Hopewell's Happenings

October was packed with meaningful activities for our HES community! We started with the Week of Respect, where students engaged in CharacterStrong lessons, spirit days, and activities focused on kindness and respect. That same week, Fire Prevention Week, brought important safety lessons and a special visit from the Hopewell Fire Department (Station #52) and their fire truck.

Later in the month, thanks to our PTO, Students at HES enjoyed The Planet Earth Challenge, a fun and engaging weather-themed assembly that sparked curiosity and inspired a love of science in our youngest learners.

October wrapped up with our traditional Kindergarten's Farm Day, Preschool's Field Trip to The Watershed Institute and the ever-popular Halloween Parade, including class celebrations. The creative costumes and enthusiastic participation brought so much joy to our school, as you can see in the photos below. Checkout the Video HERE of the 5th Grade "Thriller" dance.

Here’s to a November filled with gratitude and continued community spirit!

Check out the Hopewell Borough Schools Timeline poster to see how our town’s schools have evolved through the 1800s and 1900s! The top row highlights four Hopewell grammar (elementary) schools — from a tiny stone schoolhouse in the Old School Baptist graveyard (long gone!) to our current Hopewell Elementary School.

The bottom row features the old Hopewell High School (now home to the firehouse) along with two private schools — the Hopewell Female Seminary and the grammar school at St. Michael’s Orphanage.

Fun fact: even earlier, back in the 1700s, there were two church-affiliated schools in town — the Hopewell Baptist Academy (later the Runyon property) and a small schoolhouse once located on Van Dyke Road near Route 518!

Special thanks to Doug Dixon and the Hopewell Valley Historical Society for their contributions with this information and our 100th Anniversary efforts!

Dear Hopewell Valley school community,

Our exceptional schools bring families like yours to live and raise children in our community. The Nov. 4 bond referendum is about maintaining the standards of our schools, with the opportunity for $20.2 million in state aid if voters approve. Aging infrastructure and rapidly growing enrollment are adding urgency to the proposed projects in Question 1 and Question 2.

As Election Day approaches, here’s a reminder of what both ballot questions mean for our schools:

Question 1: Building Needs

• Replacing HVAC systems to prevent system breakdowns, provide comfortable classrooms that promote focus, and increase efficiency

• Replacing aging roofs to end leaks and ensure safe learning environments

• Installing new interior and exterior doors to enhance safety

• Modifying Toll Gate driveway for improved access, repaving Central HS solar lot

• Improving entrance walkways at Timberlane and Bear Tavern

• Improving drainage at Stony Brook to divert water from the building

  
  

Question 2: Space for Students*

• Expanding Bear Tavern and Toll Gate to:

• Handle enrollment growth that impacts all elementary schools

• Prevent widespread redistricting

• Avoid long bus rides that result from redistricting

• Maintain manageable class sizes that our community values

• Move students from trailers into their schools

  
  

*Question 2 can only pass if Question 1 also passes

Remember to vote

Busy parents and guardians have convenient options to vote in the referendum, which is on the general election ballot.

• If you have not yet submitted your vote-by-mail ballot, be sure to deposit it in the mail or an authorized drop box by Nov. 4. You can still obtain a mail-in ballot by bringing your application to the County Clerk’s Office in Trenton through 3 p.m. Nov. 3.

• Early voting is underway through Nov. 2. The local early voting site is Pennington Fire Company, where voters can cast their ballots daily through Saturday, 10 a.m.–8 p.m., and Sunday, 10 a.m.–6 p.m.

• Regular polling locations are open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Nov. 4. Find your polling location here.

  
  

Please find extensive information about the projects, funding strategy, and more at hvrsd.org/vote. Thank you for taking the time to vote as we continue Envisioning the Future of Hopewell Valley schools.

Join us for an engaging evening of learning, connection, and fun at our K-2 Family Curriculum Night on November 12th, from 6:30-8:00pm at Timberlane Middle School.

Link HERE for registration information.

Link HERE for the Sign-up Genius.

News for students by students! We are so proud of all of our members of the Newspaper Club who put a lot of effort into making their articles. You will get to learn more about what is happening at the school, learn more about teachers, pets of HES and so much more! Thank you for taking the time to read our paper!

October 2025 Edition

On Tuesday, November 4th, our HES Student Council will host a Mock Election Day! Students will have the chance to cast their votes right in their classrooms, with results announced later in the week. This year’s fun topic: deciding the official spelling of our school mascot’s name!

