Clinton

SOMSD & SOMA Shares Massive Outdoor Book Giveaway & Swap Event for PreK – 12 Students Taking Place Saturday, June 11 @ Two Locations

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The South Orange & Maplewood School District, ELA Department & SOMA Shares are proud to continue their partnership to present a massive book giveaway and swap event to the entire SOMSD school community. All PreK - 12 students/families are invited to join us for this one-day event at two locations where thousands of new and gently used children/teen books will be available to take home for your own home libraries! You can also feel free to drop off your new and gently-used children's books to share with others!

Locations:

  1. South Orange Middle School (SOMS) |  Time: 9 am - 1 pm  | Location: 70 N. Ridgewood Road, South Orange (school parking lot)
  2. St. Joseph's Catholic Church  |  Time: 10 am - 2 pm  |  Location: 767 Prospect St, Maplewood (church parking lot)

CLICK HERE:  DOWNLOAD EVENT FLYER

 

 

 

Uvalde School Tragedy: Message from Superintendent Taylor

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Good Morning South Orange & Maplewood School District Community,

It is with a heavy heart that I write to you this morning.  The senseless act of violence that occurred yesterday at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, TX stole the lives of 19 students and I believe we all woke up this morning feeling more burdened and saddened at yet another school tragedy inflicted by gun violence.    Please know this morning resources and talking scripts were shared with our staff members so that they are able to help students process this tragedy.  In addition our school social workers and counselors are on hand to offer support to students and staff who are struggling today and will be available to offer support in the coming days.

As a District, we want to assure families that the safety and security of our students and school facilities is always our top priority. We continue to work in partnership with our Board of Education and local police departments to  improve our safety practices and protocols.  Below is a list of resources that may help aid you in how to speak and support children in the aftermath of school violence.

Please do not hesitate to reach out to your child’s School Counselor or Principal if you feel further assistance is needed. Thank you.

Dr. Ronald G. Taylor, Superintendent of Schools

SOMSD Community COVID-19 Updates (May 13, 2022)

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Hello SOMSD Community,

We continue to prioritize keeping our students in school as much as possible for a full day of in-person learning.  Based on the most recent COVID-19 Activity Level Index (CALI) Report released by the New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH), Essex County as well as the majority of NJ, is now considered in high community transmission (orange). 

According to the NJDOH for schools that choose not to institute a universal masking policy, it is recommended that schools should strongly consider universal masking during CALI score of high (orange) – for all students and staff, especially if there is difficulty incorporating other layered prevention strategies (e.g., adequate spacing of students).  Furthermore,  the NJDOH also clarifies that – during an outbreak or a general increase in cases, schools should consult with their local health departments as to whether short-term universal masking or masking in affected classrooms should be required to control the outbreak/increase in cases.

Currently, due to several classroom outbreaks, two of our school communities, Clinton Elementary and South Mountain Elementary (big school) have been required to shift to a mandatory short-term “universal masking” indoors/buses for all staff and students. 

While the NJDOH and the local health departments strongly recommend “universal masking”  during high COVID community transmission, as a District, we are not instituting a District-wide return to mandatory “universal masking.”   This is due to the fact that the outbreaks identified by our local departments of health were contained to the respective schools and/ or classrooms and the appropriate actions have been taken.  

However, with the rise in outbreaks in our District over the past two weeks and the new information from the state, we are strongly recommending that all students/staff consider masking while indoors and on the bus.   Based on the information we’ve provided, we are leaving it at the discretion of parents/staff to determine the best decision for themselves and their families and will respect the choices made by our students and staff.

Presently, mandatory indoor masking will be required for the following cases:

  1. During large indoor gatherings including, but not limited to, large assemblies, plays, art shows, concerts, upcoming moving up ceremonies;
  2. For individuals who are returning to school after COVID-positive isolation on days 6-10 (mandatory)
  3. As recommended or required by the DOH (i.e., significant increased transmission, outbreak)

The current mitigation strategies will continue to be followed:

  • The district will maintain our cleaning and sanitization protocols in all classrooms and buildings. 
  • We will follow the recommendations from the Department of Health for ventilation and airflow in the classroom, optimize distancing (when possible), and as the weather warms up will begin the use of outdoor space if possible.

