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CEDAR HILL PREPARATORY SCHOOL

October Newsletter 2026

Educating Students Since 2003 INNOVATION | EXCELLENCE | GLOBAL READINESS

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Flags, Flavors, and a Whole Lot of Pride

Multicultural Night 2026

n Friday, October 23, our gym looked less like a gym and more like a passport come to life. Flags from every corner of the globe stretched from wall to wall, the smell of home-cooked dishes filled the air, and everywhere you looked, students, families, and teachers were dressed in the colors of the places they call home. A Room Full of Stories Our youngest learners twirled in ruffled dresses and beamed for photos with parents and grandparents. Families arrived in barongs, saris, kurtas, hijabs, and festive Mexican dresses trimmed in red, green, and white. At the Heritage Tables, families turned the room into a world market. Guests sampled liang mian, a cold noodle appetizer from China, alongside dishes from South Asia, Latin America, the Caribbean, and beyond. Each table had a hand-labeled card listing the dish’s country of origin and common allergens, a thoughtful touch that helped everyone feel welcome. One Filipino family even recreated a sari-sari store, the beloved neighborhood corner shop found throughout the Philippines, complete with bunting and bags of snacks hanging from its wooden frame. Music, Movement, and the Parade of Nations The energy peaked when the performances began, from a graceful classical Indian dance to a high-spirited Caribbean routine with flags waving overhead. Then came the Parade of Nations, as students proudly carried their heritage across the floor while classmates and families cheered them on. 2 | October Newsletter

“Seeing our students proudly wearing traditional clothing, trying new foods, dancing to each other’s music, and running around laughing together reminded me exactly why we celebrate,” said Marisela Turcios, CHP teacher and head of the Multicultural Committee. “Our differences are what make our community so strong, and Friday night showed that in the most beautiful way.” Why It Matters As an IB Candidate School, CHP places international-mindedness at the heart of learning. Multicultural Night is that philosophy in action: a second grader trying a classmate’s grandmother’s recipe, middle schoolers learning dance steps from a country they’ve never visited, and a community where every family’s story is worth sharing. Thank You! A huge thank you to Ms. Turcios and the Multicultural Committee for organizing the evening, and to our Heritage Table families, performers, volunteers, and staff who helped with everything from setup to cleanup.

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HOMECOMING A Day on the Farm: CHP Families Visit the New Jersey Institute of Nature

n Saturday, October 24, CHP families traded the classroom for open fields, a quiet pond, and a hillside of fall color. Dr. Nan invited parents and students to spend the day at the New Jersey Institute of Nature (NJIN) farm, and it turned into a day of discovery for everyone, children and adults alike. Nature Up Close One of the biggest moments came when a guide carefully lifted an old log and a crowd of students rushed in for a closer look. Underneath was a spotted salamander, glossy black with bright yellow spots, one of New Jersey’s native amphibians that spends most of its life hidden under logs and leaf litter. Kids crouched down, parents pulled out their phones, and the questions came fast: What does it eat? Why is it hiding there? How old is it? It was inquiry-based learning at its best, with no worksheet required. Fishing, Rowing, and Riding Down at the pond, young anglers cast their lines from the bank, and at least one student proudly held up a bass he’d caught himself. Others piled into a rowboat and took turns at the oars, learning quickly that steering takes teamwork.

Over at the barn, the farm’s horses were dressed for the season. One was painted with bright pumpkins and a green mane for Halloween, and riders in costume took turns in the arena under a clear blue sky. A Farm With a Purpose With its red barn topped with solar panels, rolling pastures, and pond reflecting the autumn trees, the farm is a peaceful place to spend a Saturday. It’s also much more than that. NJIN uses the land for research, conservation, and hands-on learning, giving young people a chance to connect what they study with the living world around them. “It’s a place that brings a deep sense of peace while also offering so many opportunities for research, conservation, and development projects,” one CHP parent shared after the visit. “It’s truly a farm with a purpose, and a wonderful place for children and adults alike.” The day ended with a group photo on the hillside overlooking the valley, with dozens of families, smiling faces, and a view that stretched for miles.

