February 29, 2024
ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (MERCER)–Rejoice Robbinsville! Your annual evening of family fun, free from homework, has arrived. On Wednesday, March 6, the school community will host the “Robbinsville Night Off” for the ninth time.
The event began as an initiative created by the late Dr. Steven Mayer, former Superintendent, and Tawrye Mason, Assistant Principal of Pond Road Middle School. The two were brainstorming innovative ways to bring Robbinsville families and the community together on a random weekday night. Thus, Robbinsville Night Off was born.
“Quality time with family is everything,” said Mason, Robbinsville Night Off lead. “We thought of having a night where there’s no homework. Families have enough time to come home, be together and do something fun.”
The event, which runs from 4:30 to 9 p.m., is a partnership between the district, police department, fire department and the township, with activities offered from each, Mason said. Besides the strict “No Homework” rule, the district of about 3,000 students also does not schedule after-school activities, including athletics. The township also clears its schedule for the evening, enabling all to focus on the big event.
Some of the most popular activities have been the “Goose Chase,” a town-wide scavenger hunt, the police department’s mock crime scene, police station tours, K-9 demonstrations and “Come Paint with the Superintendent Betze.”
And it gets bigger and better every year, Mason said.
The majority of activities are free. Dinners at participating restaurants – Massimo’s, PJ’s Pancake House and Mannino’s 3 – offer a discount.
Mason said she enjoys the activity that allows Superintendent Brian Betze to show off his artistic side. “Painting with the Superintendent” has proven to be a popular attraction each year.
“The students and parents get to see our superintendent in a very different light, and that is always fun to see,” she said.
While some activities are of a drop-in variety at set times – such as the scavenger hunt, fire and police departments station tours, fire department vehicle/rescue, Robbinsville Hydroponic Farm tour – some require registration, Mason said. These include “Painting with the Superintendent,” “Sand Art Craft,” “Forever Hart Fit,” “Kindness Rocks,” “Fairy Hair Fun,” and “Kids in the Kitchen.”
Two activities also offer donation opportunities, said Mason.
The “Share the Love Essential Items Drive” is collecting essentials for Mercer County children in need. “Project Linus” involves a craft project in which families can make fleece-tied blankets to give to children in need. Registration is required; pre-cut materials are $10.
This year, Mason said, organizers added a list of suggestions for families who wanted a “night in” and to not spend any money, such as making dinner, playing a board game, watching a movie and having a family dance party.
Robbinsville Night Off is “very special” to Mason. She feels it continues a connection to Mayer, who died in 2016.
“Seeing everyone come out, share this night together and do something meaningful and supportive of our community is important,” Mason said. “I love that kids can have a night off, not rushing to every event, every practice. I have my own kids – I know what it is like.”
Robbinsville Night Off isn’t only loved for the “no-homework” component. Students, along with their parents, community members and businesses, also look forward to the annual event to foster family time and community involvement.
“I get emails from parents that say, ‘Thank you for the night that I got to spend with my kids’,” Mason said. “And how important it is for their families. We have kids talking about it. And businesses say that it does bring in business, so, it makes them happy to participate. It does really make me happy to see this event every year and I hope everyone enjoys it again!”
For more information and to sign up for activities, visit https://sites.google.com/rvilleschools.org/rvillenightoff/home
On March 6, the school, township, fire and police departments will join together to once again host Robbinsville Night Off. As one of the most popular activities, participants can sign up to “Come Paint with the Superintendent” and witness the artistic talents of Superintendent Brian Betze firsthand.
Participants can help investigate a crime scene with the police department during the annual Robbinsville Night Off on March 6.