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Bloomingdale Blast
May 5, 2024
Dear Bloomingdale Families,
Thank you for recognizing me this past week for Principal's Day. I appreciate the generosity of the PTA and love my new candle. I know I am fortunate to be part of the Bloomingdale Avenue School Community!
This week we have lots of celebrating to do at BAS! Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week and School Nurse's Day are recognized this week. Thank you to the PTA for all they have organized to show their appreciation to the BAS Staff. Students will also celebrate mothers and special people in their lives by creating something in class with their teachers. They will be ready to bring home for Mother's Day Weekend!
Second grade students will end the week with a special assembly introducing the instrumental program available to third grade students at OAS. Second grade families will receive a separate email with details about the program.
Enjoy the remainder of your weekend,
Kristen D'Anna
Principal
Mental Health Awareness Month - May 2024
This month we are celebrating Mental Health Awareness Month, and next week it is Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week. According to Childrensmentalahealthmatters.org, 1 in 5 children (20%) and adolescents may have a mental health condition at any given time. It is important to remember that a child’s mental health is just as important as their physical health.
This month, students will engage in activities to practice mindfulness (i.e. nature walk and breathing exercises), gratitude, and a positive attitude/mindset. Children’s mental health is strengthened by supportive relationships and environments and can be put at risk by stress and negative experiences (CDC).
2024-2025 Class Placement
We are approaching the time of year when we begin to consider student placements for next school year. Placements will continue to be a collaborative process which includes a review of each student’s individual learning and social-emotional needs with a team of teachers (student’s classroom teacher, the specials’ teachers, and student support teachers, i.e. special education teachers, interventionists, school counselor, etc.).
Although we feel confident in our ability to appropriately place your child, we do welcome parent/guardian input. If you feel that extraordinary factors exist that the school should be aware of, please complete and submit this form by May 31st. These factors might include your student’s special learning needs and social-emotional development.
If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me. We will work diligently to ensure the most appropriate placement for every student.
NJ SCI Survey
As previously shared by Mrs. Burfeindt, DIrector of School Counseling, our school community will be participating in the NJ School Climate Improvement Survey (NJSCI) in order to help schools obtain multiple perspectives on aspects of school climate. This survey is anonymous and voluntary. Click Here to learn more about the survey.
The parent/guardian survey will be open Monday, April 29 - Friday, May 10, and should take a few minutes to complete.
Your voice is important to us and we hope you will participate.
Password: parent
Dress Code Reminders
As the weather becomes warmer, please keep review the following dress code reminders:
Clothing should be modest and not overly revealing. Shorts and shirts must be the appropriate length.
Safe footwear must be worn. Footwear that poses a hazard may not be worn in school. For example, students should wear appropriate footwear, such as closed-toe shoes or sneakers. Avoid wearing flip-flops or shoes/sandals without backs. Additionally, sneakers must be worn on gym days.
The entire policy on district dress code can be found here: District Policy 5511
Attendance Information
We love having your children at school! Regular and timely attendance is of the utmost importance.
- Attendance is important for students' academic and social development. As long as students are healthy, they should attend school.
- Arriving at school on time (between 8:20-8:30) is important in ensuring that students are ready for a day of learning. Classes begin promptly after morning announcements. Late arrivals are disruptive for all students.
Reporting Tardies/Absences
When reporting a student tardy/absent please notify the school by emailing basattendance@cranfordschools.org. If you are unable to send an email, please call 908-709-6973.
SEL Calendar
Please click on the link to view our Social Emotional Learning Calendar for the district. The calendar will be updated monthly to reflect Family Academies, awareness months, and school activities which foster student wellness and safety, SEL skills, character education pillars, and Full Value Principles.
Thank you for your participation and support!
Lunch Information
Pomptonian Lunch Ordering
CLICK HERE for Pomptonian Food Service Information and Lunch Ordering
Important Dates
May
6-10- Teacher Appreciation Week
14- 50/50 Raffle Live Drawing
14- General PTA Meeting 7pm
17- Spirit Day/Pretzel Sale
17 - Relay for Life
23- Field Day
24- No School
27- No School- Memorial Day
30- Backyard Bash
Kindergarten Single Sessions
** UPDATED**
Kindergarten single sessions will alternate between AM & PM classes according to the following schedule:
Monday, 10/9 - AM only (no PM session)
Wednesday, 11/22 - PM only (no AM session)
Friday, 12/22 - AM only (no PM session)
Tuesday, 1/23 - PM only (no AM session)
Monday, 2/5 - PM only (no AM session)
Monday, 3/11 - AM only (no PM session)
Tuesday, 6/18 - PM only (no AM session)
Wednesday, 6/19 - AM only (no PM session)
Important Due Date Reminders
- 50/50 Raffle Ticket Payments are due this Wednesday, May 8th.
- Yearbook Personalized Payments are due by Friday, May 10th.
