THE HIGH SCHOOL UNIVERSITY OF CRANFORD

HITS THE GROUND RUNNING


September 2005

The High School University of Cranford is a four year "differentiated journey" for Cranford High School's highly motivated students. Seventy students in Grades 9-12 have been accepted into this prestigious program. John Arlotta, Supervisor of Academic Affairs, is the director of the program, and Barbara Carroll, Supervisor of Language Arts, serves as program coordinator. Each student has an academic advisor and is a member of a small academic advisement group. Advisors provide students with opportunities and resources to pursue their academic passions. Students are required to take an advanced placement class each year, beginning with AP World History in ninth grade, AP English Language in tenth and AP Statistics in eleventh grade. In addition to their coursework, students are exposed to a variety of academic experiences based on their areas of interest. Seminars, field trips and other forms of enrichment are offered throughout the year.

Highlights of this year thus far include a music seminar at CHS with Bruce McKinney, a retired professor from Kingsborough Community College CUNY and a Saturday session with, Dr. Nancy Enright, Director of Freshman English at Seton Hall University where college expectations were discussed. Students are partaking in individualized programs such as UMDNJ's "Decision for Dentistry" and an exploration of Ellis Island. Upcoming events include a trip to Drew University to see a production of Julius Caesar, participation in a series of seminars on government and politics at Montclair University and a visit to Villanova and Lehigh Universities. A Georgetown and American University trip is scheduled for the spring.

Additionally, partnerships with local colleges have been formed, which allow students a variety of experiences beyond what is offered at CHS. Guest lecturers from UMDNJ will speak to our University students interested in science and medicine. A collaboration with Kean University has been formed which will provide enrichment activities in science, mathematics and technology. Here, students will collaborate with Kean faculty and students in studying particular modules, such as data encryption and earth resource analysis. Our performing arts students will be working with Kean University through its Premiere Stages program. Workshops by Kean staff on playwriting and production will be offered at Cranford High School. Additionally, Cranford students will partake in their Master's series, which allows dialogue with professional performers. Plans for collaboration on Kean University performances, internships and a film festival are in the works.

Service-learning is also a large portion of The High School University of Cranford. The students' talents are used to connect what they have learned to the needs of the community. The University students have developed a school-wide project to assist with some of the victims of Hurricane Katrina. Cranford High School has adopted Biloxi High School in Mississippi. A benefit concert, "Cranford Sings for Katrina" was held recently to raise money. Additionally, a dance for juniors and seniors called "Fall Ball" is slated for November 5th. All proceeds are going to Biloxi High School. Our University students interested in production are working to develop a commercial to air on Channel 35 for greater awareness of this cause. Another school-wide effort is "Holiday-Fest" scheduled for December 9th. Here, approximately 160 3rd and 4th graders from Lafayette School will visit Cranford High School. A series of events is planned in which each student and staff member will participate.

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