The Friday Focus
March 15, 2024
From the Office of the Superintendent
Hopewell Valley Education Foundation "Spring Fling Luncheon" Sunday, March 24th 11-3pm, at Cobblestone Creek Country Club with Fashion Show by Poppy Boutique! Proceeds benefit HVEF's mission to enhance educational excellence at all HVRSD schools.
"Toxic Online Culture: Unpacking the Influence of Social Media, Memes, Gaming." Live webinar with Dr. Lisa Damour, psychologist and bestselling author, Tuesday, March 19, 2024 at 8:00pm
Our panelists will help parents understand why online influences have power over kids, and offer strategies to help kids manage the feelings and pressures they face. This webinar, which will be recorded, is designed for parents and caregivers of tweens and teens, but all are welcome. Questions for the panelists can be submitted live or in advance. This free program is part of our Connected Schools programming. Registration is required.
"The Hows and Whys of the Impact of Technology on our Children’s Healthy Development" presented by Laura Berness, PhD, April 10th at 7:00 pm @ the Administration Building on 425 S. Main St. in Pennington. This is an HVRSD & HVMA "Digital Wellness" program.
- How do I know if my child’s development is being affected by technology?
- Why do some kids seem to get more easily addicted to technology than others?
- How is technology affecting our family?
- Why don’t kids understand the responsibilities and consequences that come with technology?
- How can I nurture all of my child’s development in the age of technology?
In the rapidly evolving world of technology, these are just some of the many questions that today’s parents are facing. The purpose of this workshop is to provide parents with facts around the connection between technology and our children’s development. We will explore answers to these questions in the context of childhood development, with consideration of our children’s cognitive, emotional, social, and physical needs. We will put ourselves in our children’s brains to better understand how technology affects them in different ways and how we need to protect our children’s development through informed, thoughtful parenting. There will be time for active discussion to address parents’ questions and concerns. Audience: While all are welcome to attend, the target audience is for parents of children in elementary and middle school. Register here to attend in person. This is an HVRSD & Hopewell Valley Municipal Alliance "Digital Wellness" program.
Kindergarten Registration for the 2024-25 year is open. Kindergarten Camp will be held at all 4 Elementary Schools from July 8th - 11th and 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.
Click here for updated information on new free & reduced lunch programs. This is a new program that helps qualifying families with school and summer meal programs.
Upcoming Dates of Note
3.16 Hopewell Valley 5K "Lucky Bulldog Dash"
3.24 HVEF Spring Fling Luncheon
3.27 Faculty Musicale
5.11 1st Annual Cultural Festival @ Woolsey Park
Please see "Community Events" for additional upcoming programs!
Hopewell Valley 5K "Lucky BullDog Dash", March 16th
The funds raised from this event will be used to fund senior year activities including Post Prom and Senior Sunrise, Senior Sunset and other activities. Wishing good luck to those who participate tomorrow!
HVCHS Updates: Please be sure to review HVCHS Updates, a monthly newsletter for HVCHS students, parents, and guardians. It was sent via email earlier in the week; if you did not receive it, please contact the HVCHS Main Office.
Black & Gold Cup March Madness: The Gold Team is competing against the Black Team in a March Madness style bracket of games throughout the month of March. Who will be the ultimate winner? Check the Focus each week to find out!
Winter Musical Congratulations: Congratulations to the cast and crew of How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying on two weekends of outstanding performances! We are so impressed by the talents of our students!
Academic Reminders: As a reminder, the third marking period will end on March 28. Eligibility for placement in honors and AP classes for the 2024-25 school year will be reviewed at the conclusion of the third marking period, and any placement changes will be communicated by the students’ teachers.
Spring Pep Rally: We are excited to celebrate our performers and athletes at our spring pep rally, which will be held on March 28. On that date, we will be following a special schedule with abbreviated class periods, in order to provide our students with the opportunity to attend all of their classes before spring break, as well as to allow time for the pep rally.
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.
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?
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!
The HVCHS PTO Dog Byte: with details and links to upcoming programs, events and class fundraisers.
*Dates to Remember*
March 16: Hopewell Valley 5K "Lucky Bulldog Dash"!
March 27: Faculty Musicale
Here is Principal Turnbull's Principal's Page
Spring Sports start on March 18th: Baseball, Softball, Lacrosse and Track & Field.
The TMS Music Department will hold an open house for 4th and 5th Graders interesting in band, orchestra, or choir, on March 28 from 5 to 6 pm at Timberlane. Please RSVP using this link
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 PTO Wolf Flash - with news of upcoming events and programs!
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*
Friday, March 15th - March Madness 8th Grade Style/8th Grade Night Out
Wednesday, March 27th Faculty Musicale
May 6-10- NJSLA Testing
BT Principal's Page - Provides links to information and activities
BT PTO Bear Flash - Everything you need to know for the month & beyond!
Lost and Found - Our lost and found is growing. Please have your students stop and look for their misplaced items.
