Home
Almost there!
May is a bridge between winter and summer. Keep track of all important dates in May at somsdk12.org/calendar
Now accepting interns
An internship with SOMSD will grant real-world experience in copywriting, photography, social media, video editing, and journalism. Open to college students passionate about education, journalism, or communications. Apply now to tell powerful stories about the academic excellence in SOMSD schools ⇢
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
![Applications Open for Communications Interns in SOMSD]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/v1747290758/somsdk12njus/towuu6y39fl0zarbxuxc/25-05-15-summer-internship-header.svg","width":2000}])
South Orange & Maplewood is empowering upcoming communications professionals by offering college students a rare opportunity to learn how the school district uplifts and chronicles the academic excellence occurring in our schools.
Post List
![Community Book Study Launched to Tackle Youth Mental Health Challenges]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1745787840/somsdk12njus/h2emas94mpf6podrqtjk/25-04-27somsd-bookstudy.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1745787840/somsdk12njus/h2emas94mpf6podrqtjk/25-04-27somsd-bookstudy.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1745787840/somsdk12njus/h2emas94mpf6podrqtjk/25-04-27somsd-bookstudy.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1745787840/somsdk12njus/h2emas94mpf6podrqtjk/25-04-27somsd-bookstudy.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1745787840/somsdk12njus/h2emas94mpf6podrqtjk/25-04-27somsd-bookstudy.png","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1745787840/somsdk12njus/h2emas94mpf6podrqtjk/25-04-27somsd-bookstudy.png","width":2200}])
SOMSD hosted its first book study session of The Anxious Generation, sparking vital conversations about the impact of technology on student well-being. Educators and caretakers reviewed the first five chapters to explore practical ways to strengthen resilience, build meaningful connections, and support healthier childhoods in today’s digital world.
![Treasure Island at SOPAC This Weekend]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1745084903/somsdk12njus/j04m82hadj4ueeeici6a/partnership-sopac.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1745084903/somsdk12njus/j04m82hadj4ueeeici6a/partnership-sopac.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1745084903/somsdk12njus/j04m82hadj4ueeeici6a/partnership-sopac.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1745084903/somsdk12njus/j04m82hadj4ueeeici6a/partnership-sopac.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1745084903/somsdk12njus/j04m82hadj4ueeeici6a/partnership-sopac.png","width":1350}])
Looking for family activities this weekend before Spring Break? Treasure Island is one of the most popular adventure tales of all time—and now it's at SOPAC! Set sail with Jim Hawkins for a thrilling journey—featuring pirates, a mysterious treasure map, mutiny, and a scramble for buried gold. From The Panto Company, told as only they can.
![A Champion for Students: Karissa Handler of Columbia High School Named Essex County’s Counselor of the Year]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1742600154/somsdk12njus/meob4hvwdb87krtlxppu/karissa-handler-2025-chs.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1742600154/somsdk12njus/meob4hvwdb87krtlxppu/karissa-handler-2025-chs.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1742600154/somsdk12njus/meob4hvwdb87krtlxppu/karissa-handler-2025-chs.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1742600154/somsdk12njus/meob4hvwdb87krtlxppu/karissa-handler-2025-chs.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1742600154/somsdk12njus/meob4hvwdb87krtlxppu/karissa-handler-2025-chs.png","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1742600154/somsdk12njus/meob4hvwdb87krtlxppu/karissa-handler-2025-chs.png","width":2200}])
School counselors don’t just guide students—they transform lives. Columbia High School’s Karissa Handler has done just that, and now, the New Jersey School Counselor Association is recognizing her impact.
![Maplewood Middle Schoolers Collaborate with Township Officials to Implement New One-Way Traffic Calming Pattern]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1742492669/somsdk12njus/cwye8elqhellktpys5wf/25-03-20somsd-photoMMS-STEAMTank-CreativeCrew-01.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1742492669/somsdk12njus/cwye8elqhellktpys5wf/25-03-20somsd-photoMMS-STEAMTank-CreativeCrew-01.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1742492669/somsdk12njus/cwye8elqhellktpys5wf/25-03-20somsd-photoMMS-STEAMTank-CreativeCrew-01.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1742492669/somsdk12njus/cwye8elqhellktpys5wf/25-03-20somsd-photoMMS-STEAMTank-CreativeCrew-01.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1742492669/somsdk12njus/cwye8elqhellktpys5wf/25-03-20somsd-photoMMS-STEAMTank-CreativeCrew-01.png","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1742492669/somsdk12njus/cwye8elqhellktpys5wf/25-03-20somsd-photoMMS-STEAMTank-CreativeCrew-01.png","width":2200}])
What happens when middle school students take traffic safety into their own hands? In Maplewood, it leads to real change. Thanks to a team of innovative young minds from Maplewood Middle School’s STEAM Tank Team, a new one-way traffic plan designed to improve student safety is set to take effect on Monday, March 24th.
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
![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.
Columbia High School Scholarship Fund
Since 1923, CHSSF has been providing need-based scholarships to CHS graduates.
![Durand-Hedden House remembers ‘irreplaceable’ Trustee Marilyn Schnaars]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1745120039/somsdk12njus/hvjwtht4fthnkh6c1ida/MAP-Schnaars1-C.webp","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1745120039/somsdk12njus/hvjwtht4fthnkh6c1ida/MAP-Schnaars1-C.webp","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1745120039/somsdk12njus/hvjwtht4fthnkh6c1ida/MAP-Schnaars1-C.webp","width":570}])
Essex News Daily
Marilyn S. Schnaars, a long-time volunteer who greeted people entering the house while sitting in the chair, has died.