April Newsletter 2026

CEDAR HILL PREPARATORY SCHOOL

April Newsletter 2026 Educating Students Since 2003

www.cedarhillprep.com | 1

PRESCHOOL - KINDERGARTEN NEWS Happy Earth Day — Every Day! Happy Earth Day! Preschoolers at Cedar Hill Preparatory School learned about reducing, reusing, and recycling — and discovered that we should care for our Earth every day, not just on Earth Day! We read about different ways to keep our planet clean, from planting flowers and turning off the water while brushing our teeth, to putting garbage in the trash. Our little learners are already making a big difference!

Community Helpers Are All Around Us! Our students recently explored the many community helpers in our neighborhood and learned that every helper has an important “role” — a special job or responsibility. Police officers keep people safe, while doctors help keep us healthy! We took a closer look at the work of mail carriers and traced how a letter travels from a mailbox right to our homes. After creating beautiful spring postcards, students added stamps, walked to the front of the school, and dropped them in the mailbox themselves. The best part? Waiting — and finally receiving their very own postcards at home!

Signs of Spring Everywhere!

It was a beautiful spring day, and the preschoolers at Cedar Hill Preparatory School made the most of it with a Spring Scavenger Hunt on the sprawling grounds of their school! After discussing the signs of spring, the children eagerly set off to find them. They spotted grass turning green, buds forming on trees, worms slithering along the ground, and yellow flowers in bloom — and in the distance, the cheerful chirping of birds. A wonderful time was had by all!

Watch It Grow!

Our preschoolers love to plant and watch seeds grow into something beautiful — and this time, they grew grass! Each child filled a clamshell container with soil, sprinkled grass seeds on top, added water, and placed it in a sunny window. Day by day, they watched their grass climb higher and higher. They already knew the secret recipe for a thriving plant: water, sunlight, and a whole lot of TLC!

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PRESCHOOL - KINDERGARTEN NEWS Earth Day at Cedar Hill Prep — Learning That Goes Beyond the Textbook Some lessons simply cannot be taught from a textbook — and this Earth Day, Cedar Hill Prep proved exactly that. Our youngest learners got their hands in the soil, painted the planet, and asked the questions that matter most: Why does the Earth need us? And what can we do about it?

The highlight of the day was a heartwarming visit from middle schoolers Dylan Lee, Ishaan Rajiv, Yajur Subramaniam, and Shivad Desai, who walked into our Preschool classrooms to talk about the importance of celebrating and caring for the Earth — and distributed seeds to every student they met.

And in Grade 8, students held new life in their hands during their egg incubator project — a powerful reminder that what we protect today shapes what exists tomorrow. At Cedar Hill Prep, Earth Day isn’t a date on the calendar. It’s a way of thinking.

Easter Egg Hunt Brings Springtime Joy to Preschool - Kindergarten!

Our youngest Cedar Hill Prep learners had an egg-cellent time celebrating the season with a festive Easter egg hunt! From the excitement in the classroom to the fun out on the school grounds, our Preschool - Kindergarten students were all smiles as they collected their goodies and soaked up the spring sunshine. These are the moments that make the CHP community so special — pure joy, big energy, and even bigger hearts.

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PRESCHOOL - KINDERGARTEN NEWS The Farm Came to Us — and We Loved Every Moment!

Preschool - Kindergarten students had the most exciting day when Swift Farms Petting Zoo brought the farm right to Cedar Hill Prep! The children had been eagerly counting down the days — and it was everything they hoped for.

Karen, the farmer, arrived with baby chicks, rabbits, and sheep. She showed the children how to gently hold each animal, what they eat, and how she lovingly cares for them every day. The excitement was absolutely contagious as our little ones watched, petted, and held the animals up close!

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ELEMENTARY SCHOOL NEWS

Science Fair Grades 1 - 4

Young Scientists Take the Stage — Science Fair Showcase!

Cedar Hill Prep students in Grades 1 through 4 brought their curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking to life at this year’s Science Fair! From investigating plant growth under sunlight versus artificial light, to exploring the life cycle of a bean plant, to testing whether a steeper ramp makes a toy car go faster — our young researchers asked big questions, ran real experiments, and presented their findings with confidence and pride.

It was a wonderful celebration of scientific thinking in action — and proof that the next generation of innovators is already well on its way!

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ELEMENTARY SCHOOL NEWS First Graders Complete 75 Weekend Bags for Pine Grove Elementary Our First Grade class reached a remarkable milestone — assembling 75 Weekend Bags for students at Pine Grove Elementary, a Title 1 school in our community.

Each student played an active role in this meaningful service project, contributing to a beautifully organized assembly line complete with designated food stations, dedicated baggers, and even quality control experts ensuring every bag met the mark. This project is a wonderful reflection of the care, teamwork, and sense of community responsibility that we cultivate at Cedar Hill Preparatory School.

We are incredibly proud of our First Graders for showing up with purpose, compassion, and Wildcat heart.

Grade 1 Learning in Nature!

Grade 1 students took their science fair presentations outside and let nature do the talking! Each student proudly presented their project to classmates, sharing their findings, observations, and big ideas in the most fitting classroom of all — the great outdoors. A wonderful celebration of curiosity, creativity, and young scientific minds at work!

Grade 2 Takes a Trip to the Farm!

Grade 2 students had a wonderful time exploring the great outdoors on a recent farm trip! From curious minds to muddy boots, our young learners soaked up every moment — observing, discovering, and connecting with nature firsthand. A memorable adventure that brought classroom learning to life!

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ELEMENTARY SCHOOL NEWS Into the Wild: Third Grade Explores the NJIN Farm Third Grade had a spectacular day at the NJIN Farm on Friday, April 24, 2026 — and the spring weather could not have been more perfect! Dr. Menon joined us there as we explored the natural landscape through a lengthy hike focused on biological discovery.

Students put modern technology to work, using mobile applications to identify and categorize various flora and fauna, including distinct bird feathers and aquatic turtles. Beyond observation, the group engaged in hands-on, tactile learning by preserving floral specimens directly in their journals — a beautiful keepsake of the day.

We wrapped up our adventure with a sensory meditation session, inviting students to sit quietly and take in the sounds of the farm around them — birds chirping, horses and cows in the distance, water splashing, and wind chimes gently ringing throughout the property. A truly memorable day of inquiry, discovery, and connection with the natural world. We sure lucked out on a gorgeous spring day!

Growing Good: Grade 3 Celebrates Earth Day with Seeds, Soil & Science In the spirit of Earth Day, Mrs. Kotasthane’s Grade 3 students rolled up their sleeves and got their hands a little dirty — in the best possible way. Each student received a selection of annual flower and plant seeds, exploring the different varieties before carefully planting them in cups to take home and nurture.

This purposeful, hands-on activity connected beautifully to the IB concept of connection — linking the classroom to the natural world and encouraging students to see themselves as stewards of the environment. As students examined the different seed varieties, they exercised their thinking and research skills, observing similarities and differences and asking questions about how each plant grows and what it needs to thrive. Taking their cups home to plant and care for extends the learning beyond the classroom walls — a true example of service as action in its simplest and most meaningful form.

Tending to a living thing builds responsibility, patience, and a deeper appreciation for the natural systems that sustain life on our planet. From tiny seeds grow mighty things — and at Cedar Hill Prep, we believe the same is true of our learners. Happy Earth Day!

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ELEMENTARY SCHOOL NEWS

SUPER STUDENTS

Leela: The Creative Soul of Third Grade Leela is Mrs. Kotasthane’s Super Student! She describes herself as an Amazing Artist and a Harmonious Helper who hails all the way from the Milky Way Galaxy. Leela’s theme song is “Pink Pony Club” and her superpower symbol is gears — just like an engineer. Her mom and dad are her heroes, and she would pick her sister as her trusty sidekick.

Leela’s favorite books are Sweet Valley Twins: The Haunted House and Sunny Makes a Splash. When she is happy, she thinks of the color purple. In her spare time, she loves to read and catch up with friends about all the latest happenings!

Anay: Third Grade’s Dino Devotee Anay is Mrs. Haynoski’s Super Student! He describes himself as a Ravenous Reader who hails from the Dino World Galaxy. A dinosaur represents his superpower, and if he could star in any movie, it would absolutely be about dinosaurs. Anay’s theme song is “Dino Roar” and when he is happy, he thinks of the color blue. He would choose his dad as his sidekick for all his adventures. When he is with friends, Anay loves talking about dinosaurs and Pokémon, and in his spare time he enjoys practicing tae kwon do. His favorite books are the Dragon Masters series and Pokémon.

Shanaya: Third Grade's Marvelous Musician Shanaya is Mrs. Kotasthane's Super Student! She describes herself as a Marvelous Musician and an Amazing Artist who hails from "My World" Galaxy. Her theme song is "Uptown Funk" and when she is happy, she thinks of the color pink. Shanaya's hero is her brother, and she would pick her cousin as her sidekick. She would love to star in a movie like Twister. In her spare time, Shanaya loves to play and spend time with friends, chatting about all the exciting things coming up. Her favorite books are The Baby-Sitters Club and I Survived.

Mila: Third Grade’s All-Star Achiever Mila is Mrs. Haynoski’s Super Student! She describes herself as a Tremendous Team Player, a Wonder Writer, an Amazing Artist, and an Awesome Athlete — and she hails from the Midnight Galaxy. Soft, soothing songs are her theme songs, stars represent her superpower, and when she is happy, she thinks of the color green. Mila’s hero is her dad, and she would choose her sister as her sidekick. Her favorite book series is The Baby-Sitters Club. In her spare time, Mila loves doing art and chatting with friends about swimming.

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ELEMENTARY SCHOOL NEWS Thinking Like Scientists: Grade 3 Explores the Red Squirrel Survival Model In Mrs. Kotasthane’s Grade 3 class, young inquirers recently dove into an exciting hands-on science activity that brought population ecology to life. Through the Red Squirrel Survival Model, students took on the role of scientists, using tokens to simulate a red squirrel population and tracking how environmental conditions impact survival rates across two different habitats.

This rich, concept-driven activity challenged students to think critically and apply their research and thinking skills as they collected data, recorded results, and drew conclusions about cause and effect in natural systems. Working collaboratively in pairs, students also demonstrated strong social and communication skills — discussing strategies, sharing findings, and asking thoughtful questions throughout the process.

True to the IB spirit of inquiry-based learning, students were not simply given answers — they were guided to discover them. By running the model across two environments and comparing outcomes, learners engaged in the kind of reflective thinking that lies at the heart of the IB learner profile. The activity also naturally connected to the IB concept of change — exploring how shifts in environmental resources directly affect a population’s ability to thrive. It was science as action — curious minds, collaborative hearts, and a classroom buzzing with discovery.

A Mystery Reader, A Secret Garden, and a Little Magic Third graders welcomed Sthuthi, Niya’s mom, as a mystery reader! She read The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett — a story about a sour, grumpy girl, a sad and sickly boy, and a beautiful hidden garden where something almost magical begins to happen. The heart of this beloved classic: positive thinking, nurturing relationships, and time in nature can transform misery into happiness — and heal both body and mind. When we care for life, whether a garden or ourselves, we grow.

Thank you, Sthuthi, for sharing this timeless story with our third graders!

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ELEMENTARY SCHOOL NEWS Talent Show Grade 4 students put on an exceptional display of talent during CHP’s annual Talent Show! The audience was treated to an exciting variety of performances, including cultural and hip hop dances, a captivating violin solo, an impressive gymnastics routine, and energetic rap performances by two talented students. The entire student body joined in the fun, cheering enthusiastically and celebrating the courage and creativity of their peers. It was truly a memorable event enjoyed by all! Congratulations to Kiera; Mahi & Ishani; Anjali, Jessica, & Mishka; Harrison; and Preston & Miles for their wonderful performances!!!

Science Fair

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Grade Four students proudly showcased their understanding of the scientific method and energy conversions as they individually designed and conducted experiments for the annual CHP Science Fair. Each student created a display board to present their findings, which were exhibited during the evening event. Throughout the night, students enthusiastically explained their projects to attending guests, demonstrating both confidence and a strong grasp of scientific concepts. The fair was a lively and memorable event, highlighting the students’ hard work and curiosity. Overall, it was a fun and highly successful evening for everyone involved!

Trip to NJIN Farm Grade 4 enjoyed a memorable field trip to NJIN on April 23, taking full advantage of a beautiful spring day to explore signs of the season in nature. During a guided hike, students observed and recorded evidence of spring in their farm journals, noting budding plants, fresh greenery, and active wildlife. A highlight of the hike was spotting several cows and even a steer, which sparked plenty of excitement.

Afterward, the class gathered by the pond for a calming mindfulness activity. Using their senses, students composed nature-inspired poetry, connecting their observations to the peaceful surroundings, and expanding their knowledge of couplets to create poems of several stanzas.

The experience became even more special when a woman riding her horse approached the group.

She kindly stopped to chat, giving students the opportunity to ask questions and learn more about her horse. It was truly an extraordinary and enriching day for all!

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MIDDLE SCHOOL NEWS Cedar Hill Prep Students Earn 2026 NJHS Outstanding Achievement Award Cedar Hill Preparatory School is proud to celebrate four outstanding students who have been named recipients of the 2026 National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) Outstanding Achievement Award: Isha Gupta, Lily Trotta, Nico Garofalo, and Shivad Desai.

This prestigious national honor recognizes middle school students who exemplify the highest standards of scholarship, leadership, service, and character. Being selected for the NJHS Outstanding Achievement Award is a testament to the dedication and integrity these students bring to their academic pursuits and their community every day.

At Cedar Hill Preparatory School, we believe in nurturing the whole child — inspiring students to think critically, lead confidently, and contribute meaningfully to the world around them. The achievements of Isha, Lily, Nico, and Shivad reflect the values at the heart of our IB Candidate curriculum and our school community. We congratulate these four exceptional young leaders and look forward to all they will continue to accomplish.

CHP Students Shine at IAC Junior Varsity Nationals Cedar Hill Prep students Yajur Subramaniam and Vallabh Vijayaraj recently represented CHP at the Junior Varsity IAC Nationals in Arlington, competing among the youngest players in a highly competitive high school field. The duo tied for 31st place out of 60 teams in the National History Bowl — a premier high school team history competition — and took home the lower half bracket title.

Vallabh also advanced as a semifinalist in the National Geography Bee, placing among the top participants in his round despite being the youngest competitor. Yajur rounded out an impressive performance with strong finishes in both the Science Bee and the Geography Bee. We are incredibly proud of Yajur and Vallabh for their curiosity, preparation, and competitive spirit on the national stage!

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MIDDLE SCHOOL NEWS No Joke: Middle School Storms the Castle on April 1st!

While most people were busy playing pranks on April 1st, our 5th through 8th graders were busy traveling back to the 11th century. There were no April Fool’s tricks here—just the real deal: thundering hooves, clashing steel, and a feast fit for royalty. Our students got a front-row seat to the Middle Ages at Medieval Times, where they cheered on their knights and witnessed the impressive skills of the Royal Falconer. The biggest adjustment? Forgetting the forks! Our middle schoolers handled the ‘noutensils’ rule like pros, proving that sometimes the best way to learn about history is to get your hands a little messy. It was a day of chivalry, courage, and community that was definitely no joke.

Below the Surface — Grade 5 Field Trip On April 16th, our Grade 5 students embarked on a wonderful science trip to Sterling Hill Mine and Museum! Students explored the permanent changes humans make to our ecosystem through the mining of natural resources. Through guided tours deep beneath the mountain, they discovered that while humans depend on these resources for daily life, they are not always renewable. The team at Sterling Hill Mine and Museum put together a truly outstanding program — a great time was had by all!

Where Nature Leads: 5th & 6th Grade Explores NJIN Farm It was a perfect day to connect with nature at NJIN Farm! Dr. Nan led the students on a guided hike through the property, where they explored environmental conservation, observed how animals interact within the local ecosystem, and discovered a fascinating variety of minerals and moss along the way. After their exploration, students were divided into their school houses for a hands-on team challenge: build a shrine that represented their house — using only twine, scissors, and whatever nature had to offer. The catch? It had to be sturdy enough to still be standing next fall. Creativity bloomed! Each group rose to the challenge, and the results were nothing short of impressive. A truly memorable day in the field.

CHP Students Take Learning Outdoors with Nature Hike and Hands-On Science

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Cedar Hill Prep students recently joined Ms. Nan for an immersive nature hike, turning the outdoors into a living classroom. Along the trail, students explored a pond ecosystem and learned about the otter's vital role as a keystone species. They examined rock formations, collected plant samples to investigate their medicinal properties, and at the overlook, explored the properties of light waves and observed natural vantage points used by hunting animals. Students also gathered sedimentary and metamorphic rock specimens along the way. After lunch, students worked in small groups to screen their collected plant samples for antimicrobial properties — bringing the scientific method to life through their own field research. It was a day of curiosity, collaboration, and discovery — exactly the kind of learning that happens beyond the four walls of a classroom.

SPECIALS

Cedar Hill Preparatory School Students Earn Top Honors in the National French Contest

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e are proud to recognize our students' outstanding achievements in this year's National French Contest, a nationally administered assessment that evaluates interpretive reading and listening comprehension skills in French.

Participation in this contest reflects not only academic ability but also a deep commitment to developing communication skills, cultural awareness, and global perspectives — values that are central to our IB philosophy of learning. Through this experience, our students demonstrated key IB learner profile attributes, including being communicators, risk-takers, and reflective learners.

Gold Medal – Lauréat National Yajur Subramaniam, Agasthya Mabbu, Isha Gupta, Shivad Desai, Aaliyah Patel, Nico Garofalo, and Lily Trotta Silver Medal – Lauréat National Nehemiah Kim, Pragnya Banigallapati, Anandita Gurjar, and Dylan Lee Bronze Medal – Lauréat National Samarth Dakhera Honorable Mention Miraya Shukla, Aiden Nguyen, Samaira Doshi, Avya Kumar, Arnav Cherukuri, and Aaryan Shah Congratulations to all participants for representing Cedar Hill Preparatory School with distinction. Your hard work, dedication, and commitment to excellence are a true reflection of the CHP community.

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SPECIALS

Cedar Hill Prep 3rd Graders Shine at the National Spanish Challenge Congratulations to our 3rd grade Spanish students on their outstanding results at the National Spanish Challenge! Their effort, enthusiasm, and dedication to learning Spanish have been truly remarkable.

Bronze Ribbon — Outstanding Achievement, Perfect Score (60/60) Amin Arif, Anvay Bobade, Ayla Trottini, Caleb Chung, Ibrahim Khan, Ishanvi Komatireddy, Joey Mackintosh, Kayla Kapoor, Kaiss Maksad, Kiyaan Singh, Liam Lee, Leela Puthumana, Mila Patel, Niya Jithin, Omar Aman, Philip Fefey, Richard Callan, Shivam Agarwala, Samantha Paden, and Zareena Usman Bronze Ribbon — Outstanding Achievement Shanaya Shah, Adhvik Arun, Lirthika Prabhakaran, Rafael De Silva, Christian Ganthier, Nidhi Parram, Ayaan Kumar, Anay Patel, Mila Patel, Dean Paden, Inaaya Gupta, and Mason Bigos Orange Ribbon — Excellent Achievement Jason Austin Ribbons and certificates are currently being shipped and will be distributed in June during the Celebration of Achievements. We are so proud of every student for their continued progress in Spanish. ¡Buen trabajo a todos!

—Anandita Gurjar, Grade 6 14 | April Newsletter

Cedar Hill Preparatory School Students Earn Top Honors in the National Spanish Exam

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e are proud to recognize our students' outstanding achievements in this year's National Spanish Exam, a prestigious, nationally recognized assessment measuring student proficiency in interpretive communication, vocabulary, and grammar.

Participation in this exam reflects not only academic ability but also a deep commitment to developing communication skills, cultural awareness, and global perspectives — values that are central to our IB philosophy of learning. Through this experience, our students demonstrated key IB learner profile attributes, including being communicators, risk-takers, and reflective learners.

Gold Medal Leonardo Romaine, Vallabh Vijayaraj, Armaan Kahlon, Daanyal Ghafoor, Sahasra Genupur, and Isabella Mia Martinello Merrill Bronze Medal Indigo James, Mason Parker, and Reyaan Aman Honorable Mention Santosh Bazawada, Geetha Puthumana, Risa Gupta, Frederick Ragland, and Zinnia Shirley Congratulations to all participants for representing Cedar Hill Preparatory School with distinction. Your hard work, dedication, and commitment to excellence are a true reflection of the CHP community.

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WILDCATS SPORTS Track & Field Update — Our Runners Are on Fire!

Cedar Hill Prep’s track and field athletes are hitting their stride — and the results speak for themselves! In the first two meets of the season, Zinnia Shirley claimed first place in both of her 400m races, clocking an impressive 65 seconds in her fastest run, and finished second in the 200m. Indigo James took first in her 200m heat with a blazing time of 33.7 seconds. Conor Johnson turned in strong performances across the board, finishing third in both his 100m and 200m races, while Christian Byrd also earned a third-place finish in his heat. The team is improving with every meet — and they’re just getting started!

Wildcats on the Court — A Match to Remember!

Our middle school volleyball team faced off against Princeton Charter School in one of the most thrilling and competitive matches of the season! Both teams brought incredible energy to the court, and our Wildcats fought hard for every point — never giving up, even through long, intense rallies.

The team demonstrated tremendous heart, teamwork, and the kind of resilience and sportsmanship that Cedar Hill Prep students are known for. We are incredibly proud of every player who stepped onto that court — you made us all so proud!

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CHP Tennis Roundup — Spring 2026 Our Cedar Hill Prep tennis team has been busy on the courts, showing heart and hustle across three recent matches. The squad opened strong with a commanding 5-0 sweep over Princeton Academy, with Afzaal Mohamed, Jonathan Lee, Mason Parker & Reyaan Aman, Agastya Mabbu & Tanish Patel, and Jahnav Sagireddy & Viraj Shukla all stepping up with confident, clean wins. A perfect start!

The team then faced two tough tests against stronger competition.

Against Rutgers Prep, Afzaal kept his unbeaten streak alive with a solid 6-2 victory, and Jonathan pushed his match all the way to a tiebreaker in a thrilling display of determination — but the team fell 1-5 overall. In a competitive matchup against Princeton Day School, Afzaal once again led the way, winning 8-2, while the rest of the squad battled hard against a formidable opponent, with the team dropping the match 1-5.

Every match has been a masterclass in resilience. With standout performances from Afzaal anchoring the lineup and doubles teams gaining valuable court experience, the season is just getting started. Go Wildcats!

Boys Tennis Schedule

Volleyball Schedule

Track Schedule

Lil Cats Are Off to a Great Start!

Our Lil Athletes are hitting the ground running! So far, the crew has been introduced to two fan favorites — soccer and baseball — and they are loving every minute of it.

In soccer, students have been building fundamental skills including passing, dribbling, and shooting. On the baseball diamond, they have been working on hitting, catching, and running the bases. We even mixed in some small-sided games along the way — and the kids had an absolute blast! Stay tuned for more action from our Lil Cats! www.cedarhillprep.com | 17

SPECIALS Still Riding the High from Grease: School Edition!

What a night! On April 2nd, Cedar Hill Prep’s talented cast took the stage and delivered a performance that had everyone on their feet. From Sandy and Danny to the entire Rydell High crew — CHP style — every moment was pure magic.

The energy, the costumes, the performances — every detail came together beautifully, and the audience felt every bit of it. A huge shoutout to Mary Blair Duncan and the entire cast for their outstanding dedication, passion, and heart. You made us incredibly proud!

Grease: School Edition — Cedar Hill Prep will not forget this one anytime soon.

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ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT George Rooks We love when our CHP alumni come back home! George Rooks stopped by for a visit during his break, and it was wonderful to catch up with him.

George is currently finishing his Master’s degree in Sports Management at Syracuse University — and the excitement in the air was palpable as he shared some big news.

George is preparing for the NFL Draft, taking place this week, and we couldn’t be more thrilled for him! Whether he hears his name called on draft day or pursues his passion for sports leadership, George has his sights set on becoming an Athletic Director — and knowing George, he will excel at whatever path he chooses.

From the halls of Cedar Hill Prep to the stages of Syracuse and beyond — we are so proud of you, George! We’ll be cheering for you loudly this week! Go George! Once a CHP Wildcat, always a CHP Wildcat!

Pizza with the Principal There’s nothing quite like sharing a slice with someone special!

Students enjoyed a fun and relaxed Pizza with Principal Seeley, a chance to sit down, connect, and share a meal together. It’s one of those little moments that means a lot — students got to chat, laugh, and get to know their principal in a warm and welcoming setting.

A delicious tradition that reminds us that community is built one conversation (and one slice!) at a time.

Grades 1-2

Grades 3 - 4

Preschool - Kindergarten

Grades 5 - 8

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AROUND THE SCHOOL Stars of the Stage The results were in — and the talent at CHP truly blew us away! Due to the exceptional quality of performances, judges selected more than one act in several categories to advance to our school-wide showcase on April 28.

Kindergarten – 2nd Grade Singing Solo: Henry (K) | Dancing Solo: Julia (1st) | Instruments: Joshua (1st) | Specialty Act: Abigail (K) 3rd – 5th Grade Singing Solo: Anvay (3rd) | Singing Group: Miles & Preston (4th) Dancing Solo: Niya (3rd) | Dancing Groups: Ayla, Shanaya & Zareena (3rd) • Christian, Rafael & Shanaya (3rd) • Anjali, Jessica & Mishka (4th) • Ishani & Mahi (4th) | Instruments: Mason (3rd), Harrison (4th), Chase (5th) | Specialty Act – Gymnastics: Kiera (4th) 6th – 8th Grade Singing Solos: Indigo (6th), Sahasra (8th) | Singing Groups: Afzaal, Ayaan & Reyaan (8th) • Aaliyah, Aanya, Avya & Samaira (8th) | Dancing Group: 6th Grade Spanish Students | Instruments: Leonardo (6th), Vallabh (6th), Yajur (7th) A huge congratulations to every student who took the stage — your courage, preparation, and heart made this showcase one to remember! We are so proud of every single performer at Cedar Hill Prep!

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SP

TLIGHT

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle Study

Our preschoolers have launched a new inquiry into the transdisciplinary theme "How We Share the Planet," exploring our collective responsibility to care for the Earth. Guided by the central idea that everyday actions have an impact on the environment, children engaged the key concept of causation to investigate how simple choices — like conserving water and nurturing plant life — affect the world around them.

IB Spotlight: Egg Incubator Inquiry, Design & the Wonder of New Life Cedar Hill Prep’s Grade 8 scientists are deep in the inquiry cycle, tackling a meaningful real-world challenge for their Science Fair: designing a portable baby incubator. Demonstrating the IB Learner Profile attribute of being knowledgeable and reflective, students engaged in a structured preliminary investigation — observing a working egg incubator as the foundation of their design thinking process. The egg incubator created a carefully controlled environment, maintaining fertilized eggs at 37°C with a water reservoir to regulate humidity and periodic egg turning to support healthy development. This hands-on exploration exemplifies Action in the IB framework — students moving from conceptual understanding into real, purposeful design engineering investigation.

True to the spirit of Approaches to Learning (ATL), the experience sharpened key thinking skills, research skills, and self-management skills as students observed, recorded, and drew connections between biological systems and brought their own technical design engineering briefs.

And then came the moment of pure joy. Students witnessed a live hatching, cheering as Bean emerged from the shell for the very first time — with a little help from Gerald, the first-born chick.

The excitement spread organically across the middle and lower school, with students from all grades drawn in by curiosity — a true testament to CHP’s culture of open-minded, inquiring learners. This cross-grade moment of shared wonder reflects the transdisciplinary spirit that defines an IB education.

