COVID-19 Local Statistics: In Preparation for April 19 Hybrid In-Person School Reopening
The following information is based on data received from our Departments of Health on Wednesday, April 7, 2021.
The NJ Essex County COVID-19 Activity Level Index (CALI) Score is presently “3” which is orange or high, which it has been since November 13, 2020. Since the week of January 22, 2021, when we began the District Dashboard, we’ve had 81 confirmed reported cases that were contracted from community exposures (outside of school). There is no evidence of SOMSD in-school transmission.
-
-
-
- Click here to download the CDC COVID-19 Who Should Get Tested Flyer (or scroll to the end to view a larger image of the flyer)
- COVID testing Availability in Maplewood Flyer (btw. Yale Street and Springfield Ave.,) from April 5-30th
-
-
We have been committed to the layered prevention strategies guided by the CDC, NJDOH and local DOH, and will continue with:
- Universal and correct use of masks
- Physical distancing*
- Hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette
- Cleaning and maintaining healthy facilities
- Assisting the local DOH with Contact Tracing
Reducing transmission in schools is a shared responsibility. Please remember:
- If you are sick, STAY HOME; also, if a household member is ill with COVID-compatible symptoms and awaiting test results, household members should stay home to await those test results.
- If your test result is positive, staff and parents of students should EMAIL THE PRINCIPAL so we may begin assisting the DOH with Contact Tracing, in order to refer individuals for testing and move them swiftly into quarantine or isolation.
Local Statistics:
Maplewood Department of Health
- Confirmed cases to date 1405
- New cases in March 275
- New cases just in April (6 days in): 39
- Age range 3-86
- Number of school-age students (ages 5-17 years) 4
South Orange Department of Health
- Confirmed cases to date 868
- New cases in March 159
- New cases just in April (6 days in): 28
- Age range 4-83
- Number of school-age students (ages 5-17 years) 5
The rationale for updated CDC and NJDOH Physical Distancing Strategies
- Several U.S. studies now also show low transmission among students in schools even when student physical distancing is less than 6 feet but other prevention strategies are in place, even at a time of high community transmission. (CDC Science Brief, March 19, 2021).
- Several studies have found that transmission between staff is more common than transmission between students and staff, and among students, in schools. (CDC Operational Strategies, March 19, 2021)
*Physical Distancing in Schools updated guidance (CDC, March 19, 2021):
- In elementary schools, students should be at least 3 feet apart
- Middle and high school students should remain 6 feet apart if cohorting is not possible.
- Maintain 6 feet distance: 1) between adults (teachers and staff) and between adults and students; 2) during short mask breaks; 3) during activities when increased exhalation occurs (singing, exercise); 4) in common areas such as school lobbies and auditoriums
COVID-19: Who Should Get Tested?
As a Matter of Fact District Newsletter: Spring Break Updates & Reminders (March 26, 2021)
SOMSD Spring 2021 Food Support Programs & Information
Cougars Varsity Girls Basketball Team named Essex County Team of the Year and Coach Keegan named Coach of the Year
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CHS, Cougars Varsity Girls Basketball Team named Essex County Team of the Year and Coach Keegan named Coach of the Year by Sideline Chatter
March 24, 2021 – The Cougars Varsity Girls Basketball team was named the Essex County Team of the Year and third-year head coach, Chuck Keegan was named Coach of the Year by Sideline Chatter an online sports page covering Essex County high school sports.
While the team played a modified schedule, playing half the number of games they normally do, the 2020-2021 season proved to be one of their best winning seasons since 2013-2014. The team was comprised of four sophomores and two freshmen among the first eight players to usually see the floor, led by seniors Corteney Provilon-Louis and Kaijha Hall.
The team’s recent accolade, being named the Essex County Team of the Year follows the heel of their successful season. As far as teams go, Columbia’s undefeated 13-0 record including a 12-0 mark while going on to win the SEC-Liberty Division title completed their phenomenal season.
“The Columbia High School community couldn’t be prouder of these young women,” shared CHS Principal, Frank Sanchez. Principal Sanchez continued, “Thanks to the District’s streaming service, I was able to catch many of the games, and it was obvious how well-prepared they were by Coach Keegan. We also especially appreciated how close they were with each other, with the players supporting their teammates all season.”
Coach Chuck Keegan, expressed how happy he was just to be out on the court each day with his team throughout the challenging 2021 season. Keegan served as the Cougars team top assistant coach for three years, and took the reins as head coach for the program during the 2018-2019 season. He has played a key role in directing the Cougars team to one of their best seasons in many years. In addition, he has extensive experience in CHS athletics having previously served as the former head football coach and gridiron assistant. Keegan is a1988 Columbia graduate and special education Math teacher at the Maplewood-South Orange high school, he guided the team along with assistant coaches Alana Ferruggiaro and Aaron Brietman.
“We are so proud of this team and Coach Keegan and his staff,” said Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Ronald G. Taylor, “in a year where things were untraditional, this team’s resilience and hard work is one that we are so proud of, and we look forward to taking all the way to county and state tournament next year.”
In a year marked by Covid-related challenges, there was no county or state tournament title to shoot for, however, the Girls varsity team 2020-2021 season was one for the books. Members of the 2020-2021 Cougars Girls Varsity team include: 0 Corteney Provilon-Louis (Sr); 1 Talia Baptiste (Fr); 2 Samiya Hill (So); 5 Kaijhe Hall (Sr); 13 Bella Galatt (So); 15 Sophia Rounsavil (Sr); 21 Allie Harris (So); 22 Annabel Callahan (Sr); 24 Reyniyah Rogers-Carter (Sr); 34 Zahra Alexander (Fr) and 35 Shana Desir (So).
###
About the South Orange & Maplewood School District
The School District of South Orange and Maplewood serves more than 7,200 students in ten schools, including one early-childhood center, six elementary schools, two middle schools, and one high school. The community and its schools are racially and economically diverse with more than 90 percent of Columbia High School graduates planning to attend college each year. The mission of the South Orange Maplewood School District is to empower and inspire each student to explore and imagine, to pursue personal passions, and to collectively create a better future by creating a learner-centered environment through multiple pathways; re-imagined structures, systems and supports; innovative teaching; partnering with families; and maximizing community expertise and resources.
Reminder: Middle School Math Course Selection is due by Friday, March 26 | Parent Q&A Pop-In Office Hours Available
- Math Course Selection Video: 5 min. video of what you need to know
- FAQ sheet with answers to the most frequently asked questions
- A PDF of the Math Course Selection full presentation from the March 16 Information Session
- Tuesday March 23, 6:30pm – 8pm
- Wednesday, March 24, 8am – 9am
- Wednesday, March 24, 4pm – 6pm
- Friday, March 26, 4pm – 6pm