Superintendent León salutes Dr. Tonya McGill, Executive Director of Food Services and President of NJSNA, and members of Newark's incredible Food Services Department.
Shani Latimer
Senior Cook
Weequahic High School
Dana Beals
Senior Cook
Barringer High School
[Newark, NJ, October 24, 2018] The Newark Board of Education has officially renamed North 10th Street School, Salomé Ureña School in honor of a Hispanic woman who is considered a trailblazer in Hispanic education. The renaming and ribbon cutting of the Salomé Ureña School took place on Friday, October 19, 2018. More than 100 students welcomed guests to the ribbon cutting in the auditorium. Superintendent Roger León was joined by Newark Board of Education Chair Josephine C. Garcia, Board members Reginald Bledsoe, Asia Norton, Yambeli Gomez and Flohisha Johnson , and Councilman Anibal Ramos.
Superintendent of Newark Schools Roger León said in speaking to the students, “There is nothing more important than your name. Starting today, we begin to say the name of a great woman who changed the course of education for Hispanics in the Dominican Republic. Every day when you walk through the front door of this school, remember Salomé Ureña.”
Principal Sandra Marques said, “We honor her (Salomé Ureña) for her vision, ‘Sparkle & Shine Because It’s Teaching and Learning Time,” referring to the school’s new motto.
As part of the program, 3rd grade student Yamilex Ramos read the poem, “El Ave Y el Nido” to the audience, as part of the tribute and to celebrate the birthday of Salomé Ureña, which was the same day as the renaming.
Board of Education Chair Garcia said, “As a proud mother of three Dominican young men, this tribute is perfect as we see more women taking the helm of organizations and businesses.” Chairwoman Garcia spoke about the changes women of all races, colors and creeds are making across the world and here in the United States. She said it was such an honor for Newark to name its first school after a woman. She said, “It’s a proud moment for all women, for all Hispanics, for Newark.”
Salomé Ureña was born in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic on October 21, 1850. She was the daughter of writer Nicolas Ureña de Mendoza and Gregoria Dias de Leon. She was influenced by literature and began publishing her first works at the age of 17. Around 1881, Salomé, with the help of her husband, opened the first center of higher education for young women in the Dominican Republic, which she did under the name of “Instituto de Senoritas.” Within five years, the first six female teachers were graduated from the Institute, something uncommon at the time.
Councilman Ramos said, “I take great pride in our schools – they are a model of service and engaging our parents in a positive way.” He continued, “Salomé Ureña founded higher education opportunities for girls. This is a historic day for our city to name a school after a great Hispanic.”
The Newark Board of Education introduced a resolution in 2017, introduced by then Board Member Ariagna Perello. Ms. Perello also attended the ribbon cutting.
| Airing Schedule |
NJTV | Thirteen | FIOS1 |
| Saturday, October 20, 2018 |
6:00 am
5:30 pm |
8:30 am | 6:00 am
11:30 am |
| Sunday, October 21, 2018 |
8:00 am | 11:30 pm | |
| Monday, October 22, 2018 |
6:30 am | ||
| Friday, October 26, 2018 |
4:30 pm | ||
| Check your local listings for channel information. |
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Toni Yates interviews Roger Leon, the first Hispanic superintendent of Newark Public Schools. As seen on ABC Channel 7.
[NEWARK, New Jersey (WABC)] Roger Leon is the first Hispanic superintendent of Newark Public Schools.
Leon knows plenty about Newark Public Schools – he was a student, a teacher and now he’s the boss.
He is also the first superintendent in the driver’s seat after the state released its 20-plus year control over the district.
Newark, the largest school district in New Jersey, has been one of the state’s most challenged with low test scores and absenteeism. Those are two of the main issues Leon has taken on to turn around.
[Newark, NJ – October 5, 2018] Newark Superintendent of Schools Roger León announced today that he will launch his Breakfast with the Superintendent series on Saturday, October 13, 2018. The first breakfast, which is for South Ward students and parents only, will be held at the Belmont Runyon School from 8:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Superintendent León said, “It is important for there to be clear lines of communication between parents, students and the school district – which is the reason why I created Breakfast with the Superintendent.” The Superintendent continued, “The purpose of the breakfast is for me to hear directly from the parents and students about their ideas on how we can work together to ensure academic success for our student scholars and provide the best school experience possible. The breakfast will also provide a forum for both the parents and students to be clear about the district’s goals and expectations for their child.”
The Superintendent indicated there are a number of topics he plans to discuss at the breakfast including attendance, academic achievement, curriculum, graduation, extracurricular activities and more. The breakfast meetings will be held in each of the city’s wards; North, East, Central and West, in addition to the South Ward meeting being held next week.
The breakfast meeting is free and open to students and parents in the respective ward, only. RSVP is not required to attend the breakfast.
The Superintendent said, “In order for our students to be their best, we must be our best. The breakfast provides an open door for each parent to engage with me and the district to ensure their student has the best academic experience possible and has the tools to be their best in everything they do.”
The Belmont Runyon School is located on 1 Belmont Runyon Way in Newark.
[Newark, NJ – October 5, 2018] Newark Superintendent of Schools Roger León announced that students should prepare for standardized testing that will take place on Wednesday, October 10, 2018. Students in Grades 9 – 12 will take the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) and students in Grade 8 will take the Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test (PSAT 8) on that day. All testing will begin at 8:30 a.m. in the students’ homeroom class.
Superintendent León said, “The PSAT 8 establishes a baseline on the skills and knowledge that matter most for college and career success, as early as 8th grade.” Additionally, the PSAT 8 gives each student personalized feedback about their academic strengths and growth areas, helping each student to prepare now for their future success.”
The Superintendent said, the results of the PSAT 8 will also help teachers have an early opportunity to measure and follow student performance, ensure students are on target to achieve college and career readiness, pinpoint areas for development, and identify students who have the potential to be successful in Advanced Placement courses in high school.
The PSAT 8 is the first test in the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) Suite of Assessments. The Superintendent waived the $16 fee for student testing. He said, as a result of this test, each student will be given access to multiple online resources that provide free personalized SAT preparation, as well as college and career planning tools. Student performance on the PSAT will provide greater access to scholarship opportunities and the SAT in high school will open doors to many colleges.
“My goal is for our students to be the best in Essex County, New Jersey and the country,” Superintendent León added.