As the Thanksgiving holiday approaches, we will partner with The Chubby’s Project to provide food baskets for families in need. Our goal is to provide food baskets for 28 families. In order to meet this goal, we will be asking families who are able to help out in the following ways:

1. Each grade will collect non-perishable items to go in the baskets.

• Preschool & Kindergarten: stuffing
• First Grade: bread mixes (i.e. corn bread/muffins)
• Second Grade: boxed mashed potatoes
• Third Grade: canned peas, corn or green beans
• Fourth Grade: canned fruit
• Fifth Grade: canned soups

2. Hopewell staff members will be donating turkeys to accompany the baskets. Food donations/vouchers may be brought in from Monday, November 3rd until Wednesday, November 19th.

Thank you so much for your support with this project. We wish you a safe and happy Thanksgiving!

The HES PTO is once again partnering with Griggstown Farm for our annual Thanksgiving pie fundraiser! Choose from a variety of delicious fruit and savory pot pies—handcrafted, frozen, and ready to bake at home.

Order by: November 6
Pick-up: November 20, 3:15–5:30 PM at HES

You can also donate a pie to support The Chubby’s Project, helping local families in need this holiday season. Every purchase supports HES PTO programs and activities for our students—thank you for keeping this tasty tradition alive! Link HERE to order.

Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day is a commemorative event dedicated to honoring the bravery and resilience of Ruby Bridges, a trailblazer in the fight for equal education. This day encourages schools and communities to unite in celebrating the progress made and to reflect on the ongoing journey towards inclusive education. Please wear anything purple and join us in walking to school on November 14th starting at 7:45AM.

Plan on using the following routes to walk to school this day. We hope to see everyone out there.

Dear HES Community,

We understand that, at times, any family can face struggles, and we want to assure you that support is available. If your family is facing concerns about having enough to eat, please know that you are not alone, and we are here to help. If you are struggling and need resources for your family, please click here.

Please do not hesitate—for any reason—to reach out to your school principal or your child's counselor if you need our assistance. Your privacy will be protected, and your needs will be met with compassion. We are truly here to help.

Date: Saturday, November 15
Time: 10AM-12PM
Location: Hopewell Valley Central High School Community Room, 259 Pennington-Titusville Road, Pennington
Free and open to all parents, caregivers and community members

Keynote Presentation: “Recognizing When Your Child Needs Support”

Join us for a morning focused on supporting the mental health and emotional well-being of students of all ages. This community event will feature a keynote presentation by a mental health expert offering practical tools for recognizing when children may be struggling—and how to help them cope and thrive.

The morning will also include access to local resources and community support services and providers, along with opportunities to connect with others who care about the well-being of our youth. The event flier can be viewed here. Parents, caregivers and interested community members please RSVP (preferred) but walk-ins are welcome!

On Tuesday, November 18 at 7:00 PM, parents/guardians and caregivers of Pre K-12 students will learn about the importance of childhood and key events in children's development. The speaker will be Samantha Awadallah, MS, LPC, Mental Health Clinician from Rutgers UBHC ACCESS Program - HVRSD. This event will be held virtually via Zoom. Flyer can be viewed here. Be sure to register in advance to receive the link.

Fall Photos Coming Soon: Irvin Simon photographers were on site Friday, October 24th to photograph HES students and staff. We hope to receive student proofs in the next two weeks. Once they arrive, proofs will be sent home with your child along with additional information should you choose to purchase copies.

Yearbook Update: Preparations for the 2025-2026 HES Yearbook are underway. Yearbooks are now available for purchase via the online store. Please click here for order details. Orders will be accepted through May 8th, 2026.

Picture Retakes: Irvin Simon photographers will return to HES on Friday, November 21st. Students who were absent during picture day and or in need of a retake are encouraged to visit the photographers during retake day. Additional proof will be sent home with students following retake day.

Each year, the Hopewell Valley Regional School District participates in the Governor's Educator of the Year (GEOY) program to honor exceptional teachers and educational services professionals. Below, you will find a nomination form and criteria to consider if you'd like to nominate a teacher. You can either make a copy of the Google form provided or print and complete the attached PDF. Eligibility details for Educational Services Professionals are also included.

This is a great opportunity to recognize our dedicated teachers and professionals for their hard work in supporting students, parents, and the community. Please take a moment to nominate a deserving colleague!

Please return nomination forms to your building Principal by Friday, November 14, 2025.

Governor’s Educator of the Year Nomination (PDF)

Governor’s Educator of the Year Nomination (Google doc)

Eligible Certification Areas for Educational Services Professionals

Join the Hopewell Valley Education Foundation for a Book Lovers Luncheon featuring author Brendan Slocumb on Sunday, November 16th from 11:30 AM–3:00 PM at Cobblestone Creek Country Club in Lawrenceville (formerly Greenacres Country Club).

Tickets are $75 plus a $2 service fee ($25 of which is tax-deductible). Sales open Sunday, October 5th — space is limited, so don’t miss out!

👉 Buy Tickets Here!

