November Newsletter 2022

CEDAR HILL PREPARATORY SCHOOL

November Newsletter Fall Play

House System Officer Elections 2022-2023

On Wednesday, November 2nd, the CHP House System held its officer elections for the 2022-2023 school year. The candidates each ran a great campaign. They designed their own promotional visuals announcing their campaign message and candidate qualifications which they hung all around the Middle School building. Each House gathered as a group and listened to their candidates’ speeches before taking turns voting electronically in booths divided by their respective Houses.

On Thursday, Nov. 17, 2022, the House winners took the oath of fulfilling their leadership duties for the 2022-23 school year. Congratulations on a well-run campaign to all our candidates and especially to our newly appointed student cabinet members!

CHEROKEE

Leader: Ananya Mehta

Assistant Leader: Basava Kethineni & Jwala Rajnikanth Speaker: Aryan Cherukuri Scribe: Vihaan Bal Arbitrator: Ayan Joshi Historian: Samaira Doshi Steward: Tanish Patel

LENAPE

Leader: Mahadev Menon

Assistant Leader: Revant Jear Speaker: Aakash Mehta Scribe: Milana Gujral Arbitrator: Anaya Raju & Aarnaa Desai Historian: Anya Patel Steward: Lily Trotta

RAMAPO

Leader: Motunrayo Odukoya

Assistant Leader: Sahith Mangu Speaker: Siana Mupiddi Scribe: Amber Davis Arbitrator: Shameek Parab & Rishabh Dagli Historian: Sahasra Genupur Steward: Vishnu Badhan

SHAWNEE

Leader: Tanvi Potluri

Assistant Leader: Sharon Kim Speaker: Dhruv Parram Scribe: Nico Garofalo

Arbitrator: Riya Dagli & Reina Fontaine Historian: Meghana Indupuru Steward: Avya Kumar

PRESCHOOL - KINDERGARTEN NEWS

Preschool Election Day

The election process is not just for older kids and adults! Preschoolers at Cedar Hill Prep got to participate in their own voting activity. After listening to a story about voting, they learned that they can make choices too. The children were asked to vote for their favorite snack – pretzels or veggie straws. After careful consideration, the children made their decision. Veggie straws won by a landslide!

Preschool Family Traditions

We love family traditions. It is a beautiful way to build happy memories together with family and friends. Children in preschool were asked to make a “family traditions” collage of pictures that captured memories of their yearly traditions with their families. Some of their traditions were annual summer or holiday trips, birthday celebrations, and holiday parties. Each student talked about their collage as they shared their cultures and celebrations with the class.

Click Here to See More Students

Preschool Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is a time when we count our blessings and celebrate with our family and friends. The preschool class discussed the things that they are thankful to have in their lives. Some of the things they are thankful for are their toys, family, parents, and food. For a Thanksgiving craft, the preschoolers designed their own paper turkeys with different colored feathers. On each feather was a letter in their name. The children glued their feathers in the correct order to spell their names. Then, as a group, the children made a Friendship Fruit Salad. Each child brought in an item to contribute to this fruit salad cornucopia. Everyone enjoyed combining the ingredients together. But the best part was eating it!!

PRESCHOOL - KINDERGARTEN

Pre-Kindergarten Thanksgiving

The Pre-Kindergarten class celebrated the Thanksgiving holiday with a class party! We learned about different Thanksgiving traditions and what it means to be thankful. Each student had the opportunity to tell their classmates what they are thankful for and what they will be doing with their families for Thanksgiving this year. Afterward, the children had a great time making edible cornucopias!

Kindergarten Thanksgiving

Just as the Pilgrims and American Indians joined together for their first Thanksgiving Feast, both kindergarten classes joined together and listened to the story, “The Night Before Thanksgiving.” Afterward, the children created their own cornucopias. Each child filled their sugar cone with delicious grapes, blueberries, bananas, apples, and a touch of whipped cream. This made for a great Pre-Thanksgiving treat!

