2022 SOMSD summer program registration is open. To learn more about course offerings and registration CLICK HERE.read more ❯

A District That Celebrates

Tuscan

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

By

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)

By

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.

Registration for 2022 SOMSD Summer Program Classes Opens on Monday, May 2, 2022

By

GR-SUMMER-1
Click here to create an account and sign up for 2022 Summer classes. Registration deadline is Friday, May 20
Click here to view all SOMSD Summer 2022 Program & Course Offerings
FOR SETH BOYDEN SCHOOL ONLY: You only have to enroll one time.  If you enrolled directly through Seth Boyden you do not need to enroll again through Community Pass.
FOR COLUMBIA HIGH SCHOOL ONLY: Please note that there is a fee for the credit recovery program and the math advancement summer classes at Columbia. You should contact Assistant Principal, Mr. Woolard (twoolard@nullsomsd.k12.nj.us) and STEM Supervisor, Mr. Misbahuddin (jmisbahu@nullsomsd.k12.nj.us) if you need assistance in this area.

2022 Summer Program Offerings 

Registration Deadline:  Friday, May 20

Hello SOMSD Families,

This has once again been a school year like no other.  Our students, staff, administration, and community continued to experience learning in ways we never have before.  While there have been many successes we realize there have been challenges along the way as well.  Because of that, we have once again been working on creating as many summer opportunities for our students as possible.  

This summer our District will also continue our renovation projects at many of our schools.  Clinton, Jefferson, Seth Boyden, & Tuscan will continue their renovations this summer and South Orange Middle School and South Mountain will be added to the list.  We are committed to using every available classroom to offer as much in-person learning as possible.  While we are not capping our student numbers at this time, each registration will be time-stamped and each class (excluding CHS credit recovery) will be filled on a first come first serve basis.

We will once again use Community Pass for our summer program registration.  Please use this link starting on Monday May 2nd to begin the process Community  Pass Registration Link.  At this time,  there are 140 different course offerings this summer so please take your time to read through these descriptions below and find the correct school and program for your child.  Please enroll your child into the grade level that they are CURRENTLY enrolled in for the 2021 - 2022 school year. The deadline for summer program registration is Friday, May 20. 

For specific questions related to a summer program, please reach out to the point of contact (i.e. building principal, unless stated otherwise) listed in the chart below for your respective program.

Important - All academic classes are offered in the mornings to allow for students to attend academic classes and music (grades 5-12), book club (grades 3-10), and or STEM design thinking classes (grades 3-5) in the afternoons or evenings.  Students may sign up for as many classes as they would like. 

FOR SETH BOYDEN SCHOOL ONLY:  You only have to enroll one time.  If you enrolled directly through Seth Boyden you do not need to enroll again through Community Pass.

FOR COLUMBIA HIGH SCHOOL ONLY:  Please note that there is a fee for the credit recovery program and the math advancement summer classes at Columbia.  You should contact Assistant Principal, Mr. Woolard (twoolard@nullsomsd.k12.nj.us) and STEM Supervisor, Mr. Misbahuddin (jmisbahu@nullsomsd.k12.nj.us) if you need assistance in this area. 

Sincerely,

Curriculum & Instruction Department

 

 

SOMSD Community: Sad News of CHS Student Death

By

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

SOMSD Community Update: District to Move to “Indoor Mask Optional” Plan for K-12 Schools, Buses and District Office Buildings, Starting on Monday, March 14, 2022

By

South Orange & Maplewood School District Community,

Click the link  to view full SOMSD’s “Indoor Mask Option” survey results: bit.ly/3hRqO3Z

Click here to view/download the google doc version of the letter below:  bit.ly/3tL12nw

Dear SOMSD Community,

Based on the updated guidance from the NJDOH and in collaboration with our local health departments, the South Orange & Maplewood School District will move to a “mask optional” plan in our K-12 schools, buses and district office buildings (PreK school communities will continue with mask mandate, further information can be found on the bottom of page 2). This updated plan is effective Monday, March 14, 2022.  

