6 / matters magazine / school 2026
contents
Vol. 37 Issue 5  School 2026
Principal Frank Sanchez says of 
Columbia High School: "This place is 
magical." Read Nathaniel Kraemer's 
story on page 12. Photo by Joy 
Yagid.
The Magazine of Maplewood and South Orange
Matters
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Heart of the Matter	 8
the boss, the accident and the t-shirt
	
Events that Matter	 10
around the towns 
	
Language Matters	 15
selebrating speling 
	
Finding Home	 23
a couple follows the data to south orange 
	
Food Matters	 24
the sunday reset: dining family style
	
Book Matters	 30
reading with anu
	
Resource Guide	 40
local sources
	
Final Matters	 42
stopping the mugwort invasion
in this issue
12	 Just Call Him Frank
columbia high school’s principal prepares for a 
new year
16	 A Game Changer for Families
how the school district is building a stronger start 
for young learners through universal pre-k
20	 A Whole New Ball Game
gaelic football finds its footing in essex county
26	 The Stories She Almost Didn't Tell
writing helps author move from fear to courage
28	 Jewish Joy and Celebration in the Park
oheb shalom congregation welcomes rosh hashanah
32	 Practice Your Own Destiny
local sage ryan o’dell is hoping to help people of 
any age figure out their paths in life
34	 Through the Eyes of Children
special features show the heart of our 
elementary schools 
36	 Matters School & Enrichment Guide
options for early and private education and enrich­
ment
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