Lifelines: Who You Should Get To Know At Your Child's School

As another school year begins, many parents are facing the daunting task of sending their children to a new school filled with new adventures and unfamiliar faces. While this an exciting time for all, navigating the unfamiliar waters of Cranford schools can be a sink or swim operation if traveled alone. With the help of Superintendent of Schools Gayle Carrick and principals throughout the district, Cranford Patch has collected the list of the top “lifelines,” to connect with at your child’s school and the best ways to communicate with these crucial resources.  Although the lifelines you choose may depend on your child’s age and individual needs; elementary, middle, and high school principals agree that it is essential that parents maintain and open line of communication with their child’s teacher, principal, assistant principals, nurse, head of guidance and main office staff throughout their child’s educational career. Principal Rui Dionisio of noted that “teachers are definitely a lifeline for students. There is somebody here for everyone so students should definitely reach out to those people because they are here to help.” Principle Michelle Vella explained that everyone who works at , which serves grades three through eight, plays an “equal role” in helping students grow; adding that lunch room assistants may also be an important lifeline for students.  Carrick offered a helpful explanation for how the needs of each child change throughout their educational journey, which causes the needs of the parent to change as well. She explained that after a parent forms a connection with their child’s teacher, who the parent connects with next really depends on the individual child. “Our top concern is the health and safety of each student. If your child has a severe allergy or another medical condition that requires monitoring, the nurse is your essential contact. If a family is dealing with a divorce, trauma, or illness, the guidance counselor, principal and teacher will work together to help the student,” Carrick said.  The superintendent of schools also remarked that although having an open line of communication between parents and teachers is essential, school personnel are not the only important influences a parent should watch out for. “Throughout your child’s educational career, it is important to know who their friends are because they are a powerful influence. Be a parent that invites children over to your home so that you can learn more about their interests, values, and activities,” Carrick said.Principal Regina Gavin of , pointed out that even at the elementary school level, parents can find a wide variety of lifelines to hold on to in times of crisis.  “We don’t have a guidance counselor at this level, but Lisa Barenboim, our student assistant counselor, is wonderful resource for parents whose children may be new to the school or may be having trouble socializing with others. This way everyone is working together to help the child,” Gavin said. Carrick also noted that as students mature, they face different obstacles. High school students may seek out a guidance counselor for help with college applications or for crisis or identity counseling, while students at the lower grade level might look to their teacher for help making friends, socializing and learning to read.    “Parents should absolutely let us know what is going on,” Carrick said. “Any family that feels the need for additional support should contact the principal or assistant principal and they will provide a host of resources for them to reach out to.” There are many ways in which to contact your child’s lifeline, but what is the quickest, easiest way to get in touch with a teacher at Cranford High School?  “The best way to get in touch with teachers and guidance counselors is through email,” Assistant Principal Barbara Carroll said.  “All email addresses are posted on the website. Sending a note in with your child may work at the lower grade levels but because high school teachers may have as many as 120 students a day, email is the fastest, most effective way to make that contact.” However, Principals Gavin and Vella agree that at the elementary school level, sending a note in with your child is the best way to let the teacher know of an urgent matter concerning your child. Gavin assures residents that teachers at Bloomingdale Avenue School are always available for extra help outside of the classroom. In addition to an open door policy and a closely monitored inbox, Gavin tries “to get outside in the morning or afternoon to greet students and parents… I am always available for my students,” she said.  Keeping your head above water during the first few months of the school year doesn’t have to be so hard.  Cranford School officials, be it principals, teachers or classroom aids are here to help children and parents stay afloat throughout the school year.  The following is a list of people you should know at your child's school and their contact information: School District Office: Superintendent of Schools Dr. Gayle Carrick
Email: carrick@cranfordschools.org
Phone (goes to executive assistant -  Michele Cammarata): 908-709-6202. Cranford High School: Principal Rui Dionisio, CHSPhone: 908-709-6272
Email: dionisio@cranfordschools.org Assistant Principal Barbara Carroll: carrollb@cranfordschools.org
PTA President: Barbara Fisher: flamingo65@comcast.net
Supervisor of Guidance: Lisa BurfeindtPhone: 908-709-6296Email: burfeindt@cranfordschhols.orf
Nurse:  Nurse Ahern Phone: 908-709-6305 Orange Avenue School:  Principal Michelle VellaPhone: 908-709-6257
Email: vella@cranfordschools.org
*to reach the teacher immediately, send a note in with your child
Nurse: Elizabeth KellettPhone: 908-709-6270
Guidance: Christi Carducci MSW: Phone: 908-709-7963 Assistant Principal Carmela Colosimo: colosimo@cranfordschools.org
PTA President: Jodi Klimko: jklimko@westfieldnjk12.org Bloomingdale Avenue School  Principle Regina GavinPhone:908-709-6969
Email: gavinreg@cranfordschools.org
School Nurse: 908-709-6973
Student Assistant Counselor Leesa Barenboim: call main office PTA President Amy Icklan: icklan@gmail.com