Let’s Talk Meds — A parent- and caregiver-only virtual gathering to talk about medications for mental health and other learning and thinking differences, with a discussion about safety, efficacy, and use for managing and preventing symptoms.

Moderated by fellow SOMSD parents Dina Roskin, MA, EdS, LAC, and Dr. Rebecca Farnham, Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrician. 

More about the Special Education Parent Advisory Committee (SEPAC SOMA). 

Monday, May 19 @ 7:00-8:00pm

Click to join this Zoom meeting!

The NJSLA English/Language Art, Mathematics, and Science tests, formerly known as the PARCC, will take place for all middle school students. At the end of this letter you will find the MMS testing dates. 

Here are important things to know about the NJSLA: 

1. Testing begins promptly at 8:20 AM; therefore, please ensure that your children arrive at school by 8:00 so that they can locate their testing rooms promptly. 

2. Test locations will be prominently displayed in the building so that students know where to report. They will also be posted on Canvas daily.

3. Students should bring their own wired earbuds or headphones to assist with the listening portion. We have loaners, but students are more comfortable when using their own wired earbuds. Bluetooth earbuds, like the Apple AirPods, cannot be used. 

4. Personal electronic devices are not permitted in test sites, but students are allowed a book or magazine for reading purposes should they finish a testing session early. If your student is participating in the Yondr pilot program, they must leave their Yondr pouch and device in their locker during NJSLA testing.

5. We highly recommend you have your child bring a water bottle during their assigned testing days.

6. While there may be adjustments to start and end times for class periods, all students in grades 6-8 will report to school for a full school day  (8:20am-3:15pm) during all 3 weeks of testing.  Please look for a separate email and post on Canvas for our modified bell schedule during test dates.  

7. Regular testing concludes each day by about 12:30 PM. Non tested students will report to their regular classes for the assigned day.

8. Please do not report to MMS early to pick up your child during testing.  Testing cannot be disrupted for early dismissal of students.  This would negate results of all other students in the test site.  

9. For additional testing information and parent resources click on the following link: Parent Resources | NJ Portal  

Finally, please know that because of state changes to the NJSLA and to graduation requirements, “opting out” of the test is not permitted.

Your child is well prepared for the NJSLA test. The skill sets measured on the NJSLA assessment are embedded into our daily instruction at MMS. Additionally, your child's teachers will review the types of questions asked on the test.

If you have any questions about the NJSLA administration, contact your child’s counselor. I am also happy to answer NJSLA related questions (pkassalo@somsd.k12.nj.us).

Regards,

Peter Kassalow, MMS Assistant Principal                                         Dara Gronau

MMS NJSLA Test Coordinator                                                      MMS Principal

MMS NJSLA Administration Dates-Spring 2025

6th Grade

May 19, 2025 - Math Units 1 & 2

May 20, 2025 - Math Unit 3 & ELA Unit 1

May 21, 2025 - ELA Units 1 & 2

7th Grade 

May 12, 2025 - Math Units 1 & 2

May 13, 2025 - Math Unit 3 & ELA Unit 1

May 14, 2025 - ELA Unit 2

8th Grade 

May 5, 2025 - Math Units 1 & 2

May 6, 2025 - Math Unit 3 & ELA Unit 1

May 7, 2025 - ELA Unit 2

May 8, 2025 - Science Units 1 & 2

May 9, 2025 - Science Units 3 & 4

*Test Units will vary based on your child’s Math course in which they are currently enrolled.

Dear MMS  8th Grade Students and Caregivers,

Please see the attached 8th Grade Conduct Permission Form Letter .

          Welcome to the last months of middle school!  We are so very proud of your achievements at MMS.  This is a special time of year, and we want everyone to enjoy their last months as a middle school class before their high school journey begins.   We look forward to closing out middle school with the special 8th grade social events listed below.  Parents/Caregivers:  Please note the remaining 8th grade events and information.