Thank You! A heartfelt thank you to Dr. Nan and the NJIN team for opening the farm to our families and sharing their knowledge so generously. We can’t wait to visit again! Click to See More Images www.cedarhillprep.com | 3

HALLOWEEN

A Spooktacular Halloween at CHP

n Friday, October 30, Cedar Hill Prep celebrated Halloween with its annual costume parade and Trunk-or-Treat, and the creativity was truly out of this world. Under bright blue skies, students paraded across campus in costumes of every kind: superheroes and pilots, witches and wizards, dragons and robots, and even a banana, a box of mints, and one very enthusiastic giant chicken. Faculty and staff joined the fun too, turning back the clock in neon leg warmers, big

bows, and full ‘80s rock-star style. The day wrapped up with Trunk-or-Treat, where decorated cars filled the lot with balloons, cobwebs, crystal balls, and plenty of treats. Students went car to car collecting candy and smiles. A heartfelt thank you goes to the parent volunteers, whose decorated trunks, generous treats, and time made the event possible and created a joyful, memorable day for the students.

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PRESCHOOL - KINDERGARTEN NEWS Little Heroes in Training: Fire Safety Week

ur preschoolers recently learned how important it is to know the emergency number, 911. After reading 911, What Is Your Emergency?, each child took a turn role-playing an emergency call. They found and dialed the numbers, spoke with a “911 operator,” and calmly explained their pretend emergency. We also introduced “Stop, Drop, and Roll” through our fire safety books. The children learned that this is the technique to use if their clothing ever catches fire, and then each child practiced it themselves.

Falling for Autumn on the Farm

all is in the air! The leaves are changing colors, the weather is getting cooler, and our preschoolers are having a wonderful time learning all about autumn. To celebrate the season, we made colorful tree crafts. The children colored their tree trunks brown, then bundled Q-tips together to dab on vibrant leaves. By blending red, orange, and yellow paint, they captured the look of autumn leaves blowing in the wind. Our weekly theme continued down on the farm! We read farm stories, sang “Old MacDonald Had a Farm,” and practiced our best animal sounds. Afterward, the children colored their favorite farm animals and tucked them inside their very own red barns.

Trunk or Treat Spooktacular

hat a beautiful day for Trunk or Treat with our Lower School classes! The children looked fantastic in their Halloween costumes as they paraded through the parking lot collecting treats. A big thank-you to our wonderful parents, who decorated their car trunks so creatively and handed out goodies to every child. After the parade, the festivities moved indoors with Halloween music and dancing. The children enjoyed a variety of seasonal games, including blindfolded “Pin the Nose on the Pumpkin” and monster bowling with decorated toilet paper rolls. Our final activity was a hands-on fine motor challenge: hammering golf tees into a pumpkin. It was a truly memorable Halloween celebration for everyone!

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PRESCHOOL - KINDERGARTEN NEWS

Little Learners Pick Pumpkins at Von Thun’s Farm

ur Preschool, Pre-Kindergarten, and Kindergarten classes had a fantastic time on their annual field trip to Von Thun’s Farm as they geared up for Halloween! After an exciting bus ride, the children were greeted by chickens, goats, sheep, pigs, and donkeys eating and playing in their pens. Next, they listened to a talking pumpkin (yes, a real talking pumpkin!) before hopping onto a tractor for a bumpy hayride past the apple orchards and cornfields. The ride ended

at the pumpkin patch, where the children had so much fun searching for the perfect pumpkin to take home. In Kindergarten, the fun continued back in the classroom. While exploring the “Who We Are” theme, students read Spookley the Square Pumpkin and discussed the IB learner profile attribute “Caring.” They wrote about how they show care for others, just like Spookley, and made their own unique pumpkins.

Little Visitors, Big Questions!

ur Pre-K friends stopped by the Marketing and Admin office this week to find out what happens behind the scenes at Cedar Hill Prep. They learned how we share school news, snap photos of their big moments, design flyers, and keep the school running smoothly. Their excitement and wonderful questions showed us true inquirers in action. Thank you for visiting, Pre-K. Come back anytime!

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TLIGHT

Mystery Box Detectives Explore the Five Senses

indergarten was buzzing with excitement as students became true Inquirers with the Mystery Box! As part of our science inquiry into the five senses, each child reached into the box without peeking and used only their sense of touch to investigate what was hiding inside. Was it soft or bumpy? Round or pointy? Students put their Approaches to Learning (ATL) thinking skills into action as they observed, asked questions, and made predictions based on the clues their fingertips gave them. After sharing their best guess, they pulled the item out for the big reveal, then named the letter it began with, a fun review of the letter sounds we’ve been practicing. Working together as Communicators, the class then sorted all of the mystery items by their beginning sounds, building collaboration and self-management skills along the way. This transdisciplinary activity blended science and literacy in a hands-on way, and there were plenty of giggles and surprises along the way!

