As A Matter of Fact!
SOMSD Newsletter | Vol 2. Issue 15 | May 27, 2021
REMINDER: Extended Memorial Day Weekend, Schools Closed on Friday, May 28 & NJ Travel Advisory
Each year the District is allotted three inclement weather (or snow days) to be used during the school year. This year, we used two inclement weather days and contractually any unused days must be given back to staff. Therefore, Friday, May 28th will be a give-back day for District staff and all schools will be closed. We will return to school on Tuesday, June 1 after the Memorial Day holiday. In advance, enjoy the long Memorial Day weekend.
As shared in previous District communications, while the NJ Travel Advisory is no longer in effect, individuals should follow CDC guidance regarding domestic and international travel.
- CDC Domestic: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/travel-during-covid19.html
- CDC International: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/international-travel-during-covid19.html
For the purpose of this guidance, domestic travel is defined as travel lasting 24 hours or longer to states or US territories other than contiguous states (i.e., Pennsylvania, New York, Delaware). Click here to view the revised travel/quarantine guidance from the District (based on NJDOH, May 20 updates): https://bit.ly/3hrtwOK
Reminder: Summer School Program Registration Deadline Extended to Tuesday, June 1
This has truly been a school year like no other. Our students, staff, administration and community experienced 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 been working on creating as many summer opportunities for our students as possible. After reviewing the data from the tremendous response to our Summer Interest Survey we were able to create programs that will meet the needs of our SOMSD students in order to better prepare them for the upcoming school year.
Local COVID Vaccination & Testing, Rental Assistance Information & Resources
NJ vaccinations are now open to youth 12 years and up. Everyone 12 or older who lives, works, or studies in New Jersey is now eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine. Essex County is expected to provide the Pfizer vaccine for 12 and up at two locations:
- Vaccination appointments are available at Essex County College and the Kmart West Orange location. Hours will be 3:00 p.m. -7:00 p.m., which is subject to change. You will be able to schedule an appt on http://www.essexcovid.org or https://covid19.nj.gov/pages/finder and see vaccine availability; walk-ups will also be accepted.
View previously shared information regarding local COVID testing and vaccination and other important Covid-related resources and assistance. Please visit the District website for information: https://bit.ly/3eMmxOr
Upcoming District/School Events:
A Message from Fine Arts Supervisor, James Manno:
Although we were not able to gather together this year for the many Winter and Spring concerts, exhibitions and shows, the South Orange Maplewood School District's Fine & Performing Arts Department was dedicated to providing an annual venue for the various forms of visual and performing arts programs that exist in our schools. It was important for us to share uplifting creative works with the wonderful community we serve!
We hope that you enjoy the works provided by some of our young artists under the guidance of our very talented and committed K-12 staff of arts educators. Please explore the various elementary, middle and high school links: http://bit.ly/SOMSDVAFestival
Columbia High School: Class of 2021, Senior Commitments Highlight Reel
View Upcoming SOMA Community Events & Resources
To see all upcoming events, visit: www.somapride.com
- Lavender Graduation (you have that information for registration)
June 3, 6:30pm - CHS Auditorium (Registration due by May 24)
Maplewood Township, South Orange Village, Columbia High School
- SOMA Equality March & Rally
June 6 10:00am - Ricalton Square to Town Hall
Maplewood Township, SOMA Action, SOMA Justice, Columbia High School
- SOMA Youth Pride Picnic
June 6 12:30pm - Springfield Ave Gazebo
Maplewood Township, SOMA Action, SOMA Justice, Columbia High School
- Big Queer Block Party
June 18 7:00pm - Maplewood Village
SOMA Justice, North Jersey Pride, Newark LGBT Community Center LINK
Maplewood Township 2021 Summer Meals Program Begins on June 28
SOMSD Calendar of Events
- Fri., May 28: District Closed, Give-Back Day (Memorial Day Weekend)
- Mon., May 31: District Closed for Memorial Day
- Mon., June 14: BOE Meeting, Public Session @ 7:30 pm
Additional Information & Resources for the Community
The School District of South Orange & Maplewood
Email: communications@somsd.k12.nj.us
Website: www.somsd.k12.nj.us
Location: 525 Academy Street, Maplewood, NJ, USA
Phone: 973-762-5600
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/somsdk12
Twitter: @SOMSDK12