March Newsletter 2025

CEDAR HILL PREPARATORY SCHOOL

March Newsletter 2025

Educating Students Since 2003

www.cedarhillprep.com | 1

Read Across America Inspiring a Love for Reading Read Across America is more than just a celebration of books—it’s a tradition that brings our school community together through stories, imagination, and the joy of reading. This year, students from grades 3-8 once again took on the role of storytellers, visiting lower school classrooms to captivate younger students with engaging tales. The joy of shared storytelling was a reminder of how books can create connections across ages and inspire a lifelong love of reading.

In keeping with our time-honored CHP tradition, on March 3rd, Grade 4 students put on their Dr. Seuss hats and visited the Kindergarten classes to celebrate Dr. Seuss and Read Across America Day. Excitement buzzed around the Kindergarten rooms as the 4th graders read a variety of Dr. Seuss books to their Kindergarten friends. Each year, the 4th graders are so surprised when some of the Kindergartners then decide to read to them! In the words of Dr. Seuss, "The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go."

Through events like these, we continue to foster a culture where reading is not just a skill, but a cherished experience that unites us all.

Great job young readers!

2 | March January Newsletter Newsletter

PRESCHOOL - KINDERGARTEN NEWS Exercise Study Preschoolers began a new study on exercise, exploring its importance for a healthy body. Children love to wiggle, jump, bounce, and run! As part of our investigations, we identified different types of exercise, explored where people exercise, and discussed the equipment needed.

We also learned about various sports played at school.

The children had a wonderful time participating in yoga, showing off their balancing skills, and demonstrating their favorite exercises with Mrs. Platty Patel.

Dr. Seuss and Read Across CHP We celebrated Dr. Seuss’s birthday and Read Across CHP with fun and engaging storytime sessions. Preschoolers listened to classic Dr. Seuss books, including Green Eggs and Ham and Are You My Mother? Read Across America is a special day dedicated to fostering a love for reading.

Our preschoolers were especially excited to have stories read to them by Mrs. Kotasthane’s 3rd-grade class. Each preschooler was paired with a 3rd-grade student, creating a heartwarming reading experience. Thank you, 3rd graders, for making this day extra special!

Pets Week During Pets Week, preschoolers explored the different types of pets people can have and how to care for them.

Some of our friends shared that they have fish, dogs, and cats at home! For a fun craft, students created their own fishbowls, adding gravel and colorful paper fish. Through this activity, they learned that owning a pet comes with important responsibilities.

Community Helpers Preschoolers at Cedar Hill Prep learned about the many Community Helpers who play essential roles in society.

We discussed how police officers keep people safe and doctors help keep us healthy. We then focused on the mail carrier, exploring how a letter travels from the mailbox to its destination. To bring this lesson to life, students created their own spring-themed postcards, added addresses and stamps, and dropped them off at the post office. They eagerly awaited their mail to arrive at home, and here are a few proud students holding their very own postcards!

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PRESCHOOL - KINDERGARTEN NEWS Magical Moments: Pre-Kindergarten Story Time on Ramadan!

We were delighted to welcome Mr. M. Jalloh, parents of one of our Pre-K students, for a special visit! They enchanted our classroom with the magic of Ramadan through a captivating book-reading session. Our students eagerly immersed themselves in the world of “Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr” alongside them, sparking joy and curiosity throughout the adventure! It was a delightful blend of fun and learning! A heartfelt thank you to Mr. M. Jalloh for sharing the essence of Ramadan with us!

Kindergarten Students Shine on Poetry Day at Cedar Hill Prep!

The excitement of Poetry Day filled the air as the Kindergarten children embraced the spirit of the day.

In honor of Poetry Month, the Kindergarten classes recited four poems for their parents and peers.

Thirteen Kindergarten students also recited their own individual poems.

Public speaking is a big focus at Cedar Hill Prep! Great job, Kindergarten!

4 | March Newsletter

PRESCHOOL - KINDERGARTEN NEWS St. Patrick’s Day Magic at CHP! Students in the Lower School had a thrilling St. Patrick’s Day filled with mystery and excitement! A mischievous leprechaun made its way through classrooms, leaving behind surprises and playful chaos.

From discovering unexpected treats to solving fun clues, students engaged in a day of curiosity, laughter, and hands-on learning.

The festive spirit and joyful energy made this St. Patrick’s Day one to remember!

