CHP Robotics Elective: Building Skills, Building Robots
The Robotics Elective at CHP introduces students to the fundamentals of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) through hands-on experiences in building, programming, and controlling both virtual and live robots. Along the way, students develop essential skills in teamwork, problem-solving, and confidence, applying their knowledge in exciting competitions.
As part of the FLL (First Lego League), the CHP Robotics team competes in various tournaments and scrimmages throughout the year. Recently, our Middle School students (Grades 5-8) participated in their first event of the year, the FLL Bound Brook Bash, hosted by Bound Brook High School. This competitive qualifying event saw over 22 teams in action.
Our very own Wildcats@CHP team—comprising Y. Subramaniam, S. Desai, C. J. Bristol, and N.J. Kim —made us proud by embodying FLL's Core Values of Teamwork, Discipline, and Inclusion, both in practice and at the event. Their innovative project, the Smart Fishing Net System, earned high praise from judges and the audience alike!
A huge thank you to Ms. Verma, Ms. Iyengar, and all the parents for their unwavering support throughout this exciting journey.
PRESCHOOL - KINDERGARTEN
Lighting Up Learning
Diwali, the Indian festival of lights, is a vibrant celebration that usually lasts five days. The festival’s name comes from the rows of clay lamps, or diyas, lit to symbolize the triumph of light over darkness. Traditional Diwali customs include wearing new clothes and jewelry, enjoying sweets, exchanging gifts, and decorating homes with diyas and flowers. To learn about this special holiday, our preschoolers listened to the story Binny’s Diwali and created their own beautiful, colorful paper diyas, bringing the festive spirit into the classroom.
Family Traditions
Cheese Balls Win the Election!
Preschoolers at CHP had their own Election Day experience! Each child tasted cheese balls and veggie sticks before voting for their favorite by placing a picture of their choice into the ballot box. Once all the ballots were cast, the class tallied the votes together. The winner? Cheese Balls! This hands-on activity introduced the children to the election process in a fun and interactive way.
Family traditions are a wonderful way to create lasting memories. In preschool, children created “family traditions” collages with help from their parents, featuring pictures of their cherished yearly customs. These included annual summer or holiday trips, birthday celebrations, and holiday gatherings.
Each student presented their collage to the class, sharing stories about their traditions and learning about the diverse cultures represented in their classroom community.
PRESCHOOL - KINDERGARTEN NEWS
Preschoolers Celebrate Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on our blessings and celebrate with loved ones. During this special season, the preschoolers discussed what they were thankful for, mentioning family, toys, parents, and food as some of their cherished blessings.
For a festive craft, each child designed their own turkey using colorful feathers, with each feather displaying a letter of their name. They then arranged the feathers in the correct order to spell their name. As a class, the children created a Friendship Fruit Salad. Each child brought a fruit item to contribute, and together, they mixed the ingredients to create a delicious cornucopia of flavors. While combining the fruits was fun, eating the salad was the highlight of the activity!
Pre-Kindergarten Diwali
Celebrating the Festival of Lights in Pre-Kindergarten
Diwali, the Indian festival of lights, is celebrated over at least five days with the lighting of diyas, bursting of firecrackers, and sharing sweets with friends and family. This year, our Pre-Kindergarten class embraced the spirit of Diwali on November 7th with a joyful celebration. The students delighted in painting their own diyas and creating vibrant rangolis, making them as colorful as possible. To add to the festivities, parents from the Pre-Kindergarten classroom joined in by reading stories, assisting with Diwali crafts, and sharing special Diwali treats. The children thoroughly enjoyed celebrating this beautiful festival with their friends, making memories that shone as brightly as the diyas they created!
PRESCHOOL - KINDERGARTEN NEWS
Mock Elections in Pre-Kindergarten
The Pre-Kindergarten classes had an exciting and educational experience learning about voting and the importance of having voting rights. Each student had the opportunity to cast their vote in a ballot box and select their favorite sport from among football, soccer, and basketball. Afterwards, we counted the votes and announced the winning sport. The students had a great time participating in this activity, and they especially enjoyed coloring their “I Voted” stickers. It was a fun and meaningful way to introduce them to the concept of elections!