For Grade 8, the learning extends far beyond this single experience.

It feeds directly into their Unit of Inquiry, deepening understanding of biological systems while nurturing the critical and creative thinking skills central to the MYP Design cycle. From egg incubator to portable baby incubator, our students are doing exactly what IB calls us to do — connecting knowledge to action, and action to real-world impact!

Caring. Inquiring. Knowledgeable. This is what IB learning looks like at Cedar Hill Prep. www.cedarhillprep.com | 21

CHP EDUCATION AND RESEARCH FOUNDATION PARENT TEACHER ORGANIZATION Spring Handmade & Handcrafted Showcase A Celebration of Community & Creativity

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hat a beautiful day it was at Cedar Hill Prep! The CHP PTO's Spring Handmade & Handcrafted Showcase was a resounding success, bringing together talented local vendors, families, and friends for an afternoon filled with creativity, connection, and community spirit.

The event featured an incredible array of handcrafted goods, with something truly special around every corner. Shoppers browsed stunning crochet creations from DEtangled Threads and Lace Me Stacey Creatives, delicate handmade jewelry from Kimberly Creations, whimsical forever flowers and accessories from Tinaqing21, and one-of-a-kind decorative dog figures that drew smiles from visitors of all ages.

Art lovers discovered beautiful South Asianinspired paintings, prints, and jewelry, while book enthusiasts had the chance to meet local children's author Nora Bruno and pick up copies of her heartwarming Meow Brothers series.

For those seeking wellness and self-care, RoZaNa Botanicals showcased their natural hair and beauty collections, Nature's Nurture by MLS offered handcrafted soaps and bath products, and La Vie Tea brought elegance and calm with their French heritage tea blends. Foodies were

equally delighted — Fresh Kitchen Princeton offered wholesome granola, hummus, and artisan snacks, Nikki's Bakery tempted guests with freshbaked treats, and Cheeky Boy Cookies had a line all their own. A highlight of the showcase was our very own Mr. Seeley and Donna Pizappi, whose charming DnD Decor booth — featuring their signature handcrafted wooden dog planters — was an absolute crowd favorite, drawing smiles and admiration from visitors of all ages.

The PTO's Plant Sale added a burst of color at the entrance, with gorgeous hydrangeas, begonias, and hanging baskets — perfect for gifting ahead of Mother's Day. And the Candle Loft Co. rounded out the experience with beautifully crafted candles that made for the most giftable finds of the day.

Helping it all run smoothly were our wonderful student volunteers, who greeted guests with warm smiles and big Wildcat pride — a true testament to the caring, principled spirit that defines the CHP community.

Thank you to everyone who came out, shopped, and supported our vendors and our school.

Events like this remind us of what makes Cedar Hill Prep so special — it's not just a school, it's a community.

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PTO@CEDARHILLPREP.COM

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Poetry Day (Pre, PreK and K) Science Fair (Pre, PreK and K) 6:00pm-7:00pm Teacher Appreciation Day Poetry Day (1-4) Science Fair (5-8) 6:00pm-7:00pm Spring Concert (Pre-8) Evening Art Exhibition (Evening) Showcasing Classrooms (3:00pm-5:00pm) Sports Banquet (5:30-7:00pm) Junior Olympics

5 Grades 7 and 8 Dance (Evening)

Water Play Day 8 Junior Olympics (rain date) 9 Graduation Ceremonies Kindergarten: 9:00am Grade 4: 11:00am

Celebration of Achievements Grades 1-3 (3:30pm-5:30pm) Grades 5-8 (6:00pm-8:00pm) 10 Last Day of School 16 Grade 8 Graduation Ceremony 11:00am

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May

April Staff Birthdays!

Dawn “Frankie” Francavilla Sumedha Kotasthane www.cedarhillprep.com | 23

152 Cedar Grove Lane Somerset, NJ 08873 Phone: 732-356-5400 Fax: 732-356-5409 Email: admissions@cedarhillprep.com Web: www.cedarhillprep.com

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