News

NBOE Schools Participates in the National Celebration for Inclusive Schools Week

District schools participated in the annual celebration of Inclusive Schools Week, a nationwide event organized by The Inclusive Schools Network. During the first week of December, teachers and students engaged in activities aimed at recognizing the diverse abilities of all students. The theme for this year's celebration focused on inclusion through the visual arts, with the theme "Draw Me In." The Office of Special Education (OSE) collaborated with the Office of Visual & Performing Arts to organize a district-wide poster contest, which received artwork submissions from ten schools.

The winners, representing different grade spans, including kindergarten to grade 2, grades 3 to 5, grades 6 to 8, and high school, will be announced by the end of January. The Newark Board of Education is a proponent of inclusion for all students in the district. The Office of Special Education expresses gratitude to all of the schools participating in the celebration of Inclusive Schools’ Week 2024. To learn more about the planned activities shared by schools, click here.

Council of the Great City Schools and NPS Join Forces to Boost Literacy Skills for English Learners

Farah Assiraj, Chief of Teaching and Learning for the Council of the Great City Schools, empowers ESL and Bilingual educators with the transformative Framework for Foundational Literacy Skills Instruction for English Learners

The Newark Board of Education has joined forces with the Council of Great City Schools, the leading national organization dedicated to advocating for the unique needs of urban public school districts, to advance literacy skills instruction for English Learners. During a presentation to ESL and bilingual teachers and administrators, the Council introduced its Framework for Foundational Literacy Skills Instruction for English Learners, emphasizing the necessity of a comprehensive and interconnected approach to literacy skills. This approach is rooted in teachers leveraging students' language abilities and teaching them how the English Language functions in conveying meaning.

The active participation and positive response demonstrated a shared commitment to further enhancing literacy skills for English Learners within the District, highlighting the significance of collaborative endeavors between educational leaders and organizations.

Newark Public Schools Launches Saturday School to Elevate Student Success

Students engage in leveraging innovative tools to elevate their academic journey at Saturday School

Saturday School is a strategic initiative to support students in grades 3-8. With the primary objective of propelling students towards grade-level achievement standards, the program generated excitement and energy among both students and staff.

The Saturday School initiative is a testament to NBOE’s unwavering commitment to maintaining the highest standards for student education. By extending educational opportunities beyond the regular school week, the District aims to create an environment that fosters continuous growth and development, ensuring that every student is equipped with the necessary skills for academic success.
After the District’s first year of implementing Saturday School in the 11th grade, student performance increased by 47 percentage points in English Language Arts and 9.8 percentage points in Math. It continues to serve as a beacon of dedication to excellence, reinforcing Newark Public School's position as a trailblazer in shaping the future of education.

Hawthorne Avenue School Unveils Its Verizon Innovative Learning Lab

Students celebrating their new Verizon Innovative Learning Lab

On December 14, 2023, the students and staff of Hawthorne Avenue School celebrated a significant milestone with the inauguration of the Verizon Innovative Learning Lab. Hawthorne Avenue School, in collaboration with Dr. William H. Horton and Hawkins Street School, utilizes the Verizon Innovative Learning HQ curriculum and resources to enhance the learning experience at all grade levels. Principal H. Grady James, IV, addressed the audience with immense pride and enthusiasm as he and Superintendent Roger León prepared to cut the ribbon. Principal James emphasized that the opening of this state-of-the-art lab signifies a space that will nurture creativity, curiosity, and technological progress.

The establishment of the Verizon Innovative Learning Lab is a result of the collaboration between the Newark Board of Education and Verizon, showcasing their dedication to providing cutting-edge educational opportunities for the students of Hawthorne Avenue School. Ms. Marshall, the school's technology teacher, has wholeheartedly dedicated herself to turning Hawthorne's technology aspirations into reality. The entire Hawthorne Family has embraced this lab, recognizing its limitless potential to inspire a new generation of learners who must thrive in an ever-changing world. With the support of this innovative learning environment, the students of Hawthorne Avenue School will be well-prepared to lead the future.