Kindergarten Explores What It Means to Be Caring

s part of their unit of inquiry under the transdisciplinary theme “Who We Are,” our Kindergarten students explored the IB learner profile attribute “Caring” through the story Spookley the Square Pumpkin. After reading about Spookley, a pumpkin who is different from all the others but shows kindness to everyone in his patch, the children reflected on what it means to care for others and why our differences make us special. Each student then wrote about the ways they show care, just like Spookley, and designed their own one-of-a-kind pumpkin to celebrate what makes them unique. Inspired by their recent trip to Von Thun’s Farm, it was a meaningful way to connect a fall favorite to the values at the heart of our IB learning.

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ELEMENTARY SCHOOL NEWS

TLIGHT

You + Me Grade 2 Discovers What Makes Us Alike and Different

s part of their Who We Are unit of inquiry, our second graders took part in a “You + Me: Alike & Different” activity, exploring the similarities and differences that make each of us unique. Working with a partner, students acted as inquirers, interviewing each other about their hobbies, favorite things, family traditions, and experiences. As they shared their stories, many students discussed their nationalities and the languages spoken in their homes. “I am from China, and I speak Cantonese,” shared one student, while another proudly said, “I am from India, and I speak Gujarati.” Students then recorded their findings in a Venn diagram, sorting what was true for “Me,” for “My Partner,” and for “Both of Us.” Their discoveries were delightful! One pair found they both love math and have birthdays in October. Their differences showed how varied their lives are: one enjoys dosa and tennis and celebrates Christmas, while the other loves pani puri and swimming and celebrates Holi. To close the activity, students reflected on one new thing they learned about their partner, such as a friend’s dream of learning gymnastics. Throughout the inquiry, students showed the IB learner profile attributes of being open-minded and caring communicators. They listened respectfully, valued each other’s perspectives, and built their social and communication skills. Our second graders discovered the big idea at the heart of the lesson: we can be different and still find ways to connect!

Fall Fun at Von Thun’s Farm

ur first graders enjoyed a fun-filled day at Von Thun’s Farm, where they explored the corn maze, rode tractors, cheered on their favorite ducks during exciting duck races, and took a scenic hayride. They also had the opportunity to see farm animals up close and pick their own pumpkins. It was a wonderful fall adventure filled with laughter, exploration, and memorable experiences for our first graders! 8 | October Newsletter

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL NEWS

SUPER STUDENTS Meet Keila Assi: Amazing Artist

Keila Assi is in Mrs. Kotasthane’s 3rd grade class. She describes herself as an Amazing Artist, thinks of the color yellow when she is happy, and hails from the Keilaccia Universe. Keila’s hero is Stella from The Stella Show, and she would choose Shaaina or Elena as her sidekicks. The symbol that represents her superpower is a fist bump, and her theme song is “SuperKeila! Here She Comes!” She loves The Baby-Sitters Club, Diary of a Wimpy Kid, and Dragon Girls book series. In her spare time, Keila likes to read and draw or color, and she loves talking with her friends about the latest happenings.

Meet Neev Bhatti: Mighty Mathematician Neev Bhatti is in Mrs. Haynoski’s 3rd grade class. He describes himself as a Mighty Mathematician, and his superpower is his brain. Neev hails from the Stat-letics Galaxy and thinks of the color blue when he is happy. His theme song is “Hall of Fame” by The Script, and he would choose Robin from Batman as his sidekick. Neev likes to read Dog Man, Diary of a Wimpy Kid, and Captain Underpants. He enjoys talking with his friends about player stats and games to play at recess, and in his spare time, he loves playing and watching basketball.

Meet Jorge Fuertes-Banerjee: Stellar Scientist Jorge Fuertes-Banerjee is in Mrs. Kotasthane’s 3rd grade class. He describes himself as a Stellar Scientist, and his theme song is “Crazy Frog.” Jorge hails from the Little Sombrero Galaxy and thinks of the color blue when he is happy. A fortune teller’s globe represents his superpower, and he would pick his friend Eshaan as his sidekick. Some of his favorite books are about Pokémon and fishing. In his spare time, Jorge loves to play outside, and he enjoys talking with his friends about Pokémon.

A Fun-Filled Halloween Celebration in Third Grade!

hird Grade had a spooktacular Halloween filled with fun and excitement! Students showed off their costumes, created monster crafts and Halloween necklaces, enjoyed festive games and activities, and celebrated with a classroom party. The day ended with Trunk-or-Treat in the parking lot! It was a busy day filled with laughter, creativity, and Halloween spirit!

