The Focus
November 7, 2024
From the Office of the Superintendent
On Friday, November 8th, schools and offices are closed in observance of Veterans Day.
We want to thank both those currently serving as well as those who have served.
We are forever grateful for your sacrifice.
The Mercer County Division of Veterans Affairs annual Veterans Day Expo and Ceremony on Friday, November 8th at Mercer County Office Park, 11:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. This event is an opportunity for veterans in the community to come together and learn more about Mercer County’s programs and resources for employment, housing, healthcare and education.
The Hopewell Valley Veterans Association will hold their annual Veterans Day Ceremony on Saturday, Nov 9th at 11am, Woolsey Park. Click HERE for more information.
November is Native American Heritage Month: The Lenni Lenape lived in the Hopewell area for at least 9,000 years and were the first guardians of the Delaware River.
- The Hopewell Museum collection has over 2000 native American artifacts.
- For information on the tribe, please see the Nanticoke Lenni-Lenape Tribe page
- The Mercer County Library is offering two resources: "American Indian History Online" with access to more than 15,000 years of culture and history through biographies, images, videos and maps and "Navajo Code Talkers": a moving presentation on the Code Talkers and the crucial role they played in the Pacific campaigns during World War II.
On November 14th, our elementary students will be participating in The Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day. This is an annual day of dialogue to commemorate Ruby Bridge's historic steps In 1960, when, at only six years old, she became one of the first black children to integrate New Orleans' all white public school system. The goal is to guide and support current students on their own pathways toward a more peaceful and harmonious future.
Thank you to all of the parents, guardians, and students who attended our conference sessions. We appreciated the opportunity to meet with you and to collaborate to ensure student success!
End of Marking Period One: Marking period one ended on November 6, and report cards will be available on OnCourse starting on November 18.
HVCHS Winter Sports: Registration and medical forms were due by Nov. 6. Student-athletes who missed the submission deadline may not be able to try out on time. 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 be unable to try out or practice.
The HVCHS PTO is hosting Designer Handbag Bingo on Friday, Nov. 15th at Central High School. This festive, fun event is open to the community and features a tricky tray, silent auction, door prize, and light refreshments, in addition to eight Bingo games. Everyone is invited to purchase tickets here.
Trex Recycling Update: As of November 1, 2024, HVCHS is no longer be participating in the TREX plastic film recycling challenge. Thank you to everyone who has contributed since 2020 to help us keep plastic out of the environment. For those interested in recycling your plastic bags, Hopewell Borough has started a collection at Borough Hall, 88 East Broad Street, Hopewell, open Mon-Fri, 8:30am-4:30 pm.
HV Basketball Gear: If interested in picking up some HV Basketball gear to support the girls team this season (and technically the boys as our items do not differentiate between girls or boys basketball), please feel free to shop at the link below. The store will be open until 11/26 and items will arrive prior to the holidays: https://hopewell-valley-girls-basketball-fall24.itemorder.com/
Last chance: Governor’s Educator of the Year- if interested in recognizing the hard work of outstanding CHS teachers and educational services professionals, please return nomination forms directly to Ms. Riley by November 15, 2024.
Eligible Certification Areas for Educational Services Professionals
Support Professional Nomination (paraprofessional, secretary, custodian, maintenance worker, bus driver, van attendant, or technology specialist.
Absences, Late Arrivals, & Early Dismissals: Parents/Guardians should call our TeleSafe number 609-737-4003, Ext 2, 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?
Twitter: @HVCentralHS
Instagram: hopewell_valley_central_hs
Our fundraising calendar for classes, clubs and teams
The Timberlane ``Principal's Page" on the TMS Website
On Monday, Nov. 11th we will have our second annual TMS Veterans Day Ceremony at school. Veterans who are connected to Timberlane (parents, grandparents, friends, neighbors) will be celebrated.
The Harlem Wizards Are Coming to Town - On 11/13 @ 7:00 pm. TMS school gym. Please note: Admission starts at 6pm - game promptly at 7pm.
