The Friday Focus
December 9, 2022
From the Desk of the Superintendent
Governor's Educator of the Year Awards:
Congratulations to our wonderful Teachers and Support Staff!!
TG: Lauri Talarick
BT: Kim Niefer
HW: Michelle Hamilton
SB: Corinne Beyer
TMS: Kristen Straniero
CHS: Ryan Tobin
Simone Rodriguez - Para HES
Kathy Mathews - Secretary SB
Tim Wolverton - District Facilities
Thank you to all who sent in nominations! We are thrilled to be able to recognize these well-deserving individuals for all of their hard work!
Hopewell Valley School District’s own Christopher Turnbull of Bear Tavern Elementary was again recognized as a Visionary Principal of the Year on the elementary school level by N.J. School Board - who saluted award-winning educators in the 12/8 issue of The Star Ledger and The Times of Trenton.
Last night, over 65 people participated in The Search Institute’s What’s Up With Our Kids presentation. The program reviewed survey findings of TMS and CHS students who participated in the Search Institute’s Attitudes & Behaviors student survey in May. The recording and supplemental information will be provided next week. Thank you to all who participated.
CHS Parents - if you haven’t already, please take a moment to review the HVCHS Counseling Department's December newsletter.
Hopewell Valley After School Enrichment Program Winter Session:
Please note that the enrollment for the Winter Session of the Hopewell After School Enrichment Program will run until December 13th! The Winter Session runs for 8 weeks beginning the week of January 9th, 2023! Please reach out to lorricefalone@hvrsd.org with any questions.
The HVCHS PTO invites you to read the latest issue of the Dog Byte by following the hyperlink and clicking on "Dog Byte" at the top of the list on the left. All CHS families should receive the Dog Byte via email every other Tuesday morning. If you are not receiving it, or need to update your contact information, please email Sheila Zou as soon as possible so she can correct our database.
Winter Athletics: Over 250 student-athletes are participating in our winter athletic season. Please come out to support our girls basketball, boys basketball, swimming, wrestling, ice hockey, cheerleading, diving, and winter track teams! Our schedule of events can be found on the athletics website. Please remember to be a positive presence; any spectators violating the NJSIAA or HVRSD code of conduct will be removed.
Concert Season: HVCHS is excited to present our winter concert series. Please join us for our orchestra concert on December 13th at 7 p.m. and our band concert on December 15th at 7 p.m. Both concerts will take place in the HVCHS PAC.
HV Choirs Coffee House Cabaret Concert: On Friday, December 16th, 7PM in the HVCHS Cafeteria, HV Choirs Coffee House Cabaret Concert features solos, duets, and large group performances of pop and holiday favorites! All the songs are picked and prepared by the choir members themselves and showcase the talent in the program. The night is free admission (donations accepted) and coffee, hot chocolate, and cookies are available for free as well. Come support the members of the choir program at this annual crowd favorite concert!
Winter Dance Festival: Mark your calendars for the Winter Dance Festival, presented by the HV Dance program on Tuesday December 20th, at 6 PM in the HV PAC. This is a free, family event, featuring a short and sweet program of festive performances by HVCHS and TMS dance students, with guest performances by HVCHS a cappella groups, The Perfect 4ths and Con Brio!
Absences & Late Arrivals: Parents/Guardians should call our TeleSafe number 609-737-4003, Ext 2, 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. 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
Governor’s Educator of the year : Timberlane is proud to announce Ms Kristen Straniero as our 2022-2023 Governor’s Educator of the Year! Ms Straniero is a seventh grade social studies teacher on the Amazon team. She is an alumna of Timberlane Middle and Central High School. Ms Straniero joined Timblerane in 2015 starting in a leave replacement position. Since then she has worked as a sixth grade social studies teacher, a special education social studies teacher, and now a seventh grade social studies teacher. Ms Straniero engages her students on a daily basis with innovative and creative instruction, helping to make history come alive. She has strong connections with her students, supporting them through the challenging years of middle school. Outside of the classroom, Ms Straniero is dedicated to making Timblerane a welcoming environment for all. For the past few years, she has been the co-advisor for the Student Council, for which she has planned many fun events for our students, Nights Out and Tailgates, tournaments, and the 8th Grade Dance. In this position, she helps out students grow into leaders as they learn communication, advocacy and planning skills. She is also co-advisor for the yearbook and creates our Student Recognition videos, which highlights all of our student activities for each trimester. As one student stated, “Ms Straniero has helped me a lot with my learning journey and has helped me learn through interesting and engaging projects. She helps kids feel comfortable in her classroom which helps students look forward to her class, which will make them want to learn.” Timberlane is so lucky to have Ms. Straniero!
