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The Cougar Chronicle

News from Across the District

The Cougar Chronicle News from Across the District

MARCH 2025 EDITION

Message from the Superintendent

Dear Cranford Community,


Our month began with a wonderful celebration of books and reading among our youngest learners. During Read Across America Week, our elementary schools encouraged students to think creatively and explore storytelling. Special guests visited classrooms to read stories, bringing our community together and inspiring students to become avid, lifelong readers.


I often say how fortunate I am to work in Cranford. The Cranford school community is passionate and consistently supports both its students and staff. I’m very pleased to announce that the teachers’ contract was approved at the most recent Board of Education meeting. Our teachers are the heart and soul of our district, and we are truly grateful for them.


As always, thank you for your continued support in making our school community such a special place.


Sincerely,

Dr. Scott Rubin

Superintendent of Schools


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Cranford Film Festival – April 26

Don't miss this unforgettable night of film, creativity, and community – all for a great cause! Tickets are on sale now at cranfordfilmfestival.org.

Cranford Family Academy reinforces Full Value Principles

Cranford Family Academy, led by District Coordinator of Culture and Climate Alyssa Willner, hosted a district-wide Social Emotional Learning (SEL) night on March 13 at Hillside Avenue School. Two seniors, Ella Grady and Sofia Sciarrone, members of the Full Value Council at CHS, kicked off the night with an explanation of the six Full Value Principles and then engaged the audience in a lively game of Kahoot to identify the different principles.


Each school, led by the SEL facilitator, demonstrated the meaning of each of the six principles: Be Here, Be Honest, Be Safe, Set Goals, Care for Self and Others, and Let Go and Move on, through a read aloud, games, a musical performance and a choreographed song. Families and their students were then able to visit stations set up in the cafeteria to practice using the Full Value principles through various hands-on activities.

The Cranford Board of Education honored the following teachers for their service and dedication to students at the Feb. 24 meeting. Watch the entire ceremony here.

Gia Calabrese-Roberts, CHS Science Teacher

“Mrs. Calabrese-Roberts does an absolutely phenomenal job helping our students adjust to life in high school. Every time I go into her room, I still haven't found a kid that doesn't know what they're doing, regardless of how difficult the lesson is. Her kids know what they're doing all the time, and they're engaged and excited.” – Principal Mark Cantagallo

Dana Cascone, BAS Speech Language Specialist

“Mrs. Cascone’s work goes far beyond simply helping students find their voice. She helps them build confidence, communicate their thoughts, and really connect with others. She meets each child exactly where they are, providing the guidance, encouragement, and expertise they need.” – Principal Ron Litz

Tara Franklin, OAS Occupational Therapist

“Mrs. Franklin is more than just an educator – she is a supporter, a cheerleader, and an unwavering advocate for her students. As an occupational therapist, Mrs. Franklin has an incredible ability to understand the unique needs of each student she works with and recognizes when they need support, what might overwhelm them, and what will help them succeed.” – Principal Lourdes Murphy

Janet Gurman, CHS Classroom Assistant

“Mrs. Gurman is always there to support and help others and give them that extra boost that they might need, even on their worst day. Her passion and care for Cranford High School and the students there, along with the staff, goes well beyond anything that I could ever describe in a small amount of time.” – Principal Mark Cantagallo

Ann Marie Lengner, HAS Fifth Grade Teacher

“Known for her ability to inspire students of all abilities, Anne Marie consistently creates engaging and differentiated lessons and fosters a supportive, inclusive classroom environment. Each year, she takes on some of the most diverse classes, tailoring her instruction to meet the needs of all.” – Principal Kevin Deacon

Paula Perreault, WAS Special Education Teacher

“Mrs. Perreault is every student's biggest cheerleader. Her ability to adapt her approach based on the diverse needs and learning styles of students is outstanding. Her impact is immeasurable, and we are all incredibly grateful for her.” – Principal Celine McNally

Barbara Radigan, LAS Fifth Grade Teacher

“Barbara Radigan holds high expectations for her students, and the students rise to those expectations each day. This year at Livingston, our theme is ‘All In’ and Mrs. Radigan demonstrates that every single day.” – Principal Cari Lopez

Daniel Reppert, OAS Social Studies Teacher

“From the moment you step into Mr. Reppert's sixth-grade social studies classroom, you immediately sense that it is a place where students feel valued, heard, and respected. Reppert embodies what it means to be an educator, someone who not only teaches but also inspires, challenges, and nurtures the next generation.” – Principal Lourdes Murphy

Olivia Shoji-Jaworski, WAS Social Worker

“Ms. Jaworski is a dedicated and compassionate social worker, going above and beyond in her role. Her commitment to the students, teachers and families is unmatched. At Walnut Avenue School, Ms. Jaworski has played a pivotal role in transitioning our preschool program into a fully inclusive model, ensuring that every child, regardless of their needs, has access to a high-quality education.” – Principal Celine McNally