Election Day

The Kindergarten children learned all about Election Day!! We read “Duck For President” and learned that, while all of us have the freedom to choose who or what we like best, it is the most accumulated votes that determine the winner. To practice, we voted on what were our favorite cookies – the candidates were chocolate chip cookies, Oreo cookies, and animal cookies. Each child voted and we tallied up the votes. Chocolate Chip Cookies won!!!

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL NEWS

Veterans Day

In honor of Veterans Day, Kindergarten through Grade 2 enjoyed a visit from Ms. Christine Smith, a Naval Petty Officer First Class and Grade 1 parent. Ms. Christine spoke about where she was stationed and what it was like to be in the Navy. She reviewed the different details of her military uniform and graciously took several questions from the students. Ms. Smith also talked about how to respect the American flag and showed the children the proper way to fold the flag. Did you know that it takes 13 folds to fold it properly? Thank you for your service, Ms. Smith, and thank you to all our veterans!

1st and 2nd Grade NJIN Field Trip

First and second graders had an active and exciting day on our NJIN Trip. We started off with a horse activity, where we learned about the grooming and anatomy of a horse. After the horse activity, we took a walk around the lake and wrote down things in nature that matched the Gratitude Scavenger Hunt. Then we listened to a Native story by the lake and answered critical-thinking questions about the story. Finally, we shook Native Rain Shakers while we shared our own stories.

Election Day in Grade 3

On Tuesday, November 8th, third graders learned about the Midterm Elections by viewing a PowerPoint presentation about the Senate and the House of Representatives. Students were extremely curious, asking many questions about the experience of going to the polls and how to cast their votes once they turn 18. We discussed how voting is private and is done in a booth. After our class discussion, students participated in a mock election, voting on Oreos versus chips! Each student filled out a ballot, then entered one at a time into our class “voting booth.” To make the experience feel more real, students even received an “I Voted” sticker afterward! Third graders were very excited to hear the results after voting. In 3A, the winner by one vote was chips! In 3B, the winner by two points was Oreos! After Mrs. Kotasthane and Mrs. Martinez voted, the overall winner was chips by one vote. Great job voting, third graders! We are confident you’ll know what to do when it’s your turn to vote in our government’s elections

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Grade 3 Mystery Readers

On Friday, November 18, third graders were treated to not one but two mystery readers! In the morning, Ishana’s mom came and read “Gratitude is My Superpower,” a wonderful book that tied in perfectly with the Thanksgiving holiday. In the story, a little girl named Betsy learns how to practice gratitude with the help of a magic stone given to her by her mother. Betsy realizes that everything happening around us is how it is supposed to be and has something good for someone. Students really enjoyed this story and were able to reflect on what they are thankful for.

In the afternoon, Cecilia’s grandmother came and read a story entitled “The Couch Potato.” In the story, the Couch Potato has everything within reach and doesn’t have to move from the sunken cushions. But when the electricity goes out, Couch Potato is forced to peel away from the couch and venture outside. Could fresh air and sunshine possibly be better than the views on screen? This story opened the children’s eyes to how important it is to stay active and explore the world around them.

November Super Students

Every month, a few third grade students are selected as Super Students. These students have exhibited exceptional behavior both inside and outside of the classroom. They complete a poster that showcases who they are, including their “super student power” and what they would do to make the world a better place. The Super Students for the month of November are Conor, Arham, and Mahalakshmi.

Conor described himself as a tremendous team player. He thinks there are too many guns in the world and wishes to improve the amount of violence that goes on.

Arham described himself as a tremendous team player and an awesome athlete! He wishes there were no more wars in the world and enjoys playing Roblox in his spare time.

Mahalakshmi described herself as an amazing artist, a harmonious helper, and a ravenous reader. Mahalakshmi never hesitates to help others inside and outside of the classroom. She wishes she could fix Covid-19 and the impact it has had on the world.

Grade 4 Welcomes 2 Students to Our CHP Community

During October and November, Grade 4 was thrilled to welcome two new students and their families to our community! Welcome, Aiden Nguyen and Agasthya Mabbu!