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL NEWS First Graders Explore Map Skills at NJIN Our first graders took their learning outdoors with a farm trip centered around map skills! Under the shade of our favorite tree, we read The Boy Who Loved Maps and discussed the purpose of maps and their essential elements. Students then embarked on an exciting challenge—creating a detailed map of NJIN. Their maps had to include a compass rose, a map key, and key landmarks such as the house, barn, bridge, lake, woods, field, and fences. To ensure accuracy, they first explored the farm, sketching rough drafts before completing their final masterpieces. To wrap up our map-themed day, we played with a globe ball—passing it around and identifying the continents or oceans where our thumbs landed. The students had a fantastic time discovering different places around the world while reinforcing their geography skills. Another successful farm trip filled with learning, creativity, and hands-on fun!

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ELEMENTARY SCHOOL NEWS

A Poetic Showcase: First Graders Shine on Stage First grade did a wonderful job showcasing their public speaking skills and beautiful art illustrations as they presented A Potpourri of Poetry. They memorized and performed a variety of poems about nature, our world, and coming of age. The audience snapped their fingers to show how proud and impressed they were by the students’ performance.

Exploring Materials and Nature: A Second-Grade Adventure at NJIN Farm Second graders had an amazing time at NJIN Farm, where they explored how different materials are used in the environment.

During a material scavenger hunt, they observed man-made structures such as the barn, fence, and bridge, drawing diagrams and labeling the materials used to build them.

Back in the classroom, they extended their learning by writing about why those materials were chosen based on their properties.

To connect with nature in a creative way, students also listened to poems about the Earth and wrote their own, reflecting on their experiences at the farm.

We’re already looking forward to our next visit in April, where students will continue exploring and learning through hands-on experiences at the farm!

6 | March Newsletter

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL NEWS Glowing with Knowledge: Grade 2 Celebrates Pi Day! Grade 2 celebrated Pi Day with a glowing math activity!

Students built circles using glow sticks, measured them, and used pi to calculate the circumference. They also learned about Albert Einstein, as March 14 is his birthday!

Young Voices, Big Messages: Grade 2 Poets Shine on Poetry Day Grade 2 students took the spotlight on Poetry Day, sharing inspiring poems that celebrated community, teamwork, perseverance, and self-esteem. With confidence and enthusiasm, these young poets recited heartfelt verses that highlighted the strength of unity, the power of determination, and the importance of self-belief.

Each performance reflected the values that bring people together, fostering an atmosphere of encouragement and positivity. Through their words and artwork, the students beautifully showcased the impact of resilience, collaboration, and confidence.

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ELEMENTARY SCHOOL NEWS

SUPER STUDENTS Congrats to Super Student is Z. Shirley! Shirley is in Mrs. Kotasthane’s class and describes himself as a Mighty Mathematician, Tremendous Team Player, Ravenous Reader, Awesome Athlete, and an Amazing Artist. If he could pick a theme song, it would be “It’s the Final Countdown.” His favorite topic of conversation? Sports! When Shirley is happy, he thinks of the color blue, and in his spare time, he loves to create and play games. A video game remote control symbolizes his superpower, and he imagines coming from the “Chocolate Milky Way” galaxy. If he could fix one wrong in the world, he would wish for people to know peace.

If a movie were made about him, it would feature Shirley playing soccer. He enjoys reading Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Harry Potter, and the My Weird School series, and he would choose O. Smith as his sidekick!

Our second Super Student of the month is O. Smith! Smith, also in Mrs. Kotasthane’s class, sees himself as a Mighty Mathematician and a Stellar Scientist. His theme song? “Yay Oliver!” His hero? His twin brother, N. Smith! When Smith is happy, he thinks of the color green, and if he could fix one thing in the world, it would be to stop littering. He hails from the “Blapcalpt” galaxy and would pick N. Smith, Beanz, P. Fennell-Powell, Z. Shirley, Ibby, and his mom as his sidekicks. Smith’s favorite books are Dog Man, and he loves talking to his friends about Roblox. If a movie were made about him, it would be a thrilling adventure about saving the world!

Our third Super Student is G. Toulouse! Grace is in Mrs. Haynoski’s class and describes herself as an amazing artist. She hails from the Milky Way Galaxy and loves talking to her friends about anything!

