The Office of Communications in the South Orange & Maplewood School District is dedicated to serving a diverse range of audiences with transparency, accuracy, and engagement. We prioritize clear and open communication with our staff, students, families/caregivers, and the broader community, recognizing that ongoing dialogue is crucial in fostering trust and strong relationships.
The office oversees school district public information and community engagement, including website maintenance, media relations, presentation and video development, speechwriting, brand identity, graphic design, social media, and the copywriting/editing of publications. The Administrative Offices supports school buildings in promoting their initiatives and events, ensuring that important news and information are effectively shared with district families and the community.
For media inquiries, contact:
Mr. Eshaya Draper
Communications Director
edraper@somsd.k12.nj.us
information@somsd.k12.nj.us
Explore communication resources for educators »
SOMSD in the News
![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.
![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.
Columbia Cougar Athletics
![Columbia HS indoor track teams solid at SEC meet and state Meet of Champs]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1741541083/somsdk12njus/f7lkofoynvecyslbc92w/TRACK-CHS-EC-relays1.webp","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1741541083/somsdk12njus/f7lkofoynvecyslbc92w/TRACK-CHS-EC-relays1.webp","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1741541083/somsdk12njus/f7lkofoynvecyslbc92w/TRACK-CHS-EC-relays1.webp","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1741541083/somsdk12njus/f7lkofoynvecyslbc92w/TRACK-CHS-EC-relays1.webp","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1741541083/somsdk12njus/f7lkofoynvecyslbc92w/TRACK-CHS-EC-relays1.webp","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1741541083/somsdk12njus/f7lkofoynvecyslbc92w/TRACK-CHS-EC-relays1.webp","width":1977}])
Essex News Daily
The Columbia High School boys and girls indoor track and field teams enjoyed solid performances at the Super Essex Conference–American Division Championships on Wednesday, Feb. 26, at the Ocean Breeze Track and Field Facility on Staten Island, New York.
- Track & Field
![Columbia junior August Katz, middle, stands on the podium after winning the 150-pound title at the Essex County Tournament on Thursday, Jan. 23.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1741470248/somsdk12njus/s2l2dytu1zkjjsfaiorp/WRESTLE-CHS-EC-Katz-1.webp","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1741470248/somsdk12njus/s2l2dytu1zkjjsfaiorp/WRESTLE-CHS-EC-Katz-1.webp","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1741470248/somsdk12njus/s2l2dytu1zkjjsfaiorp/WRESTLE-CHS-EC-Katz-1.webp","width":528}])
Essex News Daily
Columbia High School boys wrestlers August Katz and Oliver Kreizman enjoyed outstanding performances at the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association’s Region 4 tournament at Union High School, Friday and Saturday, Feb. 28-March 1.
- Wrestling
![The members of the Columbia girls fencing team gather for a group pose.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1741376787/somsdk12njus/xqqpvhz508diqozdbeop/GirlsFencing2024.webp","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1741376787/somsdk12njus/xqqpvhz508diqozdbeop/GirlsFencing2024.webp","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1741376787/somsdk12njus/xqqpvhz508diqozdbeop/GirlsFencing2024.webp","width":677}])
Essex News Daily
The Columbia High School girls fencing team enjoyed a sensational 2024-25 season. The Cougars, the most storied program in the state, finished as the runner-up in the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association’s state team tournament.
- fencing
![Columbia HS trackster Levi Taber-Kewene enjoys success at Group 4 state meet]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1741036187/somsdk12njus/jurvbvvug0qptagjww9q/TRACK-MPL-Taber-Kewene.webp","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1741036187/somsdk12njus/jurvbvvug0qptagjww9q/TRACK-MPL-Taber-Kewene.webp","width":368}])
Essex News Daily
Levi Taber-Kewene enjoyed a solid effort at the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association’s indoor track and field Group 4 state championships at the Bennett Center in Toms River on Sunday, Feb. 23.
