From SOMSD, Dec. 18, 8:54 a.m. [District also sent out a text message at 8:16 a.m. to families and staff. The same brief message was emailed to families and staff at 8:24 a.m:]
Dear South Orange and Maplewood School District Families and Staff,
Today’s inclement weather caused flooding of the Columbia High School cafeteria, which provides lunches for a number of our schools, and we had to call a half day today. Schools with grades kindergarten through 12th grade will have a four-hour day while pre-Ks have a three-hour day.
For a list of schools’ dismissal times, please click on the link below:
https://www.somsd.k12.nj.us/?
All afterschool activities including athletic activities scheduled for today are cancelled.
No South Mountain YMCA or JCC aftercare activities will be held today in our District’s schools.
South Orange and Maplewood School District
From CHS Principal Frank Sanchez, December 18:
Dear CHS Families, Students & Staff
The safety and well-being of our students, staff, and families are our top priorities. After careful consideration and consultation with Dr. Gilbert and his senior leadership team, it has been decided to implement a half-day schedule for today, December 18. (See schedule below.)
Details of the half-day schedule are as follows:
- The school will be dismissed at 12pm. All clubs will be canceled after school.
- An announcement will be made in the next few hours concerning sports events
- Bus services will operate on the adjusted schedule.
I would like to thank our custodians and maintenance team who have been here for hours working on our leaks and cafeteria issue. In addition, I want to thank the Maplewood Police for their understanding that we had to move our teachers and students from the Parker Avenue parking lots in case the creek flooded the lots. For those who live in the neighboring streets, I apologize that we are parking there, but I know you understand it is only for today!
In fact, I could not be more impressed with the Cougar spirit that is pervasive today among staff, faculty, and students. It was a bit of a hectic morning — with some staff having driven two hours just to get here — and yet everyone has chipped in and is in good spirits. That says so much about the great people here at Columbia.
We understand that this change may cause inconvenience for some families, but please understand that this decision is made with the utmost concern for everyone’s safety. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation during these challenging weather conditions.
We will continue to monitor the weather situation closely, and updates will be provided through our official communication channels, including our school website and social media platforms. Please ensure that your contact information is up-to-date to receive timely notifications.
Thank you for your understanding! Frank
