Stafford Schools Monthly Newsletter
May 2022
Superintendent's Message
Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week kicks off the month of May! Our teachers and staff members provide so much to our students and go above and beyond to make a positive impact and ultimately help to shape their future. I am truly thankful for the team we have at the Stafford Township School District and for their dedication to our students.
This year Memorial Day is May 30, 2022. Memorial Day is traditionally seen as the start of summer but it is much more than this. Memorial Day is a time to commemorate all the men and women who have sacrificed their lives for our freedom. Please take a moment on this special day to recognize our men and women who serve in our armed forces and let us give thanks to our fallen soldiers.
Sincerely,
George J. Chidiac
Superintendent of Schools
FRONT OF THE CLASS: APRIL HIGHLIGHTS
OXYCOCUS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
April was a short but exciting month at Oxycocus Elementary School due to Spring Break. The students honored Autism Awareness Day by wearing blue and blowing bubbles for Autism. The Kiwanis club hosted a breakfast for our PSD students at the Ship Bottom Firehouse and met the Easter Bunny. Morning enrichment classes are in full swing with Mrs. Horner and her Lego Club and Mr. Ruggiero’s Art Club. Classes have begun to utilize the various activities in Hope’s Garden to celebrate spring. The month concluded with 20 of the staff member's children coming to Oxycocus for “Take Your Child to Work Day.”
RONALD L. MEINDERS PRIMARY LEARNING CENTER
The PLC started April off with Autism Awareness Day. Staff and students wore bright blue colors and shared positive stories. Later in the month, we had a special visitor from Jenkinson’s Aquarium, Mrs. Penguin. This was our first in-person assembly since the start of the pandemic. All were so excited and well behaved! Lastly, our students celebrated STEAM night and Sports with the Superintendent. Both events were exciting and well attended!
OCEAN ACRES ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
MCKINLEY AVENUE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
April at McKinley began by celebrating Autism Awareness Day. Our students and staff were encouraged to wear blue in support of children and adults with Autism. McKinley students were shining stars at the Ocean County Math League Contest this year. We had five 4th grade students who placed second overall: Kevin R., Camron Z., Andrew H., Colin S., and Cooper G. Kevin R. also placed 5th of the top individual scorers for all 4th graders in Ocean County. What an accomplishment for all these students! Students also took part in Family STEAM Night. They participated in activities relating to everything STEAM with many McKinley students winning door prizes and 3rd grader Noah F. winning the “Guess the Number of M&M’s in the Jar” contest! Family STEAM Night was a huge success!
INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL
5th graders started DARE this month. They met Officer Lawrence and Officer Vincent. They have had two classes so far and have enjoyed interactive lessons with both of them. Our student, staff and parent surveys were administered. We are working in collaboration with Rutgers and the School Climate Transformation Project so they will break down the data and share it with us in the coming weeks. This information helps our School Climate Committee plan for next year. Our 6th grade teachers recently articulated with Southern Regional Middle School in an effort to help us better serve our students. We received valuable feedback and will look to continue to collaborate with them. STEAM night at Intermediate was a tremendous success! Students from throughout the district visited the school the Wednesday night before Spring Break and interacted with a multitude of teachers and completed various projects. Students and parents raved about what an enjoyable night it was! 5th and 6th graders competed at the Ocean County Math League Championships in April and both finished in 1st place! David L. placed 2nd overall for the top individual scorers for all 6th graders in Ocean County. Thomas J. placed 3rd overall for the top individual scorers for all 6th graders in Ocean County. Great job!
Stafford Township School District
Website: www.staffordschools.org
Location: 250 North Main Street, Manahawkin, NJ, USA
Phone: 609-978-5700
Twitter: @StaffordTwpEd