We encourage you to visit the District’s Covid-19 dashboard [https://www.somsd.k12.nj.us/coviddata/] for a snapshot of weekly reported Covid cases  (as a reminder the dashboard only accounts for lab confirmed tests).  Moving forward we will also include two new fields to the Dashboard to inform the greater community of major outbreaks or school closures across the District:  

  • Temporary Return to Schoolwide “Universal Masking” – Will provide a brief summary of school buildings who have been required to shift to short-term “universal masking”  indoors/buses.
  • Temporary School Closures:  Will share update on any school that is required to close for a period of time  (and shift entirely to virtual instruction) due to rising Covid cases.

In addition, later next week we will update our current 2021-22 School Year & Covid webpage to reflect the District’s most current Covid guidelines and protocols, as well as include FAQs for common questions that we have received from our parent community.     

As always, the health and safety of everyone in our school buildings is our top priority. As such, we are closely following the recommendations of our state and local health officials.  As these recommendations change, we will adjust our health and safety protocols accordingly. It remains possible that we may need to re-implement our mask policy if the numbers of positive COVID-19 cases in our schools or community increase.

We thank you for your support and understanding. 

We understand the level of concern regarding COVID-19; and we encourage parents and students to  continue following the CDC and NJDOH promoted safeguards, such as

  • Getting vaccinated and boosted as eligible;
  • Staying home when you are sick;
  • Considering wearing a mask while in school and in public settings;
  • Washing hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or using hand sanitizer;
  • Covering coughs and sneezes and properly disposing of tissues;
  • Limiting close contact with people who are sick and not sharing food, drinks and utensils;
  • Practicing social distancing to the greatest extent practicable; and
  • Continuing to monitor your health for symptoms. Get a laboratory PCR or Rapid test if you have symptoms, and see Testing information at:  https://bit.ly/C19Test_Vaccine

South Orange & Maplewood School District

SOMSD Earns 2022 Best Community for Music Education Designation for Another Year from the National Association of Music Merchants – NAMM (5/4/22)

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The South Orange and Maplewood School District is pleased to announce that the SOMSD music department has once again earned a Best Music Community Designation from the National Association of Music Merchants.

SOMSD is among 738 school districts that are among the Best Communities in the nation for music education.  The award program recognizes outstanding efforts by teachers, administrators, parents, students and community leaders who have made music education part of a well-rounded education.  Designations are made to districts and schools that demonstrate an exceptionally high commitment and access to music education.

Founded in 2006, the NAMM Foundation advances active participation in music making across the lifespan by supporting scientific research, philanthropic giving and public service programs.  The NAMM Foundation represents the generosity and philanthropy of the music products industry.  A supporting organization of NAMM, the National Association of Music Merchants, the NAMM Foundation is funded through trade association activities and donations.

Congratulations to our entire District music department staff, students and parent community for helping us to achieve this prestigious recognition.

SOMSD Community: Sad News of CHS Student Death

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March 29, 2022

Dear South Orange & Maplewood School District Community:

It is with deep regret that we inform you about a recent loss to our school community. On Tuesday, March 29, we received confirmation of the death of a Columbia High School (CHS) student. Out of respect for the family, currently, we are unable to share additional details of the student’s death. However, we understand that this loss is sure to raise many emotions, concerns, and questions not only for our students, but also for members of our staff and parent community.

The South Orange & Maplewood School District and CHS have a Crisis Intervention Team made up of  professionals trained to help with the needs of students, parents, and school personnel at difficult times such as this. The crisis team at CHS has been mobilized to respond to this tragic event.  Throughout the remainder of this week and the coming weeks, there will be counselors available for any student who may need or want help or any type of assistance surrounding this loss. 

As this tragedy will affect all of us in different ways, we have included some information below that may be useful to you in helping your child at home as well as resources to help the community in general.  We are saddened by the loss to our school community and will make every effort to help you and your child as you need. We encourage you, as parents, to also feel free to use our resources.

Student/Parent Resources:

  1. SOMSD Mental Health Resources:  https://bit.ly/SOMSDMHResource
  2. Talking to children about death: an age-by-age guide: https://health.choc.org/talking-to-children-about-death-an-age-by-age-guide/
  3. Helping Children Cope With Grief:  https://childmind.org/guide/helping-children-cope-with-grief/
  4. Grief Support & Resources: https://bit.ly/3iHVc1b

We ask that everyone respect the family’s privacy during this difficult time and keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

Sincerely,

Dr. Ronald G. Taylor, Superintendent of Schools

Cc: Frank Sanchez, Principal, Columbia High School

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