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Summer Reading List Banner 2026
Summer Reading List Banner 2026

Reading is one of the most important lifelong skills that children can develop. These summer reading lists were compiled by librarians from the South Orange and Maplewood schools and the public libraries. Physical and digital copies of the books are available at South Orange Public Library and Maplewood Public Library as well your local bookstores. While these books are suggested titles and are not required reading, the titles included were collectively curated by librarians with the readers’ interests in mind.

SOMSD Celebrates Pride Month 2026

Pride Month is a time for the South Orange Maplewood School District to celebrate our LGBTIQA+ students, staff, and families.  Held each June, it honors the history and contributions of the LGBTIQA+ community while reinforcing our commitment to cultivating safe, inclusive, and equitable schools where every student can thrive as their authentic self.

Headlines from South Orange & Maplewood

Featured Article

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Tell us exciting news!

Have a great story or upcoming event to share? From student achievements and school celebrations to special programs and community events, this is where families can help us highlight the moments that make South Orange and Maplewood schools shine.

Post List

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South Orange & Maplewood Board Members Recognized at Countywide Celebration

At its Spring Celebration hosted at West Essex High School, the countywide school board collective recognized South Orange & Maplewood Board of Education President William Meyer and 1st Vice President Elizabeth Callahan for earning New Board Member Boardsmanship Certifications through the New Jersey School Boards Association.

Happy Teacher Appreciation Week
Happy Teacher Appreciation Week

This week is an opportunity to acknowledge the collective effort of all staff who make our schools strong. In classrooms, offices, hallways, and throughout our buildings, each of you plays an essential role in creating environments where students feel supported, challenged, and inspired.

The image shows a smiling woman wearing a denim jacket standing in front of a sign for Clinton Elementary School, which is recognizing Casey Dickson Haber.
Recognizing Casey Dickson Haber for Her Caring Heart at Clinton

Mrs. Haber has made a lasting impact on the school environment. Mrs. Haber helped design and build Clinton’s sensory room, giving students a space to reset, focus, and feel comfortable. Working with colleagues, she also helped create a sensory wall, turning a shared idea into something meaningful for the entire school.

Improving Our District

The South Orange & Maplewood School District will prepare students for college, careers, and leadership by expanding fair 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 inclusive access and opportunity, including developing an integration plan that ensures that our building enrollment reflects our district’s cultural makeup.

Learn about our unpairing efforts

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Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying

The district fosters a safe, respectful, inclusive environment where students learn without fear. Schools promote kindness, accountability, and belonging for all.

Learn more about student support efforts

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Timeline on Ritzer Field ⇢

Turfing is a practical way to make sure our students have access to safe, dependable spaces to play, practice, and stay engaged throughout the year. These types of fields can handle changing weather and frequent use without the same interruptions, allowing programs to run more consistently for students and families.

Learn about the Ritzer Field proposal

District & School Board Goals ⇢

Superintendent Bing’s goals highlight a focus on an aligned, confident, forward-driving year grounded in progress and strengthened by action toward measurable results.

Learn about our governance philosophy

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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.

Find Out More

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.

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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.

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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.

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Featured in the News

Distinguished for its mission to inspire each and every student, South Orange and Maplewood schools emphasize creating learner-centered environments reflective of the cultural makeup in our communities.