Orange Avenue School Community
September 28, 2024
Dear OAS Families,
As we wrap up September, I am incredibly proud of our students, staff, and the unwavering support from our OAS families. We are confident this will be our best year yet! Looking forward to a fantastic October.
Thank you for taking the time to read the weekly newsletter as it has important information, updates and reminders.
Have a great weekend,
Lourdes Murphy
OAS Principal
Mark Your Calendars
- October 1, 2024: PTA General Meeting at 7:30 PM (Virtual)
- October 2, 2024: National Walk/Bike to School Day
- October 3, 2024: Schools Closed
- October 4, 2024: Schools Closed
Hispanic Heritage Month
Every fall from September 15th to October 15th, Americans celebrate the contributions of U.S. citizens, residents, and communities with Mexican, Caribbean, South, and Central American and Spanish Heritage through Hispanic Heritage Month. During our morning announcements and through the reading of various children's books, we look forward to honoring the contributions from some of these individuals.
Announcement from 9/23/24: Today we continue our celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month by honoring Laurie Hernandez. Laurie Hernandez is an American gymnast and Olympic gold medalist known for her incredible talent and vibrant personality. Born on June 9, 2000, in Old Bridge, New Jersey, she began gymnastics at a young age and quickly rose to prominence. Hernandez captured the world's attention at the 2016 Rio Olympics, where she won a gold medal with the U.S. gymnastics team and a silver medal on the balance beam. Beyond her athletic achievements, she inspires young people as an advocate for self-confidence and pursuing one’s dreams. This week, you will learn more about Laurie Hernandez and even see some of her incredible gymnastic routines!
Counseling Corner
This year we are assigning all middle school students a specific school counselor to work with for the duration of their middle school years. The goal is for us to develop a rapport with your child that will be consistent throughout grades 6-8.
Middle school counselor division is alphabetical by last name: A-L (Mrs. Carducci) M-Z (Ms. Shortino)
Mrs. Sanders is our Elementary School Counselor for all students grades 3-5
Please click on the link below to read about the services our School Counseling Team can provide.
Middle School Information
Pacer Record Set!
Congratulations to 8th graders Stefano and Santy who both set and then reset the school record for the pacer test during PE class. The original school record was set 11 years ago with a score of 108. On Tuesday, Stefano broke that record with a score of 110! Two days later, Santy reset that record with a score of 111! Congratulations to both students on their successes!
Purchase a Middle School Yearbook!
You can purchase an OAS Middle School yearbook by visiting yearbookordercenter.com and entering school code 13053.
8th grade families: On the same site, do not forget to order a 1/8 page ad for your class of 2025 graduate!
***Feel free to submit clear photos to oasmsyearbook25@gmail.com for consideration. Please make sure to indicate the names and grades of the students in the pic.
Elementary School Information
Outstanding Orange
Our Outstanding Orange program recognizes students for creating a positive environment, helping others, and practicing key full value principles. This week we would like to celebrate the following students:
Grade 3:
Aaron G.
Harper M.
Dean D.
Grade 4:
Connor R.
Parent/Teacher Conferences Grades 3 - 5
Parent-teacher conferences for Grades 3-5 will take place the week of November 4th. Please set aside time to attend a conference during that week, as it is the district's designated time for meetings.
A sign-up document was emailed on Monday. Please click on the link corresponding to your child’s homeroom teacher to schedule a time.
Parent Teacher Conference Sign Up Links 2024
We look forward to connecting with you and discussing your child's progress this school year.
Elementary Yearbook Information
Elementary School (Grades 3-5) Yearbook Information
This year we are going to try a new way to submit photos to the yearbook via google forms.
Click this link to submit photos to the OAS Elementary Yearbook (Grades 3-5). Here you will find google forms for various events including the First Day of School, Sports, Girl/Boy Scouts and more will be added through the year!
