It is no secret that New Jersey schools are considered some of the best in the nation.  And Cranford schools are, without doubt, some of the best in NJ.  You may not be aware of the fact that Cranford High School was the 13th-ranked public high school in New Jersey, out of 322 schools statewide, in New Jersey Monthly magazine’s September 2010 cover story on the state’s Top Public High Schools.  In the 2011 “Ranking America’s High Schools” issue by The Washington Post, the school was ranked 12th in New Jersey and 513th NATIONWIDE.

But even in a superior district, keeping track of the constant changes and updates in NJ school systems can be overwhelming.  Perhaps you feel as though you are mentally drowning in alphabet soup, trying to keep track of the inevitable and unavoidable standardized tests such as the SAT’s, ACT’s, and  NJASK.  Or maybe you are experiencing night terrors as you begin college searches with your child.  Or it could be that you’re on the other end of the process, and your child will be starting Kindergarten soon.  It seems that every other day the news is filled with some daunting changes to academic policies, or upsetting trend in school social issues.

Don’t despair!  There is help!  On Saturday, June 16, from 12:00 – 3:00, the NJ Department of Education will be displaying an informational table at the Cranford Public Library to assist families with just this type of thing.  The new Family and Community Relations Office is designed to help families navigate their respective school district and get the most out of it, and answer any questions you may have about any step of your child’s educational journey.

Families are invited to stop by to learn more about ever-changing academic standards, assessment tests, school safety, children with special needs, home schooling, legal issues, student transportation, college and career readiness, how parents can get involved in their children’s education, and other aspects of the NJ education system.  Information will be available for parents, teens, and children. There is no registration required, and everyone is welcome.

For further information about the program, call the library at 908-709-7272 and ask for Fran Housten. Families may visit families.nj.gov