The Friday Focus
October 4, 2025
From the Desk of the Superintendent
HVRSD Referendum (Virtual), Thursday, Oct. 9th, 6:00pm
Please join us to hear from a panel of experts.
Toll Gate Town Hall on Bond Referendum, In-Person, October 13th at 5:00pm: Please see the attached flyer for this program with Dr. Treece. She will be providing information about the Bond Referendum and answering your questions. Tours of Toll Gate will be offered at the program's conclusion.
- HVRSD Highlights from the Hopewell Express October Issue: A snapshot of the first month of school - and a great article about all of the ways HVEF supports our District!
- HVRSD Newsletter in MercerMe: We’re excited to announce a new partnership between the Hopewell Valley Regional School District and MercerMe! These special sections will feature district updates and showcase some of the voices of our students through their writing in upcoming newsletters.
- "Dangers of Youth Vaping: What Parents Need to Know" Thurs. Oct. 9th, Zoom Webinar, at 6pm. Vaping, tobacco and nicotine use among youth and young adults are growing concerns. Now is the time to remain vigilant and learn the essentials to help kids avoid or quit vaping! Parents Against Vaping (PAVe) is a national grassroots organization founded in 2018
- Capital Health Community Education Presents: Breast Cancer Awareness: What Every Woman (and Man) Should Know. Weds. Oct. 8th, 3:30pm, Hopewell Township Municipal Center. Click HERE for more info and to register.
- The NJ School Boards Association Workshop 2025 will be presenting a Student Film Showcase from The Garden State Film Festival on Tues. Oct. 21st & Wed., Oct. 22nd, which will include the following entries:
"Anything is Possible" - by Nate Berman, HVCHS Class of '25, was previously showcased at the 23rd annual Garden State Film Festival in Asbury Park in March.
"Silent Whinny" - by Iris Lautermilch and Keira Wessler, HVCHS '24, was also a 2024 Youth Media Award High School Winners.
The Hopewell Valley Regional School District is is need of substitute teachers and substitute paras! Please see our Substitute Forms page on our website for more information.
Thank you to all who participated in a fantastic Homecoming. From the pep rally, to the games and performances, to the alumni events, to the dance, the weekend was filled with reminders of why HVCHS is such a special place!
2025-2026 HVCHS Winter Sports Registration: Registration and medical forms for HVCHS winter sports are due by Thursday, October 30! 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, October 9th from 9:00 am-12:00 pm in the High School Nurse's Office for all high school student athletes in grades 9-12 planning on trying out for a winter sport. Please click here to schedule an appointment. Physicals are $25 per child and checks should be made out to HVRSD.
Absences, Late Arrivals, & Early Dismissals: Parents/Guardians should call our TeleSafe number 609-737-4003, Ext 1, 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.
Dates to Remember:
October 6-10: Week of Respect
October 9: HVRSD Referendum Town Hall Meeting (Virtual) 6:00pm
October 13: Schools Closed, Professional Development
October 15: PSAT
Friday is a Blue & Gold Spirit Day at TMS!
TMS Week of Respect 10/6-10/10:The week focuses on preventing harassment, intimidation, and bullying (HIB) in schools through character education and social-emotional learning.
TMS Apparel: Check out the school store for all Timberlane spirit wear!
Fall Sports Info: In the event of inclement weather, decisions are made at approximately 1:00 pm to any changes in the schedule. Click here to view the daily schedule. Emails are sent out by Athletics for updates on practices and games. The announcement is made at the end of the day to the students.
TMS Winter Sports: Registration and medical forms are due by Wed. November 5th. 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 Tuesday, October 7th for all student athletes in grades 6-8 planning on trying out for a winter sport, from 9:00 am-12:00 pm in the TMS School Nurse's Office. Please click here to schedule an appointment. Physicals are $25 a child and checks should be made out to HVRSD.
- TMS Winter Sports start on Monday, November 24th: Boys & Girls Basketball (Open to 7th & 8th Grade Only); Boys & Girls Wrestling (Open to all Grades); Cheerleading (Open to all Grades)
Governor’s Educator-of-the-Year Nominations Are Underway! Please nominate one of our outstanding Timberlane educators/Support Personnel for the Governor’s Educator-of-the-Year Program. This award honors exceptional teachers and educational service professionals. Governor’s Educator of the Year Nomination (PDF).Governor’s Educator of the Year Nomination (Google doc) Eligible Certification Areas for Educational Services Professionals . Support Professional Nomination (PDF)Support Professional Nomination (Google doc) Nominations are due to Principal Turnbull by 11/14.Parents, students, and community members are all encouraged to participate.
