. Together, we create a positive and welcoming environment where every student feels valued and inspired to learn. From all of us here at school, we wish you and your family a wonderful Thanksgiving filled with warmth and gratitude.
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 Mateo Michalski and 5th grader Abbey Measel.
There are a lot reasons why I love Holland Brook School but my top five are:
5. The teachers because they are super nice and caring.
4. Recess because we are with all of our friends and we can run outside, play games, and hit and kick balls.
3. Physical education because we make our bodies stronger by playing fun games like pin guard, hula hut, wall ball, and save our ship or S.O.S for short.
2. Discover lab because it challenges our brains in a fun way.
And the number 1 reason is:
1. Dr. Moss because he is funny and kind. And because I like how he walks around at lunch time to talk with us.
By : Mateo Michalski
4th grade
Ms. Weiss
Hello! My name is Abbey Measel. I love Holland Brook because the staff are really nice. They do so much for the 4th and 5th graders. I also love Holland Brook because of the fun environment. I like my classroom, assemblies, and hanging with my friends. That is why I love Holland Brook.
Fourth Grade Field Trip To Lachenmayr Trail
Fourth graders enjoyed their trip to the Lachenmayr Trail on October 28th. As students hiked, they practiced their observation skills while making four stops along the 1.3 mile trail. Students from RVCC provided instruction for the students that highlighted land features in four different locations, including the Holland Brook station, Agricultural Field station, the Forest station, and the Retention Basin station. Students “noticed” and “wondered” with the help of the trail guides, then recorded their observations in journals throughout the trip.
Special thanks to our volunteers from the Readington Water Watch, Mrs. Huelsebusch and Mrs. Orlandi, Ms. Pauch, Readington Township Math and Science Supervisor, and members of the RVCC Environmental Club, including Doug Vornlocker, Melanie, Alex, Zach, Isabella, Kylie, and Sari. The fourth graders benefited from these local partnerships as they learned more about the natural features of the Readington Township community.
Fifth Grade Field Trip to DaVinci Science Center
The Fifth Graders had a blast at the DaVinci Science Center on October 22nd. Students explored a shark exhibit, along with the My Body Exhibit by Lehigh Valley Health Network. Classes were able to crawl through a large intestine, listen to a heart beating, and guess that smell!
A fan favorite of the Science Center was the Lehigh Valley Watershed exhibit, where students were able to travel through the Pocono Ravine, exploring various stalagmites and stalactites within the limestone caves on their way to see the otters! The trip also included a visit to the Science Theater where we observed various chemical combinations, resulting in Elephant Toothpaste. It was a great experience for all!
Election Day Lessons with 8th Grade Leaders
This month, we had an exciting and educational experience for our 4th and 5th graders here at HBS. Our school was fortunate to welcome a group of 8th grade students who joined us to teach our younger students about the election process and the importance of civic engagement. This visit provided a wonderful opportunity for our students to learn from their older peers, and they eagerly participated in discussions and activities related to elections and voting.
The 8th graders led interactive sessions where they explained topics like the history of voting rights, how elections work, and why it’s important to have a voice in a democracy. Our 4th and 5th graders enjoyed asking questions and participating in hands-on activities that helped them understand concepts such as voting, campaigns, and making informed choices.
This experience not only enhanced their understanding of the democratic process but also allowed them to see the importance of community involvement and leadership. Thank you to our 8th grade visitors and their teachers for sharing their knowledge and inspiring the next generation of informed citizens.
Turkey Trot 11/27/24
Attention All Walkers & Runners
ANNUAL TURKEY TROT
Wednesday, November 27, 2024
11:00 a.m.
FIELD DAY FUNDRAISER
Holland Brook School is proud to sponsor our seventh annual Turkey Trot! The trot will take place, appropriately, the Wednesday before Thanksgiving. So far this year, our P.E. Teacher Mrs. Sivo has been teaching our students various ways to live a healthy lifestyle.
Sponsoring your child in our Turkey Trot is a major way to fund our legendary Field Day. Students will participate by asking family members and friends to sponsor them as they run/walk/trot around the track located in the back of Holland Brook School on Wednesday, November 27th for 20 minutes. Staff members and students will run/walk/trot together! Please have your child bring a bottle of water.
The Turkey Trot is open to all students. A pledge is not required to participate. If you would like to sponsor your child or if your child is interested in obtaining other sponsors, please complete the pledge sheet that is being sent via the Genesis Blast today and return in an envelope marked Turkey Trot to your child’s homeroom teacher by November 27th. All checks should be made payable to the HBS Student Activity Account (HBS SAA).
Upcoming Important Dates
November 13 - School-wide Spirit Day in celebration of World Kindness Day - Wear neon or tie-dye
November 11- November 22 - HBS Thanksgiving Food Drive
November 14 - 5th Grade Field Trip to RVCC Planetarium
November 21 - Maschios Chef Day - Asian Noodle Bowl Bar
November 26 - School-wide Spirit Day - Fall Flannel Day
November 27 - Early Dismissal Day - School will dismiss at 12:05
November 27 - HBS Turkey Trot
November 28 and 29 - School Closed for Thanksgiving Break
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 November 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.