As a Matter of Fact!

SOMSD Newsletter - June 5, 2020 VOL. 1, ISSUE 13

Superintendent's Corner

Superintendent's Corner

Hello SOMSD Family,


Today I had the honor of witnessing our Columbia High School Students, speaking their truth to power. Our students' peaceful protest was well-organized and passionately executed. Several hundred residents were present to listen to our scholars share their reflections on the social justice crisis gripping our nation. They were eloquent, poignant, and direct...expressing their anger, pain, and frustration. The crowd was silent as each speaker shared their 'truths' ...which reflect what many of us are feeling during these uncertain times. We are so proud of our young people for their bravery, strength, and resilience. Please find below our Joint Message on this topic. Wishing you a peaceful, thoughtful, and reflective weekend.



Educationally yours,


Dr. Ronald G. Taylor, Superintendent of Schools

Superintendent's Corner

2020-2021 Registration Updates

NEW! Document Collection System


The Director of Technology, Data Processing Department and Office of Registration have been working collectively to secure a document collections system which will provide the parent/guardian community with a secure and easy to navigate electronic document collection system to use when completing the registration process.


A subgroup of parents are currently testing the system and providing valuable feedback. Once testing is completed and final updates are implemented, the system will be rolled out for use to the entire District. The digital process will assist parents/guardians with the completion of their child's enrollment once the fall 2020 enrollment campaign resumes next month.

Hard Conversations in Difficult Times: Talking to Our Kids about Current Events, Racial Injustice & Equity

Tuesday, June 16th, 7:30pm

This is an online event.

Save the Date!


Join the Parenting Center for a WebEx with Dr. Eddie Fergus, Professor, Author, and Educational Policy Expert and Dr. Adam Price, Child & Adolescent Psychologist, Author and Lecturer on Child Development and Parenting. Should we tell the kids? How? Those are among the many questions parents are asking after the death of George Floyd, which has sparked nationwide protests and outrage. Experts in child psychology and race-based stress say these conversations are essential for all parents to have. Join us for an evening of discussion, as guest experts provide advice and appropriate ways to speak to your kid(s).


For more information: https://bit.ly/375u45r

Withdrawals/Transfers Out of the District

If your child will be attending a private school in September or if your family will be moving out of the District at the close of the school year, you must officially withdraw your child(ren) from the District.


Please contact your building secretary for assistance with the withdrawal process and to make arrangements to have your children's academic and health records forwarded to your new school.


If you are in possession of a District issued Chromebook, arrangements will be made for the safe return of the device. Please advise us of the need to return the device during the withdrawal process.


  • Preschool and elementary school families should email the building secretary directly.
  • Middle school students must email the guidance secretary for assistance. Michaia Brown (mbrown@somsd.k12.nj.us) at Maplewood Middle School and Bonnie Hellstern (bhellste@somsd.k12.nj.us) at South Orange Middle School.
  • Columbia High School students should email Sheila Bellini (sbellini@somsd.k12.nj.us) in the counseling department, for assistance.

2020 - 2021 Preschool Update

2020 - 2021 Preschool Update

Dear South Orange-Maplewood Preschool Community:


The Department of Preschool Education would like to inform you that preschool acceptance and placement letters are beginning to go out to families. Please be advised that letters will continue being disseminated throughout the month of June as partnerships with collaborating preschool sites are solidified and seating capacity increases. The preschool department will post a placement update on the preschool website in early July 2020.


REVISED FAQs


Families can access revised FAQs on the preschool website: https://www.somsd.k12.nj.us/mdocs-posts/somsd-preschool-faq-060420/


For updates continue to visit the Preschool Education program webpage.


Sincerely,



South Orange Maplewood School District

Preschool Program Email: prekregistration@somsd.k12.nj.us

2020 - 2021 Preschool Update

Additional Information & Resources for the Community

SOMSD as a reminder please access the resources and information below during COVID-related school closures:


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The School District of South Orange & Maplewood

The School District of South Orange & Maplewood

The School District of South Orange & Maplewood
A district that celebrates diversity!
525 Academy Street, Maplewood, NJ, USA communications@somsd.k12.nj.us 973-762-5600 somsd.k12.nj.us