October 2025
From the Principal’s Desk
Dear Parent(s), Guardian(s), and Student(s):
We hope you are all enjoying your summer and that this letter finds you all well. Cranford High School exceeded our historically high achievement scores two years in a row. Our NJSLA, NJGPA and AP scores met levels of excellence or exceeded all previous levels of achievement. This is a credit to your support, your student’s hard work and our amazing staff. We look forward to reaching new heights this year.
To realize new levels of success it is going to take a tremendous amount of hard work. This work will be fostered by our incredible staff. To build a relationship of open communication and monitoring student success you can set PowerSchool to automatically share updates with you by using these INSTRUCTIONS.
To further support achievement Cranford High School offers an abundance of individual growth opportunities. Your interests may lie in arts, clubs, athletics, all or none, regardless we support you all the same. Some of you may find your stride in one of the many clubs that are offered here or you can create your own click HERE. Whatever calls to you, be assured that the staff is here to support you, encourage you, teach you and celebrate you.
To review all of the important CHS protocols, policies and programs click on the Student Handbook link. We are here to assist you in reaching your full potential and make the most of the opportunities available to you this coming school year!
Sincerely,
Mark Cantagallo
Principal
Take a Paws & Catch Up!
Welcome to “Paws for News” — our new home for weekly updates. All the important news you need, now in one place!
Quote of the week: "Unity is strength... when there is teamwork and collaboration, wonderful things can be achieved."
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.
In Remembrance
On October 16, the Performing Arts Department along with Friends of the Performing Arts (FOPA) came together during this year’s Opening Gala to honor the memory of Maria Niotis and Isabella Salas by collecting over $2,000.00 in donations. These contributions reflect the love, respect, and impact they had on our community. The proceeds will be donated to the Niotis and Salas families through Cranford Family Care. Thank you to everyone who contributed to recognizing Maria and Isabella in this meaningful way.
Wednesday, October 22 at 6:30 pm @ CHS
This evening's presentation will provide families with the tools and knowledge needed to better support children who experience any type of loss. The same skills and information can be used by adults to support one another. No one grieves alone. Together we can ensure we are better equipped to be supportive of one another with any loss that we experience through life. Click here to RSVP
For additional resources:
We are Cranford strong.With care and support, CHS Administration
Updated Absence Reporting Community Message
CHS Community, In an effort to provide a more efficient and user-friendly process when reporting absences, we have updated our Absence Reporting process. Parents may log into their PowerSchool Parent Portal, navigate to “Forms,” and submit the “CHS Absence Reporting Form.” This digital approach is meant to save time for you while ensuring accurate and timely communication of student absences. CHS PowerSchool Parent Portal: Powerschool. Doctor’s notes, college visit notes, or other applicable documentations to support absences can be send to CHSAttendance@cranfordschools.org. You can still report your child absent by calling the CHS Attendance Office or emailing CHSAttendance@cranfordschools.org for the remainder of this school year. We plan to move to a full implementation of the CHS Absence Reporting Form through the PowerSchool Parent Portal at the start of the 2025-2026 school year.
Ice Hockey Spirit Wear Sale - CHS Ice Hockey Spirit Wear Sale. The CHS Ice Hockey team store is officially open—now is the perfect time to stock up on apparel and gear for the upcoming season. Please share this link with friends and family!! Please note: The store will close on October 18th, so be sure to place your orders promptly to ensure delivery before the season begins. We’ll reopen the store later this year for a second run, ideal for holiday gifts and any additional items. Shop here: Spirit Wear Store
Notes from the Nurse It’s hard to believe that the school year has begun! As we get ready for the year ahead, here are a few important reminders from the CHS Health Office.
Go Cougars!! Come out and support our Fall Athletes!! Click here for the week of 10/20 - 10/25.
Congratulations, Mrs. Szeluga!! We would like to take this opportunity to congratulate CHS's very own Mrs. Szeluga on being named 2025 - 2026 NJASC Advisor of the year! We are thrilled for her and our Student Council!
Performing Artist of the Week "PAW"
CHS PAW "Performing Artist of the Week" - Click here for details. Nominated based on Leadership and/or Artistic Skill and/or Work Ethic: Darby Canedo
Athletes of the Week
CHS Athletes of the Week - Click here for the complete 2025-2026 list. Student athletes are nominated based on Leadership/Sportsmanship , Skill, Improvement, and/or Work Ethic: Sienna Griffin - Field Hockey and Joseph Acinapura - Football
Dress Code Reminder Student dress is an important part of student expression that we value. We have to remember that, as in any profession or workplace, there are standards of appropriate dress at school. The dress code committee has submitted updates that are currently under review for the 2025-2026 school year. However, at the moment, we need to respect the dress code as stated. Specifically, shoes without a backing, clothes that show undergarments, low cut tops, and/or clothes with offensive language are prohibited at CHS.
