As a Matter of Fact!
SOMSD Newsletter | Vol 3. Issue 4 | 9.24.21
Welcome Back!
We have wrapped up the first two weeks of school and it has been a whirlwind. We thank our families for your patience as we have sought to address hiccups with our transportation, outdoor lunch, and other school-related operational logistics. We thank our staff, for their hard work and stepping into a variety of roles to ensure that our students are safe as they acclimate to being back to school full time.
Check out two short photo video highlight reels below. One features some back-to-school images from across our campuses and the other highlights Columbia High School's: Freshman Activity Fair which was sponsored by the Student Council on the first day of school. Have a safe and enjoyable weekend!
Educationally yours,
Dr. Ronald G. Taylor
CHS Student Council: Freshman Activities Fair
On Monday, September 13, the CHS Student Council sponsored the annual Freshman Activities Fair for all ninth graders and tenth graders, many of whom attended school in person for the first time! It was a huge success thanks to our administrators, staff, and of course, our student leaders! The Activities Fair was held on Ritzer field from 8 am-10 am, where students signed up for and inquired about clubs, sports, and activities that Columbia has to offer.
SOMSD 2021-22 Student Assessment Information for Parents/Guardians
Click the link to read the full letter: https://www.somsd.k12.nj.us/mdocs-posts/2021-22-assessment-letter-to-parents-2/
Counseling Services for Elementary School Students/Families
- To request more info for Elementary school services, fill out the Elementary SW Program Form: https://forms.gle/LzBSbG8HwrkBXyew9
- For general information on SOMSD counseling and Mental Health Resources visit: https://bit.ly/SOMSDMHResource
Transportation & Bus Service Updates
MediMobile Will Continue to Provide Weekly Saturday Covid-19 Testing w/ Extended Time @ CHS
MediMobile, will continue to offer weekly voluntary COVID-19 testing on Saturday's at Columbia High School (CHS) Gymnasium Parking Lot, (on Valley Street) until further notice. The testing time has been extended from 9 am - 3 pm. Testing is open to all District staff, students, SOMA community as well as any Essex County resident.
We encourage staff, students, and community members to get tested. As school is set to reopen, we especially encourage parents/guardians to have their child(ren) tested.
- PCR and Rapid (nasal swab) tests will all be available to anyone over 6 months old.
- There is NO out-of-pocket cost to anyone.
- Those with health insurance must bring proof of insurance and valid identification. Those without health insurance must bring valid identification and a form will be provided for you to complete.
- No appointments are required.
Visit the District's COVID-19 Testing/Vaccination page for all updates and upcoming clinics: https://bit.ly/C19Test_Vaccine
PARENT/GUARDIAN REMINDERS:
2021-22 Covid-19 Parent Agreement
Reminder, if you have not already done so, pleasee must submit an E-Signature for the 2021-22 Parent COVID 19 Compliance Agreement via PowerSchool for the upcoming school year by September 17, 2021. Click the link for more information: https://bit.ly/3gTC53z
- Todas las familias deben enviar una firma electrónica para el Acuerdo de cumplimiento de COVID 19 para padres de 2021-22 a través de PowerSchool SOLAMENTE para el próximo año escolar antes del 17 de septiembre de 2021.
- Tout fanmi yo dwe soumèt yon E-Siyati pou Akò Konfòmite Paran 2021-22 COVID 19 via PowerSchool SÈLMAN pou ane lekòl k ap vini an anvan 17 septanm 2021.
Chromebook Distribution & Pick-Up
A reminder to parents/guardians please remember to pick up your child's Chromebook (at CHS students can pick up their own Chromebook if a parent/guardian is unavailable). Please see the distribution dates below. Pick-up is taking place at the Board of Education building (525 Academy Street) parking lot (behind the building).
If you are a parent/guardian whose child is in need of a Chromebook prior to your scheduled distribution date, please visit the link: https://www.somsd.k12.nj.us/district/information-technology/1to1/
August 30, 2021 - September 17, 2021 (Phase 1 - High School & Families In Need)
Chromebook Distribution for all students in Grades 9 - 12 (CHS)
Any students in grades PreK - 12 who do not have a device at home that they can bring into school.
September 20, 2021 - September 24, 2021 (Phase 2 - Middle Schools & Families In Need)
Chromebook Distribution for all students in Grades 6 - 9 (MMS / SOMS)
Any students in grades PreK - 12 who do not have a device at home that they can bring into school.
September 27, 2021 - October 7, 2021 (Phase 3 - Elementary Schools & Families In Need)
Specific school schedules will be coordinated through the elementary schools directly.
SOMSD 2021-22 Upcoming Events
- Tues., October 12: Early Dismissal 1/2 Day for Students for Teacher Professional Development (4-Hr Day—K-12 Students ONLY / 3-Hr Day Pre-K Students ONLY)
- Mon., October 18: BOE Meeting, Public Session @ 7:30 pm
MAPSO Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month 2021
Hispanic Heritage Month 2021 is underway in Maplewood and South Orange. From Latin Restaurant week and outdoor dance parties to documentary and feel-good films inside and out, this month promises to be a feast for the senses. Check out the MAPSO website for a full list of events: http://www.maplewoodartsandculture.org/news/2021/9/21/mapso-celebrates-hispanic-heritage-month-2021
Additional Information & Resources for the Community
- Chromebook 1:1 District Initiative
- SOMSD Student Virtual Code of Conduct
- 2021-22 Student Discipline & Code of Conduct Policy
- District Mental Health & Wellness Resources
- SOMSD Intentional Integration Initiative (III) Microsite
- District Withdrawals/OOD Transfers
- Maplewood Township COVID-19 Resource Portal
- South Orange Village COVID-19 Info Portal
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