Winter Dance Festival: Tuesday, December 20th at 6pm in the HV PAC. This is a free, family event, featuring a short and sweet program of festive performances by HVCHS and TMS dance students, with guest performances by HVCHS a cappella groups, The Perfect 4ths and Con Brio!
RECESS- With the temperature dropping, it is important for students to dress accordingly when they are outside for recess. Students are frequently reminded to visit their lockers prior to lunch to get their coats. Please ensure that your child is dressed appropriately.
Yearbooks are now on sale- Click here to order. The early bird price is $35. Buy yours before the price goes up on January 31st!
Timberlane PTO: Every year, after Thanksgiving, people take the time to kick off the holiday season by giving back to their community. We ask you to consider including the Timberlane Middle School PTO in your charitable plans. Any amount is welcome. Please remember to ask if your company will match your contribution, which will help to double the amount donated. Donations may be made to the TMSPTO via the link below or by sending in a check to the Timberlane main office (made out to TMS PTO). Donations are tax deductible and directly support TMS teachers and students through a variety of activities and programs. Timberlane Middle School PTO - Home Page (membershiptoolkit.com) Thank you!!
Next PTO Meeting- Tuesday, January 31, 2023 7:30 pm On zoom and more information to follow.
Winter Enrichments- Winter Enrichment descriptions are here. Students will sign up in the homeroom on December 12.
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 *
TMS/CHS Band Concert- December 15, 2022
Bear Tavern Governor's Educator of the Year: Kim Niefer. This is a truly well deserved honor and we are extremely proud and grateful to have Kim as part of our staff! This educator has been teaching at Bear Tavern for over 20 years and has proven that she can teach literally anything... any grade, any type of class, and any student... using any delivery method. She is an absolute master of classroom climate and while most of the educational world is sprinting to prioritize social and emotional learning skills coming out of the pandemic; she is doing what she's always done, because she made it cool to be a responsive educator 20 years ago! This teacher creates such a safe, joyful and inclusive learning environment for her students and their families, it is truly impossible not to succeed in her class. She puts forth immeasurable time and effort to get to know each of her students on a level that helps her to form deep connections, enhance motivation and create a sense of community among them. The staff, and the principal, go to her for advice, tips and input, because she is calm, supportive, collaborative and non-judgemental. The amount of planning and preparation that she puts into everything that she does is astounding. This year's recipient is universally respected inside of Bear Tavern and throughout the community.
After School Enrichment Program Winter Session - Sessions will begin on January 9th. We have some really exciting options including Science, Drawing and Lego and Engineering programs; and much more. We are also offering some new Virtual programs in addition to the Virtual Coding classes. Sign-ups will begin early on December 2nd and will absolutely end on December 13th. Click here to access the registration page . Also, please also check out the Hopewell Valley YMCA page on hvrsd.org for programs and after-school care.
BTPTO Dine Out - On December 15th order from Marco’s Pizza in Pennington. Tell the them you are a Bear Tavern family and a portion of the proceeds will be donated to the PTO.
BT Visiting Author Assembly - On December 14th, author Shanna Truffini will be visiting Bear Tavern on December 14th. Please see the flyer below for more information. Purchases can be made at https://www.youareagardener.com/product-page/bear-tavern
AIR Therapy Dogs: Paws for Minds Annual T-shirt Contest - We have been doing this contest for 13 years. The first prize is an iPad. Winners will also get a t-shirt with their design. We encourage all students to participate. We present the first and second-prize winners on the front and back of the shirt. Maybe an HVRSD student will win, and you will wear a new HVRSD design. Click here for more information.
BT Winter and Spring Concert Information - Our winter and spring concerts will feature every 4th and 5th-grade student in one or more of the following ensembles: 4th Grade Chorus, 4th Grade Orchestra, 5th Grade Chorus, 5th Grade Band, 5th Grade Orchestra, and the 5th Grade Vocal Ensemble, The Treble Makers. Please mark your family calendars now to make sure no conflicts arise. The students are very excited about what we will perform - lots of excellent music and some surprises, too! Click here for more information.
