The Friday Focus

• Here is a peek at the Hopewell Highlights insert in the upcoming Hopewell Express.

• Mercer County Student Internship Program: Offers high school and college students the opportunity to get hands-on experience, professional development and career exploration in public service. Application deadline is April 12th!

• Join us for a Discussion with William Stixrud and Ned Johnson, authors of The Self-Driven Child: The Science and Sense of Giving Your Kids More Control Over Their Lives. Q&A will follow. This free online event on April 9th at 7pm via Zoom is sponsored by the Hopewell Valley Municipal Alliance. Register at Eventbrite for tickets.

• The Cotsen Children’s Library Writing Contest for those 9-16. Winning stories will be illustrated and published on our Pop Goes the Page creative blog. Additionally, winning authors will enjoy an online $50 shopping spree! Please click HERE for 350 for 50 Contest Submission Requirements. Due by 3:00pm on Friday, April 11, 2025.

• Design Contest for Students! AIA-NJ: The American Institute of Architects (AIA) is holding a statewide K-12 competition during New Jersey Architecture Week that imagines what a home might look like 125 years from now: K-12 Challenge: Future Home 2150, due Friday April 11th.

• From Princeton University Program in Teacher Preparation: Summer 2025 QUEST Institutes for STEM teachers (grades 5-12) Be sure to register before the early bird discount ends on April 11th!

• The Hopewell Valley Mobile Food Pantry is celebrating it's 5th Year Anniversary at an Open House on Sunday, April 13th from 11am- 2 pm at 425 S. Main Street, Pennington. We'll be thanking those already involved; educating people about the scope of our operations, and how they can become more involved; and discussing what lies ahead for the Pantry. And in the spirit of Sunday Church Coffee Hour, light refreshments will be served.

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.

Spring Pep Rally: Thank you to the HVCHS Student Council for the creation of a fun-filled spring spirit week, which culminates in our spring pep rally. During the pep rally, we'll celebrate our spring teams and organizations, cheer for the final four of the HVCHS March Madness competitions, and enjoy the culmination of the wellness class volleyball tournament. It's a great way to kick off spring break!

Conqueror of the Hill is an annual engineering task in which all first-year physics students participate. The goal is to design and build a device out of common household materials such as plywood, mousetraps, rubberbands, jar lids, etc. The device that students design and build must be able to move up a three-foot long playing field and score points at the top by placing eraser caps on a ledge, sticking a velcro ball to the goal at the top of the hill or launching a marble into a pvc cap. Students work in teams of up to three students to complete the task. Conqueror culminates with a school-wide competition that occurs during lab period of physics classes. This year, over 200 students participated. The members of the winning team were: Mike Vagott and Jackson Blackwell!

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

Junior Prom: The Class of 2026 is currently planning the Junior Prom. Tickets cannot be purchased without a completed permission slip so please view the Junior Prom website with your child for additional information. We’re excited to celebrate the Class of 2026 at this special event!

• 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.

Save The Date

• March 31: Eid al-Fitr, Schools closed

• April 1-4: Spring Break, Schools Closed

• May 2: Junior Prom

The TMS Science fair will be held on Friday, April 25th! This event will feature Science projects, Engineering Science projects, Scientific Illustrations or Computer Programs. Students should check their email for more information.

If you are interested in joining tech crew for "The Addams Family", please complete the General Interest google form and come to interviews on April 9th or 10th, after school in Mrs. Schubin's room. We are looking for trustworthy, responsible and enthusiastic students to help with the production! Link below:https://forms.gle/i5pzhMvwhRSqBGfE9

• Yearbooks are on sale! Click HERE to order your student's yearbook now!
• Absences, Late Arrival & Early Dismissal: Parents should call TeleSafe # 609-737-4004, Ext 2, by 8:00 am to report an absence or late arrival. If your child is leaving early, please 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:

3/28 Spring Celebration Pep Rally

3/31 Schools Closed, Eid al-Fitr

4/1 - 4/4 Spring Break Schools Closed

4/25- Science Fair

Save The Dates:

May 2-8th Grade Night Out

May 12-16-Testing

June 12-8th Grade Picnic

June13-8th Grade Dance

June 16- Stepping Up Ceremony

BT Principal's Page

BT On Instagram

BTPTO March Bear Flash

Congratulations to Bear Tavern’s 3rd-grade Girls Division March Mania Champions!

