Bloomingdale Blast

Hello Bloomingdale Families,

I hope this message finds you well! As we close another wonderful week at Bloomingdale, I want to take a moment to recognize and celebrate the incredible effort and determination shown by our students and staff.

This week has been filled with moments of hard work, persistence, and growth. From classrooms buzzing with curiosity and learning to our many activities that showcase teamwork and creativity, it’s been inspiring to witness our students give their best in all they do.

Let’s carry this spirit of perseverance into the weeks ahead. Together, we are building the mindset that everyday, there is an opportunity for growth and every effort is a step toward success.

Please note that registration for Preschool and Full Day Kindergarten will close today at 4:00pm. Here are the links Cranford Preschool Program / Full Day Kindergarten Information 2025 - 2026 and see the District Information section of the newsletter for more information. There is also more information posted below.

Wishing you a restful weekend,

Mr. Litz and the BAS Staff

On Monday, January 20, Cranford Public Schools will be closed in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Please plan accordingly! Students will explore the impact of Dr. King during their Social Studies classes.

As we returned from the Holiday Break, our students in Full Day Kindergarten read Snowmen at Night by Caralyn Buehner and pondered what they would do if they were snowmen at night! Take a peek at some of their responses.

In other news, our AM Kindergarten, PM Kindergarten, and 1st grade students really thought about their New Year's resolutions and goals for the new year. We had students share that they are working hard to earn more thumbs up tickets, that they want to get better at Math, read new books and try food they have never tried before!

As the weather continues to get colder, students will begin to wear jackets as they come to school and go to recess. Please know that we will go outside for recess when the temperature is 32 degrees or above. Students may also wear a hat and/or gloves for recess as well. Please show each piece of clothing some "label love" by writing your child's first and last name inside of each article of clothing. It is also helpful to label water bottles and lunch boxes as well. We continue to collect items in the Lost and Found that are not labeled.

The Cranford Board of Education is happy to announce that registration for the 2025 - 2026 school year is now open. In addition to registering new students for grades kindergarten through Grade 12, the Cranford Board of Education will continue to offer a tuition-based full-day kindergarten program and a half-day preschool program, with selection through a lottery system. For more information on these programs, and to register for their respective lotteries, please view the flyers linked below. Please note that lottery signups will close at 4:00pm on Friday, January 10, 2025.

Cranford Preschool Program

Full Day Kindergarten Information 2025 - 2026

To begin the registration process for new students to Cranford Public Schools, regardless of grade level, please visit the district’s website, https://www.cranfordschools.org/, and click on the link for Student Registration.

Important Note: Students that attended Preschool or Kindergarten in Cranford Public Schools (half-day and full-day programs) are NOT required to register again. Thank you.

😁 Every Friday, students are invited to wear BAS gear and/or Cranford colors 😁

Elementary iReady Diagnostic Assessments for Math and Language Arts will take place during the weeks of January 13 and January 21; During these weeks, students will only have access to i-Ready between 8:00 AM and 3:00 PM.

Tuesday, January 14, 2025- Eyes of the Wild Assembly for Students

• KPM Assembly Invitation

Friday, January 17, 2025- PTA Pretzel Sale

Monday, January 20, 2025- School Closed in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Monday, January 20, 2025-Friday, January 24, 2025- No Name Calling Week

Week of January 27, 2025- BAS Variety Show Rehearsals begin at 7:45; Please enter through the Main Office Doors

Monday, February 3, 2025- Single Session *AM Kindergarten Only

Winter has arrived bringing colder temperatures and the possibility of severe weather. The good news is there are ways to ensure a healthy winter by dressing properly.

Layer up and stay dry. Wearing multiple layers not only keeps the cold away but also allows your body heat to remain "trapped," circulating that heat as temperatures dip. Consider wearing three layers:

1. Inner layer: holds the heat and keeps your skin dry. Fabrics like wool, silk, or polypropylene (moisture wicking material) will hold more body heat than cotton and keep you dry. Sleeves that are snug at the wrist will also help retain heat.

2. Insulating layer: helps retain heat by trapping air close to your body. Natural fibers like wool, goose down or fleece are the best choices.

3. Outer layer: protects from wind, rain and snow. It should be tightly woven and preferably water and wind resistant.

Additionally, about 10% of your body heat is lost through the head and face and an even greater percentage for children because their head size is a larger percentage of their total body. So, wearing a wool hat and scarf is helpful. Consider mittens; they are warmer than gloves since they allow fingers to warm each other.

