The Friday Focus
April 5, 2024
Office of The Superintendent
Strategic Planning Meeting: Our last strategic planning meeting is scheduled for April 9th at 6PM in the community room at HV CHS. If you are interested in attending, please complete the form here. This is open to everyone, regardless if you attended the previous strategic planning meetings.
The Watershed Institute offers a training program for teachers who are interested in offering the StreamWatch program to their students. Participating teachers have access to Watershed experts and data as well as funds for acquiring equipment. Consists of two components: an Asynchronous online course of 2-3 hours and and an in-person on August 20th at the Watershed.
Kindergarten Registration for the 2024-25 year is open. Kindergarten Camp will be held at all 4 Elementary Schools from July 8th -11th & July 15th -18th (M-Thurs. 8:30-11:30 am). This Registration Letter contains additional information. Students must be registered for Kindergarten in order to sign up for the camp.
IMPORTANT FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR PARENTS/GUARDIANS:
- Click here for updated information on new free & reduced lunch programs. This new Summer EBT program helps qualifying families with school and summer meal programs. Please read the details on the link and submit application before April 19, 2024.
- Planning on attending college in Academic Year 2024-25? Complete the 2024-25 FAFSA today! From the Higher Education Student Assistance Authority to help navigate the process of applying for federal and New Jersey state aid.
- Department of Education: Federal Student Aid: In English and Spanish. Learn about the federal student aid programs as well as other sources of financial aid to help you pay for college or career school.
- From Harvard University's Usable Knowledge: Tips for Navigating Financial Aid: The first in a series on how students and families can find their way through the government’s FAFASA overhaul.
Community Service and Volunteer Opportunities The HVCHS PTO partners with other school PTOs in our district and organizations in our community to share opportunities for CHS students to make a meaningful impact by sharing their time and talents. Click on link to learn more.
AIANJ Architecture Week 2024 - Central New Jersey
Do you have a high school, or college student interested in architecture or interior design? Are you a high school teacher looking for opportunities for your students to learn about design? The American Institute of Architects Central New Jersey is offering local firm Open Houses on Tues. April 15th. Please click this link for more information.
Spring Athletics: There are over 300 student-athletes participating in our spring athletic season. Please come out to support our student-athletes as they compete in tennis, softball, lacrosse, baseball, volleyball, golf, and track. The spring athletic schedule can be found here. All spectators should provide a positive and supportive presence for our student-athletes.
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.
The HVCHS PTO Dog Byte: with details and links to upcoming programs, events and class fundraisers.
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 on our fundraising calendar. Also, check out our HV Student Publications Network page for student-created podcasts, digital videos, and more! If you are a graduate of HVCHS, and you would like to join our Alumni Directory, please complete our Database Form and indicate what type of information you would like to receive from HVCHS.
The Class of 2026 Designer Handbag Bingo on Friday, April 26th: This event has become a tradition at CHS for each class as they raise funds for events such as Post Prom and other senior celebrations. The evening also includes a silent auction, tricky tray, and 50/50. Learn more and then purchase your tickets to join the fun!
SAVE THE DATES:
April 8: Eclipse Day Special Schedule
St. Baldrick's Follow Up and Announcement
We want to thank EVERYONE who supported TeamTimberlane2024 and our efforts with the St. Baldrick's Foundation Fundraiser this year. We had 45 shavees and raised $29,629! It was an incredible event and our entire school rallied around our cause to help fight childhood cancer. It was a learning experience for everyone and a day full of fun, excitement and difference making!
We will be at it again next year, so mark your calendar for Wed, March 18, 2025. We are also planning on a hair donation component, for those who would like to grow your hair and donate, we'll have an event for that as also. We'll also accept all comers (TMS students, CHS students, relatives, etc.) to brave the shave for our St. Baldrick's team!
Here is Principal Turnbull's Principal's Page with the link to the Timberlane Topics Newsletter!
Spring Sports - daily schedules can be found here.
Builders of Kindness Club - Coat drive: Drop off gently used coats, new scarves, hats or gloves to the lobby of TMS to be donated to those in need.