5th-Grade Congratulatory Ad - Make the 2023- 2034 yearbook even more special for your 5th grader. A student congratulatory ad is a loving tribute to your student 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.
BT Cereal Challenge - Thank you to all our Bear Tavern families for the cereal donations. We restocked the HV Mobile Food Pantry.
The March Madness Basketball Tournament Is Underway! Click here for the tournament schedule.
Girls On The Run Spring Session - Attention girls grades 3-5, come run with us! Click here for more information.
St. Baldrick’s Day - Congratulations! Our BT team raised over $26,717.58 this year. The funds raised will help pay for kids to be treated on a clinical trial as part of a cooperative research grant to the Children’s Oncology Group. This funding helps more than 200 hospitals conduct clinical trials so more kids can get cutting-edge treatment near home.
BTPTO Dine Out - At Nomad Pizza on Thursday, March 21st. Support a local business and help the BTPTO. When ordering, show the flyer (found on the PTO website), and 20% of your order will be donated to Bear Tavern (dine-in or takeaway).
BT Innovation EXPO - On Wednesday, April 19th, the Innovation EXPO will be held at Bear Tavern from 6:00 - 8:00 pm. Please click here for more information.
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*
3/18 - Author Roxie Munro Visit
3/21 - 3rd Grade Recorder Concert 7:00 pm @ BT, PTO Dine Out @ Nomad Pizza
Wednesday, March 27th Faculty Musicale
May 6-10- NJSLA Testing
The Principal’s latest 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 24, 2024.
Author Visit - Roxie Munro will be visiting HES on Tuesday, March 19th.
Timberlane 5th Grade Parent Night (Via Zoom) - 5th Grade Parent Night (Via Zoom) is Wed, March 20th at 6:30PM. Zoom Link HERE
Talent Show - On Thursday, March 21st, Hopewell Elementary Student Council is excited to host a Talent Show for students in grades 3-5, @ 6:30pm. Click link HERE to purchase tickets. Ticket sales will help fund some new equipment for our school’s playground.
Faculty Musicale - Wednesday, March 27th @ 6:30pm
Join us at the PAC for an evening of pure entertainment as the staff of HVRSD take the stage! Teachers from each school in our district will perform in a showcase you won't want to miss. From Hopewell Elementary, you'll get to see Dr. Brettell, along with Ms. Carosi, Ms. Cohen, Ms. Dauer, Freddy the Frog, Ms. Gaestel, Mrs. Heiser, Mrs. Kirk, Mrs. LaRose, Ms. Pfau, Mrs. Pontani, Mrs. Rodriguez, and Mrs. White! We hope you can make it!
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. Additional announcement and details to follow. We hope to see you there!
The March Madness Basketball Tournament Is Underway! Click here for the tournament schedule.
Lost and Found - Our lost and found is growing. Please have your students stop down 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:
3/15 - Report Cards available to Parents
3/19 - Roxie Munro Author Visit
3/20 - Timberlane 5th Grade Parent Night (Via Zoom)
3/21 - Talent Show 6:30pm
3/27 - 1st Grade Mammal Museum (9:00 AM)
3/29–4/5 - Spring Break
Here is the most recent Stony Brook Scoop Newsletter.
The Principal’s Page is on the SB Website.
The ReadaFun Reading Challenge Is On! In coordination with “Read Across America Week,” our ReadaFun Reading Challenge kicked off on Mon, March 4. Events included guest readers, Roxie Munro author visit, and “Dress Like a Character Day.” Details were sent home and e-mailed. Click here for account instructions. Click here for ReadaFun challenge details.
The March Madness Basketball Tournament Is Underway! Click here for the tournament schedule.
YMCA Spring Enrichment - Registration opens Fri, 3/15. Spring session runs 4/15 - 6/16.
SCIENCE FAIR UPDATE - DATE CHANGED TO SATURDAY, MARCH 23RD & REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN! CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS AND TO REGISTER. Check out the FLYER!
SB Parents Night Out - Support the 5th Grade Committee with a Parents Night Out!
Kids Heart Challenge for the American Heart Assn - Students will participate in activities for the challenge in wellness class. Please see the INSTRUCTIONS to participate.
“One Fine Day” Celebration on May 1 - Our annual “One Fine Day” celebration will be Wed, May 1, 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*
3/15: Spring Enrichment Registration Opens
3/22: Parents Night Out
3/23: Science Fair
5/1: One Fine Day
Spring Book Fair: March 19 - March 21: 3:45-6:30 pm in the Media Center.
Book Fair Week Schedule:
Tuesday, March 19-Thursday, March 21 3:45-6:30pm: TG Student Art Show
Tuesday, March 19 5:30pm Hopewell Children’s Theater will perform in TG gym.
Raffles are Back! Media Center Teacher for the Day, Wellness Teacher for the Day, Morning Announcements, and Lunch with Principal Lauri. Each student will receive a raffle ticket for attending the Book Fair and an extra ticket for every 2 books purchased.
