News

NBOE Hosts One of the Largest Elementary-Middle School Debate Tournaments

Newark Board of Education’s Debate Award Winners
Newark Board of Education’s Debate Award Winners

On Saturday, March 4, 2023, Newark Board of Education, in partnership with the Newark Debate Academy, hosted one of the largest elementary-middle school debate tournaments of the year at Central High School! There were over 250 debaters from twenty-nine elementary schools in attendance. Students at the 5-8 grade level tackled tough issues through arguments that span topics from international relations to emerging issues such as cyber-security and artificial intelligence. Additionally, students researched arguments on both sides of these controversies to best prepare them to be leaders and effectuate real change on societal issues. Debate has a deep history of excellence and a vibrant community of support within the city of Newark.

Congratulations to: 1st Place Beginner Division- Dylan Zayago and Ruth Espinal from Dr. William H. Horton Elementary School, coached by Zareen Thomas in addition to 1st Place Experienced Division- Sara Rengel and Emma Leitao from Ann Street School, coached by Taina Santiago. Special thanks to the 65 alumni, parents, and educators who showed up for an entire Saturday to adjudicate debates between students.

Newark Public Schools hosts five tournaments yearly, with the next event scheduled to take place at Barringer High School on Saturday, April 29, 2023.

NBOE Participates in SXSW EDU Conference

Newark Board of Education was selected to present at the SXSW EDU Conference on March 6, 2023, in Austin, Texas. SXSW EDU (pronounced South by Southwest E-D-U) is known for their annual event that fosters innovation and learning within the education community. Human Resource Services (HRS) Assistant Superintendent, Dr. Yolanda Mendez, presented on Innovative Recruitment Strategies: Creating Sustained Impact!

The HRS team was excited to share strategies and initiatives to recruit and hire highly effective and qualified staff with school leaders from across the nation. These initiatives and strategies are part of the District’s 10-Year Strategic Plan (Strategy 1.4), which focuses on developing pipelines of candidates for hard-to-fill areas and provide support to all employees that enables and empowers them to fulfill their role in NBOE’s mission. Overall, the presentation was a success and demonstrates why Newark is the place to be!

Assistant Superintendent, Dr. Yolanda Mendez, presents at the SXSW EDU Conference in Austin, TX
Assistant Superintendent, Dr. Yolanda Mendez, presents at the SXSW EDU Conference in Austin, TX

Newark School of Fashion & Design Receives $10,000 Donation From Macy’s

Students partner with experts at The Blueprint Denim Washhouse and Macy’s presents a $10,000 donation for the second consecutive year
Students partner with experts at The Blueprint Denim Washhouse and Macy’s presents a $10,000 donation for the second consecutive year

The Newark School of Fashion & Design (NSFD) is proud to announce, through their continued partnership with Macy’s, a generous donation of $10,000 for a second consecutive year! NSFD students were able to learn about denim creation and curation at the Blueprint Denim (BPD) Washhouse, located in Jersey City, New Jersey, through grant funding provided by Macy’s. The BPD Washhouse experts worked to teach NSFD students all about the fashion industry as well as a variety of techniques used to produce unique clothing styles such as laser printing onto all fabric types, fabric manipulation, fabric washes to produce different textile outcomes, denim foiling, wet & dry processing, and much more.

Similar to last year, NSFD students were also given the opportunity to work at the (BPD) Washhouse for four weeks with professionals and experts who specialize in denim wear and are curating their own denim pieces as well. Newark School of Fashion & Design looks forward to the possibility of student internships at Macy’s and The Blueprint Washhouse based on the ongoing success of this current triangular partnership.

NJSCA Announces 2023 “Counselor of the County” Awards Recipients

2023-essex-county-counselors
nj-school-counselor-association-logo
Jose Mercado<br>Science Park High School
Jose Mercado
Science Park High School

[Ewing, NJ] On Thursday, March 10, 2023 NJSCA honored school counselors from the different counties within the State of New Jersey at the annual “Counselor of the County” Awards Program. School counselors are nominated by their colleagues and are selected by their own county’s School Counselor Associations for this award.

The award honors the professionals who devote their careers to serving as advocates – and often lifesavers – for the nation’s students. Jose Mercado a school counselor from Science Park High School, was selected as the 2023 Counselor of the County for Essex County.

Candidates are selected for the Counselor of the County Award at their county-level school counselor associations. They are selected because of their ability to deliver an effective school counseling program which focuses on academic development, career counseling, and personal/social support. They further distinguish themselves by proving to be leaders of systemic change, advocates for students, and collaborative professionals who seek the success of the “whole” student in school and in life. For more specific information on this association, visit: www.njsca.org.

Contact:
Submission by Dana Karas
NJSCA Professional Recognition Chair
danakaras@nullprincetonk12.org

Superintendent León & Deputy Johnson Visit Wilson Avenue School for Dr. Seuss/Read Across America

Superintendent León, Deputy Superintendent Johnson, and Assistant Superintendent Dr. Harrington visit Wilson Avenue School for Dr. Seuss Birthday to celebrate Read Across America.

Guest Readers included

Mr. Roger León, Superintendent
NJ Senator M. Teresa Ruiz
Assemblywoman Eliana Pintor Marin
Dr. Nicole T. Johnson, Deputy Superintendent
Dr. Shakirah Harrington, Assistant Superintendent
Ms. Ligia De Freitas, Deputy Mayor
Ms. Annie Ferreira, Senior Aide to the Mayor
Mr. John Abeigon, NTU President
Ms. Leslie Comesanas, Director of Family and Community Support, NJ Children Foundation
Mrs. Shawn Oxendine-Walter, Special Assistant
Mr. José Carlos Adão, Deputy Coordinator of Portuguese Education in the USA
Mr. Luís Sequeira, Consul General of Portugal
Mr. Joseph Barros, Chief of Staff from Councilman Michael Silva’s Office
Ms. Tamara Stewart, Director of Youth Services ICC
Mr. Karl Schwartz, Branch Manager - Van Buren Library

Ms. Nathaly Padua, Social Worker Ms. Maria Valado, Math Coach Mrs. Isabel Carvalho, Guidance Counselor Ms. Stafford Watson, Ed Media/ Librarian Mrs. Maria Santos-Soares, Bilingual Teacher Mrs. Lilyan Rajan, ESL Teacher Mrs. Cristina Carvalheiro, ESL Teacher Ms. Susie Fernandes, ELA Teacher Coach Mr. Elijah Thielman, ESL Teacher Ms. Daniella Alvarez, Vice Principal