Hunterdon Central has received the results of a water test, performed by an independent lab last week. The test found no detectable levels of tetrachloroethylene in the water at Hunterdon Central.

Based on these results, the water fountains at Hunterdon Central will be turned back on.

For the past year, Hunterdon Central has been examining the use of two-way communication (cell phones) and listening devices at the high school. We have spent a great deal of time talking and listening to our students and staff; we conducted a survey on our current procedure; we had a special task force gathering data and examining this issue.

We recognize the need for our students to have and use their cell phones during the day. We also believe that the use of a cell phone for calls and text messaging is a serious interruption within the classroom setting. As we examined the issue, it became apparent that we needed to balance our students’ needs with the need to protect the learning environment at Hunterdon Central.

We recognize that the procedure currently in place is ineffective, for many reasons. Therefore, on April 16, 2008, we are going to implement new procedures, on a trial basis, for the 4th quarter.

The new procedures will increase the amount of time your child may use his/her cell phone during passing time between classes and during lunch; they will, however, not be permitted cell phone use during class time. Students who violate this rule will have their cell phones confiscated, as outlined on the reverse side of this letter. We will be making your child aware of the rules and consequences that go into effect on April 16th. We hope that you will take the time to familiarize yourself with the new procedures and speak with your child about using his/her cell phone and listening device responsibly.

To view the new regulations for cell phones/listening devices, click here.

To view of video of Principal Christina Steffner discussion the new policy, click here.

Hunterdon Central has been informed by Flemington Borough that, after routine testing, the Borough's water supply was found to be in violation of a drinking water standard. One of the Borough's five supply wells exceeds the standard, or maximum contaminant level, for tetrachloroethylene. The standard for tetrachloroethylene is 1 part per billion (ppb). The average level in the tested Borough water was 2.12 parts per billion.

We've been advised by the Flemington Water Department that this finding does not constitute an emergency situation and that we do not need to use an alternate water source.

However, to reassure our students, staff and community about the safety of the District's drinking water, we have made the decision to have our water independently tested. Water samples will be taken this week; results are expected shortly.

In the interim, all water fountains at Hunterdon Central have been shut off. We encourage our students and staff to bring bottled water to school. There are also water coolers available to students in every House Office.