The Friday Focus
January 20, 2023
From the Desk of the Superintendent
Kindergarten Registration for 2023
Kindergarten registration for children who will be five years old on or before October 1, 2023 will begin on Wednesday, February 6, 2023. You can find registration information and forms on this web page: Kindergarten Registration. Please do not submit registrations prior to February 6, 2023.
Kindergarten Camp 2023: an optional Camp will be held at each elementary school for two weeks, starting on 7/10 and 7/17. The camp is Mondays - Thursdays from 8:30-11:30am.
The Kindergarten Camp Registration form will be available starting later today on the Kindergarten Registration Page. Only registered students will be accepted! Thank you!!
Applications for the PEECH (Preschool and Early Education for Children of Hopewell) Program
for the 2023-2024 school year are now being accepted. The form can be found here: PEECH Application Form Parents of both new and returning applicants need to fill out the Form. Applications are due on February 24, 2023.
Got Assets Inc. Asset Message of the Week#4 is Caring Neighborhood: How well do you know your neighbors? Do you know their names? Get to know those who live around you. Begin by greeting your neighbors when you see them outside. With a little effort, you’ll get to know the young people you live near and they’ll get to know you. Encourage your child to get to know the people in your neighborhood by being a role model. Walk through the neighborhood as a family. Organize a potluck, cookout, or block party with your neighbors. Do activities together, such as creating a community garden or forming a “welcome wagon” of youth and adults to greet new neighbors.
For additional resources, please check out this month’s Ideas for Parents newsletter and Keep Connected which offers information and resources to help families raise happy, healthy kids.
Youth Mental Health First Aid is a training program 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 a parent of a student in grades 7-12 and are interested in attending this all-day training on February 15 and March 14, please complete this form by January 27. By completing this form, you are committing to attending this training. Space is limited due to the content being covered. If you do plan to attend the training there will be 2 hours of required pre-work. Please reach out to Heidi Kahme, Hopewell Valley Municipal Alliance with any questions at hvmunicipalalliance@gmail.com.
Hopewell Valley Education Foundation Virtual Cooking Class, Jan 29th 1-2pm.
Chef Mario Mangone, owner of Chambers Walk Restaurant in Lawrenceville, will hold another Virtual Cooking Class, sponsored by the Hopewell Valley Education Foundation. Community members can can register and view the live class on Sunday, January 29th, from 1:00pm– 2:00pm OR order the video from last year's class to watch at their leisure. Please visit the HVEF for more information.
Save the Date: Wednesday Feb 15th, 6pm at CHS PAC
There will be a screening of the film by Truehart Productions "The Price of Silence" at the Central High School PAC. The documentary, featuring local authors Elaine Buck and Beverly Mills, explores slavery in New Jersey with moving stories from historians and descendants of slaves from across the state. Admission is free. Click here to view the trailer.
Boys Varsity Hockey Salute to Service Game on Saturday, Jan 21st at 7:30pm, Tsai Fieldhouse on the Lawrenceville School Campus. Come out and support the Hopewell and Montgomery Varsity High School Team in this annual tribute! Proceeds to go to the veterans Association and Memorial Committee. $5 to enter or purchase a t-shirt. Help us give back to the community!
January Newsletter from HVCHS: Please be sure to review the January edition of the HVCHS newsletter, which was sent by Ms. Riley to all HVCHS students and families on January 18.
January Community Connection: HVCHS is so appreciative of the support of our community, and we want to do our part to give back! HVCHS has committed to making a connection with a different local non-profit organization each month and providing support in whatever way best meets the needs of the organization. During January, we are conducting a PB&J Drive for the HV Mobile Food Pantry. The Gold Team (Grades 9&11) will be collecting peanut butter, and the Black Team (Grades 10&12) will be collecting jelly. All donations will be collected in the boxes in the main lobby through January 27.
Athletics Update: HVCHS Spring Sports start on the following dates:
Monday, March 13: Boys Tennis
Wednesday, March 16: Baseball, Softball, Boys & Girls Lacrosse, Golf, Track & Field, Boys Volleyball
All Registrations and medical forms are due by Friday, March 17th. Registration and medical form links are available on the athletic website. If your child needs an annual sports physical and you are unable to get an appointment with your pediatrician, we are having In-School Sports Physicals with our school doctors on Tuesday, February 7th. Registration is available online through this sign up genius link. The cost is $25 (cash or check made payable to HVRSD). If you have any questions regarding medical form needs, please contact Kelly Hall or Angela Drake in the CHS Nurse’s Office at (609) 737-4003 x3537. If you have any questions regarding registration, please reach out to the Athletic Office staff (609) 737-4003 x3534.
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.
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.
Dates to Remember
January 25: Early Dismissal, Staff Development
January 30: National Honor Society Induction
February 16: HV Municipal Alliance Summer Job & Service Fair
8th Grade Team Transition Meetings: On Wednesday, January 25, we are excited to kick off our 8th Grade Transition and Wellness Day with a Keynote Presenter, Mr. Changing Lives - Jean Clervil. As an inspirational speaker, Jean has motivated many to find out exactly what they want to do for a living; especially students through his poetry, inspirational stories and successful strategies. Having overcome his internal battles with fear and pressure to succeed as a college student, Jean used his imagination to create a career for himself. Students will also have the opportunity to focus on their health and wellness through an array of activities.
Additionally, Mr. DeStefano (Supervisor of Counseling Services) will be meeting with each 8th Grade Team to review important high school graduation requirements and other useful information as course request time approaches for the 2023-23 school year. Mr. DeStefano will be joined by a group of current HVCHS students who will share their experiences and answer questions from TMS students. Students are encouraged to watch the 8th Grade Academic Planning Video prior to this presentation. Michael Orfe, Director of Vocational Programming at the Mercer County Technical School will also meet with students to share the programs they offer to incoming high school students.
Parent Question & Answer Evening Webinar: On Wednesday, January 25 (at 6:00 pm via Zoom) Ms. Riley, Mr. DeStefano and our department supervisors will host an optional webinar to answer any questions regarding the aforementioned 8th Grade Academic Planning Video, and high school course selection in general. Please be sure to watch the 8th Grade Academic Planning video prior to this Q&A session. You may register for the webinar by clicking here.
Krispy Kreme Time! The PTO will be selling doughnuts on Wednesday, January 25. $1 per doughnut (cash only) See details here. You can pre-order a dozen (for $10) by Friday January 20 if you like by emailing danafray@aol.com.
TMS Qcrew cares Dine Out Fundraising: Back by popular demand- Order delicious heat and serve selections from the Qcrew for dinner! BBQ, MAC N CHEESE, RIBS,SHRIMP, SAUSAGE,AND MANY MORE SELECTIONS! On Wednesday, February 8 pick up dinner for your family in Timberlane parking lot between 4:00-5:00pm. Dinner is so easy! Click here for details, click here for QR code
TMS Spring Musical is Disney Newsies Jr! A musical based on the 1992 motion picture and 2012 Broadway musical inspired by the rousing true story of the Newsboy Strike of 1899 in New York City.Newsies Jr features a Tony Award winning score by Alan Menken and Jack Feldman. Mrs Schubin has a blog that contains all the information you need to help your child prepare for auditions . FRIDAY, JANUARY 27th is the release of audition material and forms on the timberlanemusical.blogspot.com
TMS Spring Sports start Monday, Feb 27th: Baseball, Boys & Girls Lacrosse: Open to 7 & 8 grade only. Softball and Track & Field: Open to 6, 7, 8 grade.
Registration and medical forms for TMS spring sports are due by Thursday, March 9th. Please click here to access the registration page and print medical forms. Any student who is not registered and does not have either a physical form or health history update form on file with the school nurses will not be able to try out or practice until they do.
In-House Physicals: will be offered on Thursday, February 23rd from 9:00 am-12:00 pm in the TMS nurse's office. They are open to students in grades 6-8 by appointment only and are $25 a child. (Checks should be made out to HVRSD.) Please use this link to sign up for an appointment.
Yearbook Updates:
The Yearbook Club is looking for pictures of winter sports athletes in action! Please use this LINK to upload photos (including selfies) of our basketball, wrestling, and cheer athletes. Thank you for helping the Yearbook represent as many of our student-athletes as possible. You can also email photos to tmsstudentcouncil@hvrsd.org. If you choose to email pictures, please enter the team and students' names in the subject line.
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!
PTO Meeting: Tuesday, January 31, 2023 7:30 pm on Zoom and more information to follow.
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
January 25th - Early Dismissal/Staff Development Day
January 27th- TMS Spirit Day-Wear Blue and Gold for Community Points
January 27th 6th Grade Hot Chocolate Social 4:30-6:30 (pre registration required-detail here )
BT Principal Page - Click here for our new principal button on the Bear Tavern website!
BT Winter Concert: What a perfect way to spread the joy of music. Congratulations to Mrs. MacAdams and Mrs. Ingram on a beautiful concert. We would also like to thank our fantastic accompanist Stephanie Sanders. The 4th and 5th-grade students presented to a packed auditorium with all they have learned this year in the orchestra, chorus, and band. The performances were enjoyed by all who were able to attend. We will see you all in the spring!
BTPTO Dine Out: Join us at Tomatello’s for Taco Tuesday, January 26th. Click here for more information.
BTPTO General Meeting: Please join us on Monday, January 23rd at 9:30am for our next General PTO Meeting. All members of the BT community are encouraged to attend General meetings to give input, ask questions and support the PTO. You are invited to attend the meeting with your ideas, feedback, and input.
Zoom Link to be sent out closer to the meeting.
HVRSD Hockey Salute to Service Game: Saturday, January 21st @ 7:30 at the Tsai Field House on the Lawrenceville School Campus. It's a great hockey night while also honoring and supporting our local veterans. Attached is the flyer for the event, which has the details and a QR code if anyone wants to purchase a T-shirt. Click here for the link.
BT Black History Month: Is coming up in February. We want to open the process up to our community and invite families to propose figures, events, and topics to highlight throughout the month. We hope students can learn, share (with their family and Bear Tavern) and create new and meaningful connections to Black History and African-American culture. So here are the only “rules”:
Submissions should fit on one single Google Slide. We encourage you to include pictures, information, and links to videos, books, or other sources.
Include the significance of the person, event, or cultural highlight. Don’t forget your “who? Where? When? and why? and what?”
You can use one of the figures that we have used in the past, showcase a new person, or learn and share about a historical event or aspect of culture.
Simply email your google slide to christopherturnbull@hvrsd.org by Tuesday, January 31, 2023.
Kindergarten Registration and Kindergarten Camp Information for 2023-24: Please see Superintendent's Page above.
Applications for the PEECH: (Preschool and Early Education for Children of Hopewell) Program for the 2023-2024 school year are now being accepted. Please see Superintendent's Page above.
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 (609-737-4005) or email the main office, as teachers do not always have an opportunity to check their email. Please use THIS EMAIL ADDRESS btmainoffice@hvrsd.org when informing us of dismissal plans.
Absences & Late Arrivals - Parents/Guardians should call our TeleSafe number 609-737-4005, Ext 2
Dates to Remember
1/23- BTPTO General Meeting
1/25- Half Day/PM Preschool Only
AIR DOGS 2023 Calendar: HVCHS’s Community-Based Creative Design classes are selling student hand-painted calendar featuring HVRSD’s very own therapy dogs hand-painted by local students.. Please click here for additional information.
HES Yearbooks are now available: You can order online at ybpay.com. Please enter Yearbook ID Code: 1799323. The deadline is April 21st.
HES YMCA Winter 2023 Sports Enrichment Programs - Hopewell Valley YMCA is pleased to offer a selection of after-school enrichment programs right in your child’s elementary school. Our enrichment programs are geared to allow children to explore new activities, socialize with their peers, and have fun in a safe and nurturing environment. Please visit this link for registration information.
FILL THAT TRUCK - HES is proud to continue our tradition of supporting the families of the East Trenton Center of Habitat for Humanity. We will be collecting gently used donations in the school parking lot on January 23rd-25th, from 8-9:30am.
Kindergarten Registration and Kindergarten Camp Information for 2023-24: Please see Superintendent's Page above.
Applications for the PEECH: (Preschool and Early Education for Children of Hopewell) Program for the 2023-2024 school year are now being accepted. Please see Superintendent's Page above.
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 students and staff at HES.
Pomptonian Food Service: Use the following link(s) for the 2022-2023 school lunch. This link includes menus and how to pay for student lunches along with other useful information.
The Lost and Found Garden: Please encourage your child(ren) to check the lost and found for their missing items! Don’t forget to label your children's 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
January 25th - Early Dismissal for students
January 27th - Spirit Day (Student/Teacher Flip/Flop Day)
#BeTheLightHES
Yearbook 2023: The Yearbook Cover Contest has begun. All Students are invited to submit entries. Please see the flyer or details. Entries are due by Friday, January 27th. Yearbooks are now available for sale online or by form. Yearbooks are $25 and orders are due May 1.
SB PTO Dine In/Out at Candela Brothers Lawrenceville on Wednesday, January 25th (Early Dismissal) See flyer for details. You must bring a flyer to Candela’s in order for us to get credit.
Science Fair 2023: We are excited to be able to have our Science Fair in person again. Stay tuned for details. Saturday, February 25th is the date….
Kindergarten Registration Information and Kindergarten Camp for 2023-24: See Superintendent's Page above.
Applications for the PEECH - (Preschool and Early Education for Children of Hopewell) Program see Superintendent's Page above
Lost and Found: Let’s start 2023 off right. Please label your student(s) clothing and remind them to check the lost and found tables.
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. To make contacting the main office easier, we've created a "sbmainoffice@hvrsd.org" email that will go to both secretaries. Please use this to send us your dismissal changes. Teachers do not always have the opportunity to check their email during school but including them in your email is helpful. If you have a change after 3pm, please call us at 609-737-4006 ext. 0.
Dates to Remember
January 25 - Early Dismissal - Candela PTO Fundraiser
February 25 - Science Fair
TG Spring Snack Sale: Sign up for February, March, and/or April snacks using this form. Snacks will be handed out at the end of the day listed below.
February 21 - Glazed donuts from PQM (GF option available)
March 7 - Fudge brownies from Emily's (GF option available)
April 18 - Pretzels (GF option available)
The form will close on Monday, February 6th. Reach out to amberjanemiller@gmail.com with any questions. Thanks for supporting our TG fifth graders!
TG Night at Sumo Sushi: Mark your calendars! Tuesday, January 24th is Toll Gate Night at Sumo Sushi. Take a break from cooking and order for pickup or join family and friends in the restaurant. Be sure to mention Toll Gate when you order! They will be offering a special Toll Gate roll. A portion of the proceeds will go back to the Toll Gate Fifth Grade Committee.
TG Day of Service - The Jared Box Project: On Friday, January 27, 2023, Toll Gate is participating in a Day of Service. Throughout the years Toll Gate has and will continue to donate and give to HomeFront, Womanspace, TASK, and other local organizations that help people in need. For this school year’s Day of Service, Toll Gate will once again as we did in 2022 be donating to The Jared Box Project (https://thejaredbox.org/). Thank you to all who have already generously donated materials to this project. We are looking forward to creating playful boxes filled with cheerful and fun items for young local hospital patients at Capital Health Hospital.
Dates to Remember
Tuesday, 1/24: Toll Gate Night at Sumo Sushi
Wednesday, 1/25: Staff Development / Early Dismissal at 12:45 PM
Friday, 1/27: TG Day of Service (NEW DATE!)
Monday, 2/13: Student Council Sponsored Spirit Day - Mustache Monday (donate shelf-stable milk)
Monday, 2/6: Kindergarten Registration Begins
2/6-2/10: School Counselor Week
Monday, 2/20: President’s Day - Schools/Offices Closed
Community News & Events
Grammy award winning children's musician, Dan Zanes, will give a free concert this weekend to support Arm in Arm food pantry!! The concert will be held on Saturday, January 21st at 5pm at Nassau Presbyterian Church and canned goods will be collected in place of admission. The concert has no religious connection, it is simply a free community event.
Let me Run for Boys! The Let Me Run program is well established and has been used nationally and locally in the District schools. Please visit the website for information and see the attached PDF for coach details.
Swim Instructors Needed: The Hopewell Valley YMCA is looking for staff who enjoy working with children and teaching them water safety and how to swim. Please reach out to Dan Williams, Senior Program Director at dwilliams@hcymva.org
Hopewell Recreation Winter Programs for Jan-March - Multi-Sports Programs for ages 3-9 starting soon: Information and registration here.
Abbott Marshlands: Creation Station Jan 22 1:30-2:30pm Free
Make a new craft about nature and wildlife!
The East Amwell Environmental Commission welcomes you to register for the first of our Sustainability Series on 1/23 at 6PM (ZOOM - login provided after registering).
Katie Lyn Bunney from Minnesota's Monarch Joint Venture will be joining us to provide information on the importance of pollinators (and their decline!), the benefits of native plants, easy ways to help pollinators in your community (what to plant, how to maintain, other considerations for pollinators, and other small steps) and resources to help you get started! Feel free to share with a friend/family!
Hopewell Valley Chorus - Come Sing With Us!
We welcome all to sing with us, your local community chorus. Expert instruction and a supportive environment. No experience or auditions required. Come to an open rehearsal:
Jan 23 - Hopewell Valley Central High School To learn more about us: hopewellvalleychorus.org
The Watershed Institute, Preschool Nature Classes 1/24 and 1/31 Join us for stories and crafts!
Groundhog Day Celebration 1/28, Ages 5 and up! This program is part treasure hunt, part nature hike and plenty of imaginative fun. Registration and information here.
Pennington Public Library Presents: Cartooning Workshop with Mike Dawson, 1/25/23 @ 2pm-3pm at Pennington Boro Hall. Recommended for ages 8-12, registration is required.
Howell Living Farms Saturday, 1/28 Children's Craft: Ice Candle (11:00–3:00) visitors will learn about the tools and technology that made ice harvesting a successful business at the turn of the century with demonstrations of ice cutting, hauling, and handling. Visitors can help pull ice blocks up the ramp to the ice house, chip ice to make ice cream, and make an ice candle to take home. Ice cream and snow cone samples will be available in the afternoon, and food will be available at the farmhouse for purchase. $4 materials fee for ice candle craft.
Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Hunterdon County: Junior Master Gardener Program National Leader Training: Teachers, admin, volunteers and Program leaders, Join us for the fun, engaging, teacher-friendly and online 2023 JMG National Leader Training on Feb 21-22. 1.5 day Virtual Conference! https://JMGkids.us/2023JMGnlt/
Hopewell Valley Children's Theatre Presents: Disney's Beauty and the Beast!
Feb 3rd & 4th - 7pm/Feb 5th - 2pm At the Performing Arts Center at CHS.
Purchase tickets at ShowTix4U.com Visit us at https://www.hvct.org/ for more info.
Local Libraries for upcoming events and programs: