Hopewell's Happenings

The month of May kicked off with state testing, but we quickly shifted gears and filled the rest of the month with exciting and memorable events!

We started strong with an incredible Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week, thanks to our amazing PTO. Tying into our 100th Year Celebration theme, staff members were recognized with themed decorations, a delicious luncheon, thoughtful gifts, and daily affirmations. Families and students also joined in by sharing gift cards, flowers, sweet notes, and treats. Thank you to everyone who helped make our staff feel so appreciated!

Students also participated in the Jump Rope for Heart Challenge, learning about heart health while raising funds for the American Heart Association—a fun and active way to give back to others.

Our HopeWellness SEL Day provided students with opportunities to relax, recharge, and focus on their well-being through activities such as sidewalk chalk, mindfulness breaks, and peaceful time in our Hammock Garden.

Field trips added even more excitement throughout the month, and we thank our PTO for helping make these experiences possible. First graders enjoyed a hands-on adventure at Doyle’s Farm, fifth graders explored science and innovation at the Franklin Institute, and second graders stepped back in time during their visit to Howell Living History Farm.

Of course, we cannot forget our 100th Anniversary Field Day 2026! It was a day filled with sunshine, school spirit, and classic old-school games (i.e. sneaker kick) that brought our centennial celebration to life. A special thank you goes to our former HES students and CHS seniors who returned to volunteer and help make the day a success. One of the most memorable moments was watching the fifth graders battle the HES staff in a classic dodgeball game!

We also celebrated the hard work and creativity of our students through several special grade-level showcases. Second graders impressed visitors with their Habitat Hoopla projects, teaching us all about animals and the unique habitats in which they live. Third graders shined during their Biography Bonanza, sharing their research and educating classmates, families, and visitors about influential historical figures from both the past and present.

As we approach the end of another wonderful school year at Hopewell Elementary School, there is still so much to look forward to. From exciting end-of-year celebrations to our Fifth Grade Graduation, we are eager to finish the year strong and send our students into summer with smiles, pride, and lasting memories!

As we close out Hopewell Elementary School's 100th Anniversary Celebration, we are proud to reflect on a year filled with memories, traditions, and community spirit. One of our final commemorative events will be a special tree planting, generously sponsored by the Shade Tree Commission, which will serve as a lasting reminder of this milestone for generations of HES students to come. We also buried a time capsule containing contributions from every class, capturing what life at HES looks like in 2026. Together, these projects celebrate both our rich history and our bright future.

As the school year comes to a close, final report cards will soon be heading home. In a fitting connection to our centennial year, an HES student recently discovered report cards belonging to his grandmother while helping clean out his grandfathers home. Among the treasures were a kindergarten report card from the 1933–1934 school year and a fourth-grade report card from 1937–1938. It is fascinating to compare student learning and reporting practices from nearly a century ago with those of today.

6/3 - Visit to TMS (9:45am-10:45am)

6/15 - 5th Grade Graduation Rehearsal; Evening Graduation (5:30pm)

6/16 - 5th Grade Breakfast (Students Only); 5th Grade Fun Day

6/17 - Awards Ceremony (Invites Only)

6/18 - End of Year Slideshow; HES Clap-Out (Early Dismissal 12:45pm)

A new statewide e-bike law has been enacted to improve safety for riders, pedestrians, and motorists. Families are encouraged to review the updated regulations and make sure students are aware of the requirements before the compliance deadline of July 19, 2026. Click HERE for information in English and HERE for information in Spanish.

Looking for ways to keep your child reading this summer? Our Summer Reading Resource is now available for all HES families! Inside, you'll find book recommendations for every grade level, information about 6th-grade summer reading requirements, and details about local public library summer reading programs. We encourage all families to explore these resources and help make reading part of a fun and engaging summer routine.

News by Students, for Students! We’re proud of our Newspaper Club reporters for creating another great edition filled with school news, teacher spotlights, HES pets, riddles, movie reviews, and more. Enjoy reading!

The Hopewell Times - May Newspaper

The Hopewell Times - June Newspaper

Our library books are getting ready for their summer vacation, but 851 books are still out exploring! We're on a mission to bring them all home by Monday, June 8. Take a quick look around your house, backpacks, cars, and favorite reading spots for any HES library books.