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.
Items Forgotten At Home: When parents/guardians drop items off for students they are buzzed into the vestibule where the belongings are placed into the yellow bins by grade level. Students check there when convenient. All students are aware of this procedure.
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
Dates to Remember:
10/6-10/10: Week of Respect
10/7: In-House Physicals for Winter Sports
10/9: HVRSD Referendum Town Hall Meeting (Virtual) 6:00pm
10/13: Schools Closed For Columbus/ Indigenous Peoples Day
10/20: Diwali/Schools Closed - Offices Open
10/22-10/23: Pink Out Sales during lunch / 10/24 is Pink Out Spirit Day
10/24: 6th Grade Night Out
The fall assembly sponsored by the BTPTO is on Tuesday, October 7th. A team of meteorologists will teach students the basics of weather and environmental science. Students will have a chance to come up to the front and answer questions that are taught throughout the program. Our assembly will feature interactive learning, prizes, music, and a whole lot of fun!
School Picture Day - will be held on October 8th and 9th. Click here to order online. Picture ID: EVTG2HQKX
“How To Raise A Healthy Gamer” Book Talk on October 15th, 7pm at Bear Tavern. This discussion, hosted by the ECOPTO and Bear Tavern, will focus on children and their technology obsessions, as well as how to parent students in this age of technology. Whether your goal is to prepare your child for a healthy relationship to technology or to curb unhealthy amounts of time spent gaming, this program will help you better understand, communicate with, and—ultimately—empower your gaming enthusiast to live their best life. Please sign up HERE if you can join us!
The BTPTO is selling Spirit Wear - Get your Bear Tavern on! Click here to order Spirit Wear!
The Governor’s Educator-of-the-Year Nominations Are Underway! Please nominate one of our outstanding Bear Tavern educators for the governors Educator of the year Program. This award honors exceptional teachers and educational teachers and educational service professionals. Governor’s Educator of the Year Nomination. Support Professional Nomination. Eligible Certification Areas for Educational Services Professionals. Nominations due to Principal Billy by 11/14.
- School Lunch Information
- Absences & Late Arrivals - Parents/Guardians should call our TeleSafe number 609-737-4005, Ext 2, by 8:00 am to report an absence or late arrival. Thank you.
- BT Changes In Students’ Dismissal - Families, 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 or btmainoffice@hvrsd.org. Please CC your child’s homeroom teacher.
*Dates To Remember*
10/6-10/10 Week Of Respect
10/8 & 10/9- School Picture Day
10/10- Preschool Collaboration Day, No Preschool
10/13 - Schools Closed For Indigenous Peoples Day
10/15 "How to Raise a Healthy Gamer" Book Talk 7pm @BT
10/20 - Schools Closed For Diwali
10/24 - BT Oktoberfest
10/31 - Halloween Parade at BT
The Principal’s Monthly Newsletter - Hopewell’s Happenings is on the HES Website.
The Chubby’s Project - Pop-Up Food Pantry - A community giving event, led by The Chubby’s Project, with free produce and groceries. Come by the Hopewell Train Station, on Saturday, October 4th, between 10AM-1PM. All are welcome!
Week of Respect - Students and families are encouraged and welcome to join in the school spirit with our Week of Respect Spirit Days. Please visit this LINK.
PTO Sponsored Fall Assembly - The fall assembly sponsored by the Hopewell Elementary PTO will be held on Monday October 6th. A team of meteorologists will teach students the basics of weather and environmental science. Students will have a chance to come up to the front and answer questions that are taught throughout the program. Our interactive assembly will feature interactive learning, prizes, music, and a whole lot of fun!
Girls in Gear - Girls in Gear fall season will be starting in just a few weeks! See FLYER for registration information.
Library Volunteers Needed! - We’re looking for volunteers to help in the HES Library with shelving books and keeping things organized. This is a great way to spend time in school, support our students, and share in the joy of reading! Link HERE for instructions on becoming a volunteer.
School Picture Day- School Picture Day will be held on October 24th this year. Stay tuned for details on ordering.
HES Membership Toolkit: All volunteer opportunities, Spirit Wear, and your class lists can be found on MembershipToolkit. Click here to register.
