Upcoming Programs:
"The Price of Silence" Wednesday Feb 15th, 6pm at HVCHS PAC. A screening of the film by Truehart Productions at the Hopewell Valley 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.
Professional Development Institutes are being offered this summer for K-12 STEM teachers through QUEST 2023. Participants will earn 30 professional development hours and receive an honorarium of $150 upon the completion of each QUEST unit. QUEST is designed to enhance teachers' knowledge of science and mathematics aligned with the New Jersey Student Learning Standards in Science and Math. Each session is co-taught by Princeton University researchers, content experts, and lead teachers. QUEST builds on teachers' knowledge of science and math content along with practices through experiments, field experiences, data analysis, and discourse. These learning experiences aim to increase teachers’ enthusiasm, knowledge, and confidence in teaching science and math. This summer's QUEST Institutes for STEM teachers include:
July 17-21: Phenomenal Fusion: Energy and Climate Justice (grades 6-12)
July 23-28: In our Backyards: Human Impacts on Pollinator and Plant Populations in Local Environments (grades 3-12)
July 24-28: Buried Secrets: The Geological Significance, Formation and History of Iron Ore Deposits in the NJ Highlands (grades 3-12)
August 14-18: Climate Change: Exploring Solutions to a Complex Problem (grades 5-12)
Register here: https://teacherprep.princeton.edu/questapplication
Please contact Dr. Jessica Monaghan with any questions. Please note: Register before 4/28/23 for a discounted rate. Fee schedule as follows: Early Bird $250; Full Rate $300. Space is limited and we may not be able to accept all applications. Registration is required no later than June 16th.
Hopewell YMCA Safety Town: is designed to provide hands-on safety education for incoming kindergarten – 1st grade students. Safety Town is a one-week summer program offered to provide a realistic, child-sized town with miniature streets, buildings, crosswalks and working traffic lights. Students will navigate the safety town setting on a bicycle, while learning the importance of bicycle, pedestrian, playground safety and vehicular safety. The program is directed by YMCA staff members with assistance from local youth volunteers and features visits by police, firefighters, paramedics and other local first responders and community members.
Dates: June 26 – June 30/Location: Bear Tavern Elementary School
Fee: $105/camper
Times Available:
AM Session: 8:30 am – 11:00 pm/PM Session: 11:30 am – 2:00 pm
Register today online @ www.hvymca.org
Kindergarten Registration for 2023: Kindergarten registration for children who will be five years old on or before October 1, 2023 has begun. You can find registration information and forms on this web page: Kindergarten Registration.
Kindergarten Camp 2023: an optional summer 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 is available here: Kindergarten Registration. 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? Asset of the Week #7 is Community Values Youth: Do the young people around you have opportunities to participate, serve, lead, and make decisions within the community? Do these same young people feel the community supports children and youth? If the answer to these questions is “not always” or “not enough,” it may be time to make some changes. Set a goal to create an environment in which you and other adults take time to listen to young people, spend time with them, and give credit to their opinions. Tips for building this asset: young people’s perceptions can tell you a lot about your community and what needs to happen so they feel the community values them. Ask young people what they think. Acknowledge their opinions, even if you don’t agree. Work together to turn your community into a place that values its young people. Also try this In your home and family: Ask your child’s opinion about something in the news. Listen carefully, without interrupting. Encourage civic groups to include young people in critical conversations. In your school or youth program: Engage the young people in your school or program as leaders and decision makers.
HVCHS Summer Job & Community Service Fair: Is your student looking for a job or to volunteer this summer? The HV Central High School Summer Job and Community Service Fair is open to all students on Thursday, February 16 during the lunch session in the Media Center. Over 30 employers and service organizations will be participating. The fair is also open to students during Session 3 and 4 for students who have study hall. Questions? Please contact the Hopewell Valley Municipal Alliance at hvmunicipalalliance@gmail.com.
2023-24 Course Selections: As you saw in Mr. DeStefano’s email on February 8, all underclassmen are required to complete online course selection for the 2023-24 school year between February 13 and March 3. Please refer to the video and the slide deck shared by Mr. DeStefano for help with the process. As you navigate this process you may find our Course Selection page useful. It includes detailed information including links to the updated HVCHS Program of Studies, lists of electives available at each grade level, and more.
HVCHS Culture Connections: Bonjour! Hola! Aloha! Namaste! HVCHS Culture Connections is a student organization that prioritizes and embraces cultural diversity, individuality, and identity. Our mission is to promote cultural competency among HVCHS students and staff by inviting cultural representatives throughout our larger community to speak about their particular culture. We are looking for presenters from the community who would be willing to present their culture and all of its unique customs and traditions during our lunch period here at HVCHS. Please fill out this form if you are interested in presenting to our students. If you have any questions, you may contact our club advisor Maya Smith-Mabry at mayasmithmabry@hvrsd.org.
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, February 17th. Registration and medical form links are available on the athletic website. 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.
