Dear Badger Families,
As we embark on our Spring Break, I want to thank my Craig Family for being such a phenomenal community. Students, teachers, and families alike have jumped into various opportunities throughout the year to become a strong external family. Just this past week we had the opportunity to get off campus (both campuses!) and go bowling as a faculty. As you can see from the picture, we are a happy group of adults! These are the folks who are working day-to-day with your children so the happier they are, the happier your child will be. Likewise, throughout the year we have had opportunities for the larger community to gather– alumni basketball, STEM night, grandfriends day, back-to-school, RISE Against Hunger, and most recently, the chili cookoff!! What a great event! I love seeing families together and engaging with our faculty. I know we have some additional opportunities coming up after break like the drive-in movie (April 19th) and the faculty appreciation casino night (May 4). I hope that everyone is able to attend and continue our engaged community vibe!
Warmly,
Susan Schmitt
Through Spring Break
The history of Spring Break can be traced back to the Ancient Greeks and their celebration of Spring which they called “Anthestreria”. But the spring break tradition that we know today believe it or not began in the 1930s when a swim coach from Colgate University located in upstate NY decided to take his swim team down to Fort Lauderdale for some pre-season swim training. Soon other swim coaches decided to follow that lead and the rest as they say is history.
For many, Spring Break is a chance to relax and recharge. For others, it is a time for travel and for family. And hopefully, for our Craig Community, it is all of the above. We hope you have a safe and wonderful “Anthestreria”,
Dr. Cap
April Calendar
Monday-Friday, April 1-5
School Closed: Spring Break
Wednesday, April 10th
Craig School Speaker Series: Navigating Special Education and Understanding Available Supports and Resources (Presenter, Meghann Bierly 7 pm Zoom-REGISTER and ZOOM LINK)
Sunday, April 14th
TEACHER FEATURE: Monster Mini Golf (12-2PM at Monster Mini Golf, Fairfield)
Friday, April 19th
12PM Close: Faculty Forum
Friday, April 19th
Craig School Drive-In (CHS Parking Lot, Montville, 7PM)
Monday, April 22nd
Craig High Annual Earth Day Clean Up: Beautifying Montville
Craig Community Evening - Faculty & Staff Appreciation Event
Join us for an evening to celebrate our amazing faculty and staff.
Saturday, May 4, 2024, 6:30-9:30 pm -
Craig School Annual Drive-In
This April marks the return of the Annual Craig School Drive-In. It will be held in the vast parking lots of our Montville campus.
On Friday, April 19th (which is a 12PM Close Day for Students), we will be hosting a snack-filled viewing of the computer-animated adventure comedy of the year......THE SUPER MARIO BROTHERS! Snacks are free courtesy of PACS, drive-in is free! All you need is to be here so mark your calendars. Arrival will be between 6-7 PM.
Speaker Series
If you missed our Speaker Series with Dr. Sharon Saline, you can visit the website -
ABOUT US/SPEAKER SERIES and download the recorded presentation.
There is still time to register for our final presentation.
Navigating Special Education and Understanding Available Supports and Resources with Meghann Bierly (Wednesday, April 10th, 7pm Zoom-REGISTER and ZOOM LINK): As a parent, you are the expert on your child, you know when your child is experiencing challenges even if you are unsure of the specific support needed. You will be an empowered advocate for your child when you understand how to navigate the school system to access appropriate support. In this webinar, Meghann will provide an overview of how to advocate when your child is struggling with learning to read. She will discuss a variety of supports and resources that are available to parents.
Bring your questions and concerns, as Meghann will offer a live Q&A for the second half of the presentation. As a fellow parent of a child with dyslexia, Meghann hopes you will leave the webinar knowing you don’t have to travel this journey alone. You will connect and learn with other parents navigating the system and supporting your children in becoming READERS and regaining their confidence in themselves as students! After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
Craig High TEACHER FEATURES 2024
We are excited to bring back our TEACHER FEATURES 2024. All TF are $75 (check payable to “The Craig School” and our first Teacher starts up in April so we are looking to have all sign-ups in by Wednesday, April 10, 2024. You can email interest to Mary Calvano at mcalvano@craigschool.org or Amanda Jahn at ajahn@craigschool.org and send in payment after Spring Break. Here are the student adventures that our teachers have in store for our high schoolers:
Craig High Monster Mini Golf, Virtual Reality, and Arcades: Come join Mrs. Bhakta at Mini Monster Golf in Fairfield, NJ, for glow-in-the-dark mini golf, arcade games, and immersive Virtual Reality experiences! It's a journey packed with fun and excitement. Come and have a great time!
Date: Sunday, April 14th [12:00 pm - 2:00 pm]
Maximum Number: 10 Students, Open to all CHS students
Drop off and pick up at Monster Mini Golf 194 US Rt. 46, Fairfield, NJ 07004
Craig High Centenary University Tour & Lunch: Join Ms. Skerker and Ms. Schmitt for an exclusive tour of Centenary University! Discover their outstanding programs, supportive environment, and vibrant campus life. Afterward, enjoy a delicious lunch in charming downtown Hackettstown. THIS WILL BE DURING THE REGULAR SCHOOL DAY.
Date: Friday, May 3, 2024 [Day Trip]
Maximum Number: 6 Students, Grades 9th through 12th
Craig High Laser Tag: Join Ms. Knutsen and Dr. Cap in the fight with one of the public games at TacOps. You will join one team as you battle to take on the opposition. The game session includes 15 minutes of instruction followed by an hour of gameplay which is 6 different missions. The games can get intense and competitive so be ready to have a laser tag experience like never before!
Date: Friday, May 3, 2024 [3:00 pm - 4:30 pm]
Maximum Number: 8 Students, Grades 9th through 12th
Pickup is at TacOps-Tactical Laser Tag. (The address will be supplied when the event is booked, either Florham Park or Fairfield location.)
Dodgeball Battle: Who doesn’t love dodgeball? Join Mr. Snowdon, Mr. Furlong, and Dr. Cap for an afternoon of dodgeball with teams competing for bragging rights to be the dodgeball winners. Water and snacks will be provided.
Date: Tuesday, May 21, 2024 [3:05 pm - 5:00 pm]
Grades: Grades 5th through 9th
The fun begins right after school with pick up at the Lower School at 5:00 pm (we will get them to Mt. Lakes)
Still Water Kayaking: Paddling on Indian Lake with life jackets, kayaks, and experts all included – what could be better? Here is your chance to experience kayaking with Mr. Furlong – a veteran kayaker. Your adventure will depart and return to Mr. Furlong’s house on Indian Lake in Denville. After your scenic tour, relax on shore and enjoy pizza for dinner.
Date: Monday, June 10th or Tuesday, June 11th depending on the weather
Maximum Number: 8 Students - Open to Craig Students of all ages
Pick up at 5:00 at Indian Lake, Denville NJ.
Come Meet the Animals!: Join Mrs. Santiago, Mrs. Matejko, and Mrs. Pompilio and experience the 'Come Meet The Animals' event, where Father John's Animal Shelter will bring a variety of creatures to our school. Kids can explore six rotating rooms, each featuring different animals, offering interactive sessions and learning opportunities. The event culminates in our Cat Cafe, where attendees can relax, enjoy refreshments, and further interact with the animals in a laid-back atmosphere. Don't miss this delightful occasion!
Date: Saturday, April 27th [10:45 am - 1:45 pm]
Price: $75.00
Maximum Number: 30 Students, Grades 2nd through 12th
Drop-off at 10:45 am and pick-up at 1:45 pm is at the lower school.
Craig High Come Fly with Us: Join Mr. Simpson and Mr. Spangler for a day of Kite Flying at the beach. Students will get the opportunity to fly several kites and we will take Kite Aerial Photography pictures that will be shared with the participants.
Date: June - date to be determined
Maximum Number: 4 Students, Open to all CHS students
Sandy Hook Nature Reservation, 128 S Hartshorne Dr, Highlands, NJ 07732. Students need to be dropped off and picked up and should bring money for lunch.
Craig School Chili Throwdown 2024-CHS Chili Throwdown Volunteers: Quick out shout to our HS Student Volunteers who represented CHS and made this year’s Chili Throwdown even more awesome.
In addition to consuming vast amounts of chili and desserts, the CHS Student Volunteers ran the indoor soccer and added a nice challenge level to the Pinata smashing for our younger students.
CHS Tailgate Tourney 2024: Our Tailgate Season wrapped up this past week with our TAILGATE TRIATHLON. Our tailgaters, along with Dr. Cap, competed in a trio of tourneys and accumulated points based on where they placed.
20 points separated 1st through 5th place so it was a close-knit afternoon of events. Senior, Nate took the gold with victories in both ladder toss and ping pong. Mary defended her Cornhole title from last year and placed 2nd overall. Tailgate MVP Peter made it to two championship rounds which helped him wrap up the bronze. Freshman Max took third place in Ping Pong while freshman Connor took 3rd in Cornhole. Dr. Cap got shut out in the tri-events but was heard proclaiming, he will be back next season!
CHS Summer Program July-August 2024: Summer School registration is now open so here is what you need to know. The Craig School High School Summer Program will be held at our Montville facility during the month of July through early August (July 8-August 2, Mon-Thurs 9 am-12 pm). We also have our “Counselor in Training” opportunities during the afternoon following the morning program. For more information and the summer academy registration form, visit our website at https://www.craigschool.org/academics/summer-academy/ and click on the High School tab.
Spring is around the corner, let's celebrate, and spread joy and cheer by supporting Craig School's Annual Giving!!
Thank you to all who have donated. We're working hard to reach our goal and need everyone's support.
Every gift matters. Annual Giving covers essential enhancement programming like photography, script handwriting, social and emotional learning, athletics, and more, beyond tuition. Your support isn't just about today; it's about securing tomorrow's opportunities.
Additionally, achieving 100% participation opens doors to additional grant funding.
Together, let's keep Craig thriving!!
Donate Here - Every Gift Matters!
If you have any questions or need assistance, please don't hesitate to reach out to Mary Calvano, Advancement, at mcalvano@craigschool.org or call 973-334-1234 x229.
Thank you for being a key ingredient to Craig's success!
18th Annual Golf Outing
Save the date! Our 18th Annual Golf Outing, Dinner & Auction is on Tuesday, June 18, 2023. Even in winter, it's never too early to dream about hitting the course. Get ready for a fantastic event – more details are coming soon!
MOVIE NIGHT
PACS could use your help with snack donations for our 3rd Annual Movie Night. If you can help provide some movie snacks, please click below to make a donation. You can leave all donations at the front desk at Wilson or at the front Desk at the High School. Please have all donations in by April 15th. Please Click Here for the Sign Up Genius.
April LUNCH DELIVERY Program Ordering Window Now OPEN: The April LUNCH DELIVERY ordering window is open through this Monday, March 25th. To reorder, go to www.myfooddays.com
PARKING MESSAGE
Mountain Lakes Campus
We are very grateful to have such an involved community! As with any large family, we can overwhelm those around us sometimes. Please help us by doing your best to be considerate of our neighbors whenever you come to campus.
As you come to campus for drop-off, pick-up, and various activities, please continue to be good neighbors to our community. Ideally, when picking up at regular dismissal time, please try to come as close to 3:00 as possible. It is even fine to plan to be here at 3:10. I certainly understand that not all family schedules allow for waiting until 3:00 and just ask that you do what you can. If you must line up before 3:00, please be very mindful of not blocking the road or driveways on either side of Laurel Hill Road and obey idling laws by turning off your car.
When coming onto the Mountain Lakes campus for activities, whether they are during the day or after school, please continue to be considerate of our community. Please only park in lined spots in our lot, in empty spots in the Blue House parking lot, or across the Boulevard at the Masonic Lodge.
We truly appreciate your support of and commitment to your children and The Craig School!
For more information on ways of giving or to make a donation online you can clicking here.
