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CEDAR HILL

PREPARATORY SCHOOL

CHP Spelling Bee

Sixth Grader Takes Top Honors in School Spelling Bee!

On January 22nd, the CHP community in grades 3 – 8 gathered in the Gym to support their classmates who were competing in the annual CHP school-wide Spelling Bee. The competition was quite impressive and lasted 20 rounds.

Advancing to the Championship round were fifth grader, A. D’Souza, and sixth grader, Y. Subramaniam. They went on to compete in two Championship Rounds until a winner was declared when Yajur correctly spelled affenpinscher.

Congratulations to Y. Subramaniam (1st place winner) and A. D’Souza (runner-up) for their amazing performances and sportsmanship! Y. Subramaniam will advance to the Scripps Regional Spelling Bee with our very best wishes!

PRESCHOOL - KINDERGARTEN NEWS

Preschoolers Celebrate the New Year

When they returned to school, our preschoolers welcomed the New Year with excitement. Wearing party hats and using clock noisemakers, the children pretended it was 10 seconds before midnight and counted down to the start of a great year. After identifying the numbers 1 to 10, the children colored a beautiful New Year picture, cut it into numbered pieces, and glued them back together again.

Dinosaurs

Patterns

This week at Cedar Hill Prep School, our preschoolers are learning about patterns. They were taught that a pattern is something that repeats itself. Activities like lining up crayons, singing songs, listening to stories, and dancing helped enhance the children’s understanding of creating their own patterns. Here, the students used unifix cubes, mittens, and socks to make unique patterns.

Preschoolers learned about dinosaurs by reading stories and playing with plastic dinosaur models. They discovered that dinosaurs are extinct and no longer exist today. After reading Fossils Tell of Long Ago by Aliki, the children were thrilled to make their own fossils. As a group, we followed instructions to create dinosaur fossils. The children rolled magic model clay into balls, flattened them, and pressed small dinosaur models into the clay to leave an imprint. The clay fossils were then placed in a warmer to dry overnight.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

On the third Monday of January, we celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., a great man who stood for freedom, kindness, and peace for everyone. Our preschool children learned about his values, and after the lesson, they created a happy hands collage using a variety of skin-toned paper cutouts. The collage, titled “The Colors of Us,” depicted children holding hands. In our class, children are recognized with praise and certificates for random acts of kindness.

PRESCHOOL - KINDERGARTEN NEWS

Winter Animals

This week, the preschool theme was Winter Animals. The children learned that some animals hibernate, meaning they sleep all winter. Through books, they discovered how animals prepare for hibernation. Some gather food to store in their burrows, while others eat and bulk up before their long rest.

Winter Experiment with Water

Our preschoolers performed a fascinating science experiment with water. They poured water into three separate muffin tins. Each child swished their fingers in the water, observing its feel and appearance. The tins were then placed in three locations: one remained in the classroom, one was put in the freezer, and the third was left outside overnight. The children made predictions about what would happen to each tin. Some thought the water would change colors, while others guessed it would turn to ice. The next day, the children observed the results. The water in the freezer had frozen, the water in the classroom remained unchanged, and the water outside had frozen but began to melt when the sun came out. Back in the warm classroom, the frozen water turned back into liquid. Afterward, we read The Snowy Day, a story about a boy who puts a snowball in his pocket, only to discover later that it has melted in the warmth of his house. The children connected this story to their science experiment, understanding how ice and snow melt in warm environments.

Clothing Study

Our preschoolers continued their clothing study upon returning to school. We began by learning about the different types of clothing we wear during each of the four seasons and discussing where clothes come from. Some clothes are made from cotton, sheep’s wool, silkworms, or animal skins. The children engaged in craft activities by pairing up and drawing pictures of what their partners were wearing. Their artistic skills were truly amazing! They also learned how to care for their clothes by pretending to wash and dry play clothes using a washer and a drying rack set up in the classroom. They discovered that delicate clothes that cannot go in a dryer should be hung on a rack. We also explored how laundry was done many years ago—using a washboard and a clothesline. Finally, the children practiced sewing by lacing shirts, skirts, and pants cards with yarn.

PRESCHOOL - KINDERGARTEN NEWS

Pre-Kindergarten Students Celebrate Equality and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Our Pre-K A and Pre-K B students came together to honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on his birthday. Through engaging storytelling, they explored Dr. King’s extraordinary achievements, his profound beliefs, and his unwavering dedication to kindness, equality, and helping others. As part of their learning, students created a craft titled “I Have a Dream…” where they shared their individual dreams and discussed the steps needed to make them a reality. These beautifully crafted pieces are now proudly displayed in the Pre-K Hallway, serving as a testament to the students’ creativity and understanding. To conclude the celebration, the students watched Dr. King’s iconic “I Have a Dream” speech, making this an inspiring and memorable experience for all.

Pre-Kindergarten Lunar New Year Celebration – Year of the Snake

Pre-Kindergarten kicked off the Lunar New Year with a joyful celebration, inviting parents to join in the festivities. Dressed in vibrant outfits, everyone gathered to honor the occasion and celebrate the Year of the Snake. The children made beautiful crafts featuring the God of Wealth, adding a creative touch to the celebration. They also exchanged festive goody bags, spreading cheer all around. It was a wonderful day filled with tradition, joy, and community spirit!

PRESCHOOL - KINDERGARTEN NEWS

Kindergarten Celebrates Chinese New Year with Joy and Learning

Both Kindergarten classes delved into the traditions and culture of Chinese New Year! During a special “Kindergarten Share,” they read Chinese New Year and learned fascinating facts about this 15-day celebration. The children discovered that families exchange gifts like red envelopes containing money and enjoy special foods symbolizing prosperity and family unity. They also learned that Chinese dragons, symbols of strength in Chinese culture, bring good luck to people. Festivities include dragon dances, lion dances, and fireworks! In Social Studies, the students embraced the spirit of the celebration by creating their own dragon and lion masks, bringing the vibrant traditions of Chinese New Year to life in their classroom.

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL NEWS

Lower School Spelling Bee Champions

Congratulations to second grader N. Jithin on an extraordinary accomplishment! Triumphing through 77 challenging rounds to win the school spelling bee championship is a testament to your hard work, dedication, and perseverance.

We also applaud A. Bobade, the runner-up, for an impressive performance. Well done to both students for their remarkable achievements!

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL NEWS

1st Grade Celebrates Historical Figures

1st Grade is gearing up for our Living History Project by exploring the lives of influential historical figures such as Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, and Ruby Bridges.

The students also created a special award for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and shared their reasons for why he deserved this honor.

Grade 2 Celebrates Lunar New Year

Our second graders had a fantastic time celebrating Lunar New Year! We were thrilled to have parents join us to share their traditions. The students enjoyed listening to a story about Chinese New Year, creating beautiful paper crafts, and receiving hóngbāo (紅 ))—red envelopes symbolizing good luck and prosperity.

A big thank you to our parent volunteers for generously sharing their time, traditions, and joy with our students, making this celebration both meaningful and memorable!

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL NEWS

2nd Grader Secures 3rd Place at the Prestigious Americas Cup

Cedar Hill Prep School proudly announces that 2nd grader I. Reddy has achieved an impressive 3rd place finish at the recent Americas Cup Competition, representing Live Love Skate Academy. The event brought together talented participants from 16 countries, making this achievement a remarkable milestone for Reddy and our school community.

This accomplishment is a personal triumph and a proud moment for our entire community, as the shining star brings home recognition on an international stage. This competition marked Reddy’s debut at this elite level, and she is already preparing for upcoming events in the coming months, including international competitions in Italy. Her ultimate goal is to compete at the National Championships in July 2025 in Reno, NV.

Cedar Hill Prep celebrates Reddy’s dedication and talent and looks forward to supporting her continued journey in the world of competitive skating.

A Magical Unicorn Adventure

Third graders welcomed another mystery reader, M. Parikh’s mom, who read The Naughtiest Unicorn: Unicorn School Rules! by Pip Bird. This hilarious fantasy adventure tells the story of a girl named Mira, who is eager to attend Unicorn School, get paired with the most beautiful and sparkly unicorn of her dreams, embark on various quests, and earn plenty of medals. However, she is paired with Dave—a grumpy, untidy unicorn obsessed with eating donuts who runs away whenever Mira tries to ride him. Mira feels embarrassed and jealous of her friends and their well-behaved unicorns. Eventually, Mira and Dave’s friendship is put to the test during a quest to rescue their friends. The students loved the book, and many are now planning to check it out from their local library.

