HAS Weekly Update
May 3, 2024
Starting on Monday our 6th - 8th graders will be taking the NJSLA in both ELA and Math. Below are some reminders:
- Students should arrive to school on time, as testing sessions will begin promptly.
- Please note, any student arriving late to school (after testing has begun) will have to wait in the main office until testing is completed, and they will be scheduled for makeup testing.
- Students are required to use their school-issued Chromebook for testing. Please ensure it is charged every night.
- Students will also need a pair of wired-headphones (earbuds or Bluetooth headphones will not work)
- Smartwatches and Cell Phones are not permitted in the testing site (students should lock them in their lockers).
Thank you.
Kevin Deacon
Principal
HAS Spirit Week
Crane Parkway Pedestrian Bridge Closure
As a reminder, the pedestrian bridge at the end of Crane Parkway leading to Harold Johnson Place is closed for an undetermined amount of time due to observed structural damage. Please do not attempt to utilize the structure until it has been deemed safe and opened. In the meantime, plan an alternate route of travel.
NJSLA Reminder
Starting on May 6, 2024, the New Jersey Student Learning Assessment (NJSLA) will be administered. Students in Grades 3-8 will take the ELA and Math assessment.
All students are required to bring the following items to school every day:
- District Issued Chromebook (fully charged)
- Wired-Headphones with a standard jack to plug into their Chromebook (airpods and wireless headphones will not work)
- Pencil / Recreational Book (to read after testing)
NJ SCI Survey
As previously shared by Mrs. Burfeindt, our school will be participating in survey data collection using the New Jersey School Climate Improvement (NJ SCI) Survey.
The parent survey will be open Monday, April 29 - Friday, May 10, and should take a few minutes to complete. Your voice is important to us and we hope you will participate.
Click here to take the survey and enter the password: parent
Administration of the student survey will take place from 05/06/2024 - 05/10/2024 for 6th- 8th grade and 05/13/2024 - 05/17/2024 for 3rd - 5th grade. Preview the items on the student survey(s) here: Students Grades 3-5 Survey; Students Grades 6-12 Survey. If you prefer that your child does not participate in the survey, please fill out this brief form.
Please click here for a letter regarding the Parent Survey and click here for a letter regarding the Student Survey.
7th and 8th Grade Cycle Preferences
On Thursday, May 9th the cycle teachers will present the cycle options for our rising 7th and 8th graders and the students will complete a survey to indicate their preferences for cycle classes for next year. Each cycle class runs for one marking period. Click here to see a list of classes that are available. Please discuss these options with your child.
Elementary Class Placement 2024-2025
Dear Kindergarten - 4th grade Parents/Guardians,
We are approaching the time of year when we begin to consider student placements for next school year. Placements will continue to be a collaborative process which includes a review of each student’s individual learning and social-emotional needs with a team of teachers (student’s classroom teacher, the specials’ teachers, and student support teachers, i.e. special education teachers, interventionists, school counselor, etc.).
Although we feel confident in our ability to appropriately place your child, we do welcome parent/guardian input. If you feel that extraordinary factors exist that the school should be aware of, please complete and submit this form by May 31st. These factors might include your student’s special learning needs and social-emotional development.
If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me. We will work diligently to ensure the most appropriate placement for every student.
Elementary School Store
The elementary school store will be open the week of May 6th. A different day each week is designated for each grade level. See the dates below to know when you child will be able to visit the store.
Monday, May 6 - Grade 1
Tuesday, May 7 - Grade 2
Wednesday, May 8 - Grade 3
Thursday, May 9 - Grade 4
Friday, May 10 - Grade 5
PTA
- Faculty and Staff Appreciation - We are in need of volunteers for the lunch on Thursday, 5/9 https://signup.com/go/CsYjXei
- K-5 STEM Night, 5/9 - we have two links
- student RSVP: https://signup.com/go/TVzSCbj
- parent volunteer: https://signup.com/go/oWEBWJc
Counselors' Corner
May is Mental Health Awareness Month
May is Mental Health Awareness Month. To kickoff our activities and lessons we will be celebrating with a spirit week, we hope we can have school wide participation:
Mental Health Awareness spirit week 5/1/2024
Later in the month we will be discussing healthy habits, feelings and emotions when we will have our 8th grade peer leaders read to our younger friends and do activities with them.
