The Friday Focus
January 12, 2024
From the Office of the Superintendent
The public of Hopewell Township is hereby notified that a vacancy exists in the membership of the Hopewell Valley Regional Board of Education. The Board of Education is seeking qualified candidates for membership to the Board. The Board, within the powers delegated to it by law, is the policy-making legislative branch of the School District. This term will run until December 31, 2024. The remaining two-years of the position will be placed on the ballot at the November 2024 General Election.
Strive Summer Camp Expo, Saturday, Jan 20th 10am-2pm, Hopewell Valley Central High School
Get started on planning a great summer for your children! Learn about camps in the area, meet camp staff. Email hvrsdstrivepto@gmail.com with questions.
Parents against Vaping Presents: Ask the Expert with Best-selling Author and Parenting Expert, Julie Ross, M.A. Tues, Jan 23rd at 12:00pm. Join Parents Against Vaping Founding Partner, Mimi Boublik, for a virtual conversation with nationally-renowned parenting expert, best-selling author and Founder of Parenting Horizons, Julie Ross, to discuss critical topics for parents and anyone who works with pre-teens through young adults. Ms. Ross will share her parenting expertise and answer questions live. Click here for more information and registration.
Kindergarten Registration for the 2024-25 year will begin on Feb 5th. Kindergarten Camp will be held at all 4 Elementary Schools, from July 8th - 11th and July 15th - 18th (M-Thurs. 8:30-11:30am). Registration information will be available shortly.
PEECH (Preschool and Early Education for Children of Hopewell) Program Application 2024-2025 Please fill out the attached form - linked above) for the general education preschool program admission process for both new and returning students. Application is not a guarantee for admissions. The application is due Friday February 23, 2024. You will hear about acceptance by March 15, 2024.
Special Olympics of New Jersey: Plunge Season is upon us! Polar Bear Plunge at Wildwood, Jan 13, 2023. The 2024 Winter Games will begin with floor hockey and volleyball on Jan 6-7, 2024. In Feb, we head north for alpine events, cross-country skiing, speed skating, figure skating and more!
Mercer County Libraries: Martin Luther King Day Card & Letter Writing Drive/Drop-In Service Project at the Hopewell Branch. MCLS are offering opportunities for community members to write letters or make handmade cards to be delivered to homebound participants of the Mercer County Meals on Wheels program. MCLS invites community members of all ages to take a moment to create a letter or greeting card, to make someone’s day a little more special.
Mercer County 4-H Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service program for Grades 6 and older youth on January 15, 2024, from 9:00am-12:30pm at the Rutgers Cooperative Extension Office of Mercer County. The plan is to participate in community service by rotating through stations to complete projects or tasks that will aid various organizations or groups. A pizza lunch will be provided for participants. Please use this link for registration and further information.
Mercer County Technical Schools (MTS) Assunpink and Sypek Centers first annual "Warming Hearts to Toes on Valentine's Day". They will be collecting socks until 2/8 for the clients of Mobile Meals of Hamilton Township, a local nonprofit that has been helping residents of Hamilton for almost 50 years.
Please see "Community Events" for additional upcoming programs!
Black & Gold Cup Food Drive: As part of our Black & Gold Cup competition, we will be hosting a food drive during the month of January to support the Hopewell Valley Mobile Food Pantry. The Black Team (Grades 9 & 11) will be collecting boxes of granola bars and the Gold Team (Grades 10 & 12) will be collecting cereal. The winning team will receive 100 competition points! Donations can be brought to the HVCHS Main Lobby throughout the month of January. We appreciate your help as we support our neighbors!
National Honor Society Induction: We were proud to induct over 150 students into the HVCHS chapter of the National Honor Society on Monday, January 8. These students were selected based on their outstanding academic achievements, character, leadership, and community service. We are excited to celebrate this fantastic group of students.!
Marking Period & Semester Reminders: As a reminder, the second marking period and the first semester end on January 25. We will follow an F day schedule with all eight classes on January 26 as we transition to the second semester. Students should be sure to check their class schedules in OnCourse for any changes if they are completing a semester one course.