Communications Hubs- Each classroom now has a private, interactive site that only you and your classmates can enter. Each of your classroom hubs will appear under the "Classroom Communications" tab on the PTO website. These hubs are a place to plan class events, collaborate with each other, post class pictures, and stay in the know! Teachers and room parents will be sharing important updates along with class event signup opportunities via signup genius. Make sure you check them regularly for updates! To find your student's communication hub, click HERE.
PaySchools Central Food Service - Use the following links for the 2022-2023 school lunch
Click Here for a Link to Pay Schools Central to Pay for Student Lunches
BT Changes In Students’ Dismissal - Families, if there is a change in how students will be going home, please be sure to call or email the main office, as teachers do not always have an opportunity to check their email. 609-737-4005
Absences & Late Arrivals - Parents/Guardians should call our TeleSafe number 609-737-4005, Ext 2
Dates to Remember
Friday, 12/16: Preschool Collaboration Day - No PEECH classes
Friday, 12/23: Pajama Day/Early Dismissal at 12:45 PM
12/26 - 1/30: Winter Break
Governor’s Educator of the Year Award: We are thrilled to announce Michelle Hamilton as Hopewell Elementary School’s Educator of the Year and Simone Rodriguez as the Support Staff Professional of the Year!
The Chubby's Project Food Drive: We are continuing our donations to The Chubby's Project that offer food assistance to families in our Hopewell community. Thank you for all of the donations.
HES Student Council: has partnered with CHOP for a school-wide pajama day on DECEMBER 16th. Student council will be promoting the day as well as hosting a fundraiser for the hospital and its efforts to treat their patients starting DECEMBER 12th . IMPORTANT LINKS: Fundraising Page and CHOP Pajama Day Resources
After School Enrichment Program Winter Session: Sessions will begin on January 9th. We have some really exciting options including Science, Drawing and Lego and Engineering programs; and much more. We are also offering some new Virtual programs in addition to the Virtual Coding classes. Sign-ups will begin early on December 2nd and will absolutely end on December 13th. Click here to access the registration page . Also, please also check out the Hopewell Valley YMCA page on hvrsd.org for programs and after-school care.
PTO Updates:
This promo ends today! Holiday Cards - HES has partnered with Minted to provide 20% off your holiday cards with 15% going back to HES! Please use promo code FUNDRAISEHOPEWELLELEM when ordering.
Volunteer Opportunities: If you are interested in volunteering, please complete the attached volunteer form and complete the process for fingerprinting. We appreciate the support of community members who are interested in supporting our school communities.
Pomptonian Food Service: Use the following link(s) for the 2022-2023 school lunch
The Lost and Found Garden is continuing to GROW, please encourage your child(ren) to check the lost and found for their missing items! Don’t forget to label your childrens coats, hats, and gloves.
Follow Us On Twitter: Our page offers parents a glimpse inside our classrooms, important reminders, and students engaged in learning & fun. Click here to follow us.
Absences, Late Arrivals and Dismissal Changes: Call our TeleSafe number 609-737-4007, Ext 2, by 8:00 am to report an absence or late arrival or please use our new office email hwmainoffice@hvrsd.org. If there is a change in how students will be going home, call the main office at 737-4007, as teachers DO NOT have an opportunity to check their email during the day.
DATES TO REMEMBER
December 20th - 21st - Winter Concert
December 23rd - Early Dismissal
December 26th - 30th - Schools Closed
Students return to school January 2nd
Governor's Educator of the Year Award-Corrine Beyer
Congratulations to Corinne Beyer as the winner of the Stony Brook Elementary School Governor’s Educator of the Year Award and Kathy Mathews as our Support Staff Professional of the Year!