Last Chance: Governor’s Educator of the Year! Please nominate one of our outstanding TMS teachers or staff members for the Governor's Educator of the Year (GEOY) program!
Governor’s Educator of the Year Nomination (Google form)
Eligible Certification Areas for Educational Services Professionals
Support Professional Nomination (paraprofessional, secretary, custodian, maintenance worker, bus driver, van attendant, or technology specialist.
Please return nomination forms directly to Principal Turnbull by Nov. 15, 2024.
Making a Difference One Box at a Time: TMS will be making Thanksgiving meals for those in need in the Hopewell community as well as meal bags for patrons of TASK. Details will be explained to students in packs. The School-wide goal is 120 dinner boxes and 500 bagged meals. We will also accept gift cards to PQM, Stop & Shop, and ShopRite to help us meet our lofty school goals!
The PTO has helped us to create this electronic payment method for 'sponsoring' a box. The cost is $37 to sponsor an entire box. Please send items by 11/22. Each pack will decorate the lunch bags/boxes and make Thanksgiving cards. Thank you for your support! Let’s make a difference in our community!
Back by Popular Demand: TMS Philadelphia 76ers game Friday, March 14, 2025 at 7:00 pm. $85 per ticket (which includes a private on-court experience). Tickets are limited. Email DANAFRAY@aol.com to purchase tickets
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. Please be aware 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*
11.11- Veteran's Day Ceremony during Pack
11.12 - PTO Meeting at 7:30pm
11.13 - Harlem Wizards at TMS!
11.18 Report Cards are Available
11.21 Tech Free Night, 5:30-7:30pm details will follow
11.22 Thanksgiving donations due
11.25 - Winter Sports will Start
BT Veterans Day - Our Ceremony will be held on Monday, Nov. 11th, at 2:00 PM in the gym. We will have a small reception after a brief whole-school meeting. Veterans are invited to arrive at 1:30 p.m. to get settled and to mingle.
The Harlem Wizards Are Coming to Town - On 11/13 @ 7:00 pm. TMS school gym. Please note: Admission starts at 6pm - game starts promptly at 7pm.
BT Ruby Bridges Walk-to-School Day - Students will walk around our school on November 14th starting at 8:45 am. Sponsored by the Ruby Bridges Foundation.
BT 5th Grade Griggstown Pies Fundraiser - Pot pies can provide a leisurely dinner, and fruit pies are perfect for the upcoming season. The pies arrive frozen uncooked and come with heating instructions. Orders are due by Friday, November 15th. Pie pickup will be Thursday, November 21st, from 5:00-8:00 pm
Last chance: Governor’s Educator-of-the-Year Nomination!
- Please nominate one of our outstanding Bear Tavern educators for the Governor’s Educator-of-the-Year Program. Nominations are due to Principal Billy by 11/15.
- Governor’s Educator-of-the-Year Nomination Form
- Support Professional Nomination Form
- Eligible Certification Areas for Educational Services Professionals
The Anxious Generation: We are hosting a discussion about this book on Thurs, Nov 21st 7pm in our All-Purpose Room. "While screens have become a totally normalized part of kids' development today, social psychologist Jonathan Haidt argues that the negative effects might outweigh the benefits. His new book, The Anxious Generation, details the correlation between an increasingly online social life and rising mental health concerns amongst young people." (NPR.org)
Please sign up here to join us for this important conversation!
BTPTO Holiday Shop, Monday, Dec 9th - Friday, Dec. 13th: This fundraising opportunity helps students with budgeting, problem-solving, and independence. Homeroom teachers will reach out with dates and shopping times.
School Lunch Information: Please click link for the 2024-2025 information.
Absences & Late Arrivals - Parents/Guardians should call our TeleSafe number:
609-737-4005, Ext 2, by 8:00 a.m. to report an absence or late arrival. Thank you.
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 609-737-4005 btmainoffice@hvrsd.org
Please stop by Bear Tavern's Lost and Found to view the extensive collection. All Items will be donated on Friday, Nov. 15th.