Salute to Service Ice Hockey Game: Please save the date for the ice hockey team's annual Salute to Service game! The team will be honoring local veterans prior to their game on Saturday, January 13th at 6:15 pm at the Tsai Field House at The Lawrenceville School.
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!
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 listing of upcoming events and Class fundraisers.
*Dates to Remember*
January 13: Salute to Service Ice Hockey Game, 6:15 p.m.
January 25: Quarter 2/Semester 1 Ends
January 26: F Day Schedule
January 31: ½ Day Schedule
The Timberlane `Principal's Page" is on the TMS Website. Is a one-stop hub for all of the information that you need throughout the year.
** RESCHEDULED 7th & 8th-grade orchestra concert is now Tuesday, January 16th at the PAC.
6:30 pm start time. Students should arrive at 5:45 pm.
Winter Choir Concert, Thursday, January 18, 2024
Call Time: 6:00 PM - TL PACK Singers report directly to the High School Performing Arts Center at 6:00 PM; Call Time: 6:15 PM - Students report directly to the High School Performing Arts Center at 6:15 PM. Performance Time: 7:00 PM/Ending Time: Approximately 8:00 PM
8th Grade Parent/Guardian Open House and Academic Planning Night: 2024 will be an exciting year for you and your family as your child transitions to Hopewell Valley Central High School in September. We have several transition events planned for our eighth grade students as they transition to Hopewell Valley Central High School. In addition, we wanted to provide a special transition opportunity for our eighth grade parents and guardians. HVCHS is excited to invite you to the 8th Grade Parent/Guardian Open House and Academic Planning Night on January 24 at 6 p.m. Parents and guardians are welcome to informally visit various parts of the school and learn more about the opportunities available at HVCHS. Our Academic Planning Program will begin at 6:30 p.m. in the Performing Arts Center, where the department supervisors and building administrators will share information about the various academic options available If you are unable to attend, please know that the presentation slides will be shared with all eighth grade parents and guardians prior to the start of course selection.
SAVE Animal Rescue Collection-The donation drive will run until 1/24/24 with a drop off box in the Main Hallway. They are in need canned of dog & wet cat food, cat and dog treats, canned chicken, cat toys, tough dog toys (no rawhide bones) unscented litter, paper towels, sponges, liquid dish soap, window cleaner and latex gloves.
2024 TMS SPRING SPORTS
- Registration and medical forms for spring sports are due by Friday, March 1st.
- Spring Sports: Baseball, Softball, Boys and Girls Lacrosse and Boys and Girls Track & Field start on Monday, March 18th
- 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 until they do.
- In-House Physicals will be offered on Tuesday, February 13th 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.
TMS Updates - For additional information about TMS, please visit our webpage or follow us on Twitter @Timberlane_HV or Instagram @timberlane_timberwolves.
Yearbooks are on sale now! The early bird price is $35. Click HERE to order your student's yearbook now!
*Dates To Remember*
1/15: Martin Luther King Jr. Day
1/18: Winter Choir Concert
1/24: 8th Grade Open House/Academic Planning Night
1/25: End of First Marking Period
1/31: Early (Noon) Dismissal - Staff Development
BT Winter Concert - What a perfect way to spread joy! Congratulations to Mrs. MacAdams and Mrs. Ingram on a beautiful concert. We would also like to thank our fantastic accompanist, Stephanie Sanders. The 4th and 5th-grade students presented to a packed auditorium with all they have learned this year in the orchestra, chorus, and band. The performances were enjoyed by all who were able to attend. We will see you all in the spring!
Principal's Page - provides links to information and activities and is updated regularly.
BT PTO Bear Flash - Everything you need to know for the month & beyond!
Drop Off and Pick Up Reminder - Morning Drop Off and Afternoon Pick Up in the car line runs smoothly and quickly. At arrival, please pull up as far as directed. No students should be unloaded anywhere before the driving/parking area cones. Kindergarten has to walk back, but dropping off there or near the Pencil Doors causes things to move slowly. During Dismissal, please pay attention and pull up as directed. We will get your kids to you. We need to keep the line moving while ensuring the safety of all.