Staying dry is just as important as layering. Once you are wet, evaporation will zap your body heat. If your layers are too warm, remove some. If your clothes, mittens or socks get wet, replace them.

Medical History Enrollment Form

Medical Enrollment Form

Classroom Allergy Information- Updated 1/2/2025

Forms for Students with Specific Health Concerns

**Kindergarten single sessions will alternate between AM & PM classes according to the following schedule:

• Monday, February 3, 2025- AM only (No PM session)
• Monday, March 10, 2025- PM only (No AM session)
• Wednesday, June 18, 2025- AM only (No PM session)
• Thursday, June 19, 2025- PM only (No AM session)

If you would like to apply for consideration, please send completed application(s) with the required income verification to your child's teacher in an envelope addressed to the BAS Main Office / Attention: Mrs. DeLuca.

Free and Reduced Lunch Letter 24-25

Free and Reduced Lunch Instructions

Free and Reduced Lunch Application

Free and Reduced Lunch FAQs

Pomptonian Food Service Menus

Pomptonian Ordering

Allergy Information

Here is the latest edition of Nutrition News, which highlights Asian Pears: "They're Pearfect."

While these pears are typically farmed in Asia, we are fortunate to have an Asian pear farm, Evergreen Farms, right here in the Garden State. These delicious pears will be featured on our menus in January, so keep an eye out for this special treat!

The BAS Climate and Culture Committee in partnership with the BAS PTA have selected the Bloomingdale Avenue School Story Walk book for January with one small change, the Story Walk will be moved inside until the weather warms up. The Story Walk book for January is, "Ruby's Chinese New Year" by Vicki Lee and supports BAS in recognizing various holidays as well as other cultures during the winter months.

Each year the PTA strives to achieve 100% membership. By joining the PTA, your dues (and additional donations) go back to the school which helps bring countless programs and experiences to BAS for students and teachers.

Click here to join!

The variety show is an annual PTA fundraiser where students perform simple dances with their classes that are taught by parent volunteers. No dance experience required – it’s about working together as a class and having some fun! If your child is unsure about participating, they’re welcome to attend a few rehearsals and then make a decision.

Rehearsal Information:

When: Once a week - January 27th through March 24th

Where: BAS Gym

Time: 7:45 AM - 8:15 AM for AM K, FDK, 1st, and 2nd grade and

11:25 AM - 11:55 AM for PM K

**All students are encouraged to participate in the show! A participation form MUST be filled out for each student whether or not they are participating**

Please fill out the form by January 19th.

We’re looking forward to an amazing and fun show! Please feel free to contact us with any questions.

Thank you!

Amanda Byrnes and Manoly Reynolds

Send your original/full-size/high resolution photos to BASyearbook2025@gmail.com (please note the new address). Include the event, student names, and class/teacher of the students pictured. Please send one event per email (multiple photos are okay). It will help ensure that we are able to include as many students in the yearbook as possible.

Please send any yearbook related questions to BASyearbook2025@gmail.com.

Thank you!

BAS Yearbook Staff

Cranford High School Building Bridges program is currently open for registration. This program offers an opportunity for students in Kindergarten through 4th grade to meet students from across the Cranford Public Schools district in a friendly and welcoming environment under the guidance of a high school Building Bridges ambassador. Each monthly meeting, students will meet and work on activities from crafting, sports activities, supporting CHS athletics and free play. Registration for the entire year is $20 per child. Register your child here: https://form.jotform.com/232148382532050

Please CLICK HERE for the Cranford School District Social Emotional Learning Calendar for the 2024-2025 School Year.

Mr. Ron Litz, Principal

Email: litz@cranfordschools.org

Mrs. Agnieszka DeLuca, Secretary

Email: deluca@cranfordschools.org

Mrs. Loreal McNeil, Clerical Assistant

Email: mcneil.loreal@cranfordschools.org

Ms. Michelle Kilbashian, School Nurse

Email: kilbashian@cranfordschools.org

Phone: (908) 709 -6969 (Main Office)

Website: https://bas.cranfordschools.org/

200 Bloomingdale Avenue, Cranford, NJ 07016

Thanks for taking a moment to click on this link for our Go Green Folder to view information about event/programs taking place across the district and town

The Cranford Public Library Used Book Sale will take place January 9th- January 11th. Children's books are mostly 25 and 50 cents, adult books $1-2, and there's a great selection! All proceeds go to free library programming for children and adults. Please see the flyer below. The link to register is https://www.eventbrite.com/e/used-book-sale-tickets-1095700623059?aff=erelexpmlt