Haven’t gotten your tickets yet? What are you waiting for? If we have to endure six more weeks of Winter, at least you’ll have BradFest to look forward to! Join us on Wednesday, February 25th, at 7:30pm at Tierney’s.  

Did you miss last week’s t-shirt reveal? Order yours now below! T-shirts will be available for pick-up at BradFest.

We’re looking for talented and brave Bradford parents who would like join in the entertainment fun. The band from Violette & La Vie en Rose will accompany those interested. Last year’s groups absolutely rocked Tierney’s. Please fill out this sign-up if you are interested. Singers of all backgrounds welcome, including groups who want to sing a favorite song with friends. Limited spot available.

Do you have a grommet machine at home that you’d be willing to loan to the school? We are hoping to display the beautiful murals done by Bradford students at the MLK Day of Service, and this item would greatly help. If you do have one to loan, please contact Caroline Rippeteau at carolineripp@gmail.com.

• Parent Workshop – Navigating Genesis for IEP/504 Materials Monday, February 23, 7:30 – 8:30 PM, on Zoom; Meeting ID: 865 3932 1045; Passcode: 331192; Having trouble finding your student’s IEP, 504 or other materials (e.g., Acadience, NJSLA, etc.) in Genesis? Then bring your questions and join SEPAC for an overview of the system and discussion on managing your student’s special education materials.
• Parent Meetup – Wednesday, February 25, 10:00-11:00 AM @ Honey Brewed Cafe, 150 Valley Rd.

To mark the 35th year, the Montclair Fund for Education Excellence (MFEE) is raising the prize of our Annual Appeal School Lottery! Now, through February 28th, when you donate $35 or above to MFEE, you’ll be entered in a lottery to award a $1,750 educational grant to your favorite Montclair public school. Two separate $1,750 grants will be awarded for a total of $3,500 to our schools in honor of our 35 years! Be sure to “credit” your school when donating.

MFEE is our town’s education fund. They support ALL Montclair Public Schools, students, teachers, staff and caregivers through educator grants, inclusive programming, professional development, and more. Donate today, and show that #MontclairMakesUs hopefully for a bright future.

The Montclair Board of Education Special Election will be held on March 10th from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

• All schools will follow an abbreviated day schedule. Aftercare will be available as usual on this day for those who are enrolled.
• Can’t vote in person? Request your mail in ballot by March 3rd.
• Wondering what the financial impact would be on your tax bill? Visit Montclair Local’s calculator.
• Important update from the Superintendent’s Report at the last BOE meeting:
  • If both questions pass, the district will need to make $3.6M in cuts.
  • If both questions fail, the district will need to make $10.6M in cuts.
  • As a point of comparison, the cuts in January totaled $2.8M.
• For more information, check out the district’s updated FAQ, or attend any of the following upcoming events:
  • 2/11: Budget Town Hall (in person) – Watchung Elementary School
  • 2/18: Budget Town Hall (virtual) – link TBD

Last night the Board of Education approved the calendar revisions proposed by the Superintendent as a result of the district using all of its extra days in connection with the congressional primary and election and recent snow day. As a result, Lunar New Year (February 17th) will be a regular school day.

If there is another school closure, then Eid (March 20th) will become a regular school day. This prevents the district from removing days from spring break in order to meet the state minimum number of school days and avoids the difficulty and expense of finding substitutes to open the schools during spring break.

Please note: 2/17 will be a regular school day as mentioned in the calendar update above.

Upcoming Events & Reminders:

• 2/9 – PTA General Meeting (virtual) – 6:30PM
• 2/16 – School Closed (President’s Day)
• 2/16 – 2/20 – National Random Acts of Kindness Week
• 2/20 – 100th Day of School
• 2/25 – BradFest 2026 at Tierney’s

Thanks for reading,

Your Bradford PTA Squad