Proposal to Reimagine Cranford Public Schools - presentation and pamphlet

Greetings Parents, Guardians, Students, and Community Members,

Yesterday, I sent an email inviting you to join in a conversation about what the benefits of a reimagined Cranford Public Schools might look like and whether we, as a community, feel that it reflects our community’s values and desires.  

In preparation for these discussions, please view this presentation describing the Reimagining Cranford Public Schools proposal (https://cranfordtv35.viebit.com/player.php?hash=9aZTEnzYRLjg).  In addition, please review the attached pamphlet which provides highlights of the initiative.

 Reimagining Cranford Public Schools

The community meetings will be held in the Cranford High School auditorium on October 30, November 28, and December 17.  All meetings will take place at 7:00 pm.

Again, we look forward to engaging you in conversation about this proposal.

We hope to see you there!

Best,

Scott Rubin

August, 2018

Dear Cranford Parents/Guardians:

Welcome to the 2018-2019 school year! It will be filled with exciting activities, events, and initiatives that will enrich educational opportunities for all students.

K-12 highlights for this year will include the following:

Strategic Planning

• The new Cranford Public School District strategic plan has been approved!  Thank you for your collaborative efforts in helping to chart a pathway that is full of wonderful experiences for our students.  We will continue to engage the community in reflection and dialogue as we all participate in the shared responsibility of “Growing Tomorrow’s Leaders Together.”  Please click here to view the Strategic Plan: 2018 - 2023 Strategic Plan

• We are excited to partner with the community in promoting the District’s new mission statement: Through the support of an educational community that embraces diversity, lifelong learning, and comprehensive wellness, the Cranford Public Schools will strive to build capacity in every student to develop the passion, perseverance, and creativity to shape the world around them.

Curriculum / Instruction

• Implementation of the New Jersey Tiered System of Supports (NJTSS Model);
• Utilization of universal screening and monitoring tool for students K-5 (i-ready);
• Use of data warehousing to inform and improve student achievement;
• Newly revised ELA K-12 curricula;
• Newly revised World Language K-12 curricula;
• Revised P2E identification process;

Technology and Infrastructure

• Deployment of more than 350 new and upgraded computers across the District (1450  devices have been added over the past 3 years);
• Additional computer lab and upgraded computer lab at CHS;
• Continued infrastructure upgrades;

Professional Development

• Enhanced professional learning opportunities, supporting the development of 21st century skills, personalized learning and using data to help inform instruction;

Safety

• Safety Vestibules - each school will have an electronic double door entry system;
• New visitor entry protocols - please carefully review the District’s new protocols for visitors;
• Security Cameras - each school will be equipped with additional cameras;
• Perimeter door alarms - all perimeter doors in each school will be alarmed and monitored;
• StopIt - students will have the ability to  report issues anonymously;
• District Coordinator of Culture and Climate - the District established a new position to assist in attending to the social-emotional needs of our students and help enhance the culture and climate throughout the District;
• New Strategic Planning Goal - a main focus of the newly created strategic plan is to, “Promote continuous improvement, awareness, and a culture of student safety and wellness.”;   

Our first priority is the safety of our school community.  Among the highlights listed above are updates to our security procedures.  Please be sure to read the attached letter regarding the new visitor door entry protocols.  I appreciate your partnership in helping to enhance our security procedures so as to provide an even safer community.  Additionally, please be sure to update and verify your emergency information in InfoSnap prior to the first day of school.  It is imperative that we have the most current information so that we can best provide for your child.

Please join me in welcoming our new assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction, Dr. Brian Heineman.   Dr. Heineman has been in education for over 20 years, serving as a teacher, K-12 supervisor, an assistant principal, and, most recently, as the director of curriculum and instruction for the Bernards Township Public School District.   Brian brings a wealth of experience and talent to the position and we are happy to have him join our Cranford family.

The PTA (Parent Teacher Association) is a wonderful organization and a crucial part of our school community. They plan special events, provide cultural arts experiences, offer an organized venue for parents to have direct feedback into the academic and social programs we offer and provide endless support. We, as a school community, would be at a great disadvantage without this organization and the resources it provides.  Please be sure to join this terrific organization. We all benefit from your support and involvement!

Attached please find a packet with the following information: 2018-2019 safety initiatives, new visitor door entry protocols; Permitted Items at Board-Sponsored Public Events Policy #1412; 2018-2019 school district calendar, school district closing / delayed opening schedules and emergency/crisis protocol information; HIB information and a copy of the district HIB Policy #5512.  Please click here to view the Safety Presentation:  https://cranfordtv35.viebit.com/player.php?hash=cjEkJJNuoDwO

Soon, you will also receive information from your child’s principal which will be specific to their particular school.  Should you find there is any additional information that you need, please check the school district website www.cranfordschools.org or contact your child’s principal directly.  

We look forward to working with you and your children and thank you for your continued support of Cranford Public Schools.

As always, please contact my office if you have any comments, questions and /or concerns.   I look forward to an academically rigorous, productive, and rewarding school year!

Warmly,

Dr. Scott Rubin

Superintendent of Schools