It is Hispanic Heritage Month and at Marshall Elementary School Mr. Martínez’s 2nd grade class honored the histories, cultures and contributions of famous individuals whose ancestors or they themselves came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America.

Hispanic Heritage Month is observed in the United States from September 15th through October 15th. These ...

For Desi, Cam, and Lily 

I am Puerto Rican. 

But, I have light skin and two blonde boys. I grew up in Upstate New York and now live in New Jersey, and have a very fortunate life. I am not the Puerto Rican portrait you might imagine.

During a college interview I was asked about my heritage and experiences with adversity.  I said then and can say to this day, ...

Putting Students First!

South Orange-Maplewood School Board candidates Felicia George (CHS ’12) and Avery Julien (CHS ’17) have unveiled their campaign platform focused on Putting Students First! The two first-time candidates and recent Columbia High School graduates are trading upon their on-the-ground experience as students in the school district ...

Supporting Diverse Learners

Our School District faces many challenges in serving diverse learners appropriately, but the Board has a duty to make sure it happens.

I believe there are three key ways that the Board can use its oversight to ensure that the needs of our diverse learners are met:

1. Implement Rigorous Monitoring of Special Education and Gifted & Talented Policies and ...

South Orange Police Blotter as of October 19

Theft of Bicycle - An Orange resident reported that sometime between 3:30 p.m. and 11:15 p.m. on Wednesday, October 11, actor(s) unknown stole his black and yellow Mongoose brand bicycle that was locked and secured to a bike rack at the South Orange Train Station.

Theft of Bicycle - A South Orange resident reported that ...

October 10 - Shoplifting; At approximately 3:30 p.m. Wawa reported that a male left the building with several items without paying. Responding officers were able to locate the male a short distance away. The male, 51 year old Gregory Singleton of Union was arrested for shoplifting as well as an outstanding warrant.

October 10 - Malicious Damage; Sometime during the ...

I’m pleased to endorse Donna Smith for a second term of the Board of Education.

Donna has been involved with our public schools since 1998, first as a PTA mom and as a BOE member since 2015. Throughout her years of service, Donna has been an advocate for all children to have options and choices over their academic careers, in terms of subject matter and finding the course environment ...

Donna Smith stands out in the crowded field of BOE candidates. She has a long and continuous history of service to SOMA schools. She knows our past and has a vision for our future. Donna is level-headed, reasonable, practical, thoughtful, and hard-working. Most importantly, Donna has demonstrated a fierce, consistent, commitment to improving the educational experience of all of our ...

Susan G. Komen North Jersey announced that it has forged an exciting new partnership with the City of Newark to present a free Women’s Wellness Expo. The inaugural Expo, to be held on Saturday, October 28, 10:00am-4:00pm at the JFK Recreation Center, will draw on resources from public, corporate and medical communities to raise awareness for breast health and healthy lifestyles, provide ...

Ghosts, goblins and witches will be roaming Maplewood Village along Maplewood Avenue at the Annual Halloween Costume Contest sponsored by the Maplewood Chamber of Commerce and Allison Ziefert Real Estate Group on Tuesday, October 31, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. The festivities include trick or treating, music and dancing and prizes for best costumes.  

This year we are featuring ...

Believe it or not, it's almost Halloween! And the best place to bring your little ghouls and goblins is the annual South Orange Halloween Festival on the 31st from 4-6pm. Thanks to Sparkhouse and Natalie Farrell for sponsoring the fun!