March Newsletter 2026

CEDAR HILL

PREPARATORY SCHOOL

Read Across America

100th Day of School

Books, Milestones, and Big Moments

March brought two beloved celebrations to Cedar Hill Prep — and the energy across campus was absolutely electric!

Read Across America

In the spirit of Dr. Seuss and the joy of reading, CHP marked Read Across America with a schoolwide tradition that never gets old. Older students paired up with younger learners across the school, bringing books to life one page at a time. From Dragons Love Tacos to The Book With No Pictures, classrooms buzzed with laughter, wonder, and the magic that happens when a good story is shared. Cat in the Hat hats were everywhere — and so were smiles.

100 Days of School

One hundred days smarter! Our younger learners celebrated this milestone in true CHP fashion — with creativity, pride, and plenty of flair. The highlight of the day? Kindergarten students took center stage, presenting their 100 Days projects one by one in front of their classmates. From racing-themed posters to handcrafted crowns, every project was a testament to how much these little learners have grown since Day 1. Here's to the next 100 days and beyond!

PRESCHOOL - KINDERGARTEN NEWS

Getting Moving: Our Exercise Study

Our preschoolers dove into an exciting new study all about exercise! We explored why staying active is so important for our bodies — and with this group, that comes naturally. From identifying different types of movement to discovering where people exercise and what equipment they use, the children brought endless energy and curiosity to every investigation. We also explored a variety of sports we play right here at school.

A highlight of the study was learning yoga, testing our balancing skills, and showing off our favorite exercises alongside Ms. Platty Patel. Every child had their moment to shine!

A Story-Filled Celebration: Dr. Seuss and Read Across CHP

We celebrated Dr. Seuss’s birthday and Read Across CHP. The children in preschool listened to Dr. Seuss stories like, Green Eggs and Ham and Are You My Mother?

Read Across America is a day where we celebrate reading and listening to books. Our preschool children were very excited to listen to stories read to them by Mrs. Kotasthane’s 3rd grade class. Each preschool child partnered with a 3rd grade student. Our youngest students enjoyed listening to the older students read to them. Thank you 3rd graders!!!

Paws, Fins & Responsibility: Pets Week in Preschool

Our preschoolers spent the week exploring the wonderful world of pets! We talked about the many animals that can share a home with us and what it takes to care for them. Children were eager to share about their own pets — fish, dogs, and cats — and the class discovered that owning a pet comes with real responsibility. For our craft, each child created their very own fish bowl, complete with gravel and a colorful paper fish swimming inside. A fun, hands-on way to bring the lesson to life!

PRESCHOOL - KINDERGARTEN NEWS

Leprechaun Mischief and Rainbow Crafts: St. Patrick’s Day at CHP

We had a little extra luck — and a lot of laughter — on St. Patrick’s Day! Students and teachers came dressed in green, and the children got creative crafting their own rainbows, complete with a clover on one end and a pot of gold on the other. The real excitement came mid-day when a mischievous leprechaun apparently paid us a visit and turned the classroom upside down! After some initial surprise, the class pulled together beautifully to restore order — and were rewarded with a leprechaun surprise: green bead necklaces, gold coins, and bubbles. A perfect ending to a magical day.

A Special Storytime for Our Students

Our Cedar Hill Prep community continues to bring learning to life in meaningful ways. Recently, we celebrated both Ramadan and St. Patrick’s Day through special read-alouds led by members of our parent community.

Mrs. Diana Salas (Victoria’s mom) shared Zahara’s Blessing, introducing students to the values and traditions of Ramadan, while Mrs. Aboagye (Zuri’s

mom) delighted students with The Night Before St. Patrick’s Day, bringing festive Irish traditions into the classroom.

These moments go beyond storytelling — they foster curiosity, open-mindedness, and a deeper appreciation for the diverse cultures that make up our school community. We are grateful to our parent volunteers for helping create such memorable and enriching experiences for our students.

Pre-K students in Ms. Priya and Ms. Aparna’s classes wrapped up their Sports Unit of Inquiry with a joyful Olympic celebration where students applied their learning through play and collaboration. From a symbolic torch relay to an obstacle course designed by Ms. Tierney, students explored movement, balance, and coordination while developing key Approaches To Learning skills including teamwork, perseverance, and self-management. This celebration highlighted how play-based, inquiry-driven experiences support the development of the whole child in the IB Primary Years Programme.

PRESCHOOL - KINDERGARTEN NEWS

A Leprechaun Visited Our Kindergartners!

Our Kindergarten class had a magical St. Patrick’s Day surprise! Students left their shoes outside the classroom — and when they came back, a sneaky little leprechaun had snuck in and filled them with goodies!

The excitement and wonder on their faces was absolutely priceless. Moments like these make learning at CHP truly magical.

Little Hands, Big Hearts

Kindergarten put teamwork into action this month in the most heartwarming way! As part of CHP’s ongoing commitment to community service, our youngest learners packed food donations for those in need — and they did it entirely on their own.

Using a real-world assembly line method, students first sorted all the food items, then worked together to fill weekender bags — each taking turns carrying and passing bags down the line. The pride on their faces said it all. It’s never too early to learn that small acts of kindness can make a big difference. Way to go, Kindergarten!

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL NEWS

From A to Z: Grade 1 Celebrates Living History Month

Grade 1 brought Living History Month to life in the most creative way — with a living history presentation spanning the entire alphabet! Each student took on the role of a famous Black historical figure, from A to Z, sharing their story, their contributions, and their legacy with pride and confidence. From activists and athletes to scientists and trailblazers, our first graders proved that history is best learned when you step into it yourself. It was an inspiring reminder that the stories of those who came before us deserve to be told — loudly and proudly.

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL NEWS

From the Farm to the Map: Grade 1 Explores the World Around Them

Grade 1 made their second visit to the NJIN Farm this year for an unforgettable day of hands-on learning! With a focus on map skills and animal communication, students dove headfirst into two of the most exciting ways we make sense of our world.

The adventure began under our beloved story tree, where students gathered to read Follow That Map before heading to Ms Nan Menon’s garage to draft their very own farm maps — complete with a compass rose and map key. From there, students set off on a Nature Walk, tuning their ears and senses to the sounds around them as they explored how animals use sound, smell, and movement to communicate. After a well-deserved lunch, the fun continued with a globe toss — students catching the globe and identifying the continent or ocean under their right thumb. A beautiful day made even better by perfect 70-degree weather!

Celebrating Holi: A Colorful Classroom Experience

Kian Patel’s mom kindly volunteered to read the class a book about Holi: The Indian Festival of Colors. She also brought a special Holi Festival craft for the students to enjoy. The class was thoroughly engaged, asking amazing questions about the origins of Holi and how it is celebrated.

Grade 2 Brings History to Life

Grade 2 took center stage this March for a powerful living history presentation celebrating Black History Month. Students stepped up to the microphone one by one, showcasing beautifully illustrated pages featuring famous Black historical figures and sharing the stories, quotes, and legacies that inspired them. From Frederick Douglass to countless other trailblazers, our second graders delivered their presentations with poise, passion, and pride — proof that even the youngest voices can carry the weight of history.

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL NEWS

Grade 3 Living History Museum: Celebrating Literary Legends

Grade 3 transformed into a living museum this March, bringing some of the most influential Black writers and literary figures in history to life in a spectacular showcase of research, creativity, and public speaking.

Each student chose a celebrated author, poet, or literary icon — from Tracy K. Smith and Alice Walker to Richard Wright, Elizabeth Alexander, Sherley Anne Williams, Jason Reynolds, W.E.B. Du Bois, and Beyoncé Knowles-Carter — and spent weeks diving deep into their subject's life,

Exploring Nature at NJIN Farm

legacy, and contributions to literature and culture. The result? Beautifully crafted display boards, thoughtful written research, and confident, compelling presentations delivered to parents, teachers, and peers.

What made this year's Living History Museum truly special was the level of detail and personal connection each student brought to their figure. Students didn't just memorize facts — they embodied their subjects, costumes and all, making history feel alive and immediate. It was an unforgettable afternoon that reminded our community why storytelling — in all its forms — matters.

On March 18, 2026, Third Grade students visited the NJIN Farm to engage with the natural world. The day began with a scavenger hunt designed to help children find items that sparked joy, gratitude, and artistic inspiration — Mr. Mac even spotted a frog! Following their exploration, students practiced cartography by illustrating detailed maps of the grounds in their journals. The trip concluded with a period of silent reflection, allowing the group to observe local wildlife and simply listen to the world around them. Despite the chilly weather, it was a meaningful and memorable experience rooted in nature and mindfulness.

From Somerset to the World Stage!

We are thrilled to celebrate third grader Ishanvi Reddy, who recently took first place in both the elements (jumps and spins) and dance categories at the Chicago Midwest Invitational figure skating competition. Next up, Ishanvi will represent the United States at the Figure Skating World Series in Argentina, April 8–14, 2026. We are so proud of you, Ishanvi!

SUPER STUDENTS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL NEWS

From Galaxies Far, Far Away

Dean is Third Grade's Super Student! Dean is in Mrs. Kotasthane's class and describes himself as a Wonder Writer and an Amazing Artist. He hails from the Leo I Galaxy and his theme song is "Golden." Dean's parents are his heroes, and he would choose his twin sister, Samantha, as his sidekick. His favorite book is New Kid, and he thinks of the color red when he is happy. In his spare time, Dean loves to draw and chat with friends about books and movies.

Buckle Up — This Super Student is on Another Level

Ayaan is Third Grade's Super Student! Ayaan is in Mrs. Haynoski's class and describes himself as a Ravenous Reader and a Genius Geographer. He hails from Galaxy Major 10239582, his theme song is "Crazy Train," and his superpower is simply being smart. Ayaan's mom is his hero and he would choose Ryan as his sidekick. He loves the Harry Potter, Wings of Fire, and Diary of a Wimpy Kid series, thinks of the color red when he is happy, and spends his spare time watching TV and making his friends laugh.

This Star Has Everything — and Then Some

Nidhi is Third Grade's Super Student! Nidhi is in Mrs. Kotasthane's class and describes herself as a Wonder Writer, Ravenous Reader, and Harmonious Helper. She hails from Star Galaxy, her theme song is "Golden," and she thinks of the color pink when she is happy. Nidhi's heroes are her parents, and she would choose her brother as her sidekick. Her favorite books are Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Nat Enough, and Dragon Girls. In her spare time, she watches TV and loves chatting with friends about what they'll play at recess.

She Does It All — And Makes It Look Easy

Samantha is Third Grade's Super Student! Samantha is in Mrs. Haynoski's class and describes herself as a Ravenous Reader, Stellar Artist, Awesome Athlete, and Harmonious Helper. She hails from The Milky Way Galaxy and her theme song is "That's How You Know." Samantha's mom and dad are her heroes, and she would pick Dean and Naomi as her sidekicks. She thinks of the color pink when she is happy. In her spare time, she loves to play, draw, and watch TV — and she always has a great trip story to share with friends. Her favorite books are Unico and Pocket Peaches.

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL NEWS

A Powerful Story, A Powerful Voice

Our Third Graders were enthralled as Sneha Jacob, mom of CHP’s own Leela, read aloud Until Someone Listens — a non-fiction autobiographical picture book written by 11-year-old Estela Juarez, with Lissette Norman. The book tells the true story of a young girl who used her voice to fight for her family’s reunion after her mother was deported to Mexico. It was a moving and deeply relevant read that sparked meaningful conversation in the classroom. Thank you, Sneha, for bringing such an important story to our students!

A Mystery Reader with a Very Special Connection!

Third grade gave a warm welcome to Aditi Prabhakaran, Lirthika’s older sister, who was our mystery reader this afternoon! What made this visit extra special — Aditi was once Mrs. Kotasthane’s very own 3rd grade student, and now she was back in the same classroom, reading to her younger sister’s class. Aditi read We’re Going on a Bear Hunt — a beloved adventure story about a family journeying through grass, a river, mud, a forest, and snow in search of a bear. Full of bravery and excitement, the story takes a fun twist when the family finally finds a real bear in a cave and races all the way back home! Thank you for coming back to visit us, Aditi — and for making this such a memorable afternoon for our 3rd graders. We hope to see you again soon!

Another Mystery Reader Brings the Fun to Third Grade!

Third graders welcomed yet another special mystery reader to their classroom — Shanaya’s mom, Shraddha! Shraddha brought plenty of laughs with her animated reading of The Summer Camp From the Black Lagoon, a hilarious adventure following Hubie, a boy who is sent far away to summer camp without his TV or computer. Trapped in the woods and surrounded by all kinds of surprises — including snakes in the lake — Hubie has to figure out how to survive his wilderness vacation! The students absolutely loved Shraddha’s expressive, animated reading style and were hooked from start to finish. Thank you, Shraddha, for bringing such a fun and funny story to our 3rd graders — we hope to see you back in our classroom soon!

Going Green for St. Patrick’s Day!

Grade 3 went all out for St. Patrick’s Day this March — and the results were absolutely delightful! Students came dressed head to toe in green, filling the classroom with festive energy and plenty of shamrock spirit. And their teacher, Mrs. Kotasthane, was not to be outdone — arriving in a full shamrock ensemble complete with a green wig, rainbow glasses, and green treats in hand. Safe to say, she won the day. It was a joyful celebration that reminded everyone that at CHP, we work hard and celebrate even harder.

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL NEWS

March has been a very busy and fun-filled month for Grade 4!

On March 2nd, the month began with Read Across America. Keeping with tradition, Grade 4 was thrilled to put on their Dr. Seuss hats and visit their friends in Grade 1 to read a selection of Dr. Seuss books. Then, Grade 4 enjoyed being read to by some of our Middle Schoolers. Thank you to Laila and Anandita for visiting Class 4B in Language Arts/Social Studies, and to James and Syiana for visiting Grade 4 Math/Science. You made it a totally fun-filled experience!!!

In addition, the snow days pushed ahead and, on March 14, Grade four students celebrated Pi Day by learning how to calculate the circumference, diameter, and radius of a circle. They then created a poster featuring three different-sized circles of their choice and calculated each circle’s diameter, radius, and circumference, connecting their work to the concept of Pi. As a culminating art activity, students designed math tessellations using the Pi symbol, which served as a border for their project. To wrap up the lesson and celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, students participated in a fun and engaging “Shamrock Pie in a Cup” activity that combined cooking, reading, writing, math, and hands-on learning.

