‘Exploring Golf Island: Exhibit and Talk’ at Durand-Hedden

MAPLEWOOD, NJ — Attend “Exploring Golf Island: Exhibit and Talk” on Sunday, Feb. 24, at 2 p.m. at Durand-House to learn how this area of Maplewood, bordered by the Maplewood Country Club golf course, the Morris and Essex rail line and Maplewood Middle School evolved from farmland in the 19th and early 20th centuries to […]

SOMA highlights nonviolence at MLK ceremony

In celebration of Martin Luther King Jr., CCR gathers community at CHS

SOMA highlights nonviolence at MLK ceremony

MAPLEWOOD, NJ — The South Orange and Maplewood community gathered at Columbia High School on Jan. 21 to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day, welcoming Lt. Gov. Sheila Oliver as the guest speaker at the Community Coalition on Race’s annual celebration. After the event, residents signed up to get involved in local organizations at the […]

SOMA BOE recognizes excellence within the school district

SOUTH ORANGE / MAPLEWOOD, NJ — At its Dec. 17 meeting, the South Orange-Maplewood Board of Education recognize many groups of students and faculty members for their many recent accomplishments. The CHS Unaccompanied Minors Vocal Ensemble, led by Vocal Music Director Jamie Bunce, was featured on a “Wonderama” episode, which aired Nov. 16. The CHS […]

District offers alternate redistricting plan for consideration

SOUTH ORANGE / MAPLEWOOD, NJ — Acting Superintendent Thomas Ficarra updated the South Orange-Maplewood Board of Education on the long-range facilities and integration plan at its Oct. 15 meeting, presenting the plan for facilities renovations, additions and redistricting after talking to parents and community members during the summer months. The $93.1 million plan for capital […]

Cali School gets grant to continue partnering with SOMSD

MONTCLAIR, NJ — The Montclair State University John J. Cali School of Music’s Arts Institute Partnership Grant was renewed for a second year. The grant is designed to provide music lesson services to South Orange-Maplewood School District music students. Last year, South Orange-Maplewood School District’s fine arts department and Montclair State University embarked on one […]

BOE candidates debate issues in district

MAPLEWOOD, NJ — Six of the nine remaining candidates running for the three open seats on the South Orange-Maplewood Board of Education squared off in a debate at Maplewood Memorial Library in an event hosted by South Orange-Maplewood Cares About Schools on Oct. 3. Running are: incumbent Annemarie Maini, and challengers Narda Chisholm-Greene, Michael Laskowski, […]

BOE outlines superintendent search process, feedback opportunities

MAPLEWOOD / SOUTH ORANGE, NJ — In August 2018, South Orange-Maplewood Board of Education launched the search for South Orange-Maplewood School District’s next superintendent, and hired William Librera of West Hudson Associates as the superintendent search consultant to assist in the search process. According to a press release from the district, the board chose Librera […]

TC appoints inaugural members to Youth Advisory Committee

MAPLEWOOD, NJ — Just because they can’t vote, doesn’t mean they don’t have opinions and ideas worth hearing. That is one of the main ideas behind the creation of the Youth Advisory Committee in Maplewood. At its Sept. 4 meeting, Maplewood Township Committee unanimously appointed YAC’s six inaugural members. From different backgrounds, schools and ages, […]

Young talent to take the stage in Paper Mill show

MONTCLAIR, NJ — More than 100 young performers will be taking the stage at Montclair State University’s Memorial Auditorium on July 27 and 28 as the Paper Mill Playhouse puts on its annual “New Voices” concert, the culmination of the theater’s Summer Musical Theater Conservatory. The show has a new theme each year, and this […]