Book Fair: Book Fair shopping starts Friday evening (12/9)! Bring the whole family to shop Friday from 4:30-8pm in the school rotunda. We have tons of books and fun items to explore! Kids have already gotten a preview of what's available and made their wish lists. Along with the Book Fair, we'll have a silent auction Friday night. You can bid on some awesome "student experiences," including an announcement reader for a day, lunch line leader, school spirit week coordinator, and reserved front row seats for the 4th & 5th grade winter concert. See the full list HERE! This will be a silent auction format--you simply submit your bid amount. You must attend in person to bid!Need some All Star holiday gifts? We'll be selling Stony Brook merch too, including our brand new Blue Ribbon Award water bottles. And don't forget to bring non-perishable foods for our Food Drive to support the Hopewell Valley Mobile Food Pantry! We need volunteer help to make everything run smoothly. Please sign up using this link: https://tinyurl.com/SBPTObookfairDec2022 Thank you! The SB PTO
The 4th and 5th Grade Winter Concert is Wednesday, December 14 at 7:00pm at the Hopewell Valley Central High School Performing Arts Center. Every 4th and 5th grade student will perform as members of the 4th and 5th Grade Choruses. There will be performances from the Band, Orchestras, and Festival Ensemble as well! Please clink here link for more information including timing and concert attire.
The 5th Grade Committee is sponsoring a Pennington Quality Market Donut Sale Fundraiser. All orders were due by Thursday, December 8th and proceeds benefit our 5th graders at SB. Donuts will be delivered to the school on Friday, 12/16. Please reach out to Trish Boguslawski at pzb2004@gmail.com with any questions or last minute orders. Thanks in advance for your support!
Hopewell Valley Mobile Food Pantry December Donations: Please help the Hopewell Valley Mobile Food Pantry support our community. Click HERE for details. Thank you in advance for your giving spirit!
Pretzels: Order forms were sent home -see the Revised Flyer for details. December delivery dates will be 12/9 and 12/23.
HVRSD After School Enrichment Winter Session: This 8-week session will begin on 1/9. We have great options including Science, Drawing, Lego and Engineering as well as new Virtual programs. Sign-ups will end on December 13th.. Click here to access the registration page **Please note the registration deadline as there will be no exceptions** Reach out to Lorri Cefalone, HVRSD After School Enrichment Coordinator at lorricefalone@hvrsd.org or 609-290-1471 with any questions.
Hopewell Valley YMCA Afterschool Enrichment:
Information regarding upcoming classes in basketball, dance, martial arts and soccer can be found here: https://hvymca.org/child-care/after-school-enrichment/
Lost and Found: Please label your child's jackets, sweatshirts and water bottles with their name so we can help return them from the lost and found.
PaySchools Central Food Service: Use the following links for 2022-2023 school lunch information:
Click Here for a Link to Pay Schools Central to Pay for Student Lunches
Click Here for Free and Reduced Lunch Forms
SB Membership Toolkit: All volunteer opportunities, Spirit Wear, and ways to donate can be found on MembershipToolkit. Click here to register.
Absences & Late Arrivals or Changes in Students’ Dismissal: Call our TeleSafe # 609-737-4006, Ext 2, by 8:00 am to report an absence or late arrival. Please email or call the main office secretaries, who will then inform the teachers if they haven’t been notified already of any changes in dismissal.
Lisa Haenni: lisahaenni@hvrsd.org, 609-737-4006, x6000
Governor’s Educator of the Year Award - It is with great pleasure that we announce Mrs. Lauri Talarick as Toll Gate Grammar School's Governor's Educator of the Year! Mrs. Talarick came to HVRSD in 2014 and has taught first and third grades. She is currently a first grade teacher. She is a graduate of TCNJ and is enrolled in the Rider University Teacher Leader Master's Program.
Mrs. Talarick is a teacher who is thoughtful, compassionate and dedicated to doing what is best for her students both in and outside of school. She continues to demonstrate leadership and innovation and is an instrumental member of several school-based committees. She has planned our welcome back event in August, serves on our Gator Group Planning Committee and has been a member of our Toll Gate All Hands Committee for the past three years.
Several parent nominations referred to Mrs. Talarick's relationships with students and families. "As great as Mrs. Talarick is with the students, she is equally as great with parents. Whether it be concerns about our children’s social interactions, speech issues, difficulties with a particular lesson or anything else that arises, we know that Mrs. Talarick is willing to listen and guide us through. She is without a doubt a teacher we will all cherish forever."
Toll Gate is so lucky to have Mrs. Talarick. Please join us in congratulating her on this great honor.
