Press Release

Newark Launches Improved Recruiting Campaign

[Newark, NJ - December 15, 2021] On Thursday, December 16, 2021 and Friday, December 17, 2021, the Office of Recruitment will be hosting Instructional/Per-Diem and Non-Instructional Virtual Hiring Fairs! The purpose of hosting each event is to allow school leaders to meet and interview prospective candidates who are qualified, passionate, and interested in starting a career with the Newark Board of Education!

To participate, prospective candidates must register on our virtual fair platform, Brazen. Registration is mandatory to attend. When registering, they will be asked to share their resume, certifications/licenses, and contact information. Participants can expect to connect with school leaders by participating in an interview, learning more about the Newark Board of Education, hearing about our career opportunities, continuous professional development and potentially receiving an on the spot offer!

“Through these improved hiring strategies, we strive to build on systems that work synergistically to reinvigorate the environment in which our students live and the conditions in which they learn,” stated Superintendent Roger León. “As such, our Human Resources Services Department is working diligently to attract employees that will help our district achieve growth and continue to make progress.”

The district is excited to launch a new multi-pronged hiring campaign designed to amplify its recruitment efforts. The revised campaign offers something for everyone, including referral and hiring bonuses to prospective candidates and student teachers. Hiring initiatives include a $1,000 Employee Referral Bonus for recommending candidates with a Bilingual, ESL, Mathematics, Science, or Special Education certification. As well as $4,000 signing bonuses for Hard to Staff positions and Student Teachers upon completion of their 1st year.

“I share the sentiment of Superintendent León. The district is looking to hire candidates who embody our vision and mission and want to see our students strive in the best environment possible,” said Board President, Dawn Haynes.

Candidates who have an interest in non-instructional roles spanning from custodial staff to school security guards are encouraged to apply with incentives such as new labor contracts, competitive compensation packages, excellent health benefits, and more.

“Our Instructional and Non-Instructional recruitment campaign targets individuals who are committed, skilled, and passionate professionals” shared Dr. Yolanda Mendez, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources. “There are also opportunities for seasoned individuals seeking new opportunities to join a team working together with students, parents, and community members to build a brighter tomorrow.”

In additional efforts to further elevate recruitment practices, the New Jersey Department of Education has modified the substitute requirements so individuals enrolled in an accredited institution of higher education, who have completed 30 semester credit hours, and are at least 20 years of age are eligible to become a Substitute Teacher with Newark Board of Education. This modification is in effect as of this month and will stay in place until June 2023.

We are currently hiring and accepting applications for both SY 21-22 and SY 22-23 for all Instructional, Leadership, Non-Instructional, Per Diem, and Substitute positions!

Apply Today

First Avenue Achieves Silver Certification in Sustainable Jersey for Schools Initiative

[Newark, NJ – November 12, 2021] The Newark Board of Education is proud to announce the achievement of First Avenue School for being awarded Silver Certification in Sustainability by Sustainable Jersey for Schools. Sustainable Jersey For Schools is a certification program for New Jersey public schools that want to go green, conserve resources and take steps to create a brighter future, one school at a time. Serving as a non-profit organization that provides tools, training, and financial incentives to support and reward schools as they pursue sustainability programs.

All certified schools were honored during a Virtual Awards Ceremony held on October 20, 2021. Schools were also awarded a certification plaque to commemorate the achievement. The certification holds for three years, ending in August of 2024. Schools earn this certification through consideration by their peers, professional associations, experts, and civic organizations in New Jersey, to be among the leading schools in the state.

Last year the entire District achieved Bronze Certification with 170 points, but First Avenue went a step further and added an additional 190 points to achieve Silver Certification with 360 points.

“We are so proud of the amazing work that is being accomplished here at the Newark Board of Education.” states Superintendent Roger Léon. “In a time where the pandemic has paralyzed the world, we have amazing teachers like Jenna Sandman and the First Ave Green team who continue to put forth great efforts to maintain the excellence of what it means to be part of the Newark Board of Education.”

Principal Rosa Branco set the stage for additional Newark schools to achieve Silver Certification Status, “Our staff, students, parents, and other community stakeholders truly enjoyed the work put into this initiative. Our goal was to ensure that our students learned strategies to build a healthy and happy future. Through the partnership with Sustainable New Jersey, students have been able to acquire the tools needed to preserve our environment and push student learning. We look forward to our continued partnership as it has given us a stronger sense of community and sustainability.”

This recognition comes at a time in which the certification marks a major milestone for the largest increase in the number of schools certified at the silver-level in an application-cycle since the program’s inception in 2015. To date, 373 school districts and 1,025 schools are participating in the program and Sustainable Jersey has awarded over $2.4 million in grants to schools and school districts, respectively. “Participation in Sustainable Jersey for Schools demonstrates a commitment to sustainability. Becoming certified is a significant achievement,” explained Randall Solomon, executive director of Sustainable Jersey. “Thank you to the teachers, administrators, staff, parents, and students who are doing the hard work every day to make a sustainable future.”

