South Ward Community Schools, Newark Public Schools and the City of Newark begin community planning for the 2016-2017 school year
[Newark, NJ – April 20, 2016] – This past weekend, the South Ward Community Schools Initiative, in partnership with Newark Public Schools (NPS) and the City of Newark, hosted “A Day in the Life of a Community School” at Belmont Runyon School in Newark. The free community event allowed community members to experience what community school life is like, and participants contributed their ideas to the vision for the South Ward Community Schools Initiative for the 2016-2017 school year.
“The South Ward Community Schools Initiative is a vital step by our community to ensure that the education of our children represents a shared vision among children, parents, teachers, and school and community leaders,” said Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka. “It is critical to provide our students with academic and social supports that will improve educational outcomes. I am working with school leaders and parents to ensure this initiative is off to a strong start this fall.”
Mayor Baraka spoke to attendees about the significance of the South Ward Community Schools Initiative and the initiative’s short and long term goals for the City of Newark. Over 120 community members participated in various events throughout the day, including a community breakfast and lunch and panel discussion. Additionally, participants were able to attend workshops that focused on financial literacy, employment and training, parent advocacy, leadership training, visual and performing arts, yoga, nutritional eating, and child mentoring.
“Newark Public Schools is committed to ensuring that all Newark students have access to an excellent education,” said Superintendent Christopher D. Cerf of Newark Public Schools. “It is our hope that the South Ward Community Schools Initiative will give families the resources they need to help their children achieve academic success. It is encouraging to see how engaged the community is in making sure this initiative is a success, and I look forward to the district’s continued partnership with the City of Newark and South Ward Community Schools to reach out to more young people in the South Ward.”
The South Ward Community Schools Initiative is focused on four key steps: focusing on building a community vision; shaping support for the children of Newark through various education programs, special services, and partner organizations; finance, budgeting and obtaining additional funding sources; and continuous collaboration and action by all community members.
The Strong Healthy Communities Initiative (SHCI), under the leadership of Director Monique Baptiste-Good, is the lead planning agent for South Ward Community Schools Initiative. “It is so important for community members to understand how a community schools model can achieve positive impact for the South Ward, and it was exciting to see the number of families who came out this weekend to learn more about the South Ward Community Schools Initiative,” said Baptiste-Good. “We are committed to working hand-in-hand with the community to make sure that we reach as many students as possible with enrichment, health, social and academic support services. I encourage families to stay involved to help make sure our 2016-2017 school year is a success.”
The South Ward Community Schools Initiative is focused on four key steps: focusing on building a community vision; shaping support for the children of Newark through various education programs, special services, and partner organizations; finance, budgeting and obtaining additional funding sources; and continuous collaboration and action by all community members.
South Ward Community Schools will continue community planning in anticipation of the fall 2016 school year and are asking community members to remain involved and engaged throughout this process. Parents, students, residents and community partners who want to participate in planning are encouraged to text “UNITY” to 862-256-2500 for more information. In addition, Malkia King, South Ward Community Schools’ community organizer, can be reached at 973-306-4308 for more information.
The first five schools throughout Newark that are participating in the initiative are Louise A. Spencer, Belmont Runyon, B.R.I.C.K. Avon Academy, B.R.I.C.K. Peshine Academy, and Malcolm X Shabazz.
About South Ward Community Schools
South Ward Community Schools are Newark Public Schools that unite educators, families, and community partners to be responsible for five schools: Louise A. Spencer; Belmont Runyon; B.R.I.C.K. Avon Academy; B.R.I.C.K. Peshine Academy; and Malcolm X. Shabazz. Community schools transform schools by focusing on the results that happen when there is intentional participation and collaboration from school and community leaders, educators, community partners, students, families, and residents. Each community school has high academic expectations of kids. South Ward Community Schools will provide the extra supports and programs all along the way to address the basic physical, mental, and health needs of young people. The vision and mission of each community school will be shaped by the voices of families, students, and residents so that each school authentically reflects the specific needs of its local community. Parents, residents, students and school administrators at each school will also determine how to budget and allocate resources to support their stated vision. South Ward Community Schools are beginning community planning in anticipation of the fall 2016 school year. This process is more than asking for feedback from the community. Continued action is required. Community schools succeed when there is partnership and input from parents, families, students, and residents all along the way. For more information, text “UNITY” to 862-256-2500.