About Craig
September 2006
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September 26, 2006
Alum Shares Experiences with Upper School Students
Rachel Goldschmidt, a 2006 Craig graduate, spoke to Craig seniors about her first few days at college.
Rachel Goldschmidt, a graduate of the class of 2006, took a little time out from her studies at Bergen Community College to speak with our current 12th graders as a part of the Craig Upper School Alumni Speaker Series. The goal of this program is to provide a platform for our future post-secondary students to learn from the first hand experiences of recent graduates of our program.
Rachel shared her key differences between high school and college. She talked about being able to choose specific courses and the times that they meet. She also talked about the challenges of being in a larger environment including meeting new people and getting to know her teachers. She is off to a great start.
September 17, 2006
Back to School for Upper School Parents
Thursday, September 14th was back-to-school night for Upper School Parents.
Over 40 parents gathered for an evening of classes and refreshments at 200 Comly Road. Parents of new students and returning students gathered to hear about plans for the 2006-2007 year, meet the new faculty members, and attend a ten-minute sample of their son's or daughter's classes.
The upper school was given a face-lift over the summer with newly painted halls, a newly constructed office for Beth Stein, the Assistant Director, and newly installed SmartBoards. It was a convivial group despite the continuing rain, and parents looked pleased with the snapshot they were given of the Craig High School curriculum. Perhaps they were also a tad relieved not to have been called on in class!
September 12, 2006
The First Day
School began for Craig Upper and Lower School students on the day after Labor Day.
For over 40 new Craig students, the Tuesday after Labor Day harbored some nervous moments as each labored to find lockers, master schedules, find classrooms, and above all, explore new friendships. For returning students, it was a question of learning which of their teachers they might have again and who might be new; which students would be in their group; what changes there might be in their once familiar routines. There might be just a little worry, too, if the summer homework had not quite been completed. By the end of the first day, however, much of the confusion had dissipated and the faculty could get down to the real business of teaching. 2006-2007 promises to be a good year!
Lower School parents listen intently on the first day while their children display their talents on a white board.
New IBM computers are ready for classroom use.
9th graders pose in the newly painted upper school hallway.
Students at the lower school pose in the hall just before lunch.
Mr. Chin gets ready for math class at the upper school.
September 07, 2006
Getting Ready
The first day of school for faculty and administration happened well before Labor Day!
School began on Monday, August 28th for the Craig School "administrative team" with a review of the fall enrollment, plans for opening days, and a description of the NJAIS and Middle States accreditation process which will take place in early November.
The upper school faculty met the next day. Eric Caparulo, the upper school director, began by describing the areas of focus for the year, e.g., a safe, nurturing academic environment, emphasis on content acquisition and cross-curricular teaching methods, and a strong support system. Changes this year include trimester exams, morning and afternoon support periods, an academic advisor program, and a monthly departmental newsletter.
The entire faculty met Wednesday morning under the direction of Headmaster, David Blanchard. After introducing new faculty and making several announcements, David provided details of the NJAIS & Middle States visiting committee and then engaged the faculty in a lively discussion about the strengths of the Craig academic program as well as areas needing improvement. Lower School faculty continued meeting for the remainder of the day.
On Thursday, over 60 new parents and their children met in the Wilson auditorium with Mrs. Cozine. While the parents heard details of the academic program, their children had a mini breakfast and toured the school with several teachers. Following a spirited question and answer period, the parents were given a tour of their own and a chance for some much needed coffee and bagels!
It was a busy week in preparation for the start of school on the following Tuesday! And who thought school began after Labor Day???
The administrative team meets the Monday before Labor Day.
Headmaster David Blanchard and the upper school faculty look through new material for the year.
The combined upper and lower school faculty and staff meet in the Wilson cafeteria.