YMCA After School Spring Enrichment Registration - Is open for various enrichment programs at Bear Tavern Elementary School. Classes will start the week of 4/14 and will run for seven weeks. Click here for more information and to register by Monday, 3/31.

• 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

3/31 - Schools Closed, Eid al-Fitr

4/1 - 4/4 Spring Break Schools Closed

4/18 - Good Friday Schools/Offices Closed

4/22 - Earth Day, Wear Green & Blue

4/24 - 5th Grade Mini Musical 7:00 pm

On Wednesday, Officers from the Hopewell Township Police Drone Unit presented to BT students. The students had a firsthand look at drone technology and learned about how they are used in police work. Thank you to the HT Police for this exciting presentation!

HES Grade 3 celebrated it's 26th annual Mini-Iditarod Race this week!. The students worked in teams to complete 10 checkpoints spread throughout Hopewell Park and the school grounds. Thank you to all of those who participated, supported and volunteered for another huge success!

The Principal’s March Newsletter - Hopewell’s Happenings is our monthly update.

HES Spring Fling - On April 11th, The Hopewell Elementary School PTO will present our biennial Spring Fling event. This year we are celebrating "A Century of Hopewell Elementary". The special night of philanthropy and fun will take place at Cherry Valley Country Club at 7:30PM-10:30PM. Link HERE for ticket information.

Kids Heart Challenge - Join us in learning about heart health and raising funds to protect all hearts, for the American Heart Association! Please consider donating to this amazing cause. Students can sign up on this site (which is free) to complete a Jump Rope for Heart Challenge on May 7th during recess.

YMCA After School Spring Enrichment Registration - is open for a variety of enrichment programs right here at Hopewell Elementary School. Classes will start the week of 4/14 and will run for seven weeks. Click here for more information and to register by Monday, 3/31.

Order your HES Yearbook! - Online ordering is now open. Please click here to view the Yearbook Flyer. The order deadline is Friday, May 9th.

• Lost and Found - Be sure to LABEL your children’s coats, hats, and other clothing!

• 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:

March 28th - School Spirit Day

March 31st - Eid al-Fitr: School Closed

April 1st - April 4th - Spring Break: School Closed

April 11th - HES’s PTO Fundraiser - Spring Fling

April 18th - Good Friday: Schools & Offices Closed

Principal’s Page on the SB website.

YMCA After School Spring Enrichment Registration - is open for a variety of enrichment programs right here at Stony Brook Elementary School. Classes will start the week of 4/14 and will run for seven weeks. Click here for more information and to register by Monday, 3/31.

Call for Dance Performances for "One Fine Day" Celebration!
We are looking for dances that represent the many cultures and traditions at Stony Brook for our annual "One Fine Day" celebration on Wednesday, May 7th. If you're interested in organizing a dance for the event, please complete this form to sign up: “One Fine Day” Dance Sign Up. The deadline to sign up is Friday, April 18.

Here are the requirements for the "One Fine Day" dances:

• Dances may be no longer than 2 minutes.

• Dances should be prepared outside of school.

• Solo performances are limited to 5th grade only. We are primarily seeking group performances. Organizers are encouraged to include their student’s classmates in the performance.

• Please note that "One Fine Day" will focus on cultural dances. Later this school year, we will have a special evening where students can showcase their instrumental and vocal talents!

