Stafford Schools Monthly Newsletter
June 2023
Superintendent's Message
As another school year comes to a close, I cannot help but feel grateful for another successful year for both our students and staff. I congratulate you all on what you have achieved during this school year. I sincerely wish our 6th grade graduates much success as they continue their education at the Southern Regional School District. We will miss their energy, spirit and leadership.
We have a lot of fun events going on during the month of June. Please consult your child’s individual school calendar for more detailed information. I hope all of our students and staff enjoy a fun and relaxing summer.
I am looking forward to seeing everyone in September!
Sincerely,
George J. Chidiac
Superintendent of Schools
FRONT OF THE CLASS: MAY HIGHLIGHTS
OXYCOCUS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
May was an exciting month for all of our students. The students are learning about the wonderful season of spring with many activities such as raising caterpillars to butterflies. We ended the month with Stepping Up Ceremonies. Parents and special guests of our exiting four year olds were able to watch their children cross over from preschool to kindergarten. Following each ceremony, all students in the school and their special guests participated in Family Fun Day activities.
RONALD L. MEINDERS PRIMARY LEARNING CENTER
May started with a wonderful Staff Appreciation Week. The PLC staff is very appreciative for all of the candy, ice cream, lunch and gift cards! It was a great week. May ended full of spirit with favorite stuffed animals, neon colors, class spirit, beach day, and red, white and blue day! Lastly, our 4 year old preschoolers walked over the bridge to kindergarten during our Stepping Up Ceremony. It was an exciting event for all.
OCEAN ACRES ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
May kicked off with our staff being celebrated with goodies from the PTO and the administration for staff appreciation week. The art show also took place in May showcasing the artwork of our second graders. Students visited virtually with NY Times best-selling author, Dan Gutman. The entire school took part in our annual walk-a-thon to support the beautification of the OA playgrounds. The Support Our Troops event took place on May 25th to honor our local heroes. More than 175 local veterans and family members enjoyed a patriotic-themed show presented by our entire student population. Following the assembly, the veterans were treated to a brunch provided by the staff and local merchants. This event continues to be the highlight of our year and is a wonderful way to pay tribute to our local heroes. The month ended with the four-year-old preschoolers stepping up to kindergarten and visiting the PLC.
MCKINLEY AVENUE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
May was an extremely busy month for the McKinley Mustangs! It began with NJSLA testing.
Testing went smoothly showing that staff and students were well prepared in advance. The second week of May brought Staff Appreciation Week to the district. Everyone enjoyed the weeklong celebration! The middle of the month had students attending an internet safety assembly presented by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office. Students learned the importance and expectations of appropriate conduct while utilizing electronics including cell phones, IPads, the internet, and social media. That same week, our school presented our annual Art Show. The Art Show was a huge success with kudos going to Mrs. Willadsen, our amazing art teacher. McKinley ended the month with our Spring Concert which included our Spring Chorus under the direction of Ms. Zuzic, our String Orchestra under the direction of Ms. Myers, and our McKinley Band, under the direction of Mrs. Wright. A beautiful day of music was enjoyed by all!
INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL
We started off the month with a Community Paint Night. Families came back to Intermediate in the evening to work on a project as a group. It was very well attended and enjoyed by everyone. We also celebrated Staff Appreciation Week. 6th Grade had a fantastic time on their field trip to FunPlex. Our Red Carpet Art Night was very well attended and everyone had a great time working together. Our Strings & Band concert was a tremendous success. Both groups put on a great show. Student Government Day took place this month. Selected students spent a day shadowing employees at the Stafford Township Administration building. Our Future Leaders were part of the Support Our Troops assembly at Ocean Acres. Chorus and Center Stage put on their spring show and it was evident by the success that they worked very hard the last few months. Friendship Field Day took place at The Field of Dreams in Toms River. The weather was beautiful and everyone enjoyed themselves. DARE Day was a huge success this year. The 5th graders had a great time participating in various games and activities with the Stafford Township Police Department.
STAFFORD TOWNSHIP SCHOOL DISTRICT
Website: www.staffordschools.org
Location: 250 North Main Street, Manahawkin, NJ, USA
Phone: 609-978-5700
Twitter: @StaffordTwpEd