MMS Facilities Update

We are pleased to share with you that our auditorium is up and running for students this year after repair work over the summer. We have enjoyed meeting with students for grade level convocations in the auditorium this week.
Over the summer work also began on our gymnasium floor to fully sand, repaint and refinish the surface. We are very excited to have a new basketball court with our school logo as well as a safer refinished floor. The work is ongoing and the vendor has been in the building daily with an anticipated completion date of mid September.
While the gymnasium is unavailable Physical Education classes are being relocated to other areas of the building for beginning of the year community building and locker assignments. Weather permitting Phys. Ed. will begin using the fields and the lower gym to begin instruction next week.
If you have further questions, please connect with Mr. Kassalow, building-based contact person for Physical Education at pkassalo@somsd.k12.nj.us.
For curricular questions, please contact Ms. Monfasani, PE/Health Supervisor at nmonfasa@somsd.k12.nj.us.
Regards,
Ms. Gronau
Special Education in SOMSD

SEPAC is the Special Education Parent Advisory Committee for SOMSD. It is a state-mandated group that advises the district on issues we're hearing about from our school communities and collaborates with SOMSD on how to best support students with IEPs/504s and their families. SEPAC has topic-based meetings and informal gatherings (Cup Chats) each month so there are lots of opportunities to connect with other special education parents and caregivers.
This year's MMS SEPAC Liaisons are Amanda Harris and Stacey Schultz. They can be reached at sepac@maplewoodmiddleschool.org
Click here to learn more about the Special Education Parent Advisory Committee (SEPAC SOMA).
SEPAC SOMA CUP CHAT: Back to School, 9/26

September can mean an exciting fresh start and a welcome return to structure, but it can also be a stressful transition for students (and their families). SEPAC SOMA's informal, in-person gatherings are a great way to connect with other parents and caregivers of kids with IEPs, 504s, and Special Education-related needs in our district. To learn more about this meetup and the Special Education Parent Advisory Committee, visit sepacsoma.org.
Friday, September 26, 9:00am
Community Center @ Founders Park, 317 Valley St, South Orange
MMS Student IDs Starting 9/12

On September 12th students will receive an ID and a lanyard. Students are expected to wear their ID everyday including after school activities (Board Policy #7440).
FIRST DAY INFO

FIRST DAY INFO!
The first day of school is Tuesday, September 2.
Ms. Gronau, Mr. Brown and Mr. Kassalow will be outside waiting with students beginning at 8:00am ready to welcome you to a great school year!
Where to report:
Doors open at 8:12am.
6th graders report to the Baker Street side of the building across from the Maplewood Library. All 6th graders will be escorted to the auditorium upon their arrival.
7th graders report to the Maple Ave side in the courtyard area.
8th graders report to the front of the building on Burnet St.
If you don’t know your period 1 class, ask an adult. Adults in the building know where to send you to period 1 if you don’t! If you are brand new to MMS and don’t know where to go, report to the auditorium.
Schedules
All students will receive a printout of their schedule in their period 1 class.
Chromebooks
Middle school students will not begin their year with chromebooks. In the coming days, look for updates and information for our district Instructional Technology office about chromebooks distribution for middle school students which has not yet begun.
Food service
There is lunch and breakfast service beginning on the first day of school. The cafeteria opens for breakfast program at 7:30am. Report to the Maple Ave side of the building to enter the cafeteria.
Let’s get ready to live out our vision statement for the year–”Every Student. Every Voice. Every Day.”
–Ms. Gronau
dgronau@somsd.k12.nj.us
WANTED: First Day Cheerleaders!

ATTENTION PARENTS AND CAREGIVERS!
Join us on the FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL as we CHEER ON OUR MIDDLE SCHOOLERS!
The HSA will have a limited amount of swag (pom poms, signs, cowbells) but feel free to BYO! See below for entrances for 6th, 7th and 8th graders!
Doors open around 8:10am! Staff will meet students starting at 8:00am.
MMS Traffic Pattern


ATTENTION PARENTS AND CAREGIVERS!
Join us on the FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL as we CHEER ON OUR MIDDLE SCHOOLERS!
The HSA will have a limited amount of swag (pom poms, signs, cowbells) but feel free to BYO! See below for entrances for 6th, 7th and 8th graders!
Doors open around 8:10am! Staff will meet students starting at 8:00am.
Save the Date: MMS Back To School Night is 9/17

Read More
Food Services Information


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MMS HSA Tissue Drive

Help the MMS HSA give our MMS staff and students a healthy start to the school year!
Tissues are one of the MOST REQUESTED items by teachers! Donate a box by dropping off in the bins on the front lawn of MMS.
Don’t have time to shop? DONATE $5 and we’ll do the legwork!
https://mmshsa.membershiptoolkit.com/packet/1565



