It’s not often a public school plans an event of this scale. But with an ideal setting across the street, plenty of outstanding student work to highlight, a student-focused faculty and a supportive community, Maplewood Middle School will introduce its first MMS Arts in the Park celebration.

The free event is open to the public and scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 13, 9:30 a.m. – noon at Maplewood Commons Park.

“Parents can vote, come out to the event and still have time to get home for the game,” said Maplewood Middle School Coach Thomas Rogers, event organizer.

Rogers said the idea for the event is not new. A few years ago, the school’s principal planned to highlight performing arts and STEM student work. However, weather events and COVID kept those plans from coming to fruition.

“Maplewood Commons is such a beautiful park,” Rogers said. “It makes for a good backdrop and this year we were trying to figure out a way to restore community involvement and pulled this idea back out and put it together.”

In addition to entertainment by the school’s band and performing arts classes, STEM and robotics exhibits will be highlighted and work from visual arts classes will be displayed. The Kona Ice truck and a school concession booth will provide refreshment.

“We’re also planning some family activities, and we will have face painting and sidewalk chalk,” Rogers said. The weather is supposed to be wonderful.”