Hello BPS Families,
I hope everyone is enjoying a wonderful long weekend that includes both gratitude for our military and some time with family and friends. Thank for reading through this Weekly Correspondence so that you are aware of upcoming deadlines and events. Have a wonderful week ahead!
Sincerely,
Kristen D'Anna
BPS Principal
Designated Doors for Arrival and Dismissal
To ensure a smooth and safe flow of traffic, students are asked to enter and exit the building through their designated grade-level doors. Designated doors help us manage student movement efficiently and safely, especially during these busy times.
We know that many of our students have siblings in different grades. If your children are entering or exiting together through a younger sibling's designated door, please remind them to walk calmly and allow the younger students to go first. This simple act makes a big difference in maintaining a safe environment during school arrival and dismissal.
Front Entrance Etiquette (Morning Arrival)
Specifically, during morning arrival, if students who are not in first grade enter through the front doors, we kindly ask that they allow first-grade students to enter first. The front entrance is primarily designated for our youngest learners to ensure their safe and easy access to the building.
Your partnership in reminding your children about these procedures is greatly appreciated. These small efforts contribute significantly to the safety and positive atmosphere of our school for everyone. Thank you for your continued support!
Last Chance to Sign Up for Grade 1 BINGO Night
If your child would like to attend the Grade 1 BINGO event and you have not yet RSVPed, please do so by Monday, 5/26. Volunteers are also needed. Please see the additional information below:
The BPS PTA will host a BINGO Night for Grade 1 students on Wednesday, 5/28 from 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM at the school. If you choose, this can be a drop off event, but a parent/guardian is required to sign their child in and out of the event if they elect not to attend as well. Please send students with a water bottle. No snacks will be served. Also, volunteer helpers are needed and welcome. Please see this link to RSVP for your child and to review the available slots for volunteers.
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0D4AA9AA2FA0FECE9-56709649-first
Questions? Please contact Lauren Murray at Ordilel321@gmail.com
Grade 5 Activity Day is Tuesday, 5/27
The 5th Grade class will enjoy a morning of fun on Tuesday, 5/27 during Grade 5 Activity Day under the direction of BPS PE Teacher Mrs. Devito. Here are some reminders:
* Students are invited to wear their BPS Grade 5 t-shirt
* Sneakers are required
* Bring a water bottle and towel to sit on
* Lunch should be brought from home or purchased from Pomptonian Food Service
* Six parent/guardian volunteers are needed: Grade 5 Activity Day Sign Up
* If needed, the rain date is Friday, 5/30
We're looking forward to a great morning!
Math-A-Thon to Benefit St. Jude
Our students are joining St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in the fight against childhood cancer by participating in a St. Jude Math-A-Thon from Tuesday, 5/27 - Friday, 6/7. This campaign helps students refine their academic skills while reinforcing that they have the power to help others.
Here's how you can join the fight:
* Read the letter from Mr. Evan Levy, the K - 12 Math Supervisor for Cranford Public Schools:
Math-A-Thon Letter to K-5 Families
* Register using our school link:
https://fundraising.stjude.org/site/TR/Events/Events?pg=entry&fr_id=160545
* Grade-specific workbooks will be sent home with students on Tuesday, 5/27.
Thank you!
Relay at Recess
Relay for Life is a fundraising event for the American Cancer Society. Each year Cranford Public School elementary students are invited to decorate luminaria bags which are displayed at each school during the day and then used at the town-wide event in the evening. This year Relay for Life will be at Orange Avenue School from 5:00 PM - 12:00 PM on Friday, 6/6. Donations will also be accepted.
* Your child or children will receive a luminaria bag and an instruction slip from their teacher
* Decorated luminaria and donations may be returned to homeroom teachers before Thursday, 6/5
* The luminaria will be displayed by the bench honoring Will DeGregorio, a former BPS student who fought bravely against childhood cancer, on Friday, 6/6 during the school day
* The luminaria bags will also be transported to Orange Avenue School and displayed at town-wide event later that evening
The BPS Olympics are Almost Here!
Excitement is in the air for the BPS Olympics. The teams have been announced and coaches are preparing for a great day. Please mark your calendars for Wednesday, 6/4 (rain date Friday, 6/6) when our Olympians will take the field. Here are some reminders:
- Kindergartners are assigned to one of three "Olympian in Training" teams (Red, White or Blue)
- PM Kindergarteners will attend school during the morning session. There will be no PM session on the day of the Olympics.
- Thank you to those who returned volunteer forms for supervising an event. Your willingness to help is appreciated.
- Please see directions from coaches regarding team shirts and other logistics.
- In the past, the BPS PTA has provided a pizza lunch as part of the Olympics. This year, per the new district policy on food, that will not be the case. Students may bring lunch from home or order pizza through Pomptonian Food Service. We will follow our typical school day lunch routine.
