News

37th Annual Title I Parent Conference

NBOE Title I Parent Conference theme will be “A Brand New Day: We Are Family”
NBOE Title I Parent Conference theme will be “A Brand New Day: We Are Family”

The District is pleased to announce the 37th Annual Title I Parent Conference, scheduled to be held on Wednesday, November 8, 2023 at Robert Treat Hotel. This conference aims to offer families a wealth of information and resources from more than 20 NBOE departments and community organizations. Additionally, attendees will have the opportunity to participate in workshops and discussions led by esteemed experts in various fields, including special education, civic engagement, wills, trusts & estates, teaching & learning, mental health, and more. Please see your school’s Parent Liaison for more information. 

Creating a Positive School Culture and Climate through Drug Prevention Education

In observance of National Red Ribbon Week, the Office of Student Life has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to mobilizing and fostering student engagement in drug prevention endeavors. To inaugurate the annual campaign, all school counselors and social worker 2s were provided with comprehensive Drug Prevention and Awareness Kits, consisting of charts, posters, prizes, and giveaways, to bolster Social Emotional Learning. Additionally, they were furnished with a packet of lessons and activities aimed at reinforcing school culture and climate, while facilitating access to education. 

On October 25, 2023, the inaugural Red Ribbon Week Health and Wellness Fair took place at Newark Vocational High School, with over twenty community partners collaborating to educate and support our students. Notable participants included Councilman Luis Quintana, the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, and Newark Community Health Centers, who provided services to _______ students and families. Concurrently, two contests were conducted to broaden student involvement, with winners being announced for the middle school poster contest and the high school Public Service Announcement (PSA) contest. The esteemed winners were: _________________ of _____________ high school, and ___________________ of __________________ middle school.

Safety First: NBOE Facilities Department

quitman entrance

The NBOE schools have successfully commenced their operations, and the academic year is progressing smoothly. The Facilities Department has initiated the planning process for various projects throughout the school year to prioritize the safety and well-being of students, staff, and the community. One such project involves the repair of sidewalks in and around district schools. Over time, sidewalks can deteriorate, resulting in cracks, holes, and other signs of wear and tear that pose tripping hazards. If left unaddressed, these issues can lead to more extensive damage and costly repairs. To combat this, the Facilities team has undertaken the task of assessing and repairing the sidewalks to ensure a safe and seamless walking experience.

Furthermore, as the weather undergoes rapid changes, the team is actively engaged in activating boilers, procuring salt, preparing snow equipment, and gearing up for the impending harsh winter conditions. The Project Control department will diligently address numerous work orders related to the repair of windows, exterior doors, and roofs, with the goal of fortifying the buildings and optimizing energy efficiency. This annual forecasting exercise within the Facilities department guarantees the safety of students and staff, providing them with a warm and inviting environment upon their arrival.

Music Educators Engage in Training to Enhance Practice in Teaching Recorder Arts for Musical Pathways

Teachers collaborate to compose and perform pieces they created during the RAMP training at NJPAC
Teachers collaborate to compose and perform pieces they created during the RAMP training at NJPAC

Forty-nine elementary music educators participated in professional development at NJPAC to enhance their proficiency in integrating efficient pedagogy while teaching recorder to students in grades 3-5. Through the Recorder Arts for Musical Pathways (R.A.M.P) partnership with NJPAC one teacher shared, “I have grown in my pedagogy and instructional practice. I’ve been able to apply this curriculum to other areas in my teaching such as differentiating for students with exceptionalities.” A second teacher expressed, “I feel more confident teaching recorder with the new strategies I've learned.”

Each year as part of the general music curriculum, every third grade student in Newark Public Schools has access to learn the recorder during music class. Recorders are provided to students as an introductory musical instrument and used as a tool to teach students how to read, perform, and compose music. Each subsequent year, students advance to read and perform more challenging repertoire. Songs range from “Hot Cross Buns” and “Old MacDonald” to more advanced favorites like “When the Saints Go Marching In. A veteran music educator shared enduring interest from students over the years, “The students are excited to participate and younger siblings look forward to getting to 3rd grade to start recorder after seeing their older siblings participate.”

Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration Unites Community in a Spirited Success

Students from Arts High School strike a chord of unity during the vibrant Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration
Students from Arts High School strike a chord of unity during the vibrant Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration

The Office of Bilingual Education, in partnership with The Office of English Language Arts, successfully organized a commemorative event on October 12, 2023, which aptly embodied the essence of Hispanic Heritage Month. This gathering brought together parent liaisons, families, and the wider school community.

The event boasted a diverse program that effectively showcased the vibrant tapestry of Hispanic culture. The inclusion of book giveaways by esteemed Hispanic authors added a literary dimension, with narratives that shed light on the multifarious heritage. The evening's highlight was an enthralling performance by exceptionally talented students from Arts High School. Attendees departed with a renewed sense of admiration for the intricate and multifaceted Hispanic heritage, which significantly contributes to the collective mosaic of society.

District Rolls Out Comprehensive Training Series for Special Education Paraprofessionals

Paraprofessionals from Elementary and High Schools attend professional development at Harold Wilson
Paraprofessionals from Elementary and High Schools attend professional development at Harold Wilson

The Office of Special Education is delighted to announce the initiation of the Special Education Paraprofessional Training Series. This comprehensive training program aims to equip 600 per diem and 250 full-time paraprofessionals with the essential skills required to excel in their respective roles. The training curriculum encompasses a wide range of topics, including effective management of challenging behavior, fostering positive relationships, providing support to students in crisis, creating an optimal learning environment, and more. Furthermore, the program emphasizes the significance of trauma-informed teaching strategies when assisting students who may have encountered Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACES). The full-time aides will undergo eight training sessions, four of which will be conducted on Staff Development Days, and the remaining four will be virtual sessions held after school. Each per diem aide will participate in one virtual session, which will be available multiple times per month throughout the school year, after school and on a Saturday.