- School Lunch 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:
- 10/6 - 10/10 The Week of Respect
- 10/6 - Fall Assembly - The Planet Challenge
- 10/9 - HVRSD Referendum Town Hall (Virtual) 6:00pm
- 10/10- Preschool Collaboration Day
- 10/13 - Indigenous Peoples Day/Staff Development - Schools Closed
- 10/20 - Diwali - Schools Closed
- 10/24 - HES Picture Day!
Thanks to all who participated or helped with this year's first "Walk to School Wednesday"!
For the month of October, we promote green initiative and exercise by walking to school every Wednesday. Upcoming dates will be: 10/8, 10/15, 10/22, 10/29! Our staff and members of the Hopewell Township Police Department will meet our students and families along the pathways to Stony Brook. Students who walk or bike will get a ticket to enter a raffle for Pizza with the Police.
The Fifth-Grade Car Wash on Sun, 10/5, from 2-4pm!
The fifth-grade car wash fundraiser will be on Sunday, October 5, from 2-4pm, in the SB South Parking Lot. Stop by to support the fifth-grade class and get an All Star Shine!
Week of Respect: See the FLYER for details on what to wear!
Register to Host a Trunk at SB Trunk Or Treat! Stony Brook's annual Trunk or Treat will be on Fri, Oct. 24th in the Stony Brook South Parking Lot. Register here: https://tinyurl.com/SBTrunks2025 Trunks must supply their own supplies for an estimated 400-500 kids. Trunks must arrive at 5:30pm to allow time for set up!
Time: 6pm general admission (5:45pm for children with sensory needs)
Cost: $5 per child in advance ($7 at the door). Free with a trunk (up to 3 kids). Adults free.
Philly Soft Pretzel Days Are Back!
Pretzels will be delivered to school twice a month on Fridays. Pretzels are $2 each and will be individually wrapped and sent to homerooms. Now you can order online! https://stonybrookelementarypto.membershiptoolkit.com/2025SoftPretzelSnacks To pay online, use the link above or the QR code on the flyer in your child's folder. We are also accepting cash/check payment (checks made out to SB PTO).
Student Council Winter Coat Drive, Oct. 1st-31st: We will be collecting gently used coats in all sizes for HomeFront. Donations can be dropped off in a collection box in the SB rotunda. Thank you for supporting the SB Student Council with this service project!
SBPTO Membership Toolkit - Click here to register for volunteer opportunities, sign up for the directory to find your friends this summer and order apparel!
- Absences & Late Arrivals - Call our Attendance line at 737-4006, Ext 2, by 8:00 am to report an absence or late arrival. Refer to our Attendance Procedures for details.
- Dismissal Changes - Email the main office in advance at sbmainoffice@hvrsd.org and refer to our Attendance Procedures for details regarding early dismissals.
*Dates to Remember*
- 10/1-10/31: Winter Coat Drive
- 10/5: 5th-Grade Car Wash, SB South Lot, 2-4pm
- 10/8: Walk to School Wednesday/Hopewell Firetruck Visit for Fire Prevention Week
- 10/6-10/10: The Week of Respect
- 10/13: Indigenous Peoples Day/Staff Development: Schools Closed
- 10/20: Diwali - Schools Closed
- 10/24: Trunk or Treat on SB South Lot, 6-8pm
- Friday, 10/31: Halloween Parade at 9:15 AM
Toll Gate Grammar School Website
Toll Gate Grammar on Instagram
Email the Toll Gate Main Office
Week of Respect: From Monday, October 6th through Friday, October 10th, Toll Gate will be recognizing the Week of Respect with activities and events organized by the School Safety Climate Team. Each morning during the Week of Respect our students at Toll Gate will participate in morning meetings that have been prepared by the School Safety Climate Team. The theme of each morning meeting is centralized around one of the five C.A.R.E.S. competencies (cooperation, assertion, responsibility, empathy, and self-control). The C.A.R.E.S. framework, which is derived from our Responsive Classroom Curriculum, supports our students' social-emotional and behavioral growth and emphasizes how our interactions with one another can impact our school culture and overall sense of community and belonging.
Students and families are encouraged and welcome to join in the school spirit with our Week of Respect Spirit Days. Please visit the link to our spirit days for further descriptions!
