The Friday Focus
January 23, 2026
From the Desk of the Superintendent
Principal Patricia Riley of Hopewell Valley Central High School was the recent recipient of the New Jersey Visionary Principal of the Year Award! She will be representing New Jersey in the National Competition in Washington, D.C. at the NJSPA conference.
Please click this link for The Preliminary Schedule for the District Bond Referendum Projects, which provides an overview of the current timeline for the targeted projects.
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. Beginning around February 2, 2026, we will be resuming automated weekly emails to help monitor your student's activity on their school-issued Chromebook. For more information about Securly, see this document: Weekly Securly Activity Report
Offering Youth Mental Health First Aid training on Feb 26 from 8:30-3:30pm:
YMHFA 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 Feb 5th. 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!
Mercer County Free Food Finder: click on the link to find a location near you.
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.
National Honor Society Induction: Congratulations to the HVCHS juniors and seniors who were inducted into the National Honor Society. These students were selected for this recognition based on their academic achievement, leadership, character, and service. Special thanks to Mr. Michael Rodgers, our keynote speaker for the event.
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.
Semester Two: The first semester and second marking period will end on February 2. On February 3, we will be following a F day schedule, in which all eight classes will meet.
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
Robotics Night 5-7 pm, TMS Cafeteria: Join us for an exciting event filled with robotics, problem-solving and fun! Attempt to conquer a variety of challenges created by the TMS Robotic Club. Pizza and snacks will be served!
Congratulations to the following orchestra students who are attending a master class
performance with members of the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra today:Elena Steinbrecher, Joy Park, Kayden Cotrino, Elizabeth Doku, Luke Fereshteh, Elena Wang, Stella Evanini, Eleanor Carlton, Ava Rich and Alexander Detherage
Alexander will be a a featured performer on the viola during this master class.
Cutting Hair Because We Care!
On March 18, 2026, TMS will host our annual Cutting Hair Because We Care event, supporting the St. Baldrick’s Foundation and ChildrenWithHairLoss.org. Students can “brave the shave” to raise funds for childhood cancer research or donate long hair to help children experiencing hair loss. Local salons will be on site to make it a special day.
The deadline to sign up for hair donation is January 30, 2026. Students and family members are welcome to participate.
Over the past two years, Timberlane has raised more than $66,000 for pediatric cancer research—and we’re excited to keep it going! Participation and donation links will be shared soon.
Students will also have opportunities to design the official event t-shirt, seek local business sponsors, and help make this year’s event our most successful yet. Stay tuned for more details!
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)
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*
Friday, Jan 23 - The Geography Bee will be livestreamed during Pack /
STEM Series - Robotics Night
Saturday, Jan 31 - PTO Sixers Game 7:30 pm
Thursday, Feb 5 - Early Dismissal
Feb 10-14 - Candygram Sales (student council)
Friday, Feb 13- 7th Grade "Night Out" 3-5 pm
Monday, Feb 16 - Schools/Offices Closed - Presidents Day
Tuesday, Feb 17 - Schools Closed - Lunar New Year
Thursday, Feb 26 - Staff/Student Basketball Game
Friday, Feb 27 - 8th Grade Snow Tubing
Bear Tavern Elementary School
Titus Bear Cookie-Grams On Sale - Celebrate Valentine’s Day by surprising someone special—a teacher, bus driver, counselor, friend, sibling, your child, or anyone you’d like to make smile—with a Valentine Cookie-Gram! Each Cookie-Gram includes one custom-made 3” sugar cookie featuring Titus the Bear holding a white heart with “BT” written inside.
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'
Interested in Girl Scouts? Join us for Slim Time! Sunday, Feb. 8th, Timberlane Middle School Cafeteria, 2:30-4:00pm: Stop by and enjoy the fun of making slime & get more information about
Girl Scouts! See the flyer for more info!