After learning about nutrition and how to read food labels in Health class, Grade 4 students conducted an experiment using the scientific method to investigate how greasy different varieties of potato chips are. They explored questions such as: What is the difference between a potato chip and a potato crisp? What is fat? Should people eliminate all fat from their diets? Which chip contains the most fat? Students collected their data in tables and created bar graphs to display their results. It was an engaging and educational experience, and a great time learning about nutrition was had by all.

Also delayed because of snow days, on March 5th, Grade 4 presented their Living History Program in Honor of Black American Inventors. The gym was bustling with excitement as the students delivered their presentations to the many parents and other guests who visited their individual “museum” tables. Each Grade 4 student’s performance was a celebration of the many Black American scientists and inventors who have made important contributions to our society. Dressed in costumes

reflecting the period in which these inventors lived, from the mid-18th century to the present day, each 4th-grade “inventor” delivered a speech that discussed the challenges many of the inventors faced and their incredible successes.

In preparation for the event, the students learned to do online research, collect and organize data, document their research, and write a speech to inform…in the 1st person! Their “museum” displays included artifacts that reflected the inventors’ accomplishments and provided the students with an opportunity to express their findings creatively. In addition, the students learned some public speaking techniques and wrote Bio Poems of their subjects. Congratulations Grade 4 for your outstanding presentations!!!

A special thank-you to our Grade 4 families for their assistance with this five-week project…and to Mr. Seeley and Coach Frankie for helping with the set-up and breakdown of the event. As with all of our CHP events, it takes a village….and we are so grateful to all whose assistance has made Black American Living History a time-honored CHP tradition! Before we knew it, we were adorned in green. Students celebrated St. Patrick’s Day while practicing their math skills! They solved fraction problems involving mixed numbers and improper fractions on four paper shamrocks. After completing their work, they colored and decorated each clover, cut them out, and assembled them into a fun 3D hanging shamrock craft—perfect for the holiday!

During this month, CHP’s Language Arts classes coordinated with TEEEM as we extended our learning about the Lakota people and listened to a short story about “The Star Quilt.” The students explored the symbolism that the star represents and is an inherent part of the Lakota culture. They realized that this symbol is also representative of the values in our cultures…the importance of helping one another; that when one person is supported, the whole community becomes stronger. The students created their own stars to represent this symbolism in their experiences.

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ELEMENTARY SCHOOL NEWS

On March 26th, Grade 4 enjoyed a wonderfully sunny and warm visit to the NJIN Farm! Truly an experiential environmental experience, students hiked up the hill as Dr. Nan explained the biodiversity of the farm and ways in which the students’ visit could help to preserve this. A Scavenger Hunt for signs of Spring and observing the cows and horses added to the students’ excitement. After lunch, students then set out to search for items in nature that they could use to build their natural sculptures (following the style of sculptor, Andrew Goldsworthy). Great teamwork and creativity were very apparent as low-lying and elevated sculptures were created. But then, as always, the trip ended too quickly…but with the promise of another farm trip to come.

During the last weekend in March, a few 4th graders traveled to Princeton University to participate in the International Academic Competitions for the Regional Geography, History, and Science Bees. Congratulations to Anjali, Ethan, and Reyansh for their participation in these Bees …and for qualifying for the National Finals in Orlando this May!

Grade 4 celebrated two March birthdays and welcomed them into the “Double Digit Club.” Happy Birthday wishes for Milan and Ethan upon their 10th birthdays!

MIDDLE SCHOOL NEWS

Where Curiosity Grows: Grades 5 and 6 Kick Off Spring at the NJIN Farm

March 25 was a perfect way to welcome spring. Grades 5 and 6 spent the day at our NJIN Farm for a hands-on adventure packed with learning and discovery. Students explored the concept of carbon sinks and participated in an outdoor activity tracing how carbon moves through ecosystems. They then got an up-close look at a bee apiary before it was reinstalled at the farm — learning all about bees and beekeeping from our very own school beekeeper and science teacher, Mrs. Galiano. They even had the chance to feel wax comb that bees had built on the frames over last summer.

Afterward, students reflected on the day by writing in their journals and sharing their entries with one another. The day continued with a field walk led by Dr. Nan herself, during which students discovered fish in the farm pond — a mystery they now need to investigate further. Before heading home, the group ended on the sweetest note, meeting and petting the farm’s 11-month-old baby horse, who was more than happy to soak up all the attention. Spring has sprung at the NJIN Farm — and our students celebrated it wholeheartedly.

Science, Nature, and a Whole Lot of Fun — CHP’s NJIN Trip

During this month’s NJIN trip, Grade 7 and Grade 8 students dove into hands-on science experiences connected to their Science Fair topics — designing health bars for disaster relief and emergency pods. Grade 7 students conducted a taste and ingredient analysis of two popular energy bars — Clif Bar and Luna Bar — before rolling up their sleeves to create their own. Using ingredients like peanut butter, almond butter, honey, cocoa peanut powder, nonfat milk powder, oats, pumpkin seeds, puffed wheat, electrolytes, and lemonade, students formulated health bars tailored to specific target populations: patients, athletes, and rescue workers.

Grade 8 students tackled the egg drop challenge, guided by Dr. Nan. Taking into consideration mass, velocity, impact force, and collision, students designed and tested their own egg drop models — the same engineering principles they’ll apply to their survival pod prototypes. The day wrapped up with a nature walk and a visit to the stable, under beautiful weather that made every moment even more memorable. A perfect blend of science, fresh air, and fun!

Students Bring Black History to Life at Our Annual Living History Museum

Cedar Hill Preparatory School’s hallways became a living, breathing time capsule on March 6, 2026 evening as middle school students transformed classrooms into immersive historical exhibits for the school’s annual Living History Museum.

Guests were welcomed into the “Café Speakeasy Gymnasium,” where the Franklin Township Jazz Ensemble set the mood with live performances as families enjoyed refreshments before embarking on what students called a Tour of Black Excellence. From there, the journey through history began. Attendees moved through thoughtfully designed rooms representing six distinct eras — the Pre-Civil War period, Reconstruction, the Harlem Renaissance, the Civil Rights Movement, the Hip-Hop Era, and Modern Day — each brought to life by students who had spent weeks researching, scripting and costuming themselves as the iconic figures they portrayed.

Visitors came face to face with abolitionists, civil rights pioneers, cultural trailblazers and modern-

day icons — from Frederick Douglass and Harriet Tubman to Rosa Parks, Malcolm X, Whitney Houston, Michael Jordan and Kendrick Lamar. Senior student ambassadors served as guides throughout the evening, helping connect the threads of history across every room.

The event was more than a performance — it was a deeply personal learning experience. Students researched their historical figures independently, developed their own narratives and presented with confidence and conviction, drawing enthusiastic questions and admiration from the audience.

A heartfelt thank you to organizing teachers Mr. Peter McPherson and Ms. Daniela Mieczkowski, the Franklin Township Jazz Ensemble, our incredible student historians, and every family and community member who made the evening such a resounding success. We can’t wait to see what next year brings!

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Garden State Debate League

Cedar Hill Prep Hosts Garden State Debate League March Tournament

Cedar Hill Prep School proudly hosted the Garden State Debate League March Tournament, welcoming 140 student participants for a day of rigorous intellectual competition and dynamic discourse.

The tournament featured three rounds of debate centered on timely and thought-provoking topics, including the prohibition of opioid medications, the implementation of bell-to-bell cell phone bans in schools, and the inclusion of student ratings in teacher evaluations. Attendees were highly impressed by the students’ ability to articulate complex arguments with clarity, confidence, and depth.

Cedar Hill Prep students delivered an outstanding performance, leading the tournament with the highest number of wins (22 out of 33) and achieving the top win percentage at 67%.

Top Speakers at the Tournament:

Shaun Gupta (William Annin Middle School)

Zara Russell (RSA)

David Ryu (Wilberforce)

Branden Wang (William Annin Middle School)

Shivad Desai (Cedar Hill Prep)

Lily Trotta (Cedar Hill Prep)

Amannda Yarima (Wilberforce)

Nehemiah Kim and Samarth Dakhera (Cedar Hill Prep)

Cedar Hill Prep teams also secured top rankings:

1st Place Team (CHP DKS): Samarth Dakhera, Nehemiah Kim, Yajur Subramaniam

3rd Place Team (CHP DGT): Sahasra Genupur, Lily Trotta, Samaira Doshi

4th Place Team (CHP DMN): Agasthya Mabbu, Aiden Nguyen, Shivad Desai

6th Place Team (CHP BCP): Pragnya Banigalapati, Kasey Connor, Aaliyah Patel

Cedar Hill Prep extends its congratulations to all participating students for their dedication, skill, and continued excellence in debate.

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CHP Students Excel at IAC Regionals

Cedar Hill Prep students delivered an outstanding performance at the International Academic Competitions (IAC) Regionals held at Princeton University on March 21, 2026—earning multiple medals and securing qualifications for national and international competitions. Competing across Science, History, and Geography Bees, our students demonstrated strong subject mastery, critical thinking, and competitive excellence across grade levels.

Top Achievements

Samarth Dakhera (Grade 7)

Gold Medal in Science (second gold this season)

Qualified for National Finals and the 2028 International Science Championships

Aaryan Shah (Grade 6)

Gold Medal in Geography | Science Finalist

Qualified for National Finals across multiple subjects

Advanced to the 2027 International History Olympiad and 2026 International Geography Championships

Vallabh Vijayaraj (Grade 6)

Silver Medals in Science and Geography

Qualified for National Finals and international competitions across multiple subjects

Ethan Chang (Grade 4)

Bronze Medal in Science

Qualified for National Finals and international-level competitions

Additional National Qualifiers

We also congratulate the following students for qualifying for the IAC National Finals: Viraj Shukla (Grade 6), Nyle Thaver (Grade 5), Nicholas Codreanu (Grade 5), Reyansh Rajath (Grade 4), Anjali Shah (Grade 4), and Shanaya Shah (Grade 3)

A Culture of Academic Excellence

These achievements reflect Cedar Hill Prep’s commitment to developing students who think deeply, compete confidently, and perform at high levels across disciplines.

MIDDLE SCHOOL NEWS

Pi Day — A Piece of Cake! (In Science, That Is!)

Pi Day was celebrated in Grade 6 Science class in a truly hands-on way. Students put on their scientist hats and set out to prove why pi equals 3.14 — using marshmallows! By arranging different-sized marshmallows into circles and measuring their diameters, they worked through the math themselves. Does pi equal 3.14 regardless of the size of the circle? Is it exactly 3.14 every time? And if so, why — or why not? These young scientists now have all the answers. It was a piece of cake — or should we say, a piece of pi!

3.14 Reasons to Love Pi Day at CHP

Middle school students at CHP know how to celebrate one of the most elusive and irrational numbers — pi! They participated in activities related to circles and the number pi, and of course, devoured all types of pie!

In addition to classroom activities, ten exceptional students from Grades 5–8 showcased their mathematical prowess with a memorable challenge: memorizing the decimals of pi. Sixth grader Vallabh Vijayaraj amazed everyone by reciting an incredible 407 digits, earning first place. Close behind was fifth grader Christian Byrd, who secured second place with an impressive 404 digits. Rounding out the top three was fellow fifth grader Kiaan Pingle, who wowed the crowd by reciting 224 digits.

With such talented young mathematicians, this is only the beginning — and we can’t wait to see what future Pi Day celebrations will bring. Their dedication, enthusiasm, and love of mathematics truly shone, making this year’s Pi Day an inspiring and memorable success!

MIDDLE SCHOOL NEWS

A National Stage Awaits: Yajur Subramaniam Wins Regional Scripps Spelling Bee

We are thrilled to celebrate an extraordinary achievement by Cedar Hill Prep student Yajur Subramaniam, who has won the Regional Scripps Spelling Bee and will advance to the Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C. this May. Competing against top spellers from Essex, Somerset, and Union counties, Yajur demonstrated remarkable focus and linguistic mastery at the South Orange Performing Arts Center (SOPAC) in Orange, NJ. After an intense series of challenging rounds, he secured the championship with the word “meringue.” Throughout the competition, students were challenged with demanding words such as sepulchral, hydrocortisone, phosphorescent, and glial—each requiring not only spelling precision but also a deep understanding of language and composure under pressure.

Yajur’s accomplishment reflects the spirit of curiosity, perseverance, and academic excellence that defines the Cedar Hill Prep community. We are incredibly proud of his dedication and hard work, and we look forward to cheering him on as he represents Cedar Hill Prep on the national stage. Please join us in congratulating Yajur and his family on this remarkable achievement. We wish him the very best as he prepares for the national competition in Washington, D.C.

CHP Students Recognized in New York Times Tiny Memoir Contest

We are proud to share that two of our eighth-grade students, Lily Trotta and Aiden Betancourt, have been recognized in the New York Times Tiny Memoir Contest, ranking among the top 2,358 entries out of more than 14,000 submissions worldwide. The contest challenges students ages 13–19 to tell a meaningful, true story in 100 words or fewer—an exercise in clarity, precision, and voice.

Aiden’s memoir, “Bird Watching,” reflects on a friendship formed during his early days at a new school. Through thoughtful observations of blue jays and sparrows, he captures how the experience shaped his patience and attention to detail. Lily’s piece, “One Last Moment,” shares a deeply personal story about saying goodbye to her family’s beloved cat. In just a few lines, she conveys the tenderness of a final moment, demonstrating the power of concise storytelling. Both students developed their work through multiple drafts, incorporating peer and teacher feedback to refine their ideas and strengthen their writing.

Their teacher, Yasmeen Villafranca, shared: “When you are limited to 100 words, it forces the writer to be concise and capture the true essence of a special moment. It gives me a glimpse into my students’ lives.” This recognition reflects Cedar Hill Prep’s emphasis on thoughtful expression, reflection, and purposeful writing—key elements of our IB approach to learning.

MIDDLE SCHOOL NEWS

Second Place, First-Class Impact

We are so proud of our House Leadership Team for earning 2nd place at the Future Problem Solving New Jersey (FPSNJ) Community Project Competition! Competing against 22 teams from across the state, our students presented their year-long community service initiative with Pine Grove Manor — showcasing how they applied the six-step problem-solving process to drive meaningful, realworld change.

Meet the team: Nico Garofalo, Lily Trotta, Samaira Doshi, Sahasra Genupur, Avya Kumar, Aanya Vig, Shivad Desai, and Alex Peng.

And the journey doesn’t stop there. They have officially advanced to the International Competition at Indiana University this June!

Grades 7 and 8 Egg Drop

“ This achievement goes far beyond a competition. This project helped our students understand that leadership, empathy, and service can create real change in the lives of others.”

Sangeeta Lekhi, Grade 7 & 8 Math Teacher and Project Mentor

Adding to this special achievement, Ms. Laurel Peterson, Executive Director of the Future Problem Solvers NJ Chapter, personally visited our House Leadership Team to present their 2nd place trophies and share important information as they prepare for the International Competition in Indiana.

We couldn’t be more proud of their leadership, compassion, and dedication to making a lasting impact in our community. Onward to Indiana!

Drop. Calculate. Reflect. Grade 8 is engineering with purpose. Grade 8 students are deep into an engineering design challenge — creating survival pods for emergency supplies and portable baby incubators as part of the Amplify Science Curriculum. To prepare for prototyping, they tackled an egg drop activity, applying real physics concepts to protect something small and fragile from a 15-foot drop. Using materials like coffee filters, cups, straws, foam, cotton balls, and parachute models of their own design, students had to account for mass, velocity, impact force, and air resistance.

The key insight: reducing impact force means reducing mass, slowing velocity, and increasing air resistance to extend impact time. Every egg survived. Students then reflected on their results and calculated potential energy, velocity, and acceleration — data they’ll carry into Spring Break as they begin designing their survival pod prototypes.

MIDDLE SCHOOL NEWS

Proclaimed & Proud: Cedar Hill Prep Students Honored by Franklin Township Council

On March 24, 2026, Cedar Hill Preparatory School was proudly represented at the Franklin Township Council’s monthly meeting at the Municipal Building in Somerset, where Councilman-at-Large Sivaraman “Ram” Anbarasan presented official proclamations honoring three outstanding student achievements.

Future City — Regional Runner-Up The Franklin Township Council recognized our Future City team for their impressive second-place finish at the Regional competition. Congratulations to Afzaal Mohamed, Anandita Gurjar, Shivad Desai, Sahasra Genupur, Kasey Conner, Samaira Doshi, Avya Kumar, Aaryan Shah, Vallabh Vijayaraj, Dylan Lee, Johnathan Li, and Indigo James.

NAQT — National Championship Qualifiers Also recognized was our National Academic Quiz Tournaments (NAQT) team, who earned a spot at the National Academic Championship in Chicago — one of only 160 middle school teams in the entire country to qualify. Congratulations to Nico Garofalo, Yajur Subramaniam, Shivad Desai, Samarth Dakhera, Vallabh Vijayaraj, Armaan Kahlon, Aaryan Shah, and Viraj Shukla.

Yajur Subramaniam — NJ Regional Scripps Spelling Bee Champion Yajur Subramaniam received a special individual proclamation for winning the NJ Regional Scripps Spelling Bee, competing against students from Essex, Somerset, and Union counties. He will represent New Jersey at the Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C. this May — one of only three to four students statewide to earn this distinction.

As Councilman Anbarasan noted, these students are "an inspiration to students throughout our community." We couldn't be more proud. Congratulations to all!

WILDCATS SPORTS

Spring Pep Rally 2026

Cheers for Our Athletes!

Our students came together to celebrate the spring sports season at the Pep Rally! All players from Boys Tennis, Coed Volleyball, and Track were introduced, and the crowd cheered them on with energy and school spirit. Here’s to a successful and exciting season for all our athletes!

Click Here to See Images From Pep Rally

A Hard-Fought Match Against Central Jersey Collegiate Prep Charter School

Cedar Hill Prep’s volleyball team faced Central Jersey Collegiate Prep Charter School in a close, intense match that kept both sides competing until the very end. Every set went down to the wire — 26-28, 23-25, 23-25 — with neither team giving an inch.

Although CHP came up short, the team played with determination and pushed through every rally.

A tough loss — and a promising one. The team looks ahead with confidence.

Coaching with Heart:

Celebrating the Women Who Inspire CHP Athletes

In honor of Women’s History Month, Cedar Hill Prep celebrates four remarkable coaches who do more than teach sport — they build confidence, courage, and character in every student they mentor.

Coach Courtney Tierney — Building Champions Through Confidence

From Little Cats gym to middle school athletics, Coach Tierney brings a consistent message across all levels: growth comes from trying, failing, and trying again.

“Confidence is something every athlete struggles with — no matter their age,” she shares. By encouraging students to embrace mistakes, she helps them develop resilience and belief in their abilities—on and off the field.

Coach Julie Haynoski — Finding Your Voice

What started as a small cheerleading initiative quickly became a powerful space for student transformation.