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ELEMENTARY SCHOOL NEWS Cracking the Code: Exploring Genes and Inherited Traits

A Royal Lesson in Honesty

Together, students concluded that genes are instructions for making a living thing. These instructions are found in cells and passed from parents to offspring.

A Snappy Surprise for Third Grade

s part of Grade 3’s Who We Are unit of inquiry, guided by the central idea that “all living things have unique traits, but variations exist within a species and can be influenced by the environment, community, and relationships,” our students read The Code, a book that introduced them to genes and inherited traits. Before reading, they previewed the book and thought about what “the code” might mean. As they read with a partner, they used the sense-making strategy of asking questions and then looked for information in the book to help answer them. Afterward, partners shared their questions and discoveries with the class.

Next, students put that idea into action! Each pair received two instruction strips, one from Parent 1 and one from Parent 2. Using the guide in their notebooks, they worked out which traits their creature should have, then built it out of clay. Since every creature came from the same set of parents, the class ended up with a whole family of sibling offspring. Students then observed three of the creatures and recorded their similarities and variations. They found that a creature’s traits might be more like one parent, more like the other, like both, or a mix of the two. As they kept observing and investigating, they also noticed that offspring have traits similar to their parents, but not always similar to each other.

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ur first Mystery Reader in October was Niteka, Tara’s mom. She read The Emperor’s New Clothes by Hans Christian Andersen. The story is about an emperor who cares a great deal about his clothes. Two dishonest men convince him that they can make a special outfit that is invisible to anyone who is foolish. Everyone is too afraid to admit that they cannot see the clothes, until a child finally tells the truth. It was a funny story with a good lesson about honesty, confidence, and thinking for yourself. There was a lot of laughter as Niteka read the book. Thank you for your animated reading!

hird graders welcomed Dimple, Eshaan’s mom, as their Mystery Reader. She read The Enormous Crocodile by Roald Dahl, the story of a crocodile who is incredibly hungry and incredibly greedy. His favorite meal is a plump, juicy little child, and he intends to gobble up as many as he can! He is sure that his “secret plans and clever tricks” cannot be foiled. But when the other animals in the jungle join together to put an end to his wicked schemes, the Enormous Crocodile learns a lesson he won’t soon forget. The highlight of her visit was when she dressed up as a crocodile, much to the delight of the third graders! Thank you for reading this wonderful book.

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL NEWS The Grade 4 classroom was the hub of bustling activity throughout the month of October!

e began the month in our Morning Assemblies as the students in 4A became reporters and delivered What’s Gnu in the News?” Each Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, Grade 4 shares their news reports that are based upon articles they have read from such kid-friendly sites as DogoNews and Time for Kids. While 4A was reporting the news, 4B was sharing inspirational quotes. They will switch roles each month as 4B delivers the news in November and 4A provides the inspirational quotes. HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Lirthika!!! At the beginning of the month, we had an opportunity to celebrate Lirthika’s birthday. Thank you to Lirthika and her family for sharing her birthday with us…the cupcakes were yummy!

Transdisciplinary Theme Who We Are

s we explored this theme across the curriculum, Grade 4 students expanded their understanding of how many different ways they can make a positive difference in the lives of others. Through their literature anthology, they read about the impact two girls had as they intervened to help a very shy girl gain more confidence. Many of the students

were able to relate to this story as it applied to them personally or to friends or family members. In so doing, they understood that Kids Can Make a Difference! This theme resonated throughout the students’ science lessons as they explored how animals use their senses to gather information from their environment. Through interactive activities, students used their senses to investigate how light, scent, and sound carry information…and realize how this guides their learning and understanding. As students studied the roles of Social Scientists in helping us to understand our world, they reflected upon their own knowledge of their families and communities, and how this was connected to the Social Scientists’ findings.

Trip to NJIN Farm

he weather was perfect for our trip to the NJIN Farm! The students spent the day exploring and mapping the water flow of the terrain as they learned about the components of our watersheds and their importance in our ecosystems. Each cohort group communicated and planned their methodology for collecting information; their observations were then illustrated, producing Water Flow maps that are quite impressive! A walk through the barn led to the pasture where we had an opportunity to observe the horses and cows as they observed us! Before boarding the buses, the students found a comfortable spot along the perimeter of the pond…listening, observing, writing, drawing, and relaxing.