If she could star in a movie, it would be about cats. She associates the color blue with happiness, and her theme song is Boot Stop Working. Toulouse also loves reading the Dragon Girls books. Her family includes her mom, dad, and cat. Lastly, if she could fix one wrong in the world, it would be to stop littering.

8 | March Newsletter

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL NEWS Bringing Stories to Life: Mystery Readers Inspire Our Third Graders!

Third graders welcomed T. Simmon’s mom, Ms. G. Simmons, as their mystery reader. She read Gratitude is My Superpower by Alicia Ortego, a children’s book about giving thanks and practicing positivity. The story teaches kids to appreciate the warmth of home, time spent playing with friends, and family relationships. Little Betsy learns that happiness comes from the simple things in life, both big and small. With the help of a magic stone, she begins to feel gratitude for her parents, friends, and toys. But what happens when Betsy forgets to use the magic of her stone? She soon realizes that the true power of gratitude has been within her all along. Ms. Simmons brought the story to life with expressive and animated reading. Thank you for sharing this beautiful book with us!

Third graders were in for a treat as we welcomed another mystery reader into our classrooms! Ms. Bonsu, Heaven’s mom, read ‘I Choose to Try Again’ by Elizabeth Estrada. In this engaging rhyming story, Kiara learns the importance of perseverance, even when things feel too difficult. Through vibrant illustrations and rhythmic verses, she reflects on her mistakes and discovers that they help her grow. Instead of avoiding challenges, Kiara embraces them as opportunities to improve. Thank you, Ms. Bonsu, for sharing a book with such an encouraging message! We look forward to welcoming more readers into our classroom soon.

Third graders welcomed wonderful mystery readers, Mr. Shahid and Ms. Herrera, I. Shahid's parents, who read a special book about Ramadan called ‘Ilyas & Duck: Ramadan Joy!’ by Omar Khawaja. This delightful story captures the spirit of discovery and the joy of Ramadan. As the holy month begins, Duck is excited—until he learns that he cannot eat or drink until sunset, which leaves him a little concerned! Through a fun rhyming adventure, students learned about the joys of Ramadan and the many blessings it brings. With surprises at every turn, the story kept them engaged and eager to learn more. Thank you, Mr. Shahid and Ms. Herrera, for sharing this wonderful book with us!

D. Bedi’s mom, Ms. Bedi captured the hearts of third graders by reading a beautiful book ‘The boy who dreamed of infinity’ to us. In 1887 in India, a boy named Srinivasa Ramanujan was born, and he grew up with a natural passion for numbers. He wrote mathematics everywhere, with his finger in the sand, in pencil and ink across the pages of his notebooks. Like an archaeologist, he dusted off the hidden bones of numbers as if he were searching for longlost secrets. He had a great passion for numbers and hunger to answer the questions “What is small?” and “What is big?” On his own, he reinvented much of modern mathematics and then went far beyond, but where in the world could he find someone to understand his beautiful ideas? The book included illustrations infused with wonder capturing young Ramanujan’s quest, a journey that eventually changed mathematics and science forever.

Thank you for sharing this story with us! www.cedarhillprep.com | 9

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL NEWS

The St. Patrick’s Day Extravaganza

On Monday, March 17th, third graders embraced the St. Patrick’s Day spirit, dressed head-to-toe in festive green attire—and they weren’t alone! Ms. Kotasthane joined in the fun with her signature green hair, adding even more excitement to the celebration. Students explored the significance of Saint Patrick in Ireland’s heritage, learning about his cultural impact and legendary stories, including the famous tale of driving snakes out of Ireland. Their creativity flourished in the afternoon as they crafted shamrock ornaments and St. Patrick’s Day bracelets. It was a day filled with learning, laughter, and a little leprechaun magic!

Third Grade Shines on Poetry Day! On March 25, 2025, the third grade presented Poetry Day! Each student memorized a poem by Jack Prelutsky, choosing their own selection and practicing for weeks. They stood in front of the gym and recited their poems before an audience of parents and family members. Some students fully embraced their performances by dressing up, while others brought their poems to life through acting. No matter the approach, they were all incredibly entertaining and did a fantastic job!

10 | March Newsletter

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL NEWS Grade 4 is All A-Flutter with the Coming of Spring!

