
The Cougar Chronicle
News from Across the District

JANUARY 2025 EDITION
Message from the Superintendent
Dear Cranford Community,
Happy New Year! I hope everyone had a relaxing and restful winter break.
The new year always marks a time for reflection, while also setting goals for the future. In 2025, we look forward to continuing our mission – empowering students to thrive in a diverse and dynamic world. And the Cougar Chronicle highlights just that!
This publication is not simply a source of communication but builds a more cohesive community. Cranford Public Schools is comprised of eight different schools and this newsletter unites each school community to empower all of our students.
We are looking forward to continuing to uplift our students and empowering them as a community.
Sincerely,
Dr. Scott Rubin
Superintendent of Schools
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Don't Miss it! 8th Annual Trivia Night
Board of Education Swears in Three Members
Every month this digital newsletter will highlight someone making an impact in our schools.
Welcome: New Lincoln School Principal Sean Sawyer
My favorite things about working in education are making an impact on students, witnessing their growth and developing relationships and connections with them and their families.
My main goal is to build on the foundation set by Mr. McCaffery and find areas of growth to address this school year.
I was attracted to the opportunity to work with a population of students that my skill set aligned with. Additionally, after years of urban experience, I was interested in working in a suburban setting. I am truly excited for the opportunity to bring value and impact to the students of the Cranford community.
- Undergraduate - Morgan State University, Bachelor of Science in Marketing
- Graduate - New Jersey City University, Masters in Educational Leadership
- Post Graduate - Kean University ABD estimated completion Summer 2025
I am a vegetarian who loves to grill everything and I hate avocados.
Community Collaboration Sparked by Student Drive Unveils History in Cranford
Cranford Public Schools promotes collaboration between students, teachers, administrators and the community. But how about collaboration between them all?
A student-driven assessment unveiled deep-rooted history that took place right in Cranford. Check out the story about the Cranford Dixie Giants that was featured in the December edition of the NJASA's monthly newsletter –a collaborative effort among student Claire Ficaro, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Scott Rubin, Supervisor of Language Arts and Media Susan Ritter, and Librarian Christine Szeluga!
Contracts have been awarded, and the bidding process is ongoing. The awarding of bids is part of the plan to improve infrastructure in the schools. The state requires school districts that pass a referendum to award contracts through a competitive bidding process; the district is required to use the lowest-qualified bidder. This protects the community’s interest in ensuring that projects are completed in the most cost-effective way possible.
For all bond referendum updates, please visit cranfordschools.org/vote.
Cranford Public Schools is Hiring!
How AI Can Help Create a More Engaging and Supportive Environment
K-12 Supervisor of Mathematics and Computer Science Evan Levy delivered a presentation at The College of New Jersey's New Jersey Association of Mathematics Teacher Educators Conference about the innovative use of ChatGPT. He discussed how to promote equity in mathematics education, showcasing how the tool can be leveraged to design inclusive lesson plans and math word problems. By incorporating students' cultural backgrounds, personal interests and diverse learning needs, Mr. Levy demonstrated how AI can help create a more engaging and supportive learning environment for all students.
Tree Of Life Furthers Conversations and Education about Grief
Across Cranford Public Schools, we continue to provide strategies and information for students as well as faculty and staff to respond to grief and loss as a Grief Informed District.
Professional development was conducted with staff in October, followed by student opportunities to learn and reflect. Cranford High School solicited assistance from students to create a “Tree of Life” mural symbolizing the commitment to two of our Full Value principles: Care for Self and Others and Let Go and Move On.
Plans are being made for the tree, created by sophomore Brooke Santos, to be painted on a wall at Cranford High School and our high school community will have opportunities to add a symbol of their loss in the flowers that will continue to grow over time. This mural will further the conversation about the role loss plays in our social and emotional development in life.
Esports Program Opens Students to Diverse Opportunities
Rich Bell, advisor of the Web Design Academy and Esports program at Cranford High School, collaborated with the founder of Garden State Esports to deliver an engaging presentation on harnessing the power of Esports to spark interest in computer science.
The presentation highlighted the diverse career opportunities linked to Esports, including marketing, broadcasting, photography, videography, fashion, and more. Emphasizing its connection to the STEM field, they showcased how Esports not only opens pathways to technology-driven careers but also provides a safe, inclusive space that fosters belonging and creativity for all students.
CHS DECA Chapter Competes at Central East Districts
The CHS DECA Chapter competed at Central East Districts on Friday, Jan. 10, with over 150 students – one of the largest showings for Cranford High School in many years.
Congratulations to the 29 qualifiers: Corey Botskos, Aashritha Jinaga, Madeleine Garofalo, Robert Kelly, Zach Breslin, Eden Krispin, Natalie Oliveira, Sophie Botsakos, Lauren Moritz, Rebecca Ferreira, Lilianna Keating, Izabela Onisko, Halle Earl, Jacqueline Consorte, Elizabeth Curro, Chloe Rantanen, Dominick Lotito, Arline Bound, Charles Springer, Olivia Martinez, Anthony Alesi, Emily Curtin, Dylan Aveno, Braeden Grace, Matteo Loikith, Christopher Ruka, Adrianna Miller, Maanya Kuthethur, and Klaire Keogh who all advanced to Atlantic City in March.
The following students also have been recognized for top scores in DECA Exams and Role Play Scores: Corey Botsakos, Sophie Botsakos, Adrian Estevez, Jacqueline Consorte, Olivia Martinez, Anthony Alesi, Garrett Towne, Jacob Liss, Dylan Aveno, Braden Grace, Maanya Kuthethur, Adrianna Miller, Morgan Nicholls, Samuel Slayton.
Congratulations to all students!
Elementary School Highlights
BAS StoryWalk Promotes Literacy and Quality Time
The collaborative efforts between teachers and the PTA brought about the creation of the Bloomingdale Avenue School StoryWalk. A StoryWalk takes pages from a children’s book and displays them for all to read while strolling along the StoryWalk path. The StoryWalk at BAS is located outside of the kindergarten arrival doors and provides families an opportunity to read a story together, one page at a time.
Additionally, the teachers and PTA were strategic in their selection of texts, choosing to highlight various holidays and cultures. The texts utilized for the StoryWalk so far include I “Love you Mucho Mucho”, “Fry Bread”, “Sparkles of Joy”, and “Ruby’s Chinese New Year”.
The StoryWalk is a fun, interactive way to promote literacy, physical activity and quality family time all at once, all while experiencing the magic of reading together!
WAS Launches After-School Club "Storybook Explorers"
Walnut Avenue School is excited to announce the launch of its newest after-school club, "Storybook Explorers," led by our very own WAS Secretary Ali McNulty. This interactive club invites young readers to embark on literary adventures!
Each week, our explorers delve into a captivating story that ignites their imaginations. After the story is read aloud, students participate in a variety of hands-on activities that bring the various themes of the book to life. Building turkey traps using STEM skills, embarking on a school-wide scavenger hunt for a mischievous Gingerbread Man, or creating New Year’s Eve noisemakers, our explorers are having a blast exploring stories through play and creativity.
We can't wait to see what adventures our young storytellers will have next!
OAS Students Work Together
Teamwork makes the dream work! Orange Avenue eighth grade students used 3D modeling to design their game pieces and then used a laser cutter to cut the pieces out. They then hosted a game day for fellow eighth graders.
Students were able to collaborate and problem-solve as a group while also using 21st-century skills that will help them prepare for the future. These types of hands-on projects boost student engagement.
Kindness Shines Bright at BPS
This month, Brookside Place fifth-grade students took the lead in spreading positivity throughout their school with a creative K for Kindness project. Each student designed a vibrant letter "K" filled with thoughtful examples and reminders of how we can show kindness to others. These Ks are now proudly displayed in hallways and common areas, serving as daily inspiration for our school community.
From simple gestures like saying "thank you" to meaningful acts like helping a friend in need, these reminders highlight the power of kindness in making our school a welcoming and supportive place for everyone.
Thank you to the fifth-grade students and teachers for being role models and reminding us all that kindness is contagious. Be sure to take a moment to admire their work the next time you’re in the building! Together, let’s keep the kindness going strong.
LAS Assembly Fosters Respect, Kindness, and More
Livingston Avenue School was so excited to host the Lead U Crew again this year! The Lead U Crew is a team of former teachers, educators, and artists who deliver high energy and impactful programs on respect, kindness, mindfulness, communication, and more. It’s a great addition to the topics covered through social-emotional learning.
This year, students in grades 3-5 participated in an assembly where they learned about the importance of respect for self and others, decision making skills, and peaceful conflict resolution. The assembly concluded with mindfulness and sending kindness to one another. Students were challenged to think of someone in the room who shows them kindness and express their gratitude toward that person. It was a meaningful and engaging experience for both students and staff! Thank you to the PTA for supporting this program.
Lincoln School Leap Program Students Shine at Holiday Performance
HAS Rises Against Hunger
Over the past several years, Hillside Avenue School has partnered with Rise Against Hunger to fundraise and pack over 50,000 meals. These meals have nourished hundreds of thousands of families worldwide. With the support of students and families, this school year marks the 5th year HAS is working to raise funds for meals. Click this link to help support!
Most recently, HAS second graders collected a total of 636 pounds of food for Move For Hunger, which will help provide 530 meals. Thank you to our amazing community for helping feed local families in need!
Performing Arts Highlights
Students Showcase Work at Fine Arts Gallery Showcase
Cranford High School hosted its annual Fine Arts Gallery Showcase on Jan. 16. Students have been working hard throughout the year to create magnificent pieces and had the opportunity to have their work displayed in the Media Center at CHS. Congratulations to all our student artists!
Younger Students Visit High School to Learn about Fine and Performing Arts
During the week of Jan. 6, students from Orange Avenue School and Hillside Avenue School visited the high school to participate in workshops to learn more about the Fine and Performing Arts here in Cranford. Students participated in engaging activities with both staff and students to learn more about their classes in order to make informed decisions when selecting their electives for the fall.
Go Cougars! Athletic Highlights
Ella Grady Recognized on National Girls and Women in Sports Day
Congratulations to honoree Ella Grady who was selected to represent CHS on National Girls and Women in Sports Day at Rutgers University. One individual from each high school in New Jersey was selected to be honored on this National Day of Observance to acknowledge the accomplishments of female athletes and recognize the influence of sports participation for women and girls.