HAS Weekly Update

Dear HAS Community,

What a fantastic way to end the week! We held our second annual "Color Mr. Deacon" event today, and it was the perfect kickoff for our Color Run this weekend. Even though I came prepared this year with an extra set of clothes, goggles, and earplugs, the students still managed to cover me in color!

This fundraiser is essential in making all of the wonderful things our PTA does for our school possible. A huge thank you to the PTA for organizing such an amazing event. I look forward to seeing everyone at the race on Sunday!

Thank you.

Kevin Deacon

Here is the school schedule:

• K-AM Class ONLY: 8:40am - 11:20am
• Grades 6-8: 8:00am - 12:25pm
• Grades 1-5: 8:40am - 12:40pm

Please use this form to nominate a teacher or educational professional (CST member, counselor, paraprofessional, nurse, library media specialist, student assistance counselor) who fits the following criteria:

• Is an expert in the field who inspires students of all backgrounds and abilities to learn;
• Actively collaborates with colleagues, students, and families to create a strong culture of respect and success;

• Demonstrates leadership and innovation in educational activities at the school, district and/or state and national levels that take place both within and outside the school setting;

• Has the respect and admiration of students, parents and colleagues.

Submissions can be made by current/former students, parents/guardians, Cranford residents or district employees.

Staff members that have worked in the district for less than 4 years or have won in the past 5 years are ineligible for this award.

Our elementary school Halloween Parade is on Friday, October 31, 2025 and starts at 2:30pm. Please click here for more information.

Tuesday, December 9, 2025 at 7:00pm

Cranford High School’s administrative team, would like to invite you to “CHS Family/Academy Night;" on Thursday, October 23rd at 7PM. Please click here for more information.

HAS is excited to announce this year’s 7th Grade trip to Broadway to see Aladdin on Wednesday, June 3, 2026! Please see the letter and permission slip that was sent home with 7th grade students on October 1st. Students must return their letters, permission slips, and deposits to Mr. Willey in room 44 by Friday, October 17th. If you have any questions, please reach out to Mr. Willey at willey@cranfordschools.org

Thursday, December 18, 2025 at 7:00pm

To purchase a middle school yearbook visit: yearbookordercenter.com and use school code 8666.

There is still time to sign up: https://hillsideave.givebacks.com/w/HAScolorrun

*All runners who register after 10/5 miss the cut-off for race shirt and race bib.

We still need a few volunteers: https://signup.com/go/DJUQinW

Elementary Pumpkin Patch is in need of volunteers: https://signup.com/go/mOuKDjU

Trick or Trunk - please use this link to VOLUNTEER and to sign up to ATTEND: https://signup.com/go/wJgdRaO

2025/26 Variety Show Information Meeting is on 10/14 at 7pm - meeting is virtual (https://unioncatholic.zoom.us/j/94560588645?pwd=fiBpsC6JebCSngGIGEbtAWIOqAzavb.1)

Grades 3-8 Science Fair - please review the different planning subcommittees here

https://forms.gle/NUSwaXztVLsAtUHw7 and sign up where you are able to help.

The basketball court is currently being paved - please DO NOT enter into the area until the project is completed.

Box Tops for Education: Download the App, scan receipts, and support HAS PTA just by shopping for your regular purchases.

The following screenings will be conducted throughout the year as required by state law:
- Height, Weight, Blood Pressure: All grades
- Hearing: K, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 7th, 11th grades
- Vision: K, 2nd, 4th, 6th, 8th, 10th grades
- Scoliosis: 5th, 7th, 9th, 11th grades

If any concerns arise, a referral letter will be sent home. To opt out of any screenings, please notify the school nurse in writing by October 17, 2025.

Gym Excuses:
If your child is unable to participate in gym, a doctor's note is required. Please send all gym notes to the nurse first.

Single Session Day:

• October 13th - School Schedule: K-AM Class ONLY: 8:40am - 11:20am; Grades 6-8: 8:00am - 12:25pm; Grades 1-5: 8:40am - 12:40pm

2025 - 2026 District Calendar: https://4.files.edl.io/e34e/02/14/24/143255-d4854c17-6270-4e61-ac0e-415e8c0a1db6.pdf

End of the Year Events

Kindergarten Stepping Up - Tuesday, June 16, 2026 @ 9:30am

Grade 5 Moving Up - Wednesday, June 17, 2026 @ 10:00am

Grade 8 Class Night - Thursday, June 18, 2026 @ 7:00pm

GRIEF AND LOSS PRESENTATION BY IMAGINE

Wednesday, October 22 at 6:30 pm @ CHS

This evening's presentation will provide families with the tools and knowledge needed to better support children who experience any type of loss. The same skills and information can be used by adults to support one another. No one grieves alone. Together we can ensure we are better equipped to be supportive of one another with any loss that we experience through life. Click here to RSVP.

• 2025-2026 School District Calendar
• Go Green Folder 2025-2026

• NJ Back to School Packet

If your child is absent for any reason, please call our absence line at 908-709-6983 (24/7) or email has-attendance@cranfordschools.org (copy-paste email address)

The safety of our students is of the utmost importance and we ask that all our visitors follow our procedures.

1. If you are picking up your child for an appointment, please notify the office ahead of time by emailing (HAS-attendance@cranfordschools.org) or calling 908-709-6229 or 908-709-6983. The nurse may also call to have you pick up your child if they are feeling ill.
2. 1. During pick up, have your ID ready and ring the main entrance intercom bell. State your name and the reason for your visit, then present your ID to the camera.
3. You will be buzzed into the vestibule.
4. Please wait in the vestibule.
5. We will bring your child to you in the vestibule, where you will sign them out.

Please click here to access the HAS Family/Student Handbook.

**Kindergarten single sessions will alternate between AM & PM classes according to the following schedule: Student Entry at 8:40am - Dismissal at 11:20am

Monday, 10/13/25 (AM),

Tuesday, 11/11/25 (PM),

Wednesday, 11/26/25 (AM),

Tuesday, 12/23/25 (PM),

Monday, 2/9/26 (AM),

Monday, 3/16/26 (PM),

Monday, 6/22/26 (AM),

Tuesday, 6/23/26 (PM)

Email: deacon@cranfordschools.org

Website: https://has.cranfordschools.org/

Location: 125 Hillside Avenue, Cranford, NJ 07016

Phone: (908)709-6229