Office of Family and Community Engagement

Mother’s Day Celebration

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MothersDayImage2On Thursday, May 5th, THS hosted its 1st Annual Mother’s Day Diner/Women Empowerment Session. This event was organized by the CES Noemi Ballester & the Parent Teacher Organization Vice President Gina Medina for the mothers, grandmothers and female care givers of our current and incoming students at Technology High School. During this day of celebration, our mission was to connect the moms of our current students with moms of the incoming freshmen. Also to expand on the theme of the common threads that run through women’s lives.

Our amazing guests were greeted with smiles & corsages. They enjoyed conversation with some of our THS staff & other moms over dinner. We also invited 2 guest speakers; Ms. Margarita Muniz, the Executive Director of the Office of Family and Community Engagement & Willette Baines, a THS Community Partner. Both speakers spoke with the moms about the importance of being engaged with their child’s education; by coming out to meetings and asking questions. The guest were encouraged and uplifted through stories of struggle and success. Throughout the evening, 10 lucky moms won donated raffle gifts. Nonetheless, each guest left with a gift and with a sense of empowerment. Our guest were inspired and felt empowered knowing that we are all in this journey together for the betterment of a bright and educated future for our children.

Fathers and Daughters Celebrate Together

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More than 150 dads and their daughters attended the Newark Public Schools first Father/Daughter dance on June 13th at the Robert Treat Hotel. The event was sponsored by the Office of Family and Community Engagement in conjunction with the Concerned Fathers of Newark Public Schools. The dance was the culminating event for the fathers following months of events focusing on engaging dads. In addition to dinner and dancing, each father/father figure recited a pledge to their daughter stating they will remain a central figure in their daughters lives. Many dads stated that the event was more meaningful than they would have ever imagined and it truly was a night the young ladies will never forget.The Concerned Fathers of Newark Public Schools hosted events district-wide including Thursdays are Father’s Days, an initiative that allowed fathers to collectively explore new ideas and address issues of concern regarding their children’s education. Recognizing every Thursday as Father’s Day in the schools sends and important message to the community – especially the children—that Newark’s dads are concerned about their children. Numerous activities are currently being planned for both fathers and families for the next school year.