đŸ“– Book Swap 2025 đŸ“–
The BPS PTA Book Swap will be held on Tuesday, 6/3.
Start looking through your collections and consider donating to share the love and joy of reading.
- Students may donate up to 8 gently used books to swap
- Books will be collected Tuesday, 5/27 - Monday, 6/2
- Books should be reading level appropriate for Grades 1 - 7
- Please, no infant board books or used activity books
- Collection boxes will be in the classrooms and near the Main Office
- On Tuesday, 6/3 all students will visit the Book Swap
- Please contact Mrs. Dennis with any questions: molly.c.dennis@gmail.com
Flower Friends
Thank you to everyone who supported the BPS Environmental Club seed packet fundraiser on Tuesday. The sale earned $100 for the club which will be used to purchase native and pollinator-friendly plants for the BPS Butterfly Garden facing Brookside Place. Planting wildflowers provides food and habitats to many insects, birds, and small mammals. Planting native flowers specifically helps our local pollinators with the food and habitats they need.
Concert Congratulations
Congratulations to all our string students on their performance Tuesday evening! The Orchestra Spring Concert was a wonderful showcase of impressive learning and beautiful music. Congratulations also to Orchestra Director Ms. Ruiz on the successful show.
On Wednesday, students and staff enjoyed a Spring Concert Assembly featuring selections from Chorus, Band and Orchestra. It was a wonderful celebration of the season and all the learning that has taken place this year.
Grade 3 Families: Information on Instrumental Music Lessons - Deadline for Registration is Friday, 5/30
Cranford Public School students have the opportunity to join the district's instrumental music program. Please see the attached information for families of current Grade 3 students moving to Grade 4 in September 2025.
Linked below is a welcome letter from Ms. Jenna Kostovski, supervisor of Fine & Performing Arts, a FAQ document from Mrs. Karen Mockoviak, BPS Band director, and a link to the registration form. Please note that the registration deadline is Friday, 5/30/25. Thank you.
Important Dates for Grade 5 Families
The final weeks of the school year have arrived, which is an especially busy time for our Grade 5 students and their families. Please see the reminders below:
Grade 5 Calendar & Important Dates
- May 27: 5th Grade Activity Day in AM
- May 28: Grade 5 Field Trip to Liberty Science Center (Reminder to cancel any lunch orders that were placed in advance)
- May 30: Rain Date for Grade 5 Activity Day (AM)
- May 30: Deadline for ordering Graduation Signs (see separate entry under District Information)
- June 6: Deadline for ordering June Balloons (see separate entry under District Information)
- June 12: Grade 5 students visit OAS in the afternoon for Grade 6 Orientation
- June 12: 6th Grade Orientation for Parents/Guardians at OAS at 7:15 PM (email sent by Mrs. D'Anna on Friday, 5/16 with an invitation from OAS School Principal Mrs. Murphy)
- June 13: 5th Grade Pool Party in conjunction with OAS (more information to come)
- June 17: Grade 5 Graduation Rehearsal at BPS
- June 18: Grade 5 Graduation at CHS at 11:00 AM
May Healthy Hints from Nurse O'Hara
Spring is the perfect time to get outdoors and enjoy some time in nature, however it is important to take precautions against tick borne illnesses. Please see the monthly newsletter from Nurse O'Hara for important guidelines: May Healthy Hints
Final Push for Pop Tabs
Each year Mrs. Wilhelm's Grade 4 class collects pop tabs to benefit the Ronald McDonald Foundation for families facing a childhood illness. So far this year, more than 150 pounds of pop tabs have been collected. The collection will end on Friday, 6/13, so keep on collecting to help your class!
Reporting a Student Absent
When reporting your child absent please call Mrs. O'Hara's direct line at 908-709-6246 or email her at bpsattendance@cranfordschools.org (corrected link). Please remember to include the specific reason for the child's absence and their teacher's name.
Spring Time Recess Reminders
* Spring time brings changes to the weather
* Students will go outside for recess whenever the weather permits
* Thanks for sending students to school with temperature appropriate outwear
* Students should refrain from wearing shorts, skirts, or dresses when they would be uncomfortable in them outdoors
* Thanks so much for writing student names inside all clothing that could be misplaced or lost
SEL Calendar 2024 - 2025
Please CLICK HERE for the Cranford School District Social Emotional Learning Calendar for the 2024-2025 School Year
Food Policy for Cranford Public Schools
Cranford Public School District's number one priority is the safety of its community. Towards this end, the District has modified its policy (5331 - MANAGEMENT OF LIFE-THREATENING ALLERGIES IN SCHOOLS) which makes celebrations in K-8 food free. Please read Dr. Rubin's full letter regarding this change in policy.
Go Green Folder
Please click here to access additional information from the Cranford Community: Go Green Folder
