General PTA Meeting – Wednesday 3/10 7:00 PM
VIRTUAL BOOK FAIR – 3/1 – 3/14
Art Night – Thursday 3/18
Spirit Day – Friday 3/19
YEARBOOKS
Yearbook Pictures
Amazon Smile
Box Top Collection
We NEED Your HELP!
CHS Project Graduation St. Patrick’s Selfie Scavenger Hunt
January PTA Meeting Minutes, 1/13 @ 7pm
Nicole (President): Welcome, Pledge
Recognitions: Benee Meade (Support Staff Holiday Gifts and December Staff Appreciation); Claire Henderson and addtl volunteers (Holiday Boutique); Kristin Ferrera/Benee Meade/Liz Jackson – Virtual STEAM night, Courtney Byrne (Halloween Candy Drive), Megan Scanielo (Cranford Family Cares Drive)
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Need to renew bylaws at or before our May 12th meeting
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Needs to be done by May 16th to stay in good standing.
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Should be straight forward, can’t change much.
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Looking for 2-3 volunteers to be on the committee (just review current by-laws; propose any changes to board)
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Goal to have bylaws reviewed and resubmitted within the month of February.
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Will be voted on ideally at our March 10th PTA meeting.
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PJ and Book Drive benefiting CASA of Union County.
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Collection 2/15-2/26 (bins at each of the entrances).
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These are the 2 wks leading up to Dr. Seuss week as well as virtual Book Fair.
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Collecting new pajamas and books for children ages 0-21 to support the fostered youth of Union County.
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Flyer to follow.
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BAS Spiritwear sale, timing for Spring.
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Will contact Cougar Headquarters and Think Design Print in town to partner.
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Proposed merchandise – T-shirts, Sweatshirts, Sweatpants, and Car Magnets.
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Looking for a volunteer to help coordinate.
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Teacher Appreciation On-Going:
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Lawn Signs (huge hit!)
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Monthly “Grab n Go’s/Surprises” for faculty lounge (Nov = individual packaged snacks and seltzer, flowers, Dec Hot Cocoa Bar)
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Will continue each month through the balance of year (PTA board Member signed up for a month)
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Published out teachers Amazon Wish List in the Dec PTA blast, will send out again.
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Discussing additional ideas/initiatives for Spring, would like to plan something “big” like we did with the lawn signs for post spring break.
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Looking to send out a survey sometime this spring on how you would like to stay up to date on PTA information and event reminders for next year — Social Media (ie: Facebook), email blasts (monthly and addl as needed), PTA website; want to make sure we communicating the best way we can with all our families.
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Schedule Virtual Assembly – Mrs. Murphy reviewing possible options and we will be getting at least one on the calendar as soon as possible.
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In discussion with St Huberts Animal Shelter to present to students how to care for animals (would be a 30 minute assembly) TBC
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Nikki (Vice President): Update on events
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There will be no skate night (orig TBD on calendar for Feb). Exploring addl. virtual or socially distant options for Spring.
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Spring “Scavenger Hunt”?
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Potentially another Drive In movie if it opens back up
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Art Night on calendar for March (virtual, how do we keep it engaging)
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Virtual Book Fair scheduled for early March (our co-chairs Claire Cooper and Kate Ryan are planning and more info/details coming soon).
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We would like to plan a virtual 5K for Spring, but need volunteers. Traditionally partner with OAS, will reach back out to them for interest in Spring but will be a very pared down event previous years with no sponsors. Thinking just a great way to encourage our families to get out for some exercise after the long winter.
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Plan to support businesses who have sponsored in the past.
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Claire (Treasurer):
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144 families have joined so far this year.We also have 19 teachers that have joined. There are 202 families at BAS, so we have 72% participation (up 12% from the last PTA meeting in October.
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We have received $2,400 in dues (half is paid to national, which we still owe) and $710 in donations.
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Current balance of the account is $9,925.40
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Pending items
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Cash Deposit of $36 from Holiday Boutique and Teacher Signs
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Check of -$114.52 to Benee for Support Staff Holiday Gifts
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We made $340 from the Drive In Movie Night
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We made $150 from the Holiday Boutique and we have a box of gifts to be used for next year.
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We made $25 from the Teacher Appreciation Sign sale
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We paid $213 for STEAM Night
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We paid $671 for Support Staff Holiday Gifts
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We paid $150 to sponsor the Souperhero Stroll
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We spent $406 on November and December Staff Apprecation
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We collected $900 from parents for support staff gifts for the year
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No concerns for the budget so far this year.If we do have some bigger expenses still on the budget that we should look into fundraising events in the spring to offset their costs
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Backyard Bash – $2,200
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Assemblies – $1,000
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Afterschool Clubs – $1,000
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2nd Grade Show – $600
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Benee (Recording Secretary):
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BAS PTA website is up to date and will continue to house any pertinent information, calendar and event updates and flyers.
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Feedback from parents as to any additional information that would be helpful to keep them up to speed in between email blasts
Courtney (Corresponding Secretary):
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Continuously updated by Mrs. Hardman with any needs for Congratulatory gifts, retirement gifts, etc.
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Great feedback from all who have received gifts.
Xiomara (Monthly Email Blast Coordinator):
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Will continue to send out monthly PTA emails (along with additional emails as needed for reminders or special events).
Julie (Class Parent Liaison):
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Food is allowed at class parties.
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Paper Valentines will be allowed, however items that are sent in will need to quarantine prior to the parties.
Additional General Topics:
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Murphy- Students have continued to do amazing during the school year.Parents are encouraged to reach out if they need anything
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Discussion about holding a truncated Variety Show for May
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Bring up the topic at the next PTC meeting
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Nicole will reach out to Variety Show Chairs to discuss
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Explore using the outdoor stage in Union (via the Freeholders)
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Discussion about alternatives to the Backyard Bash
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1 class per day could do Bash related activities
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Potential to create stations (ie. Science, art, field day) to keep it distanced and safe.
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Requesting other ideas
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HAPPY NEW YEAR BAS FAMILIES AND WELCOME BACK!!
As a reminder, our next General PTA Meeting will be held virtually on
Wednesday, January 13th at 7pm
The link to the meeting can be found below, hope to see you there!
https://meet.google.com/qts-gkiu-tah
In case you were unable to virtually attend, please see below the link for John Mopper’s- Parenting in the Not So New Normal that originally aired on November 19.
https://cranfordtv35.viebit.com/player.php?hash=7tKqMJOy3f3U
This virtual presentation for parents of students in grades K-12, is based on coping with COVID, however the topics discussed will translate into all aspects of parenting. John will offer tips and strategies in understanding the impacts of COVID and quarantine on our mental health, how to handle homeschooling and families with different social distancing rules than yours, how to put your oxygen mask on first before helping your children, how to establish a reasonable structure in the household while still maintaining the relationships within the family. Q & A to follow.
Presenter: John Mopper, MA, LPC, Co-Owner and Therapist at Blueprint Mental Health
Thank you to everyone that decorated a sign to celebrate and thank our incredible teachers and staff. We were blown away by your creativity!
Didn’t get a chance to see all the signs before they were taken down due to the rain? Don’t worry, they will be popping up again.
Here’s just a few pictures we snapped, feel free to send your own into the yearbook!
This Month At BAS – November 2020
Join the BAS PTA!!!!! 
🥨
Show your BAS support by joining our PTA today! We have 64% participation with 128 out of 201 families. Help us reach our goal of 100% membership participation! Thanks to your contributions so far we have been able to move forward with the following items/programs:
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BAS Shirts for all the new and Kindergarten students
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Grant for the 1st grade sit-upons
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Grant for the Brain Pop subscription
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Parent Academy Workshops
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BAS Staff welcome back gift bags
Please make sure to follow us on Facebook, visit our PTA website (baspta.com) and check your monthly email blasts to stay in the loop! Click HERE to join the BAS PTA! (Make sure to click “View Cart” to complete checkout and add payment information).
Other ways to join if you are having issues with Membership Hub:
https://forms.gle/
See attached doc for more information on PTA Membership.
Kindness Day and Cranford Family Cares Collection- 11/16 
November 16th is Kindness Day and the PTA will be running a collection for items specifically in need for Cranford Family Cares on behalf of our school. Please consider donating one or a few of the items below via your child’s backpack so they can make the donation at school. The collection will take place all week and the delivery will take place on Friday after school. As always, we thank you for being so kind!
