Kenilworth's Harding Elementary School Principals' Summer Update

Harding Elementary School Principal Ronald Bubnowski has provided families with a summer update encouraging continued learning during the school break and highlighting important preparations for the 2026–2027 school year.

Union County Life covers Kenilworth schools and family guidance across all 21 Union County municipalities.

Summer Learning

Families are advised to encourage reading for at least 20 minutes daily during the summer break. The Curriculum Office has released a Summer Newsletter with engaging ideas and resources for summer learning activities. Local libraries offer additional resources and programs to support continued educational development throughout the summer months.

Free and Reduced-Price Meal Applications

Applications for Free and Reduced-Price School Meals for the 2026–2027 school year are now available. Families may submit applications by returning a completed paper application to the main office or by applying online through the Genesis Parent Portal.

An important reminder: if a child received Free or Reduced-Price Meal Benefits during the 2025–2026 school year, those benefits will expire after the first 30 operating days of the new school year, approximately October 21, 2026, unless a new application is submitted and approved. Families must reapply each school year to continue receiving benefits.

For questions or assistance with applications, families can contact Tara Capra at tara_capra@kenilworthschools.com or 908-276-5936 ext. 1512.

Preparing for September

Grade-level supply lists for 2026–2027 are now available for families to begin preparing for the start of school. Student-teacher placements will be made available later in August, giving families advance notice before the school year begins.

Staying Connected

Harding School is on Instagram at @HardingHawksSoar, and families are encouraged to follow and share. Additional information can be found at www.kenilworthschools.com.

Find more Kenilworth schools and family information on Union County Life.

FAQ

Q: When do I apply for free school meals?
A: Applications for Free and Reduced-Price School Meals for the 2026–2027 school year are available now. You can apply online through the Genesis Parent Portal or submit a paper application to the main office.

Q: When do free meal benefits expire?
A: If your child received Free or Reduced-Price Meal Benefits during the 2025–2026 school year, those benefits expire after the first 30 operating days of the new school year, approximately October 21, 2026, unless you submit a new application and receive approval.

Q: How do I renew my child's meal benefits?
A: You must submit a new application for the 2026–2027 school year. Families cannot carry benefits from the previous year without reapplying.

Q: Who do I contact for help with meal applications?
A: Contact Tara Capra at tara_capra@kenilworthschools.com or 908-276-5936 ext. 1512.

Q: Are grade-level supply lists available?
A: Yes. Supply lists for all grade levels for 2026–2027 are now available on the school website to help families prepare for September.

Q: When will teacher placements be announced?
A: Student-teacher placements will be available later in August.

Q: How can I stay updated on school news?
A: Follow Harding Elementary on Instagram at @HardingHawksSoar. Additional information is available at www.kenilworthschools.com.

Q: What summer learning does Principal Bubnowski recommend?
A: Families are advised to encourage reading for at least 20 minutes daily during the summer. The Curriculum Office has released a Summer Newsletter with engaging ideas and resources. Local libraries offer additional programs and support.