HVCHS UPDATES

A NEWSLETTER FOR THE HVCHS COMMUNITY

FEBRUARY 2025 EDITION

A MESSAGE FROM MS. RILEY

During the month of February, and especially on Valentine's Day, our thoughts turn to love. On a recent segment of the Morning Buzz, students were asked what they love. As always, their answers made me smile, but they also made me reflect on the various ways that our students show their love for different parts of our school community. From math and science honor society inductions to championship and record setting winter athletic teams, from rehearsals for the winter musical to service initiatives supporting local non-profits, our students have demonstrated their love and commitment to so many different aspects of HVCHS just in the month of February! I'm proud to be the principal of such a dynamic student body and happy to be part of a school community that I love.

2025-26 COURSE SELECTION

As you saw in last week's email from Counseling Department Supervisor Ms. Rutt, course selection for the 2025-26 school year has begun. Teachers have provided initial eligibility information for students in OnCourse; however, please note that eligibility for honors and AP classes will be reviewed after the third marking period, and placements may change based on the students' eligibility at that point. In addition, students should choose four elective options in OnCourse prior to March 3. Since space and scheduling constraints may limit elective placement, please be sure that your student would be comfortable taking any one of the four electives chosen. Questions about course eligibility or elective selection can be directed to the counseling department or the department supervisors.

We will be offering an elective fair during recitation on February 24. Students will have the opportunity to visit with the teachers of different elective courses to learn more about the options that are available. Students should create a pass to the elective fair using Smart Pass -- all freshmen, sophomores, and juniors are welcome to attend. Additional information about all courses can be found in the HVCHS Program of Studies.

NJGPA TESTING

We are required to administer the NJGPA to all juniors during the week of March 10 as a graduation requirement. As a result, we will have a special schedule on March 10 and 11, in which all juniors will test in the morning, and all freshmen, sophomores, and seniors will have a three hour delay. Bus transportation will be provided at both our normal arrival time (for juniors) and three hours later (for freshmen, sophomores, and seniors). If your freshman, sophomore, or senior is in need of supervision at school during the three hour delay, please contact their counselor ASAP so we can plan accordingly. Additional information regarding the NJGPA and our modified schedules will be provided via email next week.

EVENTS & ACTIVITIES

Summer Job & Community Service Fair: Yesterday, HVCHS and the Hopewell Valley Municipal Alliance hosted a Summer Job & Community Service Fair, in which several community partners shared opportunities with our students. Did your student miss the fair? Please visit this list of employers and service organizations for additional information, or contact the Hopewell Valley Municipal Alliance at hvmunicipalalliance@gmail.com.

Winter Musical: We hope that you'll join us for this year's HVCHS musical, Alice by Heart, which is a touching story inspired by Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. In the rubble of the London Blitz of World War II, Alice Spencer’s budding teen life is turned upside down, and she and her dear friend Alfred are forced to take shelter in an underground tube station. When the ailing Alfred is quarantined, Alice encourages him to escape with her into their cherished book and journey down the rabbit hole to Wonderland. As they travel through the tale, Alice by Heart explores the poignancy of first love, coming to terms with loss, and finding the courage to move forward. This musical encourages us all to celebrate the transformational power of the imagination, even in the harshest of times. Performances are February 28-March 1 and March 7-8 at 7:00 pm in the PAC. Tickets can be purchased by visiting cur8.com and searching for Hopewell. Content Advisory: This performance includes references to illness, death and loss; simulated substance use/smoking.

CLASS OF 2025

Graduation Requirement: The state of New Jersey instituted a new graduation requirement for the Class of 2025, which requires completion of the FAFSA. According to this mandate, all 12th grade students and/or their parents/guardians are required to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the New Jersey Alternative Financial Aid application, or indicate that they refuse to complete one or more of these applications. In order to comply with this mandate, we ask that all parents/guardians or students who are 18 years or older, complete this form prior to February 28.

MCCC Application Support: Ms. Rutt, the Supervisor of Counseling, has arranged for a representative from Mercer County Community College to be at HVCHS on March 13 to support students as they complete their applications to MCCC. If your child is interested in receiving assistance with the MCCC application, please have your student use their HVRSD account to complete the registration form.

A few additional reminders for the Class of 2025:

Please drive slowly and carefully in the parking lots. We've had a number of minor accidents and close calls that could have been prevented.
Seniors may not sign themselves out from school without parental permission.
Both the state and the district have requirements for attendance at school that must be met in order for students to graduate. Attendance matters!

CLASS OF 2026

The Class of 2026 is required to take the New Jersey Graduation Proficiency Assessment (NJGPA) as a graduation requirement for the state of New Jersey. The assessment will be administered on March 10 and 11. Please encourage your child to complete the practice tests found on the state site in preparation for this important assessment. Additional information will be sent in a separate email early next week.

CLASS OF 2027

Save the Date for the Freshman/Sophomore Semi-Formal, which will be held on March 21 at HVCHS!

CLASS OF 2028

Save the Date for the Freshman/Sophomore Semi-Formal, which will be held on March 21 at HVCHS!

Please join the Class of 2028 for a Panera Fundraiser on February 28. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the class.

A MESSAGE FROM THE PTO...

We'll be celebrating the staff at HVCHS on May 7 with our annual luncheon. Please help us support and celebrate our amazing staff by donating to the annual appeal!

Please join the Class of 2026 & Class of 2027 on March 22 for the Hopewell Valley Bulldog Blossom Run! Participants can join the 5K or 1 Mile Fun Run for the chance to win prizes and points for the Black & Gold Cup! Sign up now to guarantee a T-shirt for the Hopewell Valley 5K & 1M Fun Run -- the race will have T-Shirts for participants who register by February 26th and others while supplies last.

Our next meeting will take place at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, March 19 at HVCHS. All parents and guardians are welcome to attend.