BTPTO Dine Out - Join us at Tomatellos on January 25th. Click here for more information.
5th-Grade Yearbook Contest - Click here for the information.
BT YMCA Winter 2024 Enrichment Programs - Registration closes 1/15. Classes will start 1/22/24. Click here for the website.
PEECH Program Application 24-25 - Please complete the attached form for the general education preschool program process for new and returning students. Application is not a guarantee for admission. The application is due Friday, February 23, 2024. You will hear about acceptance by March 15, 2024.
Kindergarten Registration for the 2024-25 year will begin on Feb 5th. Kindergarten Camp will be held at all 4 Elementary Schools, from July 8th - 11th and July 15th - 18th (M-Thurs. 8:30-11:30am). Registration information will be available 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 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 at 609-737-4005 btmainoffice@hvrsd.org
*Dates To Remember*
1/15 - Martin Luther King Jr. Day - Schools/Offices Closed
1/18 PTO Meeting 7pm
The Principal’s January Newsletter - Hopewell’s Happenings is on the HES Website.
YMCA Winter 2024 Enrichment Programs Registration closes 1/15. Classes will start 1/22/24, all information can be found on their website.
Yearbook Title Page Drawing Contest - The yearbook committee is currently accepting submissions for the Title Page Drawing Contest. Students from grades K-5 are encouraged to incorporate the HES Honor Pledge into their designs (L-Leadership, E- Empathy, A- Acceptance, P-Perseverance) while showcasing their creativity and artistic ability. Use the submission form linked HERE and turn them into the Main Office by Friday, January 26th.
PEECH Program Application 24-25 - Please complete the attached form for the general education preschool program process for new and returning students. Application is not a guarantee for admission. The application is due Friday, February 23, 2024. You will hear about acceptance by March 15, 2024.
Kindergarten Registration for the 2024-25 year will begin on Feb 5th. Kindergarten Camp will be held at all 4 Elementary Schools, from July 8th - 11th and July 15th - 18th (M-Thurs. 8:30-11:30am). Registration information will be available soon.
HES 2023-2024 Yearbook - Order your 2023-2024 Hopewell Elementary Yearbook HERE
Winter is here! - Don’t forget to label your children's coats, hats, and gloves so they can find their way home!
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.
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 at 609-737-4007 hwmainoffice@hvrsd.org
PaySchools Central Food Service - Use the following link for the 2023-2024 school lunches.
Dates to Remember:
Monday, 1/15: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day - Schools/Offices Closed
Wednesday, 1/31: Whole School Meeting (Wear HES gray T-Shirt),
Early Dismissal for Students; Preschool Half Day (PM ONLY)
Cookies & Canvas! - For those who registered, the PTO-sponsored Cookies & Canvas event
is on Fri, Jan 12th in the SB Cafeteria from 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Chubby’s Donation Project - In honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, we are engaging in a community service project where we will be collecting new hats, gloves, mittens and scarves to donate to The Chubby's Project in Hopewell. As a school, we will talk about Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy of service. Please see the FLYER for more information. We will be collecting donations through January 26th.
Science Fair Update - In collaboration with the Stony Brook PTO, we will be moving the Science Fair to March 16th. This is an important event for our students, and we cannot run the Science Fair without the support of volunteers. There are many different ways to help out... and we need you! If you are interested and available help, or just have questions, please email nicolegianfredi@hvrsd.org.
PTO Dine-Out at Candela’s! - Come out and support the SB PTO by dining out at Candela’s for either lunch or dinner on Wed, Jan 31st!
SB YMCA Winter 2024 Enrichment Programs - Registration closes 1/15! Program opportunities are provided after school to enrich your child. Classes will begin on 1/22. All information can be found on their website.