We hope you continue these important conversations at home and have attached a tip sheet on talking to your kids in a time of crisis:
Upcoming Events
Thursday, 5/9/24, 7pm - K-8 STEM Night
Remaining Cycles
GRADE 6:
Cycle 5 - 3/14/24 - 5/3/24
Cycle 6 - 5/6/24 - 6/19/24
GRADES 7 & 8:
Cycle 4 - 4/15/24 - 6/19/24
Grades Available on PowerSchool:
6/19/24
***SAVE THE DATES***
MAY:
Tuesday, 5/14/24 - 7:00pm - Middle School Spring Concert (Part 1) & 8th Gr. Art Show
Thursday, 5/16/24 - 6:30pm - Kindergarten Parent Orientation
Friday, 5/17/24 - 7:00pm - 8th Gr. Social
Wednesday, 5/22/24 - 7:00pm - Middle School Spring Concert (Part 2) & 8th Gr. Art Show
Wednesday, 5/29/24 - 9:00am - 6th Gr. Student Orientation
JUNE:
Wednesday, 6/5/24 - 6:30 - 6th Gr. Parent Orientation
Wednesday, 6/12/24 - 9:30am - Kindergarten Stepping Up
Thursday, 6/13/24 - 10:00am - Grade 5 Moving Up
Tuesday, 6/18/24 - 7:00pm - Grade 8 Class Night at CHS Auditorium (201 West End Place)
CHS Clubs Information
8th grade students are encouraged to review the current club offerings at CHS (outlined in this slide deck) as they prepare for their transition to the high school. Please note that clubs and advisors are reevaluated at the end of each school year and are subject to change. Any questions can be directed to Ms. Gabrielle Rendek at rendek@cranfordschools.org.
District News
Junior Girl Schout Troop 45012 Fundraising
Please click on the link for the fundraising information:
Deadline for the collection is on Friday, May 17, 2024.
Cranford Public Schools named one of the 2024 Best Communities for Music Education by the NAMM Foundation!
The NAMM Foundation's Best Communities for Music Education award acknowledges schools and districts across the United States for their commitment to and support of music education. Schools and communities recognized by the Best Communities for Music Education demonstrate a commitment to ensuring music learning opportunities are available for every student and provide an example for other communities to follow.
The award program recognizes and celebrates outstanding efforts by teachers, administrators, parents, students and community leaders who have made music education part of a well-rounded education. Designations are made to districts and schools that demonstrate an exceptionally high commitment and access to music education. We are thrilled to receive this distinguished honor!
The NAMM Foundation advances active participation in music making across the lifespan by supporting scientific research, philanthropic giving and public service programs.
Read more here:
READY Preschool
Cranford Public Schools currently has openings in our inclusive half-day preschool Program called READY. Please click here for more information.
Class of 2027 Fundraising
The Class of 2027 invites you to The Somerset Patriots vs. the Portland Sea Dogs on Tuesday, May 14th, 2024 at 6pm.
The Somerset Patriots are the New York Yankees Double-A Affiliate, and are located at 1 Patriots Park, Bridgewater, NJ 08807, an easy train ride from Cranford!
To buy tickets please follow this link, or visit somersetpatriots.com, go to Group Outings and enter the password, chs27.
Tickets are $14.50, and all proceeds go to the Class of 2027. All are welcome to attend!
This game is part of “Bark in the Park,” attendees are welcome to bring dogs. If you would like to register a dog for Bark at the Park, please register here: https://www.milb.com/somerset/tickets/bark-in-the-park.
Please feel free to reach out to Ms. Gunning or Ms. Lieberman with any questions. We look forward to seeing you there!
Gunning@cranfordschools.org Lieberman@cranfordschools.org
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Graduation Lawn Sign
Celebrate Your Graduate with a Personalized Graduation Lawn Sign!
-Kindergarten, Grammar School, 8th Grade and High School signs available.
-Signs include School & Student Name.
-Signs are only $38.
-Order through the below & pick up at Cougar HQ
-All proceeds benefit CHS Class of 2024 Project Graduation
-See flyer (attached)
-Link to order: https://www.cougarhq.com/product-category/cranford-project-graduation-fundraiser-2024/
Community News
Junior Troop 45012
Girl Scout Junior Troop 45012 is doing a collection for the Ramapo-Bergen Animal Refuge. Click on the link below for more information.
YMCA Kindergarten Wraparound Program
Please see the picture below.
Relay for Life
See the poster below for information regarding Relay for Life.
Reminders
Submission of Late Work
Dear Parents and Guardians of the 6th, 7th, and 8th Grade Students,
We wanted to express our gratitude for your ongoing support of your child's education. As we enter the third trimester, we have an important update regarding late work submissions.
Moving forward, we kindly ask that all assignments be submitted within two weeks of the due date. Teachers may deduct points for late submissions; however, any work turned in after the two-week period will receive a score of zero. It's important to note that some assignments, such as classwork, time-dependent tasks, and participation activities, are not eligible for late submission. Please check the specific assignment and reach out to individual teachers for clarification if you have any questions.
To stay informed about your child's academic progress, please remember to regularly check Powerschool and Google Classroom for updates and upcoming assignments. Student's are responsible to check Google Classroom and see their teachers about work they are missing.
Thank you for your cooperation as we work towards a gradual release of responsibility to help our students succeed. Please reach out if there are extenuating circumstances that we should be aware of.
Lost and Found
Please click this link, https://photos.app.goo.gl/3uLgMjDmdEVKSmyq8, to see all our lost and found items. If you see something that belongs to your child please tell them to get it from lost and found table in the cafeteria hallway.
Rise Against Hunger
As we continue to raise money towards our Meal Packing event with Rise Against hunger we wanted to provide our amazing Hillside families another way in which to help us achieve our goal.
Feel free to donate any amount to our cause using the link below:
https://rah.secure.force.com/events/donationpage?id=7018c000001FXyaAAG
Important Parking Lot Reminders
During middle school drop off please do not pull into the back STAFF parking lot. You can pull into the horseshoe in front of the building to drop your child off.
Please do not double park and block in cars in parking spaces.
Please do not park in handicapped parking spots at any time, even for a brief moment. These spaces are reserved for those who have permits to park there. Thank you for helping us to make our school safe and accessible for all who visit.
Thank you for your assistance and understanding.
Visitor Protocols
- If you are picking up your child for an appointment please notify the office ahead of time by emailing (HAS-attendance@cranfordschools.org) or calling 908-709-6229 or 908-709-6983. The nurse may also call to have you pick up your child if they are feeling ill.
- During pick up have your ID ready and ring the main entrance intercom bell. State your name and the reason for your visit then present your ID to the camera.
- You will be buzzed into the vestibule.
- Please wait in the vestibule.
- We will bring your child to you in the vestibule where you will sign them out.
HAS Website
Aside from our weekly update that is sent out every Friday, please feel free to visit our HAS website at: https://has.cranfordschools.org/
Hillside Prophet
Extra Extra Read All About it. The first issue of the Hillside Prophet is availabe by visiting this link. https://enewspaper.makemynewspaper.com/ffd111c88d8654/2024-01-13-A-fall-2023
No Dogs on School Property
For the safety of our students, parents/guardians, and staff, please do not bring your dog(s) to school during drop off and dismissal.
Thank you for your understanding and continued support.
Chromebook Chargers
Some students have shared recently that they have lost their Chromebook charger. If your child is in need of a new charger you can use the links below to purchase the correct charger.
Dell USB-C 65 - https://www.dell.com/en-us/shop/dell-usb-c-65-w-ac-adapter-with-1-meter-power-cord-united-states/apd/492-bcnw/pc-accessories
Dell 7.4 mm 65 -https://www.dell.com/en-us/shop/dell-74-mm-barrel-65-w-ac-adapter-with-1meter-power-cord-united-states/apd/332-1831/pc-accessories
Early Pick up/Change in Dismissal
Please make sure you email the attendance office: has-attendance@cranfordschools.org
(copy-paste email address) or call 908-709-6229 or 908-709-6983, if your child has to be signed out early to attend an appointment or there is a change in dismissal procedures. This will help us prepare for the pick up and allow us to get your child to you in a timely fashion.
Communication with your Child during school hours
Parental communications with their child should take place only when there is a family emergency and via the main office or guidance phone numbers, NOT via cell phone. Parents are asked to refrain from sending any text messages during school hours, which is a distraction and disrupts instructional time.
Gym Safety from the Nurse's Corner
In order to ensure students’ safety during Physical Education class, the following guidelines have been established:
-Proper footwear is required. Properly tied sneakers are to be worn for physical education class. Sneakers are designed to allow for easy movement and to protect the feet and ankles from injuries that could occur while participating in vigorous activities.
* No shoes, sandals, flip flops, boots or crocs are allowed.
-Gym excuses can be given up to three (3) days with a parent note. A doctor’s note must be obtained after the third day.
-Any student under a doctor’s care for a medical orthopedic reason cannot return to gym without a doctor’s note.
-A student with a cast, brace, sling or splint will not be allowed to participate in physical education regardless of a doctor note. These devices create the potential for injury to another student.
Forgotten Items
CRANFORD DISTRICT SEL CALENDAR
Please click on the link below to view our Social Emotional Learning Calendar for the district. The calendar will be updated monthly to reflect Family Academies, awareness months, and school activities which foster student wellness and safety, SEL skills, character education pillars, and Full Value Principles. Thank you for your participation and support.
IMPORTANT ROAD SAFETY REMINDERS
PLAYGROUND AFTER-SCHOOL
Please be sure to supervise students on the playground after-school.
During the school day and at recess we have many expectations of the students when on the playground to keep them safe (i.e. no throwing wood chips, not running up the slide; not jumping off of high platforms;) and we would love for all students to be safe after school.
Thank you for your cooperation and for keeping our students safe.
School Lunch - Pomptonian
Click here for information from our school lunch provider Pomptonian.
District - Go Green Folder
ATTENDANCE AND LATENESS
Punctuality is also a habit HAS strives to expect and support. Middle school students who arrive after 8:10 a.m. are considered tardy. They must obtain a late pass from the office. After the sixth tardy, a student will receive a lunch detention each time they are tardy. Parents/Guardians will be notified if their child has been tardy five or more times. On February 1st tardy counts will reset and the process will begin again.
Appointments
Absences
If your child is absent for any reason, please call our absence line at 908-709-6983 (24/7) or email has-attendance@cranfordschools.org (copy-paste email address)
Kindergarten Single Sessions
**Kindergarten single sessions will alternate between AM & PM classes according to the following schedule:
Tuesday, June 18, 2024 - only PM class attends (AM off)
Wednesday, June 19, 2024 - only AM class attends (PM off)
Hillside Avenue School
Email: Deacon@cranfordschools.org
Website: https://has.cranfordschools.org/
Location: 125 Hillside Avenue, Cranford, NJ, USA
Phone: 908-709-6229