We want to thank our students, staff, and families for following our mitigation measures over the past year and a half. We know it has not been easy. Thanks to your efforts, we have been able to keep one another safe and continue with in-person learning.   We also thank our staff, parent/guardian and student community for your responses to the “indoor mask option” survey and for your patience and continued support as the District sought to implement the best decisions possible to keep our staff and student community safe.  

The survey results can be found in the link above and below we offer a broad overview of the results, based on three key survey questions:

Audience # of Submissions Do you think it’s time for SOMSD to make masks optional indoors?  *If indoor masks were optional, would you still have your child(ren) wear one? (or) would you still wear one? If the District decides to make masks optional, are there any situations where masks should remain mandatory?
Staff 419
  • Yes:  53%
  • No:  32%
  • Unsure:  15%
  • Yes: 43%
  • No: 35%
  • Unsure: 22%
  1. In spaces that hold large indoor gatherings:  66%
  2. Mask should be optional at all times: 34%
Middle School/CHS Students 1,389
  • Yes: 49%
  • No:  35%
  • Unsure:  16%
  • Yes:  47%
  • No:  21%
  • Unsure:  32%
  1. In spaces that hold large indoor gatherings:  75% 
  2. Mask should be optional at all times: 25% 
Parent /Guardians 2,612
  • Yes: 64%
  • No: 25%
  • Unsure: 11%
  • Yes: 28%
  • No: 51%
  • Unsure: 21%
  1. In spaces that hold large indoor gatherings:  51%
  2. Mask should be optional at all times: 49%

We will continue to maintain a safe and thoughtful environment for all students and staff.   We ask that everyone respect one another’s decision, whether they choose to mask or not. In accordance with district policy, harassment,  intimidation, and bullying will not be tolerated under any circumstances. Anyone, including staff or students, who wish to continue wearing a mask will be supported in their choice of doing so. We will encourage our teachers to have conversations with their students around respecting each other’s personal choices.  

We encourage parents to discuss your family’s mask choice with your children, as staff will not be monitoring this.  Please put an extra mask in your child’s backpack for the times that they may need to wear them*.    Disposable masks will still be available in the main office of  each school building. 

*Presently, we will continue to require/request masking:

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

As a reminder from our 2/22 communication (link: bit.ly/3h9d04g) one of the mitigating strategies to be discontinued when we shift to a “mask optional” environment is contact tracing by K-12 school nurses and administrators. Operationally and logistically, this NJDOH recommendation is no longer sustainable.   This means:

  1. Families and school communities would only receive a general notice if a laboratory confirmed COVID positive case is reported within their school community; and schools will no longer direct quarantining of unvaccinated  close contacts (or entire classrooms);
  2. Schools will no longer recommend quarantine after travel for unvaccinated individuals;
  3. We will continue the practice of recommending isolation of COVID positive individuals and those with ‘COVID-compatible’ symptoms waiting for a test result; 
  4. Virtual learning will continue to be offered to students who are:
    1.  Unable to attend school in-person due to testing COVID-positive (or)
    2.  Who have COVID-compatible symptoms and are awaiting test results as well as household members of these individuals.  
  5. The school nurses will still be monitoring cases, in partnership with the local DOH who will investigate cases and notify the school district if there is an outbreak. Please continue to report positive COVID test results to your building principal and school nurse.

Please know that 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.  If you have any questions or concerns, please contact your child’s building principal. As always, thank you for your support and understanding.

*Note for Preschool Community:  The mandates for PreK students differ from the K-12 school setting.  As per New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH) guidelines and in consensus from our local health departments, if a facility has a population of people that are ineligible for vaccination then masking stays in place as the only other prevention strategy to protect those who are vulnerable.  If and when the NJDOH provides a revised guideline for this age group we will then reach out to PreK families with a similar survey.  Contact tracing will continue for the PreK community (for close contacts of an individual with a positive lab test).

 

Sincerely,

 

South Orange & Maplewood School District

Designed, built and powered by SchoolPresser - WordPress for Schools