PEECH Program Application 24-25 - Please complete the attached form for the general education preschool program process for new and returning students. Application is not a guarantee for admission. The application is due Friday, February 23, 2024. You will hear about acceptance by March 15, 2024.
Kindergarten Registration for the 2024-25 year will begin on Feb 5th. Kindergarten Camp will be held at all 4 Elementary Schools, from July 8th - 11th and July 15th - 18th (M-Thurs. 8:30-11:30am). Registration information will be available soon.
The Principal’s Newsletter - The Principal’s Page is on the SB Website. It has links to The Scoop and other important and useful information for families.
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.
Changes In Students’ Dismissal - If you have a dismissal change, please email the main office in advance at sbmainoffice@hvrsd.org, as teachers do not always have an opportunity to check their email. Any last-minute needs at 3 pm or later should be called into 609-737-4006.
Winter Is Here! - Don’t forget to label your children's coats, hats and gloves so they can find their way home! Unclaimed items will be donated at the end of January.
PaySchools Central Food Service - Here are links for 2023-2024 school lunch information.
SB Membership Toolkit - All volunteer opportunities, class lists, and Spirit Wear can be found on MembershipToolkit. Click here to register. Contact StonyBrookPTO@gmail.com with any questions.
*Dates To Remember*
1/12 - Cookies & Canvas Event now 6pm start
1/15 - YMCA Enrichment Registration Deadline
1/15 - Martin Luther King Jr. Day/School Closed
1/31 - Early Dismissal at 12:45pm/Candela's Dine-Out
TG YMCA Winter 2024 Enrichment Programs - Unique program opportunities are provided after school to enrich your child. Registration closes 1/15. Classes will start on 1/22/24; all information can be found on their website.
"NEW DATE" Toll Gate's Day of Service is on Friday, Jan 19th. For this school year’s Day of Service, Toll Gate will be donating to The Jared Box Project (The Jared Box Project) as we did last year. In addition to the items listed on the signup genius Day of Service 2024 - Donations, we will also need items to fill the boxes that will be given to local hospital patients at Capital Health Hospital in the Pediatric ER and the Pediatric floor. We also have a need for volunteers. Please use this link to help in your child’s classroom during Day of Service. Day of Service 2024 - Volunteers Our goal is 100% participation in this school-wide service learning event. Please do what you can to donate at the above link. In the Day of Service email that went out earlier this week, please find the requested donations to fill these special boxes, broken down by TG grade level assignments. Please send in the donated items to school with your student(s) from now until January 5th. Please only send in new items and items that will fit in a 6 quart storage box similar to this box: https://www.walmart.com/ip/Sterilite-6-Quart-Storage-Box-White/15442432 Thank you for your help with this very special project. Please email questions to tgdayofservice@gmail.com
Winter Concert- Our concert is Wednesday, January 17, 2024 at 7:00pm in the Hopewell Valley Performing Arts Center at the High School. The concert features the 4th grade choir, 4th grade orchestra, 5th grade choir, 5th grade orchestra, band and vocal ensemble. All 4th and 5th grade students are a member of one or more of the ensembles and therefore expected to attend. Band & Orchestra members should arrive at 6:30 PM and members of the choir can arrive by 6:45 PM. There will be an in-school rehearsal at the High School the morning of January 17. More information to come)
Students should “dress to impress” in concert attire for the performance:
● Black (dark) dress pants or skirt (below the knee when seated) cello players wear pants
● Dark dress socks or stockings
● Dark dress shoes
● White shirt (preferably with a collar)
PEECH Program Application 24-25 - Please complete the attached form for the general education preschool program process for new and returning students. Application is not a guarantee for admission. The application is due Friday, February 23, 2024. You will hear about acceptance by March 15, 2024.
Kindergarten Registration for the 2024-25 year will begin on Feb 5th. Kindergarten Camp will be held at all 4 Elementary Schools, from July 8th - 11th and July 15th - 18th (M-Thurs. 8:30-11:30am). Registration information will be available soon.
Our Lost and Found table is growing! Please take a minute to look through our current Lost and Found folder to see if you recognize anything that may belong to your child. If you want to claim something, please let your child know they can pick it up from the Lost and Found table right outside of the cafeteria.