Items in need of are: Individually wrapped snacks for kids (any), Instant boxed pancake mix, Syrup, Ketchup, Mayonnaise, Boxed bake good mix, Boxed mac and cheese
STEAM Night – Thursday 11/19 VIRTUAL 
STEAM Night is now STEAM Week!! Interactive, action packed, filled with fun- and this year Virtual!!
Talewise (fka ScienceTellers) will take BAS Students on a daring journey to save the Kingdom from the evil Ice Sorceress. This Dragon themed live action story will take place virtually during Library class.
On Thursday, November 19, students will come home with a pre-packaged STEAM project kit* and step-by-step instructions for families to experiment with together. Parents are encouraged to photograph the finished projects to share on social media and in class.
*Some materials will be provided. Parents should plan to have baking soda, vinegar and a wide-mouthed plastic bottle on hand.
Additional details to follow!
Spirit Day – Friday 11/20 🥨
Show your school spirit by wearing your BAS or Cranford gear! Remember to snap those pictures for our yearbook.
Holiday Boutique – Friday 11/20
It’s almost that time of year again! Our Holiday Boutique gives kids the chance to shop and purchase gifts for family members. Information will be forthcoming on this very special annual event!
Additional BAS Reminders
Yearbook Pictures 
Keep those yearbook pictures coming! Please send high-resolution photos (select actual size if you are sending from your phone) to basyearbook2021@gmail.com. Include the event/activity, student names, and class/teacher of the students pictured. Any community events, sports, playdates, etc. including current BAS students whether at school or not will most likely be helpful. Thank you for your support!
Box Top Collection
Parents simply download the Box Tops app and select our school by zip code. Then snap a picture of your grocery receipts and the fundraiser money loads right into our school’s account.
We NEED Your HELP!
Open chair positions:
BAS/OAS Virtual 5K
Contact Nikki Mulcahy (nicolesavinomulcahy@gmail.com
Amazon Smile
If you use Amazon Smile (http://smile.amazon.com) for your Amazon purchases and select 146714 Bloomingdale Avenue Sch PTA, .5% of the purchase price on eligible products goes directly to the school! Perfect way to support BAS doing the shopping you’re already doing!
Additional Community Reminders
Cranford Equity and Inclusivity Initiative Conference 11/12
The Cranford Equity and Inclusivity Initiative invites you to a virtual conference, “Working Towards a More Equitable and Inclusive Cranford.” It will take place on Thursday, November 12, from 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm. The conference will feature presentations from Mayor Giblin, the Cranford Police Department, Cranford Public Schools, and the Cranford Interfaith Clergy. Please RSVP through the following form by Tuesday, November 10. Please expect to receive a zoom link the day before the conference.
Cranford Parent Academy – Thursday 11/19
Thursday, November 19, 2020 @ 7:00 pm
Parent virtual presentation grades K-12
This presentation is based on coping with COVID, however the topics discussed will translate into all aspects of parenting. John will offer tips and strategies in understanding the impacts of COVID and quarantine on our mental health, how to handle homeschooling and families with different social distancing rules than yours, how to put your oxygen mask on first before helping your children, how to establish a reasonable structure in the household while still maintaining the relationships within the family. Q & A to follow. MUST RSVP to receive a meeting link.
Next Parent Academy presentation
Cranford Inclusivity Project
The Cranford Inclusivity Project is a grassroots community initiative that was formed to increase inclusivity and diversity in the town of Cranford, New Jersey. The organizers of the group are Cranford residents who came together because of a shared passion for inciting positive change in our community. Please visit their website to learn more and become involved on upcoming events and ongoing projects.
A Special Thank You to…..
Nikki Mulcahy & Jennifer Glackin – BAS/OAS Drive in Movie Night Chairs 
A Look Ahead – December Save the Dates
12/18 – Spirit Day
The BAS & OAS PTA’s invite you for a night of howling laughs at the Cranford Drive-In
as we premiere
the Addams Family on the Orange Avenue Pool big screen!
There are limited spots and sign ups close on October 20th!
Please use this link to sign-up: https://www.
