HVCHS UPDATES
*A NEWSLETTER FOR THE HVCHS COMMUNITY*
FEBRUARY 2026 EDITION
A MESSAGE FROM MS. RILEY
Throughout the month of February, we're conducting a series of focus groups and individual meetings with students about a variety of topics, ranging from disability awareness, to the recent legislation banning cell phones in schools starting in September, to school culture and climate. We're appreciative of our students' willingness to share their perspectives and insights with us as we strive to provide a meaningful and positive educational environment for each and every student. Please encourage your children to participate in these opportunities to make their voices heard!
2026-27 COURSE SELECTION INFORMATION
As you saw in the recent newsletter from the Counseling Department, course selection for the 2026-27 school year has begun. Teachers have provided initial eligibility information for students in OnCourse; however, please note that eligibility for honors and AP classes will be reviewed after the third marking period, and placements may change based on the students' eligibility at that point. In addition, students should choose four elective options in OnCourse prior to March 2. Since space and scheduling constraints may limit elective placement, please be sure that your student would be comfortable taking any one of the four electives chosen. Questions about course eligibility or elective selection can be directed to the counseling department or the department supervisors. Additional information about all courses can be found in the HVCHS Program of Studies.
NJGPA TESTING
We are required to administer the NJGPA to all juniors during the week of March 16 as a graduation requirement. As a result, we will have a special schedule on March 17, 19, and 20, in which all juniors will test in the morning, and all freshmen, sophomores, and seniors will have a three hour delay. Bus transportation will be provided at both our normal arrival time (for juniors) and three hours later (for freshmen, sophomores, and seniors). If your freshman, sophomore, or senior is in need of supervision at school during the three hour delay, please contact their counselor ASAP so we can plan accordingly. Additional information regarding the NJGPA and our modified schedules will be provided via email at the end of February.
SECURLY
The Hopewell Valley Regional School District uses Securly to ensure your student's school-issued device is safe and filtered both at school and at home. In order to ensure that parents and guardians are aware of their child's online activity, the district has implemented several options:
Parents and guardians will now automatically receive a weekly email from Securly (subject line: "Your Child [Name]'s Activity Report") that provides a snapshot of your student's online activity on their school-issued Chromebook. If you prefer not to receive these weekly reports, you may easily unsubscribe by clicking the link at the bottom of the email.
- For parents and guardians who want more information and control, we offer the free Securly Home app. This tool allows you to view a real-time activity feed of your child's online activity when they are using the school Chromebook at home, pause internet connectivity on the device to help manage screen time, and implement more rigorous content filtering rules while the device is at home.
- Ready to get started? Find detailed setup instructions and information, including how to access the full parent portal, in our Technology Academy: https://sites.google.com/hvrsd.org/technology-academy/topics/securly (This link is also available on our district and school websites).
DROP OFF AND PICK UP PATTERNS
- There are two entrances available to students prior to 7:45 a.m.: the main entrance and the bus loop entrance. If you are driving your student to school, please feel free to drop your students off along the sidewalk near the PAC steps or along the sidewalk in the solar lot and encourage them to walk to one of the designated entrances.
- Do not park in designated handicapped parking spots without a visible permit. Please be sure to avoid blocking these spots when waiting in the parking lot.
- Please do not stop on Timberlane Drive or Pennington-Titusville Road to drop off your child. Unexpected stops cause safety issues and traffic backlogs.
- Do not park in the Mercer County Library parking lot during HVCHS events or when picking up your child. The parking lot is for library patrons only.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Summer Job & Community Service Fair: On Thursday, February 19, HVCHS and the Hopewell Valley Municipal Alliance will host a Summer Job & Community Service Fair, in which several community partners will visit HVCHS to share employment and service opportunities with our students. Please encourage your child to visit the Media Center during lunch on Thursday to explore the dozens of opportunities available to them! Questions? Please contact the Hopewell Valley Municipal Alliance at hvmunicipalalliance@gmail.com.
Class Meetings: The HVCHS Administration will be hosting class meetings during recitation this week to share information about upcoming school events, provide mid-year reminders about behavioral expectations, and give details about course selection.
Winter Musical: HVCHS is excited to present Pippin, a fantastical and introspective musical that chronicles the journey of a young prince as he searches to find fulfillment in life. Performances will take place on February 27 and 28 and March 6 and 7 at 7 p.m. in the Performing Arts Center at HVCHS. Tickets can be purchased online at cur8.com.
Spring Athletic Registration: Registration for the spring season of HVCHS Athletics is now open. Students interested in participating in baseball, softball, girls lacrosse, boys lacrosse, boys tennis, boys volleyball, girls track, or boys track must register by February 20. 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. Spring sports will begin on Monday, March 9.
Ramadan: In order to support our students who are fasting for Ramadan over the next month, the Principal's Conference Room will be available during lunch for students who are fasting and would prefer to avoid the sight or smell of food.
CLASS OF 2026
It's not too late to join the Senior Class Trip to Woodloch Resort on May 18-20th! Although the original deadline has passed, we are still accepting student sign-up forms up to March 23rd pending room availability at the resort. This opportunity also extends to spring athletes who may not have been able to commit prior to the start to the season. Be sure to continue checking the Senior Class Trip website, Oncourse messages, and the class Instagram page throughout the month for important updates, including activity waivers and additional trip information.
Save the Date for the Senior Prom at Spring Mill Manor (Ivyland, Pa) on Friday, June 5th. Keep an eye out for details and ticket purchase information coming this March.
CLASS OF 2027
Save the Date for the Junior Prom, which will be held on May 1 at Cooper's Riverview!
CLASS OF 2028
The Class of 2028 will be hosting a Sophomore Night Out on March 13. Keep an eye out for additional information in the coming weeks!
CLASS OF 2029
Freshmen, make sure that you're using your resources when considering course selection for next year! Talk with your teachers, counselor, and parents/guardians before finalizing your selections.
UPCOMING EVENTS
FEBRUARY
February 17: Course Selection Begins
February 19: Summer Job & Service Fair
February 20: Spring Athletic Registration Due
February 27 & 28: Pippin, 7 p.m., HVCHS PAC
MARCH
March 4: HV Night Off
March 6 & 7: Pippin, 7 p.m., HVCHS PAC
March 7: All Night Volleyball (10:30 p.m. - 2 a.m.)
March 13: Sophomore Night Out
March 17, 19, 20: NJGPA Testing for Grade 11, 3 Hour Delay for Grades 9, 10, 12
March 18: 1/2 Day (Professional Development)
WANT MORE NEWS FROM HVCHS?
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Check out the HVCHS Calendar
Visit the HVCHS Website (which contains a link to our morning announcements, updated daily)