Every book returned helps us get ready for another great year of reading. Thank you for helping our library shelves fill back up!

Mark your calendars for a sweet summer treat! Come hang out at our Popsicles with the Principal event on June 9th from 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM on the HES playground.

This year, we have an extra special reason to celebrate! We are thrilled to officially welcome our new redistricted families coming from Bear Tavern! Let’s show them what makes our community so special. Stop by to grab a cool treat, catch up with old friends, make some new ones, and give our incoming students a warm HES welcome. We can’t wait to see you there!

Kindergarten Registration:

Kindergarten Registration is now open.

Kindergarten Camp:

Camp will be held Monday through Thursday, 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. (four days a week) on the weeks of July 6th - 9th and July 13th - 16th at each elementary school. Please Note: your child must be registered for Fall 2026 Kindergarten in order to attend. The cost for attending two weeks is $400. If your child is only attending one week, it is $200. Transportation is not provided. Link HERE for Camp Registration.

Hopewell Valley Come Outside & Play! is being held Thursday, June 4 - Saturday, June 6. The webpage listing all the activities being offered during this 3-day event is HERE! We thank you for joining the Hopewell Valley Municipal Alliance and community partners during this Hopewell Valley event, almost 15 years running!

Established to increase awareness of nature and an appreciation of time spent outdoors, families and community members are welcome to attend any of the activities -- some will require advance registration. Activities are free and open to all ages unless otherwise noted. In case of inclement weather, activities will be cancelled except for some noted in the newsletter. Post your pictures of attending events on the Hopewell Valley's Backyard Facebook page.

NOTE: If you have an event that you would like added to the website, please REGISTER to let us know.

See you outside soon!

Join the HVRSD ecoPTO for a family hike at Washington Crossing Park at 9:30 am on Sunday, June 14! We'll meet at 9:30 and split into smaller groups for the hike. We’re excited to build a community of families who explore, learn, and care for nature together. Hope to see you on the trail!

The HES Green Team & Garden Club seeks volunteers to keep our outdoor front and side flower beds looking alive and well this summer! You can choose any day of the week that suits you. Thank you for helping to make our school beautiful! Please use this link HERE to sign-up as a family to help out.

HES recognized Mental Health Awareness Month in May with morning announcements from our Lily PALS, our HopeWellness Day, and counselor lessons focused on career exploration and transitions to next year.

Thank you for your continued support of your child(ren)’s social and emotional growth at home throughout the year. From Hopewell Hoorays, Positive Office Referrals, and Whole School Meetings to SEL Days and our monthly Character Strong trait focus, every student at HES has fostered their character development this year as we made a commitment to LEAP together. We've had countless meaningful moments celebrating good character both in the classroom and across the school, and we truly appreciate your partnership in making that possible.

We are closing out the year as we began with a focus on Kindness. Check out this kindness checklist to spread kindness throughout our community this month and during the summer as a family. We wish you a safe, relaxing, and memorable summer, and we look forward to seeing how you continue to LEAP forward with character and purpose.

This summer HV Swim America is running small group swim lessons and sensory-friendly swim lessons in Pennington at the Hopewell Tennis and Swim Center. Please see the flyers below or visit their website HERE.

One of BTES parents shared this document that she organized for summer activities. It is a great resource of the wonderful local events taking place. Feel free to share with other parents if you want.

Hopewell Youth Wrestling Camp (Grades 1–8) Join the Hopewell Recreation Department, Hopewell Valley Youth Wrestling, and the High School Wrestling staff for a fun, high-energy summer camp!

• Dates: Monday, June 29 – Thursday, July 2

• Time: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM (Optional lunch hour from 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM for early arrivals or students transitioning from the morning Football camp)

• Location: Hopewell Valley Central High School-Auxillary Gym

• Who: Incoming 1st through 8th graders

Led by high school coaching staff and varsity wrestlers, this camp is a fantastic opportunity for kids to learn new skills and experience a professional wrestling environment in a fun, supportive setting.

