News

Career Technical Student Organization (CTSO) on the RISE!

West Side High School 2022-2023, DECA Chapter

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The Newark Board of Education is proud to announce during the 2022-2023 school year, 41 students from West Side High School enrolled in Entrepreneurial Studies, and Supply Chain Management pathways became members of Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA), and 13 voluntarily competed in the NJDECA Central East District Conference. DECA prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs in marketing, finance, hospitality, and management in high schools and colleges around the globe.

The competition included a 100-question online exam in November 2022, followed by an in-person role-play held on January 5, 2023, at Kean University. 13 students were given two written scenarios based on their business event selection; students were required to read and write a solution to five performance indicators within 10 minutes. Once complete, they were given an additional 10 minutes to verbally present their solution to a judge within the professional industry.

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The process is rigorous, intimidating, and stressful for anyone, especially first-time competitors. The students spent weeks preparing for the competition with the support of DECA Advisors Mrs. Richardson and Mr. Mason, practicing role-play scenarios, oral presentations, and public speaking techniques to build self-confidence.

West Side students arrived on campus confident in their official DECA business attire, ready to proudly represent themselves, West Side High School, and the City of Newark. In the end, Jamari Romain and chapter officer Elijah Brodie scored in the top 10 of their event. They will move on to the NJDECA State Conference Competition to be held in Atlantic City, NJ, on February 29, 2023.

Congratulations to our other competitors who stepped out of their comfort zone, faced their fears, and shined bright this year; Mareem Akram, Xitlali Alvarez-Fierro, Minol Castro, Alyssa Lopez, Lucky Osinuga, Shamar Richards, Nervijaeh Valdes, Alaya Harden, Roshaughn Barker, and chapter officers Saniya Wright and Onella Boyce.

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Student at Newark School of Data Science & Information Technology Honored by National Nonprofit for Top Performance in College Courses

National Education Equity Lab Honor Society recognizes students from Title I high schools who have excelled in professor-led college courses from the nation’s top colleges

NEWARK, NJ (JANUARY 31, 2023) – The Newark Board of Education today announced that a student at the Newark School of Data Science & Information Technology has been named to the Honor Society of the National Educational Equity Lab (Ed Equity Lab), an education justice nonprofit that works to bridge the gap between high school and college for students from low-income communities. Honorees are scholars whose academic performance was in the top 20 percent of all scholars nationwide taking dual credit Ed Equity Lab courses, from schools including: Howard University, Stanford University, Princeton University, Wesleyan University, Wharton School at University of Pennsylvania, Georgetown University, Cornell University, Brown University, Spelman College, Barnard/Columbia University and Arizona State University.

“These scholars’ success in rigorous college courses reinforces the fact that talent is evenly distributed, opportunity is not. We aim to change that. Talented students from under-resourced high schools belong in the best matched schools for them, including our nation’s top universities,” said Leslie Cornfeld, Founder and CEO of the National Education Equity Lab. “Together with our high school and university partners, we’re empowering thousands of talented students around the country to show what they’re capable of, and to build the skills, credentials and the confidence to succeed in higher education and beyond.”

The Newark School of Data Science & Information Technology partnered with the National Education Equity Lab to offer a college-level dual enrollment Intro to Computer Science course through Stanford University. The scholar, tenth grader David Sawacha, will be honored at a virtual ceremony today featuring university professors, high school teachers, district leaders, National Ed Equity Lab board and CEO Leslie Cornfeld.

“We are extremely proud of David whose dedication and commitment exude excellence and demonstrates a model of focused determination of the students in Newark Public Schools,” stated Superintendent Roger Leόn. “Now everyone knows what we have known all along – our students can and do excel at the very highest levels.”

Former US Secretary of Education Arne Duncan, an Ed Equity Lab board member, called this effort “game changing” for students. “Democratizing access to higher education in our nation has never been more critical. Efforts like this help us do just that.”

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The Newark Public Schools is the largest school district in New Jersey and dates back to 1676.  The district currently enrolls over 38,000 students in 62 schools.  After more than two decades of state operation and upon return to local control in 2018, the district has opened 8 new schools under Superintendent León’s leadership with an additional portfolio of new options to be announced in the coming years.

