(Mrs. Lafargue presenting Cranford Family Care with $2,500 NJEA PEP grant. Photo from @cranfordfamily)

This school year, Union designee grant member and Public Education Partnership (PEP) coordinator Christine Szeluga raised around $30,000 in PEP grants through the New Jersey Education Association (NJEA). 

These grants create wonderful opportunities for teachers to show support to the Cranford community and schools. So far, the money has gone towards great causes and has majorly helped in town efforts. 

At all Cranford schools’ back to school nights, the PEP grant fund was used to provide parents with NJEA giveaways. From these grants, Cranford Family Cares also received $2,500 to provide hot meals to Cranford senior citizens. Lastly, Sophomore Booking supported funds for children to have bags and glow sticks when out on Halloween. 

Union grant members plan on continuing their generous efforts throughout the year. They have allocated $2,500 for Project Graduation, $1,000 for Cranford Education Association (CEA) to sponsor the Cranford Fund for Educational Excellence (CFEE), and $500 for Cranford Rotary programs. They also intend to put funds towards the school’s art showcases, CHS Powderpuff games, and various programs. The Cranford community greatly appreciates all the efforts behind the grants and all that they were able to give.