March 2025
"Wake Up With Positive Intentions; To Better Yourself And The Lives Of Those Around You."
Cranford Dialogue
Cranford Dialogue publishes multimodal content that fosters spirit and pride in all members of the Cranford High School community; student-driven content reflects the diverse beliefs, interests, passions, and skills found amongst the individuals and groups that make up our community. Dialogue seeks to be the intersection that celebrates these with the world.
Student Achievement
CHS February "Students of the Month" - Nominated based on Leadership and/or Achievement and/or Improvement and/or Service are:
Scholar Athlete Announcement! The Cranford Athletic Department would like to congratulate the following seniors on being selected to represent Cranford High School as the 2025 Scholar Athletes. The New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association Scholar Athlete Award is presented to Ellie Semple. The Union County Interscholastic Athletic Conference Scholar Athlete Award recipients are Josh Ketschke & Isabella Alvarez~Gomez.
Black History Month Essay Contest Winner! On March 20, CHS 9th grade student, Emma Andre, received an award from Congresswoman LaMonica McIver. Emma was one of the winners of the Black History Month Essay Contest. She wrote an essay about African American photographer Gordon Parks, whose work significantly affected American Society.
Who Is America's Favorite Teacher?Teachers are the unsung heroes who ignite a lifelong love for learning, nurture potential, and shape the leaders of tomorrow. Their impact extends far beyond the classroom, influencing character, values, and dreams. America's Favorite Teacher celebrates these mentors for unlocking the full potential of their students and inspiring brighter futures for generations to come. One of CHS' own. Mr. Frank Vito has made it to the top 20! Please join his peers in voting for him to become America’s Favorite Teacher while supporting a great cause! Cast your daily vote here today!
Please feel free to share this in your Weekly Newsletters. It has been shared with our SEL Facilitators and counselors. This will be a living document updated with new links and documents of information and our school celebrations of themed weeks. In addition this also highlights our Family Academy Nights. 24-25 District SEL Calendar
Prevention Links
- Cranford High School Counseling Department is excited to present a monthly series of workshops in conjunction with NJ4S Prevention Links aimed at helping parents and guardians navigate the process of being a parent in today's world. Our next workshop will be virtual on Wednesday, October 9th at 7PM workshop and will be focused on "Parenting Styles: Navigating Parenting with Care and Confidence”. Please Click Here for Detail.
SAT Prep Courses at CHS! Please click here for the pricing and schedules for the SAT Prep Courses offered at CHS!
Gratitude Grams
Supports the Class of 2028 by purchasing Gratitude Grams!! Purchase using the linked form: Grams Here!!
Click here for Principal's Welcome Letter 2024-2025!!
Community Partner Memberships - Please join the CHS community partners, support and sign up today! Click the links below: PTSA Friends of the Performing Arts Booster Club
The CHS Program of Studies has been prepared to acquaint Cranford High School students and their parents with the many course offerings that are available at the high school. Committed to academic excellence and advancement in all areas, we are continuing to work on the proactive growth model that stresses fulfillment of goals. Please review pages 19-21 to become familiar with the CHS CTE Academy Programs.
To review all of the important CHS protocols, policies and programs click on the Student Handbooklink.
Gaggle - Please click this LINK to view the Gaggle website and click HERE to view a short video to better understand how Gaggle works.
Facebook - Follow Mr. Cantagallo on Facebook
Sincerely,
Mark Cantagallo
Principal
Safety Protocols
- Environmentally safe and allergy free disinfectant will be used by both staff and students to wipe down desks between classes. Students may also bring wipes to use as long as they are environmentally friendly and allergen free
- Sanitizing stations will be available in all classrooms and in the hallways, offices and bathrooms. Students may bring sanitizers for themselves
- Handwashing
- Students should wash hands for at least 20 seconds at regular intervals, including before eating, after using the bathroom, and after blowing their nose/coughing/sneezing. Students will use alcohol-based hand sanitizer (at least 60% alcohol) if washing with soap and water is not possible
- Lunch- Recess will take place in grades Prek-5.
- Extra-Curricular Activities and Clubs- We are committed to running these opportunities as close to normal as possible, in accordance with current guidelines and orders.
Fresh Updates
Freshman Passport
This program is intended to encourage positive academic and social activities for 9th grade students during the day, particularly during the lunch block.
Goal: Motivate students to engage in positive academic and social activities in order to earn Open Lunch as a 10th grader while building excellent habits to reach their full potential.
Schedules and Events
2024-25 Rotate/Drop and Bell Schedules
You can also use the helpful Period Notifier to keep track of the schedules (including during half-days, delayed openings, homerooms, and midterm/finals).
CHS Students of Japanese Nominated for NJATJ Language and Culture Award Every year, member teachers of New Jersey Association of Teachers of Japanese (NJATJ) are invited to nominate students for the Japanese Language and Culture Award. A select number of students throughout New Jersey have been named to receive this award in recognition of their hard work, achievement, and interest in learning the language and culture of Japan. This year, nine Cranford High School students were awarded with NJATJ's (NJ Association of Teachers of Japanese) Japanese Language and Culture Study Award. Students were honored at Seton Hall University on Friday, March 28th, 2025. Nominated by Fisco-sensei, Miyamoto-sensei, and Wingate-sensei, this year’s honored CHS students are: Ethan Beard (senior), Achilles Budsock (junior), Luz Fernandez (senior), Sebastian Gosier (junior), Ava Kolibas (junior), Mackenzie Mannix (senior), Sofia Monroy (junior), Megan Moritz (junior), Bianca Romero (senior). The CHS Japanese Club Dance Team also made their debut, performing the Sōran Bushi, a traditional but upbeat Japanese sea shanty that is said to have been first sung by the fishermen of Hokkaido. The dance during Soran Bushi depicts ocean waves, fishermen dragging in nets, pulling ropes, and lifting luggage over their shoulders. Members of this year’s CHS Japanese Club Dance Team who performed at Seton Hall on Friday, March 28th, 2025 are: Ethan Beard, Liam Cznadel, Elan Head, Charise Melvin DaSilva (Japanese Club Dance Team President), Mel Solondz, Ava Solondz, Izzy Teo and Charles Wallin.
Youth in Government The Cranford Youth and Government team attended the annual conference in Princeton, New Jersey April 14-16. The Cranford delegation earned the distinction of Outstanding Delegation and two students, Reagan Leahy and Alexandria Chen were nominated to attend the annual CONA leadership conference sponsored by the YMCA. The team is pictured below: Zoe Frietas, Reagan Leahy, Alexandria Chen and Shane Kennedy.
New York Blood Center’s (NYBC) Future Leaders in Science Symposium On Monday, March 3/10, CHS students participated in a mix of brief lectures and tours of working laboratories specializing in blood research. A once in a lifetime opportunity to speak directly with leaders in the fields of Hematology, and Blood and Stem Cell biology.
Holocaust Day of Remembrance The program is only made possible through the valuable contributions that our students make under the careful direction of and with unconditional support from our dedicated faculty. Congratulations to all of the students on their accomplishments - they have much to be proud of! Please click here to view TV35’s coverage. Many thanks to all who contributed and to those who attended!
Fashion Show/PG Fundraiser! Dear CHS Senior Parents, Can you believe graduation is just a few months away? The celebrations are starting with one of our most beloved tradition, the CHS Senior Fashion Show! This exciting event is not only a night of fun and entertainment but also a fundraiser supporting the prom and Project Graduation. You won’t want to miss seeing our seniors take the stage for an evening filled with fashion, music, and dancing! Below, you’ll find all the key dates leading up to the fashion show, including ticket sales, rehearsals, and event details. We highly recommend purchasing your tickets early this event sells out quickly! So, gather your family and friends, secure your seats, and get ready to cheer on the CHS seniors as they shine on stage! All of the links will lead you to their respective forms. We can’t wait to see you there! We are still in need of volunteers, please consider signing up to help make this event a success! Click here. Best, Marazza Kruk and Diane Fiorenza Fashion Show Co-Chairs
Senior Fashion Show Links
GO COUGARS!!! This week's Athletic Schedule Come out and support our fall athletes!! Click here for this week's games schedule.
Class of 2027 Pickleball Tournament The Class of 2027 will be hosting our first ever Pickleball Tournament for all CHS students on Thursday April 24th from 7pm-10pm. Register to play in pairs of two to compete to be the CHS Pickleball Champion. Prizes will be awarded to winners.
14th Anuual Cranford Community HOLOCAUSTDAY OF REMEMBERANCE Wednesday, March 26, 2025 - 7:00pm Orange Avenue School
Cranford High School Named to Advanced Placement School Honor Roll!!
College Board announced that Cranford High School (CHS) has been named to the 2024 Advanced Placement Program (AP) School Honor Roll, earning “Gold with Access”. Cranford is one of four comprehensive public high schools in the state to earn this recognition. Click here for the full article from Tapinto.
Dear Class of 2025 Parents
The Project Graduation Raffle Ticket Google Order Form will close on Monday, 2/10. In-person ticket sales will take place at the following times/locations: Saturday 2/8 at the Cranford Community Center between 9:30am and 12:30pm. Sunday 2/9 at Mr. J's between 10am and 1pm. Monday 2/10 at CHS Lower Gym between 5pm and 6:30pm. Tickets may also be purchased in-person on Tuesday 2/11 at 8 Sutton Place between 5:30pm and 7:30pm. Please email tulicki21@gmail.com ahead of arrival. Thank you again for your continued support!
Project Graduation Newsletter Class of 2025 Seniors and Parents: Click here for the PG newsletter to be connected to all of the info and updates for Project Graduation!
Open Lunch:- 9th Grade Students do not have Open Lunch but can earn it during their 10th grade year
- 10th Grade Students "in good standing" have Open Lunch on Tuesday and Thursday
- 11th Grade Students "in good standing" have Open Lunch on Monday, Wednesday and Friday
- "in good standing" for 10th and 11th grade students will be explained at their grade level assemblies the first week of school. Then a letter and form will be sent to parents explaining the requirements related to behavior, attendance, and achievement similar to the 12th grade requirements.
Other Information
Important lunch/food service information:
- All parents/visitors will need to enter and exit from the main door. Please ring the bell, state your name and purpose for the visit, and have your ID ready.
- Lockers and Locker rooms - Students will receive locker assignments and combinations on the first day of school.
- All students are assigned a locker with a combination lock to secure their school supplies. Due to security reasons, only school-issued locks may be used on lockers, and this lock should be kept throughout high school and returned upon graduation. Students are expected to keep the lockers neat and clean. Students will be responsible for damages and may be assessed the cost of repair. Any damage to lockers should be reported immediately. Loss of a lock will result in a ten-dollar replacement fee.
Updates:
- Students that ride their bike should lock them up next to the "Bridge" for safety reasons; the West End bike racks have been removed.
- A Delayed Opening at CHS will start at 9:30 AM.
- If you or anyone you know is interested in being a Lunchroom Assistant at CHS (10:30 AM - 12:30 PM) or another school in the district, please reach out to me or visit the application site: HERE.
Surveillance Cameras
Cranford High School has security cameras inside the building and around the perimeter of our school to ensure the safety of all staff, students, and visitors and to safeguard our facility from vandalism and theft. Cameras will be used in locations as deemed appropriate by the administration. Video recordings will be reviewed if there is evidence that a violation of board policies, administrative regulations, building rules, or laws has occurred.
Links
In addition, important information can be found on the right navigation as well as below. I encourage you to take a few moments to review the following documents, and please feel free to contact me with any questions you may have.
- Family Life and HIV/AIDS Curriculum and Grade 9, 11 and 12
- Student Handbook 2024-2025
- Student Handbook 2024-2025
- Policy 5600: Student Discipline/Code of Conduct
- Regulation 5600: Student Discipline/Code of Conduct
- Academic Integrity Procedures
- Cranford High School Office Phone Numbers
- Family Life and HIV/AIDS Curriculum and Grade 9, 11 and 12
- ADAPT-Alchohol Drug Assistance Program for Teens-REMINDER-a student may be entered into the ADAPT Program based on the criteria below in addition to the possession or use of drugs or alcohol.