HVRSD After School Enrichment Winter Session - This 8-week session will begin on 1/9. We have really exciting options including Science, Drawing, introducing Lego and Engineering programs and more, as well as some new Virtual programs. Sign-ups will end on December 13th, so please mark your calendars and sign up before the holidays kick in. Click here to access the registration page **Please note the registration deadline as there will be no exceptions to the deadline date** Reach out to Lorri Cefalone, HVRSD After School Enrichment Coordinator at lorricefalone@hvrsd.org or 609-290-1471 with any questions.
Fall Assembly: “You Are a Gardener” - Children's book author, Shanna Truffini will be visiting Toll Gate on Thursday, December 15th to present her #pullyourweeds® SEL program to our students. Her book and programs are rooted in empowering children with healthy and positive tools to help them 'grow' forward feeling confident & calm. Keep it ‘growing’ at home and purchase a signed copy of her book today! 10% of all sales will be donated back to the Toll Gate PTO. Place your order at: www.youareagardener.com/product-page/toll-gate. Use code TOLLGATE at checkout to avoid shipping fees. The deadline to order is December 12th. Books will be delivered to Toll Gate before Winter Break.
Dates to Remember
Thursday, 12/15: Fall Assembly
Friday, 12/16: Preschool Collaboration Day - No PEECH classes
Friday, 12/23: Early Dismissal at 12:45 PM
12/26: Winter Break - Schools/Offices Closed
12/27-12/29: Winter Break - Schools Closed (Offices Open)
12/30: Winter Break - Schools/Offices Closed
Community News & Events
Hopewell Art and Community Holiday Market, 12/10 at Hopewell Train Station, 10-5pm
This is an art market with a fundraiser for two local families in medical hardship. There will be art and gifts as well as live music and merriment.
Hopewell Valley YMCA Afterschool Enrichment:
Information regarding upcoming classes in basketball, dance, martial arts and soccer can be found here: https://hvymca.org/child-care/after-school-enrichment/
Upcoming Concert: Hopewell Valley Community of Associated Music Projects (HVCAMP) Featuring Hopewell Valley Community Jazz Ensemble and the Hopewell Valley Pops Orchestra Sunday, December 11 at 3pm at Titusville Presbyterian Church. Tickets: $15 advance/$20 at door. Call 609.737.1385 for advance tickets. Visit hvcamp.org for more info
12/16 Join the Hopewell Valley Montgomery Ice Hockey Team Annual Toy Drive!
Mercer County Park Ice Rink, Friday, December 16th: 3:30pm Varsity/ 5:00pm J.V. Wear your favorite Santa hat and bring a new, unwrapped toy for Homefront.
Winter Mini-Camp at the Watershed! December 28th -December 30th
Bring your campers for a mini-camp experience complete with a day of hiking, exploring, playing, and enjoying nature's winter secrets. Register for the K-2nd grade group or the 3rd-6th grade group. Click here for more info and registration
Schafer Sports Center: Gymnastics and soccer camps during Holiday break - click here to find out more
Let's Get Decorating Hopewell Township!
Hopewell Recreation will once again be holding their 3rd Annual Holiday Decorating Contest! Register your house today through Friday, December 16.
Judges will be around on Tuesday, December 20 and Wednesday, December 21. Prizes will be awarded to the top three houses. All details and regulations are attached. Register online at www.hopewelltwp.org/recreation or by emailing me at kpoveromo@hopewelltwp.org
Who will come out on top this Holiday season? Will it be you or your neighbor down the street? Let's get FESTIVE Hopewell Township!!!
The Cotsen Children’s Library is delighted to announce Tolo, an original choose your own path virtual adventure written by Dana Sheridan, and illustrated by David Deen!
You are Tolo, a mouse and apothecary’s apprentice. When sickness strikes the distant village of Mossden, you must make a treacherous mountain crossing with the cure. The decisions are entirely yours as you navigate multiple dangers and treacherous obstacles. You must succeed…an entire village depends on you. The journey begins here: https://cotsen.princeton.edu/tolo
Stay tuned for awesome interviews and a blog contest, which will all be announced here! https://popgoesthepage.princeton.edu/
Questions?
Dana Sheridan (she, her, hers)
Education & Outreach Coordinator
danas@princeton.edu (609) 258-2697
Here are the links to the local libraries for upcoming events and programs: