The Friday Focus

2025-26 Kindergarten Registration: Information and Forms are linked HERE.

• Kindergarten Camp: Information and forms are linked HERE. Please Note: your child must be registered for Fall 2025 Kindergarten in order to attend.
• PEECH Program (Preschool & Early Education for Children of Hopewell) - linked forms

Upcoming Events:

• Winter Musical: We hope that you'll join us for this year's HVCHS musical, Alice by Heart, which is a touching story inspired by Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. Alice by Heart encourages us all to celebrate the transformational power of the imagination, even in the harshest of times. Performances are February 28-March 1 and March 7-8 at 7:00 pm in the PAC. Tickets can be purchased by visiting cur8.com and searching for Hopewell.

• Hopewell Valley's Night Off is March 6th! This community-wide initiative was created for families to “take the night off” to spend time together. With the support of our schools & parents, sports practices, classes and homework will be canceled on this special evening. Visit this link for some great ideas on how to spend your night off!

• The Hopewell Valley Education Foundation Annual “Above & Beyond Gala” Friday, March 21st at Hopewell Valley Vineyards. Join us from 6:30-9:30 as we celebrate our well-deserving Teachers and Support Staff of the Year from each district school. There will be an auction full of amazing items as well as appetizers and artisan pizza buffet. Please click here for more event information and to buy Gala tickets!

• Hopewell Valley Education Foundation: HVEF is a non-profit organization, comprised of a board of local community members, with a mission is enhance the educational experience in HV schools through the development of community partnerships and resources. For more information about this support - and what it means in terms of supplemental programming for our students -please click here for the February newsletter.

• Hopewell Valley Bulldog Blossom 5K, Saturday, March 22: Includes both 1M Fun Run and 5K Run/Walk. Proceeds to benefit the HVCHS PTO Class of 2026 & 2027 Senior events.

Congratulations to the Hopewell Valley/Montgomery Ice Hockey Team on winning the 2025 CVC Tournament!

HVCHS Updates: Please see the February edition of HVCHS Updates from Ms. Riley and the January Counseling Newsletter from Ms. Rutt.

• Did your student miss the 2025 Summer Job and Service Fair? Over 30 employers and service organizations participated, offering summer employment and service opportunities. Questions? Please contact the Hopewell Valley Municipal Alliance at hvmunicipalalliance@gmail.com.

• Course Selection & Elective Fair: Semester one grades have determined preliminary eligibility for placement in courses for the 2025-26 school year. Please remember that all placements will be reevaluated after the third marking period, and changes in eligibility will be communicated to students and parents/guardians at that time. Students are in the process of course selection based on their preliminary eligibility determinations; all selections should be finalized by March 3 in preparation for the student/counselor scheduling meetings. Please review the additional information regarding the course selection process that was sent by the Counseling Office earlier this month. In addition, please encourage your child to attend the elective fair that will take place during recitation on Monday, February 24. For reference, The Program of Studies for 2025-26 can be found HERE.

• Local Scholarships for Class of 2025: The HVCHS Counseling Department coordinates a Local Scholarship Program every year for the graduating seniors. The Local Scholarship Application will be available to seniors starting Friday, February 21 on the HVCHS Scholarship website. The deadline to submit the application is March 15 at 3pm. There will be no exceptions to this deadline.

  
  

• Winter Musical: HVCHS is excited to present Alice by Heart, a musical inspired by Lewis Carroll’s novel Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland on February 28, March 1, March 7, and March 8 at 7 p.m. in the HVCHS Performing Arts Center. Tickets can be purchased online; please consider joining us for this celebration of the transformational power of the imagination!

• Staff Celebration: Congratulations to Ms. Lora Durr, who was selected as the NJ State Art Educator of the Year by the National Art Education Association! Ms. Durr was chosen due to her exemplary contributions, service, and achievements in the field of art education.

• Absences, Late Arrivals, & Early Dismissals: Parents/Guardians should call our TeleSafe number 609-737-4003, Ext 2, by 8:00 am to report an absence or late arrival. Please provide a note if your child needs to be dismissed from school early. Freshmen, sophomores, and juniors MUST be signed out by a parent or guardian before leaving the building. Please also review our attendance procedures for details about the district policies. *As a reminder, students must be in school for at least four hours in order to participate in all athletic or extra-curricular activities and events*

• 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 Counseling Services Calendar for 2024-25 can be found HERE with links to upcoming programs and events.

• February 24: Elective Fair during Recitation
• February 28: Deadline to submit FAFSA Opt-In/Opt-out form - required for graduation
• February 28, March 1, 7, 8: Winter Musical "Alice by Heart", 7 p.m.
• March 8: HVCHS SAT Administration
• March 15: Deadline to submit for local scholarship program
• March 21: The Hopewell Valley Education Foundation Annual “Above & Beyond” Gala
• March 22: Hopewell Valley Bulldog Blossom 5K1K

For Grade 6 students: The Courts, Community, and Rule of Law Committee of the Judicial Council of the Third Circuit has announced an essay contest for elementary students focused on civics, citizenship, and the concept of “We the People” – which are the first three words of the Preamble to the United States Constitution. The essay prompt is: How did our Nation’s Founders envision ‘the People’ when they drafted the Constitution, and how should we interpret their vision in our country today? Essays must be submitted on or before Monday, March 31, 2025 and will be judged on focus, content development, organization, and style. Prizes will be awarded. For more information, please click HERE.

TMS Spring Sports - Registration and medical forms for MS fall sports are due by Friday, Feb 28th! 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.

Boys and Girls Lacrosse (7th & 8th Grade Only) , Boys & Girls Spring Track (6th, 7th & 8th Grade),
Baseball 7th & 8th Grade) and Softball (6th, 7th & 8th Grade) start Monday, March 17th!

On Tuesday, March 18th, Timberlane will celebrate "Cutting Hair, Because We Care" (link to information) which will include both the St. Baldrick's Fundraiser and Wigs for Kids. Last year, we shaved 43 heads and raised $29,629 to fight childhood cancer, while being featured on Fox29! This year, we are hoping for even more participants for St. Baldrick's, and have added an opportunity for other students and grown-ups to donate hair to Wigs for Kids for children who've suffered hair loss as a result of cancer. Please see the above link for detailed information. We are looking forward to a very special day on March 18th!

• Yearbooks are on sale! The early bird price is $35. Click HERE to order your student's yearbook now!
• Absences, Late Arrival & Early Dismissal: Parents should call our TeleSafe # 609-737-4004, Ext 2, by 8:00 am, to report an absence or late arrival. If your child is leaving early, please be sure to send in a note when possible. If the need occurs after the start of school, please call the Main Office.
• Timberlane Drive is closed between 2:30 - 3:00 for TMS and CHS dismissal.
• TMS Updates: For additional information about TMS, please visit our webpage, or follow us on Twitter @Timberlane_HV, or instagram @timberlane_timberwolves
• The Timberlane ``Principal's Page" is on the TMS Website.

Upcoming Dates:

We are observing Black History Month by honoring African American contributions to our history, culture and society throughout February.

February 21st - "Crack the Code" STEM Night at TMS

February 27 - Student/Staff Basketball Game 3-5 pm

February 28th - 8th Grade Snow Tubing

March 21st: HVEF "Above and Beyond Gala"

Time of event: 6:00-8:30 pm. Click here for the flyer.

BT Read Across America - March 2-6 - As you may know, the first week in March is Read Across America week. We hope to be able to get "slightly used" books into the hands of our kids to encourage reading at home. If you are cleaning off shelves or have books your children no longer use or look at, please send them to the school, and once we get a good amount, we'll set up some "shopping days" for our students to bookshop.

BT St. Baldrick’s Day - Join our St. Baldrick's Shave Team and help stomp out Childhood Cancer. Last year, Bear Tavern raised over 28,000 dollars for this fantastic charity. Our goal is $30 K for this year. Please join our team, even if you don't want to shave. Your donations or volunteer support are helpful. Here is the link to join our team this year: Bear Tavern ES. Once you join, start raising money and get excited about this incredible event. We will be shaving at school on March 14th.

BT 3rd Grade Recorder Concert will be on Thursday, March 20th at 7:00 pm. Click here for more information.

World Down Syndrome Day - On March 21st, we will celebrate World Down Syndrome Day. On this day, we will wear mismatched socks. If you want to support and honor our students and families and this cause, here is a link to purchase mismatched socks for the day.

• School Lunch Information - Please click this link for the 2024-2025 information.
• 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.

• 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

2/26 - Author Assembly

2/28 - 5th Grade Glow Party

3/2 - 3/6 - Read Across America

3/14 - St. Baldrick’s Day @ BT

3/20 - Recorder Concert 7:00 pm

3/21 - World Down Syndrome Day

3/21 HVEF "Above & Beyond Gala"

The Principal’s February Newsletter - Hopewell’s Happenings is a monthly update with links to all sorts of information and activities.

PTO Fundraiser at Hopewell Valley Vineyards, Saturday, Feb 22nd. Stop by for a parent’s night out or make a purchase to help support the HES PTO!

HVEF Gala - Join us in celebrating Ms. Leah Anderson, our 2025 HES Governor’s Teacher of the Year, at the Annual HVEF Gala "Above and Beyond"! Join us on March 21st at Hopewell Valley Vineyards. Get your tickets HERE!

Book Fair - The book fair is just a week away (March 3rd - 5th), and we hope you will all get a chance to come and visit before or after school with your children and "Leap Into a Good Book". Use this Sign-Up Link, which will show when your child/children will visit the fair with their homeroom class and give you the opportunity to sign up to volunteer either during their class visit time or during the afternoon & evening hours of the fair. We also need help with the setup and breakdown of the fair and we'd appreciate any amount of time you can give. Reach out to Janet Rauscher -janetsrauscher@gmail.com or Eileen Lloyd - eileen.g.lloyd@gmail.com with any questions. Link HERE for more information.

Hopewell Valley YMCA Tom Jackson 3v3 Basketball Tournament: This tournament is open to all 3rd – 5th grade students and is free to register and play. Tournament Dates are March 3rd - 21st. For more information, click the following link: 2025 March Mania Packet Registration closes 2/23/2025.

• Order your HES Yearbook! - Online ordering is now open. Please click here to view the Yearbook Flyer.
• Lost and Found - please label your child's coats, sweatshirts, jackets, water bottles, and other belongings. Labeled items have a much better chance of making their way back home!

• School Lunch Information: Please click this link for the 2024-2025 information.
• 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, please be sure to call or email the main office at 609-737-4007 hwmainoffice@hvrsd.org

Dates to Remember:

• February 22nd - PTO Fundraiser at Hopewell Valley Vineyard

• March 3rd-5th - Book Fair

• March 3rd-7th - National World Languages Week, Read Across America Week

• March 6th - Hopewell Valley’s Night Off; PTO Meeting @ HES (8:45am)

• March 14th - Preschool Collaboration Day (No School for Preschool)

• March 15th - HES’s Mini-Musical (Community Performance) (2:00pm)

• March 21st - HVEF Gala "Above & Beyond"

Principal’s Page on the SB website.

Science Fair Update - The Science Fair date has been changed to Saturday, March 8th. Check out the FLYER for more information. Registration is open to all Stony Brook students, grades PreK-5th. For more information: https://sites.google.com/view/stonybrooksciencefair/home

SB Pajama Pants & Rainbow Tie Dye! The SB PTO is offering SB flannel pajama pants and rainbow tie dye tee shirts in both youth and adult sizes! These special items are only for sale for a few weeks and we will not buy extra to keep in inventory: https://tinyurl.com/SBPTO2025DropSale

Orders are due by Friday, March 7. Payment is accepted online or via cash/check (made out to SB PTO) sent into school. If submitting cash/check payment, please include a copy of your online order form with your payment.

Matt Phelan, Author Visit - New York Times best-selling author/illustrator of picture books, novels and graphic novels for young readers, is coming to SB on Thurs, 2/27! The SBPTO, in partnership with HVEF, is proud to offer students the opportunity to meet and interact with a best-selling children's author and illustrator, and have their books signed.

Hopewell Valley YMCA Tom Jackson 3v3 Basketball Tournament: This tournament is open to all 3rd – 5th grade students and is free to register and play. Tournament Dates are March 3rd - 21st. For more information, click the following link: 2025 March Mania Packet.

Registration closes 2/23/2025.

Picture Retake Day - Yearbook picture retakes will take place on Wednesday, March 19th.

World Down Syndrome Day - On March 21, we will be celebrating inclusivity and acceptance by wearing mismatched socks. It’s Rock Your Socks Day! Mismatched socks symbolize diversity and acceptance, as each sock represents a unique person with their own qualities. Any crazy or mismatched socks work! If you want to support and honor our students and families and this cause, here is a link to purchase mismatched socks for the day.

Order Your Stony Brook Yearbook! - Click HERE to pre order. Paper forms will also be sent home later in the year. Our yearbook ID to order online is 14277925.

• Lost & Found - Please label your jackets, gloves, hats and scarves!
• Breakfast - See the school breakfast & lunch menus. Students pick up and eat in the classroom. The cost is $3.25 unless your family qualifies for free/reduced meals.

• School Lunch Information: Click this link for the 2025 information.
• Dismissal Changes - Call our Attendance line at 609-737-4006, Ext 2, by 8:00 am to report an absence or late arrival. Please refer to our Attendance Procedures for details.
• PTO Membership Toolkit - Click here to register for volunteer opportunities, obtain class lists & apparel. Contact StonyBrookPTO@gmail.com with any questions.
• All Star Donation Drive - While the prize raffle is now closed, you can still donate to the All Star Donation Drive! Click here to donate.

School Closings - Tuesday, March 18 is a half day. No lunch is served and dismissal is 12:45pm. On March 31st, school is closed for Eid ul Fitr.

*Dates To Remember*

Toll Gate Grammar School Website

Toll Gate Grammar on Instagram

Email the Toll Gate Main Office

Principal Lauri's January Newsletter

Hopewell Valley YMCA Tom Jackson 3v3 Basketball Tournament: This tournament is open to all 3rd – 5th grade students and is free to register and play. Tournament Dates are March 3rd - 21st. For more information, click the following link: 2025 March Mania Packet Registration closes 2/23/2025.

Philly Pretzel Sales: The Toll Gate 5th Grade Committee is offering soft pretzel sales to raise money for 5th grade year-end activities. Pretzels are $2 each and will be delivered to your child’s homeroom by the end of the day for an after school snack on the following dates: 3/6, 3/20, 4/10, 4/24, 5/8, 5/21 and 6/5. Click here to order! If you have any questions, please contact Tricia Simpson. For nutritional information for Philly Pretzel Factory, click here.

• School Lunch Information: Please click this link for the 2024-2025 information.

• Dismissal Changes: If your dismissal plans change on any given day, please email tgmainoffice@hvrsd.org, (this email will go to both main office secretaries, Ashlee Dana and Patricia Jaczko) to inform them of the change. Please also cc' your child's homeroom teacher.

• Reporting Student Absences: Please remember to call the Telsafe line 609-737-4008, option 2) by 8:00am for any absences or tardiness. Emails to a teacher may not be seen in a timely manner. Telsafe is the best way to report an absence. If your child is not at school and you haven’t reported them absent or tardy, you will get a phone call from Mrs. Smith, our school nurse.

Dates to Remember:

2/24: Tour at Toll Gate Grammar School at 5:30PM, followed by Board of Education Meeting at the Administration Building, 425 South Main St. @a 6:30pm to accommodate parking

3/3: Digital Wellness Parent Discussion Group 7:00-8:30 PM

3/14: Trimester 2 Ends, PTO Skate Night @ Princeton Day School 5:00-6:45 PM

3/17-3/21: Spring Book Fair

3/21: HVEF "Above and Beyond Gala"

• Mad Science: Glow Show for Families Feb. 22 @ 1:00 pm - 2:00pm, Pennington Public Library Experts from Mad Science will guide us as we discover amazing things that glow bright in the dark! We will probe the properties of light and explore some unusual applications of glow-in-the-dark technology. This fascinating science show will entertain children and parents alike. Recommended for ages 3-12. Registration required.

• Build A Bee Abode, Feb 23rd, Tulpehaking Nature Center, 2:30-4pm. Invite these helpful pollinators to your backyard by building a bee house in this workshop using natural materials.

• Family Matinee: The Princess and the Frog at The Garden Theatre, Sat. Feb 22nd at 10am

• Read and Explore: Fur, Feathers, Fluff: Keeping Warm in Winter, Sat. Feb. 22nd at 10am Terhune Orchards. Read two stories about animals and make a paper bag animal to take home.

• Rays of Hope: Living Black Museum at the Arts Council of Princeton, Feb. 23rd, 3-6pm. Interactive exhibits highlighting the contributions of Black individuals throughout history, with a spotlight on local youth talent. Artscouncilofprinceton.org.

• Hopewell Basketball Spring Hoops Registration is Open! Space is limited! Games at Timberlane Middle School Gyms Boys and Girls Teams, Grades 3-5! For more information or to register: www.hopewellbasketball.com

• Hopewell Valley Lacrosse: Spring 2025 Registration is open for our HVL 3-8th Girls/ Boys Teams and Little Laxers. Open to boys and girls ages K-8th grade, HVL’s Program provides developmental lacrosse instruction for boys and girls, K-8th grade of all skill levels.

• Hopewell Valley Soccer Association: Spring 2025 Rec Soccer is Open! For children ages 2-18. Program will run from 4/13-5/25, with the exceptions of Eater and Memorial Day Weekends.

• Healthy Kids Running was created to motivate kids to lead a healthy and active lifestyle through a positive introduction to the world of running! HERE is the information about the series in Lawrence Township which starts in April.

• Inclusion Sports Performance Training: At ISPT, we prioritize the needs of all kids, regardless of their abilities, in our recreational programs. We are committed to providing the best possible experience for every student, recognizing that each one learns in their own unique way and at their own pace.

• Schafer Sports Center is a multisport athletic complex offering a variety of programs for youth, teens, adults of all ages.

• Music Mountain Theatre: Young Audience Season: The perfect introduction to live theater for children! All shows are approximately1 hour in length and are recommended for audiences aged 5 and up.

• McCarter Theatre Class for Kids: offers an array of in-person classes for students grades K-12 which foster supportive and creative environments in which students are free to explore, play and develop.

• The Laurie Berkner Band McCarter Theatre, March 1st: A pioneer in what is now referred to as the progressive “kindie rock” movement—Berkner’s shows delight and inspire!

Here are the links to the local libraries for upcoming storytimes, events and programs:

Hopewell Public Library

Pennington Public Library

Mercer County Library - Hopewell Branch

Apple Hart Farm Camp: provides a rich, outdoor experience in which budding nature lovers connect with the natural world in a safe, nurturing environment through hands-on animal care, imaginative play, nature hikes, art, gardening, cooking and more. Camp groups are led by are professional teachers who have undergone background clearances.

ArtSparks Summer 2025: Summer Camp at Art Sparks 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.

Champs Camp Great Outdoors: Welcome to Champ Camp Great Outdoors, a whole new immersive summer experience. We’re elevating day camp to Champion status. Picture a mix of explorations in nature with brainy STEM challenges, fabulous field trips, and games galore!

The Chapin School, ESF Camps: For Boys and Girls, Rising Preschool to 10th Grade

The extensive indoor and outdoor facilities allow us to offer our unique blend of activities, sports, and special events throughout the summer, rain or shine.

Hopewell Recreation's "Summer at a Glance": We are working on our summer camp offerings and wanted to share a "sneak peak" with you before everything is released later in February. Mark your calendars...summer camp registration officially opens on Monday, March 3rd!

Hopewell Swim & Tennis Sumer 2025: Registration is Open for Firefly and Tennis Camps! An ideal balance of sports and fun summer activities with instructional programs created for all ages and skill levels.

Hopewell Valley YMCA Summer Camp: offers high-quality summer day camp programming to meet the needs of the community. Campers will learn teamwork, embrace their artistic side, develop their sports skill sets and engage in their love of STEM activities and more.

Hun Day Camp: Campers will explore Hun’s 45-acre campus through eco-nature walks and field games, and use some of our academic buildings for art & crafts, mini-STEM projects, performing arts, LEGO builds, and weekly design challenges.

Inclusion Sports Performance Training Summer Day Camp: Join us for a summer full of fun as we play and tumble together at ISPT! We are dedicated to helping children develop their skills, build self-esteem, and inspire them to reach their full potential. All campers will enjoy engaging activities such as gymnastics, biking, basketball, and a variety of other multi-sport games. Our camp emphasizes fundamental movement, functional skills, and the enhancement of social and life skills throughout the program.

Iron Peak: offers a variety of Youth Programs, including "Never-Ending Summer" a Multi-Sport and Adventure Day Camp.

Mercer County Community College: Summer Camps Guide

Music Mountain Theatre Summer Camps: Our theatre camps are perfect for budding performers eager to explore acting, singing, and dancing. Led by our talented teachers, each camp is designed to immerse campers in a magical world of theatre, creativity, and storytelling.

Local Nike Boys Basketball Camps are open for registration!

At The Pennington School

At The College of New Jersey

At Princeton Day School

At The Lawrenceville School

The Pennington School: Summers at Pennington: Offers several program streams for ages 6-17 with a variety of camps to find the perfect option or combination of options to make this summer one of discovery and adventure!

Princeton Ballet School Summer Program: Programs include courses, camp and intensives.

Princeton Day School: Summer Programs offers seven weeks of academic, athletic and enrichment programming on the school's 106-acre campus. Built-in scheduling flexibility allows parents to create half-day or full-day options that will be memorable experiences for campers. Camp facilities utilize our entire campus, including our STEAM Centers and classrooms, state-of-the-art athletic facilities, organic garden and one-of-a-kind ropes course.

Princeton University Summer Day Camp: For children entering grades 1-8.

Rambling Pines Summer Camp: Each program provides structured activities chosen for your child's age group, along with well-trained and caring counselors and all the fun and excitement your child needs.

Schafer Summer Camp: 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.

Stuart Country Day School Summer Experience: All camps and workshops will be directed by dedicated Stuart faculty who are committed to developing the hearts and minds of young learners, from Early Childhood to Upper School.

The College of New Jersey:

Precollege Camps: TCNJ offers pre-college programs for high school students who want to explore careers on a beautiful college campus. Programs include: Innovation, AI, Biomedical Engineering, Future Music Educators, Design and Creative Technology and Archaeology.

Sports Camps: Women's lacrosse, Men's & Women's Soccer, Baseball, Field Hockey, Football, Men's & Women's Basketball, Swimming & Diving, Wrestling and Soccer.

The Watershed Nature Camp - Campers will spend most of their time exploring our 950-acre Watershed Reserve of fields, forests, trails, ponds, and streams. They will also have access to the exhibits and animal ambassadors inside the nature center

The Watershed Summer Academy for High School Students: Each five-day session engages students in a world of science where they ask questions and identify problems, gain skills and knowledge.