Mr. Bridges Inspires Readers

Third graders were in for a special treat! Mr. C. Bridges, visited the classroom to read his fabulous book, Cool Corny - Being Me is Cool, which he wrote himself. Mr. Bridges has authored several books, and it was wonderful to have him share this one with the students. The book inspires children to embrace their individuality and reinforces the important message that it’s okay to be different and march to the beat of your own drum. The students loved the book and enjoyed an engaging Q&A session with Mr. Bridges, where they gained inspiration to become budding authors themselves.

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL NEWS

SUPER STUDENTS

Meet Super Student M. Parikh. Parikh is in Mrs. Haynoski’s class and describes herself as a Mighty Mathematician, an Amazing Artist, and a Harmonious Helper. Her Super Family includes her mom, grandpa, grandma, and her dog. Parikh’s hero is Taylor Swift, and her theme song is “I Believe.” Parikh hails from the galaxy “Mahiway,” and if she could use her powers to help the world, it would be to stop bullying. She would choose her mom as her sidekick, and when she’s happy, she thinks of the color purple. If she could star in a movie, it would be about dance. Parikh also loves talking to her friends at recess about creating new games to play. Some of Parikh’s favorite books are Akbar & Birbal, Dragon Girls, and the Roald Dahl series.

Week of January 17 Super Student is M. Modh. Modh is in Mrs. Kotasthane’s class and describes herself as a Ravenous Reader and an Amazing Artist. She hails from the galaxy “Booktastic Galaxy”. Her Super Family includes her mom, dad, sister, grandma and grandpa. Mishka has two heroes: her mom and her dad. Modh’s theme song is “Firework” and if she could pick anyone to be her sidekick it would be her sister. In her spare time, she loves to read, watch TV, do art, and make bracelets. Modh would love for her life to be made into a movie. If there is a wrong in this world that she could fix it would be climate change. The color she thinks of when she is happy is pink and she loves to talk to her friends about recess things and what she did over the weekend. Modh would love to be on the front page of a newspaper for being the winner of a dance competition. Her favorite books include The Babysitter’s Club and The Weird School Series.

Yet another Super Student of this month is K. Peng! Peng is in Mrs. Haynoski’s class and describes herself as a Wonder Writer, Ravenous Reader, Awesome Athlete, and Amazing Artist. The ocean waves represent her superpower, and if she could pick sidekicks, they would be her mom and dad. Her favorite books to read are Harry Potter, Wings of Fire, and Junie B. Jones. Her theme song is “Love Ain’t It” and her favorite things to do in her spare time are reading and coloring. If there were a movie made about her, it would be about cats. When Peng is happy, she thinks of the color teal. Peng hails from the galaxy “Kikigalaxy” and dreams of stopping bullying in the world. She loves talking to her friends about what they’re eating for lunch. The members of her Super Family are her mom, dad, and her brother, A. Peng.

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL NEWS

January 2025 was a busy month for Grade 4!

When we returned from Winter Break, Grade 4 ushered in the New Year with our annual Holiday Cookie Decorating Party that was postponed due to illnesses in December. It was a yummy event worth waiting for!

Many CHP students from Grades 3 through 8 have been participating in the National Young Authors’ Fair. Within that framework, students have an opportunity to write a book and have it published. Congratulations to Ian on the publication of his first book, James the Lost Boy! He is currently working on his second book, a book about Energy. We look forward to reading this when it is published.

Although the middle of January was full of news about midterms and the weather, we certainly made time to celebrate another milestone birthday. Congratulations to Milan on the occasion of her 10th birthday….and becoming an official member of the Double-Digit Club!

When news of two more January birthdays were made public, an outpouring of birthday wishes surprised Mrs. Ismail and Mrs. Yurman. Thank you to the CHP Community for your kindness….and for making our birthdays so special!

January also found several Grade 4 students busy with various academic competitions. Congratulations to Agastya for his participation in the CHP school-wide Spelling Bee and to all of our 4th graders who have qualified to advance to the International Academic Regional Competitions of the Geography, History, and Science Bees! Because there are many online and in-person opportunities to participate in these Regional Competitions, this will be an ongoing process into the spring. Best wishes to all who will be participating!

Best wishes to all for a safe, peaceful, and happy New Year!

MIDDLE SCHOOL NEWS

Cedar Hill Prep School students participated in the Discover Engineering competition where they designed floating cities to address issues in sinking cities. Through this experience, they learned about various engineering fields and project management.

The **Paraiso Aquatico** team focused on Rio de Janeiro as students designed a floating city that restored marine life and alleviated congestion and energy needs. This CHP team won the 4th Best in the Competition (out of 55 cities and 24 schools).

