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OPS Community Flash - Week of October 19, 2025

Mrs. Hawley, Principal

October 18, 2025

Return of Panther Pride: Our Path, Our OPS

Monday: F Day

CHANGE IN THE CLASSROOM: As we head into cold and flu season, you may notice more substitutes in the building. Over the next couple of months, several teacher leaves will end and others will begin. We know these shifts can feel big for children, and we are here to support them. Here are simple ways to help at home:

  • Keep it positive and predictable - If you know there is a change coming, preview the day (“Today you might have a guest teacher. You will still have reading and recess.”).

  • Normalize feelings - “It is okay to feel nervous or unsure. New can feel wobbly at first.” Name a feeling, then name a strategy (deep breaths, asking a question, take a quick sip of water).

  • Focus on what stays the same - Remind your child that they know classmates, classroom rules, specials, lunch and recess, and trusted adults in the building.

  • Give a simple script -  “If you are unsure, say: ‘Excuse me, I have a question’ or ‘Can you please show me what to do next?’”

  • Stay connected -  If something seems off for more than a few days, email the teacher and assistant principal so we can partner on a plan.

Most importantly, model calm confidence. Kids take their cues from us. Remind them they are capable, cared for, and surrounded by adults who want them to feel successful.

HALLOWEEN REMINDER: The 2025 OPS Halloween letter was sent to families last week. Don’t forget to let us know what you’re child will be doing for lunch on Halloween HERE. Please fill it out by FRIDAY so that we can plan for lunch on Halloween. If you and your family do not celebrate Halloween, we will have an activity set up in the library for them in the afternoon. Please let their teacher and assistant principal know. 

PTA VOLUNTEERS HIB TRAINING: All family members who volunteer at OPS more than one time per year are required to complete training on New Jersey's Harassment, Intimidation & Bullying (HIB) Law every seven years. This applies to all volunteer roles, including pizza lunch helpers, book club leaders, class parents, and other school activities. We have three training dates this year: November 12th at 10am, November 12th at 7pm & February 8th at 7pm. Please RSVP HERE.

IMPORTANT REMINDERS:

  • Oct 22nd: PTA Meet the Candidates, Auditorium, 7PM

  • Oct 23rd: NJSLA-Adaptive Field Test Infrastructure Trial Gr 4-6

  • Oct 28th-30th: NJSLA-Adaptive Field Test Trial Gr 4-6

  • Oct 29th: BOE Meeting, Auditorium, 7:30PM

  • Oct 30th: Kindergarten and New Families DIBELS Presentation, Auditorium, 7PM (Invite to follow)

  • Oct 31st: Afternoon Halloween Parade and Class Parties

  • Nov 4th: 12:30 Dismissal

  • Nov 6-7th: School Closed

  • Nov 10th-14th: NJSLA-Adaptive Field Test Trial Gr 4-6

  • Nov 11th: Evening Family Turkey Trot (Sign-up to follow)

  • Nov 11th-13th: In School Turkey Trot

  • Nov 14th: Spirit Day Wear Maroon & Gold

  • You'll find the Parent Student Handbook link under the Parents Tab on the OPS website. The handbook can answer many of the questions you may have. Please read through it and share it with your child.

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