As a Matter of Fact!
SOMSD Departmental Updates - April 24, 2020, VOL. 1, ISSUE 7
Superintendent's Corner
Superintendent Taylor's Weekly Wrap-Up Message and #SmartandStrong, Song and Dance Challenge.
2020 - 2021 Registration Updates
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Governor Phil Murphy has ordered the closure of all NJ schools. Therefore, the South Orange-Maplewood School District is closed indefinitely. The District understands the inconvenience this may pose to families seeking to enroll their children for the 2020-2021 school year, however, the health and safety of our staff and the community is paramount at this time. As such, registration appointments have been canceled. An alternative method for completing the registration process will be available soon. Please continue to check the website for updates. Thank you and be safe!
Curriculum and Instruction
Dear SOMSD Families,
Every year Muslims around the world celebrate the holy month of Ramadan. This religious observance is well-known for fasting from sun up to sundown, lighting lanterns to symbolize hope and Eid al-Fitr, the three-day feast that marks its end. Because the Islamic calendar is based on the lunar cycle and Ramadan begins on a crescent moon, the expected start is sundown today April 23, 2020, and it is expected to conclude on Saturday, May 23, 2020.
During this month as our Muslim community observes Ramadan, we have asked our staff to please be mindful that fasting can cause people to be lethargic and unfocused at times. They should also understand that families will rise before the sun to eat meals together and will not eat again until sundown. We have asked that staff keep this in mind when giving assignment due dates as many of our students observing may need flexibility with handing in assignments. Also, be sure when they are planning, to think about the assignments that they give and to avoid any lessons that are “food-based”.
We know that there are a few days within the month that are most important to the Muslim community and they again will depend on the lunar calendar. I will send a subsequent email to staff with these dates so that you can ensure that no assignments are due and no assessments are given on those days. These dates will also be considered light school days so that our Muslim community can prepare for their Holy days as a family.
For all who are observing Ramadan, I wish you, Ramadan Kareem!
Ann Bodnar, Director of Curriculum & Instruction K-8
Facilities Update
If your family needs food support during our school closing…..
For Students who receive Free or Reduced Lunch
Packed lunches will be distributed at ….
- Seth Boyden School
- Columbia High School
- Every School Day from 11:00AM – 1:00 PM
No one will be denied a meal
If your family needs additional food support…
If you feel that you will need food support during our school closure, please let us know, and based on availability we will arrange for food delivery for your family.
Please call Karen Weiland at: 973-762-5600, X1850 or email: kweiland@somsd.k12.nj.us
Technology Update
Hotspots Funded for SOMSD Students
At the end of March, in partnership with Achieve and the Parenting Center, the District was able to fund hotspots for SOMSD families for use during the COVID-19 school closure.
Through this partnership, the District is helping to address the lack of internet connectivity many of our community members face. Working with Verizon Wireless, the District has procured 100 smartphones that have been configured as mobile hotspots. Using multiple telephone surveys, the district has identified families who are in need and is working with the families to distribute the devices.
The district is thankful for the support of the Achieve Foundation and the Parenting Center as we all work to continue to bridge the digital divide.
Parenting Center: Resources for Families
COVID-19 WEBINAR RESOURCES FOR OUR SOMSD COMMUNITY
The Parenting Center would like to share some webinar resources from the Traumatic Loss Coalition of NJ. On behalf of Nova Southeastern University’s College of Psychology, please join us for a series of COVID-19 webinars. These informative webinars were created to assist students/adults, parents, teachers and families during this pandemic. We encourage you to share this announcement with family, friends, and colleagues.
For the full list, please view our the District website: https://www.somsd.k12.nj.us/uncategorized/2020/04/23/covid-19-webinar-resources-for-our-somsd-community/
18th Annual CHS Shakespeare Festival Goes Virtual
MPD Cares Contest
Superintendent's #SmartandStrong - Dance & Song Challenge
The School District of South Orange and Maplewood
Email: communications@somsd.k12.nj.us
Website: www.somsd.k12.nj.us
Location: 525 Academy Street, Maplewood, NJ, USA
Phone: 973-762-5600
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/somsdk12
Twitter: @SOMSDK12