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ELEMENTARY SCHOOL NEWS Move Over Wall Street!

hank you to Adhvik’s parents, Sridevi Jagadishan and Arun Kumar, for starting off our Grade 4’s Family Skills Showcase with an interactive lesson that introduced the students to the Stock Market! They provided the students with an engaging experience involving shares, profits, and loss. Each student was given $10 to use as they wished, to decide whether to invest in one or two stocks or not. The students were so excited as they made their decisions, explored the idea of investing, and evaluated their outcomes after trading had ceased. We truly appreciate how they made learning so meaningful for the children. Experiences like this help bring real-world concepts into the classroom and encourage students to think critically about the choices they make. We look forward to future experiences and traditions shared during our Family Skills Showcase!

International Academic Competitions

rade 4 students took the online qualifying exams for the IAC Geography, History, and Science Bees. A majority of the class qualified to move on to the Regional Competitions. Congratulations to all 4th graders for your wonderful effort!

Book Fair

udging from Grade 4’s participation, the Scholastic Book Fair was a great success! A special thank you to Mrs. Turkowsky for chairing this annual CHP event... and to all of our Grade 4 families who helped out!

Happy Halloween!

efore Halloween celebrations had officially begun, Grade 4 students were busy decorating their pumpkins for our annual Pumpkin Decorating Contest. All winning points

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will go to the winners’ respective Houses. Thank you Ms. Iyengar, for serving as the judge of the 4th Grade Pumpkin Decorating Contest! Then, it was finally the day of the eve of Halloween! October 30th started off with giggles, ooohs and awwws as the students and teachers came into class wearing Halloween costumes. Next on the agenda was a sprinkling of fun… “Halloween Academia” that engaged students as they worked on a Halloween Packet filled with a Logic Puzzle, Maze, Word Search & Scramble, a Crossword Puzzle, Sudoku, Halloween Math Puzzle, Math Fact Review, and yummy popcorn and chips to accompany our Halloween movie, Halloween Town. Grade 4 had a busy, fun-filled time! Thank you to Nidhi and her family for “enriching” our movie experience with those delicious chips! The day culminated with CHP’s traditional Trunk or Treating. Thank you to all of our CHP families who helped to make this event so very special!

MIDDLE SCHOOL NEWS

Adventure Awaits at Frost Valley!

ur Grades 5-8 students recently set off on their annual trip to Frost Valley for three days and two nights of adventure in the great outdoors. Students tried their hand at archery, hit the trails on scenic treks, and worked together in a variety of group activities that put their teamwork and problem-solving skills to the test. They also rolled up their sleeves

in the kitchen, cooking and baking together. Between the fresh air, new challenges and time spent with friends and teachers, the trip was full of moments our students will remember for years to come. A big thank you to our teachers and chaperones for making this experience possible!

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MIDDLE SCHOOL NEWS

Vallabh Brings Home 11 Medals from the IAC International Championships!

lease join us in congratulating seventh grader Vallabh Vijayaraj on an incredible summer! Vallabh competed in multiple geography competitions at the IAC International Championships in Khao Lak, Thailand, where he placed 8th overall in the Intermediate Division and 23rd in the individual medals table among all participants, from elementary through high school. Vallabh earned 8 individual medals and 3 medals in team events, and was also a Semifinalist in the Geography Bee Team Events • Geographeud • Geography Bowl World Championship • Hexathlon Individual Events • Question Writing Competition • South America Geography Exam • Musical Geography Bee • Geography of Thailand Exam • Economic Geography Bee • Scramble on the Geography of Buddhism • North America Geography Exam • Geopardy

Overall • 8th Place, Intermediate Division, Geo Championship 2026 • Semifinalist, Geography Bee We are so proud of you, Vallabh Congratulations on representing Cedar Hill Prep on the international stage!

Looking Ahead: High Schools Visit CHP

his month, Cedar Hill Prep welcomed representatives from four outstanding high schools: The Peddie School, Mercersburg Academy, The Hill School, and The Hun School of Princeton. Grade 7 and 8 students learned about high school academics, student life, and the exciting opportunities ahead.

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A highlight was a video featuring CHP alumnus Sahith Mangu, now attending The Hill School, who shared his experience and demonstrated how CHP prepares students for success beyond middle school. We thank all four schools for visiting and inspiring our students to explore their future possibilities!