We need Volunteers! Please consider volunteering your time to help with set up/take down, be a cashier or a book finder. We need your help to make our book fair successful. Volunteer Signup
eWallets - If you would like to create an eWallet for your child please visit our Book Fair website. Toll Gate Spring Book Fair 2024
Teachers eWallets - will also have the opportunity to create eWallets which families may contribute to as well. Teacher eWallet
Teacher Classroom Wish List will also be back please look for the Poster at the Book Fair.
Online Book Fair - Can't come to our Book Fair in-person our Online Book Fair will run from March 15 - March 28 (25% of sales come back to TG) Online Book Fair
ReadAFun is back again this year and will run from March 1 - March 31. ReadAFun is underway and we are so excited to see how many readers we have logging daily. Thank you to everyone who is participating. We have $3,693.00 in pledges already in week 1. Thank you for your support! Please reach out to Eva Tramontana (emck323@gmail.com) with any questions.
Prizes are back: $1 - Sticker, $5 - Bookmark, $10 - Pencil, $20 - Pencil Topper
Top Two Donating Classes: Pizza Party/Donuts
Top Student in each grade for donations: Popsicles with the Principal
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.
Donations for Brandywine Living - Please click here to view a letter regarding a request from the 2nd grade team for donations. Thank you!
Dates to Remember:
Friday, 3/15: Trimester 2 Report Cards Available on Parent Portal
March 19th-21st: PTO Book Fair
Community Events
THE YMCA March 2024 Calendar - Programs for Grades 6 and up.
Currently offering two free programs: Ping Pong Wars and XBox Competition. as well as The Beauty Academy. In addition, the Youth Activity Center (YAC) for students in grades 6th-9th is open Monday through Friday from 3:00-6:00pm. Provides daily snacks and a variety of activities, including foosball, pool, Xbox, ping pong, and more. Additionally, we offer homework help and provide access to computers for student use.
Hopewell Recreation Spring and Summer Program Guide click on link for registration and information.
Terhune Orchards: Upcoming Read & Explore Programs
Bunny Trails Spring Festival! March 30 & 31
Follow a self-guided treasure hunt around the farm, discovering around the farm, discovering Spring!
Enjoy craft activities and meet Terhune's real bunny rabbit, Ginger.
The Watershed Institute: March calendar of Events
Spring Mini-Camp April 2 - April 4 Grades K-6
Bring your campers for a mini-camp experience complete with a day of hiking, exploring, playing, and enjoying spring surprises.
Girls in Gear: Offers Learn to Ride, Bike Rides and Bike Maintenance with locations at Hopewell Elementary and Toll Gate.
OG All-Stars Competitive Cheerleading Brochure : Provides a positive, inclusive and affordable cheer experience. They are hosting a Spring Break Cheer Camp from April 1-5. Check out this flyer for information
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; Session 2: 5/6– 6/17
Hopewell Valley Soccer Association: Registration for Spring 2024 Rec Soccer is OPEN until Wednesday 3/27! Our spring season runs from Sunday, April 14th until Sunday, June 9th for grades 3-12 and June 18th for pre-K to grade 2. Games on Sunday afternoons. No games will be held on Memorial Day Weekend (May 26th).
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.
Hopewell Valley Baseball & Softball Association: Babe Ruth Registration Deadline is March 1st.
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!
McCarter Theater Presents: The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show, Sunday, March 17th 1pm & 3pm
This popular stage show brings Eric Carle's classic children's books to life are sure to marvel at the stunning menagerie of more than 75 puppets from Carle's stories, including Brown Bear, Brown Bear, 10 Little Rubber Ducks, The Very Lonely Firefly and the star of the show, the famously Very Hungry Caterpillar.
Princeton University Concerts Presents: Family Concert: "Beethoven Meets Haydn". Saturday, March 16 1pm @ the Richardson Auditorium in Alexandar Hall @ Princeton University
Here are the links to the local libraries for upcoming storytimes, events and programs:
Summer Programs
Hopewell Recreation Spring and Summer Program Guide click on link for registration and information.
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 Summer Programs: 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.
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! Apply at girlswhocode.com/summerapply by March 22, 2024.
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.
ESF Summer Camps ! Enroll today to secure your spot and lock in the great pricing on the 2024 line-up of award-winning camps for boys and girls, ages 3-15. We invite you to learn more about ESF Camps, our 40+ year history of serving communities, and new and exciting developments for Summer 2024 in the pre-recorded webinar below, featuring Co-Founder and Executive Director, Michael Rouse and members of the ESF Team. Virtual Open House Click Here!
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 that 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 our 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: Take advantage of early bird discount until 3/15. Stuart is offering 22 new programs for a total of 60 sessions over 11 weeks. 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. We also have exciting new offerings for high school students.
Maple Shade Farm, Hopewell: Riding lessons, equine-facilitated learning sessions and a summer nature/sports camp
Rylor Lacrosse Summer Camp: The mission of Rylor Lacrosse is to provide a fun, safe and positive learning environment where Lacrosse players can improve their lacrosse skills and understanding of the game.
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 summer camps are geared towards those in first to ninth grade.