Cougar Cares' next giveaway event is Friday 10/30! There's still time to help refresh the CHS Giving Closet with cool-weather essentials ahead of the November break.

Personal care products are in high demand during our Giving Closet events, so our top priority right now is deodorant, travel-size hand lotion and body lotion, hydrating facial masks, and lip balm. (All products should be unopened and unexpired.)

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!

ICYMI, Tuesday, November 3rd is now a regular school day for Columbia High School (to make up for one of the two emergency closing days used in October). 

Letter Day Schedule for the week:

• Monday 11/2 - C Day

• Tuesday 11/3 - A Day (skipped in October)

• Wednesday 11/4 - D Day

► Read the full message from the district 

► Email from Mr. Sanchez to students 

All schools are closed for the NJEA Teachers' Convention on Thursday 11/5 and Friday 11/6.

There are four candidates on the November 3rd ballot vying for three spots on the Board of Education. Board members serve three-year terms, so it's important to educate yourself on the candidates. One of the best ways is by watching the recent candidate forums.

PTA|HSA Presidents' Council/League of Women Voters
Thursday 10/8
Watch on YouTube

Community Coalition on Race
Tuesday 9/29
Watch on YouTube

Hilton Neighborhood Association
Thursday 9/17 @ 7:30pm
Watch on Facebook

Wasn't it amazing to get inside our kids' classrooms and meet their teachers at Back to School Night?! We're always so impressed by our CHS teachers' passion, knowledge, and commitment to supporting our kids' educational and personal growth.

One of our favorite things to do as an HSA is to share our appreciation and brighten their day through staff events all year long — like our pre- and post-BTSN Recharge/Refuel/Restock event, providing snacks, breakfast, and classroom supplies. This is just one of the many ways your donations to the CHS HSA help create a welcoming, supportive, and enhanced experience at Columbia High School.

Thank you to everyone who dropped off classroom supplies and has already donated so generously to our No Frills Fundraiser. We are deeply grateful for your support. ❤️

Teamwork really does make the dream work!

Huge thanks to all the parents and students who shared their time, muscles, and vision to turn the CHS gym into a Great Gatsby-inspired event space. It's always incredible to see our community come together to support our kids!

Video credit: Jamie Meier 

Did you know breakfast is available at CHS?! All students are welcome. Simply arrive a little early and stop by the cafeteria to start the day off right. Check out the daily menu here. Breakfast meals are free for students signed up for free-and-reduced lunch, and $2.50 for non-FRL. A la carte options are also available. 

Questions? Reach out to CHS Food Services at cthaler@somsd.k12.nj.us.  

Have you checked if your family is eligible for the Free & Reduced School Meals program? Click here for more info and application packets in English, Spanish, and Haitian Creole. Benefits in our district often extend beyond breakfast and lunch to financial assistance with school activities like field trips, prom, and graduation fees. 

One application per eligible household must be completed each school year.