MIDDLE SCHOOL NEWS

CHP Celebrates NJHS Inductees

n October 16, 2026, Cedar Hill Prep welcomed new and returning members into the National Junior Honor Society (NJHS). New inductees Anandita Gurjar, Kiaan Pingle, and Zinnia Shirley were welcomed alongside returning members Isha Gupta, Shivad Desai, Yajur Subramaniam, and Samarth Dakhera. NJHS recognizes students who demonstrate academic achievement and a commitment to its five pillars: Scholarship, Leadership, Service, Character, and Citizenship. Congratulations to all our members as they continue to lead by example, serve their community, and uphold these important values! Click to See More Images

Trip to NJIN Farm

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TLIGHT Reading the Landscape Grade 6 Investigates Channels on Mars

s. Galiano’s Grade 6 scientists recently took on an intriguing question: what carved the channels on the surface of Mars? The inquiry began with an image of a Martian channel on the screen. Students looked closely at its shape and shared their ideas about how it might have formed. Students then moved to one of four corners of the room, labeled Strongly Agree, Agree, Disagree, and Strongly Disagree, to show where they stood on the question and to justify their positions. As open-minded thinkers and communicators, they listened to other points of view and raised questions of their own. Is there frozen water on Mars? If scientists found ice, was it always ice? Would a channel look different if it had been carved by salt water? What kinds of water have existed on Mars?

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To test their thinking, students gathered around a stream table filled with sand to watch a flowing water model. Ms. Galiano first poured water slowly, then quickly, while students observed how the channels formed and changed. Using a word bank to sharpen their scientific vocabulary, they recorded their observations, describing channels that were curved, spread out, loopy, and merging. By connecting the model to the image of Mars, students recognized patterns in how flowing water shapes a landscape. They used evidence to evaluate their original ideas and saw how scientists study landforms on other planets without ever setting foot on them.

SPECIALS Spanish Honor Society Induction Ceremony

Welcome, New SHA Members!

n October 16th, our Sociedad Hispánica de Amistad (Spanish Honor Society) welcomed four new Honor Members: Nicholas Codreanu, Chase Bigos, Indigo James, and Leo Romaine. Families joined us for the ceremony, and it was wonderful to celebrate these students together. Chapter president Zinnia opened the evening. Then she, Geetha, and Vallabh lit three candles. They stood for the society’s promises: friendship through intercultural activities, service to our community, and service to our school. Each new member received a certificate and lit a small candle from the three large ones. The small candle is a symbol of their effort to better themselves, their school, and their community. Then, all together, they recited the SHA pledge. They promised to use Spanish to build friendship among people of all countries and to help those around them.

French Honor Society Induction Ceremony

CHP Celebrates French Honor Society Induction

edar Hill Prep proudly welcomed new members Kiaan Pingle, Christian Byrd, Ishan Rajiv, Mythili Polamraju, and Agasthya Mabbu into the French Honor Society during its induction ceremony. Returning members Isha Gupta, Shivad Desai, Yajur Subramaniam, Samarth Dakhera, Anandita Gurjar, Arnav Cherukuri, and Nehemiah Kim were also welcomed back as they continue their commitment to the study of French and the values of scholarship, leadership, service, and cultural appreciation. The French Honor Society celebrates students’ dedication to language learning, academic achievement, and the exploration of Francophone cultures. Congratulations to our new and returning members on their accomplishments and continued commitment to the French language!

We’re so proud of these students for their hard work and enthusiasm in Spanish class. Thank you to all the families who came to share this special moment with us. Congratulations, and ¡Bienvenidos! Click to See More Images www.cedarhillprep.com | 17

National Hispanic Heritage Celebration ¡Celebrando la Herencia Hispana!

learned, showing what it means to be Inquirers and Open-minded learners as they connected language with culture in an authentic, realworld context. Families, ask your child about their project. We’d love for the conversation to continue at home!

Click to See More Grades 3 - 8 Images

o celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15 – October 15), our Spanish students turned the Cedar Hill Prep gym into a vibrant student exhibition honoring the history, cultures, and contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities. Each grade brought its own focus to the exhibition. Our 3rd graders presented famous Hispanic figures, and our 5th graders explored Spanish-speaking countries, including their geography, culture, food, music, and traditions. Our 6th graders researched important Hispanic figures, movements, and achievements in U.S. history, and our 8th graders focused on Hispanic singers, athletes, and writers. Our 7th graders discovered famous landscapes of the Spanishspeaking world and took their learning even further through an interdisciplinary unit with the Drama department based on the musical In the Heights. Framed within the MYP global context of Personal and cultural expression, they researched the cultures of Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic to prepare for the musical, building their research and communication ATL skills and compiling a Spanish Vocabulary Glossary along the way. Walking through the gym, it was clear how much curiosity, research, and creativity went into every project. Students did a fantastic job explaining their work and sharing what they 18 | October Newsletter

