News

Over 70 Parents Attend the Abington Avenue School’s Bilingual Parent Advisory Meeting: Empowering Parents for Educational Excellence

Under the direction of the Office of Bilingual Education, Director Marisol Diaz, Abington Avenue School recently welcomed over 70 enthusiastic parents to the Bilingual Parent Advisory Meeting. The event aimed to foster collaboration, strengthen parental involvement, and provide valuable insights on supporting students at home. Among the prominent themes explored were the power of leveraging native language, the importance of community involvement, strategies for supporting students at home through native language reading, the significance of social-emotional learning, and parental rights in accordance with the New Jersey state codes.

The Office of Bilingual Education commends the dedication and enthusiasm of the parents who attended the meeting and looks forward to continued collaboration in empowering every student for academic excellence and personal growth!

The Office of Bilingual Education engages with parents during the Bilingual Parent Advisory Meeting
The Office of Bilingual Education engages with parents during the Bilingual Parent Advisory Meeting

NBOE Continues to Lead the Way: Special Education Teachers Present at S.E.T.A. and the New CST Workshop

New Special Education Teachers and the Child Study Team engaged in professional learning to support student outcomes
New Special Education Teachers and the Child Study Team engaged in professional learning to support student outcomes

The Office of Special Education had their final Special Education Teacher Academy (S.E.T.A.) meeting of the year. The new staff participated in various sessions throughout the year to sharpen their skills regarding special education instructional strategies. For the final meeting, new special education teacher, Ms. Belfiore, was given the opportunity to showcase her classroom and student learning to colleagues. The group participated in a classroom walkthrough and discussed the impact of her strategies on achievement with special education students.

The District’s new Child Study Teams (CST) met on June 14th to discuss their learning from the school year and provided feedback to enhance the Special Education Academy. Both meetings were energetic and allowed new staff to reflect on this school year and plan for the 2023-24 school year. The new special education teachers and CST members were very positive about the on-going support from the Special Education Teacher Academy and their cohort members. Additionally, they developed their own professional learning group to provide guidance and support to increase their knowledge of special education and the District’s protocols.

The Office of Special Education initiated this special education teacher retention program in September 2019. The vision was led by Assistant Superintendent Carolyn Granato and Director Marilyn Mitchell.

NBOE Organizes Mental Health Awareness Activities Across the District: Achieving Mental Wellness

The District’s First Annual Mental Health Conference at NJIT
The District’s First Annual Mental Health Conference at NJIT

The Office of Student Life (OSL) continued Mental Health Awareness activities across the District. Over the past few weeks, students, parents/guardians, and staff were afforded opportunities to attend different events to raise awareness about youth mental health and the impact of stigma, anxiety, stress, and trauma on wellness. All presentations were provided for parents/guardians in English, Spanish, and Portuguese during Parent University. Students received information during presentations in small groups and assemblies. All schools received suggested activities to conduct with their students.

For the District’s culminating event, OSL hosted a Mental Health Conference utilizing Project Prevent Grant funds for school counselors, social workers, and school administrators. The conference was held at the New Jersey Institute of Technology with 122 NBOE staff members present. During the conference, attendees participated in three sessions: Minding Your Mind-Changing Minds (Stories Over Stigma), Active Minds-Validate, Appreciate, Refer (VAR), and Bridge2Balance, an introductory lesson on Sandtray Therapy. All schools received materials to utilize in their student support areas.

Newark Student Wins 5th Place at Catholic Forensic League National Championship Tournament

Over Memorial Day weekend, talented students from Newark made a significant impact at the National Catholic Forensic Language (NCFL) Grand National Tournament. Samuel Thomas, twelfth-grade student, from Central High School celebrated a historic fifth-place national finish. Coached by Dennis K. Philbert, Central High School continued its record-setting tradition. Samuel Thomas is the second Newark Public School student to make it to the finals of this national competition and the first to advance to the Dramatic Performance final.

