The Principal's Corner
Monday, April 20, 2021
Dear OSNAS Family,
What a wonderful time of the year is Spring! The flowers burst through the ground and the trees show forth a variety of beautiful colors. The days are longer and the temperatures warmer. Each Spring is a reminder that God is interested in giving us NEW LIFE. He gives us new life by speaking His promise of forgiveness and salvation. All who take Him at His Word are saved for all eternity.
This week is an exciting week…
On Wednesday during Daily Prayer, we will be announcing the students who achieved Honor Roll and High Honor Roll. Feel free to join us in person or live via Facebook Live at 8:15am.
Also on Wednesday, we will be having our first annual STEM Fair for all grades. You and your child are invited to enter into a world of scientific ingenuity and exploration as students from all grades perform a variety of hand on experiments and demonstrations. The night begins at 6pm. At 7:15 the younger grades will finish and there will be a special presentation from the older grades. Ice cream will be served after that.
Saturday is our annual Pasta Night. Thank you for coming for a great meal in support of our Student Government who is hosting the event from 6-8pm.
In other exciting news, we will be resurfacing and repainting the gym floor this summer. We look forward to a more beautiful place to run, play and congregate.
God’s Blessings on your week!
Peace in the Lord +
Dr. Stelzer
Verse of the Week – God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. Genesis 1:27
Tuesday, April 13th, 2021
Dear OSNAS Family,
Yesterday we welcomed back all students after over a week of celebrating Jesus’ victory over our sin and death. It was wonderful to see a gym full of students after several weeks in which several had to learn online. Thank you again for your understanding, patience, perseverance, partnership and resiliency.
On Thursday and Friday, we will begin the Terra Nova Standardized Tests that we take every year. These tests show the level of the students and are helpful for determining how to best meet student needs. The results of your child’s test will go home at the end of the 4th quarter.
Here are some instructions for the tests…
Grades 7-12 will take the entirety of Thursday and Friday to take the tests. Please bring a book to read in case you finish early and a snack.
Grades 3-12 should have a calculator as some sections allow its use.
Everyone should bring a couple #2 pencils.
The Students of the Quarter will be recognized at tomorrow’s Daily Prayer. You are more than welcome to attend in-person or through Facebook Live.
Peace in the Lord +
Dr. Stelzer
Verse of the Week – God did not give us a spirit that makes us afraid. He gave us a spirit of power, love and self control. 2 Timothy 1:7
Thursday, March 16th, 2021
Dear OSNAS Family,
I pray the Lord equips you with His Spirit of power, love and a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7). Last week we had some students quarantine due to being close contacts. We also had some students test positive after going into quarantine. Just so you are aware, we have been and continue to follow CDC protocol for anyone testing positive or quarantining due to being in close contact…
1. 10 day quarantine after onset of symptoms or from their test if they are asymptomatic.
2. Fever-free for 24 hours without medication. (We are requiring 72 hours fever free for additional protection)
3. Symptoms are improving
Additional information can be found at this link… https://www.cdc.gov/coronaviru
As always, you have the choice to shift your child to online learning if you have COVID related concerns. We used our Victory Electrostatic Sprayer on lockers and high traffic areas yesterday in addition to our daily cleaning and disinfecting. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to communicate with me (wil.stelzer@osnas.org), our Dean of Students (paul.licausi@osnas.org) or our School Nurse (karrie.poplaski@osnas.org).
God’s blessings!
Dr. Stelzer
Verse of the Week – God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. 2 Corinthians 5:21
Thursday, March 11th, 2021
Dear OSNAS Family,
I want to start by saying how thankful I am for all the parents, students and workers of OSNAS for being so resilient and understanding. It has been a year like none other with quarantining and cancellations, but for the most part, everyone has taken it in stride and made the best of it with great understanding and flexibility. We show that we are children of our heavenly Father when we approach challenges and obstacles without complaining. He is in control. He has the wheel.
I would like to invite all the parents of our students to a Thank You Dinner at OSNAS. The dinner will take place in the gymnasium at 6:30pm on March 27th. We will be catering in some delicious food from Mangiamo Italian Restaurant. The dinner is completely free to you. We just want to express our gratitude for your sacrifice in sending your children to OSNAS and for your partnership in their education.
In order to attend this dinner, please RSVP to rosana.reade@osnas.org by March 22nd. We want to ensure we have enough food for everyone.
I hope to also share some information on some future plans for the school that I think will be a blessing to our students.
Come for a time of food and fellowship. We appreciate you!
Peace in the Lord +
Dr. Stelzer
Verse of the Week – If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. Romans 10:9-10
Monday, March 1st, 2021
Dear OSNAS Family,
We made it to March! You know what they say about the month…”In like a lion, out like a lamb.” Fortunately, we have a God who is both. He is the Lion of Judah who has conquered every foe and the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.