Preschool Openings for 2024-2025 School Year
READY Preschool - Cranford Public Schools currently has openings in our inclusive half-day preschool Program called READY.
Please click here for more information.
Cranford Public Schools named one of the 2024 Best Communities for Music Education by the NAMM Foundation!
The NAMM Foundation's Best Communities for Music Education award acknowledges schools and districts across the United States for their commitment to and support of music education. Schools and communities recognized by the Best Communities for Music Education demonstrate a commitment to ensuring music learning opportunities are available for every student and provide an example for other communities to follow.
The award program recognizes and celebrates outstanding efforts by teachers, administrators, parents, students and community leaders who have made music education part of a well-rounded education. Designations are made to districts and schools that demonstrate an exceptionally high commitment and access to music education. We are thrilled to receive this distinguished honor!
The NAMM Foundation advances active participation in music making across the lifespan by supporting scientific research, philanthropic giving and public service programs.
Read more here:
SUMMER ON RAMP
K-5: August 12th-23rd, Monday to Friday, 1 hour blocks between 8:30 AM and 1:30 PM
6-8: July 8th-25th, Monday to Thursday, 1 hour blocks between 8:00 AM and 12:00 PM
** Students selected for additional support in the summer On Ramp will be notified at the end of June. **
CHS Class of 2027 & Somerset Patriots
Dear Cranford Community,
The Class of 2027 invites you to The Somerset Patriots vs. the Portland Sea Dogs on Tuesday, May 14th, 2024 at 6pm.
The Somerset Patriots are the New York Yankees Double-A Affiliate, and are located at 1 Patriots Park, Bridgewater, NJ 08807, an easy train ride from Cranford!
To buy tickets please follow this link, or visit somersetpatriots.com, go to Group Outings and enter the password, chs27.
Tickets are $14.50, and all proceeds go to the Class of 2027. All are welcome to attend!
This game is part of “Bark in the Park,” attendees are welcome to bring dogs. If you would like to register a dog for Bark at the Park, please register here: https://www.milb.com/somerset/tickets/bark-in-the-park.
Please feel free to reach out to Ms. Gunning or Ms. Lieberman with any questions. We look forward to seeing you there!
Cranford's Annual Relay for Life
Cranford's Annual Relay for Life will be held on Friday, May 17th at Orange Avenue School's back field beginning at 5pm until midnight. Cranford families, school groups, teams and any supporters are invited to register as a team or even individually for this year's Relay for Life event.
What is Relay? Relay is an event where individuals and teams register and work towards getting donations for their team for the event. While at Relay the goal of a team is to always have at least one member on the track walking. Teams in the past have set up tents around the track, decorated for the year's theme and come together to help raise money for the American Cancer Society.
This year's theme is Cranford Cougar Pride! A perfect rally for our community to come together to support survivors, those currently battling cancer and remembering those we have lost as a Cranford Community. There will be theme laps, activities throughout the night as well as various games. This event is welcome to all ages! While staying for the entire duration of the event is always welcomed, we encourage families to come and stay as long as they would like to Relay.
If you are unable to participate but still want to support this cause, you can also make donations as well. Please visit our Cranford Relay for Life website to learn more about registering or making a donation!
CHS Lawn Sign Fundraiser
Celebrate Your Graduate with a Personalized Graduation Lawn Sign!
-Kindergarten, Grammar School, 8th Grade and High School signs available.
-Signs include School & Student Name.
-Signs are only $38.
-Order through the below & pick up at Cougar HQ
-All proceeds benefit CHS Class of 2024 Project Graduation
-See flyer (attached)
-Link to order: https://www.cougarhq.com/product-category/cranford-project-graduation-fundraiser-2024/
Balmiere Parkway / Riverside Drive Footbridge Closing - Safe Route to School Plan Updated
The Cranford Police Department updated its Safe Route to School Plan to account for the footbridge closing on Monday, April 15. This route was inspected and vetted by the Cranford Police Department Traffic Bureau and proves to be a viable alternative to the traditional walking route that involved the footbridge.
If you have any questions regarding the Safe Route to School Plan, please contact the Cranford Police Department, Traffic Bureau.
Stay safe!
Cranford Equity & Inclusivity Initiative Understanding Implicit Bias Training
Cranford Equity & Inclusivity Initiative Flyer Understanding Implicit Bias Training 5/14/24
Cranford Fund For Educational Excellence
What is the CFEE (Cranford Fund for Educational Excellence)?
Started nearly 30 years ago by members of the community interested in supporting innovative educational initiatives in the Cranford Schools, the Cranford Fund for Educational Excellence has awarded more than $325,000 in supplemental funding for educational grants that empower our teachers and impact our students. These grants support ideas that are aligned with the goals and focus areas of the district schools, but are outside the scope of the regular school budget. Please click here for details.