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Congratulations, Graduates!
In a ceremony full of humor, heart, and hard-earned wisdom, Columbia High School’s graduating class reflected on challenges, growth, and the unforgettable journey to their final tassel turn. Read more ⇢
Columbia Ultimate Frisbee Wins State Championship
Columbia High School’s varsity ultimate frisbee teams have each won their respective New Jersey State Championships. The Open team earned its 17th title, while Sparkle Motion secured its 7th, marking four consecutive wins since 2022. Read more ⇢
Columbia Ultimate Frisbee Wins State Championship
Sparkle Motion, Columbia High School’s girls and non-binary ultimate frisbee team, just clinched its 7th New Jersey State Championship—its fourth straight since 2022. Founded in 2005 and named after a cult-classic film, the team has built a legacy of excellence, with alumni earning national titles, Player of the Year honors, and spots on Team USA. Read more ⇢
Welcome
Thank you for visiting the South Orange & Maplewood School District's new website. The district is still actively upgrading its family engagement and messaging suite. As we migrate away from somsd.k12.nj.us, please continue to submit optimization suggestions to communications director Eshaya Draper at somsdk12.org/feedback ⇢
Headlines from South Orange & Maplewood
Featured Article
![Columbia High School Celebrates Graduates from the Class of 2025]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1750469091/somsdk12njus/zba5tfibh5ygtvuwwxcf/25-06-18somsd-newsgraduation-thumbnail.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1750469091/somsdk12njus/zba5tfibh5ygtvuwwxcf/25-06-18somsd-newsgraduation-thumbnail.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1750469091/somsdk12njus/zba5tfibh5ygtvuwwxcf/25-06-18somsd-newsgraduation-thumbnail.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1750469091/somsdk12njus/zba5tfibh5ygtvuwwxcf/25-06-18somsd-newsgraduation-thumbnail.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1750469091/somsdk12njus/zba5tfibh5ygtvuwwxcf/25-06-18somsd-newsgraduation-thumbnail.png","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1750469091/somsdk12njus/zba5tfibh5ygtvuwwxcf/25-06-18somsd-newsgraduation-thumbnail.png","width":2200}])
- 24-25
There was a strong feeling of excitement for new beginnings in the air as Columbia High School’s Class of 2025 celebrated the next chapter of life for over 500 graduates and their families on Wednesday, June 18, 2025.
Post List
![graduation program]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1750466181/somsdk12njus/rj1ta2unh8hhkw6i5hrp/25-06-18somsd-newswatchgraduationprogram.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1750466181/somsdk12njus/rj1ta2unh8hhkw6i5hrp/25-06-18somsd-newswatchgraduationprogram.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1750466181/somsdk12njus/rj1ta2unh8hhkw6i5hrp/25-06-18somsd-newswatchgraduationprogram.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1750466181/somsdk12njus/rj1ta2unh8hhkw6i5hrp/25-06-18somsd-newswatchgraduationprogram.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1750466181/somsdk12njus/rj1ta2unh8hhkw6i5hrp/25-06-18somsd-newswatchgraduationprogram.png","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1750466181/somsdk12njus/rj1ta2unh8hhkw6i5hrp/25-06-18somsd-newswatchgraduationprogram.png","width":2200}])
There was a strong feeling of change and excitement in the air as Columbia High School’s Class of 2025 celebrated their graduation at the Essex County Codey Arena on Wednesday, June 18.
![CHS Ultimate Frisbee Teams Sweep State Championships]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1749871218/somsdk12njus/wqcxz7r6ywrxud8xun2r/25-06-13columbia-njstatechampionships.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1749871218/somsdk12njus/wqcxz7r6ywrxud8xun2r/25-06-13columbia-njstatechampionships.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1749871218/somsdk12njus/wqcxz7r6ywrxud8xun2r/25-06-13columbia-njstatechampionships.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1749871218/somsdk12njus/wqcxz7r6ywrxud8xun2r/25-06-13columbia-njstatechampionships.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1749871218/somsdk12njus/wqcxz7r6ywrxud8xun2r/25-06-13columbia-njstatechampionships.png","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1749871218/somsdk12njus/wqcxz7r6ywrxud8xun2r/25-06-13columbia-njstatechampionships.png","width":2200}])
Columbia High School’s varsity ultimate frisbee teams, CHS Open and Sparkle Motion, have each won their respective New Jersey State Championships. The Open team earned its 17th title, while Sparkle Motion secured its 7th, marking four consecutive wins since 2022. These victories highlight the students’ athletic excellence, leadership, and commitment to the Spirit of the Game.
