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High School Newsletter

THE CRAIG SCHOOL

WEEKLY NEWSLETTER
Message from the Head Of School

Dear families, 

On behalf of the entire Craig staff, we wish you and your family a restful Spring break. Some of you will be traveling and some of you will need to continue working! The next nine days may be full of extra family time, but for many of you, the next nine days may be stressful due to the fact that your child will have less structure. This time away from the structures Craig provides might be stressful for your child. Over the Winter break, I published the following strategies that might help to mitigate the added stress of unstructured time away from the school routine. Perhaps you did not need them now but could use them now. All children crave consistency and routine; children with ADHD crave it even more. I am more than happy to discuss any of these strategies with you if you would like some examples of how these might help create a peaceful and productive week at home. 

Establishing a routine for ADHD teens and pre-teens during Spring break can help provide structure and support their well-being. Here are some suggestions:

  • Create a Visual Schedule:
    • Break down the day into blocks of time, including wake-up, meals, activities, and bedtime.
    • Incorporate both structured and unstructured time.
  • Set Clear Expectations:
    • Clearly communicate expectations for behavior and responsibilities during the break.
    • Be specific about chores, reading, and any family activities.
  • Include Breaks and Physical Activity:
    • Integrate short breaks between activities to allow for movement and sensory breaks.
    • Encourage physical activities like walks, sports, or other forms of exercise to help manage energy levels.
  • Consistent Sleep Schedule:
    • Aim to maintain a consistent sleep schedule, even during the holidays. Adequate sleep is crucial for managing ADHD symptoms.
    • Create a calming bedtime routine to help with relaxation.
  • Provide Choices:
    • Allow your teen/ pre-teen to have some say in their schedule and activities. Providing choices can increase motivation and engagement.
    • Present options for activities and let them decide on the order or timing.
  • Limit Screen Time:
    • Set reasonable limits on screen time to prevent overstimulation. Use parental controls if necessary.
    • Encourage a balance between online and offline activities.
  • Social Connection:
    • Plan social activities with friends or family to maintain social connections.
    • Consider activities that align with your teen's interests and preferences.
  • Break Tasks into Manageable Steps:
    • Teach your teen to break down tasks into smaller, more manageable steps. This can make activities feel more manageable.
    • Provide positive reinforcement for completing each step.

 

Of course, every child is different, but some of these suggestions might help! As always, I am available to discuss these strategies and how they might be helpful. 

Warmly,

Susan Schmitt

NOTES FROM THE DIRECTOR

The Craig School “Chili Throwdown” is here, this Saturday, March 23rd on our Mountain Lakes campus from 11AM-1 PM, and it's bigger than just Chili.  We are not talking nachos, desserts or even pinatas.  We are talking about an amazing opportunity for the Craig School Community to come together to have some fun, connect around our children and our school, and say good bye to winter and officially welcome Spring!      

 

Everyone is invited (family, friends, alumni) and there is still time to let us know you are coming (RSVP to Attend The Chili Cook-Off 2024).   Doors will open at 11 AM and you are welcome to pop in anytime from then until 1 PM.  And do you really want to disappoint our Pinata Ambassadors? 

Join us!  See you Saturday in Mt. Lakes, 

Dr. Cap





CALENDAR INFO

OUR UPCOMING WEEK

Monday, March 25th 

Start the 3rd Trimester/April Lunch Ordering Window Closes (www.myfooddays.com

 

Tuesday, March 26th 

2nd Trimester Report Cards Accessible on VERACROSS

 

Tuesday, March 26th 

Afterschool Tailgate League (3-4:30PM, CHS Gym)

 

Wednesday, March 27th

Craig School Speaker Series: When Nothing Seems to Work- How to help students with ADHD get unstuck and build resilience with Dr. Sharon Saline  (6:45 pm Zoom-REGISTER and ZOOM LINK

 

Friday, March 29th 

School Closed: Good Friday

 

THE WEEK AFTER THAT

Monday-Friday, April 1st-5th 

School Closed: Spring Break

 

THE REST OF APRIL 

Monday, April 8th 

Classes Resume 

 

Wednesday, April 10th

Teacher Feature Form & Payment Due 

 

Friday, April 19th

12PM Close: Faculty Forum

 

Friday, April 19th

Craig ALL SCHOOL Drive-In (7PM, Montville Campus Parking Lot) 



COMMUNITY NEWS

Special St. Patty's Day Lunch at CHS:  Thanks to our CHS Lunch Program Coordinator, Ms. Jahn and our CHS PACS rep, Mrs. Yohanan, CHS started their St. Patty’s Day prep last Thursday with an amazing Irish Home Cooked Lunch.  

Corn beef and cabbage aside, our students and teachers enjoyed Boxty (Irish Potato Pancake), Green Scrambled Eggs, Lucky Charms Cereal, Potato Skin Bites, Root Beer Float, and Rainbow Cake!  It was a delicious and fun day of lots of green and big smiles!  Thank you, Ms. Jahn and Mrs. Yohanan. 

 

Craig School Chili Throwdown IS HERE-This Saturday, March 23rd: This Saturday from 11-1PM, the best Chili and best company that the Craig School has to offer will be gathered in Mountain Lakes for our annual Craig School Chili Throwdown!  There is still time for you and your family to be a part of this dynamic community event (RSVP to Attend The Chili Cook-Off 2024). Whether you are a Chili Maker, a Chili Taster, or just looking for an awesome way to spend a couple of hours on a Saturday, Mountain Lakes is the place to be.  The event officially starts at 11AM (Chili’s should arrive for set up around 10:30-10:45AM) but you can pop in anytime between 11-1PM. This is just not a community event if you aren’t part of it. Looking forward to seeing you there!

 

Teacher Feature Update:

In case you missed it, all the details for Teacher Feature are in your child’s VIP folder. We've made some tweaks to two events on 5/10: Color Me Mine and Sundaes now cater specifically to grades 2nd through 5th, and the Girls Sleep Under has been rescheduled to Friday 5/31 due to scheduling conflicts. While Ms. St. Peter can't join us, her creative input will still shine through, with Ms. Jahn stepping in. Apologies for any inconvenience, and please reach out to Mary Calvano at mcalvano@craigschool.org or Amanda Jahn at ajahn@craigschool.org for any questions. Can't wait to kick off on April 12th!

 

Deadline for Teacher Feature responses: Tuesday, April 10th!

 

NEWSLETTER GALLERY
FACULTY

ACADEMIC HIGHLIGHTS

CHS Pi Day 2024:  Craig High School joined schools and fellow mathematicians from around the world to celebrate Pi Day (March 14) 2024.  Our day started by sharing the coolest Pi facts we could find including examples of Pi in Nature (the pupil of the eye, the sun, ripples in water), that they use Pi to test computers like a digital cardiogram, and that Pi Day is Albert Einstein’s actual birthday.  

 

Next, we broke out the Pies and our CHS mathematicians earned their slice by either reciting Pi to the 10th place and beyond or telling a Pi Joke.  The Pi Joke of the day was “What do you call it when someone gets a Pi Tattoo on their face?-An IRRATIONAL Decision!  The record for reciting Pi this year was out to the 14th place.  This year's Pies included an amazing Nut-Free, Gluten Free Pudding Pie made by Ms. Crum!  

 

Along with this year's Pi Day festivities, the 9th graders also celebrated Pi Day in the art studio! Guided by Mrs. Tartaglia, our freshman spent three weeks constructing some larger-than-life pie sculptures that pay homage to this annual day of celebration. Pie flavors ranged from Oreo cookie to Pumpkin to Unicorn Pie. Our student pies were displayed along with some real pies to add to the celebratory mood. Happy Pi Day everyone!

 





ATHLETICS

CHS Tailgate League Starts Back Up TUES March 26th:  Looking for something cool to do after exams wrap up?  Then look no further than the CHS Tailgate League which will meet TUES, March 26th.  Join our “Tailgate Triathalon Champ” as we battle in ping pong, ladder toss, and cornhole to crown our Tailgate champ.  And on occasion, a basketball game might break out at the end.  See Dr. Cap if interested.



ADMISSIONS

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.



Advancement

 

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!

 

PACS

"Thanks to all the parents who donated Trimester Treats. They were very much appreciated by the students!"

We are excited that the All School Drive In Movie has been rescheduled. The Movie will now take place on April 19th, 2024 at 7PM.

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.

IMPORTANT INFO

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!



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The Craig School admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate based on race, color, national and ethnic origin in the administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.

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