Registration and additional details are available here:

https://register.capturepoint.com/reg/login.cfm?cuBOA%2Frc0p4trnasCJNBkrfRqBdeCsM1ugTdgJwcwqnC3YUEwtm0ub%2F%2FJA%3D%3D

Ready to level up your game while supporting your local athletes? Join us for our annual Bulldog Camp, where every single dollar raised goes directly toward supporting the HVCHS Girls & Boys Soccer programs!

Whether you’re looking to sharpen your footwork, master your strikes, or just have a blast on the pitch with friends, this is the place to be.

HVCHS Bulldog Camp August 10-13 Register here: https://hvsasoccer.sprocketsports.com/registrations/134400

As summer has begun we are happy to let you know that registration is now open for our fall rec soccer season, which will start on September 12th!

**Register before June ends to get the early bird discount!

Register here: https://hvsasoccer.sprocketsports.com/all-programs/23305

For more information about Fall Rec Soccer visit: https://hvsasoccer.org/club/fall-rec

Summer EBT is a new federal program to help families buy food for their school-aged children during the summer. Families will receive $120 for each eligible child to buy groceries during the summer. Children who receive Summer EBT benefits can still participate in other summer meal programs. Receiving benefits will not affect children or families’ immigration status. To find out more information or if you are eligible, you can find information HERE.

Our Lost & Found is overflowing with lonely sweatshirts, jackets, water bottles, and other items wondering if they'll ever make it home! Please encourage your child to take a look before Friday, June 12th. Any unclaimed items after that date will be donated.

• June 2nd - 3rd Grade Field Trip to Churchville Nature Center; Dungeons & Dragons Meeting (8:00am)
• June 3rd - 5th Grade visits TMS; Community Share - Farm to School Pickup (2:00pm)
• June 4th - Student Council Meeting - Officers & Reps (8:05am); Whole School Meeting - Wear HES Blue T-Shirt; Hopewell Valley's Come Outside & Play
• June 5th - Kindergarten Show & End-of-Year Party (2:00pm); Hopewell Valley's Come Outside & Play
• June 6th - Hopewell Valley's Come Outside & Play
• June 9th - Assembly: Thunderbird American Indian Dancers; Popsicles with the Principal on the Playground (6:30pm)
• June 10th - 100 Year Celebration - Special Tree Planting Sponsored by the Shade Tree Committee (9:00am); Community Share - Farm to School Pickup (2:00pm); Garden Club Meeting (3:40pm)
• June 11th - Preschool Graduation (2:00pm); 2SD's Poetry & Fun Hour at Castle Park (2:00pm)
• June 12th - Student Council Spirit Day - Anything but a Backpack Day; Newspaper Club Meeting (8:00am); 1st Grade's Writing Celebration (9:00am); 2nd Grade's Musical (2:00pm); 2MD's & 2PC's Publishing Party (2:30pm)
• June 13th - HES Kids Business & STEM Fair at HES - Sponsored by PTO (1:30pm)
• June 15th - HES Graduation (5:30pm); Board of Education Meeting (6:30pm)
• June 16th - 5th Grade's Breakfast & Slideshow (9:00am); 5th Grade's Fun Day (12:30pm); 1st Grade's EOY Ice Cream Social (1:30pm); 3rd Grade's EOY Ice Cream Social (2:00pm)
• June 17th - Early Dismissal for Students (12:45pm); Preschool Half Day - AM Only; 5th Grade's Awards Ceremony (9:15am); Community Share - Farm to School Pickup (2:00pm)
• June 18th - Early Dismissal/Last Day of School (12:45pm); Preschool Half Day - PM Only; HVCHS Class of 2026's Clap Out (9:00am); 5th Grade's Clap Out (12:35pm)

HAPPY SUMMER!!!

• HES Dismissal Waiver Form
• HES Lunch Info
• HES School Calendar
• HES School Times
• HVRSD District Calendar

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 and read HVRSD's weekly Focus to stay informed with the latest events and happenings at HES.

Previous Newsletters:

• May Edition
• April Edition
• March Edition
• February Edition
• January Edition
• December Edition
• November Edition
• October Edition
• September Edition
• Back to School Edition