Pre-Kindergarten Celebrates Thanksgiving
The Pre-Kindergarten classrooms celebrated Thanksgiving with a class party. Both Pre-K A and B got together and enjoyed the Thanksgiving feast family style. The students had a wonderful time eating good food and appreciating the edible cornucopias. Along with the celebration, the students also had a dance party and made crafts that portrayed what they were thankful for and were displayed in our CHP hallways.
We ended our Thanksgiving celebration by making Turkey crowns and the kids had the opportunity to pose with our “Give Thanks” backdrop. Thanksgiving is a time to be thankful and our kids enjoyed their time with their friends.
PRESCHOOL - KINDERGARTEN NEWS
Kindergarten Votes: A Sweet Lesson on Election Day!
The Kindergarten children had a fun and educational experience learning about Election Day! We read Duck for President and discussed the importance of the freedom to choose what we like best, while understanding that the winner is determined by the majority vote. Our candidates were Chocolate Chip cookies, Oreo cookies, and Animal cookies. Each child cast their vote, and in an exciting twist, we had a three-way tie! All the cookies won! We look forward to enjoying them together on Wednesday!
Happy Thanksgiving from our Kindergarten family!
The Kindergarten children learned the true meaning of Thanksgiving. They discovered why it was so important for the Pilgrims to risk their lives and set sail on the Mayflower in search of a better life and religious freedom. Despite facing many hardships, the Pilgrims were helped by Native American friends like Squanto, who supplied them with seeds, food, and knowledge about their new home. Native Americans taught the Pilgrims the essential skills needed to survive in an unfamiliar land.
To celebrate their good fortune, the Pilgrims shared a Thanksgiving feast with their Native American friends. Inspired by this, our Kindergartners are thankful for the many blessings in their lives: loving families, friends, teachers, food, shelter, and clothing.
To celebrate their gratitude, our Kindergarten family came together for a delicious feast, sharing joy and thanks with each other.
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL NEWS
One with Nature
Grade 1 students had an engaging time exploring The Great Kapok Tree through storytelling and role-playing. Students labeled the different levels of the rainforest and wrote three compelling reasons to protect the Kapok trees. They also loved going on a Nature Walk around the lake, where they collected leaves to create beautiful nature collages.
How Plants Drink: A Celery Experiment
Ms. Majumder conducted a fascinating experiment with her students using celery stalks and food coloring. The activity was designed to help students understand and observe how a plant’s stem absorbs water and transports it to the leaves. The students watched with excitement as the vibrant food coloring traveled up the stalk, transforming the color of the leaves. This handson experiment not only demonstrated the process of capillary action but also sparked curiosity and wonder about how plants sustain themselves. To deepen their understanding, Ms. Majumder encouraged the students to discuss how this process relates to the water cycle and plant growth in nature. The experiment left a lasting impression, blending fun with learning in a memorable way.
Honoring Our Heroes: First Graders Learn and Give Thanks
In first grade, we explored the branches of the military and learned about the important role veterans play in serving and protecting our country. Students gained a deeper appreciation for the sacrifices made by these brave individuals and reflected on their contributions. As part of this meaningful lesson, students wrote heartfelt letters to thank veterans for their dedication and service. These letters were sent home with students whose parents are veterans, allowing families to share in this moment of gratitude. It was a wonderful opportunity for our young learners to express their appreciation and connect with the values of service, courage, and respect.
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL NEWS
Exploring Science!
Ms. Majumder created a thrilling pumpkin eruption at recess using carved pumpkins, food coloring, baking soda, vinegar, and dish soap.
Our pumpkin volcanoes made for a fun and educational Fall celebration!
2nd Grade Election Fun!
This month, our second graders had a blast diving into the democratic process by participating in an exciting class election to choose our beloved class cow, Milky Way! Through this activity, students learned about the importance of voting, campaigning, and having their voices heard. Our young leaders created vibrant posters, distributed flyers, and even canvassed the campus to gather support. Each student practiced persuasive speaking by sharing reasons why Milky Way deserved their votes. Their enthusiasm, teamwork, and creativity were truly inspiring!
We are proud to announce that Milky Way earned 3rd place! This hands-on experience taught valuable lessons in civic responsibility, collaboration, and persuasive communication. Congratulations to Milky Way—and to our amazing second graders!
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL NEWS
Thankful for our Mystery Readers!