Here are a few things coming down the pike…
1. There is no school this Friday as the faculty will be having professional development.
2. On Friday, Student Government and our PTC (Parent Teacher Connection) will be hosting a Pasta Night and Bake Off from 5-8pm.
3. Progress Reports will be going out soon. I heard some parents were having difficulty viewing grades from last quarter. You should be able to access quarterly grades by going to FACTS Family Portal (https://factsmgt.com/), then clicking on Student, then clicking on Report Card. If you are unable to do so, please contact Mr. Welty at robert.welty@osnas.org who is filling in for our Guidance Counselor Stephanie Seaton on maternity leave.
4. I wanted to make sure everyone had the latest quarantine guidelines for those who travel outside NY, NJ and Connecticut…
- For travelers who were out-of-state for more than 24 hours:
- Travelers must obtain a test within three days of departure, prior to arrival in New York.
- The traveler must, upon arrival in New York, quarantine for three days.
- On day 4 of their quarantine, the traveler must obtain another COVID test.
- If both tests come back negative, the traveler may exit quarantine early upon receipt of the second negative diagnostic test.
- If you are not able to comply with above test-out procedure you must quarantine for 10 days from the last day in a non-border state or another country.
- To read the full mandates please use the following link… https://coronavirus.health.ny.
gov/covid-19-travel-advisory
God’s Blessings as we March toward Spring. Bad joke I know 🙂
Peace in the Lord +
Dr. Stelzer
Verse of the Week – God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea. (Psalm 46:1-2)
Friday, February 12th, 2021
Dear OSNAS Family,
By God’s grace, we have made it to Winter Break! While some schools are partially open and some have not opened their doors at all, God has allowed us to come to school to teach and learn for all but a few days. Praise God from whom all blessings flow!
Here are a few items of interest:
1. Congratulations to the 39 students who earned a spot on the Honor Roll and the 31 students who achieved High Honor Roll!
2. Our Savior basketball team won their game yesterday against The Stony Brook School to improve to a 2-0 record.
3. There will be a Valentine’s Day dance tomorrow, 2/13 from 6-8pm in the gymnasium. All students of grades K-6 are welcome to attend along with their family members.
4. Early re-enrollment is now taking place. All families who re-enroll before April will receive a $50 discount. You should have received an email with instructions for how to do this a couple days ago.
5. If you are interested in being a host family next year, please reach out to our International Director at robert.welty@osnas.org . Stipends are available.
6. Lenten services at the Church begin this Wednesday at 7pm.
I pray that you enjoy a safe and blessed Winter Break. Keep Christ at the center of all you do.
Peace in the Lord +
Dr. Stelzer
Verse of the Week – God does not see the same way people see. People look at the outside of a person, but the Lord looks at the heart. 1 Samuel 16:7
Thursday, February 4th, 2021
Dear OSNAS Family,
We praise God that He has blessed us with a full semester of open door learning. It has been several months since we established our COVID plan. We are making one adjustment to the plan. Schools in New York are not required to close down if someone in the school tests positive. This being the case, OSNAS will not automatically close if there is a positive case. We will continue to notify you whenever there is a positive case in the building so that you are fully aware. We will continue to clean and disinfect any areas where an infected student was.
Tonight is our Open House at 7:00pm. If you know of anyone who is looking for a Christ-centered education for their child, please feel free to let them know.
Because of the Open House, we will be having our Elementary and Upper Grade STEM clubs at 7:00pm. Thanks for bringing your scientist to learn and to give families a window into some of the things that happen at OSNAS.
Lastly, Homework Club is canceled for today.
Peace in the Lord +
Dr. Stelzer
Verse of the Week – I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Psalm 139:14
Wednesday, January 27th, 2021
Dear OSNAS Family,
Thank you to all who came to our first ever Movie Night on Saturday. The new A/V equipment worked great, the concessions were delicious, the company was refreshing, and the Lord blessed. Overall, it was a nice family experience. I wanted to update you on a couple items…
1. Daily Prayer is now streaming live each day from 8:15-8:30am. Please feel free to join us live via our Facebook page for an uplifting experience with the students. (“like” our page to gain instant access – https://www.facebook.com/
2. We are having an OPEN HOUSE next week on Thursday, February 4 at 7:00pm. Please spread the word in any way you can.
3. Next week’s Elementary STEM Club will take place on Thursday at 7pm in order to show prospective parents just one of the clubs that is available to them. Please bring your little scientist 🙂
Peace in the Lord +
Dr. Stelzer
Verse of the Week – For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you God. He was put to death in the body but made alive by the Spirit.
