Walnut Avenue School Community

Happy Friday!

Hope everyone had a wonderful week and will continue to stay warm, as the temperature was cold this week and the wind made it feel even colder. Hoping that the temperature increases and the wind isn't as severe next week. We were able to recess outside today, so that was great!

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.

Be sure to check out the PTA section of our newsletter, as we have a virtual meeting happening next week and sign-ups for K-2 Pajama Bingo and K-2 Variety Show were sent to families earlier this week.

Thank you for taking time to read through this week's newsletter and please reach out if you have any questions.

Celine McNally

Principal

Second Grade Chorus rehearsals will soon start for our Spring Concert!

If you did not participate in our winter performance and are interested in joining, sign up HERE before our first rehearsal on January 27th.

A rehearsal schedule will be sent home soon to new and existing chorus members.

Just a reminder to label student items (water bottles, lunchboxes, sweatshirts, jackets, gloves, etc.) so that if lost we are able to return them to the student.

Our weather has certainly turned colder this week :) While the wind this week made it impossible to go outside for recess, we are hopeful to get outside next week :)

Please know that we will go outside for recess and walks when the temperature is 32 degrees or above.

Students will be expected to wear the outerwear that they arrive to school wearing when we are out at recess and/or on walks.

Please call 908-709-6995 to report an absence.

If you have a change in dismissal on a given day, please be sure to include Nurse Stein, Ms. McNulty and Ms. McNally on your email to the teacher so we can be sure that the email was seen by the teacher.

If an aftercare program needs to be notified of the change, please be sure to reach out to the aftercare to notify them of the change in dismissal.

Please DO NOT GET OUT OF THE CAR on the driveway.

If you need to exit your vehicle as a driver or passenger to assist a student, please park your vehicle.

Please remember adults should be supervising the students after-school on the playground and/or field.

During the school day, we have expectations and students are supervised by adults at all times. The supervision and expectations keep students safe.

We ask that if you are allowing your student to play after-school on the playground/field that you supervise the student(s) you are responsible for in order to ensure their safety.

CLICK HERE for Pomptonian Food Service 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!

LINK to PTA Membership Information

Joining the PTA is a great way to make a direct impact on your child's education and school environment. It’s a fantastic opportunity to connect with other parents and teachers who share your commitment to helping students thrive.

To ensure you can volunteer at school activities and make a meaningful impact, it's important to become a PTA member. By joining the PTA, you not only gain access to these volunteer opportunities but also help strengthen our school community. Your involvement can make a real difference.

Please note that even if you signed up last year, you will need to sign up again this year as the membership is good for only one calendar school year.

If you have any questions please contact Shannon Tyahla PTA Membership Chair at shannonmbarry@gmail.com

PTA Meeting - Thursday, January 16th at 7:30PM

Please join us for our Zoom PTA meeting.

CLICK HERE to join the meeting.

Meeting ID: 382 551 8889

Passcode: 4qFivK

The Walnut Avenue School K-2 Pajama Bingo night is on Friday, January 31, 2025 from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM in the WAS gym.

This year we will be collecting food for Cranford Family Care please check their website for items needed. (www.cranfordfamilycare.com)

All family members are welcome.

Please RSVP - CLICK HERE - with the exact number of children who will participate from your family by January 10th, so we have enough prizes and snacks! (Snacks will be gluten free)

Don't forget to wear your PJ's.

If you have any question/concerns please e-mail Kim at kimberlywaspta@gmail.com

If your child is in Kindergarten, First or Second grade at Walnut Ave School, they are invited to participate in this year's 17th Annual Variety Show!

The Variety Show is 100% voluntary, each class will participate in a dance revolved around this year's theme! Over the years, the students have thoroughly enjoyed participating and I would encourage all students to sign up!

If your child is interested in participating, they must be signed through this sign up genius - this ensures accurate attendance as well as open communication. Please CLICK HERE for the link to sign up.

Variety Show is March 14, 2025

• Monday, January 20, 2025 - No School (MLK Jr. Day)

• Friday, January 31, 2025 - PTA K-2 Pajama BINGO Night at 6:30 PM

• Monday, February 3, 2025 - Single Session for Students

• Monday, February 17, 2025 - School Closed for Presidents' Day

• Monday, March 10, 2025 - Single Session for Students

• Monday, April 14, 2025 - School Closed for Spring Break - Friday, April 18, 2025

• Tuesday, May 6, 2025 - Art Show & Spring Chorus at 5:30 PM

• Monday, May 27, 2025 - School Closed for Memorial Day

We are still very much in need of lunchroom assistants. Hours are 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM.

If you are interested in this wonderful opportunity - CLICK HERE

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

The Cranford Prevention & Wellness Alliance’s (CPAW) popular Family Game Night is returning this January, just in time for the dog days of winter.

Held at the Cranford Community Center at 220 Walnut Ave, from 6-9PM on Friday, January 10th, the event welcomes parents and children to meet for a fun night of

board games with families from town.

Cranford Family Game Night is part of the continuing efforts of the Prevention & Wellness Alliance to prevent underage substance abuse in town, and

to encourage positive health choices. Particularly at this time of year, Family Game Night is a great opportunity for parents and children to emerge from hibernation, disconnect from devices for the evening, and play board games with each other,

while interacting with fellow neighbors.

The event will include music, and please note that parents must remain at the event with their children. The Prevention & Wellness Alliance looks forward to seeing you

at the Community Center, on Friday, January 10th, at 6PM.

Email: mcnally@cranfordschools.org
Website: http://was.cranfordschools.org/
Location: 370 Walnut Avenue, Cranford, NJ, USA
Phone: (908) 709 - 6253