Yearbooks are on sale: Click HERE to order your student's yearbook now.
TMS Science Fair 2024, April 26, 6:00 pm with Awards and Winners announced the same evening. Students will develop and conduct an experiment. They will prepare a visual presentation of their process and findings that will be evaluated by our judges the day of the event. Registration deadline is April 6.See the TMS website for details and click here to register. Each participant will receive a Science Fair T-shirt. Prizes are Amazon Gift cards for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners! Project drop off and set up starts at 5:30pm
Early Dismissals: Please advise your child of early dismissals prior to coming to school and send them to school with a note. Students need to present the note to the main office right off the bus for a pass to leave class. If the need occurs after the start of school, please call the Main Office, not TeleSafe. Please be aware Timberlane Drive is closed between 2:30 3:00 for TMS & CHS dismissal.
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*
4/8: School Resumes after Spring Break
4/9: PTO Meeting - 9:30am via Zoom
4/29: Teacher Appreciation Week Begins
5/6 - 5/10: NJSLA Testing
Congratulations to our 2024 Bear Tavern Yearbook Cover Winners:
Chase Stratuik and Lucy Glennon.
BT Principal's Page - Provides links to information and activities
BT PTO Bear Flash - Everything you need to know for the month & beyond!
BT Yearbook - The 2023-2024 BT Yearbook is on sale now. It features portraits of Pre-K through 5th grade students, school events, and candid photos of student life. Click here to order ($25 orders due by 4/30).
BT Girls On The Run Spring Session - Attention girls grades 3-5, come run with us!
Caring volunteer coaches lead fun lessons and games, group discussions and physical activities!
April 8th - June 2nd, Mon & Thurs 3:45-5pm. Click here for more information.
Hopewell Valley After School Enrichment Program: The Spring Enrichment program will begin the week of April 15th and registration is now open! The Spring Session runs for 7 weeks and has lots of fun and exciting programs including Lego, Mad Science, Dance, Tennis and so much more! Do not delay as registration will end on April 8th! Please go to BT Spring Enrichment to register.
BT Innovation EXPO - Wed, April 17th, 6-8pm: Join us as we celebrate student work and have several engaging interactive and hands-on displays, which highlight exciting topics in all different areas of Science and Engineering. Click here for more information.
Spring Picture Day - Bring your best smile! Picture Day will be Wed, April 17th. Stay tuned for more information.
5th-Grade Yearbook Ad - Make the 2023- 2034 yearbook even more special for your 5th grader. A congratulatory ad is a loving tribute to your child personalized with your sentimental message and a cherished photo. Create a memory that will last a lifetime. Click here for more information. All ad submissions and payments must be received by Friday, April 26th.
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*
4/8 - Solar Eclipse, Spring Enrichment Registration Closes
4/16 - Bus Evacuation Drill
4/17 - BT Innovation Expo! / Lifetouch Spring Picture Day
4/19 - 5th Grade Liberty Science Center Field Trip
4/22 - Wear Blue or Green for Earth Day
4/25 - 2nd Grade Musical 7:00 pm @ BT
The Principal’s March 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.
HES 2023-2024 Yearbook - Order your 2023-2024 Hopewell Elementary Yearbook HERE. Yearbook sales will close April 24th.
HES Color Run - To support our efforts, The Nature Harmony Project Committee, in partnership with the Green Team, will be hosting a Color Run on Saturday, April 27th at 11am. Information link can be found HERE and Sign-up HERE. Registration closes Tuesday, April 9th.
HVYMCA After School Enrichment Registration -Spring Session Registration is open from 3/15-4/8. The Spring Session runs for 7 weeks and has lots of fun and exciting programs including Lego, Mad Science, Dance, Tennis and so much more! Do not delay as registration will end on April 8th! Click HERE to register.
Lost and Found -Please have your students stop by to look for their misplaced items.
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- 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:
4/8 - HES Total Solar Eclipse - glasses will be provided (2:09PM)
4/10 - Student Council Meeting Officers (8:05AM)
4/11- Green Team Meeting (8:00AM)
4/17 - Iditarod Race 3rd Grade (2:15PM)
4/19 - 4th Grade Field Trip - Museum of American Revolution
Here is the most recent Stony Brook Scoop Newsletter.