Please remember to label your students' clothing; this helps return them to the right student. Pictures are posted on Facebook under the BTPTO page.
*Dates To Remember*
11/11 - Veterans Day Commemoration/Wear Red, White, & Blue
11/13 - Lifetouch Picture Day/Harlem Wizards at TMS 6:00pm
11/14 - Ruby Bridges Walk-to-School Day
11/15 - Wear Blue For Children's Grief Awareness Day
11/21 - The Anxious Generation Discussion In APR 7:00 pm
11/27 - Early Dismissal, PM Preschool Only, Pajama Day
11/28 - Thanksgiving, Schools & Offices Closed
11/29 - Day After Thanksgiving, Schools & Offices Closed
Hopewell Elementary Spirit Wear Sale - Check out our fall options and show your school spirit —order by Nov. 7th for holiday delivery by Dec. 20th!
The Harlem Wizards Are Coming to Town - On 11/13 @ 7:00 pm. TMS school gym. Please note: Admission starts at 6pm - game starts promptly at 7pm.
Ruby Bridges Bike/Roll/Walk-to-School Day - Please join us in walking to school on Nov. 14th starting at 7:45AM for our Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day - Sponsored by the Ruby Bridges Foundation. Route Link HERE.
Griggstown Farm Fundraiser - We’re thrilled to team up again with Griggstown Farm for our annual PTO Pie Fundraiser, featuring handmade fruit and pot pies! Delivered frozen and ready to bake, these delicious pies will arrive just in time for the holidays. Link HERE to order.
Thanksgiving Food Drive - As Thanksgiving approaches, we’re partnering with The Chubby’s Project to provide food baskets for 27 families in need, and we invite those who can help to join us in reaching this goal. Link HERE for more information.
HES Yearbook Update and Photo Retakes! Preparations for the 2024-2025 HES Yearbook are in full swing. Online ordering is now open. Please click here to view the Yearbook Flyer. The order deadline is Friday, May 9th. Picture Retakes - Irvin Simon photographers will be at HES on Friday, November 22nd.
Last Chance: Governor’s Educator-of-the-Year Nominations! Please consider nominating one of our wonderful Hopewell Elementary educators for the Governor’s Educator-of-the-Year Program. Nominations are due to the HES main office by 11/15.
- Governor’s Educator-of-the-Year Nomination Form
- Support Professional Nomination Form
- Eligible Certification Areas for Educational Services Professionals.
School Lunch Information: Please click this link for the 2024-2025 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
The Principal’s Newsletter - Hopewell’s Happenings is on the HES Website.
Cold weather is right around the corner. Be sure to LABEL your children’s coats, hats, and other clothing!
Dates to Remember:
November 11th - Griggstown Farm Fundraiser Order Deadline
November 12th - Whole School Meeting (Wear School Colors)
November 14th - Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day (7:45AM); PTO Meeting - Faculty Lounge (8:45AM)
November 21st - Griggstown Farm Pick- up (3:35pm-6:00pm) in HES Cafe
November 22nd - Picture Day Make-Ups
Principal’s Newsletter - “The Scoop” has details on upcoming events and is emailed to families weekly. Also check out the Principal’s Page on the SB website.
All Star Donation Drive - While the prize raffle is now closed, you can still donate to the All Star Donation Drive! Click here to donate.
Picture Day - Make up Day for yearbook pictures will be on Wed., November 13th.
The Harlem Wizards Are Coming to Town - On 11/13 @ 7:00 pm at the TMS school gym.
Please note: Admission starts at 6pm - game starts promptly at 7pm.
Last chance! Governor’s Educator-of-the-Year: Please consider nominating an exceptional Stony Brook teacher and/or educational service professional. Nominations are due to Ms. Gianfredi by 11/15.
- Governor’s Educator-of-the-Year Nomination Form
- Support Professional Nomination Form.
- Eligible Certification Areas for Educational Services Professionals.