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL NEWS

Electromagnets

Third graders made their own electromagnets in science and planned and conducted an investigation related to it. Magnets that use electricity to produce a magnetic force are called electromagnets. The students wrapped about 10 cm of wire around a bolt. They then attached each end of the wire to a battery holder by connecting it to a metal piece at each end. Then they placed the battery in the holder. They tested their electromagnet by bringing a pile of paper clips near it and counting the number of paper clips the electromagnet could hold. They then recorded their observations. Students predicted what would happen if the wire was wrapped around 25 times and then performed the experiment again, noting their observations. After analyzing and interpreting the data, they concluded that more paper clips were attracted to the electromagnet.

Grade 4 Celebrates November Birthdays!

During November, another two 4th graders celebrated their doubledigit birthdays!! Happy Birthday to Armaan and Nehemiah – we hope your birthdays were filled with joy!

Kids Can Make a Difference!

The first theme in Grade 4’s Open Court Reading Anthology was “Making a Difference.” Through their readings, Grade 4 realized that we all have many opportunities to make a difference in the lives of others – and that kids can make a difference too! After reading how a few kids were able to help a very shy child gain confidence, Grade 4 also learned that Louis Braille began inventing his braille system at the age of 12! This information was inspirational to the students and served as a springboard for narrative writings about how each of them has made a difference in the life of someone else. As you pass by the 4th grade classrooms, stop for a moment, and read some of the narratives hanging outside of our doors!

Grade 4 Explores the Globe!

Following the footsteps of previous 4th grade students, the Class of 2022-2023 is collaborating in a real living “Hop on Board” project, travelling along various latitudinal and longitudinal lines in search of continents, countries, and major waterways. This ongoing project will take the students on an in-depth exploration of our Earth and all that lies within.

Grades 3 and 4 Visit the NJIN Farm in November

Grades 3 & 4 experienced another beautiful fall day at the farm! During this second NJIN trip, the students were able to interact with the horses while Ms. Caitlin taught them about horse anatomy. It was interesting to watch the students act warily around the horses at first, then become more comfortable as the lesson progressed.

Mrs. Wallant accompanied us on this trip and she added another dimension to our Nature Scavenger Hunt as the students engaged in an Andrew Goldsworthy inspired project. Using objects they collected of their own choosing, each student built a 3-dimensional natural structure around a chosen piece of foliage, log, or other natural object. Their results were so creative and architecturally sound!

The day culminated with a sensory awareness activity where each student found a quiet spot, a different location from their last visit, where they could sit quietly and observe the nature around them while drawing/writing what they saw. This has become a favorite activity as the students enjoy the feelings of calmness and peace. Once again, no one wanted to leave!

3rd and 4th Graders learned about the incredible sculptor, Andrew Goldsworthy, who builds sculptures from his immediate environment. Andrew explores time as an element of art composition. His work demonstrates how time changes, moves, and erodes nature. The only way Andrew Goldsworthy can keep his ever-morphing sculptures before they change is to take a photograph at the most dramatic moment. For Andrew’s work, change can happen quickly or take 20 years – at the Jewish Heritage Museum, some tiny oak seedlings he planted in holes drilled in huge boulders now, twenty years later, have cracked the boulders as the trees have grown enormous and full of life. Inspired by what they learned about Andrew, students collected at least 20 elements to assemble into their own sculptures. Grasses, sticks, leaves, flowers, pinecones, and pine needles. They found a site to build on – open grass, around a tree, in the tall cattails, or in the branches of a pine tree. Some sculptures were built by the pond, near a chair, or even on a trellis. Some items blew away quickly like cattail fluff, leaves, and grass. Some were static like heavy sticks, logs, stones, and pinecones.

Click to See Students Artwork

Check out more about Andrew Goldsworthy: “Leaning Into the Wind” Andrew Goldsworthy Movie

Andrew Goldsworthy Inspired Sculptures

MIDDLE SCHOOL NEWS

Middle School Overnight Trip

Our middle schoolers were overjoyed to travel to PA for their first away-trip adventure since the pandemic! The middle school overnight trip is a beloved tradition for CHP 5th-8th graders and this year, they got to have three whole days at the Poconos Environmental Education Center (PEEC) in Dingman’s Ferry, PA! Our young people enjoyed a full schedule of exploration and team building in this experiential learning environment. Activities included fossil hunting, canoeing, ridge hiking, bat and beaver dam education, camping essentials, and astronomy under the full moon – just to name a few! Students bonded over mealtimes and campfires, singing together, and savoring gooey s’mores. The CHP staff had a great time with the students. We are all bringing back life-long memories of our experiences and learning at PEEC. Thank you to all the parents and faculty for this incredible annual event that is such an enriching part of our school community. We are CHP!

