Sweet treats for a sweet cause! ☕💙
The CMS Student Council, in partnership with the PTO, brought the school together for a cozy and meaningful Hot Chocolate Day during all lunch periods! After weeks of planning, it was exciting to see this student-led event come to life as classmates enjoyed a warm cup of cocoa.
Every cup supports a greater purpose! Proceeds will benefit a charity selected by students through a school-wide vote.
Shoutout to our amazing organizers and leaders who made it all happen! 👏
The CMS Student Council, in partnership with the PTO, brought the school together for a cozy and meaningful Hot Chocolate Day during all lunch periods! After weeks of planning, it was exciting to see this student-led event come to life as classmates enjoyed a warm cup of cocoa.
Every cup supports a greater purpose! Proceeds will benefit a charity selected by students through a school-wide vote.
Shoutout to our amazing organizers and leaders who made it all happen! 👏
CMS extended homeroom today to focus on students’ social-emotional well-being and building community. Students unplugged from screens to connect, collaborate, and create—taking part in hands-on activities and a service project supporting our local first responders 🚒
🎿 Congratulations to CMS 8th grader Jack Schundler on an incredible achievement! Jack took 1st place in the slalom at the NY State U14 Alpine Skiing State Championships.
With this impressive win, Jack has qualified to compete in the U14 Eastern Region Championships in Maine.
The SDOC community is cheering you on, Jack—good luck at Regionals! 👏
With this impressive win, Jack has qualified to compete in the U14 Eastern Region Championships in Maine.
The SDOC community is cheering you on, Jack—good luck at Regionals! 👏
Chatham High School students are inspiring the next generation of problem-solvers through the “Coding with Girls” initiative! 💻✨
While AI tools can generate code, the human thinking behind it has never been more important. This winter, a dedicated group of CHS students showed that computer science is about much more than typing—it’s about logic, creativity, and problem-solving.
Throughout January and February, the five-week after-school program introduced 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students to the fundamentals of digital design and algorithmic thinking. Participants explored how to plan solutions, troubleshoot challenges, and think like programmers.
Programs like Coding with Girls highlight that computer science builds critical thinking skills that extend far beyond the screen—empowering students with tools they can use across all STEM fields. 👩💻🚀
While AI tools can generate code, the human thinking behind it has never been more important. This winter, a dedicated group of CHS students showed that computer science is about much more than typing—it’s about logic, creativity, and problem-solving.
Throughout January and February, the five-week after-school program introduced 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students to the fundamentals of digital design and algorithmic thinking. Participants explored how to plan solutions, troubleshoot challenges, and think like programmers.
Programs like Coding with Girls highlight that computer science builds critical thinking skills that extend far beyond the screen—empowering students with tools they can use across all STEM fields. 👩💻🚀
This morning, Chatham Middle School hosted the 7th Grade Honors ELA Narrative Symposium!
Led by Mr. Ianuzzi and Mrs. Pasternak-McGinn, students drew inspiration from poet and writer Aimee Nezhukumatathil (Bite by Bite; World of Wonders) as they planned, wrote, and revised personal narratives about a food or element of nature that holds special meaning in their lives.
Students blended storytelling with research, creating thoughtful and engaging pieces. In true academic fashion, the symposium gave students the opportunity to present their work through posters, conversations, and readings. Guests were invited to explore the displays and speak with students about their narratives and sources of inspiration.
Led by Mr. Ianuzzi and Mrs. Pasternak-McGinn, students drew inspiration from poet and writer Aimee Nezhukumatathil (Bite by Bite; World of Wonders) as they planned, wrote, and revised personal narratives about a food or element of nature that holds special meaning in their lives.
Students blended storytelling with research, creating thoughtful and engaging pieces. In true academic fashion, the symposium gave students the opportunity to present their work through posters, conversations, and readings. Guests were invited to explore the displays and speak with students about their narratives and sources of inspiration.
This year marks the 5th annual District Choral Festival, bringing together nearly 600 students in grades 4–12 from across the district for a day of singing, learning, and collaboration. The festival gives students the opportunity to work with professional artists in the field of singing and music-making and experience what it’s like to learn from people actively working in the industry. Just as importantly, it’s a chance for students from all of our schools to come together, connect with one another, and make music as one community. It’s always a great day that reminds our students how powerful and fun singing together can be. This year was the best yet!
Mr. Hrdina’s Souper Bowl Scores Big Once Again! The results are in! This year, Mr. Hrdina’s students collected an impressive 6,267 non-perishable food items, surpassing last year’s record of 6,134. Each year, Mr. Hrdina calls on the generosity of his approximately 100 students and their families to help restock the Chatham United Methodist Food Bank after the holiday season. As always, CMS families win big when it comes to supporting a great cause. Thank you to everyone who contributed to making this year’s Souper Bowl another tremendous success!
Spreading all the love! CMS Student Council got together to make Valentine’s Day cards for residents at Garden Terrace Nursing home. Happy Valentine's Day!
CMS sixth graders attended a meaningful presentation by Maud Dahme, a Holocaust survivor and educator. One of only about 100,000 Jewish children to survive the Holocaust, Ms. Dahme shared her experience as a hidden child in the Netherlands. Her story offered powerful lessons in courage, hope, and resilience.
