The administration building’s board room was filled with friends and families of Hopewell Valley Regional School District (HVRSD) staff retirees, who were recognized during the May 20, Board of Education meeting. Additionally, Hopewell Valley residents gathered to discuss current and future agenda items.
The HVRSD Staff Retirees Class of 2024, which included 21 staff members, were recognized for their contribution of over 450 years of service combined! Each staff member received a gift and a certificate that read the following:
“In recognition of your dedicated service and commitment to excellence, we extend our heartfelt appreciation for your hard work and professionalism throughout your tenure. Your contributions have greatly contributed to the success of our district. Congratulations on your retirement.”
The recognition was presented by Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources and Special Projects Tana Smith. Each retiree was also acknowledged by Superintendent Dr. Rosetta Treece and Board President Anita Williams-Galiano.
As the meeting moved on to current and future items, Treece mentioned that HVRSD is heading into the busy season with the end of the year celebrations underway. These include award ceremonies, concerts, and graduation day on June 18, 2024.
In addition, Treece reminded the audience that the first official bond referendum talk took place on Thursday, May 16. MercerMe covered the presentation in the article Hopewell Valley Prepares for $87.5 Million School Upgrade Vote. The bond referendum meeting recording and FAQ are available here. In early September prior to the public vote scheduled for September 17, 2024, the District will host another live session regarding the bond referendum and a visit to the schools where the work is proposed will take place.
Some reminders and topics discussed are highlighted below.
Hopewell Valley Central High School
Hannah Chu, the student representative, reported that CHS had a Wellness Day on May 1, which included four different activities promoting physical wellness, mindfulness, and gratitude.
Among other celebrations, CHS hosted the largest unified track meet in the state of New Jersey on May 8 and had over 100 students recognized at the Academics Awards Night!
Chu was recognized for her service to the Board of Education during the 2023-2024 school year.
Stony Brook Elementary School
Vedika Krishna, 5th grade, was recognized for winning first place on the Species on the Edge Art and Essay contest. The contest empowered fifth grade students to research and advocate for New Jersey endangered species.
A snippet of Krishna’s winning essay and art work were shared during the meeting. The essay portrayed a blue-spotted salamander that lost its home, then a swamp, due to urban development.
Green Week recap
Hopewell Elementary School Principal Dr. Scott Brettell, provided a recap of the District’s Green Week celebration events, which included a climate action committee, lunch and learn with climate action speakers, climate solutions fair, and a green week expo.
During that week, HES welcomed New Jersey’s First Lady, Tammy Murphy, to learn more about the school garden, outdoor learning spaces, the school’s partnership with Sourland Conservancy, and how the teachers are embracing climate change education. You can watch a short snippet of her visit aired by NBC10 Philadelphia here.
Additionally, Dr. Brettell mentioned that HVRSD parents formed an Eco PTO. The new PTO is still in its early stages and more information will be available as it continues to develop.
School Board Candidate Information
Available terms are listed below and will be open on the HVRSD Board of Education at the November 5 Annual School Election:
Hopewell Township 2 Three-Year Terms
Hopewell Township 1 Two-Year Term
Pennington Borough 1 Three-Year Term
The deadline for filing nomination petitions to run for positions on the HVRSD Board of Education is 4:00 p.m., July 29, 2024. The New Jersey School Board Association candidate kit can be found here.
You can find the HVRSD Board of Education meeting recording here.