Grade 6 Tea Party

This year, 6th-grade decided to read a novel together as a class titled “The View From Saturday.” This book tells the story of four middle-school students who are selected as a team to participate in an academic bowl and wind up becoming best friends. While preparing for the bowl, they get together every Saturday for a tea party at Sillington House at where they talk, play, and complete projects. Not only do they end up winning the academic bowl, but they become friends for a lifetime! In honor of the book, the 6th graders were treated to a tea party. They walked into “Sillington House” where they were treated to tables adorned with tablecloths, centerpieces, and place settings. In the background, Vivaldi’s “The Four Seasons” played giving the event a real grandeur. Raspberry and orange teas along with gourmet cookies were served and students were even trying to display their best British accents. It was a really fun and friend-filled time!

FBI Violence Protection Seminar

A representative from the FBI and Somerset Police Department addressed middle schoolers about digital citizenship and safety on the internet and social media. FBI designed this program on Violence Prevention to bring awareness, inform, and engage students, parents, and teachers at public and private academic facilities from grades 5-8. This 1.5-hour session was led and presented by FBI Community Outreach Specialist Agent Arnold Adams co-hosting with Officer Dawn Flanders of the Franklin Township Police department (1st Responders to the school.) Students participated in the discussion. Topics such as cyberbullying and online predators were discussed. This important event delivered a higher community understanding and promoted participation to improve a critical subject matter.

SPECIALS

DRAMA

Fall Play: Knock Knock

On Friday, November 18th, the Drama Department presented its first show of the year — a one-act comedy entitled “Knock, Knock.” The story follows two package delivery workers, Logan and Sam, and the mishaps they encounter along their routes. We are so proud of our students and their hard work and dedication to this process. Many thanks to all who made the play possible - and stay tuned for our Spring Musical Announcement!

Grade 4 Fall French Project

Grade 4 students celebrated Fall with a scarecrow project in French class. They learned Fall vocabulary words and how to describe the weather. The students also created a brochure about the population in France, the currency used, French food, and famous French monuments.

Grade 1 Owl Puppets

Who created puppets out of paper bags? Our first-grade students, that’s who! Using a paper lunch bag for the owl’s body and then paper paint cups for the eyes, students used their creative license to cut a variety of shapes and paste them onto the bag in order to complete their nocturnal flying friend!

Grade 2 Yarn Pumpkin Patch

Our second-grade artists created Pumpkin Patch Collages! In addition to drawing, cutting, layering, and pasting down organic paper shapes, the students topped their creations off by gluing yarn around the pumpkins. Look at the wonderful variety and creative expression of these pumpkins!

Figure Drawing Lesson

Students in Grades 3 through 8 observed figure diagrams and charts. They practiced drawing figures with skeletons and muscles in proportion. The students then drew Gesture Drawings of figures in action poses. Each student had the opportunity to pose for 1 minute for the class. They found it isn’t easy to be a model and it’s hard to capture the movement in one minute! Everyone did a great job and learned a lot about figure drawing.

Art Elective

Art Elective Students learned sewing mechanics and artistry. The students discovered many different stitches and explored the processes of pattern making, fabric painting, weaving, and more!

WILDCATS SPORTS

Basketball Training

CHP kicked off this year’s basketball season with tryouts for the boy’s and girl’s teams. After a few days of tryouts, Coach Deisher picked his 2022-2023 teams!

On the girl’s side, a total of eight girls showed up for tryouts and earned spots. Coach Deisher laid the foundation in a combined boys and girls team meeting wherein he discussed the core elements of success from legendary Coach Jon Wooden’s Pyramid of Success. Having established groundwork for a success mindset, Coach Deisher and Coach Yollia began training their teams in skills and strategies. We look forward to a rewarding season with a busy calendar of meets in the upcoming months!