Joining Thomas on this victorious experience was his fellow teammate, Deborah Edohwokui, also coached by Mr. Philbert, who placed 23rd in the nation as a quarterfinalist in Oral Interpretation. At the same time, the Newark School of Fashion & Design marked its debut at the tournament with Edwin Granados, coached by David Richardson, who finished among the top 48 Octofinalists in Dramatic Performance. Meanwhile, Mitchel Elusanmi, a Barringer High School student, participated under coach Michael Sowell's guidance, further broadening the Newark representation at the tournament.

Other dedicated participants from Central High School included Micah Acolatse, Ayomide Adekoya, and Mary Nabulya, all nurtured under the coaching expertise of Mr. Philbert. This achievement marks a proud moment for Newark Public Schools and is a testament to the partnership with the Newark Debate Academy. Their joint efforts continue to foster an environment that champions academic excellence, instilling in students the skills to reach their potential.

Samuel Thomas from Central High School wins 5th place at the NCFL Grand National Tournament
Samuel Thomas from Central High School wins 5th place at the NCFL Grand National Tournament

High School Seniors: Shining a Light on the Future Continues

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The Newark Board of Education continues to recognize the Class of 2023 for their achievements. Collectively, they have earned over $94 million in scholarships, compared to the previous graduating class who earned $77 million. By taking college courses during their high school tenure, the Class of 2023 saved their families over $12.8 million in tuition, up from last year’s $12.7 million. The High School Leadership Team congratulates the 159 high school seniors who have also earned Associate’s Degrees this year: 76 from East Side, 69 from Bard, and 14 from West Side. As the Class of 2023 prepares to embark on their next journey, the High School Leadership Team commends them for their post-secondary plans:

  • 982 seniors will attend a 4-year college to pursue a Bachelor’s Degree
  • 274 seniors will attend a 2-year college in pursuit of an Associate’s Degree
  • 84 seniors will enlist in the Armed Forces
  • 23 seniors will enroll in Apprenticeship Programs
  • 142 seniors will enroll in Trade Schools or Career Education Programs
  • 220 seniors will begin gainful Employment

The Newark Board of Education wishes to highlight the following seniors who have been accepted to Ivy League Universities:

  • Shela Adu Mensah from American History was admitted to Yale University
  • Rahmatullah Jallow from Barringer was admitted to Cornell University
  • Yanish Malivert from Central was admitted to Brown University
  • Javier Lago from East Side was admitted to Brown University
  • Joann Elsie Saint-Pierre from Science Park was admitted to Cornell University
  • Achunike Obinna Okafor from Science Park was admitted to Harvard University
  • Kiara T. Solano from Science Park was admitted to Harvard University
  • Ayomide Adewole Adekoyo from Science Park was admitted to Princeton University
  • Luis Nicholas Sullon from Science Park was admitted to Yale University
  • Jeremias Elias Castillo from Technology was admitted to Harvard University
  • Esther Mercy Ojo from Technology was admitted to Yale University
  • Michelange Senat from Weequahic was admitted to Brown University

The Newark Board of Education wishes to highlight the following seniors who have been accepted to Historically Black Colleges and Universities:

  • Enafa Damatha-Santanna from American History was admitted to Lincoln University
  • Aniyah Williams-Jones from American History was admitted to Morgan State University
  • Hannah Caldwell-Pretlow from Arts was admitted to Delaware State University
  • Zamir Williams from Arts was admitted to Delaware State University
  • Samyra Caldwell from Arts was admitted to Fayetteville State University
  • Alaysha Edwards from Arts was admitted to Lincoln University
  • Hassan Nix from Arts was admitted to Lincoln University
  • Celeste St. Louis from Arts was admitted to Lincoln University
  • Sanaa Kelly from Arts was admitted to Spelman College
  • Ebony Billups Arts from was admitted to Xavier University
  • LaShane Bradshaw from Arts was admitted to West Virginia State University
  • Sade Moore from Bard  Early College was admitted to Florida A&M University
  • Briana Hatcher from Bard  Early College was admitted to Lincoln University
  • Nuriya Baptiste from Bard  Early College was admitted to Morgan State University
  • Taniyah Lee from Bard  Early College was admitted to Morgan State University
  • Aniyah Watson from Bard  Early College was admitted to Tuskegee University
  • Brielle Jacobs from Bard  Early College was admitted to Winston-Salem State University
  • Janiyah Swinton from Central was admitted to Clark Atlanta University
  • Demetria Steward-Brown from Central was admitted to Morgan State University
  • Daniel Prempeh from Malcolm X Shabazz was admitted to Clark Atlanta University
  • Jaylen Pauling from Malcolm X Shabazz was admitted to Delaware State University
  • Nashya Chambers from Malcolm X Shabazz was admitted to Morgan State University
  • Khamiya Mentor from Malcolm X Shabazz was admitted to Morgan State University
  • Romello Wright from Malcolm X Shabazz was admitted to Morgan State University
  • Hillary Owusu from Malcolm X Shabazz was admitted to Morgan State University
  • Emily Assowah from Newark Vocational was admitted to Delaware State University
  • Daylia Hollis-Garmon from Newark Vocational was admitted to Delaware State University
  • Asia Louis-Baldwin from Newark Vocational was admitted to Lincoln University
  • Malique Bernard from Newark Vocational was admitted to Morehouse College
  • Clyvens Jules from Newark Vocational was admitted to Morgan State University
  • Nadaijah Gillard from Newark Vocational was admitted to Norfolk State University
  • Jasiry Liriano from Newark Vocational was admitted to Norfolk State University
  • Nia Reid from Science Park was admitted to North Carolina A&T University
  • Cierra Rudder from Science Park was admitted to Tuskegee University
  • Delimar Cuevas-Nunez from University was admitted to Lincoln University
  • Destiny Bethea from University was admitted to Morgan State University
  • Ma'Khia Williams from University was admitted to Morgan State University
  • Corey Staggers from University was admitted to Norfolk State University
  • Simone Sunley from University was admitted to North Carolina A&T University
  • Skyla Harmon from Weequahic was admitted to Clark Atlanta University
  • Jordan Alston from Weequahic was admitted to Morgan State University
  • Sadarren Belle from Weequahic was admitted to Morgan State University

Newark Board of Education’s Teacher of the Year

Juanita Greene of Newark Vocational High School was recognized as NBOE Teacher of the Year

Juanita Greene of Newark Vocational High School was recognized as NBOE Teacher of the Year

On June 14, 2023, the Newark Board of Education declared Mrs. Juanita Greene Teacher of the Year for the district. The announcement was made during a surprise ceremony at Newark Vocational High School in her 10th Grade Geometry Class. Mrs. Greene was honored for her exceptional teaching abilities and contributions to Newark Public Schools.

Mrs. Greene's path to becoming Teacher of the Year is impressive. With almost three decades of experience, she has taught and excelled in various grade levels. Although she left the classroom to embark on other journeys, including instructing teachers, Mrs. Greene's love for teaching students returned her to her true passion.

“It is with pride that I announce and introduce the Newark Board of Education's Teacher of the Year, and this year is no different," Superintendent León stated. "It is a privilege to have Mrs. Greene, who personifies what it means to be committed to ensuring that students receive the academic and emotional tools needed to be successful, as the district's Teacher of the Year."

"She is a one-of-a-kind teacher." Principal Karisa DeSantis of Newark Vocational High School admires her exceptional dedication and compassion. "She is just always on her A-game.”

Mrs. Greene was chosen Teacher of the Year due to her outstanding teaching skills, unwavering devotion to her students, and sincere dedication to their academic and emotional progress. Representing the entire district, Mrs. Greene demonstrates the best standards of educational excellence.

Sophomore Alondra Novilla, 16, praised Greene for her patience in the classroom. “She’ll explain and if you don’t understand she won’t get frustrated with you or anything.”

Board President Asia Norton commends Mrs. Greene for her exceptional teaching skills and genuine care for her students. "Her dedication to the educational community in Newark is truly admirable and inspires educators throughout the district. We express our gratitude and congratulations to Mrs. Greene for this well-deserved recognition."