SPRING LUNCHEON | MAY 8TH

The CHS HSA is hosting a Picnic Lunch on Friday 5/8 to show our incredible CHS teachers and staff how much we appreciate everything they do for our kids and the CHS community. 

The HSA is providing a deluxe sandwich spread from Cioffi's. Can you help with paper goods, sides, drinks, and desserts? We also need a few people to help set up and clean up. Details in the link!

► Sign up here 

If donating cash is easier, we're happy to do the shopping for you.
Questions? jen.spiegler@columbiahsa.com 

2026-2027 HSA Board Slate

MIDNIGHT MADNESS | SPONSORS NEEDED

Do you own a local business or know someone who does? Midnight Madness is seeking local business and individual sponsors for this year's event. 

Midnight Madness is a milestone event for the Class of 2026 but it can't happen without community support. Whether you have your own business, can connect us with a local business owner, or want to show your support for the Class of 2026 as a family, sponsorships — for as little as $125 and upwards to $2,500 — play a vital role in ensuring EVERY senior can attend this overnight adventure.  

You can help by signing up yourself or asking your local connections to join as a sponsor! 

► Learn more about supporting Midnight Madness as a Sponsor 

April is Alcohol Awareness Month. As a substance-free event, Midnight Madness is a partner of the Maplewood/South Orange Municipal Alliance, a group working to keep our towns healthy and free of drug and alcohol abuse. If you are questioning your substance use, self-assessment is an essential first step. 

GIVING CLOSET | SPRING REFRESH

Spring weather is here, and a change in season always means we see more students visiting the CHS Giving Closet. Supplies are rapidly dwindling — can you help restock the closet? 

• Deodorant

• T-shirts and shorts. All sizes, all genders. New or like-new, please.

• Chewy granola bars and trail mix packets

• Maxi pads and tampons 

Three easy ways to help:

Order online. Direct to CHS! Order from the Cougar Cares Wish List. 

Donate. We're happy to do the shopping for you! Help fund Cougar Cares' work. 

Shop and drop. Purchase locally and email cougarcares@columbiahsa.com for drop-off locations.

Thank you for supporting CHS students! 

Questions? cougarcares@columbiahsa.com 

SENIOR FLOCKING | ORDER TODAY!

The flamingos have arrived! 
Senior Flocking — when a flock of festive pink flamingos and a celebratory sign magically appear overnight in a senior's front yard — is popping up all over South Orange and Maplewood! 

Our Mother Flocker teams are hard at work, delivering flocks to seniors' front yards in the dark of night. The birds hang around for a few days and then fly off to their next location. Have you ordered a flock to surprise your senior?!

For $35, you can flock your own Senior or donate a flock … every flock benefits Midnight Madness! Financial assistance is available.

FLOCKING FAQ ORDER NOW

YOUR HSA IN ACTION | APRIL APPRECIATION

We had the best time celebrating everyone who helps make the circle of support complete at CHS at our "Spring Forward" Staff Appreciation Breakfast on April 10th.  

The HSA provided bagels, pastries, granola bars, fruit, yogurt, and smoothies. And our amazing CHS families really came through with donations for pencils, pens, markers, sticky notes, hand sanitizer, tissues, vitamin C packets, gum, mints, hand lotion, and more! 
Everyone left refreshed, restocked, and ready to tackle the last quarter of the school year. 

Thank you for donating and volunteering ... your support made this event extra special! The next appreciation event — our annual Spring Luncheon — is in early May. Details soon! ❤️ 

Thank you for sharing the love with our CHS Staff!

IMPORTANT DATES | CLASS OF 2026

4/28 NEW! Prom Tickets, B108 @ P9-4:00pm

5/1 Direction Day — Celebrate all seniors and their post-high school next steps!

5/1 DEADLINE: Graduation Fee ($20 Cash to Main Office)

5/26 Week Senior Sign Pick Up

6/2 Senior Recognition Night

6/9 Senior Prom

6/16 Senior Clap Outs

6/17 Class of 2026 Graduation

6/17 Midnight Madness

MIDNIGHT MADNESS | CLASS OF 2026

Class of 2026 Families! You should have received emails last week from Mr. McCormick and the HSA outlining everything you need to know about Midnight Madness in June. If you didn't get a chance to check it out yet, read our letter to families to learn how MM works and what to expect in the coming months. 

Questions? midnightmadness@columbiahsa.com

CLUBS & SPORTS

There's something for everyone at CHS! An incredible number of clubs and activities and sports are available to students. Students should check daily Canvas announcements for info on time/location of club meetings. 

Questions? Please reach out to Ms. Winstead, Director of Athletics and Student Activities at swinstea@somsd.k12.nj.us 

Daily Canvas Emails

One of the best ways to stay up-to-the-minute about CHS info is Mr. Sanchez's daily Canvas announcements delivered straight to your inbox. Not getting those emails? Follow our handy guide to update notification settings in your Canvas account.