
HAS Weekly Update
March 7, 2025
Dear HAS Community,
It was a busy week here at HAS. We had our Read Across America spirit week, the 7th graders attended the Living Voices assembly, author Rachelle Burk held 3 assemblies, and we finished the week with our Elementary Potato Parade. Information about all these events and more is below.
Please remember Monday, March 10, 2025 is Single Session Day.
K - PM Class Only : 8:40am - 11:20am
Grades 6 - 8 : 8:00am - 12:25pm
Grades 1 - 5 : 8:40AM - 12:40PM
Have a Great Weekend!
Kevin Deacon
Principal
Updates
7th Grade Field trip to Broadway
This week, 7th grade students were provided letters informing them of their remaining field trip balance. All remaining balances are due to Mr. Willey in the form of a check by March 19th. If your student did not receive a letter, they do not have any remaining balance to pay for the field trip. If you have any questions, please reach out to Mr. Willey at willey@cranfordschools.org or Ms. Gagliardi at gagliardi@cranfordschools.org.
7th and 8th Grade Music Students Participating in the Music Festival
The main goal of this fundraiser has been to offset the final cost for our musicians who will be attending the Six Flags Music Festival Trip in May. We are so grateful for your continued support, thank you for all your efforts.
****Please remember all forms and payments are due by Tuesday, in person or online. ****
The delivery date for the fundraiser is Thursday, 4/3/25
Lucky Leprechaun Gram
Lunchroom Assistants Needed
We are still very much in need of lunchroom assistants. Hours are 12:00 AM - 2:00 PM.
If you are interested in this wonderful opportunity - CLICK HERE
Read Across America
Cranford Police Officer Read Aloud
Rachelle Burk
Today our students learned about what it takes to be an author. Rachelle Burk held 3 assemblies with our K-6th graders and shared all the amazing things she has done to learn and prepare for all the books she has written.
Potato Parade
Our 10th Annual "Potato Parade” didn't disappoint. To participate in the parade, families decorated a potato to look like their favorite book character! This year's entries were outstanding.
HAS Happenings
Living Voices
Our 7th graders attended the Living Voices Assembly - Home Front / War Front: Fly for Freedom. This was a historical multimedia program featuring the little-known stories and contributions of working women in the World War II aeronautics industry, amplifying the experiences of Black women through the Rosie the Riveters who built planes for the Tuskegee Airmen, and the Double Victory campaign. Using a unique blend of live theatre and archival film, Living Voices brings life to history
2025 ASU March Mammal Madness
In Mr. Campisi’s Life Science class, students are taking part in Arizona State University's 2025 March Mammal Madness. This is a simulation tournament where animals battle based on their real-life abilities and habitats. Some of this year’s competitors include the Narwhal, Polar Bear, Puma, and Maned Wolf. Students have done their research, filled out their brackets, made their predictions, and picked their champion. On Monday, the Wild Card battle between the Flying Frog and Northern Flying Squirrel kicks off the tournament, and students are excited to see who wins!
7th Grade Japanese
Seventh-grade students in Fisco Sensei's Japanese class had the opportunity to participate in an engaging live presentation on Friday morning, delivered by her daughter, who is currently studying at Temple University Japan, Tokyo campus. Students submitted various topics and questions regarding Japan, which will be addressed in ongoing meetings throughout the month. They explored unique Japanese cuisine available at cafes, Western fast food outlets, as well as traditional Japanese fast food establishments. Students were particularly intrigued to learn about the food and toy offerings in Japanese Happy Meals. Our next meeting will focus on the next popular topic requested by students: clothing and fashion.
HAS PTA
Elementary Variety Show
The First Ever HAS Elementary Variety Show is Friday, March 21, 2025. To purchase tickets visit has.booktix.com
Upcoming Events
- Monday, March 10, 2025 - Single Session for Students
- Thursday, March 13, 2025 - SEL Night at HAS - 6:30pm - 8:30pm
- Friday, March 14, 2025 - PTA Pretzel Sale
- Friday, March 14, 2025 - Trimester 2 Ends
- Thursday, March 20, 2025 - Harlem Wizards at CHS
- Friday, March 21, 2025 - Elementary Variety Show
Friday, March 28, 2025 - HAS' Spring Musical - CINDERELLA
Saturday, March 29, 2025 -HAS' Spring Musical - CINDERELLA
Sunday, March 30, 2025 -HAS' Spring Musical - CINDERELLA
Thursday, April 3, 2025- PTA 7th Grade Outing to Yestercades
Friday, April 4, 2025 - PTA Gr. 3-5 BinGlo
- Monday, April 14, 2025 - School Closed for Spring Break - Friday, April 18, 2025
School Events Calendar
Nurse's Corner
Allergy Season
Dear Parents,
As we enter allergy season, I want to take a moment to remind you of the importance of managing seasonal allergies (also known as allergic rhinitis or hay fever) to keep your child comfortable and healthy. With the rise in pollen levels, many children experience common symptoms such as sneezing, itchy eyes, congestion, and runny noses. These symptoms can interfere with their ability to focus and participate in school activities.
