Newark

Noted Newark Historian Professor Clem Price Creates Special Cross District Writing Assignment to Highlight the Best of Newark

[Newark, NJ – January 24, 2014] – Newark Public Schools and the Prudential Center announced today the creation of a district-wide student writing assignment to showcase the very best of Newark to visitors during Super Bowl’s Media Day, which will take place on Tuesday, January 28th at the Prudential Center.

With thousands of media and tourists arriving in New Jersey and Newark for the Super Bowl, the assignment gives students the opportunity to greet them in their own words with a welcoming letter, while sharing their love for their home city. Moreover, it is designed to provide another opportunity for students to develop their ability to respond in writing to a thoughtful text, a key skill for college and 21st Century careers. These responses will be shared in welcoming packets prepared by the Prudential Center on Super Bowl Media Day.

The assignment was co-developed by the Newark Public Schools Curriculum Office and Dr. Clement Price, distinguished Rutgers Professor and the chair of President Obama’s transition team for the National Endowment for the Humanities.

“The Super Bowl writing assignment we have provided our students showcases the great city  of Newark on a national stage, while strengthening the voice of our students and our city,” stated Superintendent Cami Anderson.  “Having Dr. Price help us prompt students to think deeply about our city is invaluable for us and them. We are also grateful for our partners at the Prudential Center and the New Jersey Devils.”

“We take pride in having the opportunity to work with Newark Public Schools to highlight the city’s focus on education and the success of its students,” said Hugh Weber, President of Devils Arena Entertainment. “This is an exciting time for Newark and the State of New Jersey, as the focus for Super Bowl XLVIII will be on us. The collaboration and planning that took place has led to an exciting day of events that will make the entire Newark community proud.”

“The history of Newark is a treasure for all of us and I am so thrilled to be asked by NPS and the Prudential Center to be a part of this valuable lesson for our students,” stated Dr. Clement Price, Board of Governors Distinguished Service Professor at Rutgers. “In a short period of time thousands of people will be descending to Newark as part of our Super Bowl activities, some for the first time, giving us a rare opportunity to showcase our people, our buildings, and our culture.  It is great to see so many parts of the city come together for this great event.”

For the assignment, Price stated to Newark students –

Here is what we know: All roads lead to Newark! That has been the case since the middle of the nineteenth century.  The Super Bowl is only the most recent one and it is among the most important ones.

Tell me, please:  What needs to be said about why all roads lead to Newark? Let’s think about Newark’s geography, its long and complex history, its ever changing demography and its enduring stature as we prepare to welcome the world, and football fans, into our City and to consider why Newark is an important American city.