The Principal’s Page is on the SB Website.
The ReadaFun Reading Challenge Is On! Our ReadaFun Challenge kicked off on Monday 3/4. Click here for account instructions. Click here for ReadaFun challenge details.
Hopewell Valley After School Enrichment Program: The Spring Enrichment program will begin the week of April 15th and registration is now open! The Session runs for 7 weeks and has lots of fun and exciting programs including Lego, Mad Science, Dance, Tennis and so much more! Do not delay as registration will end on April 8th! Please click here: SB Enrichment to register.
Solar Eclipse - There will be a solar eclipse on April 8 beginning at 2:09 pm through 4:35 pm, with maximum coverage at 3:24 pm. The district is providing glasses for students! This website has a small video which shows what it will look like in the Trenton area. We will educate students so they understand how to safely view the eclipse. Additional information will be shared soon!
“One Fine Day” Celebration on May 1st - Our annual “One Fine Day” celebration is coming up and we are looking for groups of students to perform short dances (no more than 3 min) that represent the many cultures and traditions at Stony Brook! Here are the guidelines:
Organized/prepared outside of school by parents/guardians
Performed by small groups. Organizers are encouraged to include their student’s classmates. There are limited spots available for solo dances (grades 3-5)
Please contact Mr. Emhof (williamemhof@hvrsd.org) by Fri, April 5 to organize a dance.
SB 23/24 Yearbook! - Order your 23/24 Stony Brook yearbook with school code: 14277924
Absences & Late Arrivals - Parents/Guardians should call our TelSafe line at 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 e-mail the main office in advance at sbmainoffice@hvrsd.org. Last-minute changes should be called in to 737-4006.
Attendance Procedures - Please refer to our Attendance Procedures for details regarding school absences, late arrivals and early dismissals.
School Lunch information can be found on these links.
Membership Toolkit - Volunteer opportunities, class lists & apparel can be found here. Click here to register. Contact StonyBrookPTO@gmail.com with any questions.
*Dates To Remember*
4/8: Solar Eclipse / Spring Enrichment Registration Closes
4/14: 5th-Grade Car Wash, 2-4pm, SB South Lot
4/22: Green Week
4/23-4/24: CogAt Testing, Grades 2 & 3
4/25: Take Your Child to Work Day
5/1: One Fine Day
Monthly Principal Newsletter - Please click here to view Mrs. Lauri’s March newsletter.
Hopewell Valley After School Enrichment Program: The Spring Enrichment program will begin the week of April 15th and registration is now open! The Spring Session runs for 7 weeks and has lots of fun and exciting programs including Lego, Mad Science, Dance, Tennis and so much more! Do not delay as registration will end on April 8th! Please click HERE to to register!
Digital Wellness Initiative at Toll Gate: Spring Parent Series “Tech Talk” - This four-part series educates parents on technology use as it pertains to your child. Save the dates for the remaining sessions 3 & 4:
Session 3- Wednesday, April 17, 2024
High School Student Panel- Popular Apps and Peer Pressure
Session 4- Tuesday, May 7, 2024
Habits & Rules to set for your young children and their devices & device management
PTO Spring Social - Save the date for a night of kid-free fun on Saturday, April 13th at 6:00 PM at 1 North Main Street in Pennington. There will be live music, a silent auction, and catering by Emily’s Cafe. Stay tuned for ticket sale information coming soon.
Save the Date! - Field Day will be held on Friday, May 24th.
Dates to Remember:
Monday, 4/8: Solar Eclipse / Deadline for Spring Enrichment
Wednesday, 4/10: Walk, Bike or Roll to School Day
Saturday, April 13: PTO Spring Social
Community Events
Hopewell Township Clean Sweep Litter Clean-Up Day, Sat. April 13th, 9-1
Help your community and earn money for your organization. Hopewell Twp Public Works Building. Registration no required. Protective gear provided.