HVCHS Celebrates Black History Month: HVCHS is excited to celebrate Black HIstory Month in several different ways. Shades, our Black Student Union, has created a bulletin board dedicated to the achievements of African-Americans throughout history, and they are sharing daily announcements highlighting historical facts. We are also happy to support the screening of “The Price of Silence” which will take place in the HVCHS PAC on February 15 at 6 p.m.
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.
The HVCHS DogByte is the HVCHSPTO newsletter which provides information about upcoming events and programs. It is emailed every Tuesday and available through the HVCHS website. Please click this link for details.
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.
Dates to Remember
February 16: HV Municipal Alliance Summer Job & Service Fair
The GREAT TMS CEREAL CHALLENGE
TMS has a long-standing tradition of engagement in community service, and we are about to embark on our biggest service project ever!
We are going to try to break the Guinness World Record for the longest consecutive chain of cereal boxes falling like dominoes!! Guinness has accepted our application, and the students are VERY excited about this!
Our goal: 6,500 boxes by the end of April
This will be a school-wide project during which we work on a variety of skills, including:
Setting a goal and working towards it
Teamwork
Connecting with local resources
Creative planning
Helping others in need
Since this will take some time, we have phases of the project, and we will communicate them with you.
We are currently in the Kick Off Phase.
Check out our Kick Off Video - and feel free to share with friends and family! Trust us - it’s worth it!
In the Kick Off Phase, we are collecting cereal boxes from January 31 - February 10th. Since we are donating all cereal to local organizations that are fighting food insecurity, please purchase cereals with strong nutritional value. Be sure to scan your Box Tops and support the TMS PTO!
If you would like to donate directly from Amazon and have cereal shipped to the school, please check out our Amazon wishlist.
TMS SPRING SPORTS START MONDAY, MARCH 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.
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.
Batter up...It’s Timberlane Day at Yankees Stadium! Join us on Sunday, April 16, 2023 at 1:35pm to watch the Yankees play the Minnesota Twins. Field level outfield section tickets are $100 per person and include a hot dog, drink and Yankees backpack. Ticket orders must be placed by March 17. E-mail Dana at danafray@aol.com with questions or to sign up! Tickets are NOT restricted to TMS families so anyone in the district is welcome to attend.
Yearbooks are now on sale: Click here to order.
TMS Updates: For additional information about TMS, please visit our webpage, or follow us on Twitter @Timberlane_HV, or instagram @timberlane_timberwolves
Kindergarten Registration Information for 2023-24, Kindergarten Camp Information and Application for the PEECH program: Information and links can be found on the Superintendent’s page above.
BT Principal Page - Click here for our new principal button on the Bear Tavern website!
BT Kid’s Heart Challenge: Our event officially kicks off on Monday, January 30th and runs through Friday, February 17th. Click here for more information.
BT Staff Spotlight: Meet Mrs. Gaspari! New to Bear Tavern this year, Mrs. Gaspari is a special education teacher in Kindergarten and Fourth Grade. Click here to learn a little more about Mrs. Gaspari, and be sure to say hello if you see her in the halls.
BTPTO Dine Out: Please click here for the flyer and details on how to support our February Dine Out Fundraiser on February 16th at Wildflowers.
St. Baldrick's Day: Friday, March 10th at BT we will be raising money to fight Childhood Cancer (learn more HERE) You can join “Team Bear Tavern” or donate HERE. You can also get a “Team Bear Tavern” T-Shirt (recommended for shavees and available to anyone who wants to support the team!). Bear Tavern has raised over $65,500 to support St. Baldrick’s since 2016 and teams with Mr. Turnbull have raised over $133,000 since 2010!
2023 March Mania Basketball Tournament - Get ready for the annual Hopewell Valley YMCA Tom Jackson 3v3 Basketball Tournament. The tournament is open to all 3rd – 5th grade students and is free to register and play. Please click here for more details! Tournament Dates are March 9th - March 31st, and the registration deadline is March 3rd.
BT Author Visit: Renowned author, Tami Charles, is coming to visit BT on March 8th. The BTPTO, in partnership with HVEF, is proud to offer students the opportunity to meet and interact with an NYTimes best-selling author. BTPTO is offering students the opportunity to order copies of her works in preparation for the event. Books will be signed on the day of her visit. You can click here to place your order if you like. Please place your order by Wednesday, February 9th, to ensure delivery before the event in March.
BTPTO: Volunteers are needed for the Spring Event Planning Committees. Two fun events are coming up in the spring. An Ice Cream Social is to be held at BT on Friday, March 24th, with build-your-own sundaes, raffle baskets, and a Parent/Teacher Night Out to be held in May. Please click here to volunteer for the planning committees. Questions/Info: Jessica.Ruff@comcast.net or Christa.Eastgate@gmail.com
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
February 14th- Valentine's Day (Wear Pink or Red)
February 16th- BTPTO Dine Out (Wildflowers)
February 17th- Sports Day (Wear your favorite sports team jersey or shirt)
Kindergarten 100th Day Celebration
February 20th- Presidents’ Day (School/Office Closed)
Kindergarten Registration Information for 2023-24, Kindergarten Camp Information and Application for the PEECH program: Information and links can be found on the Superintendent’s page above.