There is a charge for the events below.  No family will be turned away for their inability to pay.  Please contact Mr. Brown at lbrown@somsd.k12.nj.us if there is a financial hardship.

Save the date!  MMS 8th Grade Moving Up Ceremony is at 9:00am on *Thursday June, 19, 2025  in the MMS Gymnasium.  

See you there!  Each student receives 3 tickets.  Students receive their tickets on the last day of their Moving Up Ceremony rehearsal (Wednesday, June 18, 2025).

*Should SOMSD change the last day of school for any reason, the ceremony date will also change accordingly.  

Conduct Expectations

At all events, we expect you to represent MMS and our district well.  While off site, the SOMSD Code of Conduct  remains in effect.  Consistently appropriate behavior while in school is your ticket to end of year events.  Students earn the right to attend the above activities by adhering to school and district expectations.

Students with unserved conferences or who the school administration determines to have been in violation of the code of conduct (including but not limited to unsafe or disruptive behavior) will not be allowed to attend one or more of the above 8th grade activities.  We must ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all who attend.      

Let’s plan on having a fun-filled and memorable end of the school year together!

Sincerely,

Louis Brown, 8th Grade Administrator, Maplewood Middle School Assistant Principal 

Dara Crocker Gronau, Maplewood Middle School Principal  

C: 8th Grade Team Leaders-Ms. Graham, Mr. Currais and Ms. Giusti;  8th Grade Counselor Mr. White

Please return this signed form by May 9, 2025 to your PERIOD 1 teacher

 By signing this letter I confirm that my student and I understand the rules and expectations that must be followed in order to be permitted to participate in remaining MMS 8th grade Spring 2025 activities.  

Student Name (print)  _________________________________

Student Signature____________________________________

Parent/Caregiver Name (print)  _____________________________________  

Parent/Caregiver Signature   _____________________________________

Emergency Phone Numbers (list all)  ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

For additional questions, please contact HSA 8th grade coordinators at 8thgrade@maplewoodmiddleschool.org

We’re thrilled to announce that SOMSD’s 2025 Summer Programs are right around the corner — and we can’t wait for your child to join us!

From creative arts and STEM explorations to academic enrichment and recreation, we’ve got something for every student to enjoy, learn, and grow this summer. These programs are a fantastic way for students to stay engaged, build new skills, and have fun with friends.

Registration opens on April 22, 2025, and once again, we’ll be using Community Pass for all summer program sign-ups.

Spots may fill quickly, so don’t wait! We’re looking forward to a summer full of discovery, creativity, and connection — and we hope to see your child there!

Parent Letter SOMSD 2025 Summer Program Offerings.pdf 

Save the Date! School In Action is THIS Thursday, May 15. Walk around the school. See what students have projects and performances students have been working on. Open to all current and incoming MMS students and families.

Reminder that this is a 4hour day for students (MMS ONLY) with 12:30pm dismissal and lunch will NOT be served. 

*POSTPONED* This Event has been postponed due to impending weather and field conditions.

6th Graders will take part in Field Day and Ice Cream Social on Friday, May 16 (rain date 5/21). 

Wanna be in the "room" where it happens? Interested in brainstorming and planning events? Do you have ideas? JOIN the MMS HSA! 

There are many positions available for the 2025-26 school year with varying time commitments! Training and support provided! Grab a friend and join us! Complete the Interest Form. 

Currently seeking:

Co-President

Events Chair/co-chair (Parent Night Out, Springfest)

Fundraising Co-chair (Walkathon, Trivia Night)

Sunshine Co-chairs (Welcome Back Lunch, Appreciation days, Staff Appreciation Week)

6th Grade Committee Members

8th Grade Committee Member

Questions? Email president@maplewoodmiddleschool.org

If you bid and won items from our MMS HSA Silent Auction, please make sure to check your "junk/spam" email for email information regarding pickup/deliver from our Auction Coordinator, Elyse Ryan (elyse.ryan@maplewoodmiddleschool.org).