(1 Peter 3:18)
Thursday, January 21st, 2021
Dear OSNAS Family,
Thank you to all who filled out the Parent Survey. I have read every comment thus far and it has been very helpful. If you have not yet had the chance to complete it, please take a moment to fill it out by clicking here. Your feedback is important as we strive to serve you better.
We look forward to welcoming you on Saturday at 7pm for our Movie Night. We will be playing the family-friendly movie Homeward Bound. You can bring a bean bag, pillow, blanket or use our chairs. Admission is absolutely free and concessions will be available. Also on Saturday, we have an informal contemporary worship service in the church at 5:30pm. All are welcome, both OSNAS families and guests to both the service and the movie.
How good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell together in unity. Psalm 133:1
Peace in the Lord +
Dr. Stelzer
Verse of the Week – The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.
(Galatians 5:22-23)
Thursday, January 7th, 2021
Dear OSNAS Family,
In a world and country shaken by sin and fear, it’s nice to listen to the voice that truly matters…the shepherd of our souls Jesus Christ. It is helpful to remember that our eggs are not in the basket of this dying world. We remember that “our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ (Philippians 3:20) Our heavenly citizenship and God’s governance are not in jeopardy. “Since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe.” (Hebrews 12:28) Praise God that we are always safe in Him.
Here are a couple updates…
1. On January 22, 25 and 26, the school will have mid-term exams. On these days, all grades will dismiss at 12:30pm. The bus companies will be providing transportation.
2. We learned today that one of our students tested positive for the Coronavirus. The last day the student was in the building was 12/16/2020. Since the student was not in the building while positive there are no further steps that need to be taken other than praying for the student and the family.
As always, our help is in the name of the LORD, who made heaven and earth.
God’s Blessings on your week’s end.
Peace in the Lord +
Dr. Stelzer
Verse of the Week – I can do everything through Him who gives me strength. (Philippians 3:14)
Monday, December 14th, 2020
Dear OSNAS Family,
As you probably know, we are anticipating some snow possibly on Wednesday and into Thursday. As of right now, we are still planning on having our concert on Wednesday. I will let you know by Wednesday afternoon through text or email if we have to postpone it. In the event that the concert is postponed, our back-up date would be Friday, 12/18 at 7pm. But let’s pray for favorable weather. We have a special program planned and there is nothing like singing praises in celebration of Jesus’ birth.
In other news, Elementary STEM club and Homework Club will not be meeting this week (Elementary STEM club will also not meet the first week back in January). Mrs. Arns will make available STEM projects for the participants to do at home if they would like. Please keep Mrs. Arns in your prayers as she will be missing a few days of school due to a health procedure.
It’s hard to believe that we are a few days away from finishing our 2020 academic race. May the Lord grant us endurance and faith to finish well.
Peace in the Lord +
Dr. Stelzer
Friday, December 11th, 2020
Dear OSNAS Family,
We are looking forward to celebrating Christ’s birth at our annual Christmas concert. This year, perhaps more than ever, we should remember that Jesus is the light of the world which no darkness can overcome. When Light and Darkness face off, light always wins.
To give us more space this year, we will be having the concert in the gymnasium. Please drop your child off in the church sanctuary at 6:45pm. You will then be able to take your seat in the gymnasium. The chairs will be spaced 6 feet apart. Please wear a mask anytime social distancing is not possible. Everyone should enter through the front main door (not the gym doors). Temperatures will be taken there upon entry. The students will enter in the gym and sit on the bleachers to wait to sing. Once they finish, they will return to the bleachers to wait sing the final songs.
We will be having a Christmas Spirit Day on Monday. Students will be permitted to wear Christmas themed tops and hats (ugly Christmas sweaters, Santa hat, etc.). School issued pants and skorts are still required. If you would like to participate, please bring your regular uniform as well. This will allow the students to change if need be.
I also wanted to let you know we have been informed that one of our students has tested positive for the Coronavirus. The last day the student was in the building was 12/03/2020. They were tested on 12/03/2020 and test results were negative at that time. This student has been on quarantine, as per NYDOH guidelines, due to being in close contact with a parent who was positive with the virus. We were notified yesterday that this student was retested on 12/09/2020 and is now positive. Since the student was never in the building while positive there are no further steps that need to be taken. I talked to the parent who told me that everyone in the home is feeling healthy and doing very well.
One of Jesus’ many names is Emanuel. Emanuel means “God is with us.” And if God is with us, who can stand against us? (Romans 8:31) Nothing can separate us from the love of God or the joy of Jesus, not even a virus. Have a Christ-filled weekend!
