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Tonight Belongs to CHS!
Support our Columbia High School students performing in the All-School Musical, "The Prom" all March! Get tickets at columbia.somsdk12.org/musicals/tickets for the auditorium at Maplewood Middle School. Learn more ⇢
Access to the online application will be available beginning Friday, January 24, 2025 and will remain open until Friday, March 14, 2025, for 2025-26 school year's early enrollment period. somsdk12.org/registration ⇢
Caregiver Experience Survey
We are partnering with Seton Hall University on an opinion research project to understand perceptions of our district better—what’s working, what needs improvement, and how we can better serve our students and community. Sign up for an interview at somsdk12.org/research ⇢
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 ⇢
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![CHS Students Preview 2025 All-School Musical at Achieve Foundation's "A Night to Achieve" Fundraiser]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1741471066/somsdk12njus/y6kcu6kyuoi2yx5siprp/25-03-07somsd-photoCHS-AchieveNight01.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1741471066/somsdk12njus/y6kcu6kyuoi2yx5siprp/25-03-07somsd-photoCHS-AchieveNight01.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1741471066/somsdk12njus/y6kcu6kyuoi2yx5siprp/25-03-07somsd-photoCHS-AchieveNight01.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1741471066/somsdk12njus/y6kcu6kyuoi2yx5siprp/25-03-07somsd-photoCHS-AchieveNight01.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1741471066/somsdk12njus/y6kcu6kyuoi2yx5siprp/25-03-07somsd-photoCHS-AchieveNight01.png","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1741471066/somsdk12njus/y6kcu6kyuoi2yx5siprp/25-03-07somsd-photoCHS-AchieveNight01.png","width":2000}])
CHS Students Preview 2025 All-School Musical at Achieve Foundation's "A Night to Achieve" Fundraiser
With special thanks to the Achieve Foundation, Columbia High School performers took the spotlight and offered a captivating preview of their upcoming production of "The Prom." The talented students performed two numbers from the show, building anticipation for opening night on Thursday, March 13th, at 7:30 pm. With seven performances scheduled, community members are encouraged to secure tickets quickly at columbia.somsdk12.org/musicals/tickets
![CHS Art Teacher's Cuban Journey Brings Culture Exchange Back Home]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1740855719/somsdk12njus/laspyrqtmwjj8m6gaf2m/GroupShot1.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1740855719/somsdk12njus/laspyrqtmwjj8m6gaf2m/GroupShot1.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1740855719/somsdk12njus/laspyrqtmwjj8m6gaf2m/GroupShot1.jpg","width":640}])
Columbia High School hosted an impactful assembly during Black History Month that showcased unique experiences that reflected the African Cuban heritage, encompassing art, architecture, music, people, and culture, allowing students to explore these experiences and gain a deeper understanding of the Cuban roots from art teacher Curtis Grayson's trip to Havana, Cuba.
![My Black is Beautiful! A Celebration of Black History through the Arts on Saturday 3/1 ⇢]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1740516431/somsdk12njus/itlsyyre6dgv5dgaccyy/BlackisBeautifulSquare.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1740516431/somsdk12njus/itlsyyre6dgv5dgaccyy/BlackisBeautifulSquare.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1740516431/somsdk12njus/itlsyyre6dgv5dgaccyy/BlackisBeautifulSquare.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1740516431/somsdk12njus/itlsyyre6dgv5dgaccyy/BlackisBeautifulSquare.png","width":1080}])
This celebration of Black History through the Arts is a vibrant and multifaceted event that pays homage to the rich and diverse heritage of Black culture, achievements, and contributions. This celebration will serve as a powerful platform to showcase our students’ various artistic expressions, including music, dance, visual arts, literature, and more. Obtain tickets at https://soms.somsdk12.org/bhm
![Congratulations to Eric Hudson and SZA on their GRAMMY award wins!]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1739152407/somsdk12njus/hnrs7bypye6cgbsnik23/25-02-08somsd-thumbnailColumbia-SZAandEricHudson-GRAMMYs-EshayaDraper.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1739152407/somsdk12njus/hnrs7bypye6cgbsnik23/25-02-08somsd-thumbnailColumbia-SZAandEricHudson-GRAMMYs-EshayaDraper.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1739152407/somsdk12njus/hnrs7bypye6cgbsnik23/25-02-08somsd-thumbnailColumbia-SZAandEricHudson-GRAMMYs-EshayaDraper.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1739152407/somsdk12njus/hnrs7bypye6cgbsnik23/25-02-08somsd-thumbnailColumbia-SZAandEricHudson-GRAMMYs-EshayaDraper.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1739152407/somsdk12njus/hnrs7bypye6cgbsnik23/25-02-08somsd-thumbnailColumbia-SZAandEricHudson-GRAMMYs-EshayaDraper.png","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1739152407/somsdk12njus/hnrs7bypye6cgbsnik23/25-02-08somsd-thumbnailColumbia-SZAandEricHudson-GRAMMYs-EshayaDraper.png","width":2160}])
At the 67th Annual GRAMMY Awards, two Columbia High School alumni from New Jersey stood at the pinnacle of the music industry, adding to their growing collection of GRAMMY awards.
