News

Achunike Okafor of Science Park High School Achieves the Highest GPA in the Newark Public Schools Class of 2023, Earns Over 40 Full Scholarship Offers

Achunike Okafor<br>Science Park High School
Achunike Okafor
Science Park High School

Science Park High School has a new record holder in academic excellence. Achunike Okafor, a graduating senior at the high school, has achieved the highest GPA in both the school and district with a remarkable 4.625. Okafor's extraordinary achievements, earned him over 40 full scholarship offers to some of the top universities in the nation, including Harvard, Princeton, University of Pennsylvania, Columbia, MIT, Cornell, Brown, University of Southern California, University of Michigan, Boston, Rutgers, Seton Hall, Ramapo, Rowan, Drexel, Penn State, Montclair, TCNJ, NJIT and Stanford, to name a few.

A recipient of International Baccalaureate diploma, Okafor has proven himself to be a distinguished scholar. He has dedicated himself to achieving academic excellence and success. Not only has he set records at Science Park High School and the district, but he has also earned recognition for his exceptional writing, research projects, and contributions to the community.

"I am grateful for the opportunity to attend such esteemed universities and to represent my family and community," said Achunike Okafor. "I do not take lightly the privilege and responsibility to be among the few individuals selected for such an honor."

Okafor's impressive achievements have brought pride and recognition to the Science Park High School and the Newark community. His exceptional academic record and determination to succeed are a testament to the hard work and dedication of both Okafor and his teachers.

Achunike Okafor will be attending Harvard University in the fall to pursue a degree in Neuroscience.

Ivy Hill Receives Donated Playground

It is with great excitement that the District announces the launch of a new playground at Ivy Hill school! Lori Hrbek from Alexandra’s Playground contacted the district in December and expressed interest in donating a playground for students and the community. Alexandra’s Playground was founded in 2009 on the principle that active play leads to the nurturing of the spirit and mind (https://alexandrasplayground.org/).

The Facilities department worked on the design to select the proper equipment and colors. Several meetings were held with Ivy Hill School Principal, Dorrice Rayam, and the Alexandra’s playground team to delegate tasks that would be completed by the Kompan team of builders and the District. After five months, the playground ribbon cutting took place on June 10, 2023! The Facilities department is in the process of completing minor touches that will conclude after the school year ends. This playground will bring joy not only to students, but also to the whole community for many years to come.

Ribbon cutting ceremony for new playground
Ribbon cutting ceremony for new playground

Achieving Student Success Through Parent and Community Engagement

The Office of Federal Programs & Grants has provided amazing activities for families throughout the 22-23 school year! Additionally, there were several workshop sessions facilitated across the district to support student success. It is a team effort to ensure students succeed. A special Thank You to NBOE’s Parent Liaisons who work directly with school staff, families, and community organizations to support students and families.

Wishing you a safe summer and the Parent Engagement Team looks forward to more engaging workshops in the Fall!

NBOE Brings Back the Middle School Track Festival

Middle School Students competing in the Middle School Track Festival. (Left Photo) Josh Manderville, Harriet Tubman School (Right Photo)
Middle School Students competing in the Middle School Track Festival. (Left Photo) Josh Manderville, Harriet Tubman School (Right Photo)

On Thursday, June 15th, middle school students participated in the return of the Newark Board of Education Middle School Track Festival at School Stadium! Bringing back this event was a priority for the District and in conjunction with the Health, Physical Education and Athletics Department, the event was a huge success despite the hot and humid temperature. The Track Festival provided an opportunity for all District high school track teams to showcase their mastery of Track & Field, as they became coaches, officials, clerks and meet management during the event. Additionally, the event encouraged middle school students to pursue track and field and/or to nurture interest in the sport at the high school level.

Thirty-five elementary schools were in attendance and each school brought the best of the best from their 6th, 7th and 8th grades to compete for the title of "NBOE Middle School Champ." Individual medals as well as team trophies were awarded. The day was filled with fun and excitement for all students and staff members present. The Health, Physical Education and Athletics department is excited to witness the return of the Middle School Track Festival and looks forward to hosting it again in future years. A special Thank You to everyone involved in making this day a success!

NBOE Students Shine Bright in Performances at City of Newark Anchor Performing Arts Venues

Top: Students arriving at Newark Symphony Hall on concert day; Guest Conductor Vinroy D. Brown Jr. (Westminster Choir College) rehearses with students on stage at Newark Symphony Hall Bottom: Third and fourth grade students debark buses and line up with recorders in hand ready to enter NJPAC; Small ensembles performing original student-created music compositions on stage in Prudential Hall at NJPAC
Top: Students arriving at Newark Symphony Hall on concert day; Guest Conductor Vinroy D. Brown Jr. (Westminster Choir College) rehearses with students on stage at Newark Symphony Hall Bottom: Third and fourth grade students debark buses and line up with recorders in hand ready to enter NJPAC; Small ensembles performing original student-created music compositions on stage in Prudential Hall at NJPAC

The Office of Visual and Performing Arts in collaboration with District schools and anchor performing arts venues located in the City of Newark provide exemplary opportunities for students to perform on big stages. Students from twelve Newark high schools performed during the Second Annual High School Vocal Jubilee on the Sarah Vaughan Concert Hall stage at Newark Symphony Hall, June 2nd. Music Educators and Guest Musical Director, Vinroy D. Brown Jr. from Westminster Choir College, conducted over 80 high school vocal students during a program of diverse musical selections. Student vocalists were joined by 15 high school band students during one of the musical selections. Students from the twelve schools came together for the first time to rehearse at Symphony Hall the day before the concert.

On June 6th, over 1,000 students in grades 3 and 4 from thirty-six elementary schools performed for the audience of New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) during the 10th Annual Celebration of the R.A.M.P. (Recorder Arts for Musical Pathways) program. NJPAC teaching artists provided 2 full days of professional development with music educators and supported district curriculum in conjunction with concert goals. This year’s performance included All Stars representing each school who performed selections on stage. A special addition to this year’s concert included two small student ensembles performing original student created compositions. The compositions were created as part of the NBOE Music Curriculum where students engage with creating music processes. Events like these provide authentic performance opportunities for Newark students in Newark Venues while also engaging the Newark Community.