**Payments will be made via Venmo as instructed on the link**
This Month At BAS – October 2020
Back to School Night – Tuesday 9/29 
Back to School Night will be held virtually this year. Parents/Guardians will join through their child’s Google Classroom. Click the BAS Back to School Night Schedule for the specific time to log on to meet the teacher, as well as additional information on the special activity and related services schedule. The schedule is as follows:
|
Kindergarten and Mrs. Roberts (K/1) |
6:35 PM – 7:05 PM |
|
1st Grade |
7:10 PM – 7:40 PM |
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2nd Grade |
7:45 PM – 8:15 PM |
Join the BAS PTA!!!!!
There are many different ways to be involved and volunteer throughout the year, from just joining the PTA, to attending a PTA meeting, chairing or helping at an event, becoming a class parent, and more depending on the time that you have to give. We are grateful for all of you, as well as our extremely supportive principal Mrs. Murphy and the teachers and staff that work with us, so our children can have the best experience during their 3 years here. Show your BAS support by joining our PTA today! Please make sure to follow us on Facebook, visit our PTA website (baspta.com) and check your monthly email blasts to stay in the loop! Click HERE to join the BAS PTA! (Make sure to click “View Cart” to complete checkout and add payment information).
Walk Your Child to School Day- Wednesday 10/7
BAS will participate in National Walk to School Day on October 7th. The goal of this day is to raise awareness and support for the health, community and environmental benefits of regularly walking or biking to school.
General PTA Meeting – Wednesday 10/14 7:00PM 
Please join us for our first meeting of the school year. This meeting will take place virtually. Link coming soon!
Spirit Day – Friday 10/16
Show your school spirit by wearing your BAS or Cranford gear! Remember to snap those pictures for our yearbook.
BAS/OAS Drive in Movie Night TBD
In an effort to support our local businesses and raise funds for our school, we are partnering with Cranford Movie Theatre. This event is currently in the works, so please be on the lookout for more information on what will be a fun Halloween themed event.
Additional BAS Reminders
Yearbook Pictures
Keep those yearbook pictures coming! Please send high-resolution photos (select actual size if you are sending from your phone) to basyearbook2021@gmail.com. Include the event/activity, student names, and class/teacher of the students pictured. Any community events, sports, playdates, etc. including current BAS students whether at school or not will most likely be helpful. Thank you for your support!
Box Top Collection
Parents simply download the Box Tops app and select our school by zip code. Then snap a picture of your grocery receipts and the fundraiser money loads right into our school’s account. We are looking for a low time commitment chair to coordinate this process. Please reach out to us if you are interested in helping!
Amazon Smile
If you use Amazon Smile (http://smile.amazon.com) for your Amazon purchases and select Bloomingdale Avenue School (146714 Bloomingdale Avenue School PTA), .5% of the purchase price on eligible products goes directly to the school! Perfect way to support BAS doing the shopping you’re already doing!
We NEED Your HELP!
Open chair positions:
BAS/OAS Virtual 5K
Box Tops
Cranford Family Cares Collection
Contact Nikki Mulcahy (nicolesavinomulcahy@gmail.com
Class Parent Volunteers
Interested in becoming a class parent? Be on the lookout for additional information coming soon about volunteering to become a class parent!
Additional Community Reminders
Cranford Inclusivity Project
The Cranford Inclusivity Project is a grassroots community initiative that was formed to increase inclusivity and diversity in the town of Cranford, New Jersey. The organizers of the group are Cranford residents who came together because of a shared passion for inciting positive change in our community. Please visit their website to learn more and become involved on upcoming events and ongoing projects.
13th Annual Scarecrow Stroll
The Scarecrow Stroll runs Oct 14th – Nov 1st, go check out all the amazing scarecrows created by Cranford Families, business owners, and local organizations!
A Special Thank You to…..
Christine Del Re – BAS Kindergarten & New Student T-Shirt chair
A Look Ahead – November Save the Dates
11/1 – BAS/OAS 5K Virtual Race (TBD)
11/16 – Kindness Day and Cranford Family Cares Collection
11/19 – STEAM Night (TBD)
11/20 – Spirit Day
The OAS/BAS 5K will be VIRTUAL this year!
We are looking for at least 1-2 volunteers to collaborate with the OAS volunteers to organize race details including setting up online registration and ordering race t-shirts & prizes.
