NEW MMS PRINCIPAL EXPECTED THIS MONTH; ADAMS FINALLY SAYS GOODBYE

The Board of Education is expected to name a new Maplewood Middle School principal at its next meeting on July 18, according to Kevin Walston, assistant superintendent for administration.

He told Maplewoodian.com that interviews with applicants are set for July 11 and 12, but did not say how many had been submitted. He added that a final recommendation is expected before the next board meeting.

Jerrill Adams, the former MMS principal who resigned abruptly on June 20 after less than two years on the job, sent a letter to parents today informing them of his departure and stating he would be transitioning "into a new administrative role." But he did not say where he would be going.

See his letter below:

Dear MMS Families,

I am writing to inform you that the 2015-2016 school year will be my last at MMS. It has been a pleasure to get to know your children over the past two years and I will cherish the opportunities I had to observe them learning and growing into responsible citizens. Our students are an intelligent, inquisitive, and talented group of learners who made coming to work each day rewarding. They will be sincerely missed!

Together, we have worked to enhance, expand, and create high quality educational experiences for your teens and pre-teens. I am most grateful for the partnership I had with our Home School Association (HSA), who worked tirelessly to support every effort I implemented in the school, particularly, those that met the social and emotional needs of our students. From school spirit week, to MMS Trivia Night and the school beautification committee, we were able to collaborate to improve the middle school experience for all students. Thank you for joining me during this journey and for advocating so fiercely for our students and our school!

As I transition into a new administrative role, I will always remember and appreciate the strong support of the MMS parent community. The district is in the process of hiring a new principal, so in the interim, please reach out to veteran assistance principal, Mr. Louis Brown, at Lbrown@somsd.k12.nj.us or call the main office at 973-378-3770, if you have any questions or concerns about scheduling, summer school, or the upcoming school year.

Finally, I hope you and your family have a restful and rejuvenating summer.

Thank you, again, for your commitment and dedication to making MMS a better place!

Sincerely,
Jerrill M. Adams
Principal