March has been a very busy and fun-filled month for Grade 4! The month began with Read Across America. Keeping with tradition, Grade 4 was thrilled to put on their Dr. Seuss hats and visit the Kindergarten classes to read a selection of Dr. Seuss books to their Kindergarten friends. Then, Grade 4 enjoyed being read to by some of our Middle Schoolers. Thank you to Ava Parikh-Patel and Demi Roth, Grade 8, for visiting Class 4B in Language Arts/Social Studies, and Samarth Dakhera and Agasthya Mabbu, Grade 5, for visiting Class 4A in Math/Science! You made it a totally fun-filled experience!!!

Before we knew it, we were adorned in green as we celebrated St. Patrick’s Day. The day’s activities included green poetry. To commemorate the beginning of Ramadan, Milan and Nyle shared their traditions with us. We always appreciate the students’ sharings of their cultures. Thank you!

Grade 4 celebrated one March birthday as another 4th grader was welcomed into the “Double Digit Club.” Happy Birthday wishes for Arjun upon his 10th birthday!

Before we began working on the posters for Poetry Day, Grade 4 students had an opportunity to evaluate the trifolds the created for our Black American Living History Program. This activity helped them to better understand what qualities are needed for a visual presentation.

On March 25h, CHP’s Elementary Grades held their annual Poetry Day programs.

Grade 4’s Poetry Day presentations highlighted poems that are reflective of the American landscape.

The students researched their respective poets and wrote introductions for their poems. These narrations provided the audience with some insight as to why the students selected these poems, while others chose to provide insight into the lives and motivations of these poets. Each poetry recitation was highlighted by the students’ original artwork that reflected the messages within their poems.

Congratulations 4th graders for your wonderful performances!

During the last weekend in March, nine 4th graders traveled to Princeton University to participate in the International Academic Competitions for the Regional Geography, History, and Science Bees.

Congratulations to Arjun, Christian, Nicholas, Agastya, Snehal, Nikhil, Nikita, Nyle, and Milan for their participation in these Bees! We have already learned that several of our 4th graders have qualified to advance to the National Finals of the IAC Bees as well as the Internationals! As we are still awaiting news of all the students who may have qualified to advance to the National Finals in Orlando (May 2025), International History Bee in Paris (2005), and the International Geography Bee in Thailand (2006), we will provide the updated information in next month’s newsletter.

www.cedarhillprep.com | 11

Garden State Debate League Cedar Hill Prep Debate Team Shines with Record-Breaking Performance!

Cedar Hill Prep’s debate team delivered a record-breaking performance at this weekend’s highly competitive tournament, featuring 152 speakers and 51 teams. With 11 teams (33 participants) representing CHP, an unprecedented 9 out of 11 teams secured awards, marking a historic achievement for the school.

Overall Wins Golden Gavel Winner (Best Speaker out of 152 speakers): A. Mohamed Top 10 Speaker Awards 22 CHP students ranked in the Top 10—an unmatched feat in the last 12 years.

2nd Best Team Overall TEAM DDM (A. Mabbu, S. Desai, S. Dakhera) School Awards 1st Place for Total Wins by Percentage (63% - 28/44 debates won) 2nd Place for Total Wins by Points (28/44 debates won) 3rd Place Speaker: S. Genupur, 4th Place Speakers: R. Aman, A. Dandona; 5th Place Speaker: T. Patel; 6th place speakers - C. Bristol; S. Dakhera; A. Patel; 7th Place (Top Speakers for Cedar Hill Prep School): L. Trotta, N. Garofalo, A. Kahlon, A. Mabbu; 8th Place Speakers: N. Kim, E. Backenroth, V. Patel; 9th Place Speakers: S. Doshi, S. Gupta, V. Badhan 10th Place Speakers: Z. Shirley, I. Gupta.

Congratulations to all our debaters for their dedication, critical thinking, and teamwork! This remarkable performance underscores Cedar Hill Prep’s commitment to excellence in public speaking, critical thinking, and debate. The school congratulates all participants for their hard work, dedication, and impressive achievements on this competitive stage.

12 | March Newsletter

Once again, Cedar Hill Prep’s students in grades 4 through 8 were well represented at the Regional Finals of the International Academic Competitions. This Saturday, March 29, seventeen of CHP’s students in grades 4 through 6 participated in the Regional Geography, History, and Science Bees at Princeton University. Based on their success at the Princeton Regionals, we have received notice that several of our Middle School students and 4th graders have qualified to advance to the National Finals in the Geography, History, and Science Bees Orlando, May 2025)…as well as the International in History (Paris 2025) and International in Geography (Thailand 2026).