Basketball Schedule

AROUND THE SCHOOL

Pizza with the Principal

On Friday, December 2nd our students enjoyed another Pizza with the Principal. Students really enjoy seeing which of them will be chosen by a teacher for their caring behavior in school each month. It is amazing motivation for our students, and those who get to eat with Principal Seeley always enjoy the quiet time to talk with him and express their thoughts. We love our school – and our wonderful Principal!

AROUND THE SCHOOL

CHP Diwali Celebration!

CHP celebrated Diwali on Friday, November 4th. Many in attendance wore gorgeous traditional sarees and kurtas, students prepared and performed a beautiful dance, ceremonial lights were lit by Principal Seeley, and we all really enjoyed our delicious Diwali feast. These celebrations are so important for our school community to share and are only possible through the creativity, donations, time, and effort of our CHP staff and families. Thank you all – we love celebrating our traditions together!

Peace Day

On Monday, October 31, 2022, the Cedar Hill Prep School Community participated in a K-8 “Peace Day” activity organized by Coach Frankie. Cedar Hill Prep School partnered with a local Starbucks and Panera and the students decorated coffee cups and/or coffee cup sleeves with peace messages. Once the coffee cups and coffee cup sleeves were decorated, Coach Frankie returned them to Starbucks and Panera where they were distributed to customers. This was a great way for our students to share a smile with others! Cedar Hill Prep School will continue to share monthly peace messages with Starbucks and Panera to spread peace and kindness throughout the Community.

“Generosity is giving more than you can, and pride is taking less than you need” Khalil Gibran

Archery

WOW! Archery was so much fun this Fall! Both the Archery Elective and Archery Club did an amazing job. Not only did we learn the basics about archery terminology, safety, and equipment, we learned how to shoot properly and we had lots of fun! We shot for points and also played Archery TicTac-Toe, “21”, and “PIG” (similar to HORSE in basketball). Both the Elective and Club won The Bottle Challenge which included knocking down recyclables off a shelf. Every child showed significant improvement and archery competence and learned how to analyze their shooting “groupings” to make adjustments for better accuracy and consistency. We are looking forward to the Spring and more Archery fun!

Welcome Back CHP Community!!

Our Next PTO meeting will be on December 14th at 7:00pm. The meeting will be via Zoom and we will be discussing upcoming events and fundraisers for the year. Be on the lookout for an email with details regarding the meeting.

If you have not signed up and wish to join one of the PTO Committees, please click the link below:

CHP 2022-2023 Committee Sign Up

Storybook Pumpkin Challenge Winners

CHP celebrated the Halloween season with our pumpkin painting contest, based on students’ favorite fiction characters. The First Place winner was Pout Pout Fish, from the Pout Pout series by Deborah Diesen. Second Place went to Mouse from “If you Give a Mouse a Cookie” by Laura Numeroff. Third place was Pigeon, from the Pigeon Book Series by Mo Willems. Congratulations to the winners!!

It’s the time for giving!

CHP’s food drive last week brought in over 1,000 items that will be distributed to the Zarephath Food Pantry! This event was put on by the CHP Pays It Forward Committee and everyone participating was even MORE encouraged to give from the fact it was a friendly house competition. Our Lenape house came in first with 100 house points, Shawnee second at 75, Cherokee 3rd with 50 points, and Ramapo with 25. We love giving back to our community and working together. Congratulations to all for helping our community!

Thank you for all the continued donations as we were able to refresh the inventory. Remember, all of your donations for the resale go back into the school to help pay for events for our children and teachers/staff. Click Here for Uniform Resale Link

Join the Alumni Instagram and Facebook Page

Stay connected and network with the CHP Community. You will receive invitations to events as well as the latest CHP and academic news. This will also allow us to share news and acknowledge all your achievements. Be Part of the Alumni Community Today! Join and share with family and friends to follow and like!

Happy Birthday to Denise Galiano and Sherine Gergesse, who celebrated their birthdays in November!