Toll Gate Town Hall - Please see the attached flyer for a Toll Gate Town Hall presented by Superintendent, Dr. Rosetta Treece on October 13th at 5:00pm. Dr. Treece will be presenting information on the November 4th Bond Referendum. Following the presentation, we will offer tours of Toll Gate.
Support the PTO Annual Appeal! Help us reach our fundraising goal to continue to offer the experiences our kids love—field trips, author visits, assemblies, community events, and more. We also support teachers through mini-grants and appreciation events. Donate now!
Questions? Reach out to VP of Fundraising Mollie O'Connor-oconnor.molliem@gmail.com
New Toll Gate School Store: Calling all past, present and future Gators: Gear up for Toll Gate's 100th year!!! Shop the brand new TGG school store now by clicking here. Special thanks to Toll Gate parent, Mrs. Feller, for creating so many wonderful options to celebrate our centennial year!
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*
Monday, 10/6: Fall Assembly: The Planet Earth Challenge
10/6-10/10: NJ Week of Respect
Thursday, 10/9: Fire Prevention Week - Visit from Fire Dept.
Friday, 10/10: Gator Gathering, Preschool Collab Day - No PEECH
Monday, 10/13: TG Town Hall/Staff Development Day - Schools Closed
Monday, 10/20: Diwali - Schools Closed
Thursday, 10/23: Lifetouch Picture Day
Friday, 10/31: Halloween Parade at 9:15 AM
Community Activities & Events
Filipino-American Heritage Fest, Oct. 4, 1-4pm: Arts Council of Princeton's free family-friendly festival to celebrate the vibrant Filipino-American culture with live music and dance performances, art and food vendors, Hand-on workshops and historical and cultural presentations.
The Amazing Pumpkin Carve 2025! Oct. 9th - Oct. 12th, Woolsey Park. Think old-fashioned fall festival vibe – but with a twist! The Amazing Pumpkin Carve is four jam-packed days of: mind blowing 150+ pound carved giant pumpkins, live music and fire pits with story tellers, face and mini-pumpkin painting, fun for the whole family, Food trucks. Sponsored by the HV Arts Council.
LHT Full Moon Ride, Oct. 11th, 6:00-9:30pm: The Full Moon Bike Ride is a once-a-year opportunity to ride through the park under the light of the moon. Along the way, enjoy music, lighting and festivities that make for a special evening with friends and family. *New this year, enjoy the Full Moon Walk, a slower paced journey under the moon.
Join Girl Scouts! We are hosting a quick informational session on zoom on Weds., Oct. 15th from 6-6:45pm. Event is free but registration is required.
College & Career Fair: Thurs. Oct. 16th, 5:00-7:00pm, at Mercer County Boys & Girls Club, Lawrenceville: Free to High School Students & Families, Meet 50+ Colleges, Technical Schools & Companies
Haunted Hopewell, Saturday, Oct 18th, 3:00-5:00pm: This event will include a trick or treating, photo spot, games, fun activities, and more...all with a Halloween theme! Event is fun for all ages, the young and the young at heart! Get your costumes together early and join us! We are also looking for community groups to participate in our Trick or Treat Village. If your community group would like to be involved, email us at recreation@hopewelltwp.org
Meet the Music: Musical Fairy Tales: Family Concert for ages 6-12, Sat. Oct. 18th at 1pm, Richardson Auditorium, Princeton. Join us for a fantastical journey as enchanting fairy tales around the world are brought to life! By Princeton University Concerts/The Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center.
PrincetonProMusica: Bachtoberfest! Sunday, October 19th at 4 p.m, Richardson Auditorium. The virtuosi of New York Baroque, Inc. and a stellar roster of soloists join the PPM chorus for a festive celebration of favorite Bach works, including Magnificat, Concerto for Two Violins, and more.
WEBINAR: Gardening is for the Birds, Tues., October 22 at 7:00pm Register Here Create a bird-friendly garden with simple, impactful changes! Join Mary Anne Borge, expert naturalist, as she shares how to transform your garden into a year-round haven for birds. Hosted by: Hopewell Valley Gardens for Wildlife.
Bucks County Playhouse Institute Conservatory Presents: "We Are The Tigers", Oct. 24th - Nov 2nd, Lambertville Hall. The Tigers’ cheer squad gathers for their annual sleepover and what follows is a hilarious musical whodunnit. The Playhouse Institute Conservatory provides students with over 60 hours of professional rehearsal, workshops and enrichment activities as well as costumes, lighting, scenic design and other production elements.
