Maplewood Middle School
Maplewood Middle School 6th Grade Orientation – September 8
SOMSD 2020-2021 Virtual Instruction Guidebook & School Schedule for Families
*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:
- 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
Technology Distribution for Virtual Learning
The District sent a “Return to School Preference” form to all families on August 10, 2020. Families who requested a District-issued hotspot or District-issued Chromebook for use during the back-to-school transition or entire 2020 – 2021 will be contacted and given a specific date and time for pickup. Technology distribution will begin during the week of August 31st and will continue throughout Marking Period 1. Specific dates and times for pickup will be communicated with families directly.
Students who were issued a District device last school year will keep that same device for the 2020-21 school year. If you have not completed the “Return to School Preference” form or your need for a device has changed, please email info@nullsomsd.k12.nj.us.
SOMSD “As a Matter of Fact” Newsletter, August 21 – Virtual Instruction Recaps, YMCA Childcare Need Survey, Student Virtual Code of Conduct and More.
South Mountain YMCA to Offer Childcare Support to District Families/Staff
Childcare: South Mountain YMCA Collaboration
We understand that this is a shift from our original reopening plan; however, the changing landscape has warranted a pivot to full virtual learning. We also understand that this instructional change creates significant challenges for working parents and staff in our district; therefore, we are collaborating with the South Mountain YMCA to make necessary accommodations to offer childcare support. In addition, we will be working to train the YMCA to train their staff in using Canvas.
Through collaboration between the South Orange & Maplewood School District and the South Mountain YMCA, we are pleased to announce scholarships and financial assistance for families in need. We are also working with the Y to plan for possible expansion of their capacity utilizing targeted space in our schools if necessary. It is our priority to ensure equitable access to programming and the Y for All Financial Assistance Program is available to ensure scholarships are available to families who need our programs the most. District families can email Karen Weiland at kweiland@nullsomsd.k12.nj.us for support in accessing financial assistance. To reach the Y directly, please contact James Goodger at jgoodger@nullmetroymcas.org.
Below are links to the YMCA’s child care needs survey for the fall. If you are a current YMCA member and have already completed a previously emailed School Age Child Care survey, there is no need to complete this one.
- YMCA Survey for Parents: www.surveymonkey.com/r/SMYSACC
- YMCA Survey for District Employees: www.surveymonkey.com/r/SOMADistrict