Maplewood Middle School

*2020 - 2021 Virtual Instructional Guidebook for Families

[*Last edit: 9/2/20: Updated Preschool program information and revised SOMS full-day schedule]

Important Community Resources:

• Spanish Translation_Parent Virtual Instruction Guidebook (9/21)
• Click here to view:  Academic and Social-Emotional Virtual Town Hall WebEx Recording 
• SOMSD Care Line & Mental Health Resources
  • If you or someone in your family is experiencing stress/anxiety, call the Care Line at 973-762-5600 Ext. 1855 & leave a message and within 24 hours on school days a school social work intern will reach out to offer a brief consultation or a referral to other services.
• 2020 - 2021 Special Education Supplemental Guide to Virtual Instructional Guidebook

Dear SOMSD Families,

As we head into the 2020-21 school year, I want to welcome you back.  Although the return to school is not as we anticipated, school administrators, teachers, and staff are putting in hard work and long hours to ensure that the first day of school is special for students.

As you can imagine, we are welcoming back 7,000+ students into a virtual school environment. So we anticipate that there will be technology glitches, device issues, internet connectivity issues, and an overall learning curve as students and teachers alike begin working together in our virtual environment.  Therefore, to prepare and make accommodations, for the first two weeks of school, September 8 – 18, we will operate on an early dismissal schedule.  This will allow time for teachers and students to acclimate to the new learning management system Canvas and provide additional time in the afternoon for continued professional development training for teachers.  Starting on Monday, September 21, we will transition to a full-day virtual instruction schedule.

This instructional guidebook provides information on:

• Assessment, progress report and report card schedules;
• Virtual class schedules by grade-level; (starting on page 15)
• Special education services to students;
• Teacher and student expectations;
• Information on Canvas as well as upcoming training webinar dates for parents;
• Emotional, Health and Wellness Support;
• And more.

Please note that our guidebook is subject to change. As guidelines and orders change from local, state, and federal authorities, our District will adjust. But rest assured, our focus will always remain on doing what’s best for students and staff.

I look forward to seeing each of you, albeit virtually as we begin the school year and hope to be reunited with students and staff soon.   The best of luck to our students, staff, and families as we begin the journey together in 2020-21.

Educationally Yours,

Dr. Ronald G. Taylor, Superintendent of Schools