Dear Craig Families,
One of the most special aspects of our school community is the way our students step up to lead, support one another, and give back. Nowhere is that more evident than in our incredibly active Peer Leadership Committee.
This year, 53 out of 55 seventh and eighth grade students have chosen to participate—an extraordinary level of involvement that speaks volumes about their character and commitment to the Craig community. Under the guidance of Mrs. Given and Mrs. Stickley, these students work within 17 different committees to plan and carry out meaningful programming all year long.
Their impact is felt in countless ways. From the Birthday Committee, which ensures that both students and staff feel celebrated on their special day, to the Student Ambassadors who warmly welcome families at New Student Orientation, Back-to-School Night, Grandfriends Day, and our Open House events, their presence helps define the Craig experience. They bring joy and connection through events like the 7th and 8th grade Halloween party, and they foster awareness and gratitude through initiatives such as the Veterans Day lunch and assembly and Dyslexia Awareness activities.
Our Peer Leaders also organize spirit days, provide peer tutoring, lead efforts for Red Nose Day, coordinate a fall service project, participate in Read Across America, and make sure our faculty and staff feel appreciated during Teacher Appreciation Week. Simply put, their work touches every corner of our school.
To support all of these efforts, the Peer Leadership Committee hosts just one fundraiser each year—a plant sale. This fundraiser directly supports the programming and events that our students plan and lead so thoughtfully.
We encourage you to support this important initiative. By participating in the plant sale, you are not only purchasing something beautiful for your home or garden, but also investing in student leadership, community building, and the many experiences that make Craig such a vibrant place to learn and grow.
Thank you for your continued support of our students and the meaningful work they do each day. Please look for the information and link in this week’s newsletter.
Enjoy your weekend.
Jen Guthrie
April 2026 Important Dates
4/25 (Sat) - Teacher Feature: NY Liberty Game (12:15-7:15 pm) Registration Required
4/27 (Mon) - After School Badger HW Support and Art
4/28 (Tues) - After School Music
4/28 (Tues) - Plant Sale Closes - last chance 9th Annual Plant Sale 2026 Order Link
4/29 (Wed) - After School Badger HW Support and Swim
4/30 (Thur) - After School Badger HW Support and Robotics
May 2026 Important Dates
5/5 (Tues) - Teacher Feature: Ice Cream & Movie (3:05-5:30 pm) Registration Required
5/7 (Thur) - Plant Sale Deliveries - 3:15 - 4:00 pm
5/8 (Fri) - 7/8th Grade Dance in the Craig School Gym (Mountain Lakes Campus) - 7-9 pm
5/14 (Thur) - Teacher Feature: Badger Esports Showdown (Grd 6-12) Registration Required
Pick Up at Craig High School
5/15 (Fri) - Noon Dismissal: Faculty Forum
5/19 (Tues) - Teacher Feature: Build a Stuffed Animal (3:05-5:00 pm) Registration Required
5/22-5/25 (Fri-Mon)- No School: Memorial Day Weekend
5/28 (Thur) - Evening: Craig Expo and Talent Show
June 2026 Important Dates
6/2-6/4 (Tues, Wed, Thurs) - 8th Grade Trips
6/8 (Mon) Noon Dismissal: Faculty Forum
6/9 (Tues) Noon Dismissal: Badger Community Spirit Day
6/10 (Wed) Noon Dismissal: Awards Assembly/Last Day for 2-7. 8th Grade Brunch
6/11 (Thurs) 8th Grade Graduation - 9 am -12 pm
9th Annual Leadership Plant Sale – Order by April 28
Add color and greenery to your home while supporting student-led initiatives. Our plant sale is now live through our easy digital ordering system, where families can browse, order, and pay all in one place.
Don’t miss it, orders close Tuesday, April 28.
Pickup will be on Tuesday, May 7, from 3:15–4:00 pm. (Mountain Lake Campus)
Please share the link or text code with friends and family to help spread the word.
Questions? Contact Laura Given at lgiven@craigschool.org
Order here: 9th Annual Plant Sale 2026 Order Link
Or text: CraigFlowerSale to 76278
Craig’s Got Talent- Talent Show!
Please click the link below for more information.
Teacher Appreciation Week (May 4–8)
We are excited to dedicate a special week to celebrating the dedication, care, and commitment of our faculty and staff. Throughout the week, our PACS community will show appreciation through thoughtful gestures, classroom support, treats, and volunteer opportunities.
This is a meaningful chance to recognize the lasting impact our teachers and staff have on our students each day. We look forward to a week filled with gratitude, joy, and a few well-timed surprises as we honor the people who make The Craig School such a special place to learn and grow.
Ways to Get Involved & Show Appreciation
We welcome your participation in helping make the week special:
Volunteer Sign-Up: Sign-Up Link Here
Amazon Wish List: Link Here
Interested in becoming more involved? We are also beginning to look ahead to the 2026–2027 PACS Board. If you’d like to learn more or express interest, please reach out to pacs@craigschool.org.
Art Teacher for the Day – Lower Middle School
Sydney T (7K) stepped into the role of “Art Teacher for the Day” in the Lower Middle School, an experience she won through the Craig Badger Bowl-a-Rama Auction.
From the start, Sydney embraced her role with confidence and enthusiasm. After being officially “sworn in” with her teacher badge and lanyard, she reviewed the schedule and quickly settled into her responsibilities, ready to lead and support her peers.
A highlight of the day was Sydney leading 4th-grade students through a Zentangle lesson. With patience and creativity, she introduced this calming, detail-focused art style and guided students as they transformed simple lines into intricate designs. She encouraged focus, mindfulness, and creativity, keeping students fully engaged throughout.
Sydney also took on the behind-the-scenes work of an art teacher, helping reset the classroom by cleaning paintbrushes and palettes, organizing student artwork, and scraping dried glue from surfaces. She handled each task with a positive attitude and a strong sense of responsibility.
Throughout the day, Sydney brought a warm, encouraging presence to the classroom, demonstrating natural leadership and balancing instructional and operational responsibilities with ease. It was also wonderful to see classmates and friends stop by to cheer her on.
It was a wonderful day in the Lower Middle School art room filled with creativity, learning, and joy, and the only question left was when “Ms. Sydney” might return.
We are so proud of you, Sydney!
Lacrosse
Instructional lacrosse clinic for all grades. Click the link below for more information.
Craig School 20th Annual Golf Outing & Auction
Tuesday, June 16, 2026 • Ballyowen Golf Club, Hamburg, NJ
Join us for a day of golf, connection, and impact in support of our students. Whether you’re hitting the course or joining us for dinner, there’s something for everyone. This year, we’re excited to offer GiveSmart for a simple, seamless registration experience.
Thank you to everyone who has already registered, sponsored, or reached out to support our auction. Your enthusiasm and generosity are helping make this event a success.
Event Schedule:
11:00 AM: Check-in, Driving Range & Putting Green Open
11:30 AM: Lunch (check-in continues)
1:00 PM: Shotgun Start – Scramble Format
5:30/6:00 PM: Dinner, Awards & Auction
Interested in contributing to the auction? Contact Amanda Jahn, our Auction Chair, for details. We welcome items such as:
Event or sports tickets Vacation homes or getaways
Restaurant or retail gift cards Unique experiences or tours
Themed baskets (family, spa, golf) Professional services
Camps or kids’ activities Memorabilia or one-of-a-kind items
Registration closes: May 18, 2026
Questions? Contact Mary Calvano
20th Annual Golf Outing Register or Explore Opportunities
After School Activities
Mondays: After School Art Sign-Up Form
Tuesdays: After School Music Sign-Up Form
Wednesdays: After School Swim Sign-Up Form
Thursdays: After School Robotics Sign-Up Form
7/8TH GRADE DANCE INFORMATION
8th Grade Graduation Updates
Dear 8th Grade Families,
Please be on the lookout for emails from Alyssa Chartier (achartier@craigschool.org) regarding graduation information. Graduation will be held in the auditorium at the Mountain Lakes campus on Thursday, June 11, 2026. The ceremony starts at 9:00 AM and runs until around 12:00 PM (noon).
Cap and Gown photos by Ms. Chartier will be taken on Tuesday, May 5th, during the school day.
If you have any questions or concerns, please email Ms. Chartier at the email address above.
For more information on ways of giving or to make a donation online you can clicking here.
