Hillsborough Township Public Schools

Today, President Biden announced 336 teachers and mentors from around the NATION as recipients of the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST). These awards honor the vital role that America’s teachers and mentors play in shaping the next generation of technical leaders, including scientists, engineers, explorers, and innovators. Established in 1983, PAEMST is the highest award K-12 math and science teachers can receive from the U.S. government. Award recipients over the years represent schools and organizations from all 50 states, Washington D.C., Puerto Rico, Department of Defense Education Activity (DODEA) schools, and the U.S. territories (American Samoa, Guam, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and U.S. Virgin Islands). Nominees complete a rigorous application process to demonstrate deep content knowledge and an ability to adapt to a broad range of learners and teaching environments. A panel of distinguished mathematicians, scientists, and educators at the state and national levels assess nominations before recommending awardees to the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP). Teachers are selected based on their distinction in the classroom and dedication to improving STEM education. Congratulations to HHS's own Anjana Iyer! This is HUGE accomplishment! Well deserved!

A huge thank you to everyone who showed up last night to support the Hillsborough schools! We were a massive presence at the state's public hearing on school funding reform. Whether you spoke or simply showed your support, your presence made a statement: Hillsborough is active, aware, and demanding change. They can't ignore us now! 📢 While we don't know yet what the outcome will be, one thing is certain: they know we're united in this fight for fair funding. Thank you for your dedication to our students and our schools. Let's keep the momentum going! #HillsboroughStrong #SchoolFundingReform #WeWillNotBeSilenced

As many of you know, Hillsborough has been facing challenges due to state funding cuts. This has resulted in larger class sizes and strained resources, impacting our teachers, staff, and students. In fact, as we start building the budget for the 2025-26 school year, we are still in the area of the unknown. Are we getting state aid cut again? Will our aid remain flat? Is there the possibility we get more state aid? We do not have answers to any of these questions at this time, making it nearly impossible to accurately budget. I've heard from many of you asking, "What can I do to help?" Here's our chance to make a difference. The state is holding a local public hearing on school funding reform, and we need a strong showing from Hillsborough to advocate for our schools. I invite you to join us at the hearing: Date: Wednesday, January 8th Time: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM Location: Somerset County Government Office at 27 Warren Street in Somerville in the First floor Conference Room Your presence would send a powerful message that we are united in supporting our students and demanding a fair share of funding for Hillsborough. Please RSVP here if you are available to attend: https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=EnNPSwndWUm2ZtW6bcj0tMUhDgD8EyZEt3IsKMeaINlUQ0E0MjVMSkowT0JHUjVZWlVaSVI2M1dWMy4u&route=shorturl&_cldee=wk3bNbgutU2-XhJGs8bk9FPWqRCj-zD1lGyHHb4T5Br5y1hwGh0sZfuORxpKuwxn&recipientid=contact-03c3e1a0a13cea119c3900155d234400-09d6274f4e434c3f808a483904d0ac63&fbclid=IwY2xjawHlJRlleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHXe179efn6-sA0mC0ndDOkI5n9S0SdrU66vmhX1S025xBk38-fa0chH0QA_aem_AK28Ba8SWwTgyZwcyBWHyQ Thank you for your dedication to our schools. Together, we can make a difference.

We continue to monitor all weather forecasts about the snow that was projected for this weekend. At this time, there is no information being provided that would necessitate making any type of call this evening about tomorrow's opening. Right now, we are preparing for a regular school day. Should circumstances change, you will not hear anything until tomorrow morning. At this time, all families should prepare for a typical school day tomorrow. Thank you!

It's time to be heard about state funding for Hillsborough! For the past two years, you have heard about Hillsborough's struggles as it relates to state funding - particularly the massive cuts that we have faced over the past several years. Right now, the N.J. Legislature is considering changes to the School Funding Reform Act, and the New Jersey Department of Education has announced a local meeting when educators and members of the public may comment on the school funding law. This is an opportunity for the people of Hillsborough to have their voices heard . On January 8th, NEXT WEDNESDAY, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Somerset County Government Office located at 27 Warren Street in Somerville, in first floor conference room, your "Hillsborough Voice" can be heard! Anyone who would like to speak should register prior to the date of the hearing: https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=EnNPSwndWUm2ZtW6bcj0tMUhDgD8EyZEt3IsKMeaINlUQ0E0MjVMSkowT0JHUjVZWlVaSVI2M1dWMy4u&route=shorturl&_cldee=wk3bNbgutU2-XhJGs8bk9FPWqRCj-zD1lGyHHb4T5Br5y1hwGh0sZfuORxpKuwxn&recipientid=contact-03c3e1a0a13cea119c3900155d234400-09d6274f4e434c3f808a483904d0ac63&fbclid=IwY2xjawHjx21leHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHUOiC1HlEd9hbbst0NvCe6LfTk_P0wJSzaWsBNMM75jJuJnvWSLIlQCdrA_aem_JrNFhe_vhsveKj1ZNWGvkQ

Congratulations to HHS students Eva Qin and Sharvi Gusavi on their successful audition and acceptance to the 2025 All Eastern Choir Ensembles! Eva will be one of 5 Soprano I singers out of 24 total NJ students in the Treble Choir. Sharvi will be one of 6 Alto I singers out of 36 NJ students in the Mixed Choir. What a big accomplishment!

Out of an abundance of caution, we will continue to restrict water fountains/filling stations at our schools for today, Friday December 20th. Students are encouraged to bring bottled water and we have lots of bottled water available on site for children if needed. We anticipate being back to normal as it relates to water upon students' return on January 2nd. Thank you!

The school district is aware of the current issues with NJ American Water. Principals will be making announcements that the water filling stations will be shut down until further notice. Please send your children with bottled water today should you choose. Thank you!

