Return of Panther Pride: Our Path, Our OPS
Monday: A Day
EDUCATOR OF THE YEAR: Do you know a teacher, instructional aide, or educational services professional who is dedicated, inspiring, and making a difference? If so, please take a moment to recommend this individual for the Governor’s Educator of the Year Program by completing the nomination form HERE. Nominations are welcome from students, parents, and community members and must be submitted by November 17, 2025.
TURKEY TROT: Gym classes begin the Turkey Trot on Monday. We’re also excited to host our first-ever Family Turkey Trot Night on Tuesday with two session options: 4:30–5:15 p.m. or 5:30–6:15 p.m. Pick a time to come move with Mrs. Maiella and Mr. Kelly. Each session is limited to 50 families—one nonperishable item per adult to support the Center for Food Action. RSVP HERE. More information and Turkey Trot pledge sheets HERE.
PUMPKIN PIE WITH THE PRINCIPALS: Instead of a full PTA meeting this month, join Mrs. Hawley, Mrs. Brancato, and Mr. Werner on Tuesday night at 7:30 in the auditorium for a casual chat over pumpkin pie!
BEST BUDDIES: Thank you to the families who donated to the Student Government Bucket drive benefiting Best Buddies of NJ. We raised $471.29!
COUNSELORS’ CORNER: Grateful Gary is back with a favorite among OPS students - Turkey-Grams!! To celebrate National Gratitude Month, students may write notes of gratitude to each other that they “mail” by stuffing Grateful Gary’s belly (the turkey mailbox outside Ms. Mason’s office). Why practice gratitude? The research is clear: Practicing gratitude daily has been proven to increase one's sense of happiness more than anything else by turning our attention to what we already have (rather than postponing happiness until the attainment of something else). Want to practice gratitude at home? Each night during dinner or just before bedtime, have each family member list three things they are grateful for that happened that day. Very soon, everyone will be going through their day taking note of the good things they can mention later.
IMPORTANT REMINDERS:
Nov 10th-12th: In School Turkey Trot
Nov 11th: Evening Family Turkey Trot
Nov 11th: PTA Pumpkin Pie with the Principals, Auditorium, 7:30 PM
Nov 12th-14th: NJSLA-Adaptive Field Test Trial Gr 4-6
Nov 12th: Volunteer HIB Training, Auditorium, 10 AM & 7 PM
Nov 14th: Spirit Day Wear Maroon & Gold
Nov 19th: BOE Meeting, Auditorium, 7:30 PM
Nov 21st: Spirit Day Wear Maroon and Gold
Nov 26th: 12:30 Dismissal
Nov 27th & 29th: School Closed - Thanksgiving
Dec 2nd: School Photo Makeup Day
Dec 5th: Spirit Day Wear Maroon and Gold
Dec 5th: PTA Holiday Marketplace, 2-4 PM
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.
School Notices
PTA Volunteer Information
Community Notices
YMCA Before and After Care Information