The amazing cast of CHS Musical, Matilda, created this awesome video to share a snippet of one of the numbers from the show, “When I Grow Up.” Although the show wasn’t able to go on, we hope that our students are able to share their talent and hard work with our SOMA community soon. #SOMSDFamily #weareinthistogether
District News
Parenting Center’s COVID-19 Family Food Support Initiative Secures New Partners and Raises more than $30K to Support SOMA Families
The South Orange & Maplewood School District (SOMSD), Parenting Center, Family Food Support Initiative which began on March 18, has served more than 500 families, raised $33,664, and has received overwhelming community engagement to support families during the SOMSD school closure and Covid-19 pandemic.
Since its inception, the Center has received an overwhelming response from the community. Karen Weiland, Director, Parenting Center, shared, “It’s really amazing since we began this initiative, we have had close to 1,000 community members donate food or funds to our family support food program.”
The Center initially partnered with Morrow Memorial Church and Our Lady of Sorrows Food Pantry to lead a food collection drive. Since then, the drive has expanded and is now collecting grocery donations two days every two weeks at the OLS Food Pantry. In addition, they have also partnered with Rent Party and South Orange & Maplewood elected officials to raise money for gift cards to provide to families. Donna Coallier’s COVID-19: SOMA Family Support Fund GoFundme campaign was instrumental in beginning the fundraising process.
The Center coordinated food deliveries with SOMA Justice and Cougar Cares who have been supporting food insecure CHS families. More recently, the Center has also partnered with local restaurants, among them Coda, Maplewood, who is donating food to multiple families every Monday, Jackie and Son and Orange Lawn, both in South Orange are also donating food for families. The Parkwood Diner, Liv Breads, and the Rotary Club are now joining the effort. The Community Coalition on Race has printed Covid resource guides to include in the deliveries and MOD Studio of Maplewood is coordinating contributions of child and adult masks for families receiving food support deliveries.
Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Ronald G. Taylor states, “the unified effort of our partners and the Parent Center is awe-inspiring. As we continue to respond to this unprecedented crisis, it is uplifting to know that our community has banned together to support those who need help.” Taylor continued, “we often reference Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs Theory as a tenet in our work with and for our students, Karen Weiland, the Parent Center and our partners are a true embodiment of this ideal that our children cannot reach their fullest academic potential without their most basic physiological needs being met.”
To date, volunteer deliverers have distributed food or gift cards to nearly 500 hundred families. To reduce transport frequency, the Center delivers 2 – 4 weeks’ worth of food with each delivery to families. Also, through money donated by SOMA community members, the Center has raised $33,664 to purchase food and gift cards for families.
If any family needs additional food support during the school closure, please contact the Parenting Center, Karen Weiland at: 973-762-5600, X1850, or email: kweiland@nullsomsd.k12.nj.us. Provide your name and phone number, and someone will contact you with details to arrange for food delivery. More information can be found: bit.ly/somsdmeals
K – 12 Report Card and Progress Reports Available Online Only via PowerSchool Parent Portal
Grade Levels: K – 12
Terms: Marking Periods 3 – 4 / Trimester 2 – 3
Report Cards & Progress Reports Only Available Through PowerSchool for Families
In an effort to allow easier access to student grade information for families and to continue practicing safe social distancing, report cards and progress reports will primarily be provided through the PowerSchool parent portal. Paper copies of progress reports and report cards will no longer be mailed to all families. Families can view and print the reports through the parent portal using the instructions attached to this email. If you have any questions please feel free to email us at: info@nullsomsd.k12.nj.us
We encourage families who do not have access to a computer in their homes to contact their individual school administrative offices by phone for alternative accommodations (see #s below). Please leave a message with your name, child’s name, and phone # for a return call.
Click Here To Download Instructions
SCHOOL | SCHOOL PHONE # |
Clinton Elementary School | (973) 378-7686 |
Jefferson Elementary School | (973) 378-7696 |
Marshall Elementary School | (973) 378-7698 |
Seth Boyden Elementary School | (973) 378-5209 |
South Mountain Elementary School | (973) 378-5216 |
South Mountain Elementary School – Annex | (973) 378-2801 |
Tuscan Elementary School | (973) 378-5221 |
Maplewood Middle School | (973) 378-7660 |
South Orange Middle School | (973) 378-2772 |
Columbia High School | (973) 762-5600 |
Welcome Dr. Melody Alegria, Assistant Superintendent, Special Services to SOMSD
Dr. Melody Alegria, began her new role as Assistant Superintendent, Special Services to the South Orange & Maplewood School District on Monday, April 27, 2020.
Hello SOMSD Family,
It is my pleasure and honor to introduce myself to you as the new Assistant Superintendent of Special Services for the South Orange & Maplewood School District.
First and foremost, I want to recognize all of the great work that Dr. Morana and the Special Services team have put into the department since her arrival. I look forward to working closely with her and the team during this time of transition to better understand how the department has been functioning and to determine next steps. As I acclimate myself to the District, I also look forward to meeting with staff, families, students and other groups to better understand your concerns.
I come to the District with experience as a Special Education Teacher, an LDT-C, and as a Director of Special Services. I am committed and very passionate about my work with children and families. I am a firm believer in the home/school connection and it is my hope that we will work together in a collaborative effort to provide the highest level of academic, social, and emotional growth for your children.
I welcome your partnership as we continue to implement and improve our services to the students and families of the South Orange-Maplewood School District.
Thank you,
Dr. Melody Alegria
Assistant Superintendent, Special Services
Virtual Middle School Math Information Meetings on 4/29 & 4/30
The SOMSD Office of Curriculum and Instruction invites parents/guardians of students currently in grades 5-7 to the Middle School Math Information virtual meetings.
Kimberly Beane, K-8 Supervisor of Math and Science will share information and answer questions to help you make an informed decision when choosing a math class for next year.
The meeting will…
- Describe the courses available for each grade level
- Show varied paths of math courses for middle school and beyond
- Explain adjustments to instruction related to distance learning
- Summarize the summer resources and options
- Answer your questions about math courses and the selection process.
*Join us for either session:
1) Wednesday, April 29 at 7 pm – 8 pm
WebEx Link: www.somsd.k12.nj.us/mathnight1
Note: Originally the SOMS session
2) Thursday, April 30 at 7 pm – 8 pm
WebEx Link: www.somsd.k12.nj.us/mathnight2
Note: Originally the MMS session
Download:
Sincerely,
Curriculum & Instruction Department
Superintendent Taylor’s Weekly Wrap-Up Video – April 24, 2020