This recognition also comes after the school’s acknowledgment on the U.S. News & World Report as “Best Schools in New Jersey”. Superintendent Léon along with the Newark Board of Education couldn’t be any prouder of this tremendous achievement and remain committed to sustainability within all schools in the district.

For more information, please contact:
Nancy J. Deering
Communications, Acting Director
Office: 973-733-6265
ndeering@nullnewark.apppresser.com

Newark Public Schools Introduces Arts Education Landscape Baseline Report

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[Newark, NJ – November 10, 2021] Newark Public Schools released Newark Public Schools Arts Education Landscape Baseline Report 2019-2020 after it was approved by the Newark Board of Education on October 28, 2021.

The report was developed in response to NPS Clarity 2020, a one-year strategic plan that established the foundation for The Next Decade: 2020-30, and produced by the Office of Visual and Performing Arts under the leadership of Director, Margaret El. Framed from an equity lens, the report examines district-wide data from the 2019-2020 school year in five areas impacting quality arts education: Student Access and Participation; Capacity Building; Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment; Partnership and Collaboration; and Infrastructure and Sustaining the Arts. Each of the five areas includes an equity statement, a goal, findings, benchmarks, and 10-year action items through 2030.

Superintendent Roger León expressed his enthusiastic support, “The arts are an integral part of the fabric of Newark and essential to stimulating innovation, creativity, and critical thinking, and our students are so talented. This unprecedented report marks our commitment to high-quality sequential arts instruction for every child, and for the first time, provides a baseline by which we can track progress moving forward. I commend the Office of Visual and Performing Arts, for undertaking this major project in response to NPS Clarity 2020, and creating a 10-year roadmap aligned with The Next Decade to ensure our students have equitable access to all the arts—dance, music, theatre, and visual arts.”

Using multiple data sources, the report provides essential information on the state of Pre K-12 arts education across the district during the 2019-2020 school year. Findings from the report, including strengths, weaknesses, challenges, opportunities, and trends, were used to develop arts education goals and benchmarks for the next decade.

“On behalf of the Board, we are proud to fully support the implementation of this arts plan. The report is thorough in its examination of district-wide arts education. While it shines a light on the excellence within the district, it is clear vast resources and support are still needed to achieve arts for all. We encourage our stakeholders and valuable community partners to help make this vision a reality for Newark students,” remarked Dawn Haynes, President, Newark Board of Education.

Newark Public Schools believes in the arts as a core content area, as evidenced by its consistent and longstanding practice of hiring full-time certified arts educators to teach dance, music, theatre, and visual arts. The district employed 216 certified arts educators during the 2019-2020 school year, and 92% of schools offered both music and visual arts. Under COVID-19 the district has increased the number of full-time certified arts educators to 224 for the 2021-2022 school year.

Margaret El, Director of the Visual and Performing Arts, stated “A well-rounded and rigorous education includes the arts as an essential core academic subject. Our vision is that through this process, we will chart a clear and equitable path to ensure all Newark students are engaged in quality, sequential arts education in multiple disciplines; our teachers are fully supported in their practice; and the arts community’s vast resources, relationships, and partnerships are leveraged for the benefit of our young people. This report highlights the excellence that we see each and every day in our arts classrooms and schools, identifies areas of need and provides a roadmap for the next 10 years to achieve our mission to inspire every Newark Public School student to discover and achieve their highest creative potential.

We are thrilled to begin implementation and are so grateful for the support of Superintendent León, the Newark Board of Education, Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning Dr. Mary Ann Reilly, and the Prudential and Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation for continued support for the Renew the Arts initiative.

For more information, please contact:
Nancy J. Deering
Communications, Acting Director
Office: 973-733-6265
ndeering@nullnewark.apppresser.com

Newark School of Fashion & Design Teams Up with Macy’s To Provide Students With Blueprint Denim Washhouse Experience

Newark School of Fashion & Design
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[November 5, 2021 - Newark, NJ] The Newark Board of Education is honored to announce through the courtesy of Macy’s and their generous donation of $10,000 - the students of Newark School of Fashion & Design (NSFD) High School will be granted the opportunity of professional development through a partnership with Blueprint Denim (BPD) Washhouse, located in Jersey City, New Jersey. Students will be given the chance to work with professionals who specialize in denim wear and will curate their own denim pieces. In small cohorts of five or six, students will learn about the specifics of denim washes and colors.

“The Newark Board of Education is truly excited about this collaboration and the many ways in which our students will be exposed to real-world experiences that largely benefit their career aspirations.” shares Superintendent Roger León. “It is thanks to Macy’s and their generosity, by way of Ms. White that we can provide the students of NSFD with this one-of-a-kind opportunity.”

The partnership, spearheaded by Macy’s “First Impressions” Assistant-Designer, Rakiyah White; came about as a way to further motivate and support students whose career objectives revolve around fashion. “My goal is to give students a hands-on real-life experience, that can motivate their career in fashion design” stated White. “I was able to take the denim class at BPD Washhouse along with my colleagues and we absolutely loved it. Experimenting with the different techniques on my own personal garments – I know for sure the students will have a blast and get their creative juices flowing!”. Ms. White shares her hope that this partnership will contribute to future collaborations and give students a glimpse of what the real world of fashion entails from a production aspect.

