The Friday Focus

*NEW Summer Camps 2026 Section: We've already begun receiving information about programs. Please see the new section after Community Events.

Local Opportunities to Observe MLK Jr. Day, Monday, Jan. 19th:

• 2026 MLK Day of Service, Hopewell Presbyterian Church, Fellowship Hall, 9am-12pm: This event supports local non-profit organizations including the Rescue Mission of Trenton, Trenton Area Soup Kitchen (TASK), Seeds to Sew, Sourland Conservancy, and others. The event is open to all ages. Children age 10 and under must be accompanied by an adult. We ask that groups (scouts, church, youth) sign up as individuals so more volunteers have an opportunity to participate. See link for more details and to sign up.

• Washington Crossing Park Association: Park Staff and volunteers will lead several projects and could use your volunteer help! Projects include: Trail Stewardship, Habitat Management, Trash Pickup and Bluebird Box Management.
• Mercer County Library, Card and Letter Writing Drive: Throughout the month, all branches of MCLS are offering opportunities for community members to write letters or make handmade cards to be delivered to homebound participants of the Mercer County Meals on Wheels program. MCLS invites community members of all ages to take a moment to create a letter or greeting card, to make someone’s day a little more special. Participate anytime between Monday, January 12th through Friday, February 6th, 2026.
• MLK Day Window Sign Making Workshop, Arts Council of Princeton, 1-3pm: Free and open to all. This welcoming community event offers the opportunity to design a sign for your window that shares messages of peace, justice, and hope with neighbors and passersby. We will provide all materials, along with inspiration drawn from iconic MLK Jr. quotes. An additional button-making project will allow you to turn hand drawn designs into wearable 2" buttons.

  Bring pantry-stable goods for our MLK Day Food Drive. Goods will be made available in the Free Pantry outside ACP’s Paul Robeson for the Arts. Free RSVP

Screenagers: Elementary School Age Edition Screening and Discussion, Thurs, Jan 29th at 6 PM, the Media Center at Hopewell Valley Central High School. Through insights from authors, psychologists, and brain scientists, this film "Screenagers: Elementary School Age Edition" reveals how tech time impacts kids’ development and offers solutions for empowering kids to navigate the digital world and find balance. There will be a moderated discussion after the film. Registration is required. Childcare is available for ages 4 and up, free of charge. This film is appropriate for elementary students ages 7 and up to view. Funding for this program has been provided by the Hopewell Valley Municipal Alliance.

Offering Youth Mental Health First Aid Training on Feb 26 from 8:30-3:30pm: Youth Mental Health First Aid training is 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 interested in attending this one-day training, please complete this form by January 27. Space is limited and will be on a first come, first served basis. We are pleased to offer this training thanks to a grant from The College of New Jersey and the Hopewell Valley Municipal Alliance. Any questions, please contact the Hopewell Valley Municipal Alliance at hvmunicipalalliance@gmail.com.

New Jersey Conservation Poster Contest 2026: The New Jersey Conservation Poster Contest is open to all students in grades 2-12 and students compete in grade categories.

Local Soil Conservation District prizes may also be awarded. Please click on the link for details!

Kindergarten Registration will begin on Tuesday, February 17th.

Kindergarten Camp information will be available shortly.

Due to continued growth in the district and fluctuations in enrollment, the School District may need to adjust attendance zones and/or school assignments before the start of the school year. As a result, the school listed at the time of registration may change. Families will be notified of any changes to their child’s school assignment before the start of the school year.

DECA Congratulations: Congratulations to the six HVCHS students who qualified for the state DECA competition based on their performance at the regional conference. We are proud to have you represent HVCHS!

National Honor Society Induction: Congratulations to over 100 HVCHS juniors and seniors who will be inducted into the National Honor Society next week. These students were selected for this recognition based on their academic achievement, leadership, character, and service.

Annual 8th Grade Open House & Academic Planning Night, Jan. 28: We are excited to welcome the parents and guardians of the Class of 2030! From 5:30 to 6:00 p.m., parents and guardians are welcome to informally visit various parts of the school and learn more about the opportunities available at HVCHS. In addition, coaches and student-athletes will be available in the cafeteria to share information about our athletic programs. Our Academic Planning Program will begin at 6:00 p.m. in the Performing Arts Center, where the department supervisors and building administrators will share information about the various academic options available to students. We’re looking forward to welcoming you to this important transition event.