2023 March Mania Basketball Tournament: Get ready for the annual Hopewell Valley YMCA Tom Jackson 3v3 Basketball Tournament. The tournament is open to all 3rd – 5th grade students and is free to register and play. Please click here for more details! Tournament Dates are March 9th - March 31st and the deadline to register is March 3rd.
HES Yearbooks are now available: You can order online at ybpay.com. Please enter Yearbook ID Code: 1799323. The deadline is April 21st.
February’s collaboration with The Chubby’s Project: This month 1st graders are gathering canned and boxed goods. Any and all donations are greatly appreciated!
PTO Dates and Events: The next meeting will be February 10th at 2pm. Please check out the current Frog Flash filled with important information.
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
February 13th - Whole School Meeting - wear your HES T-Shirt
February 14th - Valentine’s Day
February 14th - Valentine’s Day and 1st Grade Parent Concert at 9:00 am
February 21st - 28th - Coin Wars
February 20th - President’s Day (School’s Closed)
March 6th - 8th - HES Book Fair
#BeTheLightHES
Kindergarten Registration Information for 2023-24, Kindergarten Camp Information and Application for the PEECH program: Information and links can be found on the Superintendent’s page above.
Wildflowers PTO Dine In/Take Out night: Our next dine in/take out will be at Wildflowers on February 23rd. Flyer to follow.
Yearbook 2023: Yearbooks are now available for sale online or by form. Yearbooks are $25 and orders are due May 1.
SB PTO Movie Night February 17th: Join the PTO to watch “Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile”. You can pre order pizza. Details can be found HERE.
Science Fair 2023: The date of the “in-person” Science Fair is Saturday, February 25th from 8 am to 12 pm. Details can be found HERE.
March Madness: It’s time for the 2023 March Mania Basketball Tournament! Click HERE for more information. The tournament is free and open to all 3rd-5th graders. Registration closes 3/3/23. New this year-all games will take place at Timberlane.
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
February 20 - Schools Closed - Presidents Day
February 25 - Science Fair
February 28 - Lifetouch Spring Photos
Kindergarten Registration Information for 2023-24, Kindergarten Camp Information and Application for the PEECH program: Information and links can be found on the Superintendent’s page above.
TG Student Council Sponsored Spirit Days: The TG Student Council is sponsoring several Spirit Days throughout the year. To participate, they are requesting a small donation that will benefit the Hopewell Valley Mobile Food Pantry. See below for our next Spirit Day:
Monday, February 13th - Mustache Monday > Donate Shelf-Stable Milk
There will be a labeled donation box by the front door of Toll Gate in which you can place your donation for the Hopewell Valley Mobile Food Pantry. Email Mrs. Kampe (kimberlykampe@hvrsd.org) or Mrs. Mayer (kimberlymayer@hvrsd.org) if you have any questions. Thank you for your support!
Toll Gate All Hands Event: TG All Hands invites you to join us for an event for parents about engaging with our children on challenging social topics:
A Night of Courageous Conversations
Thursday, February 23, 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Toll Gate Grammar Media Center
We encourage you to watch this 12-minute TED Talk by Liz Kleinrock: “How to teach kids to talk about taboo topics” to get your wheels turning for a meaningful, honest discussion with fellow parents! *This event is intended for grown-ups. TGAH plans to host a spring event that includes all families and kids!
2023 March Mania Basketball Tournament: Get ready for the annual Hopewell Valley YMCA Tom Jackson 3v3 Basketball Tournament. The tournament is open to all 3rd – 5th grade students and is free to register and play. Please click here for more details! Tournament Dates are March 9th - March 31st and the deadline to register is March 3rd.
TG Green Week Student Expo: We are excited to share the plans for our second annual Toll Gate Green Week Student Expo. It will be held during Hopewell Valley Green Week on Thursday, April 20th. Students in grades 3-5 are invited, but not required, to create a project around a Global Climate Issue to present at the Student Expo. Students in grades K-5 will visit the Green Week Student Expo during school hours to learn about Global Climate Issues. Parents will also be invited to visit the Expo, which will be held in the gym, on Thursday, April 20th from 3 - 3:30 pm.
Please view this slide deck for more information. Sign up via Google Form by Friday, February 17th. Presentations to be dropped off to the Media Center the morning of Thursday, April 20th. Email Mrs. Kampe and Ms. Muzy (kimberlykampe@hvrsd.org and jocelynmuzychko@hvrsd.org) with any questions you may have about the Toll Gate Green Week Student Expo. We look forward to your participation!
Dates to Remember
February: Black History Month & Spread The Love Month
Monday, 2/13: Student Council Sponsored Spirit Day - Mustache Monday (donate shelf-stable milk)
Thursday, 2/16: **NEW DATE** PTO Meeting (via Zoom) at 7:00 PM
Monday, 2/20: President’s Day - Schools/Offices Closed
Thursday, 2/23: TG All Hands Event at 7:00 PM
Thursday, 3/2: Hopewell Valley Night Off
Thursday, 3/9: Author Visit