The third grade welcomed M. Jalloh, who read The Boxcar Children by G. C. Warner. This book, the first in a beloved mystery series for early-to-middlegrade readers, tells the story of four orphaned children who find shelter in an abandoned railroad boxcar.
The children learn to live independently in the woods while hiding from their feared grandfather. Thank you, M. Jalloh, for sharing this wonderful book with us!
Magical Storytime
Third graders welcomed N. Patel, who read the book Gratitude is My Super Power by Alicia Ortego. In this book, little Betsy learns that happiness is made up of simple things in life, both small and big. With the help of the magic stone, she will begin to feel gratitude for her parents, friends, and toys. But what happens when little Betsy forgets to use the magic of her stone? She will realize that the power of gratitude is hidden in her heart. This lovely story is filled with charming illustrations and touching rhymes. N. Patel also brought beautiful small stones for the students that they loved. Thank you for taking the time to read to us!
Exploring Nature and Creativity
On Tuesday, November 19, the third and fourth grades embarked on an exciting trip to NJIN - Ms Nan’s Farm. The day began with a hike to the top of the mountain, where students admired the scenic view and observed horses and cows in their natural habitat. This sparked a lively discussion about life on a large farm and what it might be like to care for such majestic animals. After descending the mountain, the students participated in a Scavenger Hunt, using their Farm Journals to document their findings. They also collected natural materials like sticks and leaves to create unique sculptures, showcasing their creativity and teamwork.
Following lunch, the group gathered by the pond for a serene reflection activity. Sitting quietly, they immersed themselves in the sounds of nature, capturing their thoughts
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL NEWS SUPER STUDENTS
T. Hill
T. Hill, from Ms. Kotasthane’s class, is Third Grade’s Super Student of the Week! Tory describes herself as a Tremendous Team Player, Wonder Writer, Awesome Athlete, and Amazing Artist. In her spare time, she loves to color and enjoys listening to rap and jazz music. Hill’s family includes her mom, dad, grandma, grandpa, sister, and brothers. If she were a superhero, she would choose G.M. Toulouse and K. Wu Peng as her sidekicks. Her favorite book is Mr Amazing Fox, and if she could star in a movie, it would definitely be about animals. Hill’s wish for the world is to stop littering, and when she’s happy, she thinks of the color green. With her friends, she loves chatting about random things. Her creativity, kindness, and positive energy make her an outstanding Super Student!
I. Johnson
I. Johnson, from Ms. Haynoski’s class, is also Third Grade’s Super Student of the Week! Ian sees himself as a Ravenous Reader and a Stellar Computer Scientist. His theme song is “We’re Not Going to Take It!” and his superpower is reading. Johnson’s ideal sidekicks would be his mom and dad, and his favorite topic to discuss with friends is books. He enjoys reading during his free time and dreams of starring in a movie about solving the climate crisis. Johnson’s wish for the world is for people to get more excited about reading. If he made the front page of a newspaper, the headline would announce his ability to solve all problems without the help of AI! When Johnson is happy, the color green comes to mind. His intellect, imagination, and love of learning make him an incredible Super Student!
V. Kapil
V. Kapil is Third Grade’s Super Student of the Week! V. Kapil, a member of Ms. Kotasthane’s class, proudly describes herself as a “Ravenous Reader.” She loves immersing herself in books like The Magic Treehouse, Nancy Drew, and The Secret Seven. A star symbolizes V. Kapil’s superpower, and she humorously claims her origin as the Milky Way Galaxy. In her free time, she enjoys reading and coloring. Her hero is her mom, who inspires her daily. If V. Kapil had a theme song, it would be “Ways to be Wicked”, and when she feels happy, the color light blue comes to mind. If she could change one thing in the world, it would be to eliminate pollution. V. Kapil’s dream movie role would be starring in a film about animals, and if she ever graced the front page of a newspaper, it would celebrate her heroic act of saving all the animals.
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL NEWS
Simulated 2024 Presidential Election!
Our third-grade students enthusiastically joined in the 2024 Election experience. To begin, they “registered” to vote by completing a card, which Ms. Haynoski then laminated for them as a keepsake. After registering, the students stepped into a simulated voting booth to cast their votes for either Donald Trump or Kamala Harris. Leading up to this activity, the class spent the past week learning about the presidential candidates and watching informative campaign videos from Scholastic News. The students were thrilled to take part in this exercise, approaching it with seriousness and even keeping their choices confidential!