Follow us on Instagram! https://www.instagram.com/tollgategrammar_hv/
Dates to Remember:
Monday, 1/15/24: Martin Luther King Jr. Day - Schools/Offices Closed
Wednesday, 1/17/24: Toll Gate Winter Concert at the PAC at CHS - 7:00 PM
Friday, 1/19/24: Toll Gate’s Day of Service (New Date!)
Community Events
Hopewell Valley Children's Theatre presents "Annie", Jan 26-28th at the Performing Arts Center at Central High School. Tickets go on sale on January 13. For showtimes, tickets and more
information please go to www.ShowTix4U.com.
All Star Cheer Camp, Jan 15 8am-4pm Quaker Bridge Mall, Registration open for athletes ages 5-12. Learn the basics of cheerleading in a fun and interactive session. Includes snack, lunch and movie time! Click here for a link and here for the invitation for The OG All-Star Cheer Grand Opening on Jan 19th.
The Watershed Institute
In Search of Owls, Jan. 17, 7:00pm-7:45pm/Jan 20, 7:00pm-8:00pm
This two-part exploration of owls begins with a Zoom presentation that will introduce you to owls, their calls, and adaptations. On the following Saturday night, we will hike at the Watershed Reserve enjoying the quiet of a winter night while listening and looking for these nocturnal raptors. Ages 8 and up. Registration required.
- Zoom Presentation- Wednesday, January 17 from 7PM-7:45PM
- Hike - Saturday, January 20 from 7PM-8PM
Grounds for Sculpture "Night Forms"
An after-hours, multi-sensory light and sound experience that uses projection mapping to engage with the Ground For Sculpture art and horticulture collections.
Tipple & Rose, Nassau Street, Princeton: Kids Story Time with Jeff! Every Saturday at 10am
Terhune Orchards, Read & Explore, Gingerbread Man, Jan 16th & 20th, 10:00-11:00am
Enjoy fun on the farm in winter! Read & Explore is a fun and educational program that combines hands-on activities with listening to a story. This hands-on educational program is a great cure for cabin fever and a way to stay connected to the farm during the winter months. We will read “The Gingerbread Man” and then each child will decorate a big gingerbread man cookie to take home. Kids will be amazed at how many gingerbread man ingredients come from farms. Pre-registration is required. Each program costs $12 per participating child and includes the materials for the activity.
The Laurie Berkner Band Greatest Hits Concert at McCarter Theatre, Sat. Jan 20th at 11am & 3pm: The “kindie rock” pioneer brings her band to perform family-friendly songs brimming with child-like wonder that parents won’t mind hearing on repeat.
The Mercer County Ice Skating Rink is Open!
Palmer Square: Skating on the Square, Hulfish Street Behind the Nassau Inn.
OPEN SKATE – Saturday, November 18th 2023 – Sunday, February 25th 2024
- Every Thursday – Friday, 4pm – 7pm/Every Saturday – Sunday, 12pm – 3pm & 4pm – 7pm
- $10 cash PER PERSON/ $12 +fees with credit card. Bring your own skates or borrow ours! (skate rental included in ticket price)
Art Sparks: Our Winter 2024 class session will begin January 20, and registration is now open. We hope you can join us for another season of art-making!
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.
HOPEWELL VALLEY LACROSSE: Lacrosse season is just around the corner and Hopewell Valley Lacrosse is excited to announce that SPRING REGISTRATION IS OPEN.
HVL is a developmental recreational lacrosse program for boys and girls grades K-8th grade of all experience levels.
- 3rd-8th grade teams practice twice per week with local weekend games and several tournament events from March through May.
- K-2nd Little Laxer program introduces the FUNdamentals of lacrosse in a 6-week session held on Sundays from Mid-April through May.
- Come join the fun and see what Lax is the Valley is all about! Register on our website here: www.hovallax.com
Here are the links to the local libraries for upcoming storytimes, events and programs: