June 2024 Newsletter by Cedar Hill Prep

Kindergarten

Grade 4

Grade 8 Class of 2024

Congratulations Kindergarten!

Congratulations to the Kindergarten Graduates

The Kindergarten Graduation was truly a dreamy fairytale event! Parents and teachers beamed with pride as the kindergarten graduates walked down the gymnasium to claim their certificates and awards. The sight of our little graduates in their caps and gowns brought tears to many eyes, capturing the emotion and joy of this special milestone.

The celebration was made even more memorable with delightful performances by the graduates. Parents enjoyed a selection of songs, including “This Land is Your Land,” “The Kindergarten Class,” “Leaving Kindergarten,” “I’m a Little Graduate,” and “First Grade, First Grade,” all sung in melodious, fun tunes. These heartfelt performances highlighted the incredible growth and achievements of our kindergarten class.

Congratulations to all our kindergarten graduates! We are excited to see you continue to shine as you move on to first grade.

Click Here to See More Images from the Ceremony

PRESCHOOL - KINDERGARTEN NEWS

Unforgettable Fun at Water Play Day!

The excitement was contagious as the children entered the classroom in the morning with their bathing suits on and towels in hand, ready for Water Play Day. Laughter filled the air as they splashed around the water park, eagerly awaiting the moment when water-filled buckets would be dumped on their heads. The weather was perfect, adding to the joy of this unforgettable day!

Ball Study

Afterward, we celebrated the last days of school with delicious ice cream topped with whipped cream. Yum!

Our last study of the year focused on the Ball Study. We explored various aspects of balls, including the different types, their similarities and differences, how they bounce and roll, what is inside them, and how people use them. We also investigated the circumference of balls by measuring different-sized balls with various lengths of yarn. The children had a great time bringing balls from home and placing them in a large container of water to see which ones sank or floated.

End of Year Theme Week

The last full week of preschool was an absolute blast for the students, with each day featuring a different themed event. On Monday, the children showcased their individual talents to the class, including singers, dancers, and artists. Tuesday was Career Day, where the kids dressed up as their future career choices, such as scientists, police officers, a princess, doctors, and a chef. Wednesday was Pajama and Movie Day, with everyone enjoying popcorn and watching “Encanto.” On Thursday, the children brought in special toys from home for a fun show-and-tell session. The week concluded with an ice cream and whipped cream party on Friday, celebrating the end of an incredible year. The students had an unforgettable time, making wonderful memories together.

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL NEWS

Celebrating Every Student’s Success

Grades 1 - 3 Achievement Award Ceremony was a joyful celebration of every student’s accomplishments. Each student received awards in various categories, including Academic Excellence in all subjects, Outstanding Sportsmanship, Most Kind and Courteous, and more. The event highlighted the diverse talents and efforts of our students, recognizing their hard work and dedication throughout the year. Parents and teachers beamed with pride as the students took the stage to accept their welldeserved awards, marking a memorable day of celebration and recognition.

Grade 4 Ends the School Year

Historically, June is a short, but very busy month in Grade 4. It began with a week of Terra Nova testing, followed by Water Play Day, and graduation rehearsals!

Summer Birthdays!

Before graduation, Grade 4 had a chance to celebrate two June birthdays and one July birthday. Happy 10th Birthday to Geetha Puthumana, Siyana Jayasuriya, and Tori Rott! Welcome to the Double Digit Club!

During our summer break, four of our Grade 4 Graduates will join the Double Digit Club. Mrs. Gadaleta, Mrs. Yurman, and the Grade 4 Graduates wish a very Happy Summer Birthday to Eesa Usman, Leo Romaine, Arnav Cherukuri, and James Nguyen!

Congratulations Grade 4

Congratulations Grade 4 Graduates!

On June 12th, excitement filled the hallway as Grade 4 students adjusted their graduation caps…Pomp and Circumstance began playing…and the students marched into the gymnasium, down the aisle, for their final performance as CHP Elementary School students. This day would mark their transition into Middle School. For these curious, industrious, and creative students, the Grade 4 Graduation Ceremony marked the culmination of a collaborative effort that was highlighted by the students’ reflective speeches and enjoyment in singing. In addition to receiving their Graduation Diplomas, each 4th grader received awards that highlighted their personal achievements throughout the year.

A special thank you to Aryan Cherukuri, a graduating CHP 8th grader, alum of the Grade 4 Graduating Class of 2020, and brother of 4th grade graduate Arnav, for enriching the students’ graduation experience with his heartfelt and insightful message! These Grade 4 graduates have brought much pride to their CHP community and families, and we wish them well as they move on to Middle School!

Thank you to Ms. Nan and Mr. Seeley for your vision and leadership, and the entire Administrative Team, Ms. Joyce and Music Department for engineering such a beautiful graduation experience.

