LS/MS Newsletter- October 17th

Dear Badger Families,

As we move away from our testing and settle into our regular routine for the year, I want to take the next few weeks to highlight different parts of the intentional programming we’ve designed for our students. One area I’d like to share more about is our middle school elective program. 

Our 7th and 8th graders participate in cycles of electives throughout the year. These courses give students the opportunity to explore new content, develop new interests, and apply the skills and strategies they learn in their core classes to novel situations. We also hope these experiences help them make informed choices about what they might want to study in high school, where they will have even greater flexibility in selecting courses. Each elective is designed with a Year 1 and Year 2 focus, allowing both grades to rotate through the same offerings with differentiated depth. 

Elective Courses:

Triad of Success - One trimester each of Music Foundations (Terry Snowdon), American Sign Language (Alyssa Chartier), and College and Career Readiness (Lindsey Skerker).

STEM Research - A full-year course taught by Laurie Restieri in which students use research and note-taking skills to identify and solve a problem, culminating in a STEM-based build and presentation.   

Visual and Digital Arts - One trimester each of Visual Arts, Graphic Arts, and 3-D Printing, all taught by Suzy Kutcher.

Global Perspectives - A course that blends Geography and Current Events and culminates in a persuasive presentation. Term 1 focuses on geography, Term 2 includes SEL instruction with Melissa DiGioia, and Term 3 centers on current events. Geography and current events are taught by Stephen Vaporis and Dean Torres.

We are proud to offer a range of electives that help our students connect learning to their interests and the world around them.

Have a great weekend, 

Jen Guthrie

October 2025 Important Dates

10/20 (Mon) - After School: Badger HW Support

10/21 (Tues) - After School: Soccer Game, Art, and Music

10/22 (Wed) - After School: Badger HW Support and Robotics

10/23 (Thur) - After School: Badger HW Support, Soccer Game, and Swim

10/27 (Mon) - Charniga Homeroom Shadowing at CHS 8:30 AM-11:30 AM

10/27 (Mon) - After School: Badger HW Support

10/28 (Tues) -  Given Homeroom Shadowing at CHS 8:30 AM-11:30 AM

10/28 (Tues) - After School: Soccer Game, Art, and Music

10/29 (Wed) - Restieri Homeroom Shadowing at CHS 8:30 AM-11:30 AM

10/29 (Wed) - After School: Badger HW Support and Robotics

10/30 (Thur) - After School: Badger HW Support, Soccer Team Party, and Swim

10/31 (Fri) - Noon Dismissal: Trunk or Treat/Parade (10:00 am)

November 2025 Important Dates

11/6 -11/7 - School Closed: Parent Teacher Conferences held virtually

11/21 - Noon Dismissal: Grandfriend’s Day

11/24 - 11/28  - School Closed: Thanksgiving Recess

Gogi Abroad Travel for grades 7 to 12

Craig School Trunk-or-Treat  

Everyone is welcome! Join the fun at the Trunk-or-Treat on Friday, October 31st, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM. The event will be held in the Craig School LS/MS parking lot and will also include class parties. Cars participating in the trunk-or-treat can start decorating at 9:00 AM. Your grade-level parents will provide more details about the class parties and additional volunteer opportunities.

Here’s the schedule for the trunk-or-treat and class party locations:

* Trunk-or-Treat Times:

  * 2nd to 5th grade: 10:30 AM, Gym (Left)

  * 6th grade: 10:50 AM, Gym (Right)

  * 7th and 8th grade: 11:10 AM, Cafeteria

* All-School Parade: 10:15 AM

Only individually wrapped, nut-free candy is permitted. An optional Amazon Wish List is provided at the bottom of the signup form, which includes allergy-friendly options to simplify the donation process.

We need volunteers to assist with directing the parking lot for the participating cars. This crucial role ensures the smooth and safe running of the event. It’s also an excellent opportunity for extended family members, such as grandparents, to get involved in the festivities.

Sign up to decorate a trunk, donate candy, or help oversee the parking lot!

Craig School Trunk-or-Treat SIGN UP

 Save the Date! 

 Badger Bowling Fundraising Event 

 Saturday, January 24, 2026
12:00–2:00 PM | Boonton Lanes, Boonton, NJ

Shake off the winter chill and join us for an afternoon of fun, food, and fundraising to support The Craig School!  Mark your calendars, more information to follow!