ur Preschool through Grade 2 Spanish students celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month with a joyful experience filled with music, dance, language, and culture! Students learned about the history and diversity of the Hispanic world, discussed empathy and respect for different cultures, and explored the rhythms of salsa, bachata, and merengue with a special guest. They practiced Spanish vocabulary, danced with flags representing Spanish-speaking countries, and enjoyed an interactive game that encouraged everyone to participate. A highlight was seeing teachers join in the dancing alongside their students! It was a wonderful celebration of cultural appreciation, language learning, and community, filled with curiosity, confidence, and alegría!openness our young learners showed throughout this celebration. What a wonderful way to honor Hispanic Heritage Month: together, through music, movement, learning, and alegría! Click to See More Preschool - Grade 2 Images

WILDCATS SPORTS Wildcats Cross Country Finishes Strong

ctober was a busy month for CHP Cross Country! The Wildcats competed in meets at Green Brook and Middlesex Middle School before closing out the season at the Pumpkin Run at Gill St. Bernard’s. Runners steadily improved their times over the season, had a great time competing, and every runner set a personal best at the Pumpkin Run. Congratulations to team members Viraj Shukla, Miles Jackson, Xavier Bridges, Zinnia Shirley, Indigo James, Geetha Puthamana, Aubrey Burton, and Kiran Mehtab Grewal. Go Wildcats!

Wildcats Soccer Closes Season on a High Note

he CHP soccer team played four games in October, going 1–3 for the month and finishing the season with a 2–5 record. The month opened on October 5 with a 4–1 loss to Princeton Charter School, with Shivad Desai scoring the lone goal on a day when several players were out with injuries. The team’s first home game on October 6 against Winfield also ended 4–1, with Shivad again finding the net. The highlight of the season came on October 21, when the Wildcats dominated Princeton Day School in an 8–1 win. The whole team contributed with goals, assists, and chances created: Aiden Nguyen scored a hat trick, Shivad Desai and Ishaan each added two goals, and Samarth Dakhera scored one. The season wrapped up on October 26 with a 3–1 loss to Princeton Charter School, with Aidan Nguyen scoring for CHP. The team has improved tremendously since last year. After opening the season with a 7–1 loss, the players kept working hard and showing up every day, and that effort paid off with a decisive 8–1 win late in the season. Congratulations, Wildcats!

Girls’ Tennis: A Season of Rebuilding and Growth

he CHP Girls’ Tennis team completed a challenging 0–7 season this fall. With several key players moving on to high school, this was a rebuilding year, and a roster full of beginners and players new to doubles faced a steep learning curve. Throughout the season, the team focused on conditioning and fitness, along with fundamentals and doubles drills that helped players compete with more confidence in matches. The coaching staff is proud of the team’s effort and of how much each player grew as an athlete over the season. www.cedarhillprep.com | 19

AROUND THE SCHOOL

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ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

HP helped me develop perseverance and taught me to keep working hard, even when things were challenging. I learned to take more responsibility for my learning and to put in the extra effort needed to reach my goals. Now that I’m in high school, I appreciate the strong academic foundation CHP gave me. Those skills have helped me adjust to more challenging assignments and higher expectations.” — Pragnya Bangallapati, Class of 2025

Coffee with the Principal: Kindergarten - Grade 4 Families Connect with Mr. Seeley

ower School families joined Mr. Seeley for the October edition of Coffee with the Principal, a relaxed morning of conversation, connection, and, of course, coffee! Parents heard updates on what’s happening across the Lower School, shared their questions and feedback, and learned more about how students are growing as IB learners this fall. Thank you to all the families who came out. We look forward to seeing you at the next one!

A Record-Breaking Book Fair – Thank You, CHP Community!

edar Hill Prep extends a huge THANK YOU to everyone who helped make this year’s Book Fair, held from the last week of October through November 2, such a tremendous success! From setting up and running the fair to assisting students and families and staying late for cleanup, every volunteer’s time, hard work, and dedication was truly appreciated. Thanks to this incredible support, the Book Fair reached RECORD SALES of $7,723.00! It was a remarkable accomplishment, and it would not have been possible without our amazing parents, teachers, and school community. CHP is grateful to each and every one of you!

