News

University High School Gymnasium Receives Million Dollar Makeover

Upscale finishing touches on gymnasium at University High School
Upscale finishing touches on gymnasium at University High School

The gymnasium at University High School was deemed inoperative in September 2021 after Tropical Storm IDA devastated the region. In the interim, a temporary gym was set up in the playground until the repairs were made to the school's gymnasium. The Facilities Team jumped into action and utilized contacts to procure a company with the skill and ability to build this structure. The district also utilized an architectural firm to ensure this construction exceeded building standards and tied into the existing Life Safety, PA, and Electrical systems. Simultaneously, the Office of Facilities scheduled the abatement and removal of the gym floor and bleachers.

The district is excited to announce the completion of the gymnasium at University HS! This work included a new gymnasium floor, new bleachers, and a new logo and striping for a high quality and upscale finish. The Phoenix flies high once again!

Project F.E.E.D. Provides Over 1,000 Meals to Ten Newark Schools

Project F.E.E.D. at Chancellor & Speedway
Project F.E.E.D. at Chancellor & Speedway

When schools and community organizations work together to support learning, everyone benefits! Through grant funding, Project F.E.E.D. (Friends Ensuring Every Dinner) provided 1,050 healthy, nutritious meals to ten schools throughout the district from October - December. Designated Parent Liaisons coordinated this weekly food distribution at the end of day to support both the students and their families while encouraging the Home-School Connection.

The Office of Federal Programs & Grants continues to partner with community organizations that support families and student learning. Through effective partnerships, the district can collaborate with organizations to enhance programming and support the needs of students and families.

Annual Thanksgiving Soul Bowl-More Than a Game

The annual Soul Bowl to most may be seen as a way to enjoy the early morning of Thanksgiving before the big meal, but for many in Newark’s South Ward, it's more than just a football game. The Soul Bowl is a can’t miss reunion for neighbors and families made up of generations of alumni from Weequahic and Shabazz (South Side) high schools. The excitement of this event brings out the best tailgating, best dressed, and pride-talking alumni. It’s also a day filled with fellowship and love. Everywhere you look, you’ll see former players, band members and cheerleaders proudly wearing their old jerseys or varsity jackets. Among them as well are the current students attending those schools who are present to cheer on their friends.
The game is the culminating activity because what makes the Soul Bowl special are the events leading up to it such as the joint community service projects, alumni membership drives, and the bands and cheer teams engaging in friendly “battles.” Prior to game day, tradition has held that both teams come together to perform community service and later attend the annual Unity Dinner with all the players, coaches and school administrators from Weequahic HS and Malcolm X Shabazz HS in attendance. This year’s Unity Dinner and Soul Bowl game was held at Malcolm X Shabazz HS.

Weequahic HS has defeated Malcolm X Shabazz nine times since the return of the Soul Bowl in 2009. Although the Bulldogs have won three of the last six Soul Bowls and hold an overall series edge of 34-23-6 against the Indians, this year’s Soul Bowl trophy went back home with the Weequahic Indians.

Principal Buckman and Principal Thomas speaking at the Unity Dinner (upper left); Board President Dawn Haynes with the coin toss (upper right); Weequahic HS and Malcolm X Shabazz HS marching bands battle (lower left); Weequahic HS football team, coaching staff and Principal Thomas with the trophy (lower right).
Principal Buckman and Principal Thomas speaking at the Unity Dinner (upper left); Board President Dawn Haynes with the coin toss (upper right); Weequahic HS and Malcolm X Shabazz HS marching bands battle (lower left); Weequahic HS football team, coaching staff and Principal Thomas with the trophy (lower right).

Student Talent Showcased During Winter Performances and Exhibitions

The University High School Choir and Band perform during the Community Holiday Tree Lighting and Awards Ceremony
The University High School Choir and Band perform during the Community Holiday Tree Lighting and Awards Ceremony

Winter and holiday concerts are always a crowd favorite this time of the year. On Thursday, December 8th, University High School kicked off the Newark Board of Education winter concert season with a Community Holiday Tree Lighting and Awards Ceremony. The program began with the University High School Choir singing holiday selections under the direction of music educator Ms. Frazier-King in Harpers Park on Girard Place. Everyone was treated to the spectacle of the community holiday tree lighting ceremony with students, staff, families and neighbors sharing in the holiday spirit together.

The evening continued back at the school with a community sponsored meal and recognition of student achievements for marking period one. The program was interspersed with performances from the band, dance ensemble, and a display of student artwork under the direction of music educator Mr. Dixon, dance educator Ms. Neal, and visual art educator Ms. Graham. We look forward to seeing the cheerful celebrations showcasing student talent in NBOE schools throughout the season.

Click here to view the performance.

 

New ESL Curriculum Expands Conceptual, Analytical, and Linguistic Understanding

The new English as a Second Language (ESL) curriculum is being implemented throughout the district, and teachers and students could not be more excited! The curriculum ensures that the Newark Board of Education meets the content and language needs of multilingual learners while supporting instruction and assessment in which students learn to understand concepts, analyze information, and speak in a clear and concise manner.

Additionally, the district’s inclusive, accessible, and culturally relevant curriculum integrates recent and emerging research and theory into practice to ensure the success of all students.

Students at Louise A. Spencer learning about internal and external character traits and engaging in the ESL Reading Curriculum
Students at Louise A. Spencer learning about internal and external character traits and engaging in the ESL Reading Curriculum

Newark Schools Debut Robotics for Pre-K (B4K Initiative)

Office of Early Childhood Executive Director Yolonda Severe visits Newark School of Data Science and Information Technology where Preschoolers engage in a robotics session with high school students
Office of Early Childhood Executive Director Yolonda Severe visits Newark School of Data Science and Information Technology where preschoolers engage in a robotics session with high school students

Preschool students from Mount Vernon were welcomed at the Newark School of Data Science and Information Technology on Saturday, December 3, 2022 for its first Microchip Robotics session. This level of collaboration is part of the district’s initiative to link its elementary schools with high school feeder schools.

Preschoolers were introduced to the exciting world of STEAM where they created, built, and drew to their hearts’ desire. The remaining sessions will take place throughout the month of December as preschool participants embark on an adventurous journey to explore the different ways in which energy is transferred from one place to another while being cost efficient and environmentally friendly for its consumers. The Microchip Robotics program will end with a culminating activity that will be showcased at the Newark Robotics fair on January 14, 2023 at Newark School of Data Science and Information Technology. Every participant will have an opportunity to display the skills they have learned throughout the course of the program.