Achieve Awarded Nearly $62,000 for 41 Grants

Achieve was proud to award nearly $62,000 this fall to dozens of teacher-generated projects across the district, including 17(!) that directly impact Maplewood Middle School students. 

Find a full list of fall 2025 grants on Achieve's website. A direct funding campaign is open to add another $8,969 to that funding for 4 open grant requests through direct support from donors.

Thanksgiving Recess

Thanksgiving Recess - Early Dismissal at 12:30 on Weds, 11/26

No School on Thurs, 11/27 and Fri, 11/28 

Happy Thanksgiving to all who celebrate!

Volunteers Needed for Wednesday, 11/26

Fall Spiritwear is In!

Food Support and SNAP Resources

With interruptions to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, we wanted to provide several community resources available to support you during this time.  

• Cougar Cares and Columbia High School Food Pantry – Our high school pantry is available to all families in the district. If you would like us to prepare a bag of groceries for your household, please contact your child’s social worker.  
• The Food & Health Equity Coalition of Essex County, NJ – This organization has a network of partners that offers food assistance and support to those experiencing food insecurity. You can find more information and local resources through their website or community partners. 
• Local Food Pantries in South Orange and Maplewood (SOMA) – Several food pantries in our community provide groceries and household essentials to residents in need. Please CLICK HERE to find our local food pantries. Here is an additional directory of food pantries in Essex County. MEND Hunger Relief Network of Essex County, NJ
• If you receive SNAP benefits, your child is eligible for free lunch. 
• If you need any additional support at this time, please do not hesitate to contact your child’s school principal or your school’s social worker  - Jesse Pierre, Dana Robinson, Gloria Diaz 

MMS Penny Wars Battle of the Classes! Through Nov 21!

MMS Battle of the Classes Penny Wars - November 10-21!

Now, through November 21, all MMS grade levels will compete to earn the most money for their grade for winter Battle of the Classes!  All money will be given to local food pantries and community organizations that help local families affected by SNAP benefit delays/cancellations and the government shutdown.

There will be a container for each grade level in front of the auditorium. Put dollars and silver coins in YOUR grade's jugs to add to your points. Put pennies in OTHER grades' jugs to subtract from their points. The grade with the most points at the end of the event wins battle of the classes points! 

Every donation counts!

The Two Towns Turkey Trot is Back!

Our Towns Read "Our Town" Community Benefit - November 16th

The Achieve Foundation of South Orange & Maplewood is proud to present Our Towns Read Our Town, a unique community celebration and benefit for our local public schools.

This one-time-only dramatic reading of Thornton Wilder’s beloved classic Our Town, will take place on Sunday, November 16, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. at Columbia High School. Tickets on sale November 1! 

The event features two-time Tony Award-winning actor Norbert Leo Butz in the role of the Stage Manager, alongside rising local stars Marygrace Rumley and Quincy Hampton (both recent Columbia High School alumni now pursuing drama in college) as Emily Webb and George Gibbs. They will be joined by a cast of local leaders, artists, and neighbors, uniting professional artistry with homegrown talent to support educational equity and opportunity for every student in our towns.

HSA Board Meeting - Thursday, November 13, 7:30pm

The November MMS HSA Board meeting is this Thursday, November 13 at 7:30pm. This meeting is virtual and all are invited to attend. For Google Meets login information, please email president@maplewoodmidleschool.org

2025 Thanksgiving Drive Hits Goal of $24,000!

The Presidents Council / Parenting Center / Cougar Cares / Achieve Thanksgiving gift card drive hit its goal of $24,000, thanks to the incredible generosity of this community! This means that 240 SOMSD families will be receiving $100 ShopRite gift cards to help with holiday food purchases.