HVCHS Choir Auditions, Feb 9-13 in the Choir Room: Make choir one of your elective choices! We participate in Festivals, events and more! See Mr. White for details.

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. In-House Physicals will be offered on Friday, February 6 for all high school student athletes in grades 9-12 planning on trying out for a spring sport, from 9:00 am-12:00 pm in the High School Nurse's Office. Please click here to schedule an appointment. Physicals are $25 per child and checks should be made out to HVRSD. Spring sports will begin on Monday, March 9.

Attendance Notifications: Our automated attendance notifications have returned. If we do not receive notification of a student's absence prior to 7:45 a.m., parents and guardians will be contacted by email and phone call to ensure that they are aware of the student's absence. Please contact our TeleSafe number 609-737-4003, Ext. 3506, by 7:45 am to report an absence or late arrival, and be sure to provide a note if your child needs to be dismissed from school early. If you have any questions regarding attendance records, please contact our attendance secretary (Mrs. Schaub).

• Local Food Resources & School Lunch Information: Please see the information sent by the district for information about nearby resources as well as school lunches, menus, pricing and Free & Reduced forms.
• Absences, Late Arrivals, & Early Dismissals: Parents/Guardians should call our TeleSafe number 609-737-4003, Ext 1, by 7:45 am to report an absence or late arrival. Please provide a note if your child needs to be dismissed from school early. 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 Principal's Page"

The TMS Website

TMS SPRING Musical

TMS is holding auditions for the spring musical "Freaky Friday"! Auditions are open to all students in all grades, and will begin on February 9th and 10th. Anyone who auditions must complete a general audition (singing one of the provided song options, and reading lines in one of the provided scene options), as well as a dance audition. Please note: not everyone who auditions will be selected for the cast. If a student is not cast, they are encouraged to join the tech crew, which will have information available after spring break.

To access the audition form and all audition material, please click here: https://timberlanemusical.blogspot.com/

2026 TMS SPRING SPORTS

• Registration and medical forms for Spring Sports are due by Friday March 13th1! 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 Friday, February 13th for all student athletes in grades 6-8 planning on trying out for a spring sport. Please click here to schedule an appointment from 9am-12pm in the TMS School Nurse's Office. Physicals are $25 a child and checks should be made out to HVRSD.
• TMS Spring Sports will begin on Monday, March 23rd! Baseball and Boys & Girls Lacrosse (Open to 7th & 8th Grade Only). Softball and Boys & Girls Track & Field (Open to All Grades)

*Dates To Remember*

Friday, January 16 - Free 2B Assembly

Monday, January 19 - No School - Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

Thursday, January 22 - Choir Concert & Rehearsal

Friday, January 23 - STEM Series - Robotics Night

Saturday, January 31 - PTO Sixers Game 7:30 pm

Bear Tavern Elementary School

BT Principal's Page

BT On Instagram

BTPTO Flash

Author in Residence - HVRSD Author in Residence, Laurie Wallmark, will visit Bear Tavern on February 18th! Laurie Wallmark is an award-winning children's Author who writes full-time, creating books that celebrate curiosity and STEM. For more information, and to purchase copies of her works that will be signed the day of the visit, please visit the BTPTO website here: https://beartavernpto.membershiptoolkit.com/form/m/364639

BT Lost and Found Is Growing - Please LABEL all articles of clothing. Labeled Items have a much better chance of making their way back home. All Items will be donated on 1/30/26.

BT Health Office Clothing Drive - We’re collecting gently used pants in sizes 3T - Size 8 for students who may need a change of clothes during the day. If your family is ready to part with outgrown items, especially with new holiday clothes arriving, we’d be grateful for your donations.