- Track & Field
![Columbia HS girls hoops team gets ready for state tournament]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1740770238/somsdk12njus/ubfghujfb5qewf3tznd6/481682548_17921906649048008_2063807449334114379_n.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1740770238/somsdk12njus/ubfghujfb5qewf3tznd6/481682548_17921906649048008_2063807449334114379_n.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1740770238/somsdk12njus/ubfghujfb5qewf3tznd6/481682548_17921906649048008_2063807449334114379_n.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1740770238/somsdk12njus/ubfghujfb5qewf3tznd6/481682548_17921906649048008_2063807449334114379_n.jpg","width":1080}])
Essex News Daily
The Columbia High School girls basketball team hopes to make a strong run in the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association’s North Jersey, Section 2, Group 4 state tournament. The Cougars, under head coach Aaron Breitman, received the No. 4 seed. They will host No. 13 seed Scotch Plains–Fanwood in the first round on Thursday, Feb. 27, at 5:30 p.m.
![CHS Girls Fencing to Face Livingston in State Final Feb. 27]([{"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
Columbia High School’s girls fencing team will face Livingston in the state finals on Thursday, Feb. 27, after beating Ridge in the semifinals on Feb. 26.
![Columbia HS girls fencing team advances to the state tourney semifinals]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1740681523/somsdk12njus/ymqkp8kgzw7pgjel2m44/fencing3.webp","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1740681523/somsdk12njus/ymqkp8kgzw7pgjel2m44/fencing3.webp","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1740681523/somsdk12njus/ymqkp8kgzw7pgjel2m44/fencing3.webp","width":788}])
Essex News Daily
The seventh-seeded Columbia High girls fencing team defeated No. 10 seed North Hunterdon, 15-12, in the first round on Thursday, Feb. 20, on the road and upset No. 2 seed Montclair, 14-13, in the quarterfinals of the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association’s state team tournament on Tuesday, Feb. 25.
![Three Columbia H.S. Wrestlers Crowned Champions in District 13]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1740679450/somsdk12njus/xcyzavjvybgmaycwlht5/newsmention-tapinto.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1740679450/somsdk12njus/xcyzavjvybgmaycwlht5/newsmention-tapinto.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1740679450/somsdk12njus/xcyzavjvybgmaycwlht5/newsmention-tapinto.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1740679450/somsdk12njus/xcyzavjvybgmaycwlht5/newsmention-tapinto.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1740679450/somsdk12njus/xcyzavjvybgmaycwlht5/newsmention-tapinto.png","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1740679450/somsdk12njus/xcyzavjvybgmaycwlht5/newsmention-tapinto.png","width":1620}])
TAPinto SOMA
Three wrestlers from Columbia High School won championships in their weight classes at the NJSIAA District 13 tournament last weekend.
Alumni 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}])
- CHS 1997
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.
![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}])
- CHS 2023
The Voice - NBCUniversal
Naomi Soleil (CHS '23) performs Grace Potter & The Nocturnals' "Stars" during The Voice Blind Auditions.
![NYC’s Kaufman Music Center Names Anthony Mazzocchi As Executive Director]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1740355555/somsdk12njus/uqxl4ny9mhfijilkghhq/AnthonyMazzochi.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1740355555/somsdk12njus/uqxl4ny9mhfijilkghhq/AnthonyMazzochi.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1740355555/somsdk12njus/uqxl4ny9mhfijilkghhq/AnthonyMazzochi.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1740355555/somsdk12njus/uqxl4ny9mhfijilkghhq/AnthonyMazzochi.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1740355555/somsdk12njus/uqxl4ny9mhfijilkghhq/AnthonyMazzochi.png","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1740355555/somsdk12njus/uqxl4ny9mhfijilkghhq/AnthonyMazzochi.png","width":1620}])
- CHS 1991
NYC’s Kaufman Music Center Names Anthony Mazzocchi As Executive Director (opens in new window/tab)
The Village Green
Mazzocchi, CHS Class of 1991, has led the John J. Cali School of Music at Montclair State University, Kinhaven Music School in Vermont, and now the Kaufman Music Center in New York City.