Best wishes to our CHP Families, Staff, and Faculty for a wonderful summer! Thank you all for helping to make the 2023-2024 School Year a memorable one!

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Congratulations Grade 8

CHP’s 8th Grade Graduation: A Proud and Historic Achievement

On Thursday, June 13th, proud parents of the graduating class of 2023-2024 gathered to witness the 8th graders accept their certificates as they prepare to move on to some of the best high schools in the state and across the country. This year’s graduation was particularly monumental, as CHP celebrated the highest number of graduates being accepted into top boarding schools nationwide. The ceremony was filled with pride and excitement, culminating in a highlight performance by the graduates. The 8th-grade graduation song, “See You Again” by Tyler, the Creator, was beautifully improvised by Ayan Joshi, Arjun Kalapala, Sophia Lai, and Valentina Garcia, leaving the audience in awe.

Special shoutout to our keynote speaker, Megha Thomas (Class of 2016) and alumni speaker, Anjola Odukoya (Class of 2020), for sharing their inspiring insights on life after CHP. They highlighted how our school played a crucial role in shaping their success, providing valuable lessons and experiences that guided them in their respective journeys.

Congratulations to the class of 2023-2024! Your achievements have made us all incredibly proud, and we look forward to seeing you thrive in high school and beyond.

MIDDLE SCHOOL NEWS

Stock Market Winners

C7th and 8th Graders in Ms. Lekhi’s class participate annually in the year-long Stock Market Game, where students are given an imaginary investment of $100,000 to trade stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and exchange-traded funds on the NYSE and NASDAQ. Students conduct research and follow global news that can impact financial markets, then place trades in real-time.

For the first time, a CHP 8th grade team came in 3rd place ending with $151,000 in the State, out of 2703 teams! The winning team was 8th Graders, Shray Chandwani, Valentina Garcia, and Aarnaa Desai.i

Honoring Excellence in Middle School

The middle school award ceremony was dedicated to honoring every achievement of each of our students. It was a celebration of their hard work, talent, and perseverance across various fields.

From academic excellence to artistic accomplishments and sports achievements, every student’s effort was recognized and applauded, highlighting the diverse strengths and contributions that make our school community so vibrant and successful.

MIDDLE SCHOOL NEWS

Real-World Lessons in Entrepreneurship

During the last week of school, our 7th-grade students, along with some 8th graders, applied their knowledge of percentages, discounts, markups, and profit to real-world scenarios. They were also challenged to incorporate elements of environmental sustainability, such as using biodegradable products and offering discounts to customers who brought their own utensils.

As vendors at “Math Mart,” a marketplace of goods and services, students served fresh waffles, crepes, brownies, ice cream sundaes, quesadillas, “walking” tacos, ramen noodles, boba teas, and mocktails. They also sold homemade crochet items, handloom products, slime, and offered nail and face painting services. From understanding supply and demand to managing competition and pricing, the students learned several key entrepreneurial lessons. They worked hard and made real profits!

CHP’s Annual Middle School Trivia Competition Results

The highly anticipated CHP’s Annual Middle School Trivia Competition took place this year with an impressive display of knowledge and quick thinking from all participating schools. The competition, known for its challenging questions and spirited rivalry, brought together some of the brightest young minds in the region. After an intense battle of wits, the results are in, and we are thrilled to announce the winners!

1st Place - Shawnee 150 pts

2nd Place - Cherokee 100 pts

3rd Place - Lenape - 75 pts

4th Place - Ramapo - 50 pts

We look forward to seeing more brilliant performances and exciting trivia battles in next year’s competition!

CHP Faculty vs. CHP Volleyball Team

The CHP Faculty vs CHP Volleyball Team volleyball game was held on Wednesday, June 5, 2024. The CHP Faculty struggled to return the powerful serves of Aakash Mehta and fell short in their first game against the students. In their second game, as the CHP Faculty tried to redeem themselves, the students continued to take control of the game. The CHP Faculty was saved by the passing thunderstorm which interrupted play and forced everyone to clear the field. The students demonstrated awesome skills and sportsmanship with a well-deserved victory against the CHP Faculty.

SPECIALS

Exploring ‘My Community’: A Creative Collage by the Second Grade Spanish Class

Second graders created a collage on a carton board depicting a city map titled “My Community.” The collage includes the following aspects: Mi Familia (My Family): Representations of family members, Places to Go: Restaurants, parks, farms, and farm animals, Parts of My House, My School, and School Supplies: Various elements of their homes and schools, along with school supplies, Helpers of the Community: Firefighters, police officers, and other community helpers, Transportation: Cars, buses, and other means of transportation.