Homefront Halloween 5k Run & 1 Mile Walk, Sat. Oct. 25th Carnegie Center, Princeton
Includes Family Fun day and Preschooler Pumpkin Dash! Our Run/Walk & Family Fun Day supports enrichment programs for local children impacted by poverty, housing instability and homelessness.
YWCA Princeton’s Beyond Pink Art Show open to the public from Oct. 24–25.
is an annual pop-up gallery supporting our Breast Cancer Resource Center (BCRC).Features original works by or inspired by survivors, including paintings, photographs, sculptures, and mixed media pieces, many created through the BCRC’s Healing Arts Program.
Annual Hometown Halloween Parade, Oct. 24th at 5pm— a tradition full of tricks, treats, and community fun! Join us on Palmer Square at 5pm; the parade steps off at 5:30pm. Trunk-or-treat upon arrival at the YMCA with a screening of Monsters Inc beginning at 6:30pm. Free and open to all.
The Watershed- Origins of Halloween Hikes, Oct. 25th - Registration is open - spots fill fast! Step onto a lantern-lit trail and journey through an ancient Irish folklore! It's the perfect fall tradition for kids, parents and anyone who loves a good story under the stars! Guided hikes begin every 15 minutes. Ages 5 to adult. Adult attendance and preregistration required. Younger siblings and strollers are not allowed for this program.
Arts Council of Princeton: Pumpkin Palooza, Sat. Oct. 25th, 1-3pm: Our annual art + science bonanza, is back! Learn all about the science of hot glass with Pezz Glasswork artists and how they manipulate 2,000-degree molten glass to create all kinds of fun glass pumpkins! Plus, shop their glass pumpkin patch of all colors and sizes. The sciency-fun continues with the Princeton University Molecular Biology Outreach Program, who will teach you how to extract DNA from pumpkins in a hands-on, all-ages experiment. Free RSVP.
Princeton Garden Theatre, Family Matinee: The Nightmare Before Christmas, Sat. Oct 25th, 10am
McCarter Theatre, "Smash Boom Best Live" Sunday, Oct. 26th at 3pm: for ages 6-12. Join us for a live, in-person version of Smash Boom Best, an award winning podcast for kids and families! Each live show takes two cool things, smashes them together and lets the audience decide which is best. Host Molly Bloom moderates a debate between two performers who make their case using facts fueled by jokes, physical comedy, and the occasional song and dance.
Win a National Wildlife Federation Habitat Sign! Are you a Hopewell Valley resident with a certified wildlife habitat? You could win a FREE NWF habitat sign to proudly display your eco-friendly space! Deadline to Enter is October 31st. Must be a resident of Hopewell Valley. Property must be an NWF-certified wildlife habitat - learn how and apply here: www.nwf.org/certify Click HERE to enter
Hopewell Valley Annual Turkey Trot, Weds. Nov. 27th @9am Register Now!
Join us in support of Hopewell Valley Wrestling! Tech-Tees for first 300 Registrants. In keeping with spirit of the day, monetary donations to Hopewell Valley Mobile pantry will be accepted
Terhune Orchards: Fall Family Fun weekends Saturdays & Sundays! 12pm-4pm
Experience the joys of fall with weekends filled with live music, pumpkin picking, wagon rides, a corn maze, and more.
Howell Living Farm Corn Maze! Saturdays & Sundays, 12-4pm: As you traverse the pathways through the corn, you'll explore the history and science of making maple syrup from sap through an interactive trivia game, puzzles and more!
Palmer Square Fall Music Series: Celebrate the fall season with live music every Saturday afternoon from 1pm-3pm on the Green!
Hopewell Basketball Winter Hoops Registration
Shaefer Sports Center & PEAC Performance Present: FitKids Program, a One-stop shop for Kids Fitness and Sports. Click on link for details and schedules
Special Olympics, New Jersey: We invite you to attend one (or more!) of our upcoming events as a cheerleader, athlete, supporter or volunteer.
Kelsey Theatre at Mercer County Community College: upcoming shows include: Sponge Bob the Musical, South Pacific, Young Frankenstein and more!
Music Mountain Theatre, 2025 Young Audience Season: The perfect introduction to live theatre for children. All shows are approximately 45 minutes in length and are recommended for audiences aged 5+.