Please contact Nicole Feeley (nkrucina@gmail.com) and Nikki Mulchay (nicolesavinomulcahy@gmail.com
Back to School Night – Tuesday 9/29
Back to School Night will be held virtually this year. Parents/Guardians will join through their child’s Google Classroom. Click the BAS Back to School Night Schedule for the specific time to log on to meet the teacher, as well as additional information on the special activity and related services schedule.
The schedule is as follows:
|
Kindergarten and Mrs. Roberts (K/1) |
6:35 PM – 7:05 PM |
|
1st Grade |
7:10 PM – 7:40 PM |
|
2nd Grade |
7:45 PM – 8:15 PM |
Welcome Back!
We’re looking forward to a great year ahead with all of our new and returning families!
The PTA is making every effort to provide BAS students with fun events and memorable experiences. This year we ask for your flexibility and patience, as some events might change or be postponed last minute based on district direction.
Below you will find our working PTA Events Calendar, which will be continously updated within the Calendar tab on our website once dates/times are confirmed. We thank you all in advance for your support!
Q: Why join the BAS PTA?
A: To support our children, teachers, and staff and enhance the classroom experience at Bloomingdale Avenue School!
Our budget is based on a mix of membership dues along with fundraisers throughout the year. This year our fundraisers will be VERY limited, so your PTA membership dues (and any additional donations) will be imperative to our continued success! Even though this year will look different, rest assured the entire PTA board will be working hard planning activities and events for everyone to be able to participate in safely and responsibly.
We truly appreciate your continued support and generosity! Click HERE to Join Today!
A few examples of where your PTA dollars go:
- Assemblies
- Class Celebrations (including end of year/moving up)
- Book Fair
- Art Night
- STEAM Night
- Field Day
- After School Clubs
- Arbor Day Celebration
- Yearbooks and OAS spiritwear – 2nd grade
- BAS Spiritwear – K, new students, and new teachers
- Mothers’ and Fathers’ Day Celebrations
- Teacher Mini Grants (additional supplies, technology memberships, etc)
- Teacher/Staff Appreciation and Celebrations
- Beautification of the School both inside and out:
- Flowers and plants around school property (Annually)
- New Playground Border and Mulch (2019)
- Reading Garden (2018)
- New Bike Rack (2018)
- New School Sign (2017)
New PTA Board Members:
Nicole Feeley – President (nkrucina@gmail.com)
Nikki Mullcahy – Vice President
Claire Henderson – Treasurer
Benee Meade – Recording Secretary
Courtney Byrne – Corresponding Secretary
Xiomara De Jesus – Monthly Email Blast Coordinator
Julie Bridge – Class Parent Liaison
Hello families and welcome back to BAS for the 2020-2021 school year!
Please read carefully the new school protocols from Principal Murphy and let’s get excited for a safe, fun and awesome new year.
FERPA: You can access FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act) notification of rights here.
National Children’s Dental Health Month: Thank you Mrs. Lazo, School Nurse, for bringing in Dr. Gersch and Dr. Karlin to speak to the students about the importance of dental health. The students learned a lot and actively participated during the presentation.
Random Acts of Kindness: Keep the Kindness coming! Please continue to send in your Kindness Stars. BAS has almost met our goal of 500 stars!
Read Across America Week: BAS will celebrate Read Across America Week March 2nd – March 6th. School wide activities have been planned throughout the week. In addition, all students are asked to participate in Wacky Spirit Week. Please see attached for more details. The PTA Scholastic Book Fair will also take place on Thursday, March 5th and Friday, March 6th.
Pomptonian Recipe Challenge: Please see attachment for more information.
Reminders:
Reminder Milk/Snack Order:
Milk and Snack orders must be placed online by February 21, 2020. You can order online at https://cranford.
Reporting an Absence:
Please be sure to call if your child is absent and will not be in school. You can call 908-709-6969 to reach the main office or 908-709-6973 to reach the nurse. If an absence is due to illness, it is important to share that information with the nurse. Also, if there are any changes in your child’s health needs, please contact Mrs. Lazo, School Nurse, at 908-709-6973 or lazo@cranfordschools.org.
Important Dates:
February 24, 2020: Grade 2 CogAt Testing (AM)
February 25, 2020: Grade 2 CogAt Testing (AM)
March 2, 2020-March 6, 2020: Read Across America Week
March 5, 2020-March 6, 2020: Scholastic Book Fair