“Some of my quietest students find their voice on the mat,” she says. Through movement, teamwork, and encouragement, Coach Haynoski helps students build confidence in ways that extend far beyond sport.

Click to Read More Blogs

Coach Dawn Francavilla — Firm, Fair, and Empowering

With a lifelong background in athletics, Coach Francavilla focuses on developing the whole child.

“You have to find what each student is good at and build from there,” she explains.

Her approach blends structure with empathy, ensuring every student feels valued, capable, and motivated to grow.

Coach Yasmeen Villafranca — Turning Passion into Skill

With decades of experience in volleyball, Coach Villafranca focuses on developing both skill and mindset.

“Are they willing to learn and adapt?” she asks. Through collaboration, communication, and risktaking, she helps students build not just athletic ability—but life skills aligned with the IB learner profile.

At Cedar Hill Prep, coaching goes beyond the game. It is about shaping confident individuals who are willing to take risks, support one another, and grow with purpose.

You have to love the sport, and you have to show them how much it matters to you. You want to translate the passion into skill and fun.

Yasmeen Villafranca

SPECIALS

Family Fun Night Celebrates Pi Day

Our Family Fun Night brought together students and families for an evening of laughter, games, and community spirit as we celebrated Pi Day. From energetic activities in the gym to playful challenges in the classroom, students enjoyed hands-on fun while spending quality time with their classmates and families. Whether testing their skills in friendly games or cheering each other on, the evening was filled with excitement and connection. Events like these remind us that learning and community go hand in hand at Cedar Hill Prep. Thank you to all the families who joined us and helped make the evening such a wonderful success!

Breakfast with the Principal

Congratulations to our “Hide the Leprechaun” champions! On St Patrick’s Day, CHP students put their detective skills to the test searching the school for hidden photos of our very own leprechaun — Mr Seeley. Out of all the sharp-eyed students across both divisions, two rose to the top.

Shrivika Sarangi (Grade 1) claimed the Lower School title, and Sahasra Genupur (Grade 8) took the Middle School crown. On March 24, the winners celebrated their victory in the best way possible — with a wellearned breakfast with Principal Seeley!

A big thank you to everyone who participated and to our teachers for helping make this St. Patrick’s Day tradition such a fun and festive experience for the whole school.

SP TLIGHT

IB Spotlight: Inquiry in Action – Grade 1

In Grade 1, Ms. Pallavi Majumder’s class recently brought learning to life through an interdisciplinary Animal Research Project, integrating science, language, and critical thinking. Students explored different animals by researching their habitats, characteristics, and survival traits, and then translated their learning into structured written work and presentations. From describing animal features using precise vocabulary to comparing sizes and identifying adaptations, students demonstrated both depth of understanding and growing confidence in communication.

What stood out most was the intentional process behind the work. Students moved beyond simple facts—analyzing, organizing, and presenting their ideas clearly. The use of a detailed rubric supported self-awareness, helping students understand expectations around content, effort, and presentation. The classroom environment reflected this learning journey, with student work proudly displayed and discussions unfolding in collaborative circles—encouraging both voice and reflection.

This is IB in action: Building curious thinkers, confident communicators, and students who learn with purpose.

IB Spotlight: Grade 3 – Inheritance & Traits

Grade 3 students in Mrs. Sumedha Kotasthane’s class explored inheritance by investigating why offspring share traits with their parents — and why they don’t always look exactly alike.

Through inquiry-based activities, students analyzed real-world examples and predicted traits of “creature offspring,” uncovering a key insight: even siblings born to the same parents can look different from one another, because each child inherits a unique combination of traits from either or both parents.

These hands-on explorations developed skills in observation, reasoning, and communication — reflecting the IB approach of encouraging curiosity

Lights, Stage, CHP!

Two days. Dozens of performers. One unforgettable show. The CHP Talent Show brought together students from K through Grade 8 for a celebration of music, dance, and instruments — spanning everything from K-Pop to Bharatanatyam. The talent in this community is truly something special. Congratulations to the winners!

PARENT TEACHER ORGANIZATION

Hello CHP Families!

The PTO has been busy behind the scenes planning some exciting events for our community and we’d love for YOU to be part of it!

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!

Our next PTO meeting will be held on Wednesday, April 15th at 8:00 PM on zoom.

We’ll be diving into plans for our upcoming Teacher Appreciation Week, and trust us - you won’t want to miss what we have in store for our amazing teachers

COMING SOON SPRING BAZAAR – APRIL 25TH!

We’re hoping for a packed house, and to make things even more fun…

All attendees will be entered into a raffle to win a $25 Amazon Gift Card! (yes, you read that right)

Get ready for a day full of fun, community, and springtime vibes! We’re planning a fantastic event with vendors, activities, and more details coming your way soon.

As always, the PTO is here to bring our school community together and we truly appreciate your support, energy, and involvement. The more, the merrier!

See you on the 15th at our next PTO meeting!

Looking Ahead to Upcoming Special Events