District News & Announcements

South Orange Middle School (SOMS) the First School in Essex County to Attain River-Friendly Certification

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(Updated November 7 with event photos)

The South Orange and Maplewood School District is pleased to announce that South Orange Middle School (SOMS) received River-Friendly Certification through a partnership with Rahway River Watershed Association (RRWA). 

The River-Friendly School Program helps teachers, students, and school leaders reduce water pollution while creating new teaching opportunities, enhancing wildlife habitats, and establishing a healthier environment for our children. Certification is offered at several different levels based on points achieved through lessons and hands-on projects in any of the four River-Friendly categories: water quality, water conservation, wildlife habitat, and education & outreach. In partnership with the RRWA, our students worked diligently to promote the reduction of pollution, conservation of water, maintaining the local habitat for wildlife, and educating the public about becoming better environmental stewards. 

Lynn Irby, SOMS Principal shared, “We are proud to be  the first school in Essex County to attain River-Friendly Certification.  I am so incredibly proud of my 7th grade Science teachers; Mr. Anthony Cicenia, Mrs. Nicole Chirlo & Mr. Frank Guastella for their commitment to our students and this project. We truly are #SOMS STRONG.”

SOMS 7th grade Science teachers and SOMS administrators hosted a certification ceremony on Thursday, November 3rd at 1:30 pm at South Orange Middle School (front entrance) in celebration of  attaining "River Friendly" certification through their partnership with the RRWA.   The brief ceremony included the unveiling of a sign placed in front of South Orange Middle School displaying recognition of this truly outstanding accomplishment.  

(Photo:  SOMS administrators, teachers and students joined by RRWA representatives and SOMSD SLT and BOE members at SOMS certification ceremony on Thursday, Nov. 3.)

  

 

Chief of Police, Jimmy DeVaul Celebration of Life Service & Traffic Impact: Friday, October 28, 2022

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On the behalf of the South Orange & Maplewood School District, we were saddened to hear of the passing of Chief Jimmy DeVaul. We offer our deepest condolences to his family and law enforcement family. Chief DeVaul was a product of the SOMSD, he was also a friend and partner to the District. We are grateful for his leadership to our District community and his dedication and commitment to our schools, administrators and students over the past several years. We ask that you keep Chief DeVaul’s family and everyone who loved him in your thoughts and prayers.

Friday, October 28 Memorial Service & Traffic Impact:

The District participated in a meeting with Security Supervisor Stanley Valles, Deputy Chief Albert Sally of the Maplewood Police Department, and Superintendent Dr. Ronald Taylor regarding the town’s plans for honoring Chief Devaul this Friday, October 28, and it’s impact on schools departure times.

Midday on Friday, October 28 beginning at 11 am, there will be a procession that will close streets starting at the funeral home on Milburn Ave to Maplewood Town Hall where several local departments will meet to remember and honor Chief DeVaul. This includes street closures on Valley St., SOUTH of Parker Ave., (meaning from the pizzeria and 7-11 to Millburn/Union).

While the service is scheduled to end at about 2pm, it is possible (and likely) that it will run long and that it may end during student dismissal. This could mean road closures during dismissal at CHS, Tuscan, and MMS. Please plan accordingly if you intend to pick up your child later in the day.

Attached is the notification that was released yesterday by the Maplewood Police Department regarding Friday’s service and tomorrow’s wake since it will impact traffic along Millburn Avenue in the afternoon. Please follow the link from Maplewood Police Department regarding street closures for Chief DeVaul’s service: https://maplewoodpd.org/upcoming-events

Columbia High School (CHS) Students Awarded with Academic Honors from College Board National Recognition Programs

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Fifteen Columbia High School students have earned academic honors from the College Board National Recognition Programs. These National Recognition Programs grant underrepresented students with academic honors that can be included on college and scholarship applications and connect students with universities across the country, helping them meaningfully connect to colleges and stand out during the admissions process. Colleges and scholarship programs identify students awarded National African American, Hispanic, Indigenous and/or Rural/Small Town Recognition through College Board’s Student Search Service.  Fifteen CHS seniors received special recognition, among them:

National African American Recognition Award:

  1. Alexis Halm-Owoo, National African American Recognition Award
  2. Connor McBride, National African American Recognition Award
  3. Cyrus Merriweather, National African American Recognition Award
  4. Hudson Tyler, National African American Recognition Award
  5. Jeslyn Ero, National African American Recognition Award
  6. Makayla Ojentis, National African American Recognition Award
  7. Nicholas Franklin, National African American Recognition Award
  8. Okherra Prosper, National African American Recognition Award
  9. Sophia Franklin, National African American Recognition Award
  10. Tristan Bernard, National African American Recognition Award
  11. Valentina Ravix, National African American Recognition Award
  12. Zachary Taylor, National African American Recognition Award

National Hispanic Recognition Award:

  1. Arturo Gigante, National Hispanic Recognition Award
  2. Sadie Munoz, National Hispanic Recognition Award
  3. Zoila Mills, National Hispanic Recognition Award

“We’re thrilled that our students have earned this recognition. We are very proud of them for their achievements in their classrooms and on College Board assessments,” said CHS Principal, Frank Sanchez. “These programs help students from underrepresented backgrounds stand out to colleges during admissions.”

Students who may be eligible have a GPA of 3.5 or higher and have excelled on the PSAT/NMSQT or PSAT 10, or earned a score of 3 or higher on two or more AP Exams; and are African American or Black, Hispanic American or Latinx, Indigenous, and/or attend school in a rural area or small town.

Eligible students will be invited to apply during their sophomore or junior year and will be awarded at the beginning of the next school year. Students will receive their awards in time to include them on their college and scholarship applications.

“We want to honor the hard work of these students through the College Board National Recognition Programs. This program creates a way for colleges and scholarship programs to connect directly with underrepresented students who they are hoping to reach,” said Tarlin Ray, College Board senior vice president of BigFuture. “We hope the award winners and their families celebrate this prestigious honor and it helps them plan for their big future.”

 

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