Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: Why are most special-ed aides disappearing from SOMSD classrooms this fall?

Also check out Unity Rd. Maywood Grand Opening 🎉 on the Maplewood Patch calendar

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Hi Maplewood! We have the latest buzz right here. Let's keep you in the loop and get this morning started right! ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • Why are most special-ed aides disappearing from SOMSD classrooms this fall?
  • What prompted an ethics complaint against Columbia High's principal?
  • Why Columbia High's ranking fell even as its results improved

Also on today's calendar: Unity Rd. Maywood Grand Opening 🎉 and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: What did the tree say when Spring arrived? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Friday: Humid; an afternoon t-storm, with a high of 81 and low of 63 degrees.
  • Saturday: Periods of sun; less humid, temps: high: 80, low: 61.
  • Sunday: Partly sunny, with a high of 84 and low of 68 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. The alarming reason 80% of teachers' aides aren't coming back to this N.J. school district (nj.com subscription) — Families in Maplewood and South Orange face major disruption as nearly 80% of special education paraprofessionals in the South Orange-Maplewood schools are being replaced under a new contract with staffing agency Delta-T. Parents and union leaders warn that lower pay, loss of benefits, and independent-contractor status are driving experienced aides away, potentially undermining support for vulnerable students just days before school starts.
   

2. CAIR-NJ files ethics complaint against Columbia High School principal over Israel trip (newjerseyglobe.com) — Maplewood and South Orange families should know that CAIR-NJ has filed an ethics complaint against Columbia High School Principal Frank Sanchez over an all-expenses-paid 2024 trip to Israel. The group is asking state officials to investigate whether accepting the privately funded travel violated New Jersey's School Ethics Act and to issue guidance on similar trips for school leaders statewide.
   

3. U.S. News & World Report Rankings Don't Reflect Latest Data, Say Sanchez & Bing (villagegreennj.com) — Columbia High School, which serves South Orange and Maplewood, slipped to 72nd in New Jersey in the latest U.S. News & World Report rankings, largely based on older test and graduation data. District leaders say newer numbers show a higher graduation rate and major gains in AP participation and scores, arguing recent reforms aren't yet reflected in the rankings.
   

4. Achieve Foundation Seeks Local Sponsors for 24th Annual Newstead 5K (villagegreennj.com) — Maplewood and South Orange residents are being asked to sponsor and sign up for the 24th Annual Newstead 5K, which supports students and educators in the South Orange-Maplewood School District. The family-friendly race, including kids' runs, steps off September 26 from South Mountain School Annex, with proceeds funding tutoring, educator grants, arts, STEM and more. Sponsorship and registration details are available online.
   

5. SOMSD Faces a Funding Seesaw as Budget Season Begins (tapinto.net) — Maplewood and South Orange school officials are warning that this year's SOMSD budget will again hinge on a delicate balance between state aid and local property taxes. At a recent board meeting, an Essex County school finance expert outlined rising costs, especially in benefits and special education, and urged careful planning as leaders gauge how much of a tax increase residents can handle.
   

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • PetSmart, Inc. posted a job opening for Retail Sales Associate Part Time in Millburn. Apply here.
  • ShopRite Supermarkets posted a job opening for ShopRite - Online Shopping Clerk (Village NJ) Salary Range $15.49 - $15.49/hr in Springfield. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Maplewood here.

Ok Maplewood! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: What a re-leaf! (Thank you Flo G. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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