FAQ

How does Hopewell Valley compare to similar districts on SAT scores?
Historically, our students exceed their counterparts in similar, high-performing suburban districts, and far exceed state averages on the SAT exam. In the most recent test, our students averaged a combined score of 1686, compared to 1662 in like districts and 1500 in the state. On all individual sections – verbal, math and writing – we also score higher.

What’s more, we are proud of the fact that we have always encouraged all students to take the SAT. In some districts, weaker students are not encouraged to take the exam for fear they would pull down the school’s average score. Last year, 98% of our students took the SAT, compared to 93% in similar districts and 74% statewide.

You may view all of Hopewell Valley’s mandated testing data and SAT results by visiting the New Jersey Department of Education’s website at http://education.state.nj.us/rc/index.html. References to DFG refer to the District Factor Group, which is a state system of organizing data from school districts according to relative wealth and socioeconomic profile. The groups range from A to J, with A being economically disadvantaged districts and J being the most wealthy. Hopewell Valley is categorized as an I district, along with the nearby districts of Princeton, Hunterdon Central and South Brunswick. It is believed that data grouped in that fashion allows for fairer comparisons.

How do I get information on an upcoming event posted to the website?
Complete information, including identity of the sponsor, should be sent to the superintendent's office for review. If it meets the standards of Board policies regarding commercial advertising and acceptable literature for distribution to students, the information will be posted to the website.

Why did the Board postpone a facilities referendum?
In light of the poor economic climate, the Board decided against proceeding with a facilities referendum in the near future. The Board, however, recognizes there are significant capital needs throughout the district and, through its Finance and Facilities Committee, will be reviewing the projects identified by the ad hoc referendum committee in mid- to late June. To see the full report of the ad hoc committee, go to http://www.hvrsd.org/district/news/FinalReportRefReport.pdf.

Is the daily class schedule at the high school going to change?
Not for the 2009-2010 school year. Principal Mike Daher’s proposed schedule, from the current 9-period model to one with 8 periods a day, has been postponed for financial reasons. The new schedule, which would have required the hiring of five additional teachers, will be considered for the following year.

If I have a question, where do I take it?
Questions or concerns are best directed to the appropriate teacher, or, in the case of issues involving a school’s administration, to the principal. Questions about curriculum matters may also be directed to the subject area supervisor.

Why were student e-mail accounts changed recently?
Earlier this year we revised all elementary student e-mail addresses to include numbers. This enhancement of our computer security measures only affects computer users from outside the district. Middle and high school students were not included in the change because of the considerable amount of instruction they receive on Internet safety in the elementary grades.