BT St. Baldrick’s Day - Each year, Bear Tavern students shave heads and raise money for the St. Baldrick's Foundation. St. Baldrick's Foundation is a leading charity funding childhood cancer research, known for its signature events where volunteers shave their heads to support kids losing hair during treatment, raising money for cures and promoting awareness, operating as a volunteer-powered organization with a mission to give survivors long, healthy lives.
Whether you or your children want to shave their heads, contribute to others who shave, or just raise money for the foundation, help us reach our goal of $28,000. Join our team: Bear Tavern ES and get started now. We will have our Bear Tavern Shaving Event on March 13, so get ready!
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.
*Dates To Remember*
1/29: Screenagers Elementary Edition screening- *HVCHS Media Center, 6pm*
2/5 - Early Dismissal @ 12:45 / Staff Development / PreK PM Only
2/13 - Wear Pink For Valentine's Day
2/16 - Schools & Offices Closed for President’s Day
2/17 - Schools Closed For Lunar New Year
2/18 - Author Visit
2/27- 1,000 Day
The Principal’s Monthly Newsletter - Hopewell’s Happenings is on 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!
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.
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
Interested in Girl Scouts? Join us for Slim Time! Sunday, Feb. 8th, Timberlane Middle School Cafeteria, 2:30-4:00pm: Stop by and enjoy the fun of making slime & get more information about
Girl Scouts! See the flyer for more info!
Yearbook Ordering - Yearbooks are now available for purchase through the online store. You can click here for ordering details. Orders will be accepted by 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:
Thurs, 1/29: Screenagers Elementary Edition screening- *HVCHS Media Center, 6pm*
Friday, 1/30: Yearbook Cover Contest Artwork Due
Thursday, 2/5: Early Dismissal Day for Students at 12:45pm;
Whole School Meeting; SEL Day of Play; Preschool Half Day - pm only
Friday, 2/13: 100th Day of School - Kindergarten; 1000th Day of School - 5th Grade; 1st Grade Valentine Day Show; PTO's Someone Special Dance for Gr. 2-4 (6:30PM)
Monday, 2/16 - Schools & Offices Closed for President’s Day
Tuesday, 2/17 - Schools Closed - Lunar New Year
Family Game Night Is Back!
Join us on Friday, January 30, for Family Game Night, hosted by the SB PTO and Principal Gianfredi! We'll play bingo, trivia, and Minute-To-Win-It contests, and compete in a STEM challenge. Snacks and drinks will be available for purchase for $1-$2 each! Pizza will be sold by the slice for $3 each! Register here: https://tinyurl.com/SBGameNight2026 Admission is FREE but you must register using this form to participate. Space is LIMITED. Parents must stay with their children and participate in the games for the duration of the evening.
Author Laurie Wallmark Is Coming to Stony Brook on March 3rd:
Ms Wallmark is an award-winning author of science and STEM-themed biographies and picture books. She will be at Stony Brook in early March to talk to our All Stars about writing and publishing. The SB PTO is pre-selling copies of her books, and every book purchased through us will be signed by Ms Wallmark during her visit at SB! Purchase books at the link below, or by using the paper form sent home by Jan. 30th https://tinyurl.com/SBPTOauthorbooks2026
Soft-Pretzel Snack Sales
Buy-in for soft pretzel snacks for January-June is now open! If you only paid for the first few months of the year, or you haven't yet participated but now want to, please use the link below to purchase for the remainder of the year!
https://stonybrookelementarypto.membershiptoolkit.com/2025SoftPretzelSnacks
Interested in Girl Scouts? Join us for Slim Time! Sunday, Feb. 8th, Timberlane Middle School Cafeteria, 2:30-4:00pm: Stop by and enjoy the fun of making slime & get more information about
Girl Scouts! See the flyer for more info!
