News

Facilities Department Successfully Completes the Installation of Outdoor Exercise Equipment

John F. Kennedy School receives outdoor exercise equipment
John F. Kennedy School receives outdoor exercise equipment

he installation of outdoor exercise equipment at John F. Kennedy School has been successfully completed by the Facilities department. Generously donated by the NY Giants football organization, this specialized equipment is designed to assist students in performing low impact and low resistance exercises, ensuring their physical fitness in a secure setting. Students will now have the opportunity, weather permitting, to partake in the same type of workout as their peers, thereby promoting the District's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiative. In the upcoming Spring, the vendor will return to paint a walking track around the perimeter. The Facilities Department takes great pride in contributing to the enhancement of the student environment at JFK.

 

Strengthening Family-School Partnerships: A Collaborative Initiative

School staff and parent leaders engage in training sessions
School staff and parent leaders engage in training sessions

The Office of Federal Programs & Grants is thrilled to commence its collaboration with Parenting Partners alongside the inaugural group of schools. Parenting Partners offers comprehensive training to school teams, enabling them to enhance their ability to establish robust family-school partnerships. The training, which spanned two days on January 17-18, took place at Quitman Street School and saw the participation of school staff and parent leaders. The training sessions delved into various topics, including Positive Parenting, Creating Confident Kids, Communication That Works, and Creating Structure for Achievement. These invaluable tools will assist schools in effectively involving families and enhancing student achievement and family well-being. By adopting this train-the-trainer approach, schools will be able to bolster parent engagement and foster strong family-school partnerships. The ultimate objective is to empower parents and make a significant impact in 2024 by prioritizing the heart of the District: students and families.

Community Spirit Shines at Newark’s Annual Gift Wrapping Event

Newark’s Head Start D.A.D. Network inspires compassion, engaging communities, and a legacy of giving back
Newark’s Head Start D.A.D. Network inspires compassion, engaging communities, and a legacy of giving back

The D.A.D. Network (Dads Are Dynamic) is composed of dedicated pre-k fathers, uncles, brothers, and mentors who actively participated in Head Start’s Annual Gift Wrapping Event at Chancellor Avenue School this past December.

Throughout the year, D.A.D. Network members volunteer at the school, exemplifying positive parental engagement and fatherhood while supporting student learning and development. This event, one of their many initiatives, saw 16 volunteers wrapping over 500 gifts collected from Head Start locations across the City. Gifts were generously donated to St. Rocco’s Family Shelter and the Newark YMCA.

Superintendent Leόn expressed admiration, emphasizing that these dedicated fathers and male role models epitomize the essence of paying it forward, setting a powerful example for learners to emulate an inspiring legacy of compassion, engagement, and community impact.

Mr. Abdul Williams, a committed D.A.D. Network volunteer from Avon Avenue Elementary School, has been a member for over ten years, shared his passion for giving back and highlighted the benefits for both members and families during the event. Volunteers enjoyed lunch provided by the Head Start Program, and 14 raffle winners left with Head Start backpacks containing children's books, journals, pens, and tumblers to encourage reading at home.

This successful event exemplifies the D.A.D. Network's commitment to contributing to early childhood development while fostering networking opportunities and providing a support system for the families involved. These dedicated fathers and male role models exemplify paying it forward and setting an example for learners to imitate.

The Newark Board of Education Presents the Brick City Showdown High School Basketball Classic 2023

University Girls and Weequahic Boys Basketball Teams at the Brick City Showdown
University Girls and Weequahic Boys Basketball Teams at the Brick City Showdown

The Brick City Showdown High School Basketball Classic 2023, organized by the Newark Board of Education, was held from December 15-17 at Essex County College in Newark, NJ. This prestigious event brought together the most talented high school basketball players from the Newark area, as well as renowned high schools from across the nation. The main objective of this classic is to showcase the exceptional skills of these young athletes, promote sportsmanship, and provide a platform for personal growth and community involvement. The ultimate goal is to inspire and unite individuals from diverse backgrounds, fostering a love for the game and making a lasting impact on the community.

The NBOE Brick City High School Basketball Classic 2023 featured the participation of thirty high schools, including notable institutions like Roselle Catholic, The Patrick School, Bergen Catholic, Saint Peter’s Prep, St. Benedict’s, Linden, Elizabeth, and Saint Frances Academy from Baltimore, MD. Superintendent León expressed his excitement about hosting and supporting this inaugural event, stating that having the best high school basketball players from across the state and nation come to Newark and compete alongside the exceptional student-athletes of Newark Public Schools is an incredible experience for all participants and attendees. He also emphasized the anticipation of building long-lasting relationships through this year's tournament and future ones to come.

 

Arts High School Celebrates the Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Arts High School Advanced Choir performing during the 53rd Annual YMCA Memorial Breakfast at the Robert Treat Hotel in downtown Newark
Arts High School Advanced Choir performing during the 53rd Annual YMCA Memorial Breakfast at the Robert Treat Hotel in downtown Newark

The Arts High School Advanced Choir delivered a mesmerizing performance at the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. 53rd Annual Memorial Breakfast, hosted by the YMCA of Newark and Vicinity. Their emotive and powerful voices captured the essence of Dr. King's legacy for attendees at the prestigious Robert Treat Hotel. This significant event brought together community leaders, educators, and students, all united in their respect for Dr. King's enduring influence. The talented students of the choir performed an array of songs resonant with the civil rights movement, including "Lift Every Voice and Sing," the vibrant "Joshua Fit the Battle of Jericho," and the moving "We Shall Overcome." Their performances were marked by a blend of technical skill and emotional depth, reflecting their deep understanding of the cultural and historical importance of these songs.

The choir's rendition of “The Battle of Jericho" was particularly impactful. This piece, influenced by the works of renowned composer Moses Hogan, paralleled Dr. King’s "I Have a Dream" speech, offering a profound exploration of the song’s lyrics against the backdrop of the speech’s themes. The choir’s performance highlighted the notion of overcoming barriers to freedom, a central tenet of Dr. King's message. Mrs. Sheila Harris Jackson, standing in for Choral Director  Johnson, shared her personal experiences with racial injustices, adding depth and personal context to the students' understanding of the song. This performance, much more than a display of musical talent, was a resonant reminder of the power of music to echo and amplify the enduring relevance of Dr. King’s dream.

Over 150 High School Seniors Participate in Post-Secondary Planning

The annual EOF Extravaganza, hosted by the Office of Student Life in partnership with the Newark Brick City Peace Collective and College Success Centers, took place on Friday, January 19, 2024. This event aims to provide high school seniors who have not yet chosen a college with additional options for their post-secondary education planning. During the event, seniors have the opportunity to directly interact with college and university recruiters to discuss their chances of admission for the fall of 2024. This initiative proves to be beneficial for both students and the collective partnership of the District.

EOF Extravaganza Flier