The Watershed 18th Annual Stream Cleanup in Pennington, Sat April 13th 9-11am
Join us and volunteer to help remove trash from areas around local streams at our 18th Annual Stream Cleanup. Over the past decade, 8,700 volunteers have removed more than 152,000 pounds of trash from our communities. Our cleanup events are a great way to get outside, work together to keep our waterways clean, and improve wildlife habitat. This year we will be offering cleanup volunteers a complimentary tree sapling to say thank you for helping keep our waterways clean!
"Hopewell Hikers"
Hopewell Recreation is hosting two 2 free hikes this spring, open to adults and families of all ages.
April Hike: Sat. April 13th at 10am, Crystal Lake Park in Bordentown
May Hike: Sunday May 19th at 10am, Sourland Mountain Preserve in Hillsborough Township
More information can be found HERE
The Cotsen Children’s Library’s annual 350 for 50 contest! We challenge you to write a short, 350-word tale that includes the sentence, “Every movement was in slow motion.” Winning stories will be illustrated and published on Pop Goes the Page, our creative blog. Additionally, winning authors will enjoy an online $50 literary shopping spree! Open to ages 9-16. Contest submissions are due by 3:00 pm ET on Friday, April 12, 2024.
Please click here: 350 for 50 Contest Submission Requirements for more information!
- One submission per author, please. E-mail to: cotsenevents@princeton.edu
- Winners will be notified via e-mail on April 26, 2024 and posted on this page.
The Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP0 invites GIS enthusiasts to enter the 36th annual NJDP GIS Mapping Contest. Present your work at the NJDEP office in Trenton on May 1st at 10am. Choose from nine categories and register your map by April 21st. Details here: NJDEPGIS.
Girls in Gear: Offers Learn to Ride, Bike Rides and Bike Maintenance with locations at Hopewell Elementary and Toll Gate.
Hopewell Recreation will once again be partnering with US Sports Institute to bring you Children's Tennis, Track & Field, and Multi-Sport classes for ages two and a half to fourteen years old. Classes begin in April and run to June. Tennis classes are held at Independence Park, and Track & Field as well as Multi-Sports classes are held at Woolsey Park. Flyers with details are attached to this email.
Space is still available in many classes. Some tennis classes are filled and we are taking names for a waitlist. To check availability and to register for class, contact us either by email at recreation@hopewelltwp.org or call us at 609-737-3753.
OG All-Stars Competitive Cheerleading Brochure : Provides a positive, inclusive and affordable cheer experience.
Spring Hoops: Games Start April 8th. Weeknights at TMS and open to anyone who wants to play basketball. Boys and Girls Grades 3rd to 12th For more info on Spring Hoops and to register go to www.hopewellbasketball.com
Hopewell Valley YMCA: Instructional Basketball Grades 3-5
Players will strengthen their skills and understanding of the game through the Jr. NBA curriculum.
Mondays at Stony Brook Gym, 6:00-7:00pm
Hopewell Valley Lacrosse: Registration is Open for Spring 2024!
Open to boys and girls ages K-8th grade, HVL’s Spring 2024 Program provides developmental lacrosse instruction for boys and girls of all skill levels.
Soccer Shots, Central Jersey: Offers three different programs to meet the developmental needs of children aged 2-8. We aim to build character skills and confidence while having a whole lot of fun!
Here are the links to the local libraries for upcoming storytimes, events and programs:
Summer Programs
Bulldogs Flag Football Program Summer Camp: July 22nd-25th, 9am-12pm, Grades 1st-8th
A 4day Camp focusing on position specific skills/techniques as well as daily flag football competitions. Click on the above link for further information and registration.
Hopewell Recreation Summer Camps: click on link for registration and information for a variety of camp programs.
Hopewell Valley YMCA Summer Camp: June 24-August 23: offers summer day camp programming to meet the needs of the community. Your camper will learn teamwork, embrace their artistic side, develop their sports skill sets and further engage in their love of STEM activities and much more.
Hopewell Valley Children's Theater. Registration is now open to new families for our summer camp 2024. We are excited to announce that our shows will be Alice in Wonderland, Jr. for the morning campers (grades K-5) and The Wizard of Oz, for the afternoon campers (grades 6 and on). Please go to our website at www.hvct.info for more information and to register for camp.