When the Regional competitions finish by mid-May, we will have a full count of all of our students who have advanced to the Finals and Internationals.

Congratulations to ALL for your participation and success!

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MIDDLE MIDDLESCHOOL SCHOOLNEWS NEWS Grade 6 Explores the Power of Wind at iFly On March 20th, Spring welcomed a class trip to iFly, where Grade 6 students had the opportunity to explore weather and the power of wind through hands-on learning. As part of their Science and Math curriculum, students began with a STEM activity focused on parachutes, where they learned about drag, velocity, and acceleration.

The highlight of the trip was experiencing the wind tunnel firsthand, allowing students to connect theoretical concepts to real-life applications. This immersive experience gave them a greater appreciation for the impact of weather and the forces at play. A big thank you to iFly Edison for providing such an enriching and educational experience!

Green Team Welcomes Spring with a Pollinator Garden!

Students in the Green Team elective (grades 5-8) embraced the arrival of spring by planting seeds for pollinator-friendly plants in repurposed milk jugs, which now serve as mini terrariums. They planted sunflower seeds and two varieties of lavender to create a thriving environment for pollinators. Each day during recess, Green Team members will water and care for the plants, watching them grow throughout the season.

Spring has officially sprung for the Green Team!

National Rising Talent Classical Music Festival Grand Prize -Y. Subramaniam- 6A Y. Subramaniam Wins Grand Prize at National Music Festival We are excited to share that 6th grader Y. Subramaniam has won the Grand Prize for Piano at the National Rising Talent Music Festival! This impressive achievement has earned him an invitation to perform at the renowned Victor Borge Concert Hall at Scandinavia House in New York City on May 10th in front of an audience of approximately 200 people. After his performance, he will receive his well-deserved trophy and award. Subramaniam’s success is a direct result of his dedication and consistent practice, as well as the exceptional guidance of his teacher, Ms. Cristina Altamura, who has mentored him since 2022. His winning piece, Prokofiev’s Tarantella Op. 65, No. 4, highlights his remarkable progress and deep passion for music. With his sights set on performing a solo at Carnegie Hall, this milestone is an exciting step in his musical journey!

14 | March Newsletter

Click Here to Watch Performance

MIDDLE SCHOOL NEWS Wind, Words, and Wonder: A Spring Adventure at NJIN On March 25th, fifth and sixth graders gathered at NJIN for their monthly experiential learning outing. The day began with Tai Chi, followed by a scavenger hunt for natural materials to build small shelters. Each shelter could be no more than one foot tall and was tested against three different wind speeds using a fan. Students constructed structures using materials such as stacked slate, twigs, leaves, and other natural elements. As they worked, the bulls on the farm watched curiously, intrigued by our young builders. Impressively, every structure withstood all wind speeds.

Afterward, students relaxed by the pond, engaging in freewriting in their handmade journals. The sun cast shimmering reflections on the water, warming their faces as they wrote. This month’s trip was a perfect way to welcome spring, and we can’t wait for next month’s adventure at NJIN!

Exploring Math in Nature: A Day at the Farm On a bright spring morning, the 7th and 8th graders took on the role of land surveyors at the farm. They measured different areas of the farm and applied their knowledge of scale factor from math class, allowing them to connect their learning to real-world applications. In addition, they visited the horses and hiked to the top of a hill to enjoy the beautiful view.

Grade 8 Girls Explore STEM at Princeton University Grade 8 girls from Cedar Hill Prep had an inspiring and engaging experience at the Young Women’s Conference in STEM at Princeton University. Throughout the day, they participated in a variety of hands-on science activities, sparking curiosity and excitement for STEM fields. The keynote speaker, a Quantum Physicist, emphasized the importance of encouraging more young women to pursue careers in STEM and shared insights into the limitless opportunities in science and technology.

One of the highlights of the day was an electrifying chemistry demonstration, where balloons filled with hydrogen and helium created an explosive BOOM—a thrilling reminder of the power of scientific discovery! This experience reinforced our students’ passion for exploration, problem-solving, and innovation, embodying the IB approach to inquiry and real-world learning.