Celebrating Gratitude and Creativity in Third Grade
Third-grade students shared their thoughts on Thanksgiving by writing about the people and things they are most grateful for. They also created beautiful crafts to prepare for their families’ upcoming Thanksgiving celebrations. Happy Thanksgiving! May your blessings multiply this year and continue throughout your life.
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL NEWS
Grade 4 Celebrates November Birthdays!
During November, one of our 4th graders became the first to celebrate their double-digit birthday and join our Grade 4 Double Digit Club! Happy Birthday to S N Vennavalli! We hope your birthday was filled with joy! Thank you to S N Vennavalli’s family for sharing her birthday celebration with our class!
Kids Can Make a Difference!
In our Open Court Reading Anthology, Grade 4 has been reading a selection of stories within the unit “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, as well as adults! After reading how kids were able to help a very shy child gain confidence, Grade 4 also learned that Louis Braille actually began inventing his system of Braille at the age of 12! This information was inspirational to the students and will serve as a springboard for our future writings.
NJIN Farm Trip
November 19th was a beautiful, crisp autumn day… perfect weather for our trip to the NJIN Farm! This was a great opportunity for Grade 4 students to apply the concepts of environmental sculptor, Andrew Goldsworthy, as they created natural sculptures from the various items they found lying around the heavily treed area on the farm (i.e. slate, twigs, dried flowers). Each Grade 4 student was amazed at how their creativity and terrific teamwork could lead them to create such incredible structures! The saddest part of this experience was that we had to stop the flow of creativity and have lunch!
Our farm experience ended as we sat around the pond and wrote our reflections, enjoying the serenity and beauty of the environment. Thank you to our Grade 3 friends for accompanying us on our trip to the farm!
MIDDLE SCHOOL NEWS
Coach Frankie Leads Inspiring Inclusion Program for Grades 5–8 During Season of Gratitude
This Thanksgiving season CHP is proud to announce that our very own Coach Frankie, Dawn Francavilla, is making a profound impact on students in grades 5–8 with an innovative health education program focused on inclusion, diversity, disability awareness, and advocacy. Designed to foster empathy and understanding, the program introduces students to various disabilities and equips them with the tools to adapt, accept, and celebrate differences.
A highlight of the program is Nathan Ebanks, a 20-year-old Cerebral Palsy self-advocate whose inspiring journey is shared with students to illustrate the importance of inclusion. With full support from his parents, Nathan Ebanks's story encourages students to see beyond disabilities and embrace the truth that, while we may be different, we are all fundamentally the same. “Sharing Nathan’s story with our CHP Middle School students and educating them on the many different types of disabilities allowed them to embrace their differences, share their similarities, and become an advocate to make an impact on the lives of others,” Coach Frankie said.
The curriculum incorporates interactive activities, open discussions, and real-life stories to build a strong foundation of acceptance and empathy. Students learn practical ways to support peers with disabilities and to challenge stereotypes and biases in their communities.
This inclusion-focused health education initiative was developed to enrich students’ understanding of diversity and empower them to advocate for others. A strong emphasis on community and mutual respect prepares the next generation to lead with compassion.
A Hands-On Lesson in Democracy!
At CHP, students receive extensive training in debate, and to further build on their skills and knowledge, the debaters were invited to participate in a mock presidential debate. Our experienced eighth-grade debaters rose to the challenge, professionally representing the Democratic, Republican, and Green Party candidates while presenting their viewpoints on key issues such as the economy, foreign policy, immigration, and the environment.
The debate was moderated by two Social Studies teachers, and the format closely mirrored a real presidential debate, featuring opening and closing statements, timed responses to questions, and rebuttal opportunities. Our debaters impressed everyone with their thorough research and professionalism.
Mock Election at CHP
As the Presidential Election was on everyone’s minds, the students and staff at CHP participated in a Mock Presidential Election. On Monday, November 4th, our newly elected House Leaders represented both sides of the aisle in a mock debate, where they professionally presented the key issues supported by each candidate. The following day, on Election Day, 4th through 8th grade students and CHP staff cast their votes for President using a Google form and privacy shields. After the votes were tallied, Presidential Candidate Kamala Harris emerged as the winner!