Thanksgiving Basket Drive - Student Council and Staff are sponsoring a Thanksgiving Basket Drive to be donated to the Millhill Child and Family Development Center. We also welcome $15 gift certificates to Shoprite! See the flyer HERE.
School Lunch Information: Please click this link for the 2024-2025 information.
Absences, Late Arrivals & Changes In Students’ Dismissal.
- Please call our TelSafe line at 609-737-4006, Ext 2, by 8:00 am to report an absence, late arrival or last minute change in your student's dismissal.
- When possible, lease email the main office in advance at sbmainoffice@hvrsd.org about a dismissal change.
- Please refer to our Attendance Procedures for details regarding school absences, late arrivals and early dismissals.
Membership Toolkit - Click here to register for volunteer opportunities, class lists & apparel. Contact StonyBrookPTO@gmail.com with any questions.
*Dates To Remember*
11/8 - Schools/Offices Closed, Veterans Day observed
11/13 - Picture Day Make Ups/ Harlem Wizards at TMS!
12/12 - Winter Concert @ SB
Toll Gate Grammar School Website
Toll Gate Grammar on Instagram
Email the Toll Gate Main Office
We will be commemorating Veterans Day on Monday, November 11th with a Red, White & Blue Spirit day sponsored by the Student Council, as well as a collection of shelf-stable milk for the Food Pantry by November 13th.
Ruby Bridges Walk-to-School Day - Students will walk to school from the board office on November 14th starting at 8:15 am. More information to come. Sponsored by the Ruby Bridges Foundation.
Toll Gate’s Thanksgiving Drive for TASK: For the 39th year, Toll Gate will support Trenton Area Soup Kitchen (TASK) for Thanksgiving! The new HVRSD calendar for Thanksgiving week necessitated some logistical changes for our traditional pie baking, but we also have exciting new opportunities! Here are highlights, with more details in our TASK Thanksgiving flyer. Questions? Contact Valerie Buchert at valerie.buchert@outlook.com. We have a limited number of Toll Gate Gator Youth Aprons, perfect for aspiring chefs who can’t wait to mix, mash, and bake right alongside you. Click Here to Purchase Toll Gate Aprons
Book Smiles Bin: Toll Gate Student Council & Green Team will be collecting gently used adult and children's books for donations throughout the Philadelphia/NJ area. Drop your gently used books into the BookSmiles bin located in the Toll Gate Media Center.
The Harlem Wizards Are Coming to Town - On 11/13 @ 7:00 pm. TMS school gym.
Please note: Admission starts at 6pm - game starts promptly at 7pm.
Last chance: Governor’s Educator of the Year- If interested in recognizing the hard work of TMS outstanding teachers and educational services professionals, please return nomination forms directly to Mrs. Lauri by November 15, 2024.
- Governor’s Educator of the Year Nomination (Google form)
Eligible Certification Areas for Educational Services Professionals
Support Professional Nomination (paraprofessional, secretary, custodian, maintenance worker, bus driver, van attendant, or technology specialist)
Walk, Bike, or Roll to School Day: The Toll Gate Green Team is sponsoring a Walk, Bike, or Roll to School Day on the third Thursday of every month. The next Walk, Bike, or Roll to School Day will be on Thursday, November 21st.
Please take a look at this Lost and Found Folder to see if anything belongs to your child. Special thanks to Eva McKenna-Tramontana for folding and organizing all the clothes and for taking the photos! Email tgmainoffice@hvrsd.org to claim any of the items.
Dates to Remember:
Monday, 11/11: Wear red, white & blue for Veterans Day
Tuesday, 11/12: Donations for Hopewell Valley Food Pantry due
Thursday, 11/14: Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day
Wednesday, 11/13: Harlem Wizards at TMS!
Thursday, 11/21: Walk, Bike or Roll to School Day
Monday, 11/25: Lifetouch Picture Retake Day
Tuesday, 11/26: 5th Grade Field Trip to Trenton Area Soup Kitchen (TASK)
Wednesday, 11/27: TASK Pie Baking & Early Dismissal at 12:45 PM
Thursday, 11/28 & Friday, 11/29: Thanksgiving Holiday - Schools/Offices Closed
Community News & Events
- The Mercer County Skating Rink opened on 10/31 for the 2024-25 season! Click HERE for lesson information.