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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
![Heart of a Champion — CHS Swim Coach Maggie Singler Keenan]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1741879685/somsdk12njus/yuozx6gm2hrfpuul1qlr/IMG_4117-1.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1741879685/somsdk12njus/yuozx6gm2hrfpuul1qlr/IMG_4117-1.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1741879685/somsdk12njus/yuozx6gm2hrfpuul1qlr/IMG_4117-1.jpg","width":585}])
The Village Green
Keenan, CHS Class of 1997, scored her 100th win with the CHS Girls Swim Team this season. Meanwhile, the girls made it to the state sectional semi-finals and the boys reached the finals.
![Maplewood Middle School STEM Tank Proposes Solution for Traffic Safety During SOMA BOE Meeting]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1741494806/somsdk12njus/wekjb5qlg28uzb1yfe8g/steamtank.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1741494806/somsdk12njus/wekjb5qlg28uzb1yfe8g/steamtank.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1741494806/somsdk12njus/wekjb5qlg28uzb1yfe8g/steamtank.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1741494806/somsdk12njus/wekjb5qlg28uzb1yfe8g/steamtank.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1741494806/somsdk12njus/wekjb5qlg28uzb1yfe8g/steamtank.png","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1741494806/somsdk12njus/wekjb5qlg28uzb1yfe8g/steamtank.png","width":1838}])
TAPinto SOMA
Theodore Cummings, a student at Maplewood Middle School (MMS) and member of the STEAM Tank Team, shared a slide presentation of the MMS STEAM Tank Team project. The contest is a competition in which students identify a problem in their community and solve it by using elements of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Nic Mansfield and Leila Harrison also worked on the presentation. See photo above of all the STEAM Tank Team members.
![Advisor Suzanne Falk sits with student robotics team members]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1741231222/somsdk12njus/diit7pxlmbmrl7ipdgxd/IMG_1369-scaled.webp","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1741231222/somsdk12njus/diit7pxlmbmrl7ipdgxd/IMG_1369-scaled.webp","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1741231222/somsdk12njus/diit7pxlmbmrl7ipdgxd/IMG_1369-scaled.webp","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1741231222/somsdk12njus/diit7pxlmbmrl7ipdgxd/IMG_1369-scaled.webp","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1741231222/somsdk12njus/diit7pxlmbmrl7ipdgxd/IMG_1369-scaled.webp","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1741231222/somsdk12njus/diit7pxlmbmrl7ipdgxd/IMG_1369-scaled.webp","width":2200}])
The Village Green
The Columbia High School Robotics teams are headed to the state championships, after competing in the First Tech Challenge of New Jersey (FTCNJ) post-season competition on Saturday, March 1.
![Naomi Soleil Proves the Sky's the Limit with Her Cover of "Stars"]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1741110307/somsdk12njus/ahyqiaxrxrvathiyhclo/thevoice-naomisoleil.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1741110307/somsdk12njus/ahyqiaxrxrvathiyhclo/thevoice-naomisoleil.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1741110307/somsdk12njus/ahyqiaxrxrvathiyhclo/thevoice-naomisoleil.jpg","width":686}])
The Voice - NBCUniversal
Naomi Soleil (CHS '23) performs Grace Potter & The Nocturnals' "Stars" during The Voice Blind Auditions.
![PHOTOS: CHS Jazz Ensemble & Jazz Combo Wow the Crowd at SOPAC]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1741035682/somsdk12njus/nvabek78msgmkeqvhdni/JazzEnsembleJulia-Maloof-Verderosa-917-566-1521-27-1-771x572.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1741035682/somsdk12njus/nvabek78msgmkeqvhdni/JazzEnsembleJulia-Maloof-Verderosa-917-566-1521-27-1-771x572.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1741035682/somsdk12njus/nvabek78msgmkeqvhdni/JazzEnsembleJulia-Maloof-Verderosa-917-566-1521-27-1-771x572.jpg","width":771}])
The Village Green
The Columbia High School Jazz Ensemble under the direction of Peter F. Bauer performed its annual concert on Thursday, February 20, 2025, at the South Orange Performing Arts Center.