Stafford Schools Monthly Newsletter
January 2023
Superintendent's Message
Happy New Year!
I hope you all had a wonderful winter recess. The month of January is Board of Education Appreciation Month. On a monthly basis, our board members volunteer their time to meet and set policies for our schools and make important decisions affecting curriculum, financing, and staffing. I would like thank our Board of Education members for their voluntary role in making Stafford Schools an outstanding district.
As we approach the winter season, please know that you will be notified of school closings and/or delayed openings through our automated phone system, as well as our website. Please be sure that your contact information is accurate and updated with your child’s school.
Wishing you and your family a happy and healthy 2023!
George J. Chidiac
Superintendent of Schools
FRONT OF THE CLASS: DECEMBER HIGHLIGHTS
OXYCOCUS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
December was a festive time at the Oxycocus School. Mr. and Mrs. Claus made a special visit to the school and took a picture with every class. Additionally, our self-contained PSD students had breakfast with Santa with the help of the SRHS Kiwanis Club at the Ship Bottom Firehouse. Students learned about winter themed activities. The month ended with holiday parties where parent volunteers brought in a craft/activity and a snack.
RONALD L. MEINDERS PRIMARY LEARNING CENTER
At the PLC, we started off the month of December with smiles! Picture Make-Up day was on December 1st. Lifetouch did an excellent job accommodating our students and families while taking beautiful pictures. Holiday spirit month also started on December 1st. There was lots of holiday cheer, colors, and festive outfits throughout the PLC. The PLC teacher of the year and support staff member of the year were announced on December 6th. Congratulations Mrs. LaRussa and Mrs. Zambardi! Santa surprised the PLC students with a visit on December 9th and it was amazing.
OCEAN ACRES ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
MCKINLEY AVENUE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
December found the McKinley Mustangs full of holiday cheer! We decked our doors and celebrated with our annual Staff Holiday Show. In true McKinley fashion, our staff came together to put on a show to end all shows for our students. A joyous, memorable time was had by all! We finished the 2022 year with a district wide Holiday Spirit Week! We kicked off the week with Holiday Hat Day. Tuesday found our Mustangs shining bright as we dressed in red, gold, blue, silver, and green to show off our Holiday Spirit. Students and staff enjoyed a comfy, cozy day in their favorite Holiday Pajamas on Wednesday. On Thursday, we spread more cheer with our Holiday Shirt Day and we wrapped up the week with a smashing array of Holiday Socks on Friday! It was a great holiday season at McKinley.
INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL
December was busy at Intermediate. We had our Intermediate Winter Chorus concert. Ms. Zuzic did a great job getting our students ready. They sounded great and put on a wonderful show. We also had our Strings and Band Winter concert. It was great to see so many students participating in the show. Ms. Myers and Mr. Nulty did a nice job preparing our students. Santa Claus, the Grinch and the STEA Christmas Float paraded around Intermediate, McKinley and the PLC for all the students during the last week of December. Students, staff and administration participated in the Lip Dub that featured several Christmas songs. It was shown to students at the Holiday Show later in the week. 5th & 6th grade homerooms made Gingerbread houses that were displayed in the cafeteria. McKinley and PLC students came in during the day to view and vote on the winner. Our classrooms hosted holiday parties during the last week in December. Students had a good time celebrating the holidays. A fantastic tradition was brought back as the staff put on a Holiday show for students in the STAC. Everyone had a great time before going home for the Holiday break.
STAFFORD TOWNSHIP SCHOOL DISTRICT
Website: www.staffordschools.org
Location: 250 North Main Street, Manahawkin, NJ, USA
Phone: 609-978-5700
Twitter: @StaffordTwpEd