Orange Avenue School Community
December 7, 2024
Dear OAS Families,
December is always an exciting month at OAS! Please take a moment to read this week's blast, which highlights upcoming events, important updates, and key reminders. Thank you!
Have a great day,
Lourdes Murphy
OAS Principal
Mark Your Calendars
- December 10, 2024: Middle School Instrumental Concert at 7:00 PM
- December 10, 2024: PTA Holiday Boutique
- December 11, 2024: PTA Holiday Boutique
- December 17, 2024: Small Business Fair at 3:00 PM
- December 17, 2024: Winter Choral Concert at 7:00 PM
- December 20, 2024: Single Session for Students and Staff
CONGRATULATIONS
OAS' Govenor's Educators of the Year 2024
Mr. Reppert - Grade 6 Social Studies
Mr. Reppert combines his expertise in history, geography, and civics with a passion for teaching, making complex topics accessible and relevant to all students. He fosters an inclusive, supportive classroom where diverse perspectives are valued, and students are encouraged to think critically and grow personally. By using technology, real-world connections, and engaging projects, Mr. Reppert inspires students to apply their learning and excel in social studies.
Mrs. Franklin - Occupational Therapist
Mrs. Franklin consistently demonstrates exceptional patience, compassion, and understanding in her work with students. She skillfully identifies students’ needs, knows when breaks are necessary, and provides the right guidance to ensure a successful day. Mrs. Franklin actively contributes to the team with valuable insights, creative solutions, and thoughtful consideration of concerns, fostering a supportive and trusting environment for both students and their families.
Middle School Information
OAS 7/8 grade band members, under the direction of Ms. Holodak, participated in community caroling for the Jaycee’s Breakfast with Santa event this Saturday! It was a great way for them to share their talents with the community!
If your Middle School child is interested in being a seller at this year's winter small business fair, please see Mrs. Rivera in Room 44. There is a $5 donation to rent a table.
Please note: This event is for middle school sellers only, but all grades will be able to shop after school on 12/17.
Middle School Spring Musical Auditions
AUDITIONS: WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 18TH 3:15pm in auditorium
Callbacks, if needed, will be on Thursday, December 19th
If you are interested in auditioning, please submit the form below.
Elementary School Information
4th/5th Grade Orchestra and Band
Congratulations to the fourth and fifth graders who performed under the direction of Mr. Jackson, Ms. Holodak and Ms. Mockoviak during the 4th/5th grade orchestra and band concert this week. Students showed off their talents to a full crowd. Great job everyone!
November Art Happenings
Some November themed projects are wrapping up in 3rd and 4th grades. Students in third grade are upcycling old CDs while learning how to weave like some Native American tribes. We are weaving symbolic colors that represent our hopes and dreams into dreamcatchers and will add feathers and beads soon to complete the works.
Mrs. McCord’s 4th grade class has been working on a food unit, also appropriate for November’s holiday of Thanksgiving. They learned about artist Romero Britto and are designing a two-dimensional version of their favorite food inspired by his bright colors and bold patterns. They will also be making a 3-D version of their food during the month of December. Stay tuned for the final products of both grades!
Students Share During Enviromental Club!
Outstanding Orange
Our Outstanding Orange program recognizes students for creating a positive environment, helping others, and practicing key full value principles. If you child receives an Orange they will be bringing the certificate home to share why they were recognized. This week we would like to celebrate the following students:
Grade 3:
Chris C.
Emily L.
Eva E.
Grade 4:
Jack K.
Elan K.
Grade 5:
Reese N.
Avey K.
Declan T.
Ximena P-T
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
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 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)
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
CHS Class of 2026 Elves
The CHS Class of 2026 Elves are back! The Elf Off the Shelf Fundraiser is a fun way to kick off the holiday season.
Our Junior Elves will come to your home and read a letter from their elf/elves or Santa. Our delivery dates are 12/16, 12/17, 12/18 or 12/19. We can also just deliver without disturbing your house or leave if you are not home as a surprise!
Each elfing includes a letter, a candy cane bouquet for each child and some holiday activities.
Sign up for elfing using this link and follow the instructions for remittance: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090E44A8AE22A2FC1-53536577-elves
Cranford Night Out at the NJ Devils Game
The Class of 2025 is hosting a "Cranford Night Out" at the Prudential Center for an NJ Devils Game on December 10th that we would like to extend to the community. Please click on the flyer below for more information! Note: The Price has dropped to $40 per ticket.
Please CLICK HERE for the Cranford School District Social Emotional Learning Calendar for the 2024-2025 School Year
Spring Lacrosse Registration
Registration is currently open for Spring Lacrosse with the Cranford Lacrosse Club! Teams are currently forming now for Grades 1st-8th grade for Boys and Girls. Registration closes on December 31st and spaces are limited so don't delay! Register here: https://cranfordlacrosse.sportngin.com/register/form/804994711
Orange Avenue School
Email: murphy@cranfordpublicschools.org
Website: https://oas.cranfordschools.org/
Location: 901 Orange Avenue, Cranford, NJ, USA
Phone: (908) 709 - 6269