Watershed Academy for High School Students, Summer 2024 : Offers immersive environmental investigations on the 950-acre property. Each five-day session engages students in a world of science where they ask questions and identify problems, gain skills and knowledge, explore root causes of environmental injustice, propose solutions, learn about career opportunities and how to advocate for change. Please click on the link for additional information and dates.
Hopewell Tennis & Swim : Firefly Camp and Tennis Camps
Schafer Sports Center Summer Camp Registration : We offer campers a variety of activities including gymnastics, sports and playground games, both full and half day programs. We are also offering camp inclusion for children with special needs: Inclusion Sports Performance Training.
Rylor Lacrosse Summer Camp: 6/24-6/28. The mission is to provide a fun, safe and positive learning environment in which lacrosse players can improve their lacrosse skills and understanding of the game.
ESF’s premier collection of camps for 2024: multiple award-winning camps full of enrichment opportunities and action-packed fun activities for children in rising grades Preschool-10th. Camp runs June 24 – August 23, 2024. Extended Day is available. Hopewell Valley Regional School District families who enroll on or before April 30th, will receive an exclusive discount of $100 off total tuition by using COUPON CODE ESF2024 at checkout.. Also, check out ESF’s website and RSVP to ESF’s On-Site Open Houses at Chapin School Princeton on Sat. April 6th and Sat. April 27th.
Arts Council of Princeton: Offers Spring Break and Summer camps and classes.
Girls Who Code Free Virtual Summer Programs Overview: Our free virtual summer programs are open to 9-12th graders. Students can choose to learn new coding skills in game design, web design, cybersecurity, or data science and artificial intelligence!
Art Sparks Hopewell - Summer 2024 Camp: provides theme-based creative experiences during which children get to explore a variety of media such as acrylics, collage, watercolors, pastels, charcoal, printmaking, sculpture, assemblage, colored pencils, clay and more.
Hopewell Valley Soccer Association: Bulldog Soccer Camp: Grades 1-8, August 12th-15th
Timberlane Athletic Fields, led by HVCHS Coaches and Players.
Summers at Pennington: offers a wide range of programs that allow campers to explore and dive into subject matter they are interested in.
Princeton Day School Summer Programs: Summer Programs offers seven weeks of academic, athletic and enrichment programming on the school’s 106-acre campus. Camp facilities utilize our entire campus including our STEAM Centers and classrooms, state of the art athletic facilities, our organic garden and one of a kind ropes course. Campers from all local schools are welcome to attend
Princeton University’s Campus Recreation Summer Day Camp: Grades 1-8. The camper's day will be filled with a variety of sports, games, arts and crafts, and camp activities which will keep your camper active and engaged throughout the week. Each camp also provides weekly programs or trips for their specific grade level. All campers are given camp gear.
Princeton University Sports Camps: All camps and clinics are held on campus. Each camp is directed by the Princeton University varsity coaches, with assistance from college coaches and players from around the country.
McCarter Summer: for young stars aged 7-15! Our Summer Camps are taught by highly experienced creative arts professionals, including actors, theatre directors, choreographers, musical directors, designers, and visual artists.
Stuart Country Day School Summer Camp: Offering 22 new programs for a total of 60 sessions over 11 weeks, including exciting new offerings for high school students.
There is a camp offered every week of the summer at the preschool, lower, and middle school levels, giving families an opportunity for their daughters or sons to spend their entire summer at Stuart.
Maple Shade Farm, Hopewell: Riding lessons, equine-facilitated learning sessions and a summer nature/sports camp.
Apple Hart Farm: Farm Camp provides a rich, outdoor experience in which budding nature lovers connect with the natural world in a safe, nurturing environment.
Eggert Aquatics: Offering customized swim programming for all ages, needs and abilities.
Fal-Rooney Summer Camp: The uniqueness of our summer camps is that they’re like an all day gym class where teams compete against each other for the coveted cup at the end of the week. Our camps are geared towards those in first to ninth grade.