The Cougar Chronicle
News from Across the District
In Mrs. Longo’s Kindergarten class, students had a blast playing a board game in which they demonstrated their understanding of three-dimensional figures.
Did you know that high school students help fully code the high school website? In this unique class, students are not only learning how to code but are applying their skills in real-time. Every line of code was written by students. Students also assist in upkeeping the rest of the site - oftentimes meeting with administrators and teachers to ensure accurate information is available for community members.
“These students take ownership in what they do,” said Teacher and District Webmaster Rich Bell.
OAS Students Learn Languages with Fun Activities
Seventh-grade Japanese students made the most of a Halloween assignment about yokai, or Japanese spirit-like creatures. Students had fun dancing and singing along to a song from the TV show Yokai Watch.
Additionally, Spanish students shared what they are thankful for in Spanish and explained their reasons. This activity provided a meaningful opportunity for them to reflect on the positive aspects of their lives, encouraging thoughtful self-reflection. Each student wrote their thoughts on paper feathers, which were then used to create a beautiful and vibrant bulletin board display. The students did an incredible job expressing their gratitude in Spanish!
Mock Election Results: Pajama Day Wins!
HAS Students Participate in Full Value Families Activity
In the gym, students played games to discover shared interests with their 'family' members. In the cafeteria, they practiced teamwork by stacking cups together. Finally, in the auditorium, they honed their listening skills. It was a fun and meaningful experience for everyone involved!
Additionally, HAS raised $20,000 during there first ever Color Run. Students celebrated in a fun way - see the video here!
BPS has a Fabulous Fall
Thanks to the Brookside Parent Teacher Association and many volunteers, students and families enjoyed a festive weekend of fall fun in October - which included Fall Fest, trunk or treat and a Halloween parade.
Trunk or treat volunteers decorated their trunks, helped the night of the event, and donated candy to Brookie the Candy Monster! The Cranford Movie Theater and The Cranford Hotel made wonderful prize donations - their support is so appreciated! The Fall Fest brought families together on a beautiful day and hosted fun events like a pumpkin craving competition. Finally, students showed off their costumes in the annual Halloween parade.
Local Author Visits LAS
Cranford author, Dinah Williams, visited Livingston Avenue School on Monday, November 4, to talk about her book, “Amazing Immortals” with 4th and 5th graders.
A culturally diverse and gorgeously illustrated introduction to over 80 gods and goddesses from around the world - this book is a perfect introduction to mythology for young readers.
WAS Raises Over $10,000
Lincoln School Students Participate in Downtown Cranford Scarecrow Stroll
Cranford Achievement Program (C.A.P.) and Cranford Achienement Middle School Program (C.A.M.P.) students at Lincoln School have participated in the Downtown Cranford Scarecrow Stroll for more than 15 years, and this year, they placed 2nd for their “Starlight” display.
At the beginning of the year, students worked on a theme, which has to be iconic. Can it get more iconic than Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce and their friends Patrick Mahomes and wife Brittany? They learned to build the armature using recycled materials and scrap wood. They also learned the safe use of hand tools in the process. In addition, students learned to design clothing, hand stitch and machine sew, a life skill. They become problem solvers in this anticipated fun art lesson every year.
Students who need a break to relieve stress or reset or unwind can visit the Wellness Room at Cranford High School.
Students can ask their teacher for a pass and leave class for 10 minutes to visit the room. The space, which features comfortable chairs and couches, offers students a safe space to go to and has resources to assist students in promoting positive mental health.
The room, which opened during the 2023-24 school year, is utilized during activities such as the Wags for Wellness and Fun Friday activities. It's also used at lunchtime for students who want a quieter space after they eat and is also open to faculty.
“The Wellness Room is the culmination of a mindset and cultural shift toward trauma-informed care and educating the whole person and was designed to meet the social-emotional needs of our CHS community,” said Director of Counseling Lisa Burfeindt.
Success and Support: Opening Gala Concert
The annual Opening Gala Concert took place on On Oct. 17 and featured performing arts students at Cranford High School. The showcase dazzled the audience and was a testament to the artists’ dedication and passion for the arts. A huge congratulations to the CHS performing arts staff, Anthony Rafaniello, Emily Donahue, Daniel Chernosky, and Michael McQuade for orchestrating an unforgettable performance through your hard work and passion.
Additionally, the Cranford High School Performing Arts Department recently donated $657 to The American Red Cross Disaster Relief in support of communities impacted by Hurricanes Helene and Milton, which was raised during the Opening Gala.
This initiative reflects Cranford High School’s ongoing commitment to assisting those in need during times of crisis. In 2005, CHS students organized a similar fundraiser following Hurricane Katrina, adopting Biloxi High School and dedicating the Opening Gala Concert to Katrina Relief. Today’s students were proud to carry forward this tradition of community support and compassion.
CHS Students Attend Concert at Lincoln Center
On Friday, October 25, the Cranford High School AP Music Theory class, along with several CHS Orchestra members, attended a New York Philharmonic Orchestra concert at David Geffen Hall, Lincoln Center. The rare 11 a.m. concert performance was an opportunity for students to attend a regular, full performance by the Philharmonic, rather than the normal daytime concerts which are often geared toward younger children. The students heard and saw the Philharmonic perform “Fairytale Poem” by Sofia Gubaidulina, W. A. Mozart’s Clarinet Concerto in A Major, K. 622, and Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 6, “Pathétique.” Afterward, students reflected on some of the characteristics and compositional elements of the music, were enthralled by the clear and balanced sound produced by the orchestra, and were impressed by the great contrast and variety in articulations, dynamics, and orchestral colors exhibited by the Philharmonic.
CHS Marching Band Travels in Style, Places 1st in all 4 Shows
The Cranford High School Marching Band will be traveling in style as their trailer has been wrapped with a new look! The Marching Band thanks Cranford Schools Friends of Performing Arts for sponsoring this project and for their continuous support for all of our performing arts programs.
As the 2024 season comes to a close, the Cranford Band completes a victorious competition season. Led by Drum majors Molly Parker, Andrew Cisneros, and Matt Heim, the band performed their show “H-O-M-E” by Jeffery Chambers. The show featured Baritone soloist Dylan Macnab, Mellophone soloist Natalie Cisneros, and Guard soloist Riley Turnamian. The judges also gave special recognition to Vibraphone player Cole Piccuirro for his outstanding performance and the inclusion of the advanced 4-mallet technique. The band took 1st place in the regional 3A competition at all 4 of their shows.
Gymnastics Team Raises Funds for Pediatric and Breast Cancer
CHS Gymnastics recently finished their regular season with a 4-2 record and a season high team score of 106.15. The Lady Cougars also raised awareness for Pediatric Cancer and Breast Cancer. During September, the team participated in Gold for Pediatric Cancer Awareness. This year marks the fourth year the team has had a Going Gold meet with the Summit Hilltoppers. In October, CHS Gymnastics wore pink.