Thank you for supporting your child(ren)’s pursuit of Respect last month in school and at home. In October, students also celebrated Peace Week and learned about using the Peace Path to solve conflicts and engage in peaceful activities. We focused on making ourselves and others count with our mini play “ONE: by Kathryn Otoshi” at our Whole School Meeting led by our LilyPALS. Consider using the Peace Path at home to reinforce our peacemaking efforts at HES.

During November, we will be focusing on the trait of Gratitude. Students will be engaging in activities and discussions about showing gratitude in our communities throughout the month culminating in our first SEL Day of the year focusing on giving thanks on November 26. Expressing gratitude has been linked to positive outcomes in physical and mental health. If you’d like to participate at home, encourage daily practice by sharing one thing you are grateful for each day at mealtime. We are so grateful for all of our wonderful families at HES for sharing your children with us!

As always, please reach out if you need any assistance via phone at 609-737-4007 x7206 or email at ashleylarose@hvrsd.org. If you’d like to book a conference with me, please follow the link here.

The Class of 2026 will be hosting their annual Flapjacks with Frosty event in the CHS Cafeteria on Saturday, December 6th from 10 am-12 pm. This is a great event for elementary level students or staff members at your building with young children. The event provides breakfast with Frosty the Snowman, crafts, winter games, stories, and lots of fun. All proceeds benefit the Class of 2026.

Our Lost and Found is overflowing with jackets, sweaters, water bottles, and lunch boxes looking for their owners!

During the week of Parent-Teacher Conferences, the Lost and Found will be relocated to the area by the Main Office for easier access. Stop by in person to reclaim any missing items.

All unclaimed belongings will be donated on December 15th.

1. PTO Meeting: Please join us for our third PTO meeting of the year on Thursday, November 14th, at 8:45AM in the Faculty Lounge.
2. Minted Partnership: Sending holiday cards this year? Please consider using the HES PTO's coupon code for Minted.com. You save 20% and we get 15% back! Feel free to share this coupon with family and friends (users do not need to be affiliated with HES) The code works on wedding stationery, thank you cards, birth announcements, invitations, and so much more! Minted Code: FUNDRAISEHOPEWELLELEM

• November 2nd - Daylight Saving Time Ends: Fall Back
• November 3rd - Early Dismissal Day for Students; AM PEECH Session Meets ONLY (9:00AM); Parent-Teacher Afternoon & Evening Conferences; NJSLA Adaptive Field Testing-4th & 5th Grades ONLY
• November 4th - Early Dismissal Day for Students; PM PEECH Session ONLY (9:00AM); Parent-Teacher Afternoon Conferences; Election Day
• November 5th - Early Dismissal Day for Students; AM PEECH Session ONLY (9:00AM); Parent-Teacher Afternoon Makeup Conferences; Vocal Ensemble Rehearsal (7:50AM); NJSLA Adaptive Field Testing-4th & 5th Grades ONLY
• November 6th - NJEA Convention: Schools Closed
• November 7th - Veterans Day Observed: Schools & Offices Closed
• November 11th - Green Team Meeting (3:40PM)
• November 12th - Vocal Ensemble Rehearsal (7:50AM); Garden Club Meeting (3:40PM)
• November 13th - Student Council Meeting - Officers ONLY (8:05AM); Orff Ensemble Rehearsal (3:45PM)
• November 14th - Wear Purple for Ruby Bridges Day; Ruby Bridges Bike/Roll/Walk-to-School Day - Sponsored by Ruby Bridges Foundation (7:45AM); 1st Grade Walking Tour to Borough Hall; DEADLINE: Governor's Educator of the Year Applications
• November 17th - Board of Education Regular Meeting (6:30PM)
• November 19th - Vocal Ensemble Rehearsal (7:50AM)
• November 20th - Student Council Meeting - Officers & Reps (8:05AM); Orff Ensemble Rehearsal (3:45PM)
• November 21st - Student Photo Retakes; Newspaper Club Meeting (8:00AM); PTO Meeting (8:45AM)
• November 25th - Debate Team Meeting (8:00AM)
• November 26th - Vocal Ensemble Rehearsal (7:50AM); Early Dismissal for Students & Staff; PM PEECH ONLY (9:00AM); SEL Day of Gratitude
• November 27th & 28th - Thanksgiving Break: Schools & Offices Closed

• HES Dismissal Waiver Form

• HES Lunch Info
  
• HES School Calendar
• HES School Times
• HES Student Handbook
• HVRSD Calendar
• HVRSD Superintendent's Update

This section of our monthly correspondence is dedicated to posting our older community newsletters so that you can refer back to previous HES communication. We also recommend that you regularly visit our school's website to stay informed with the latest events and happenings at HES.

Previous Newsletters:

• October Edition 2025
• September Edition 2025
• Back to School Edition