The city of Clifton, New Jersey, has chosen a name for its brand-new middle school — Maple Valley Middle School. This school is set to welcome its first sixth-grade class this September and will help reduce student overcrowding in the district’s existing schools.
Why Maple Valley?
After reviewing several naming suggestions, the Clifton school board decided on the name Maple Valley, based on the local neighbourhood where the school is located. According to school board President Alan Paris, the name has a “longer lasting” value than naming it after individual people, even if they are respected community members.
The name was a clear favourite even before the official vote, said Ahmed Shehata, Assistant Superintendent for Business. He was part of a special committee that reviewed ideas sent in by the public.
“They could’ve named it JFK — who knows?” Shehata said jokingly before the final meeting. But in the end, the name Maple Valley stood out because of its connection to the community.
Third Middle School for Clifton
Maple Valley Middle School will become the third middle school in Clifton. The other two are Woodrow Wilson and Christopher Columbus middle schools. The new school is located on Valley Road, inside the building that once held Paul VI High School, which closed in 1990.
In September, the new school will open its doors to students currently in fifth grade from four primary schools: Schools 5, 8, 15, and 17.
Helping Manage Student Overcrowding
Over the next three years, Maple Valley Middle School is expected to grow to serve around 650 students across grades 6 to 8. According to Superintendent Danny Robertozzi, this move will help reduce overcrowding in the district’s two other middle schools:
- Christopher Columbus Middle School currently has over 1,100 students
- Woodrow Wilson Middle School has more than 1,200 students
Once student numbers are balanced across all three schools, Wilson and Columbus are expected to have around 850 students each, giving students more space and a better learning environment.
Public Suggestions and Naming Policy
Back in March, a survey by The Record and NorthJersey.com collected name ideas from the public. One popular suggestion was to name the school after John Samra, a Clifton police officer who died in the line of duty.
Other names considered included:
- Jennifer Lucas, a beloved School 2 principal who passed away from cancer
- Bob Foster, former director of the Clifton Boys & Girls Club
- Thomas Mullan, former recreation director and high school teacher
- Mark Tietjen, former assistant superintendent of schools
Still, the board went with a neutral name that reflects the local area rather than any one individual.
Naming Schools: A Careful Process
Naming a school in Clifton is not taken lightly. In 2020, there was public pressure to rename existing schools like Woodrow Wilson and Christopher Columbus due to concerns over the historical figures’ pasts. However, school trustees postponed any decisions, saying the timing wasn’t right.
Last summer, the district adopted a new policy requiring a formal petition with at least 25 city residents’ signatures for naming or renaming a school. Names must also have a connection to local history, the school district, or the area.
The decision to name Clifton’s newest school Maple Valley Middle School highlights the city’s effort to create a strong connection between education and community. With plans to reduce overcrowding and honour the neighbourhood’s identity, the new school is ready to make a meaningful start this September. For families and students in Clifton, Maple Valley is more than just a name — it’s a symbol of growth, care, and community pride.