Through this hands-on experience, along with discussions on the Electoral College in their Math and Social Studies classes, students gained valuable insights into our national democratic process.
MIDDLE SCHOOL NEWS
Grade 7: “Sell Your Colony” Project
This month, our 7th graders took on the challenge of marketing one of the 13 original colonies in a fun and creative way! As part of their “Sell Your Colony” project, students developed a compelling marketing campaign to persuade others to move to their assigned colony.
Each campaign included a vibrant poster, a catchy musical jingle, and an engaging sales presentation. The students worked hard to highlight the unique features of their colony, from its geography and climate to its economy and culture. Through collaboration and creativity, our 7th graders brought history to life while practicing important skills like persuasion, public speaking, and teamwork. We’re excited to see how these young marketers will continue to apply their newfound skills in future projects. Great job, 7th grade!
House Pride on Display: Door Decorating Competition
At Cedar Hill Prep, the House System fosters camaraderie, teamwork, and school spirit, and this year’s Door Decorating Competition was a shining example of these values. Students from the Cherokee Bears, Lenape Owls, Ramapo Falcons, and Shawnee Beavers came together to transform classroom doors into vibrant displays that reflected their house characteristics and shared pride. In a creative twist, students were tasked with using recycled materials for their designs, adding an eco-friendly focus to the competition. Each door told a unique story of the house and its namesake tribes, celebrating the true spirit of friendship, creativity, and teamwork. A special thank you to the judges—Ms. Dempsey, Mr. Seeley, Ms. Brittany, and Ms. Nidhi—for carefully considering all the parameters before announcing the winners. This activity showcased not only their dedication to their houses but also their commitment to sustainability—a testament to the strong bonds and shared values within our CHP community! Congratulations to Ramapo Falcons for winning this year’s Door Decorating Challenge!
MIDDLE SCHOOL NEWS
Unforgettable Memories
As part of CHP tradition, our middle school students recently embarked on a 3-day, 2-night outdoor adventure at Frost Valley YMCA in Claryville, NY.
During their time at Frost Valley, students participated in a variety of activities, including adventure courses, hiking, cooking, and orienteering. These experiences not only fostered community building but also helped students develop problem-solving, teamwork, and leadership skills. It was truly heartwarming to see students encourage one another through more challenging tasks. Frost Valley also emphasized environmental stewardship, teaching students about food waste and composting.
Our students had a fantastic time in nature, growing in independence, sharing stories, playing games, roasting marshmallows by the fire, and bonding with each other. These moments and lessons will be cherished for years to come.
National French Week Celebration
National French Week
On November 7th, we celebrated French National Week, and the event was a fantastic success! It was heartwarming to see our students participate with such enthusiasm. One highlight was the bake sale, where students and staff enjoyed delicious French treats.
We’re proud to share that the event raised $260, all of which will be donated to the Save the Children Foundation.
Additionally, students from grades 5-8 showcased their creativity and teamwork as they collaborated to build Eiffel Tower models using wafers and icing. Their designs were truly impressive, capturing the spirit of the event beautifully!
AROUND THE SCHOOL
Diwali Night at Cedar Hill Prep – A Celebration to Remember!
Our Diwali party was a dazzling evening filled with festive cheer, wonderful music, and captivating performances by the talented students of Tala Shruthi School of Dance, led by Guru Renuka Srinivasan. Guests enjoyed delicious food and celebrated together, making this a night to remember. Thank you to everyone who joined us in bringing light and joy to Cedar Hill Prep this Diwali!
First Pizza with the Principal at Mr. Seeley's Office
The chosen students gathered in Mr. Seeley’s office for an afternoon of pizza, conversation, and fun. During the event, the kids shared their Thanksgiving plans, what they were most excited about for the holiday, and what they’re thankful for this year. It was a great chance for students to connect with Mr. Seeley and each other in a relaxed setting while enjoying some delicious pizza. We can’t wait for the next Pizza with the Principal event!
Grades 3 - 4
Grades 1 - 2
Grades 5 - 8 Preschool - Kindergarten
CHP EDUCATION AND RESEARCH FOUNDATION
PARENT TEACHER ORGANIZATION
As we enter this season of Thanksgiving, The CHP PTO wants to send each of you a sincere word of thanks and warmest wishes for a happy and safe holiday celebration with your loved ones.
