Hello All Families,

As we reach the end of August, I'd like to take a moment to welcome all new families to the Hunterdon Central community and welcome all of our returning families back to the 2022-2023 School Year. We are excited to start this year full of hope, positive momentum, and a focus on the basics to help support our students' learning and growing.

Over the past few years, much of our focus has been on the logistics associated with COVID-19 and mandated health protocols. We are very happy to start this year free from most of those COVID-19 mandates. As we move into a new school year, we would like to review a number of basic protocols and information that will be a focus this year. We share this to inform you about our focus and ask that you support these processes to help create the smooth and effective school days our students need.

The Typical School Day:

• Homeroom/Block 1 begins promptly at 7:35 AM. We have notification bells at 7:25 AM and 7:33 AM to let our students know that they need to be in their classrooms for the start of school and for attendance to be taken.
• Parent Drop Off should be done in the Main Lot off of Route 31 (Lot G), the IMC Lot off of Junction Road (Lot E), or in front of the Commons (Lot B).
• We have four 80-minute class blocks each day, with alternating A and B days. An A/B Day calendar will be posted on our website here, when the new school year begins.
• Students have 8 minutes "travel time" between Blocks 1 and 2, and again between Blocks 3 and 4.
• We will begin the school year with one Unit Lunch, 46 minutes in length, between Blocks 2 and 3. This was our lunch schedule prior to Covid-19.
• Breakfast and lunch will NOT be free for all students as it was during the COVID-19 years, so please check out important information on the Food Services Webpage.
• If a student needs an item dropped off to them during the school day, these items are to be dropped off at the Security Vestibules at the 9/10 Main Entrance or the 11/12 Commons Entrance. (There is a drop off table in both locations.) Please do not coordinate a direct hand-off during the school day on campus. No outside food deliveries, such as Uber Eats, are permitted
• Dismissal is at 2:03 PM.
• Tutorials are available to all students on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 2:10 PM - 2:50 PM.
• Late Activity Buses are available at 3:40 PM on days we have Block 5 tutorial. Students may sign up for the late buses each day prior to 2:50 PM, through their Aspen accounts. Between 2:03 PM dismissal and the late bus departure, students are to be either with a teacher in tutorial, a club advisor, in the IMC, or in the Commons. Detailed information about Late Activity Buses is available on the Transportation Webpage.
• Parent Pick Up should be done in the same lots listed for morning drop off. We recommend holding pick up times until after 2:30 PM to provide time for our buses and 450+ student drivers to clear the parking lots.

Supporting Learning, Growing and Positive Behaviors:

• All students and families are to review the Student Handbook found on the website.
• Organizing resources and calendars, along with setting positive routines, helps students to manage their time and cancels out much of the "noise" that interferes with their learning and growth.
• During the four 80-minute class blocks, students are not permitted to use a personal cell phone unless explicitly approved by their teacher. Cell phones are to be off and put away during class time. Students are permitted to use cell phones before Homeroom, during the 8-minute passing times, during the 46-minute lunch time, and after the 2:03 PM dismissal.
  
  • While it is typical for parents/guardians to send text messages to their students with information regarding afte-r school activities, reminders, or simply words of encouragement, realize that students will not be able to check or respond to the messages during class time. If parents/guardians need to reach their children immediately, please call the appropriate House Office, and we will get a staff member to contact the student.
  • Students are not to have their cell phones out in the hallways during class time, or in the lavatories or locker rooms at any time.
• Communication with members of your child's House Teams, which include the vice principal, secretary, counselors, and nurse, is an excellent way to help support your child's success. There are certain times specific individuals should be contacted:
  
  • For students absences, please contact the appropriate house secretary via email or phone prior to the start of school each day.
  • For health related items, such as prescription medication, please contact the appropriate Health Office.
  • For academic, social, or behavioral concerns, please contact the grade level counselor or vice principal.
• Communication with classroom teachers is the best first step in supporting a student's academic success. As the school year begins, don't hesitate to contact and help build a positive and productive relationship. Contact information for all teachers and school staff can be found on the Contact Information Webpage.
  
  • We believe in focusing on student growth and learning as it pertains to student assessments and grades. Teachers afford opportunities for growth through revision and resubmission. Students are encouraged to speak to their teachers about these opportunities and processes.
• Encourage students to get involved in extracurricular Activities and Athletics. While teaching and learning in the classroom is the core of our work, we also provide many opportunities to help develop the whole student. One of the best ways to help an adolescent develop a sense of belonging is through involvement in clubs or sports. We will hold a number of opportunities for students to connect with activities, but we encourage families to explore all that is available, as well.

All facets of our school community are committed to creating a very successful and rewarding school year for your children ... our students. On behalf of the administration and entire school staff, we look forward to developing a positive partnership with you in this upcoming year.

Sincerely,
Edward C Brandt
Principal