My name is Joseph Uglialoro, and I am thrilled to be the new Principal of South Orange Middle School. I come to the School District of South Orange and Maplewood after four years as an Assistant Principal at Matawan-Aberdeen Middle School, and eight years teaching Social Studies at Holmdel High School and the Dwight International School in Manhattan. My education and experience have reinforced for me the vital importance of the middle school years on our children’s future success, and strengthened my commitment to providing an academically rigorous, developmentally appropriate, and socially equitable educational for all of our students.

I am in the process of learning as much as I can about South Orange Middle School and the South Orange/Maplewood School District, and have begun the essential process of developing trusting relationships with all of the stakeholder groups in and out of the school. In doing so, I have been impressed with the commitment of the staff and the community to providing the best educational experience to our students. I look forward to working with all of our stakeholders in making South Orange Middle School a model 21st learning community in which every student:

· Develops the skills, knowledge, and habits of mind needed to be college and career ready in our 21st century global community,

· Experiences a diverse, rigorous, and relevant curriculum rooted in real-world issues and problems,

· Regularly utilizes current technology to investigate, communicate, and create, and

· Learns the values of kindness, compassion, and tolerance in a safe and supportive environment that promotes positive decision-making and responsible citizenship.

Over the next few weeks I will be updating our school webpage in order to make it current, comprehensive, and informative. It will include a “Digital Backpack” containing important forms from the school, a calendar of important dates, links to teacher websites, support resources for students, staff, and families, and a “Principal’s Blog” which spotlight the outstanding things happening at South Orange Middle School. I strongly encourage you to become a regular visitor to our site at http://www.somsd.k12.nj.us/soms/site/default.asp.

On another note, I would like to invite all of our staff, students, and their families to a “Meet the Principal BBQ” on August 25th from 11:30-1:00 in the South Orange Middle School courtyard. It will be a great opportunity for us to meet in an informal, enjoyable setting in preparation for a successful school year. Please send an email RSVP to somsbbq@gmail.comwith your student’s name if you plan on attending so that we can plan our purchases accordingly.

Also scheduled for that same day is our 6th grade Transition Program. One of our priorities going into the new school year is to ensure a smooth and successful transition for our 6th grade students and parents into South Orange Middle School. To that end, 6th grade students with last names beginning with A-M are invited to attend our 6th Transition Program from 10:00-11:15 in the school auditorium. 6th grade students with last names beginning with N-Z are invited to attend the program from 1:15-2:30. The program will include a welcome from the school administration, a review of key policies, a tour of the building, and a question and answer session with 7th and 8th grade students from South Orange Middle School.

Finally, let me say that I look forward to working with each of you in providing the best middle level experience to our students. I hope that the remainder of your summer is happy, restful, and healthy.