BTPTO Annual Appeal - We have reached 57% of our Annual Appeal goal, and with your help, we can close that gap. If you have already donated to the appeal, thank you! Your support directly funds field trips, assemblies, visiting authors, outdoor learning areas, and classroom technology. Significant Donations Make Big Things Happen. Every student at BT benefits from our generous community, whether they donate their time, talent, items, expertise, or monetary gifts. Any donation of any size is optional and appreciated. Help us reach our fundraising goal to support activities and programs for our outstanding students at Bear Tavern. Please click here to donate

*Dates To Remember*

1/16 - Day of Service - Wear BT Shirt, No Preschool (Collaboration Day)

1/19 - Martin Luther King Jr. Day - Schools and Offices Closed

1/29 - Screenagers Elementary Edition Screening- HVCHS Media Center 6pm

2/18 - Author Laurie Wallmark Visit

The Principal’s Monthly Hopewell’s Happenings Newsletter

The HES Website

HES Yearbook Cover Art Contest - Calling all HES artists in grades K–5! Show off your creativity by designing a yearbook cover that celebrates our HES Honor Pledge - Leadership, Empathy, Acceptance, and Perseverance, using drawings or Canva. Turn in your artwork to the main office by Friday, January 30th, and grab the entry form HERE—we can’t wait to see your amazing ideas!

HES Talent Show - The Hopewell Elementary Student Council is excited to announce this year’s Talent Show, taking place on Thursday, April 23rd at 6:30 PM! Students in grades 3–5 are invited to participate and showcase their talents. Whether you sing, dance, play an instrument, perform a magic trick, or have another unique talent, we encourage you to sign up! Sign-ups will be limited to the first 25 participants. Click HERE to register.

Author in Residence - Ms. Laurie Wallmark is an award-winning author of science and STEM-themed biographies and picture books. She will be at HES on February 19th to talk about writing and publishing. HES PTO, in partnership with HVEF, is happy to offer signed copies of Laurie Wallmark’s books! Click HERE to order. Orders are due Tuesday, 1/20 to ensure timely delivery.

Screenagers Elementary School Edition Screening & Discussion, Thurs, Jan. 29th at 6PM, Media Center at Hopewell Valley Central High School.

Through insights from authors, psychologists, and brain scientists, "Screenagers: Elementary School Age Edition" reveals how tech time impacts kids’ development and offers solutions for empowering kids to navigate the digital world and find balance.There will be a moderated discussion after the film. Registration is required. Childcare is available for ages 4 and up, free of charge. This film is appropriate for elementary students ages 7 and up. To view the flyer click here. Funding for this program has been provided by the Hopewell Valley Municipal Alliance. Questions? Please email hvmunicipalalliance@gmail.com.

New HES Spirit Wear is Here! - To celebrate Hopewell Elementary’s 100-year anniversary, the HES PTO is excited to launch two new spirit wear options:

1. Spirit Wear Store - Shop classic HES tees, pajamas, cups, and more. → merch.hopewellpto.org

2. Rooted Rags Collection - Hand-dyed and embroidered HES apparel made by a Hopewell school mom. Orders take 1-3 weeks. → handmade.hopewellpto.org

Yearbook Ordering - Yearbooks are now available for purchase through the online store. You can click here for ordering details. Orders will be accepted through May 8th, 2026.

• School Lunch Information: Please click this link for the 2025-2026 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:

Friday, 1/16: Preschool Collab Day - No PEECH

Monday, 1/19: Schools/Offices Closed for MLK Jr. Day

Thursday, 1/29: Screenagers Elementary Edition, HVCHS Media Center 6pm

Artsparks Mini Camps on Jan 19th: Wild, from 9-12pm for ages 6-10 and Fish Sticks, from 1-4pm for ages 6-10

Princeton University Art Museum: Creativity Labs in January 2026: Weekly Open Studio Hours on Saturday 1-4:30 pm and Sunday 12-4:30 pm. Join us for Open Studios "Color Burst" collaborative build activities during January 19-25.

Terhune Orchards, Read & Explore: Gingerbread Man, on Jan 17th @10am-11am: Read & Explore is a fun and educational program that combines hands-on activities with listening to a story.

"In Search of Owls" The Watershed Institute, Jan. 17th -Hike: An exploration of owls culminating in a night hike!