Stella Siciliano, HAS Social Worker

“Ms. Siciliano has demonstrated not only exceptional skills and professionalism but also a deep, unwavering care for every student she works with. Stella ensures that every child feels supported, heard, and it is through her balance of emotional and academic care that she has changed lives, inspiring our students to grow not just as learners but as confident and compassionate individuals.” – Principal Kevin Deacon

Jennifer Surmay, BPS Fourth Grade Teacher

“For the past seven years now, each September, a new group of fourth grade students have been welcomed into Mrs. Surmay’s classroom where a strong emphasis is placed on students becoming responsible, independent learners. A classroom presided over by Mrs. Surmay checks all the boxes of those connected to the highest quality of her ability to make learning meaningful, engaging, fun and relevant.” – Interim Principal Michael Klimko

Carol Vitacco, LAS Classroom Assistant

“Carol Vitacco is an outstanding classroom assistant whose dedication and commitment to the success and well-being of students go far beyond expectations. She treats the students she works with as if they were her own children, advocating for their needs, working individually with them to keep pace with the other students, and giving them the praise they deserve.” – Principal Cari Lopez

Amy Zabludovsky, BAS First Grade Teacher

“Mrs. Z's students know that in her classroom, mistakes are just steps toward understanding. Curiosity is encouraged, and learning is an exciting journey. Her dedication to her craft and her love for her students are evident in everything she does.” - Principal Ron Litz

Students visit New York Stock Exchange

Computer science teachers Mr. Feminello and Mr. Bell, in addition to Math & Computer Science Supervisor Mr. Levy, took students on a private tour of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). Project managers, programmers, and leadership at the NYSE engaged students as they shared the daily functions of the organization as it relates to computer science and other STEM fields. The group toured the main floor witnessing the exciting world of traders.

Cranford Board of Education awards bids for kindergarten classroom additions

Cranford Public Schools is pleased to announce that the district has awarded all bids in regard to the kindergarten classroom additions. With construction set to begin this spring, the district is on track to complete the work in time for the 2026-27 school year.


Most recently, the Board of Education awarded a contract to The Bennett Company to complete the kindergarten classroom additions and interior renovations needed at Brookside Place, Bloomingdale Avenue, Walnut Avenue and Hillside Avenue schools. In December, they also awarded a contract for on-site construction management services to Epic Management, Inc.


In January 2024, Cranford residents approved a $75 million bond referendum that would bring much-need upgrades to all eight schools, including the space that is needed for full-day, tuition-free kindergarten. The additions and renovations are set to break ground in the spring.


“We are pleased to share with the community that we have remained within budget thus far and are currently on time to complete the kindergarten additions before the 2026-27 school year,” said Business Administrator Robert Carfagno.


Bond funding can't be used for staffing and other operational costs, so a second question on the General Election ballot in November 2025 would ask for additional funding to support the kindergarten program in the annual budget going forward. More information will be shared with the community about this important step in the process.


For the most up-to-date information about the upcoming vote, bidding and construction, please visit www.cranfordschools.org/vote.


“We are committed to keeping the entire community informed throughout this process," said Superintendent of School Dr. Scott Rubin. “This is an exciting time for Cranford Public Schools and is truly positioning our district and students for future success.”

Fourth and fifth graders learn VEX coding

The Computer Science department continued their annual tradition of inviting volunteers from Barclays PLC for a fun coding event. Fourth and fifth graders learned Vex coding and had a blast. The coding experience involved collaboration, problem solving, and creativity. Students look forward to learning more about coding in their future courses.

Cranford Public Schools is Hiring!

Lincoln student recognized with Unsung Hero Award

Ashley Sremcevic was honored with the 2025 Unsung Hero Award by the Union County School Boards Association on March 12 at Kean University. Ashley has consistently demonstrated excellence in the classroom and exemplary behavior. Her dedication to academics, positive attitude, and strong character have made her a model student. This well-deserved recognition highlights her commitment to learning and the positive impact she has on those around her. Congratulations to Ashley on this outstanding achievement!

WAS students unite for Spirit Week

Walnut Avenue School was buzzing with excitement during the first week of March as students and staff came together to celebrate Spirit Week and Read Across America! The week was filled with fun-themed days that brought the school community closer and encouraged a love for reading.


Students and staff kicked off the week by showing their school pride in their Cranford gear. The excitement continued with Pajama Day, where everyone got cozy and comfortable while participating in classroom activities. On Sports and Club Gear Day, students proudly represented their favorite teams and clubs, highlighting their diverse interests. Wacky Wednesday was a colorful sight as students and staff got creative with mismatched outfits and wild hairstyles. Our PTA also sponsored a school-wide assembly, Rock Out For Reading, taking students on a musical tour through fiction and nonfiction. Cranford High School students visited the classrooms as guest readers throughout the week and Mrs. Cohen, a Board of Education member, shared her love of reading with our preschool students.


The celebration wrapped up with the highly anticipated Storybook Character Day, where students dressed as their favorite storybook characters. The highlight of the day was a surprise visit from none other than The Cat in the Hat and Peppa Pig! The beloved characters spread joy and excitement as they visited classrooms and posed for pictures with students.

HAS and OAS students attend Union County Teen Arts Festival

On March 13, Hillside Avenue School and Orange Avenue School 8th graders participated in the Teen Arts Festival at Union County Community College, an event that celebrates creativity in literary, performing, and visual arts. Students had the opportunity to receive professional critiques and take part in workshops. They represented our school with poise and maturity, earning high praise from industry professionals.

BAS students exceed reading goals

Bloomingdale Avenue School's Read Across America Reading Challenge soared to new heights thanks to a fantastic partnership with Girl Scout Troop 40967! Students embarked on a reading adventure, tasked with reading 10 minutes a night to unlock exciting prizes. The rewards escalated for students meeting each goal: 1,500 minutes earned a unique, hand-crafted bookmark from the Girl Scouts, 5,000 minutes gained students a cozy pajama day, 7,500 minutes put Mr. Litz on wheels, and a whopping 10,000 minutes led to the ultimate reward – students and staff getting to tape Mr. Litz to the wall! We are proud to say, the students of Bloomingdale met and exceeded their goal, reading a total of 15,001 minutes. This collaborative challenge not only fostered a love of reading but also created unforgettable memories for the entire school community.

LAS celebrates Girl Scout Week

Livingston Avenue School celebrated Girl Scout Week with the Brownies and Juniors of LAS! Girl Scout Week is an annual event celebrated worldwide around March 12 that recognizes the founding of the Girl Scout movement and celebrates sisterhood and community action. LAS has been participating in Girl Scout Week for years.


The Pledge of Allegiance along with a new Girl Scout Fun Fact was announced over the loudspeaker daily. Girl Scouts chalked the walkways, wore their uniforms for a big group photo with former Girl Scout and Principal Lopez, and finished the week by wearing Girl Scout Green on Friday! The best part of the week was their after-school cleanup, where the third, fourth and fifth grade Girl Scouts gave back to their LAS community by beautifying the school grounds, followed by a playdate with bubbles and snacks.

BPS families collaborate during annual Art Night

Brookside Place School Art Night is a fun tradition that brings together families from kindergarten through fifth-grade for creative collaboration. For this year's installation, participants created a mural with the theme eXploring Our Connections. Inspired by the street art of ThankYouX, the mural includes individual pieces that fit together to create a large-scale statement of the ways we are different, and the ways we are connected.


In 2009 on the streets of Los Angeles, a street artist named Ryan Wilson created a spray painted portrait of Andy Warhol and signed it "Thank you X" as a gesture of gratitude to Warhol. "ThankYouX" became the artist's identity and now he is internationally recognized with pieces in galleries and murals all over the world. The BPS creation is a tribute to his pop art style and follows the same repeating cube format. On each cube BPS students drew a self portrait. On the other panel they depicted something they love or enjoy (ex. a favorite sport, book, destination, etc). It was a fun night that resulted in a unique creation. A special thanks goes to the BPS PTA for their support and to co-chairs Mrs. Dyer and Mrs. DiGoia-Weinfeld for their coordination.

Performing Arts Highlights

CHS wows audiences with incredible performances of Chicago: Teen Edition

The production of Chicago: Teen Edition was a captivating and high-energy performance that brought the iconic musical to life while bringing out the amazing talents of our Cranford High School young performers and technical students. Directed by Michelle Massa, the show brilliantly showcased the talents of the cast, under the vocal guidance of Music Director Anthony Rafaniello and the dynamic choreography by Emma Schwartz. The adaptation of the script by David Thompson brought a refined, teen-friendly version of the original play by Maurine Dallas Watkins, while staying true to the sharp wit of the show. With the timeless music by John Kander and lyrics by Fred Ebb, the production was a thrilling experience that left the audience cheering for more.

CHS senior performs with NJ Music Educators Association All-State Treble Chorus

Cranford High School senior Noel McNeil performed as a member of the New Jersey Music Educators Association All-State Treble Chorus at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark on Feb. 23.


The performance was the culmination of months of preparation and rehearsals, which included an appearance at the New Jersey Music Educators’ annual conference in Atlantic City on Feb. 22. The All-State Treble Chorus, composed of over 200 of New Jersey’s top high school singers, selects participants through a highly competitive audition process.


Noel is an active member of Cranford High School’s Concert Choir, Madrigal Choir, and West End Blend A Cappella Ensemble and appeared as “Velma” in the CHS Musical Chicago: Teen Edition. Noel was sponsored by Mr. Anthony Rafaniello, Director of Choral Activities and Music Teacher at Cranford High School.

Go Cougars! Athletic Highlights

Wrestlers place at NJSIAA tournament

Congratulations Cranford wrestlers! Jordan Chapman placed 2nd and Michael Daly placed 5th at the NJSIAA tournament.

Girls' basketball competes in State Sectional Final

Congratulations to Girls Basketball upsetting the number three seed Somerville in the state tournament and advancing to the State Sectional Final against Chatham on March 7.

Cranford Public Schools