SB Read-A-Fun Read-A-Thon - Our school-wide goals this year are 200,000 reading minutes and $5,000 raised over the five-week program, which ends on Friday, April 11. If our students reach the reading goal, they will win an all-school prize: a pajama and movie day in April! The entire school will watch a movie together in their comfy PJs, and the SB PTO will supply snacks! Please encourage your children to read and get sponsors to support this fun initiative!

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.

*Dates To Remember*

Monday, 3/31: Eid al-Fitr: Schools Closed

3/31-4/4: Spring Break - Schools Closed

4/22 Green Week Expo

4/10: PTO Meeting

• Pennington Parks & Recreation Easter Egg Hunt, April 19th, 10am Kunkel Park

• Hopewell Valley Swim America is a learn-to-swim program developed by the American Swim Coaches Association. It is a structured lesson program that allows kids to progress at their own rate through 10 stations. CHS Swim Coach Dennis Atkinson is running this program from April 1st-29th. For more information, please click HERE.

• Mercer County Junior Golf Academy: Teen Beginner Clinics start back up in April. Info and registration can be found here. Junior Development Programs: 2 programs, Junior Birdies and Junior Eagles, they run monthly on Sundays. Info and registration can be found here.

  
  

• Hopewell Township Parks & Recreation: Spring and Summer Guide 2025 is here! Upcoming programs include: Tennis, Skateboarding, Multi-Sports.

• Hopewell Valley Jr. Bulldogs Youth Spring Flag Football Registration is open. Spring flag sessions are open to boys and girls in Kindergarten thru 8th Grade. Each session consists of instruction and game play between participants. Click here for more information

• Hopewell Recreation to offer a Skateboard Camp over HVRSD Spring Break, March 31-April 4, from 9am-12 noon. Open to all skill levels and will be held at the Skate Park in the Hopewell Township Municipal Complex. For more information and to register for camp, visit our website at www.hopewelltwp.org/recreation.

• Hopewell Basketball Spring Hoops Registration is Open! 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. HVSA Travel Tryouts will begin the week of March 24th for the '25-'26 season.

• 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.

• The Watershed Institute: Spring Break Mini Camp, April 3 & 4: Bring your campers for a mini-camp experience complete with a day of hiking, exploring, playing, and enjoying the start of spring.

• Blippi: Join the Band Tour! Blippi will be joined onstage by Meekah, their singing and dancing buddies and LIVE musicians to explore what makes music, including sounds, rhythms and instruments, through all your favorite Blippi hits. Weds. April 24th, 6pm, Patriots Theater at the War Memorial, Trenton.

• LGBTQ 401: May 3rd, Kickoff at 10am. HV CHS Community Room, Hope Rises Up and Prism—Bending the Light are partnering with Hopewell Valley Regional School District and Hopewell Valley Municipal Alliance for a day centered in education and advocacy surrounding issues that impact the LGBTQ+ community, particularly our students. We will be offering a panel discussion with LGBTQ+ high school and college aged young adults followed by multiple breakout sessions with qualified panelists discussing issues of mental health, affirming faith spaces, local resources for LGBTQ+ students and families, and more.

• Hopewell Township and Cultural Connections 2nd Annual Cultural Festival at Woolsey Park on May 10, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Check out the performances, food trucks, and vendors for a perfect spring day!

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 an 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.

Art in the Park: is back for another fun-filled summer at Kunkel Park! Campers will explore the world of art through a wide variety of media that may include watercolors, printmaking, sculpture, acrylics, colored pencils, collage, pastels, crayons, and more. Camp is held Monday-Friday from 9am-12pm and is for children entering grades 1-6. Attached are the flyer and registration form. You can also choose to register online at www.hopewelltwp.org/recreation or by calling or emailing the Recreation Department.

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.

Bulldogs Flag Football Camp, July 14th -July 17th, 9am-12om at the HVCHS Turf Field for kids entering 1st -8th. The Bulldogs Flag Football Camp teaches position-specific fundamentals and techniques for all offensive, defensive and special teams positions. Each day camp will include flag football games. Campers will also be instructed on proper running technique then laser timed in their 40 yard dash.

