Orange Avenue School Community
October 2, 2024
Dear OAS Families,
Thank you for taking the time to read the weekly newsletter as it has important information, updates and reminders. Please remember that schools are closed on Thursday and Friday in honor of Rosh Hashanah.
Thank you,
Lourdes Murphy
OAS Principal
Mark Your Calendars
- October 3, 2024: Schools Closed
- October 4, 2024: Schools Closed
- October 7, 2024 - October 11, 2024: Week of Respect
- October 9, 2024: District Safety Meeting at CHS (6:30 PM)
OAS Teacher/Educational Professional of the Year
Please use this form to nominate a teacher or educational professional (CST member, counselor, paraprofessional, nurse, library media specialist, student assistance counselor) that fits the following criteria:
- Is an expert in the field who inspires students of all backgrounds and abilities to learn;
- Actively collaborates with colleagues, students, and families to create a strong culture of
respect and success;
- Demonstrates leadership and innovation in educational activities at the school, district
and/or state and national levels that take place both within and outside the school setting;
- Has the respect and admiration of students, parents and colleagues.
Submissions can be made by current/former students, parents/guardians, Cranford residents or district employees.
Please submit this form prior to Friday, November 1, 2024.
OAS Teacher/Educational Professional of the Year Nomination Form
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 9/30/24: Our third week of Hispanic Heritage Month is dedicated to honoring Gary Soto. Gary Soto is a Mexican-American author and poet known for writing books that capture the experiences of young people, especially in Latino communities. Born on April 12, 1952, in Fresno, California, he grew up in a working-class family and found inspiration in his everyday surroundings. His books, like Baseball in April and Too Many Tamales, are beloved for their relatable stories and vivid imagery. Soto's work helps readers understand the beauty in small moments and the importance of family and culture. This week you will learn more about Gary Soto and his contributions to the world of literature!
Middle School Information
SOCKTOBER
¡Hola OAS! It's that time of year! SOCKTOBER! During the month of October, the students in Mrs. Rodriguez's 6th grade Spanish classes will be participating in their annual sock drive. If you would like to donate brand new pairs of socks, please bring them to Room 50. ¡Muchas gracias! Socks will be donated to a local homeless shelter at the end of the month
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 5:
Andrew L.
Nico DC.
Elementary Students Celebrating Spanish Heritage Month
Students worked on different aspects of celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month by making different folk art such as Mexican mirrors, Alebrijes, sombreros and drawing Frida Khalo. They learned the meaning of each one and their importance to Hispanic culture. Thank you Ms. Johari!
Grade 4 Bike Safety Rodeo
On Tuesday, October 15th the fourth grade students will participate in a Bicycle Safely Program provided by Orange Avenue School and the Cranford Police Department. The rodeo will be held from 9am-12pm in the Orange Avenue Pool Parking Lot. The police will set up a series of bicycle skills tests, providing the students with the opportunity to demonstrate their ability to bike safely and gain confidence in a protected environment.
Permission slip should be filled out by October 10th.
Please use the Google form provided below:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSego74gNbRmaZDU83UqmjfmHX6ZP71fZbHdBLQo1qaBQSli8A/viewform
Parent/Teacher Conferences Grades 3 - 5
Please click on the link corresponding to your child’s homeroom teacher to schedule a time for Parent/Teacher Conferences:
Parent Teacher Conference Sign Up Links 2024
We look forward to connecting with you and discussing your child's progress this school year.
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.
No Dogs On School Property
Please be aware that dogs are not to be on school grounds. We ask that you please do not bring your dogs to where the students arrival and/or dismiss. Thank you for helping to keep everyone safe.
Important Links
Yearbook Information
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)
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.
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
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
PAL Basketball
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