The Cougar Chronicle
News from Across the District
Christine Szeluga – FOR THE HEART OF OUR SCHOOLS
Between overseeing the school’s newspaper and literary magazine and advising student council and podcast club, Christine Szeluga stays busy supporting the 1,100 students at Cranford High School in New Jersey. And under her leadership as the school’s librarian, the library has flourished as a dynamic hub for academic support and student engagement.
Since joining Cranford High School in 2019, Szeluga has transformed learning and engagement in the library, securing grant funding to support the addition of a makerspace, local history archive, and podcast studio—spaces that encourage students to explore new technologies, engage in creative projects, and develop digital skills. Her efforts to modernize the library have also increased circulation rates in the library by 300%.
In 2024, Szeluga spearheaded the Cranford Dixie Giants project, a local history initiative where students researched Cranford’s semi-professional, all-Black baseball team that played in the early 20th century. What began as a simple research project bloomed into a community-wide effort to honor the team and uncover its hidden history. Guided by Szeluga, students wrote articles and produced podcasts for the school’s news platform, raising awareness of the team’s historic legacy and laying the groundwork for a larger commemoration honoring their resilience and talent in the face of racial discrimination. The project was recognized nationally with the Roald Dahl’s Miss Honey Social Justice Award from the American Association of School Librarians in 2025.
“The library is the heart of our school community,” one of her nominators wrote, “and Mrs. Szeluga is at the center. As a leader in the school, she inspires students through her love of learning, and her infectious enthusiasm for reading often helps to see themselves as lifelong readers.”
Five outdoor Automated External Defibrillators AEDs were recently installed at Orange Avenue School, Livingston Avenue School, Walnut Avenue School, Brookside Place School, and Cranford High School Athletic Fields. All were donated by Cranford resident, Andrew Hooey. AEDs provide immediate, user-friendly treatment within critical minutes before EMS arrives to an emergency.
Pictured are Superintendent Mark Cantagallo, CHS Junior Josie Fiore, Director of Athletics Darren Torsone. More information on The Aliver Foundation is available here:https://www.thealiverfoundation.org/
We’re proud to share that Cranford Public Schools has been recognized as one of the 2026 Best Communities for Music Education by the NAMM Foundation! This national award highlights school districts that go above and beyond to provide high-quality music education to students of all ages.
Each year, the NAMM Foundation celebrates schools across the country that demonstrate a strong dedication to music education. This designation reflects the collaborative efforts of our teachers, administrators, students, parents, and community members in making music a vital part of a well-rounded education.
The Best Communities for Music Education program honors those who ensure students have access to music learning, setting a standard for other districts nationwide. We are deeply honored to receive this recognition and proud to continue fostering a community where music thrives.
About The NAMM Foundation:
The NAMM Foundation is the charitable arm of the National Association of Music Merchants, the global trade association for the music products industry. The foundation works to remove systemic barriers that limit access to music-making and career pathways in the music industry. By investing in bold ideas and innovative solutions, we strive to build inclusive and thriving musical communities. For more information about The NAMM Foundation, please visit www.nammfoundation.org.
Students were transported into the candy-colored world of Mario Kart in April thanks to the creativity and enthusiasm of Physical Education teacher Mr. Eric Martin. Building on the PE unit on scooters, Mr. Martin transformed the gym into a Mario-themed racecourse, complete with a rainbow parachute sky and the upbeat soundtrack from the popular Nintendo game.
As students raced their sport scooters around the course, they earned stars and coins for each lap completed, just like in the game. Stars tracked laps, while coins could be used to purchase “power ups” that added fun twists and strategy to the race. For example, students could trade coins for a banana peel, represented by bowling pins placed on the track. If a racer knocked one over, they had to complete five jumping jacks in the infield before rejoining the race.
Second grade students also had the chance to use other Mario-inspired power ups, including turtle shells, star power, mushrooms, and even a golden mushroom, each adding excitement and friendly competition.
Combining physical activity, coordination, and game strategy, the interactive lesson has quickly become a student favorite.
On April 24 Brookside Place School held an Arbor Day celebration that brought our school community together in recognition of the importance of trees and environmental stewardship. Congratulations to Claire Zambell, whose quote was selected to be featured on a plaque beside this year’s tree: “Wherever the world plants you, bloom with grace and strength.” Her words served as a thoughtful reminder to all, especially our fifth-grade students, as they prepare for their transition to middle school.
Our Student Council President, Zachary Rutzler, addressed the audience and highlighted the vital role trees play in our environment, describing them as the “superheroes” of our ecosystem. The celebration also featured a special performance by our first-grade students, who sang a song under the direction of music teacher Mrs. Sweet, adding a joyful and memorable touch to the event.
Forty-three members of the Cranford High School Concert Choir took the stage at iconic Carnegie Hall in New York on April 11. Joining their voices together with students from six other high school choirs from across the country, the students presented a powerful program of American choral music, under the direction of renowned composer and conductor Dr. Z. Randall Stroope.
The performance provided another opportunity for the CHS choral students to engage in music-making at the highest level, representing Cranford with professionalism and artistry on a national stage. The Cranford High School Concert Choir, directed by Mr. Anthony Rafaniello, will revisit selections from this program at their upcoming Spring Choral Concert on April 23 at 7:30 pm. Congratulations to CHS choral students for their extraordinary performance at Carnegie Hall!
