Community Conversation with Supt Bing 10/14
Join us for the first Community Conversation with Superintendent Jason Bing of the year on October 14, 2025, at 6:00 PM at Columbia High School. These informal yet meaningful gatherings offer families and community members a chance to engage directly with Mr. Bing, share ideas, and discuss the future of our schools.
Superintendent Bing will provide district updates, listen to community feedback, and open the floor for a dynamic Q&A. Whether you have a question, a concern, or a creative idea, your voice is essential in shaping the path forward for the South Orange & Maplewood School District.
Community members are invited to attend!
October Updates @ SEPAC SOMA
Wednesday 10/15 @ 7:00pm Community Meeting: Kathleen Gesumaria, SOMSD Assistant Superintendent for Special Services, will share an overview of the Special Education-related programs, classes, and services available in our district. Virtual via WebEx.
Sunday 10/19 @ 6:30pm Cup Chats: Informal, in-person gatherings that are a great way to connect with other parents and caregivers of kids with Special Education-related needs in our community. The six candidates running for the SOMSD BOE have been invited to hear your experiences with Special Education in our school district.
Community Center @ Founders Park, 317 Valley St, South Orange.
Wednesday 10/29 @ 7:00pm Workshop: Join Matt Endlich, CHS Transitions Coordinator, to learn about starting college with a 504 or IEP. This is a great meeting for juniors, seniors and their parents/guardians. Learn more here and register here by 10/28
Black Box Theater @ Columbia High School, 17 Parker Ave, Maplewood.
Learn more about the Special Education Parent Advisory Committee (SEPAC SOMA). Questions? Email info@sepacsoma.org.
Congratulations to 2025 Walkathon Winners
This year's Walkathon raised over $15,000! THANK YOU!
7th Graders were top earners and had the most participation and will win Battle of the Classes Points!
Cougar Cash Winners* (sent 5+ pledges)
6th - June Demaree, Owen Elwood, Annie Feder, Kyle Fluhr, Natalie Goldman, Michael Jacobs, Dorothy Kantor, Maxwell Kolodiy, Lucas Martinez, Dean Mason, Dean McCarthy, Norah Rodgers, Anna Schrader, Abijah Spielman, Shannon Stukes
7th - Amelia Blaine, Patrick Ceglio, Laramie Gordon, Leo Guerrero, Hackson Hastings, Harry Klein, Zelda McCarthy, Vita Papa, Vida Querioz Spick, Pazel Schneider, Henry Voss, Aiden Ward, Samuel Zia
8th - Fox Beasley, Mateo Cruzate, Luke MacWhannell, Lily Malgieri, Victoria Martinez, Joshua Ogele, Phoebe Quint, Mila Rodgers, Caden Schrader, Natalia Sneed, Serafina Visco
Gift Card Winners* (sent 10+ pledges)
6th -Michael Jacobs, Maxwell Kolodiy
7th - Patrick Ceglio, Laramie Gordon, Harry Klein, Pazel Schneider, Aiden Ward
8th - Lily Malgieri, Joshua Ogele
MMS Spiritwear Winners** (Top Fundraisers)
6th - Annie Feder, Kyle Fluhr, Dean Mason
7th - Oliver Choy, Harry Klein, Katie Reeder, Samuel Zia
8th - Fox Beasley
*Cougar Cash Winners and Gift Card Winners can report to the Main Office to pick up their prizes.
**MMS Spiritwear Winners will be contacted when merchandise is available.
Walkathon is THIS WEEK!
Please take a minute and REGISTER YOUR STUDENT It's easy and FREE!
Volunteers Needed - Sign up here!
SEND 5 PLEDGES, get Cougar Cash
SEND 10 PLEDGES, get a Starbucks or Greenway Gift Card
Top Earners in each grade will earn MMS Spiritwear!
REGISTER to win Battle of the Classes points for your grade!
ALL STUDENTS WILL WALK during PE!
If every student raises $20, we will reach over $15,000!
Questions? Email walkathon@maplewoodmiddleschool.org
YouthNet Fall Clubs Registration Open Now until 10/3
7th Grade Ice Cream Social is Friday, 9/26
Save the Date! The 7th Grade Ice Cream Social will be THIS FRIDAY, September 26 starting at 2:45pm in the Cafeteria Courtyard. Nut and dairy free options available.
We need a few volunteers to help pass out treats!
Have You Signed Up to Pick Up Your Chromebook?
You can sign up for an appointment for a Chromebook by clicking here.
The South Orange Maplewood School District provides every 3 - 12 student a district Chromebook. Appointments for Chromebook distribution are now available for the following grade levels:
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3rd Grade Students for the 2025 - 2026 school year.
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6th Grade Students for the 2025 - 2026 school year.
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7th Grade Students for the 2025 - 2026 school year.
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8th Grade Students for the 2025 - 2026 school year.
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9th Grade Students for the 2025 - 2026 school year.
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New students to the district (Grades 4,5,10,11, & 12)
All families must review all applicable policies outlined below. In addition, families must review the Student Chromebook Technology Handbook. Once these items have been reviewed, parents / guardians of students are required to log into PowerSchool Parent Portal and sign a form acknowledging they have reviewed the policies and handbook below.
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Policy 2361 - Acceptable Use of Computer Networks / Computers and Resources
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Policy 7523 - School District Provided Technology Devices To Students
Families are required to sign into the PowerSchool Parent Portal and acknowledge they have reviewed the policies and student handbook. Instructions on how to access the agreement form can be found here. Please have the agreement form completed by September 30, 2025.
More information regarding the district's Chromebook program can be found at www.somsdk12.org/district/technology.
THE SEED PROJECT
You're invited!
The SEED Project℠ brings parents and community members together for nine powerful seminars on identity, equity, and connection. Join us to reflect, share, and help shape a stronger, more inclusive South Orange & Maplewood.
Learn more and sign up (by Friday 9/26, please).
Important 2025-26 Standardized Assessments
Please see the attached letter from Ann Bodnar, Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum & Instruction. This letter contains important information about the standardized assessments that will be administered to students throughout the 2025-2026 school year.
In partnership,
Mrs. Ann Bodnar
Assistant Superintendent of C&I
Dr. Zolia Correa
Director of C&I
2025 - 2026 Parental Notification of Standardized Assessments.pdf
Yearbooks for Sale- Discounted Rate until 12/31/25
2025-26 MMS yearbooks are on sale now.
Visit www.yearbookordercenter.com (CODE 6667) to order a discounted copy before December 31, 2025 for $20.
Upcoming Dates to Know