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MIDDLE SCHOOL NEWS Marshmallow Math: Grade 6 Proves Pi in a Sweet Way! Science is about proving and disproving theories, and Grade 6 took Pi Day (3/14) as an opportunity to prove Pi! Using mini marshmallows, followed by regular-sized and finally jumbo-sized marshmallows, students demonstrated that Pi remains constant regardless of a circle’s circumference. We celebrated while reflecting on the reliability of data and margins of error— all while enjoying some... marshmallows, of course!

Happy Birthday, Albert Einstein, and Happy Pi Day to all from the Grade 6 Science class!

CHP Middle School Students Celebrate Pi Day with Fun and Record-Breaking Feats!

CHP Middle School Students Celebrate Pi Day with Fun and RecordBreaking Feats! Middle school students at CHP know how to celebrate one of the most elusive and irrational numbers—pi!

They participated in hands-on activities related to circles and pi, taught and led engaging lessons for their younger peers, and, of course, indulged in delicious pie.

Beyond the math class festivities, ten exceptional students from grades 5-8 showcased their mathematical skills in a thrilling challenge: memorizing the decimals of pi. Eighth grader M. Indupuru amazed everyone by reciting an incredible 506 digits, setting a new CHP school record! Our second and third-place winners, fifth graders V. Vijayaraj and M. Krovi, impressed us by recalling 300 and 252 digits, respectively. Their dedication and enthusiasm for mathematics made this Pi Day celebration a truly inspiring success! As a special reward, all students received their very own pi-themed pencil.

16 | March Newsletter

SPECIALS Celebrating Mardi Gras at CHP! Our annual Mardi Gras celebration was a vibrant display of culture, learning, and fun! The festivities began with a spirited skit performed by our Grade 6 students, who brought the traditions and excitement of Mardi Gras to life on stage. Following the performance, students deepened their understanding of the festival’s cultural significance through an informative video.

The event concluded with a lively Kahoot competition, where students tested their Mardi Gras knowledge in a fun and interactive way. This celebration was an excellent opportunity for our students to engage with and explore different cultural traditions, all while fostering teamwork and enthusiasm. We are incredibly proud of their active participation and curiosity!

WILDCATS SPORTS Coach Frankie Receives Prestigious NJAHPERD Awards at Annual Convention On Monday, February 24, 2025, Dawn Francavilla, “Coach Frankie,” attended the NJAHPERD Annual Convention at the Westin Princeton Forrestal Village, where she received two esteemed awards.

Honor Award: This is the highest award presented by NJAHPERD, and the recipients are designated as HONOR AWARD FELLOWS of the Association.

It is the most prestigious honor bestowed upon one of our members, awarded based on service to our profession, continuous involvement in our Association, and dedication to enhancing the goals and objectives of quality health, physical education, recreation, or dance through word, action, and deed.

Presidential Citation: This special award is presented to a member in appreciation of their leadership, support, and contributions to the Association and the profession. Recipients of this award are selected at the sole discretion of the NJAHPERD President. Cedar Hill Prep Principal Don Seeley and Cedar Hill Prep Athletic Director Courtney Tierney were among the many guests present to support Coach Frankie.

She was sincerely grateful to be recognized for her awards and to have the love and support of family, friends, and colleagues present to celebrate her accomplishments. www.cedarhillprep.com | 17

AROUND THE SCHOOL Family Fun Night: A Pi Day to Remember!

Cedar Hill Prep’s Family Fun Night on Pi Day was a fantastic celebration of fun, learning, and community spirit! It was wonderful to see families come together to enjoy an evening filled with laughter and friendly competition. From the hilarious Pie in the Face game to the Einstein Look-Alike Contest, where V. Shukla took home the top prize, the excitement never stopped! Families also sang their hearts out at karaoke, battled it out in board games, showed off their moves in the hula hoop contest, and got creative with face painting and art activities.

Cedar Hill Prep Chess Champions Congratulations to our talented students who demonstrated strategy, skill, and sportsmanship at our latest chess competition!

K-2 Section 1st Place: A. Bobade 2nd Place: R. Jayasuriya 3rd Place: A. Amin

Open Section 1st Place: A. Mohamed 2nd Place: I. Shahid 3rd Place: N. Kim

Beyond the competition, chess helps sharpen critical thinking, enhance problem-solving skills, and build resilience—valuable qualities that benefit our students in academics and beyond. A special thank you to our dedicated chess coach, Mr. Farai Mandizha, an International Chess Master, for his guidance and mentorship in helping our students excel!