The National Education Equity Lab is an education justice nonprofit that aims to democratize access to college by partnering with top colleges and universities to offer actual college credit-bearing courses in teacher-led Title 1 high school classrooms across the country. Participating students gain the opportunity to take actual college courses from top professors, with weekly live discussions led by university teaching fellows, co-taught by teachers at their high schools. Scholars earn widely transferable college credits and a transcript from the offering institution upon successful completion. Starting in 2019 with a single Harvard humanities course in 25 high schools, the Lab has now served more than 11,000 students in 90 cities across 32 states.

A Ball to Remember

Hawkins Street School celebrates <em>The Book Lovers' Ball</em>, along with Karen Leach-Toomer, Director of My Very Own Library, Principal Alejandro Lopez, and School Librarian, Ms. Jones
Hawkins Street School celebrates The Book Lovers' Ball, along with Karen Leach-Toomer, Director of My Very Own Library, Principal Alejandro Lopez, and School Librarian, Ms. Jones

Hawkins Street School’s students, staff, families and community supporters enjoyed a Book Lovers' Ball! This event was a collaboration between Ms. Jones, School Librarian and Facilitator of My Very Own Library, and Ms. Ware, Parent Liaison. The Book Lovers' Ball was planned as an opportunity for families to engage in the love of literature while highlighting the importance of reading daily together.

During the event, almost 60 families enjoyed a festive environment, a delicious meal, and entertainment. Karen Leach-Toomer, Director of My Very Own Library, offered opening remarks explaining the purpose and importance of My Very Own Library. Students took a reading pledge recited in English, Spanish and Portuguese before enjoying a number of performances from Hawkins Street’s students and staff. Third Grade recorder students played “Hot Cross Buns,” directed by Music Teacher, Mr. Kertesz. Ms. Theobald, Dance Teacher, choreographed a waltz to the music selection “So This Is Love,” performed by 5th and 6th grade students. A special highlight of the evening was a live debate by the award winning 7th grade debate team. Mrs. Pugliese, Debate Team Adviser, assisted the team as they debated the merits of reading with digital devices versus traditional print. Ms. Jones closed the evening with a read aloud of A Library, by Nikki Giovanni and dancing for all attendees. The Book Lovers Ball was truly a time to remember!

To enjoy more photos from the evening, please click on the link Book Lovers Ball 2023

Almost 300 Newark Residents Registered for NBOE Adult Education Classes

Adult students at Barringer High School learn the basics of communicating effectively in more than one language
Adult students at Barringer High School learn the basics of communicating effectively in more than one language

On January 9, 2023, the Newark Board of Education opened its doors for the launch of the district’s Adult Education Program. Nearly 300 residents registered for the spring semester courses and classes that are taking place across the district. Instructors for the courses, who are all certified teachers, welcomed and greeted the adult learners at the door.

The Adult Education Program provides adults with the opportunity to earn a high school equivalency diploma, learn how to speak English and Spanish, and develop skills in other educational opportunities such as computer basics, spoken word, and exercise aerobics. Implementation of the Adult Education Program is aligned with the strategies and priorities highlighted in the district’s ten-year strategic plan, The Next Decade: 2020-30, which prioritizes continuous learning opportunities for all. The spring semester program will conclude on June 16, 2023.

For more information, visit the district’s website:  newark.apppresser.com/adult-education

A Restorative Approach to Building Communities that Support Learning and Belonging

Ramapo NYC provides Restorative Practices Training to NBOE school administrators
Ramapo NYC provides Restorative Practices Training to NBOE school administrators

At the January’s Superintendent’s Conference, Ramapo NYC provided an overview and introduction training to NBOE school leadership on Restorative Practices. Staff was introduced to the three tiers of restorative practices: Tier 1 - Community Building; Tier 2 - Addressing Harm and Mediating Conflict; and Tier 3 Returning to the Community, Planning for Success, Being Intentional About Learning. Included in the training were tools and strategies that can be shared widely with staff. Following the initial overview training, Ramapo NYC will be working closely with NBOE school-based staff in the district to continue training and implementation of restorative practices in small professional learning communities.