It's true — inclusion matters. Learn more about the laws, research and best practices in public schools that lead to inclusive learning communities where students with disabilities and learning differences are welcomed as classmates, valued as learners, and empowered to succeed. Presented by Michelle Gardner, Executive Director of the New Jersey Coalition for Inclusive Education. 

Monday, December 17 @ 7:00pm

Virtual via Zoom

Learn more about the Special Education Parent Advisory Committee (SEPAC SOMA). 

Questions? Email info@sepacsoma.org.

Spiritwear orders are IN! All spiritwear will be delivered to MMS and distributed to your student's homeroom by the end of this week. If you ordered the 'gift option', our spiritwear Co-Chairs will reach out for delivery/pickup options. 

Questions? Email spiritwear@maplewooodmiddleschool.org

The November Community Meeting will focus on the Individualized Education Program (IEP) with a walk-thru led by Assistant Superintendent of Special Services Kathleen Gesumaria the Special Services Department. Learn more about the Special Education Parent Advisory Committee (SEPAC SOMA). Questions? Email info@sepacsoma.org. 

Monday, November 18 @ 7:00pm

Virtual via Zoom (link soon!)

We are kicking off this year’s SOMA Shares Coat Drive! 

Please reach out for drop-off locations or feel free to order from the Amazon Wishlist. 

If you can use a coat, please email somashareseveryday@gmail.com

Have a coat to donate? We accept kids and adult sized teenage appropriate coats. No denim or wool. We also accept new hats and gloves. 

The November 13 MMS Newsletter can be found here: https://secure.smore.com/n/bh1yj

The 6th Grade Social is THIS Friday, November 15, 3 - 4:30pm in the MMS Cafeteria & Gym. The Theme is LUAU! Students can join in this FREE event provided by the HSA. 

Please complete the MANDATORY PERMISSION SLIP HERE

Want to VOLUNTEER? View information and SIGN UP HERE

The November MMS HSA Board Meeting will Thursday, November 14 at 7:30pm. This will be a VIRTUAL Meeting via Google Meets. All are welcome to attend. Please send an email to info@maplewoodmiddleschool.org for login information. 

Social Media: Strengthening Caregiver Connectivity – Part One, presented in partnership with Effective School Solutions (ESS). The session provided valuable insights into students' everyday challenges in today's digital landscape, including the significant finding that teenagers spend an average of 7 hours daily on screens, with 81% actively engaging on social media platforms. If you missed the event or would like to review the first part of this webinar series again, you can watch the recording on the district's YouTube channel.

During the presentation, Effective School Solutions explored several insightful topics, including the correlation between social media usage and mental health outcomes, particularly focusing on anxiety and depression rates among young users. The discussion covered the neuroscience behind social media engagement, explaining how platform features trigger dopamine responses similar to addictive behaviors. We especially value the learning received around practical concerns about privacy, safety, and the impact of constant social comparison on our students' self-esteem.

We extend our gratitude to Dr. Aubree Guiffre and Elizabeth Kolodiy, LPC, from Effective School Solutions, for sharing their expertise with our community. The district is excited to partner with ESS again for Part Two of this informational series, which will be coming in the following weeks. Part Two of the series will discuss family online activities that provide a comprehensive approach to screen time, building on the understanding gained of social media's impact on youth wellbeing.

Reminder that Monday, November 11, 2024 we begin our Yondr pilot  and we begin our "one and done" at MMS.  We are thrilled to partner with SOMSD and with Team Unscreen in our effort to keep devices away for the day.  Join us!

Students have been reminded of the following for the past 2 weeks:

• Use this form to sign up your child for the Yondr pilot!   MMS Yondr Pilot form for phones and smart watches.  The form will remain open until we run out of pouches.  Find it on Canvas announcements and in Ms. Gronau's email signature!  You do not need to sign up your child by November 11 in order to participate!
• One and done at MMS:  Wearable tech (phones, watches with cellular capability, headphones/earbuds) will be confiscated and a caregiver must come to pick up the item if your child violates district policy by carrying these items on their person during the school day.  Only students with a Yondr pouch may have their wearable tech items with them.  All others are required to place these items in their lockers and this is district policy that MMS has always enforced.
• Frequently asked questions:  Take a look at our MMS Yondr pilot caregiver FAQs.pdf.  We encourage you to sign up your child so they remain distraction free during their school day.

Please reach out to Ms. Gronau if you have any questions.  Let's keep devices "Away for the Day" at MMS!  

Find our updated MMS student and caregiver handbook with our updated cell phone policy at MMS here: MMS Directory.Student and Caregiver Handbook.Restorative Practices Overview.2024-2025 (1).pdf