School System Updates and Announcements

Districtwide updates on systems, operating status, and new program initiatives. Typically will include letters from the Administration Building that the community can reference from emails home to families.

Preschool Program FAQ Available

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Dear Preschool Parents/Guardians,

The new school year will bring about a new experience for all students and their families attending the District’s Preschool Program. The implementation of the Preschool Education Expansion Aid (PEEA), designed to offer high-quality early learning, is allowing the district to serve even more resident students for the 2019-2020 school year.

While we had an unprecedented interest in the program, a random selection of applicants led to the assignment of students to three sites thus far, Applecore Learning Early Childhood Center, Marshall Elementary portable classroom and Montrose Early Childhood Center. New students were selected based on a lottery system drawn in accordance with the District’s Registration Policy and Regulations. Our commitment to preschool education is fostering partnerships with local child care providers to secure additional classroom space for South Orange and Maplewood students to have access to a high-quality preschool experience.

As the program continues to grow, the research-based curriculum (Tools of the Mind) and developmentally appropriate assessment practices (Teaching Strategies GOLD) will be implemented with uniformity across all sites. An oversight team has been assembled to provide program leadership, professional development and support for the staff throughout the year.

An FAQ has been prepared by educators and parents as a tool to answer essential questions the community may have. Click here to view the online FAQ or click here to download a printable copy. Please review it and if you have any further questions, let me know.  I can be reached at (973) 762-5600, Extension 1841 or you may send an email to lmorana@nullsomsd.k12-.nj.us.

Additionally, we have reserved next Tuesday, July 30, 2019, 7:00-8:30pm at Columbia’s High School’s Auditorium, 17 Parker Ave, Maplewood, to address any further questions or concerns from our parents and families. I hope that you will join me then.

Sincerely,

Laura C. Morana

Interim Assistant Superintendent for Special Services

Preschool Program FAQ - July 24 2019
08-28-2019 10:33 pm Download

Universal Preschool Program – Registration Update

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The South Orange and Maplewood School District’s universal preschool program continues to maintain a wait list for children seeking to attend the District’s program. Subsequently, the District has temporarily suspended all appointments for those wishing to submit and finalize applications for the universal preschool program. Please click here for additional information.

Cali School and SOMSD pilot an Arts Institute in South Orange-Maplewood

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Through an initial $30,000 combined grant from the Frank and Lydia Bergen Foundation and the Montclair State University Foundation, the Cali School and SOMSD piloted an Arts Institute in South Orange-Maplewood for a second year in a row. The Arts Institute included K-12 during-and-after-school lessons and classes, courses for college credit, and more — all taught by professors (including members of the NY Philharmonic and Metropolitan Opera), as well as graduate students from the school.
This year’s curriculum included an African Drumming program at Seth Boyden, during and after school lessons and masterclasses at the middle and high schools, a jazz ensemble at Columbia High School, and more, reaching over 200 students K-12.

The full story can be viewed by visiting the Montclair University website.

 

Summer Meal Program At Maplecrest Park

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Apple With Heart

Attached you will find information for the Summer Meals Program at Maplecrest Park. The program starts on July 15th and ends on August 9th. During the program, breakfast and lunch will be served five days a week.

This is particularly applicable to students who are taking summer classes and may benefit from a meal.

All meals are free and open to all students.

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