Thank you to Ms. Calamari and Ms. Quintero, CMS 6th grade ELA teachers, for bringing Ms. Dahme to CMS.
Thank you to Ms. Calamari and Ms. Quintero, CMS 6th grade ELA teachers, for bringing Ms. Dahme to CMS.
Today’s 6th Grade Math lesson in Mr. Hrdina’s class was all about percentages! Students demonstrated their understanding by “shopping” at Hrdina’s Department Store—because there’s nothing like a good bargain to make learning math fun.
We are excited to kick off our 2026 Year of the Horse Celebration! Please mark your calendar and save the date for this spectacular event showcasing our students’ language learning and cultural talents.
The celebration will feature dinner and a show on Friday, February 20, from 5:30–8:45 PM. In addition, snacks will be available for purchase (cash only).
Please see the ticketing information below and be sure to reserve your tickets in advance. We hope you can join us for this wonderful evening—we look forward to seeing you there!
Ticket reservation link: https://gofan.co/event/5866923?schoolId=NJ20092_2
The celebration will feature dinner and a show on Friday, February 20, from 5:30–8:45 PM. In addition, snacks will be available for purchase (cash only).
Please see the ticketing information below and be sure to reserve your tickets in advance. We hope you can join us for this wonderful evening—we look forward to seeing you there!
Ticket reservation link: https://gofan.co/event/5866923?schoolId=NJ20092_2
Today marked the first meet-up between CMS 8th graders and Milton Avenue preschoolers as they kicked off another year of the cherished CMS–Milton Bridge program. Celebrating its 9th year, the program continues to foster meaningful connections, allowing students of all ages to learn and grow together.
Dr. Sortino and Mrs. Puja Swamy, President of the Chatham Education Foundation, proudly showcase the newly redesigned Chatham Middle School Library Media Center. The transformation was made possible through the Chatham Education Foundation’s largest grant of 2025. Thank you, CEF, for your incredible support of our students and schools!
SDOC is currently hiring for a Human Resources Assistant, Teacher of ESL, Coaches, and Substitute Teacher/Nurses. To apply or learn more information, please visit our website at https://jobs.redroverk12.com/org/chatham
Kick off the holiday week with the CMS 6–8 Bands tonight! 🎺🎄 Our talented middle school musicians always put on a fantastic performance.
🏐 Volleython for a Cause!
Join the PRO Student Leaders on Thursday, 12/18 in the CMS Upper Gym as 7th & 8th graders play volleyball to raise awareness for suicide prevention. Proceeds from the event and bake sale support the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Come watch our 7th & 8th graders bump, set, & spike to raise awareness for suicide prevention!
Join the PRO Student Leaders on Thursday, 12/18 in the CMS Upper Gym as 7th & 8th graders play volleyball to raise awareness for suicide prevention. Proceeds from the event and bake sale support the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Come watch our 7th & 8th graders bump, set, & spike to raise awareness for suicide prevention!
🤖🏆 Congratulations, Team Tacocat!
This weekend, Team Tacocat competed at the Regional Championships—an invitation-only event for the top 25% of teams in the region.
They placed 8th out of 80 teams in the robot competition (top 2.5% in NJ!) and earned the Judges Award for impressing the judges in a truly unique way.
CMS couldn’t be more proud of their hard work, creativity, and dedication! 👏🎉
This weekend, Team Tacocat competed at the Regional Championships—an invitation-only event for the top 25% of teams in the region.
They placed 8th out of 80 teams in the robot competition (top 2.5% in NJ!) and earned the Judges Award for impressing the judges in a truly unique way.
CMS couldn’t be more proud of their hard work, creativity, and dedication! 👏🎉
Do you hear what I hear? 🎶
Chatham Middle School’s 5th graders filled the morning with holiday melodies—such a wonderful way to start the day!
Chatham Middle School’s 5th graders filled the morning with holiday melodies—such a wonderful way to start the day!
🎷❄️ The CMS 5th Grade Winter Wonderland Jazz Band braved the cold on Friday to spread some holiday cheer throughout Chatham! They lit up the Reasoner Park Tree Lighting with performances of “Winter Wonderland” and “Jingle Cowbells.” 🎄🔔
Missed it? Don’t worry! You can catch “Jingle Cowbells” again at the 5th Grade Concert on Wednesday, 12/10 at 10 AM in the CMS Upper Gym. 🎶✨
What a magical way to kick off the holiday season! The memories these young musicians make—and the confidence they build—while performing are truly priceless.
👏🎉 Way to go, 5th Grade Band!
Missed it? Don’t worry! You can catch “Jingle Cowbells” again at the 5th Grade Concert on Wednesday, 12/10 at 10 AM in the CMS Upper Gym. 🎶✨
What a magical way to kick off the holiday season! The memories these young musicians make—and the confidence they build—while performing are truly priceless.
👏🎉 Way to go, 5th Grade Band!
🎶🏒 The Chatham Middle and High School Bands showcased their talents at the Prudential Center earlier this week during a New Jersey Devils game! Such an amazing experience — fun was had by all!
📸 Photo Credit: M. Dangler
📸 Photo Credit: M. Dangler