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. 25-26 District SEL Calendar
Stopit/HIB Reporting
- Can you please also send out the Stopit parent/guardian letter and the Stopit student flyer in an upcoming Friday blast to share with parents after your teachers have shown to their students? The student flyer is a PDF so doesn't have your individual school sign up codes on it, but they are listed below and are also listed at the end of the HIB student video.
Click here for Principal's Welcome Letter 2025-2026!!
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 Handbook link.
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
Stamp Your Success — Freshman Passport Updates!
Welcome to “Freshman Passport” — your first step toward lunchtime freedom!
This program is intended to encourage positive academic and social activities for 9th grade students during the day, particularly during the lunch block.
Don’t miss out: The 2025–2026 Freshmen Passport QR Code is your pathway to freedom—complete it now and unlock open campus opportunities in junior and senior year.
Unlock your future one stamp at a time — the Freshman Passport Program is your first-class ticket to open campus freedom by junior and senior year.
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
2025-26 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).
Schedules, Events, and Rotation Calendar
- Open Campus: Seniors
- Open Lunch: Sophomores & Juniors
- Check Fresh Updates for Freshman Passport
Charge your Chromebooks for the 1st Day of School Thursday, September 4, 2025!! The first day of school is Thursday, September 4, 2025
Open Campus will be available to seniors who are “in good standing” according to the Open Campus Letter and have handed in their permission slip. Students will be receiving a letter shortly regarding approved or unapproved Open Campus privileges. In this letter will be instructions on how to obtain Open Campus if not approved.
Student schedules were available on Aug. 19th via PowerSchool
Photo Retake and Makeup Info!
Grades 9-11 Makeup/Retake Day is on Monday, October 20th from 9:00am-2:00pm in the Library. GRADES 9-11 MUST SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT TO BE PHOTOGRAPHED!!
- To schedule your appointment for makeups/retakes, please CLICK HERE
- Any 9th, 10th, 11th grade student that needs to be photographed for the first time on makeup day, please bring your payment envelope if you are purchasing photos. If you paid online; you do not need to bring anything with you.
- There is a retake fee of $10.00 and you must return your first package to be photographed. You will receive a new package with your new photo delivered to the school at a later date.
Grade 12 Makeup/Retake Dates are on 10/21, 10/22, 10/23 from 9:00am-2:00pm in the Library. SENIORS MUST SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT TO BE PHOTOGRAPHED!!
- To schedule your appointment for makeups/retakes, please CLICK HERE
- Any 9th, 10th, 11th grade student that needs to be photographed for the first time on makeup day, please bring your payment envelope if you are purchasing photos. If you paid online; you do not need to bring anything with you.
- There is a retake fee of $10.00 and you must return your first package to be photographed. You will receive a new package with your new photo delivered to the school at a later date.
- Thursday, September 25, 2025
- 5:45 - 6:10 - Sign of Suicide and Prevention (location TBD)
- 6:10pm - Parent/Guardian meeting in the Auditorium
- 6:30pm - Period 1 begins
NJGPA Fall Testing Session October 7th and 8th
PSAT - October 15th
- This test is in a digital format
- Handheld calculators will NOT be provided-Click HERE for allowable calculators
- 10th and 11th grade students-PSAT NMSQT
- 9th grade - 8am arrival - Administrative team building and academic activities
- 12th grade - 10am - late arrival
Freshmen/New Student Orientation- September 4th 12:30 pm-2:45/3:00 pm (Lunch will be provided)
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:
General School Details
- 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 2025-2026 which includes, but is not limited to, information regarding Administrative regulations, graduation requirements, credit Assignments, board of education policies, academic integrity procedures, midterm/final exam procedures, Cranford High School Office phone numbers.
- Policy 5600: Student Discipline/Code of Conduct
- Regulation 5600: Student Discipline/Code of Conduct
- Academic Integrity Procedures
- Cranford High School Office Phone Numbers
- 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: Referral by a student’s parent for smoking, and/or the use of tobacco, nicotine, vaping devices or other products and devices related to smoking or the use of tobacco. A student is in possession of or is caught in the act of smoking or using tobacco, nicotine, vaping devices or other products related to the use of tobacco. Cranford Police Department-Memorandum of Agreement notification.