SBPTO Membership Toolkit - Click HERE to register for volunteer opportunities, sign up for the directory to find your friends 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*
Friday, 1/23: All School Meeting
Monday, 1/26: Kick Off Great Kindness Week Challenge
Thurs, 1/29: Screenagers Elementary Edition screening- *HVCHS Media Center, 6pm*
Friday, 1/30: Student Council Spirit Day: Teachers dress like students, students dress like teachers/ Family Game Night / Book Orders Due
Thurs, 2/5: Early Dismissal at 12:45 pm
Mon 2/16 - Schools & Offices Closed for President’s Day
Tues, 2/17 - Schools Closed - Lunar New Year
Toll Gate Grammar School Website
Toll Gate Grammar on Instagram
Email the Toll Gate Main Office
Toll Gate's Day of Service is on Friday, January 30th
We will be donating to The Jared Box Project for the 5th consecutive year.
This is a community effort, and we will need help with donations. Each grade level will be asked to donate materials, kind hearts, and creativity in order to create playful boxes filled with cheerful and fun items for young local hospital patients at both Penn Medicine Princeton and Capital Health Hospital. The list of items can be found here: Day of Service 2026 - Donations
Please send in the donated items to school with your student(s) until Jan 23rd.
If you are interested in volunteering, please sign up here: Day of Service 2026 - Volunteers
Thank you for your help with this very special project.
Used Book Sale - Join HVRSD STRIVE PTO for our Winter Used Book Sale Fundraiser! From now until Friday, 1/30, look for donation boxes at all district schools to drop off your gently used books. Then, come shop the collection on Saturday, 2/7 during the Summer Camp Expo & Special Resource Fair. While you explore local resources and plan your child’s summer, you can refresh your home library! All proceeds directly support STRIVE programs for our students, families, and staff. Plus—Special Education staff are invited to "shop" the sale for free to stock their classrooms! Let’s turn your old favorites into new opportunities for our district.
Donate Used Clothing & Support the L.E.A.D. program! Support the Law Enforcement Against Drugs & Violence (L.E.A.D.) program and Pennington Police Department’s efforts to educate our children to make healthy life choices. Click here for more information.
Interested in Girl Scouts? Join us for Slim Time! Sunday, Feb. 8th, Timberlane Middle School Cafeteria, 2:30-4:00pm: Stop by and enjoy the fun of making slime & get more information about
Girl Scouts! See the flyer for more info!
- School Lunch Information
- 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:
Thurs, 1/29: Screenagers Elementary Edition screening- *HVCHS Media Center, 6pm*
Friday, 1/30: Toll Gate's Day of Service
Monday, 2/2: Last Day of Spanish
Tuesday, 2/3: First Day of STEAM
Thursday, 2/5: Early Dismissal at 12:45 PM - Staff Development
Wednesday, 2/11: 100th Day of School - Dress as a 100 Year Old
Thursday, 2/12: PTO Meeting via Zoom at 7:30 PM
Monday, 2/16: Schools/Offices Closed - Presidents’ Day
Tuesday, 2/17: Schools Closed - Lunar New Year
Thursday, 2/19: Family Game Night at 6:00 PM
Thursday, 2/26: Author Laurie Wallmark Visits Toll Gate
Community Events & Programs
Dark Sky 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.
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.
Pennington CrossFit Kids Club Mini Camps Feb. 5 and 16
Kids aged 5-8 can enjoy themed mini-camps at Pennington CrossFit when school is out! Attendees will read books, play games, learn some exercise movements and do crafts in this 3-hour camp.
Speed, Power and Change of Direction Training for Grades 5-8. Through 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 Indoor "Sockey" for Grades 1-5. Monday or Wednesday sessions held at Toll Gate. This is a safe variant of indoor hockey played with "sock" covered sticks. No experience necessary!
Valentine's Day Candlelight Walk, Friday, Feb. 13th, 6-8pm, Colonial Lake Park.
Food Trucks, Fire pits, Live Music, Photo Booth. Sponsored by Lawrence Recreation
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:
Summer Camps 2026
Apple Montessori Summer Camp, Princeton
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 University Summer Day 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.