To purchase an elementary OAS yearbook or view your account, visit:
https://www.treering.com/validate?PassCode=1014977906143535
(The OAS passcode is: 1014977906143535)
IMPORTANT SCHOOL REMINDERS
OAS Attendance Email Address
If your child is absent, late to school, or leaving early, please email the attendance email address at:
oas-attendance@cranfordschools.org
Please include your child's name (first and last), grade (and class if they are in elementary), and the reason for the absence in your email to the attendance line. If the absence is due to illness, kindly list any and all symptoms the child is experiencing.
In addition, any miscellaneous questions you may have regarding school procedures and protocols may be directed to this same email. The office staff will help with your concerns or direct you to the right person.
School Nurse Information
Doctor’s orders must be renewed every school year. In order to ensure proper care for your child, please use the links below to access and print the necessary forms for the 2024-2025 school year.
Any student requiring the use of crutches, canes, walkers or wheelchairs in school must submit a doctor's note requesting the use of the apparatus. Prior to reporting to class.
To contact the nurse, please email ruzic@cranfordschools.org and/or call 908-709-6270.
Visitor Protocols Reminder
As shared in Dr. Rubin's welcome back letter, please review the visitor protocols:
- Visitor Entry - The District continues to use a digital visitor management entry system (Raptor) at each of the school building entrances. Please review these visitor entry protocols and procedures. Thank you for your continued partnership in keeping our schools safe!
Updated Protocols for Cell Phones, Smartwatches and Wireless Headphones
OAS and HAS are implementing new protocols regarding the use of electronic communication and recording devices (ECRD). Here is the joint letter from Mr. Deacon and Mrs. Murphy.
Dress Code
Students should come to school dressed appropriately for a school environment. Clothing must be neat, clean, safe, and worn properly. Fashion trends often include clothing that may be acceptable outside of school but may not be acceptable inside of school. The guidelines listed below will ensure that students are dressed appropriately for school
Clothing should be modest and not overly revealing. Shorts and shirts must be the appropriate length meaning the bottom of the shirt should touch the top of the pants.
Clothing should not display offensive language, images, or symbols. Avoid clothing with slogans, symbols, or graphics that promote violence or glorifies the use of drugs, alcohol or tobacco.
Students who engage in school-related off-campus activities should dress appropriately since they are representing the school during the activity.
Violators of the dress and grooming regulations will be required to make arrangements to obtain suitable clothing immediately.
Parking Lot Safety
During morning arrival and afternoon pick up please make sure you are alert, driving slowly, and looking before driving in and out of the parking lot. Many families walk to and from school. Even if you are running late it is imperative that you take your time and proceed with caution to ensure the safety of all.
In the afternoon, please make sure to not double park (block) in the staff parking lot. Our Middle School Staff ends the day at 3:05 PM. Cars should not be blocking staff from leaving at the end of the day.
Thank you for your cooperation and for helping to keep everyone safe.
Important Links
School Lunch Information
School Lunch Information
For information regarding the Free & Reduced Lunch Program CLICK HERE
Free and Reduced Lunch Letter 24-25
Free and Reduced Lunch Instructions
District Information
Celebrating Veteran's Day
Cranford Public Schools is honored to commemorate Veterans Day again this year by welcoming local veterans to participate in our planned activities across the district. If you or another family member are interested in participating in this year's events, please click here to register.
Please CLICK HERE for the Cranford School District Social Emotional Learning Calendar for the 2024-2025 School Year
Building Bridges for your School Community
The Cranford High School Building Bridges program is open for 2024-2025 Registration!
Building Bridges is a great program that meets monthly and connects elementary students grades kindergarten through fourth grade with high school mentors for a fun hour of play time and activities. Meetings take place on alternative Tuesdays and Wednesdays throughout the school year at Cranford High School. Students are grouped by grade level with high school ambassador mentors.
Registration is $20 per student and is currently open until September 30th. Access the digital registration link here: https://form.jotform.com/232148382532050 and if you have any questions please reach out to Mrs. Savino Mulcahy at savino@cranfordschools.org
Cranford Wrestling
Orange Avenue School
Email: murphy@cranfordpublicschools.org
Website: https://oas.cranfordschools.org/
Location: 901 Orange Avenue, Cranford, NJ, USA
Phone: (908) 709 - 6269