20 | October Newsletter

AROUND THE SCHOOL Happy Birthday, Mr. Seeley! From donning the Grinch costume to spread holiday cheer to teaching flag football, attending meetings, answering calls and emails, and helping wherever he is needed, Mr. Seeley wears many hats at Cedar Hill Prep. A pillar of our school community, he is someone who keeps things

moving, supports students and staff, and steps in wherever help is needed. Much of what he does happens behind the scenes, but its impact is felt throughout our school. This birthday, a heartfelt handwritten note in cursive from one of our third graders offers a sweet reminder that the little things matter. The time, care, and dedication we give our students leave lasting impressions, often in ways we may never fully realize. Happy Birthday, Mr. Seeley! Thank you for all that you do for Cedar Hill Prep and for being such an important part of our community.

October Pizza with the Principal

tudents in Preschool through Grade 6 had a slice of fun this month at Pizza with the Principal! Over cheesy slices, they sat down with Mr. Seeley to chat about their favorite parts of the school year so far, what they’ve been learning in class, and their big ideas for making Cedar Hill Prep even better. With Halloween just around the corner, the conversation quickly Preschool - Kindergarten turned to costumes! Students excitedly shared what they planned to dress up as, from superheroes and princesses to a few spooky surprises, and Mr. Seeley even had to guess some of their costume ideas from clues. There was plenty of laughter, a few pumpkin jokes, and lots of smiles around the table. Thank you to Mr. Seeley for making time to connect with our students. We can’t wait to see what next month’s Pizza with the Principal brings!

Grades 1 - 2

Grades 3 - 4

Grades 5 - 6

www.cedarhillprep.com | 21

wing Together o r G with our CHP Community Leadership Council (CLC)

reat things grow when we come together! Our Community Leadership Council (CLC) is officially underway, and we're excited to see our Wildcat community continue to grow!

Kickoff Meeting We recently held our CLC kickoff meeting, bringing together enthusiastic CHP parents who share a common goal: growing stronger together through connection, collaboration, and community involvement! As shared in our September newsletter, the CLC is all about planting the seeds of new ideas, sharing our talents, supporting school initiatives, and creating meaningful opportunities for families to make a difference.

Our Next Opportunity to Grow Together: November 24th! We’re currently looking for 12–15 parent volunteers to help make our CHP Staff Thanksgiving Luncheon extra special! Date: Tuesday, November 24th Time: 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM This is a wonderful opportunity to roll up your sleeves, share some smiles, and show our amazing teachers and staff just how thankful we are for everything they do! Interested in lending a helping hand? We’d love to have you join us! Simply email 26-27CLC@cedarhillprep.com to volunteer.

Have an Idea? Want to Lend a Hand? Let's Grow Together! Whether you attended our kickoff meeting or are just hearing about the CLC, there's always room for another Wildcat in our garden! Have a great idea? Want to help out or simply become part of the CLC? We'd love to hear from you! Email us at 26-27CLC@cedarhillprep.com Remember, you don't need a green thumb to help our community grow — just a little enthusiasm and a willingness to get involved! Together, we're planting ideas, growing friendships, and building an even stronger Wildcat community. One seed, one smile, and one helping hand at a time!

22 | October Newsletter

Looking Ahead to Upcoming Special Events November

2 4 5 17 18 19 20

Scholastic Book Fair National French Heritage Parent / Teacher Conferences (Preschool - 8) Poetry Day (Grades 1-4) Morning Poetry Day (Grades 5-6) Afternoon Poetry Day (Grades 7-8) Morning Family Fun Night

December S

January S

December 3 6 7-8 11 17

Picture Retake Day Holiday Handmade and Handcrafted Showcase Class Spelling Bee Fall Play Holiday Sing (Preschool-Grade 8)

January 13 20-22

Class Spelling Bee Midterm Exams

Click for 2026 - 2027 Calendar

SAVE THE DATES

November

Boss Mode: Activated!

October Staff Birthdays!

or National Boss’s Day, the Admin and Marketing team celebrated Cedar Hill Prep’s leaders with treats and goodies to thank them for their support, inspiration, and dedication to our school community!

Loretta Koleser, Jimena Herrera, Laura Fischer, Yasmeen Villafranca, Donald Seeley, Priya Menon, and Marisela Turcios www.cedarhillprep.com | 23

152 Cedar Grove Lane Somerset, NJ 08873 Phone: 732-356-5400 Fax: 732-356-5409 admissions@cedarhillprep.com www.cedarhillprep.com

Multicultural Night Read More on Page 2

24 | October Newsletter