OAS PTA Welcomes New Members, Events, Issues

The Orange Avenue School Parent Teacher Association met for the first time this fall to address possible events and fundraisers for the upcoming school year.

Among the events to take place is an Election Day bake sale on November 3, a book fair November 9-10 and a family discovery day January 23.

The PTA board also introduced new members of the group which is currently at 689 members, up by approximately 100 from the same time last year. Of the nearly 700 members, 53 are teachers.

Paula Taylor, PTA board president for Orange Avenue, said it was a step in the right direction.

“We just have to keep it up,” Taylor said. “We’re going for 100 percent membership.”

She took the opportunity to thank both parents and teachers for their active role in the group. All PTA committees are fully chaired though members are still encouraged to volunteer.

Taylor also said there is a campaign underway by the PTA to add new equipment to the playground at the school.

Concerns were raised when the grounds were compared to that of other schools within the district.

Ray Ciemniecki also mentioned possible assemblies for students, including a performance by the George Street Playhouse regarding the issue of cyber bullying.

Ciemniecki described the performance by the New Brunswick-based theater group as “a fun learning experience” which addresses a prominent problem facing students.

He also welcomed feedback regarding other assembly ideas from fellow PTA members.

During the board of education report, Mary Catherine Sudiak, vice president of the Cranford Board of Education, discussed a possible referendum to address the replacement of roofs, boilers and heating systems of various schools in the district.

She emphasized that while the board hasn’t formally voted on the referendum, they did pass a resolution expressing interest.

A major component of the referendum to be considered is the state’s willingness to fund 40 percent, an offer which will be off the table next year, Sudiak said.

“We are only looking for a bare bones project,” she said. “We know this is a hit, we know this isn’t the best time economically.”

She said the board will further discuss and vote on the resolution at their next meeting, October 26.

Michelle Vella also informed the PTA membership about the smooth start to the new school year, which she attributed to the efforts of teachers, students, staff and parents.

“The school year had an excellent opening,” Vella said. “We’ve had a tremendous start.”

She also thanked the PTA for their support of the school and improving the quality of learning for students.

The next Orange Avenue School PTA is scheduled for January 12 at 7:30 p.m.