SOMSD Moves To Mask Optional

The South Orange-Maplewood School District will move to “Indoor Mask Optional” Plan for K-12 Schools, Buses and District Office Buildings, starting on Monday, March 14, 2022. Visit the SOMSD website for more details. 

SOMSD Reopening Updates Fall 2021

• We are planning for full-day, five-day a week in-person instruction, with normal pre-Covid school hours;
• All students will be back for full-time, in-person instruction for the 2021-2022 school year (no cohorts will be in place);
• Parents or guardians will not be able to opt children out of in-person instruction as allowed for the 2020-2021 school year;
• All students and staff will be required to wear masks indoors regardless of vaccination status;
• Because we cannot maintain a social distance of 3-6 feet (one strategy to mitigate virus transmission) and still offer full-day in-person instruction, we will prioritize other mitigating strategies, including masking and desk partitions where feasible;
• Screening testing: Unless directed by the DOH, screening testing will not be mandated. COVID-19 testing site information will be posted on the district website, and available at COVID19.nj.gov.​ The District has investigated the availability of mobile testing units and home Covid test kits for voluntary use and will provide the community with updates if confirmed;
• Parents/Guardians will be asked to e-sign the 2021-22 SY Parent Agreement Letter of Compliance with COVID-19 Guidelines, deadline, September 17 (a separate email will follow in the coming weeks); and
• Schools will reopen on September 9th: Grades PreK-7/9 and September 10th: Grades 8/10-12. https://www.somsd.k12.nj.us/headlines/2021/08/04/somsd-fall-safe-return-to-school-video-presentation-update/

SOMSD Reopening Updates - April

SOMSD recently released a major update to the schedule. Please see key dates below, and read the full update here. 

• April 12: We remain all virtual the week of April 12th, following the Clinton bell schedule of 8:05 - 12:05.
• April 19: Hybrid learning resumes for K-2 and Cohort C, on the exact same schedule as March, alternating days for Cohort A and B.
• April 26: Grades K-2 and Cohort C return for FIVE DAYS , on the same 4-hour schedule. No more virtual Fridays or alternating days.
• May 3: Grades 3-5 begin in-person learning, 5 days per week*

*The letter update notes that this is still contingent on advice from local health officials and the ongoing partnership with SOMEA

Full update can be found on the SOMSD website

SOMSD To Resume All-Virtual Schedule February 22

Per the latest District communications, schools will reverting to the previous VIRTUAL schedule as of Monday, February 22. The school day will begin at 8:30 am for all grades. 

SOMSD Reopening Plan

SOMSD has released its 2020-2021 reopening plan.

► Read the full plan here

► Read the plan summary here 

**UPDATE** as of 8/14/20: School will be all virtual for the first quarter, through November 12, 2020. 

Restarting school transition: remote for the first two weeks.

For the first two weeks, from September 8 to September 18 all students will attend school remotely, get to know their new teachers, readjust to “school hours”, and learn to use a program called Canvas.

Families who select hybrid learning will begin attending classes at school on Monday, September 21, 2020.

Two learning options for students – which is right for you?

SOMSD families will be required to select from two options that will begin after the two-week virtual (remote) start. You will have the opportunity to choose the best option for each child.

On Monday, August 10, all families will receive an email that contains a “Return to School Preference” form to select the learning option that you feel is best for your child(ren).  

1. Hybrid Model (PreK, Elementary & Middle):
   Students will be split into three groups – A, B, and C. Each group will have at least two days of in-person learning (4 hours each day) and three days of at least 60 minutes of live virtual interaction with a teacher along with three additional hours of remote learning activities. Group C will have additional in-person learning opportunities per English Language Learner and Special Education programming needs.
2. Virtual Only Model (PreK, Elementary and Middle):
   Students will have 5 days of virtual instruction which will include a mix of: live virtual instruction, pre-recorded instruction, teacher-led small-groups, and independent practice. (CHS Virtual-only students will follow along with the hybrid students and receive synchronous, direct learning from their teachers four days a week, but will not attend the weekly check-ins at the school.)

YEARBOOKS ARE READY!

We have a few extra yearbooks available for purchase! If you would like one, please let Katy know. Yearbooks are $22 each.

If you have a 5th Grader* or you purchased a yearbook, but missed getting yours during Porch Pick Up days, please reach out to Katy to arrange pick up. 

Questions? Didn't get your book? Want to buy one? Please contact Katy Walmsley. 

* Reminder: Every 5th Grader receives a free Clinton yearbook!

School Show Update

PROGRAMS AND T-SHIRTS
Sadly, the show did not go on this year, but the spirit of the Clinton Student Theatre still shines brightly. 🌟 Directors will be reaching out to arrange distribution of a show program for every cast and crew member, plus t-shirt orders. Please keep an eye out for an email with more information. Questions? Please email Clinton Student Theatre. 

► Read the full message from Clinton Student Theatre

LAST BOW
To acknowledge, honor and CELEBRATE our graduating cast and crew members who didn't get to take the stage this year, Clinton Student Theatre is proud to present the Class of 2020's Last Bow!

► 5th Grade Last Bow

Hard Conversations | 6/16

HARD CONVERSATIONS IN DIFFICULT TIMES:
Talking to Our Kids About Current Events, Racial Injustice & Equity

Join this evening of discussion presented by The Parenting Center of SOMSD, as guest experts provide advice and appropriate ways to speak to your kids about racism.

Tuesday 6/16 @ 7:30pm via WebEx
https://www.somsd.k12.nj.us/parentworkshop

Rally & March | 6/15

Teachers for Black Lives Rally & March

Organized by South Orange/Maplewood teachers, the Teachers for Black Lives Rally & March welcomes all NJ teachers, school staff, students, parents and community members! 

"Our students have made their voices heard, and it is our turn to respond. It’s time for us to show them that we are listening and are standing in solidarity with them against police brutality and the murder of black people. We must show our students that they are not alone in this fight for racial justice, but rather that they have a whole community—including their teachers and school staff—who are fighting for justice with them."

Monday 6/15 @ 4:00pm
Start: Grove Park, South Orange
End: Memorial Park, Maplewood

► See the Facebook event page for more info

SEPAC Meeting | 6/10

SEPAC MEETING
Please join our district's Special Education Parent Advisory Committee for their last meeting of the school year.

▪ Meet SOMSD's new Assistant Superintendent of Special Services, Dr. Melody Alegria
▪ Successes/Struggles during Distance Learning
▪ SEPAC roles and meeting ideas for next year

Wednesday 6/10 @ 7:00pm via Zoom: 
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/5483185512

Questions? Please email Brooke Horowitz.