You may remember as a part of this year's school budget, the Board prioritized restoring courtesy bussing routes for students who live within two and half miles of our High school and Middle school. This effort was approved at last night's Board of Education meeting and we are looking for those routes to start on January 2nd and continue for the entire school year! We are most especially happy to be getting this up and running before any severe inclement weather has hit us. Be on the lookout for communications from our Transportation department for further information.

It is with great enthusiasm that I announce the appointment of Dr. Kathleen Regan as Interim Assistant Superintendent, pending approval at the December 16th Board of Education meeting. Dr. Regan brings a wealth of experience and expertise to this role, having served in various capacities throughout her distinguished career, including teacher, principal, director, assistant superintendent, and interim superintendent. Dr. Regan's impressive credentials include a doctorate in Educational Psychology, Special Education, and School Administration. She is a visionary leader with a proven track record in curriculum development, technology integration, and grant acquisition. Notably, she designed and implemented a nationally recognized K-12 STEEM program, which garnered recognition from the New York Times. Beyond her technical skills, Dr. Regan is a dedicated mentor and collaborator, having served as a leadership mentor for principals, a clinical supervisor for student teachers, and a consistent champion of professional development initiatives. Dr. Regan's commitment to excellence aligns perfectly with our district's values. Her experience in developing and managing budgets, coupled with her deep understanding of special education, assessment analysis, and technology integration, makes her uniquely qualified to lead our curriculum and instruction department during this interim period. While the search for a permanent replacement for Dr. Feltre continues, I am confident that Dr. Regan will provide exceptional leadership and guidance. Please extend her a warm Hillsborough welcome when you can!

For the past two years, you have heard about Hillsborough's struggles as it relates to state funding - particularly the massive cuts that we have faced over the past several years. Right now, the N.J. Legislature is considering changes to the School Funding Reform Act, and the New Jersey Department of Education has announced FOUR dates (including one local meeting) when educators and members of the public may comment on the school funding law. This is an opportunity for the people of Hillsborough to have their voices heard . There will be four public hearings: - Dec. 17, 2024, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the N.J. Department of Education, 100 Riverview Plaza, Trenton N.J. 08625 (first floor conference room). LOCAL MEETING - Jan. 8, 2025, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Somerset County Government Office, 27 Warren St., Somerville, N.J. 08876 (first floor conference room). - Jan. 14, 2025, from 10 a.m. to noon, at the N.J. Department of Education, 100 Riverview Plaza, Trenton N.J. 08625 (first floor conference room). - Jan. 16, 2025, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Camden County Regional Emergency Training Center, 420 Woodbury-Turnersville Road, Blackwood, N.J. 08012. Anyone who would like to speak should register prior to the date of the hearing.

Congratulations to Anjana Iyer and and Chris Eberle who were both recognized by the Board of Education this past Monday!

Thank you to everyone who came out to last night's first ever Community Engagement night! Based on responses from the evening, the Board will be looking to plan more in the future.

Tonight is the Board of Education's first ever Community Engagement Night! We hope to see you at Auten Road Intermediate School at 6:30 pm.

Dear Hillsborough Community Members, We're excited with the launch of our redesigned Hillsborough Township Public Schools website and mobile app this school year! These new platforms aim to provide an improved user experience with easier navigation and access to essential information. To help us ensure the website meets your needs, we kindly request you take a few minutes to complete a brief survey about your experience with the new site. Your feedback is invaluable as we strive to continuously improve our communication and online resources for all stakeholders. Thank you for your participation! https://bit.ly/2024htpswebsurvey

Congratulations to Dr. Kim Feltre, our Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction, who last night was named the next Superintendent of the Berkeley Heights School district! Dr. Feltre has been an outstanding member of the Hillsborough team since December of 2005. While she will be missed, we are lucky to still have her leadership in all things academic through December 31st of this year. An active search is underway for her successor and we will keep the community informed.

The Hillsborough Police department has informed us that Amwell Road is closed between East Mountain Road and River Road. We are currently planning alternate routes for our buses, but this closure will cause delays for dismissal at all schools today. We appreciate your patience in advance.

Hillsborough High School is proud to announce its inclusion on the College Board's 2024 Advanced Placement (AP) School Honor Roll, earning the prestigious Silver distinction. In addition to this honor, the school has also been recognized with the AP Access Award, which celebrates the school's commitment to expanding access to AP coursework for students from underrepresented backgrounds. The AP School Honor Roll acknowledges schools that excel in providing students with opportunities to earn college credit and placement, fostering a college-going culture, and maximizing college readiness. Hillsborough High School has demonstrated its dedication to these goals through impressive student participation and performance in AP courses and exams. The AP Access Award further distinguishes Hillsborough High School for its success in ensuring that AP opportunities are available to a diverse student population. This award recognizes the school's efforts to break down barriers and provide equitable access to rigorous coursework for all students, regardless of their background. By removing obstacles and creating a more inclusive learning environment, Hillsborough High School is ensuring that all students have the chance to benefit from the rigor and rewards of Advanced Placement coursework. This commitment not only expands access to higher education opportunities but also fosters a more diverse and representative AP program that enriches the learning experience for all students.

Registration for the May 2025 AP exams is now underway! If you plan to take an AP exam this Spring, please register by Monday, November 4. Visit the HHS website for more information.

Have you ever wanted to have a conversation with an elected Board of Education member about a certain topic that you feel is important? If yes, please save the date of November 14th from 6:30 - 8:30 pm for the Board's first ever "Community Engagement Night". We will have two breakout groups that evening - one structured on a specific topic and one open roundtable where you can interact with Board members about something you want to discuss without the constraints and formalities of a regular Board meeting . More information will follow, but please save the date!