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.

Deans Camps at The Lawrenceville School: Introducing an all-inclusive camp model with an exciting array of practical arts, handicraft and adventure programs designed for Discovery, Exploration, Achievement, and Navigation.

Garden Theatre, Princeton "Film Camp": The Garden Theatre is hosting two different week-long film camp experiences this summer. Our “Elements of Film” curriculum, which launched last year, will be returning. We will also be debuting a new week-long curriculum, “Intro to Filmmaking.”

Hopewell Recreation's Summer Camp site: Registration is open for all of our summer camp options: Including: Recreation Camp, Teen Travel Camp and Junior Travel Camp, Nature Camp, Magic Camp as Pre-K Camp and Arts Theater Camp well as Baseball, Tennis and Basketball, Field Hockey, Soccer, Multi-Camp, Speed & Agility and Track & Field.

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: 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

Mercer County Golf Programs, Summer Camp: Registration is open for our very popular summer camp! Nine weeks available, three daily options, SUPER Early Bird Discount (10%) valid until 3/31.

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.

NLSA Surf Summer Soccer Camps: Offering a number of local day and overnight programs.

Nike Boys Basketball Camps are open for registration! Locations include: The Pennington The College of New Jersey, Princeton Day School and 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!

Primetime Athletics Basketball Camp: Basketball camp will be held at Hopewell Valley Central High School with CHS Coach Matt Stein. Kids will participate in exciting drills, competitions, and games. All levels welcomed!

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. 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 Friends School: Campers are offered days filled with adventure, creativity, and fun framed by the Quaker testimonies of simplicity, peace, integrity, community, equality, and stewardship. And for those who seek something beyond or in addition to the classic camp experience, we offer three specialty camps: Art, Drama, and Kungaloosh Camp.

Princeton Montessori School SummerQuest: For children 18 months-6 years, our Toddler, and Primary programs offer age-appropriate fun in a safe and caring environment. The summer program evolves around: outdoors, crafts, special visitors, theater, friendships, and favorite traditions like gardening, building teepees and forts in the woods.

Princeton Photo Camp: Watch Your Teen Become an Amazing Photographer! From Beginner to Advanced in One Week.

Princeton University’s Campus Recreation Summer Day Camp for children entering 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. Registration for Non-University/Community members opens Monday, March 3, 2025. Questions? Email reccamps@princeton.edu

Princeton University Sports Camps offers sport-specific camps for young athletes. All camps and clinics are held on campus and run by the Department of Athletics. Each camp is directed by the Princeton University varsity coaches, with assistance from college coaches and players. Questions? E-mail: camps@princeton.edu

Springdale Golf Club: Our Summer junior program runs Tuesday-Thursday from the week of July 8th - August 5th, from 9:00am-3:00pm with a break in the middle for lunch. Open to ages 8-16 and is available to members as well as non-members. We will work on all parts of the game and be sure to have fun while doing it!

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: Offers campers a variety of activities including gymnastics, sports and playground games, both full and half day programs.

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.

Waldorf School of Princeton

Rising Kindergarteners have the opportunity to explore our beautiful campus and immerse themselves in the world of creativity, Our summer camp is the perfect opportunity to practice and learn a variety of languages or develop a new skill for rising first through eighth graders.

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.

YingHua International School: Our 2025 Summer Camp offers children ages 18 months - grade 6 themed weeks that promise a blend of 3 language immersion tracks (your choice of Chinese, German and Spanish) and STEAM exploration. The excitement continues with weekly field trips and events, including cultural lunches. Questions? Email camp@yhis.org

Hopewell Valley Youth Football: Fall Programs include Flag Football for ages 4-6, Tackle Football for ages 7-14, and Non-Competitive Cheer for ages 4-14. Click here for more information.