The Friday Focus
December 22, 2023
From the Office of the Superintendent
Here is a preview of the Winter issue of the "HVRSD Highlights" for the upcoming Hopewell Express. Thank you to those who contributed pictures and information!
Kindergarten Registration for the 2024-24 year will begin in February. 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.
Hopewell Valley After School Enrichment Program: Winter Session Please note that the Winter Enrichment program will begin the week of January 22nd and registration is now open! The Winter Session runs for 7 weeks and has lots of fun and exciting programs! Do not delay as registration will end on January 15th! Please go to https://hvymca.org/child-care/after-school-enrichment/ to register for your respective schools. Please reach out to 609-737-3048 with any questions. Thank you! Lorri Cefalone HV CHS Alumni "Mic Drop" Thurs. Jan 4th: A Reunion of Song, Hopewell Valley Vineyards 5:30-9pm, Enjoy an evening with friends and family celebrating CHS's musical talent from over the years. CHS Alumni - soloists & Ensembles - you are invited to perform! No Cover charge; donations requested to benefit the HV Music Parent Association Mercer County Community College: is offering a Free Community Journalism Lab ("J-Lab") Certificate Program (NCBUS-CS093) to those 18+. The course runs from Jan 25th through Feb. 29th. Thursdays, 6:30pm-8:00pm in the newsroom at MCCC's state of the art Conference Center. Special Olympics of New Jersey: Upcoming events include Floor Hockey league at Stuart Day School. 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 Technical Schools (MTS) Assunpink and Sypek Centers first annual "Warming Hearts to Toes on Valentine's Day". They will be collecting socks from 1/8 - 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. 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 for questions Please see "Community Events" for additional upcoming programs!
On Friday, December 22, we are hosting HVCHS's first-ever Alumni Day program in the cafeteria from 9:15 AM to 10:45 AM for current juniors (periods 5 & 6) and seniors (periods 7 & 8). We encouraged our students to take advantage of this opportunity to reconnect with former classmates and old friends and learn what college is really like! 25 alumni from the Classes of 2022 and 2023 representing 20 different schools and careers are participating in an informal "college fair" style event to share their postgraduate experiences with our current students.
Winter Athletics: There are over 330 student-athletes participating in our winter athletic season! Please come out to support our student-athletes as they compete in wrestling, cheerleading, basketball (boys, girls, AND Unified!), swimming, diving, track, and ice hockey. The winter athletic schedule can be found here.
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*
December 22: CHS Alumni Day
December 22: Deadline for Yearbook Senior Recognition Ads LINK
December 22: Winter Pep Rally, ½ Day Schedule
December 25: Schools & Offices Closed, Christmas
December 26-29: Schools Closed, Winter Break
January 1: Schools & Offices Closed, New Year's Day
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.
Yearbooks are on sale now! The early bird price is $35. Click HERE to order your student's yearbook now!
School Calendar/Attendance: Friday, December 22, is an early dismissal day with Timberlane dismissing at 12:00 noon. The lunchroom will not be serving lunches. Students are encouraged to bring a snack. Please leave a message with Tele Safe at: 737-4004, ext. 2 if your student(s) will not be at school.
Student Beverages: Please note that students have been asked to refrain from bringing beverages other than water to school. This includes coffee, hot chocolate, energy drinks, etc. We've seen an increase in students bringing an assortment of beverages in the morning, and are asking that students finish them before coming to school if they partake.
Yearbooks are on sale now! The early bird price is $35. Click HERE to order your student's yearbook now!
Monthly PTO Meeting Schedule:
02.13.2024 9:30 am
03.12.2024 7:30 pm
04.09.2024 9:30 am
05.14.2024 7:30 pm
06.11.2024 9:30 am
ALL PTO meetings will be held via Zoom, unless otherwise indicated.
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*
12/22: Early dismissal (12:00 pm)
12/25 - 1/1: Winter Break (Return 1/2)
1/9: 7th and 8th Grade Orchestra Concert - 6:30pm
BT 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!
BT Report Cards - Report cards will be available on Oncourse beginning December 15th. This link also provides directions for accessing your child's report card in OnCourse.
BT YMCA Winter 2024 Enrichment Programs - Unique program opportunities are provided after school to enrich your child. Registration opens 12/22; closes 1/15. Classes will start 1/22/24. Click here for the website.
BT 4th and 5th Grade Winter Concert - Wednesday, January 10, 2024, at Hopewell Valley Central High School Performing Art Center. All 4th and 5th-grade students will perform at our annual winter concert, featuring 4th and 5th-grade choruses, orchestras, 5th-grade band, and the TrebleMakers! Click here for more information.
PaySchools Central Food Service - Use the following link for the 2023-2024 school lunches.
BT 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.
BT 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*
12/25 - 1/1 - No School
1/10 - Winter Concert PAC @ CHS
1/15 - Martin Luther King Jr. Day - Schools/Offices Closed
The Principal’s December 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.
Chubby’s Project - A big thank you from our 5th graders for the collection of socks and gloves from the community this month. In January, our Preschoolers will be collecting hats and scarves. If you would like to donate hats and scarves, please send contributions in with your child.
CHOP Fundraiser - Thank you to the HES community for donating to our CHOP pajama day. We raised over $2,000.00!