Science On Saturdays Lecture | Nature in Motion: What Animals Can Teach Us About Moving Through the World, Sat January 17 at 9:30 AM. This annual series of lectures is given by scientists, engineers, and other professionals involved in cutting-edge research. The lectures are geared toward high school students. The program annually draws more than 300 students, teachers, parents, and community members.

Waterfowl Walk, Sunday, Jan. 18th at 3:30pm, Join the Friends of Princeton Open Space and South Jersey Wildlife Tours for a guided Walk on the trails around the water bodies at the Billy Johnson Mountain Lakes Nature Preserve in search of the fascinating waterfowl wintering in Princeton.

DarkSky Star Party, The Watershed Institute, Sat. Jan 24th, 8-9:30pm: Meet the stars at the Watershed Reserve. Enjoy stargazing in one of NJ's "darker" areas. participants will have the opportunity to try telescopes and apps that can enhance their experience.

Pennington CrossFit upcoming Youth Programs: Weekly classes for both younger kids (ages 4-8) and older kids (9-15) starting in January, as well as a 2-day mini camp "Kids Club" for kids between the ages of 4-8 during winter break.

Speed, Power and Change of Direction Training for Grades 5-8. Jan 5th - Feb. 26th, 8:00-9:00pm, HVCHS. A specialized training program designed for athletes of all sports. Program instructors will be Coach Dave Caldwell, Coach Kevin Kley and Coach Tom Walsh - experienced multi-sport coaches at Hopewell Valley Central High School.

Hopewell Recreation "Sockey" for Grades 1-5. Monday or Wednesday sessions will be held at Toll Gate. This is a safe variant of indoor hockey played with "sock" covered sticks. No experience necessary!

Family $5 Matinee: Frozen, Princeton Garden Theatre, Sat., Jan 24th at 10am: This charming Disney classic features eight catchy songs and endless jokes that kids of all ages will enjoy.

The Watershed Institute: Groundhog Day Celebration! Saturday, Jan. 31st 10-11:30am. Join Watershed Wally the Woodchuck as we celebrate winter and look forward to the return of spring. Learn all about groundhogs, enjoy a hike to a groundhog hole, and try your hand at chucking wood with a catapult or trebuchet. Warm yourself by our campfire and enjoy some treats on this festive winter morning. Ages 5 and up. In-person program, adult attendance required.

Howell Living Farm: will reopen on Saturday, Jan. 31st for its annual Ice Harvest.

McCarter Theatre, Theater Explorer Camp, Ages 7-12, March 30th - April 3rd:

Campers will rotate through mini creative projects—imaginative games, scene-building challenges, music jams, and movement activities—that keep every day fresh and exciting. Along the way, they’ll develop new skills, spark creativity, and practice teamwork in a playful, supportive environment. Perfect for curious young performers eager to explore the magic of theater and make new friends!

Kelsey Theatre at Mercer County Community College: Click link for upcoming shows

Music Mountain Theatre, 2025 Young Audience Season: Frozen, Sleeping Beauty and Robin Hood.

Cure Arena Upcoming Shows include: Monster Trucks, Northeast Cheer Championships, The Harlem Globetrotters, Disney on Ice.

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 Montessori Summer Camp, Princeton

The Chapin School, ESF Camps

Hun School Day Camp

Iron Peak

McCarter Theatre Center 2026 Summer programs: Youth Summer Camp Ages 7-12 and Teen Conservatory Summer Camp Ages 13-17

Nike Summer Camps: Local camps for Basketball, Field Hockey, Lacrosse, Soccer, Swim and Running.

Pathways is Girls Who Code’s free, virtual summer program for high school girls to explore tech, build in-demand skills, and create projects that make a difference—no experience required! Apply by February 25 for priority consideration; applications close April 10.

The Pennington School: Summers at Pennington

Princeton Friends Summer Camp

Princeton University Summer Day Camp

Rambling Pines Summer Camp

Stuart Country Day School Summer Experience

The College of New Jersey: Precollege Programs: for high school students to explore potential careers in an intellectually stimulating environment.

Waldorf School Summer Camp

The Watershed Institute Summer Camp