![Student Innovation in Action: Maplewood Middle Finalists in Statewide Safety Design Contest]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1750084251/somsdk12njus/eb5ogu9lemjg5c2ktqzl/mms-newsplaceholder.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1750084251/somsdk12njus/eb5ogu9lemjg5c2ktqzl/mms-newsplaceholder.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1750084251/somsdk12njus/eb5ogu9lemjg5c2ktqzl/mms-newsplaceholder.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1750084251/somsdk12njus/eb5ogu9lemjg5c2ktqzl/mms-newsplaceholder.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1750084251/somsdk12njus/eb5ogu9lemjg5c2ktqzl/mms-newsplaceholder.png","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1750084251/somsdk12njus/eb5ogu9lemjg5c2ktqzl/mms-newsplaceholder.png","width":2200}])
Maplewood Middle has a small parking lot for employees, so most members of the faculty and staff park on Salter Ave or Maple Ave along the side of the school. The on-street parking and the two-way traffic pattern were a problem, so the team focused on designing a plan to implement the new Crossguard barricade to replace the saw-horse barriers and a one-way loop in the morning.
![Congratulations to the CHS Girls Varsity Softball Team - Headed to the State Championship!]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1749170365/somsdk12njus/yraekdr4j8ghgjo3pxtm/25-06-05somsd-chssoftballchampionships.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1749170365/somsdk12njus/yraekdr4j8ghgjo3pxtm/25-06-05somsd-chssoftballchampionships.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1749170365/somsdk12njus/yraekdr4j8ghgjo3pxtm/25-06-05somsd-chssoftballchampionships.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1749170365/somsdk12njus/yraekdr4j8ghgjo3pxtm/25-06-05somsd-chssoftballchampionships.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1749170365/somsdk12njus/yraekdr4j8ghgjo3pxtm/25-06-05somsd-chssoftballchampionships.png","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1749170365/somsdk12njus/yraekdr4j8ghgjo3pxtm/25-06-05somsd-chssoftballchampionships.png","width":2200}])
This incredible achievement is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and teamwork shown by our student-athletes and coaching staff throughout the season. We are proud of their commitment and the positive example they set for our entire school community.
Improving Our District
The South Orange & Maplewood School District will prepare students for college, careers, and leadership by expanding equitable access to learning opportunities and fostering social-emotional growth and global citizenship under the leadership of Superintendent Jason Bing.
Intentional Integration Initiative (III) ⇢
Triple I in SOMSD focuses on equity and access, including developing an integration plan that ensures that our building enrollment reflects our district's cultural makeup.
Board of Education Goals ⇢
Through a collaborative partnership with district administration, the Board will work toward data-driven strategies, continuous professional development as a Board, and the promotion of practices that ensure all students receive the resources they need to thrive.
District Goals ⇢
Mr. Bing presented the district's goals for the 2024-2025 school year at the October 15, 2024, Board of Education meeting.
Goal 1: College and Career Readiness
We will prepare our students for college and career through the design of learning experiences that will prepare them to become the leaders, designers, problem solvers and innovators.
Goal 2: Global Citizenship
We will nurture responsible, fulfilled, and successful global citizens through developing an awareness of their interconnectedness with the world and learning skills that can help them contribute to change.
Goal 3: Climate/Culture
We will align all operations (strategic staffing, accountability, and data driven decision-making), resources (differentiated) and governance (policies & procedures) with a focus on climate/culture to effectively meet the needs of staff, schools, and community.
Goal 4: Family & Community Engagement
We will authentically engage families and community in supporting schools and students through community immersion (co-creation of solutions), recognition of different groups (community based and beyond), appreciation of historical knowledge, and recognition of community efforts.
