The New Jersey Department of Education has issued a survey for parents about the reopening of schools. Please read this message they asked us to share: Dear Parents, Thank you for your heroic efforts to support your children’s schools and the learning process during closings due to the coronavirus pandemic. The New Jersey Department of Education (Department) continues preparations for the next stages of school opening, and hearing from parents is a Department priority. Please take a few minutes to complete the survey at the following link: NJDOE parent survey. We appreciate receiving your responses by Monday, June 8th. If you have any questions, please contact the Department’s Office of Civic and Social Engagement at civicandsocial@doe.nj.gov.

Hilldale and Valley View are Among Only 84 in the USA to be Selected by Character.org - Hilldale Elementary School and Valley View Elementary School were named 2020 National Schools of Character on May 15, 2020. Character.org will honor these schools at the 2021 National Forum to be held in March 2021 in Washington, DC. Character.org, is a national advocate and leader for character development in schools and communities. Hilldale and Valley View were 2 of only 84 schools and 7 districts in 15 states that were certified as National Schools of Character. Hilldale and Valley View are also two of seven schools in the Montville Township Public Schools district. The two Elementary schools join Cedar Hill Elementary, William Mason Elementary, Woodmont Elementary and Robert R. Lazar Middle School as National Schools of Character. Montville Township Public Schools district was also named a District of Character in 2018.

Following Review, Information Will be Updated in the Near Future. -  In his daily COVID-19 briefing today, Governor Murphy made some statements indicating a relaxation on some restrictions regarding drive-thru graduation ceremonies.This is encouraging news. Parents are asked to be a patient as district reviews details to evaluate the impact these guidelines may have on end of the year events.

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Rovtar Issues Letter to Parents on Directives from Trenton Regarding Virtual Graduation Celebrations

In Keeping with Distance Learning, Project A.C.E.S., a World-Wide Exercise Event, Will Continue as Student-Led Video Workout - On May 6, 2020, students in quarantine around the globe will click on the http://projectaces.online link and exercise with 5th grade Valley View student leaders: C.J., Nyah, Skyler and Nathan. From the start of its 32 year history, A.C.E.S. has been recognized by dozens of news outlets including: “Sports Illustrated,” “Good Morning America,” and “CBS Sunday Morning.” Everyone in the world is encouraged to participate on Wednesday, May 6, 2020, in the 15-minute Project A.C.E.S. cardio workout​.

Distance Learning will remain in place through the end of the school year - Governor Phil Murphy announced that New Jersey schools will remain closed for the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year and distance learning will continue through the end of the current academic year.  While it is difficult to accept that we will not be back in our schools and classrooms this year, we must recognize that this decision was made following careful contemplation and consideration of the health and safety of school children, school employees and all of their families.

Distance learning program will remain in place. Thank you to teachers and administrators for outstanding efforts to continue instruction for students. The efforts of parents to facilitate the learning that is taking place in their homes is tremendously appreciated, as well. Please click through to see the full letter sent to Parents/Guardians, Students and Faculty as of April 16, 2020. Thank you.

Designations are Awarded to Districts and Schools That Demonstrate an Exceptionally High Commitment and Access to Music Education. Now in its 21st year, the Best Communities for Music Education is presented to school districts that demonstrate extraordinary achievement in efforts to provide music access and education to all students.