Books And Pencil Shavings Return As Maplewood Schools Reopen

MAPLEWOOD, NJ — The pencils are sharpened and the alarm clocks are set as Maplewood students prepare to return to class Tuesday.

The first day will open the 2026-27 academic year at all South Orange-Maplewood School District schools: Columbia High School, Maplewood Middle School, South Orange Middle School, Clinton Elementary School, Delia Bolden Elementary School, Marshall Elementary School, Seth Boyden Elementary School, South Mountain Elementary School, Tuscan Elementary School and Montrose Early Childhood Center.

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Students will have four days to settle into their routines before schools close Monday for Labor Day. Classes resume the following Tuesday.

For anyone squeezing in a book before the bell, district librarians said reading is "one of the most important lifelong skills" children can develop. Their summer titles remain available through Maplewood Memorial Library, South Orange Public Library and bookstores.

Families can check the district website for school hours and other opening-day information. They may also want to confirm transportation arrangements and allow extra time for the return of school traffic.

Have a correction or news tip? Email dani.sepe@patch.com.