If your child has a history of seasonal allergies, now is an excellent time to start or continue allergy medications. Consistency is key—daily use during allergy season ensures the medications work effectively. This can help prevent your child from missing valuable classroom time and important instruction.
Here are some helpful tips for managing your child’s seasonal allergies:
- Start medications early: It's often best to begin allergy medications before symptoms become severe. If your child is already experiencing symptoms, starting medications early can help prevent them from worsening.
- Follow the medication schedule: Consistent use of prescribed or over-the-counter medications is key to controlling symptoms. Be sure to follow your healthcare provider’s instructions.
- Monitor for side effects: Some allergy medications may cause drowsiness or dryness. If you notice any concerning side effects, please consult your child’s healthcare provider.
- Help your child understand the treatment plan: If your child is old enough, ensure they know how to correctly use their medications (e.g., nasal sprays or eye drops) when at home.
Additionally, encouraging your child to wash their hands and face after being outside can help reduce symptoms. It’s also important to recognize the difference between allergy symptoms and illness. For example, allergies typically do not cause a fever, whereas viral infections might. If you have any questions or concerns about your child's symptoms or medications, please contact their healthcare provider.
Please note that students are not permitted to carry or self-administer medications at school. All medications, even eye drops, creams and over-the-counter medication must have a doctor's order and written parent permission to be administered in school. We are committed to making this allergy season as comfortable as possible for your child.
Be well,
Lydia Seguine, RN, BSN
School Nurse
Hillside Avenue School
Phone 908.709.6242
FAX 908.709.6752
District News
March Family Academy - SEL Night!
Please join us on Thursday, March 13th at HAS from 6:30pm - 8:00pm for our annual Social Emotional Learning night! Student presenters from each school in the district will bring our Full Value Principles to life and showcase the importance and impact of social emotional learning. See you all there!
RSVP Link: https://calendly.com/willner-ccc/march-family-academy-sel-night
YOU’VE BEEN SHAMROCKED! CLASS OF 2026 FUNDRAISER
YOU’VE BEEN SHAMROCKED!
Get ready for some festive fun and mischievous magic brought to you by the Cranford High School Class of 2026! Our sneaky little Leprechauns will visit your yard under the cover of night, leaving behind a whirlwind of green streamers, confetti, and St. Patrick’s Day cheer!
But don’t worry—24 hours later, like magic, they’ll return to clean it all up!
For just $20, you can bring the luck of the Irish to your home (or surprise a friend)! Want to sweeten the deal? For an extra $5 per person, we’ll add pots of gold filled with treats!
Shamrocking Dates: March 10th - March 14th
Cost: $20 per home (+$5 per person for treat-filled pots of gold)
Support the Cranford High School Class of 2026 and spread some St. Paddy’s Day magic! Sign up now before the leprechauns run out of mischief!
Pomptonian Lunch Information
- Lunch Menu for September - Click HERE
Convenient Pre-Payment Options Prepayment
Community News
Please see the attached flyer regarding Camp Invention.
Reminders
CPSD Amended 2024-2025 School Calendar and CPSD 2025-2026 School Calendar
Middle School Yearbook
$35 until 1/15/25
$45 until 4/15/25
Personalization Sales End 1/15/25
All Sales End 4/15/25
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)
Appointments and/or Early PIck-up
Please make sure you email the attendance office (HAS-attendance@cranfordschools.org) or call 908-709-6229 or 908-709-6983, if your child has to be signed out early to attend an appointment.
Kindergarten Single Session Days
**Kindergarten single sessions will alternate between AM & PM classes according to the following schedule: Student Entry at 8:40am - Dismissal at 11:20am
Monday, 3/10/25 - PM only (no AM session)
Wednesday, 6/18/25 - AM only (no PM session)
Thursday, 6/19/25 - PM only (no AM session)
Hillside Avenue School
Email: Deacon@cranfordschools.org
Website: https://has.cranfordschools.org/
Location: 125 Hillside Avenue, Cranford, NJ, USA
Phone: 908-709-6229