Spring Concert

Our annual Spring Concert was a resounding success, captivating the audience with delightful performances from our talented students, ranging from preschoolers to eighth graders. The concert hall was filled with the sweet sounds of young voices and harmonious melodies, leaving everyone in awe. Under the expert guidance of Ms. Joyce and Ms. Flo, who were seen conducting the orchestra with remarkable expertise, our students delivered an audio treat that was both enchanting and memorable. Their dedication and passion for music were evident in every note, making the event a truly special experience for all. Families and friends who attended were treated to a night of beautiful music and heartfelt performances. The effort and hard work put in by both students and teachers shone through, making this year’s Spring Concert an event to remember. Thank you to everyone who participated and attended. Your support and enthusiasm made this night a spectacular success!

SPECIALS

Local Students Shine Nationally in Le Grand Concours (National French Contest)

Cedar Hill Prep School in Somerset proudly announces its students' outstanding national rankings in the prestigious 89th annual Le Grand Concours, as confirmed by Lisa Narug, the National Director of the competition. Hosted by the American Association of Teachers of French, Le Grand Concours rigorously assesses students' written, oral, and listening comprehension skills in French. This year, nearly 45,000 students from across the nation competed in the event.

Eileen Walvoord, President of AATF, applauded the achievement, stating, "These students exemplify excellence in their pursuit of French language proficiency and deserve high praise." Throughout the academic year, these students have immersed themselves in the French language and culture, engaging with authentic materials and individuals from diverse francophone regions such as Quebec, Senegal, Morocco, and Tunisia. Their remarkable linguistic accomplishments not only reflect their dedication but also equip them with invaluable skills for navigating global interactions both personally and professionally. Walvoord also extended gratitude to the students' parents for their unwavering support and to the French language programs that facilitated this remarkable success.

On behalf of the American Association of Teachers of French, congratulations are extended to all who contributed to this remarkable achievement: students, educators, parents, administrators, as well as local and national organizers of the National French Contest. Félicitations à vous toustes!

SPECIALS

National Spanish Exam 2024 Results

The National Spanish Exam (NSE) is governed by the American Association of Teachers of Spanish and Portuguese. It is an online, standardized assessment competition for Grades 6-12, administered by about 4,000 middle and high school teachers throughout the United States to 150,000 students. The purpose of the exam is to measure interpretive communication and the achievement of students studying Spanish as a second language, making it America’s largest Spanish academic contest.

Cedar Hill Prep’s Spanish students participate in this competition each year and continue to excel, marking CHP's presence at the top of the nation’s performance charts. This year, twenty-six Spanish students entered the competition and received national recognition as follows:

National Award Recipients:

Honorable Mention (50th to 74th percentile):

Ayan Joshi (8th grade)

Ava Patel (8th grade)

Saarth Gupta (8th grade)

Bronze Medal (75th to 84th percentile):

Deetya Tandon (up from Honorable Mention last year)

Zaria Mitchell (up from Honorable Mention last year)

Grace Liu

Saisha Manglani

Sahasra Genupur

Gold Medal (95th to 99th percentile):

Demitria Rott (2nd year in a row)

Meghana Indupuru (2nd year in a row)

Perfect Score Medal: Meghana Indupuru (2nd consecutive year)

Congratulations to all the award recipients for their outstanding achievements!

WILDCATS SPORTS

Celebrating Our Wildcats: Annual Athletics Banquet Recap

On Thursday, May 23rd, we held our annual Athletics Banquet. Our coaches recapped all of our wonderful sports seasons and honored all of our athletes who participated this year. Thank you to our Wildcats parents for your incredible support!

Congratulations to our athletes; we are already looking forward to next year. Go Wildcats!

AROUND THE SCHOOL

Water Play Day: A Splashing Success!

Our Water Play Day was a big hit, with students from preschool to grade 8 enjoying a day full of fun in the sun. The weather was perfect for splashing around, and the smiles were endless. Middle schoolers had a riot on the water slide, and the highlight of the day was undoubtedly the foam pit! It was a fantastic way to wrap up the school year and create lasting memories. Here’s to a wonderful summer ahead!

Somerset Patriots Baseball Family Fun Night a Grand Success

Our 12th annual Somerset Patriots Baseball Family Fun Night was a grand success. Mr. Seeley had the privilege of throwing out the first pitch and giving the ball to our second grader, Kiera Peng! This year's game was against the Hartford Yard Goats, the Double-A affiliate for the Colorado Rockies. The weather was beautiful, the game was awesome, and the fireworks completed a fun night. All the students seemed to have a great time, as did the adults.

We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to our 2023-2024 CHP PTO Committee leaders: Karen Simmonds, Christine Smith, Linda Lai, Scott Richards, and Vanashri Joshi for their unending help in all events. We would also like to thank our CHP families for their love and support throughout the academic year! We look forward to seeing everyone in the Fall. Enjoy your summer, stay healthy, and be safe!

Dancing Into their Next Chapter

CHP 7th and 8th grade students ended their celebratory year with style and grace at the Delta Somerset. The photos below cannot describe the magical atmosphere as all danced to the occasion. When the shoes are off its a great party! We wish our newest alumni all the best!