Featured in the News
![Columbia High School Class of 2025 Celebrates Graduation at Codey Arena]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1750444573/somsdk12njus/zzdk5z0kgiwx6ok8gzkg/6-19-25-Columbia-HS-Graduation-Ceremony-PailasMediaPhotography-420-Enhanced-NR.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1750444573/somsdk12njus/zzdk5z0kgiwx6ok8gzkg/6-19-25-Columbia-HS-Graduation-Ceremony-PailasMediaPhotography-420-Enhanced-NR.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1750444573/somsdk12njus/zzdk5z0kgiwx6ok8gzkg/6-19-25-Columbia-HS-Graduation-Ceremony-PailasMediaPhotography-420-Enhanced-NR.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1750444573/somsdk12njus/zzdk5z0kgiwx6ok8gzkg/6-19-25-Columbia-HS-Graduation-Ceremony-PailasMediaPhotography-420-Enhanced-NR.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1750444573/somsdk12njus/zzdk5z0kgiwx6ok8gzkg/6-19-25-Columbia-HS-Graduation-Ceremony-PailasMediaPhotography-420-Enhanced-NR.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1750444573/somsdk12njus/zzdk5z0kgiwx6ok8gzkg/6-19-25-Columbia-HS-Graduation-Ceremony-PailasMediaPhotography-420-Enhanced-NR.jpg","width":2200}])
TAPinto SOMA
Despite a particularly rainy spring, the skies were clear on June 18 as over 500 Columbia High School seniors celebrated their graduation at the Essex County Codey Arena.
![Young Audiences Arts for Learning Honors Seth Boyden Elementary with 2025 AIE Arts Champion Governor’s Award]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1748626857/somsdk12njus/py4h6eah1qdtjevhkvzo/Full-group-on-stage-1-scaled.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1748626857/somsdk12njus/py4h6eah1qdtjevhkvzo/Full-group-on-stage-1-scaled.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1748626857/somsdk12njus/py4h6eah1qdtjevhkvzo/Full-group-on-stage-1-scaled.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1748626857/somsdk12njus/py4h6eah1qdtjevhkvzo/Full-group-on-stage-1-scaled.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1748626857/somsdk12njus/py4h6eah1qdtjevhkvzo/Full-group-on-stage-1-scaled.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1748626857/somsdk12njus/py4h6eah1qdtjevhkvzo/Full-group-on-stage-1-scaled.jpg","width":2200}])
Young Audiences Arts for Learning
On Friday, May 2, Young Audiences Arts for Learning (YA) proudly recognized outstanding arts supporters with the AIE Arts Champion Governor’s Award as part of the statewide Governor’s Awards in Arts Education. This prestigious accolade was presented to Seth Boyden Elementary School in Maplewood, NJ, in recognition of their exceptional dedication to arts education through the AIE Program.
![CHS Film Students Connect With Industry Leaders at First NJ Film Expo]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1746535962/somsdk12njus/fg5pyw4l4zromcse1buo/IMG_6193-scaled.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1746535962/somsdk12njus/fg5pyw4l4zromcse1buo/IMG_6193-scaled.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1746535962/somsdk12njus/fg5pyw4l4zromcse1buo/IMG_6193-scaled.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1746535962/somsdk12njus/fg5pyw4l4zromcse1buo/IMG_6193-scaled.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1746535962/somsdk12njus/fg5pyw4l4zromcse1buo/IMG_6193-scaled.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1746535962/somsdk12njus/fg5pyw4l4zromcse1buo/IMG_6193-scaled.jpg","width":2200}])
The Village Green
Columbia High School film and TV students attended the first NJ Film Expo at the Meadowlands in Rutherford New Jersey on May 1, 2025.
![CHS 2020 Grad Nathaniel Jolimere, 23, Generous, Kind and Joyful Despite His Pain]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1745116650/somsdk12njus/iqic6eaiuz12nr8hgruj/Nathaniel-1.webp","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1745116650/somsdk12njus/iqic6eaiuz12nr8hgruj/Nathaniel-1.webp","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1745116650/somsdk12njus/iqic6eaiuz12nr8hgruj/Nathaniel-1.webp","width":747}])
The Village Green
CHS grad Nathaniel Jolimere majored in Finance at William Paterson University and had started his career at JP Morgan Chase before complications from sickle cell disease took his earthly life.
![Achieve Foundation Brings 10th Annual Maker Madness to CHS on April 26]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1740679450/somsdk12njus/wxejy44mklzcn0fywq2z/newsmention-villagegreen.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1740679450/somsdk12njus/wxejy44mklzcn0fywq2z/newsmention-villagegreen.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1740679450/somsdk12njus/wxejy44mklzcn0fywq2z/newsmention-villagegreen.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1740679450/somsdk12njus/wxejy44mklzcn0fywq2z/newsmention-villagegreen.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1740679450/somsdk12njus/wxejy44mklzcn0fywq2z/newsmention-villagegreen.png","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1740679450/somsdk12njus/wxejy44mklzcn0fywq2z/newsmention-villagegreen.png","width":1620}])
The Village Green
Families will have the opportunity to enjoy more than 25 maker stations at this FREE community STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math) event at Columbia High School.