"For BPD, sharing our knowledge and experience is a top priority. This partnership between BPD, Macy's, and NSFD is a great way to inspire a new generation of student designers. Our hope in this partnership is that it will give NSFD students a glimpse into the professional world of fashion and give them confidence in their talent” said BPD Washhouse Representative, Bill Curtin. As a company, BPD specializes in taking the vision in a designer’s mind and making it real. They also strive to teach the benefits of sustainability in the fashion industry.

On the East Coast, BPD Washhouse serves as the only full-service commercial denim wet and dry process facility. Considered a true denim studio for pure development with a creative atmosphere with technical knowledge – the Washhouse provides courses in Denim 101. Classes consist of tutorials on how denim is made along with an in-depth explanation on the types of terminology used in the focus and hands-on training and designing. Working with brands like Calvin Klein, Tommy Hilfiger, Marc Jacobs, and many more, students will be granted an all-around production experience.

“I’m ecstatic that grant funding provided by Macy's will allow Newark School of Fashion & Design students to engage in techniques at the BPD Washhouse such as stone washing, tinting, and pigment spraying using denim as their fashion medium,” stated Principal Sakina Pitts of Newark School of Fashion Design. “Aligned with the vision of Newark School of Fashion & Design High School, the opportunity for our students to engage in this experience funded by the Macy's grant will allow them to use some of the latest technology innovations at the BPD Washhouse to manifest their own personal creative styles using denim fabric and articles of clothing.

Howard University Partners with Newark’s University High School Offering Dual Enrollment Program

[Newark, NJ - November 3, 2021] In a partnership that marks the first of its kind, Newark Public Schools by way of University High School, partners with Howard University and the National Education Equity Lab to offer high school juniors and seniors the opportunity to take courses offered by the university to earn college credits. The course titled Principals of Criminal Justice serves as a means to provide an introduction to the criminal justice system and a foundation for future study. In the course, students will be able to explore the key concepts of the criminal justice system and be encouraged to think critically about issues emerging in the 21st century media. They will also be able to debate current topics relevant to the principles of criminal justice while considering the range of policies currently in place.

“Priority 2 of The Next Decade 2020-30 outlines the importance of executing curricula for college and career programs with fidelity. This renowned partnership does that,” said Superintendent León. “We are excited about this partnership and the opportunity it provides our students” he added.

The program is designed for students who are curious about law, sociology, or social justice. Students who join the program will be eligible to earn high school credit along with college credit from the university as dual credit. The course will be taught by Professor, Dr. Bahiyyah Muhammad; known as an innovative educator who utilizes radical ways of engaging students in higher education. As a unique educator working strategically to change the landscape of higher education, Newark Public Schools is thrilled to have our students participate in this historic opportunity.

Keeping in line with University High School’s core values of “R.I.S.E.” which translates to Responsibility, Integrity, Service, and Excellence – the program provides its scholars with the tools necessary to carry out these calls to action. “To be the first high school in the city of Newark offering a dual enrollment opportunity with a Historically Black College or University, the Howard University, is extremely significant,” said Principal Genique Flournoy-Hamilton. “Not only does it provide our scholars with the experience of taking a college course while in high school, but it also reaffirms the importance of their value and expands their perspective about opportunities that exist at this great institution and other HBCU's where their experiences are acknowledged and validated by those who are serving as their professors. HBCU's have been known to have more success graduating scholars of similar demographic as those enrolled at University High School so we hope that more of our scholars see HBCU's as a viable college choice through their enrollment in this course and program.”

Participating students will meet during their regular class period and will be overseen by a Co-Teacher who will act in a facilitation and coaching role. To further support students, Co-Teachers will be invited to participate in regular check-ins where they will share information and engage in conversations with other teachers across the country to discuss challenges, highlights, and best practices. Lee Snowden, Instructor, and Co-Teacher on behalf of University High School stated “The collaboration with the historic Howard University and University High School will impact this great community of Newark for generations to come. I am ever so fortunate to work with such a cadre of esteemed scholars as well as stellar Howard University faculty.”

“This course has allowed me to unpack and understand the different layers within our criminal justice system. It makes me feel good to be knowledgeable about laws so I can protect my own rights. What I love most about this course is that I am attending a Historically Black University. I find it very empowering to see black people so informed about the law.” stated University senior, Hallia Robinson. Her sentiments for the program were echoed by fellow classmate Amir Chase, who said “This course is an eye-opener for me and most classmates not just for social justice but for the college life as well. I’m influenced by what we’re learning and can’t wait to get to learn more throughout the year!”

As the district continues to implement best practices to elevate students and their chosen career paths, this opportunity marks a historic partnership. As a Historically Black College & University, Howard has a long-standing history of producing exceptional scholars that turn into exceptional professionals in the in the workforce. The Newark Board of Education is hopeful that this will constitute as the start of a very long and plentiful partnership between the two institutions.