18 | March Newsletter

AROUND THE SCHOOL Showcasing the Classrooms – March 13 Recap On Wednesday, March 13, Cedar Hill Prep hosted Showcasing the Classrooms, giving parents a glimpse into their child’s next academic step. Families had the opportunity to visit the teachers and classrooms their child will enter next year, learn about the curriculum, and ask questions.

The event provided valuable insights into the learning experience at CHP, allowing parents to engage with faculty and understand the expectations for the upcoming school year.

For those who couldn’t attend, the next Showcasing the Classrooms event will take place on Wednesday, May 28.

Celebrating Our Young Performers!

We are thrilled to recognize the incredible talents of our students who showcased their singing, dancing, and instrumental skills with confidence and enthusiasm. Each performance was a testament to their hard work, creativity, and dedication.

Kindergarten – 1st Grade Singing: S. Sarangi Dancing: J. Countee, N. Joshi & A. Joshi (duo), K. Singh Instruments: O. Patel (Drums) 2nd – 3rd Grade Singing: S. Shah, R. De Silva & C. Ganthier (duo), A. Bobade Dancing: I. Joshi, K. Peng, M. Patel 4th – 6th Grade Singing: I. James, Y. Subramaniam, V. Rott, C. Bristol Dancing: C. Byrd & O. Patel (duo), M. Krovi Instruments: L. Romaine (Drums) A huge congratulations to all the students who participated —getting up on stage takes tremendous courage, and each of you shined! Parents of the students listed above are invited to attend the school-wide performance on Thursday, April 17, 2025, at 9:00 AM. Performances will follow the order listed, starting with the youngest group and moving to the oldest. We are so proud of our talented performers and can’t wait to see them light up the stage!

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CHP EDUCATION AND RESEARCH FOUNDATION PARENT TEACHER ORGANIZATION

SAVE THE DATES

We’re excited to announce that the CHP PTO Facebook Page has been reactivated! Stay informed, engage with fellow parents, and get updates on upcoming events. We invite you to join us and be part of the conversation!

UPCOMING APPRECIATION DAYS April 23

| School Bus Driver Appreciation Day

May 1

| School Principal Appreciation Day

Let’s take a moment to recognize Mr Mac & Ms Chayenne for their dedication in safely transporting our students every day. A special morning treat will help brighten their day!

Join us in celebrating Mr. Seeley for his leadership, dedication, and commitment to our school’s success.

May 5-9 | Teacher Appreciation Week

We will be honoring our incredible teachers with themed dress-up days, treats, and special surprises throughout the week. Keep an eye out for an email with details on how you can contribute!

May 8

| School Nurse Appreciation Day

From band-aids to kind words, Nurse Loretta takes care of our students with warmth and dedication. Let’s show our appreciation with a heartfelt thank-you and some well-deserved treats.

March Pizza with the Principal Students enjoyed another exciting Pizza with the Principal session with Mr. Seeley! This monthly tradition gives students a chance to share their thoughts, ask questions, and connect with our school leadership—all over a delicious slice of pizza. These gatherings foster a sense of community and encourage open dialogue, making every student feel heard and valued. We look forward to the next one!

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Multicultural Celebration Poetry Day (Grades 5-8) Spring Play

Poetry Day (Pre and PreK) Science Fair (Pre-K) Teacher Appreciation Day Science Fair (5-8) Science Fair (1-4) Spring Concert Art Exhibit Showcasing Classrooms Sports Banquet

Grades 7 and 8 Dance Junior Olympics/Field Day Water Play Day Celebration of Achievements Graduation Ceremonies (Kindergarten and Grade 4) Grade 8 Graduation

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to the March Staff Birthdays!

Donna Pizappi, Cheyanne Daniel, Sandra Kusulas, and Peter McPherson Happy 60th Birthday, Donna Pizappi!

Cedar Hill Prep wishes a very special Happy Birthday to our incredible bookkeeper, Donna Pizappi! Donna is the heart of our school’s finances, keeping everything running smoothly with her dedication, attention to detail, and warm spirit. Join us in celebrating this milestone and wishing Donna a fantastic year ahead, filled with joy, laughter, and all the happiness she brings to CHP every day! Happy 60th, Donna! www.cedarhillprep.com | 21

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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22 | March Newsletter

CHP Debate

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