The **Marina Lestari** team tackled Jakarta's problems as students created a floating city to distribute population and resources using advanced technology. This CHP team won for Showcasing the Best Surveying Practices in the Competition (out of 55 cities and 24 schools)

MIDDLE SCHOOL NEWS

Fifth Graders Explore States of Matter Through Glassblowing

Fifth-grade students brought their States of Matter unit to life with an exciting glassblowing experience. During this handson learning day, they transformed glass from liquid to solid— and back again—while creating glass bubbles, ornaments, and paperweights.

The students truly had a “blast” at Hot Sands AP in Asbury Park, N.J. What an amazing experience!

A day of learning, laughter, and literary magic!

On a chilly Tuesday, the 5th and 6th graders visited NJIN Farm for a creative outdoor adventure! Their task? To write nature-shaped poems—but with a twist! Each poem had to reflect one of the four core subjects: math, language & literature, science, and individuals & societies.

Divided into groups, students explored different sections of the farm, gathering inspiration from the beauty around them. We heard poems about the lake, the wind, a pine tree, a leaf, and even horse dung! After sharing their masterpieces, everyone warmed up with some delicious hot chocolate. And the best part? We made it back to school without a bus breakdown!

WILDCATS SPORTS

CHP Girls Basketball Team Shows Growth and Determination

The CHP girls’ basketball team made great strides in January, culminating in their second win of the season and several closely contested games. Their hard work in practice is beginning to translate into on-court success.

Beyond wins, the true measure of the team's progress lies in their improving individual skills, growing understanding of game concepts, and overall team development. Their dedication and effort have not gone unnoticed—opposing coaches, parents, and referees have praised the team for their relentless energy and hard work, regardless of the score. Keep up the great work, CHP girls!

Don’t miss our last game of the season at Winfield on February 5th at 3:45 pm.

Go Wildcats!

Cedar Hill Prep Wildcats Boys’ Team Shows Resilience and Growth

The Cedar Hill Prep Wildcats boys’ basketball team has shown remarkable improvement over the past few games. Through hard work and dedication, they have competed fiercely against tough opponents, demonstrating both resilience and growth.

Beyond their performance on the court, the team continues to embody the qualities that define great athletes—determination, grit, passion, and an unwavering drive for greater challenges. This month’s highlight was their incredible comeback from a 30-point deficit in the second half, closing the gap to just six points—a true testament to their relentless spirit and never-give-up mentality. Keep pushing forward, Wildcats

Don’t miss our last two games against Princeton Charter School. February 5th - Home Game at 3:45 pm February 19th - Away Game at Princeton Charter School at 4:00 pm

Go Wildcats!

Executive Functioning Skills

Boosting Executive Function Through Movement

Movement plays a crucial role in enhancing executive function skills by supporting neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to form new neural connections and reinforce existing ones. Physical activity also increases blood flow to the brain, helping students improve focus, working memory, and selfcontrol.

At Cedar Hill Prep, our students are developing these essential skills through engaging ‘CogniTapping’ patterns. This innovative approach combines fun with cognitive growth, fostering a stronger, more connected school community.

Art and Drama

Bringing Art and Movement to Life for Crayola Creativity Week

The Drama and Art departments teamed up with our kindergarten students for a vibrant celebration of Crayola Creativity Week 2025! Through an engaging, hands-on lesson, students explored the connections between dance, movement, and artistic expression using Pippa Chu Sings, a beautifully illustrated book by Phillipa Soo.

Kindergarteners expressed emotions and storytelling through movement while also creating colorful artwork inspired by the book’s themes. This collaborative experience encouraged creativity, confidence, and a deeper appreciation for the arts. What a fantastic way to blend performance and visual art!

AROUND THE SCHOOL

Family Fun Night a Huge Success!

Family Fun Night at CHP is a cherished tradition that brings together families, faculty, and students for an evening of joyous camaraderie and entertainment. This year’s event was no exception, as laughter echoed across campus amidst games, performances, and delightful conversations.

Keep an eye out for the next Family Fun Night announcement – we can’t wait to do it all over again!

Pizza with the Principal – January Edition!

At Cedar Hill Prep, our students don’t just learn—they lead, share, and connect! This month’s Pizza with the Principal was another fantastic opportunity for students to enjoy a slice and share their thoughts with Mr. Seeley. From creative ideas to classroom experiences, their voices matter, and we love hearing them!