Peace in the Lord +
Dr. Stelzer
Monday, November 16th, 2020
Dear OSNAS Family,
November is a month to give thanks. All of our blessings come from God. At OSNAS, God has given us the opportunity to go to school 5 days a week where we hear the words of eternal life. All the teachers have put in the extra effort to serve both in-person and online students. We certainly have much to be thankful for. Most of all, we thank God for the gift of His Son who has saved us from sin and death.
Last week our Middle School and High School went on a mission trip to Lighthouse Mission in Bellport. The leaders of the Mission there made the comment that our students stood apart from the other groups who had volunteered with them in the past. Our students joyfully served the needy families of Long Island by stocking food items and then serving it to those who came. All this they did outside in the rain and cold without complaining. It was a day well spent in service. The students came back with smiles and immediately asked about the next service opportunity.
Speaking of which, tomorrow the 11th and 12th grade high school girls will be hosting a Walk-a-thon for the high school. In order to participate, the students had to raise funds to support the mission of Mercy House (an organization that assists single mothers and impoverished teens and women). I’m proud to report that every single 11th and 12th grader were able to raise at least $25 in support of this mission and will be participating. In fact, one of our students, Melissa Danneil, raised over $600 all by herself! Congratulations to the high school girls for coming up with the idea on their own and making such a big impact.
Wednesday is our very first Student of the Quarter! The focus of this month is the school’s core value “Integrity”. The school definition of Integrity is “We do what’s right regardless of the situation.” The students who best exemplify this value will be honored on Wednesday during Daily Prayer. As always, parents are welcome to attend. OSNAS is the family Christian school and as such, we encourage your involvement and participation.
This Friday, grades K-8 are invited to participate in the 2nd Annual Lego and Art Night. This will take place in the gymnasium from 6:30-8pm. Students are invited to bring their legos and art supplies to put their creativity on display. There will be prizes, raffles and food.
With all that is happening, we should certainly give thanks to God from whom all blessings flow.
Peace in the Lord +
Dr. Stelzer
Wednesday, October 28th, 2020
Dear OSNAS Family,
First I would like to thank all those who participated in the Food Bank Challenge. We needed to gather 500 food items to receive an additional $500 for the needy people who visit our food bank. We were able to obtain 800 items in less than a week! Thank you for your continual efforts to love your neighbor and provide for those in difficult circumstances.
Tomorrow we have Parent-Teacher Conferences. Students will be dismissed to their buses after 4th period (11:23am). Parents are invited to come between 1-3 and 6-8:30pm.
On Friday, there will be a Harvest Festival for grades K-6 on the fields outside the school. This event is hosted by the PTC (Parent-Teacher Connection) and will include pumpkins, games and a whole lot of fun. The event will take place during 8th and 9th period. All parents and grandparents are invited to attend. If you would like to help with the set up, please contact Mrs. Arns at jacquelin.arns@osnas.org..
On Tuesday, November 10th, we will have our annual Veteran’s Day Chapel Service at 8:30am. We invite all veterans to attend. We would love to thank you for your service and dedication to our country.
On Tuesday, November 17th, we will be hosting a Walk-a-thon to raise funds to support Mercy House, an organization that serves homeless teen girls and impoverished single mothers. Our 11th and 12th grade girls Bible class organized this event on their own initiative after hearing the Mercy House representive speak to our student body during Spiritual Life Day. All high school students (9-12) who raise at least $25 will participate in a 5K walk on the fields by the school during 1st and 2nd period.
Peace in the Lord +
Dr. Stelzer
Monday October 19th, 2020
Dear OSNAS Family,
I just wanted to inform you on some upcoming events…
Today – High School STEM club will be streaming starting at 3:15pm. Visit our facebook page and click on the link.
Tomorrow through Friday – We are participating in a Food Drive Challenge. If we collect 500 items for our food bank, we will receive $500 from Thrivent to feed even more people in need. Thanks for sending your child in with any non-perishable food items. They can place it in the back of the church. Take advantage of this opportunity to teach our students to love our neighbors as ourselves.
Thursday – The Patchogue-Medford district will begin to provide late buses on this day for grades 7-12.
Thursday – Soundview Pregnancy will be hosting their annual banquet at various locations to promote life. The OSNAS STEM room will be one of those locations. If you would like to come, you can register by clicking here. Doors open at 6:30pm.
Friday – Picture Day! All grades should come to school in their school uniform. Please do not wear spirit wear or gym uniforms on that day.
Next Week on Thursday – Parent-Teacher Conferences will be held. Please come to learn about how your child is doing in their classes.
May the Lord bless you this week and always as we put our trust in Him.
Peace in the Lord +
Dr. Stelzer
