Save the Date for Social Media: Strengthening Caregiver Connectivity on Nov. 4
Join us for Social Media: Strengthening Caregiver Connectivity, an insightful workshop designed for parents navigating the challenges of raising children in the digital age, on November 4, 2024, at 6:00 pm. This virtual workshop via WebEx is being conducted with Effective School Solutions, a district partner that helps school districts implement culturally inclusive mental health and behavioral support programs that improve care, strengthen outcomes, address trauma, and maintain students in their home district.
We'll explore the growing role social media plays in students' lives, how it meets their needs, and, more importantly, how you can help them find fulfillment in the real world. You'll learn practical strategies to strengthen your connection with your child and encourage more offline activities while fostering a healthier balance between their online and offline worlds.
WebEx virtual meeting information will be sent in the coming weeks.
Survey for Special Education Audit
Thank you for your engagement in the important conversation surrounding the special education audit recently completed for SOMSD. We value your input and would like to hear your questions, concerns, and feedback regarding the audit findings. Please take a few minutes to complete this survey so we can address your needs effectively.
Your responses will remain confidential, and the feedback will be used to guide our future planning and communication.
Have You Registered for the Walkathon? It's FREE
Register Your Student...it's FREE (Battle of the Classes points for participation) https://pledgestar.com/maplewoodmiddle/
Send Pledges...it's FREE (5 pledges gets you Cougar Cash, 10 pledges gets you a chance for a Greenway or Starbucks Gift Card)
Donate $25 ($25 a student gets us to our goal!)
Interested in being a Co-Chair or Volunteer? Email walkathon@maplewoodmiddleschool.org
SEED Project
The SEED Project is a peer-led professional development program that creates conversational communities to drive personal, organizational, and societal change toward greater equity and diversity. We do this by training individuals to facilitate ongoing seminars within their own institutions and communities, where they are employees or members. SEED leaders design their seminars to include personal reflection and testimony, listening to others' voices, and learning experientially and collectively. Through this methodology, SEED equips us to connect our lives to one another and to society at large by acknowledging systems of oppression, power, and privilege.
Monthly in-person sessions for SOMSD Parents will be led by district educator-parents: Kate Facto, Yves Hart, Amanda Mazzarella on Wednesdays, 5:30-8:30pm.
Complete the Interest Survey here.
Presidents Council & League of Women Voter BOE Candidate Forum
In case you missed it! The SOMSD Presidents Council and The League of Women Voters of Maplewood-South Orange presented a SOMSD Board of Education Candidate Forum on Wednesday, October 9.
To view a recording of the forum click here.
SEPAC SOMA: October Cup Chat
Our informal, in-person gatherings are a great way to connect with other parents and caregivers of kids with Special Education-related needs in our district. The seven candidates running for the SOMSD Board of Education have been invited to join us to hear your experiences with Special Education in this district and introduce themselves. Learn more about the Special Education Parent Advisory Committee (SEPAC). Questions? Email info@sepacsoma.org.
Sunday, October 13 @ 3:00-4:30pm
The Baird, 5 Mead St, South Orange
SEPAC SOMA: Mental Health & Special Education
SEPAC SOMA: Mental Health & Special Education
A parent-only virtual gathering to talk about mental health and its impact on school success for students with disabilities. Discussion led by SEPAC SOMA Mental Health Liaison (and fellow parent) Dina Roskin, MA, EdS, LAC. Learn more about the Special Education Parent Advisory Committee (SEPAC SOMA). Questions? Email info@sepacsoma.org.
Monday, October 14 @ 7:30pm
Week of Respect 10/7 - 10/11
The Week of Respect is happening THIS MONDAY, October 7th - FRIDAY, October 11th. This year's theme is "Spread Kindness Like Confetti".
Monday KICKoff with Kindness- Wear a jersey with any sport that kicks (soccer, karate, football)
Tuesday Walk a Mile in my Shoes- Dress as a teacher, administrator or fellow student!
Wednesday We Are Stronger Together- Chalk the Walk
Thursday Control-Alt-Delete Cyberbullying- Wear White to "White Out" Bullying!
Friday Put Bullying to Bed- Wear your most comfy pajamas!
Save the Date! Walkathon is 10/24 & 10/25
It's that time of year...Walkathon is coming 10/24 and 10/25!
Check out https://pledgestar.com/maplewoodmiddle/ for more information and to register.
Interested in being a Co-Chair or Volunteer? Email walkathon@maplewoodmiddleschool.org
Get Involved with the MMS HSA!
One of the best ways to stay connected is to VOLUNTEER! Meet new people and get to know more about middle school.
The HSA is seeking volunteers for the following positions/events:
Co-Fundraising Chair (1)
7th Grade Representative (1)
Walkathon Lead
Sunshine Committee Co-Chair (2)
Teacher Appreciation Lead
Staff Holiday Luncheon Co-Lead
Post School In Action Coffee Lead
DEI Committee
Trivia Night Co-Chair
View the Volunteer Interest Form to see available opportunities and sign up to volunteer. Spend as little or as much time as you like!
Upcoming Dates to Know