- Disney's Beauty & The Beast at MCCC's Kelsey Theater: “Be Our Guest” for the Disney's Beauty & The Beast! This ‘tale as old as time,’ based on Disney’s Academy Award-winning film, features the timeless story you love along with all your favorite characters and songs. Opens Fri., Nov 8th - Nov 24th.
- Young Readers Book Fair, Nov 8-10th, 195 Nassau Street Suite 1 (Basement Level) Princeton, 9am-6pm: New Books on Sustainability - Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) - selected best books for young readers (age 4 to 18) published in 2024 available for purchase. ESG books for the family elders, parents and young professionals also available!
Family Matinee: "E. T. the Extra-Terrestrial", Princeton Garden Theatre Saturday November 9th, 10:00 AM
- New Jersey Interscholastic Cycling League: New to mountain biking? We have events around the state that provide you the opportunity to try out this sport!
- Princeton Progressions, the Princeton Area Composite Mountain Bike team, is a youth development program for middle and high school students. Info is available on Facebook and Instagram. For more information: princetonprogressions@gmail.com
- Terhune Orchards: Fall Family Weekends: Pick your own apples and pumpkins, go on pony rides, play with tractors, games, mazes, barnyard, and more! Read & Pick Programs: Each session includes reading stories and discussing how crops are grown or learning about an area of the farm. Children have hands-on picking time or complete a craft activity.
- Sauce for the Goose Outdoor Art Market, Arts Council of Princeton, Saturday, Nov. 9th, 11am-4pm: This one-day market is a unique opportunity to purchase handmade gifts directly from local artisans and crafters working in ceramics, textiles, jewelry, fine art, and more.
- Arts Council of Princeton, Winter Chalets , Nov 14th- Dec 22nd: These festive pop-up shops, run by talented regional creatives, offer fun and unique gifts .
- The HVCHS PTO is hosting Designer Handbag Bingo on Friday, November 15th at Central High School. This festive, fun event is open to the community and features a tricky tray, silent auction, door prize, and light refreshments, in addition to eight Bingo games. Everyone is invited to purchase tickets here. Gather your friends and buy a table!
- Registration for Hopewell Valley Youth Wrestling is open to all students, girls and boys, in Grades K through 8. Practices are held on Tuesday and Thursdays beginning on November 12th. To learn more and to register, please visit the Hopewell Valley Youth Wrestling website.
- Hopewell Basketball Association: Girls Basketball Skill Camp: learn the fundamentals and improve your skills starting 11/11. All levels and skills welcome. Register online @ HopewellBasketball.com. Winter Hoops Registration is Open! Games are played on Saturdays at the Timberlane Middle School Gyms. Winter Hoops is open to anyone who wants to play basketball Boys and Girls Grades 3-12.
- Hopewell Valley Soccer Association: Winter Rec Registration is Open! Our winter season runs from Sunday, January 12th until Sunday, March 16th. Children ages 2 to 18 are eligible to participate. School grades below are used as a guide. For our Pre K program, players must be at least 2 years old as of the start of the season, 1/12/2025.
- Hopewell Valley Annual Turkey Trot 2024: Join us in support of Hopewell Valley Wrestling Nov 28, 2024 @ 9:00am!
- Artisan Holiday Market, Grounds for Sculpture, Nov 30th & Dec 1st, 10am-5pm: Join us or a whimsical holiday shopping experience with over 40 talented artisans offering handcrafted jewelry, pottery, woodworking, original art and much more. The Market is the perfect one-stop-shop for unique, locally made gifts.
- Music Mountain Theatre: 2024 Young Audience Season: The perfect introduction to live theater for children. Upcoming shows for children include: The Snow Queen's Adventure and the Lion King.
Here are the links to the local libraries for upcoming storytimes, events and programs: