Now in its 27th year, the SOMSD Parenting Center and Rent Party's Annual Toy Drive provides gifts for children in our district. Last year our Toy Drive benefitted over 400 children in our two communities. This year, we are once again counting on you to help us bring the spirit of the holidays to those in need in our community. 

Contributions/Donations are being accepted via:

• Make an online Tax-Deductible contribution gofundme
• Donate an item from the Amazon Wishlist
• Drop off a new toy at one of the Drop-off bins (any district Elementary school) from 11/25 - 12/13
• Buy One, Donate One at Sparkhouse Toys (South Orange)

Are you passionate about education and financial transparency? Do you want to help the district allocate its resources to ensure the biggest benefit for students? The South Orange & Maplewood School District has formed a new Budget Advisory Committee, and we need YOU!

The Budget Advisory Committee (BAC) is an essential advisory group that collaborates with the District to review, analyze, and make recommendations about the budget to the Superintendent. The goal is to ensure that the district’s financial decisions align with the strategic plan and meet the needs of our diverse students, staff, and community.

Roles and responsibilities of committee members:

• Review and Analyze
  Examine the district’s budget, revenue sources, and expenditures to understand financial trends and projections.
   
• Provide Input
  Offer feedback and recommendations on budget priorities, cost-saving measures that minimize the impact on student learning and staff welfare, and revenue enhancement opportunities.
   
• Engage
  Serve as a liaison between the district and the broader community, sharing information and gathering input from stakeholders.
   
• Collaborate
  Work with other committee members to develop practices that support the district’s educational goals.

We are seeking a diverse group of members to ensure comprehensive representation across our district, including parents and community members. The BAC will meet four times, with additional meetings as needed and recommended by the Superintendent. We ask that members commit to attending at least 75% of meetings and actively participate in discussions and subcommittees. Members may be asked to review data and documents or participate in community engagement outside of regular BAC meetings. Apply today!

This committee's application window will close on December 20th, 2024. 

MMS Week of Inclusivity will be December 2nd - 6th.  Please see the flyer below for daily activities.

Monday, December 2nd: “Kick Off” the week by wearing your favorite sports team

Tuesday, December 3rd: We All Belong (We are all MMS) Students write unique characteristic on hand cut out

Wednesday, December 4th: Create your own flag during Peer Connection, which represents you

Thursday, December 5th: What makes you a good friend? 1st period teachers hand out labels for students to wear for the whole day

Friday, December 6th: Culture Day Spirit day- wear your country’s colors, something that represents your culture, or something that represents your identity

Save the Date! The Winter Choral Concert is Monday, December 16 at 7:00pm. 

The concert will feature:

6th Grade Chorus

7th and 8th Grade Full Chorus

7th and 8th Grade Select Chorus

*Uniform is SOLID BLACK BOTTOMS and SOLID WHITE TOP

**Chorus Members should report to MMS by 6:40pm

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