Portraits of Excellence

Portraits of Excellence is a magazine-style publication that provides an in-depth look at programming in the Hopewell Valley Regional School District. Issues are mailed to all households in the sending municipalities of Hopewell Borough, Pennington Borough and Hopewell Township and are archived in local libraries and on this website.

Where Pickleball Meets George of the Jungle, Summer 2008
Highlights from the district's wellness curriculum, including mountain biking at the middle school, high ropes at the high school and circus skills at the elementary schools.

Broadening Artistic Horizons of the Young, Summer 2007
Probes the creativity, innovation and rigor in the visual arts curriculum. Includes an interesting look at the successful careers of Hopewell Valley graduates in fields ranging from fine giftware design and medical illustration to children's book illustration and video gaming.

Angling for Success in a Flattening World, Summer 2006
How the high school business program prepares students for success in a rapidly changing 21st century world.

Teaching Smart: Learning from the Research, Winter 2005
A look at the research-based instruction models used by district teachers, such as Backward Design, the concept of multiple intelligences and the latest in brain research and how children learn.

Why Brains Alone Are Not Enough, Fall 2005
A look at the various and age-appropriate ways character education is presented to students from kindergarten through high school. Featured programs include the Responsive Classroom in the elementary schools, the middle school's Six Pillars of Character focus and the long-running TATU, an anti-tobacco program at the high school.

Building Skills to Last a Lifetime, Summer 2005
An examination of the district's science program. Features high school robotics, middle school forensics and a shift toward year-long thematic study in elementary school.

A Plucky Idea to Inspire Young Musicians, Summer 2004
A look at the district's music program. Spotlight on the elementary violin program, the middle school jazz band and the high school choral program.