HES 4th and 5th Grade Winter Concert - Thursday, January 11, 2024, at Hopewell Valley Central High School Performing Art Center. All 4th and 5th-grade students will perform at our annual winter concert, featuring 4th and 5th-grade choruses, orchestras, 5th-grade band and Orff Ensemble. Click HERE for more information
YMCA Winter 2024 Enrichment Programs - Unique program opportunities are provided after school to enrich your child. Registration opens 12/22; closes 1/15. Classes will start 1/22/24, all information can be found on their website.
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:
Friday, 12/22: Early Dismissal at 12:45 PM
Monday, 12/25: Schools/Offices Closed for Christmas Day
Tuesday, 12/26-Friday, 12/29: Schools Closed for Winter Break (Return Jan,2nd)
Thursday, 1/11: Winter Concert PAC @ CHS 7PM
Friday, 1/12: PTO Meeting 8:45
Monday, 1/15: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day - Schools/Offices Closed
CHOP Fundraiser - We will share the final count shortly for our CHOP fundraiser. Thank you to our families for donating!.
The Yearbook Cover Design Contest Is On! Designs should include the theme, “Only One You,” be hand drawn or painted, be on 8 ½ x 11 paper (vertical) , submitted to your teacher or the main office by Jan 8th. Click here for details!
Cookies & Canvas! The PTO will be hosting a Cookies & Canvas event on Fri, Jan 12th in the SB Cafeteria. The cost is $30 per child and includes 1 cookie, 1 hot chocolate & an SB mug. Session 1 is for K-2nd from 6-7:15 pm and session 2 is for 3rd-5th from 7:30-9 pm. Space is limited so register today!
SB YMCA Winter 2024 Enrichment Programs - Unique program opportunities are provided after school to enrich your child. Registration opens 12/22; closes 1/15. Classes will begin on 1/22. All information can be found on their website.
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.
Lost and Found - Please label your children's coats, hats, and gloves.
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*
12/22 YMCA Enrichment Registration Opens
12/22 - 12:45 Early Dismissal
12/25 - 1/1 - No School
1/8-Yearbook Covers Due
1/12 - Cookies & Canvas Event
Principal Lauri’s December Newsletter
Toll Gate's Day of Service is on Friday, Jan 12th. 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, Tuesday, Jan 17th 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 17th.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)
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, 12/25: Schools/Offices Closed for Christmas Day
Tuesday, 12/26-Friday, 12/29: Schools Closed for Winter Break
Monday, 1/1/24: Schools/Offices Closed for New Year’s Day
Friday, 1/12/24: Toll Gate’s Day of Service
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
Community Events
The Watershed Institute Upcoming programs include:
Winter Mini Camp: Dec 27th, 28th, 29th
Bring your campers for a mini-camp experience complete with a day of hiking, exploring, playing, and enjoying nature's winter secrets. Campers should be prepared for a busy day of being outdoors and lots of walking no matter the weather.
Schafer Sports Holiday Camps! Dec. 27th, 28th, 29th:
- Full-day camp ages—5-12 (five-year-olds must be in kindergarten)
- Half-day camp ages 3 to 5- not attending kindergarten
- Hours: 9-3:30, full day, 9-12 half day
New Hope Railroad North Pole Express: Ongoing
Depart from New Hope Station for a memorable train journey through the historical landscapes of Bucks County, leading to the North Pole.
Peddlers Village: Ongoing events include: Gingerbread competition and display, S'mores by the Sleigh, upcoming Fire & Frost Fun.
Holiday Happenings in Palmer Square: Palmer Square’s charming Winter Wonderland is beautifully decorated! Come experience it for yourself and join us for Weekend Holiday Entertainment and Skating on the Square.
Hopewell Township Recreation: Sockey Winter Classes Beginning in January!
Wed. 1/10-2/14 and/or Thurs. 1/11-2/15.
This co-ed sport was created to learn the game of hockey, exercise, and have fun! It is a safe variant of hockey played indoors with "sock" covered sticks. All equipment will be provided.
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.
The Washington Crossing Reenactment, Christmas Day Crossing, Mon., Dec. 25th, Noon to 3 PM (actual crossing at 1 PM), Free
Each December, thousands of people gather on the banks of the Delaware River to watch the reenactment of George Washington’s daring 1776 Christmas night river crossing. During the event, several hundred reenactors in Continental military dress listen to an inspiring speech by General Washington and then row across the river in replica Durham boats. The public has two opportunities to view the reenactment at Washington Crossing Historic Park
- For more Ten Crucial Days related activities, the Trenton Downtown Association hosts several events during its annual Patriots Week festivities, Dec 26th – 31st. In addition, Princeton Battlefield Society will be hosting their annual “Experience the Battle of Princeton Event“, January 8th, 9:30am – 1:00pm
- Drones are not permitted at these events.
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!
HV CHS Alumni "Mic Drop" Thurs. Jan 4th: A Reunion of Song, Hopewell Valley Vineyards 5:30-9pm, Enjoy an evening with friends and family celebrating CHS's musical talent from over the years. CHS Alumni - soloists & Ensembles - you are invited to perform! No Cover charge; donations requested to benefit the HV Music Parent Association.
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.
Here are the links to the local libraries for upcoming storytimes, events and programs: