The Friday Focus
December 8, 2023
From the Office of the Superintendent
Over the last several months, Youth Mental Health First Aid training has been offered to parents, community members and school district staff. The response has been extremely positive. One final training session will be offered this school year on February 6, 2024.
This training program is intended for any adult who interacts with youth. It teaches how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges among children and adolescents ages 12-18.
If you are interested in attending this one-day training, please complete this form by Dec 20th.
Space is limited and will be on a first come, first served basis.
We are pleased to offer this training thanks to a grant from the College of New Jersey and the Hopewell Valley Municipal Alliance. Any questions, please contact Heidi Kahme, Hopewell Valley Municipal Alliance, hvmunicipalalliance@gmail.com.Mercer County Stables, "Programs and Services Resource Fair" Tues, Dec 12th 6:00-8:00pm, Mercer County Stables, 431B Federal City Road, Pennington
Free Event for Individuals with Disabilities and Family Members. This program will include presentations, as well as information, resources and Q&A.
Please see "Community Events" for additional upcoming programs!
Governor’s Educator of the Year:
Congratulations to Ms. Michelle Brennan, the HVCHS Governor’s Educator of the Year! Mrs. Brennan is a talented special education teacher who has been a member of the HVCHS staff since 2015. During that time, she has worked extensively with our Academic Essentials program, which is designed specifically to assist students with academic, communication, and social challenges to reach their highest possible level of achievement and independence. Mrs. Brennan’s connection with the Academic Essentials students extends far beyond that of a typical educator; as one of her colleagues stated, “she is their mentor, advisor, guide, caretaker, friend, therapist, coach, and boss, but most importantly, she is their teacher.” Mrs. Brennan’s commitment to the Academic Essentials program is evident both in and out of the classroom. Not only does she develop innovative and creative lessons in every subject, but she also co-advises the Unified Club, organizes class outings to various school events, and serves as a staff representative to the STRIVE PTO. Please join me in congratulating Mrs. Brennan on this honor!
Winter Performances: We are excited to present our winter performance series:
- HVCHS Choir Concert on Dec 7th at 7 p.m.
- HVCHS Orchestra Concert on Dec 11th at 7 p.m.
- HVCHS Band Concert on Dec18th at 7 p.m.,
- Winter Dance Festival on Dec 19th at 6:30 p.m.
- Please consider attending these events and supporting our student performers!
Chamber Singers Madrigal Dinner, Fri, Dec. 15th: HEAR YE! A Madrigal Dinner shall commence in due course! Purchase tickets by Dec 12th at tinyurl.com/madrigal23. The Chamber Singers will entertain you while you dine on salad, a main course, and dessert, all while sipping a traditional wassail. The performers are your wait staff and entertainment during this hilarious evening of song and show! This event is general admission seating and is open to the public with a limit of 150 tickets sold. Tickets must be purchased by Dec 12th on this site or by sending cash/check (made out to MTPA) in with a choir member. FESTIVE DRESS ENCOURAGED!
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.
Salute to Service Ice Hockey Game, Sat. Jan. 13th at 6:15pm, Tsai Fieldhouse, Lawrenceville School. Please save the date for the ice hockey team's annual Salute to Service game during which the team will be honoring local veterans.
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.
Student-Parent-Teacher Conferences: Thank you to all of the students, parents, and guardians who attended conferences at HVCHS last week. We truly appreciate your willingness to collaborate with us! If you attended conferences, please complete our feedback survey, which will help us to improve our practices in the future.
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!
Governor’s Educator of the Year: Congratulations to Ms. Katie Schooley as the 2023 Timberlane Middle School Educator of the Year. Ms. Schooley is an educational Swiss Army Knife, working with our most involved students as well as providing support in our most challenging academic classes. Ms. Schooley spends the majority of her time working in our PAL (Practical Academic Learning) Class, but has worked in general education inclusion classes at the middle school level, in “Special Classes” at the elementary level, and has been instrumental in assisting the entire district with assistive technology needs. She can truly do it all. She is even a certified Behavioral Therapist. What makes Ms. Schooley special is not just what she does, and has done, but the way that she does it. She has an immediate and lasting impact on everyone she works with, including me. The minute you meet Ms. Schooley, you know that she is a problem solver, and a team player, and she has a creativity and drive that always makes things better. She is involved in so many facets of the school that it is astounding. She started the CARES club after school, she sits on the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion committee, and she helped to start the “Coffee Cabana” and “snack delivery” programs at Timberlane. She also helps her PAL students to change the schedule displays around the entire school every day, so that everyone knows what letter day it is. In addition to everything listed above, she is a co-creator of the POOF club. It stands for Power of One Friend. What Ms. Schooley has accomplished is one of the most beautiful things that I have seen in all of my years as an educator. She has made it cool to be thoughtful, inclusive, and kind, and has created a culture where eighth graders from all different backgrounds and ability levels love to spend time, play games with, and help our PAL students. When nominating Ms. Schooley for this award, one parent said, “The growth witnessed academically and socially along with all of the skills developed from 6th grade to today is remarkable. Ms. Schooley's understanding of our son, encouragement, thoughtful expectations and commitment to positivity make every day in her classroom truly extraordinary. Now in 8th grade, he navigates TMS school with independence, attends other classes, and participates on sports teams due to her encouragement and “you can do it” attitude. He LOVES his school and goes to school every day with excitement! Middle school years are difficult but through his experiences in Ms. Schooley’s class he just feels welcomed and part of the whole TMS community and it reflects in his happiness. Her co-worker and partner said that… “Ms. Schooley makes me want to be a better teacher and makes me believe that there is no child we can’t teach. She goes above and beyond… always.”Ms. Schooley is a bright light that illuminates our entire building!
Our Book Fair is coming soon! This is a great way to find literature that kids will love on all levels and in all genres. Students will visit the book fair with their LA classes - check with their teachers for the date. We still need volunteers: Sign-up genius link.
The Book fair will remain open on 12/12 from 3:30 - 6 pm. Join us for some shopping, snacks, and student performances.
Check the The Timberlane ``Principal's Page" for weekly information!
Yearbooks are on sale! The early bird price is $35. Click HERE to order your student's yearbook!
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*
12/7 - 12/14 - Book Fair!
12/12 - PTO Meeting! 9:30 am. CLICK HERE for Zoom Link
12/22 - Early dismissal (12:00 pm)
12/25 - 1/1 - Winter Break (Return 1/2)
Governor’s Educator of the Year Award - We are thrilled to announce Mandi Perez as Bear Tavern Elementary School’s Educator of the Year and Ron Buchanan as the Support Staff Professional of the Year!
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
BT Annual Appeal - The BTPTO has reached 80% of the Annual Appeal, and with your help, we can close that gap. Your child(ren) now has the opportunity to participate in a special activity with our principal, Mr. Billy. Click here for information. Contributions to the annual appeal can be made here. All donations are greatly appreciated.
December Musical Share Days - All students in Ms. Ingram's music classes, grades K -5, are encouraged to perform for their classmates. This could be in the form of a dance, singing a song, or performing a work on an instrument. Please complete the December Musical Share Days form if your child wants to participate.
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*
12/8 - End Of First Trimester
12/8 - Preschool Team Collaboration Day - No PEECH
12/11 - CHS Choir Visits Grades 3, 4 & 5
12/15 - Report Cards Available on the Parent Portal
12/22 - Pajama Day, Early Dismissal 12:45 pm
12/25 - 1/1 - No School
The Principal’s Newsletter - Hopewell’s Happenings is a monthly update on the HES Website
Governor’s Educator and Support Professional of the Year - We are excited to recognize Ms. Wendy Heiser as our Governor’s Educator of the Year! Ms. Heiser has been a 1st-grade teacher in the district since 2012. Over the years, she has garnered respect from staff, students, and parents. Ms. Heiser is recognized at HES for her creativity and innovation in the classroom. She consistently goes above and beyond, to ensure her students succeed, taking a personal interest in each child and tailoring her teaching to meet the diverse classroom needs. This dedication not only leads to academic success but has also nurtured confident and responsible students. While Ms. Heiser is a respected teacher, she is also a mentor within the school community, guiding new staff members and student teachers. She actively participates in community service projects and encourages her students to become responsible and caring citizens within their community. As one of her colleagues said, “It’s clear that she goes above and beyond to create a nurturing and empowering learning environment for her students, making her an asset to the school community."
In addition, we are excited to announce Ms. Bonnie Brown, HES paraprofessional, as our HVRSD Support Professional of the Year! Ms. Brown has been a vital part of Hopewell Elementary School since 1999. She has worked as a paraprofessional in our PEECH program for 12 years. Bonnie is much more than just an assistant in their class; she handles many roles. She has decades of experience working with young children especially those with learning differences or special needs. As her colleague stated, “Ms. Brown is patient and kind and has always known when to step in to solve a problem. She provides our children with comfort and a calm space to feel safe and loved. She exemplifies professionalism, dedication, and hard work”. She is truly deserving of this recognition.
Please join us in congratulating Ms. Heiser and Ms. Brown on these well-deserved honors.
Student Council CHOP Fundraiser - Pajama Day Friday, December 15th - Click HERE for more information.
PTO News - The December 8th PTO meeting has been canceled, the next meeting is on January 12th from 8:45-9:45 in the HES faculty Lounge. On Thursday, Dec. 7th and Friday, Dec. 8th we will be collecting new or gently used items, that are NOT wrapped, at the FROG from 8-9:30am. The items will be collected for the East Trenton Center Gift Drive.
HES 2023-2024 Yearbook - Order your 2023-2024 Hopewell Elementary Yearbook HERE
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
*Dates To Remember*
Monday, 12/11: - Whole School Meeting (Spirit Wear)
Friday, 12/15: Trimester 1 Report Cards Available on the Parent Portal
Friday, 12/15: Pajama Day - CHOP fundraiser
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
Governor’s Educator and Support Staff Professional of the Year:
A big congratulations to Ms. Regina Brunetti as our 2023-2024 Governor’s Educator of the Year award winner! Ms. Regina Brunetti has been dedicated to the Stony Brook Community since September of 2002. She started as a Spectrum Teacher and became a part of the first-grade team the following year. A graduate of Trenton State College with a Master's from Lesley University, Ms. Brunetti has been a pillar of Stony Brook Elementary since the opening of the school. Ms. Brunetti is dedicated to the social and emotional growth of her students, helping our young students to better understand, appreciate, and build a more peaceful world. As one nomination stated, “Ms. Brunetti is an empathetic teacher who cares about the families and children she works with. The rhythms of her classroom are thoughtfully created to build a community among her students, and her support of character growth is seamlessly woven into each element of her work. If every teacher were like Ms. Brunetti, there would actually be no children left behind - they would all be kind and confident learners who believe in their own ability to achieve greatness as part of the community they belong to. She is a treasure you rarely find, and feel lucky to know.”
Another big congratulations to Ms. Courtney Leonard for being selected as our HVRSD Support Staff Professionals of the Year! Ms. Leonard joined the District in 2007, and has been an integral part of our school community ever since. She has taught in a variety of classroom settings, and has left a positive impact on her students wherever she has worked. As one nomination stated, “Her mindfulness and positive self-talk strategies are effective and useful. She has been a resource to just about every teacher in the building. She is passionate about promoting self-awareness, cultural awareness, and academic success with all students she encounters. Our students and staff at Stony Brook are blessed to have her!”
PTO Book Fair Family Shopping Night, Friday, Dec 8th from 5-8pm
PTO Chipotle Fundraiser -on 12/9 from 4-8pm. Click here for details!
All Star School-Wide Slumber Party! - We are planning a day of fun activities on Wed, 12/13! More details coming soon … but get your child's PJs ready!
4th & 5th Grade Winter Concert - The 4th and 5th Grade Winter Concert is Thurs, Dec 14 at 7pm at the Hopewell Valley Central High School Performing Arts Center. The concert will feature performances from the 4th and 5th grade choirs (these include all students in 4th and 5th grade) as well as the orchestras, band, and Festival Ensemble! Please click here for more information including times and concert attire.
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. 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
Lost and Found - Please label your children's coats, hats, and gloves.
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*
12/8 5-8pm - Book Fair Family Shopping Night
12/9 4-8pm - Chipotle Fundraiser
12/13 - All Star School-Wide Slumber Party
12/14 7pm - 4th & 5th Grade Winter Concert
12/22 12:45 - Early Dismissal
12/25 -1/1 - No School
Governor’s Educator of the Year- We are honored to announce Kim Drewes as the Toll Gate educator of the year. Mrs.Drewes has been with the district for twenty years, coming to HVRSD in 2003. Prior to coming to HVRSD she served as a teacher in East Brunswick. Mrs. Drewes has spent a majority of her career at Toll Gate teaching 1st grade, but has been doing a fantastic job in her current position with our 2nd grade students. The love and energy that Mrs. Drewes brings to the classroom every day is felt by each and every one of her students. Two of Mrs. Drewes’ students shared that they love how Mrs. Drewes is always smiling and she gives the best hugs. A parent said it best when they shared, “Whether a child is struggling or excelling in their instruction, Kim knows exactly how to handle the situation and is always in control. She is always patient and considerate and her students reap the benefits of her wisdom and compassion.” Outside of the classroom, Mrs. Drewes runs the Yearbook committee. She is also an active member of the Toll Gate SEL committee, Gator Group planning, serves on faculty council and is a very active participant in the school spirit committee, ensuring that work is an enjoyable experience for all of her colleagues. We are fortunate to have Mrs. Drewes as a member of our Toll Gate community. Join us in congratulating Mrs. Drewes on this great honor.
Winter Concert- Tuesday, January 17, 2023 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)
Lost and Found- 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:
Friday, 12/8: Toll Gate Movie Night! 6:00-8:00 PM in the Toll Gate gym
Friday, 12/15: Trimester 1 Report Cards Available on the Parent Portal
Friday, 12/15: CHS Choir Visits Grades 3, 4 & 5
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
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
Holiday Jam, Palmer Square, Dec 8th 4:30-6:00pm: featuring Princeton's a capella groups, festive refreshments and decor! Please click on link for more information
Gingerbread Architecture, Sat Dec. 9th, Cotsen Children’s Library, Bookscape Gallery in Firestone Library, Princeton University, 10:00am – 2:00pm All ages, No fee, no registration required.
The Cotsen Children’s Library is celebrating the opening of our new exhibit with a creative construction extravaganza! “Once Upon New Times: Reimagining Children’s Classics” brings fresh takes to old tales in Cotsen’s special collections. Come join the fun and build a gingerbread home of your very own! Additionally, you can play in our gingerbread neighborhood, enjoy our gallery of unique gingerbread homes (including LEGO!), and learn about the geography of gingerbread!
Please note that the gingerbread houses are made with art supplies, so this is a 100% candy-free event!
Princeton University: Teddy Bear Toss, Dec 9th Games: Join Princeton University’s Women and Men’s Hockey Teams as they host their Teddy Bear Tosses. Fans are encouraged to bring a stuffed animal to throw on the ice after their first goal. All the toys will be donated to a children’s organization during the holidays. Purchase tickets at https://tickets.princeton.edu/athletics/Online/.
American Repertory Ballet's production of "The Nutcracker", Dec. 9th at Patriots Theater, Trenton Visit arballet.org for more info and additional locations.
Princeton University YouthCampus presents A World of Patterns: 2023 Holiday Science Lecture for families, Sat. Dec. 9th.
Hopewell Art and Community, Sunday, Dec. 10th 10am-3pm, Hopewell Train Station: featuring handcrafted gifts by local artists, live music and holiday photo opportunities.
Washington's Landing in New Jersey, Dec. 10th: Experience the Crossing and the Landing in NJ with encampment stories, food, music and cannons!
Holiday Happenings in Palmer Square, including: Holiday Trolley Tours, Sat & Sun Dec. 9th Festive tours of Princeton and Skating on the Square, Palmer Square: Until Feb. 25 on the outdoor synthetic rink. Thurs & Fri 4-7pm; Sat & Sundays 12-3om and 4-7pm. Now booking private parties!
Hopewell Township Annual Holiday Decorating Contest! Registration is open 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!
Grounds for Sculpture "Night Forms" Until 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.
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.
Here are the links to the local libraries for upcoming storytimes, events and programs: