Carteret Daily: Schools, CPAC and Waterfront Updates for February 7, 2026

Today in Carteret

With February settling in, Carteret heads into the weekend with a mix of school activity, arts programming and long-term waterfront upgrades that will shape local life well into spring and beyond.

Schools: Fundraisers and early registration

The district calendar shows the PTO spring Gertrude Hawk chocolate fundraiser running through today, giving families one last chance to support school programs while stocking up on treats. This past week also brought a Scholastic-style book fair and junior high basketball games, keeping students busy despite the winter chill.

Looking ahead, there is no school for students on Monday, February 9, when staff will be in professional development sessions. Then, on Tuesday, February 10, pre-K registration opens for the 2026–27 school year and remains available through March 27, an important window for families with three- to five-year-olds who want a spot in the local program.

Arts & events: CPAC eyes a magical March

Over on Washington Avenue, the Carteret Performing Arts and Events Center is already looking toward its late-winter lineup. One highlight on the calendar is a March 14 performance by illusionist Rob Lake, promoted as one of the world’s top touring magic acts and expected to draw families from around the region.

The flexible venue can host everything from full-scale concerts to expos and community banquets, giving Carteret a year-round indoor gathering space just steps from the growing arts district and new mixed-use housing. That mix of entertainment and downtown redevelopment continues to be a central piece of the borough’s broader revival strategy.

Waterfront & safety: Keeping an eye on the shoreline

Down at Waterfront Park, Carteret’s multi-year, multi-million-dollar improvements continue to remake the Arthur Kill shoreline. Plans described in earlier borough updates include a pier pavilion with seasonal food service, upgraded restrooms, new mini-golf surfaces, expanded picnic areas and walkways, as well as a longer riverfront path and a future rails-to-trails style loop tying the park to nearby streets.

Police, meanwhile, are reminding residents to stay alert in their neighborhoods, report suspicious activity to the department’s non-emergency line or tip line, and avoid leaving vehicles running and unattended. Those simple steps, officials note, go a long way toward keeping Carteret’s residential blocks and busy commercial corridors safe while new development comes online.

Sources

• https://www.carteretschools.org/district-calendar
• https://www.carteretschools.org/for-parents/student-registration/pre-k-registration
• https://www.newjerseystage.com/events/2026/03/14/the-magic-of-rob-lake-at-carteret-performing-arts-center-in-carteret-nj-on-2025-10-18
• https://carteretpac.com/box-office/
• https://www.carteret.net/news/carteret-waterfront-to-receive-more-than-4m-in-improvements-including-new-pier-pavilion-bathrooms-and-stage/
• https://www.carteret.net/Police-Department/