News

My Very Own Library Launching Soon

Students at Ivy Hill Elementary School excited about MVOL books
Students at Ivy Hill Elementary School excited about MVOL books

My Very Own Library (MVOL) is a program that started in six schools and the district is proud to announce it is now being brought to every elementary school in Newark Public Schools. Students will be able to choose ten free books and continue adding to their personal home libraries. Schools will also be able to host in-person and virtual author visits along with family literacy events.

"My Very Own Library has long been a staunch supporter of the Newark Public Schools, as evidenced by their commitment to providing ten free books to every student in participating schools over the years," said Superintendent Roger León." The opportunity for students to be able to read will help them expand their vocabulary and develop essential communication and social skills that are key to being successful in life."

My Very Own Library will officially launch the week of December 5th. Schools throughout the district will be hosting literacy events open to students and families to attend.

NBOE Hosts its Annual Pre-College Pathways Fair

Students and families interact with program representatives at Central High School
Students and families interact with program representatives at Central High School

The Newark Board of Education’s Pre-College Fair has returned to in-person! On November 9, 2022, Principal Terri V. Mitchell of Central High School, welcomed Director Mary Leigh Harvey and the Office of Student Life (OSL), to host the NBOE district pre-college fair for parents and students. From NJIT’s Upward Bound program to Big Brothers Big Sisters, there was an abundance of community and collegiate partners present to provide students and parents an opportunity to connect with local organizations and agencies about enrichment and support in areas of academics, leadership skills, mentoring and post-high school planning.

Students walked away feeling enlightened and parents appreciated the opportunity to learn about the extensive catalog of programs in which the city of Newark has to offer. According to Ms. White, Supervisor in OSL, a parent approached her and stated, “This is fabulous. There is so much opportunity here, and all for free!” Most local colleges and universities located in the city of Newark participated in the fair, in addition to the Urban League and SEEDs programs for a total of 18 college/university programs, community agencies and partners.

Click here to learn more about pre-college pathway programs for students in grades 6-12.

Enhancing Mobility with Adaptive Equipment

Physical therapy equipment used in schools
Physical therapy equipment used in schools

Related services benefit students when interventions are appropriate to the age and learning needs of individual students. Recommendations are selected through evidence-based decision-making and connected to helping students progress in their educational program/environment.

NBOE students are receiving therapy techniques that are clinical in nature and employ a continuum of service delivery models in the least restrictive environment. Related service providers are working interprofessionally with school staff and families to support students in the educational environment while promoting carry-over and independence of learned skills.

Picture 1: Stander- A student would propel forward by pushing the wheels with their hands.
Picture 2: Gait trainer- Used to allow children to achieve independent walking so that they can explore their environment without dependence on someone else.
Picture 3: Adaptive tricycle- Used to provide children with the opportunity for independent mobility alongside gross motor improvements.

Newark Board of Education Approves K-12 ESL Curriculum

The Office of Bilingual Education (OBE) is excited to announce NBOE’s approval of the K-12 ESL Curriculum. The standards-aligned lessons use the Quality Teaching for English Learners (QTEL) “Three Moments” in a lesson plan designed to engage all English Learners in active participation that builds their autonomy.

The curriculum is systematic and explicit in providing sustained language instruction through clear and differentiated learning outcomes. This supports the district’s English Language Learners in language acquisition. Teachers will continue to receive professional development to ensure successful implementation of the new curriculum.

ESL Teachers at Peshine Avenue School collaborate using the new curriculum
ESL Teachers at Peshine Avenue School collaborate using the new curriculum

Arts High School Hosts Schools From Around State

String and band students from across the state convene in music classrooms at Arts High School for a working session during the NJMEA 6-12 String Academy and NJMEA HS Band Academy
String and band students from across the state convene in music classrooms at Arts High School for a working session during the NJMEA 6-12 String Academy and NJMEA HS Band Academy

On Sunday, November 6th, Arts High hosted the New Jersey Music Educators Association (NJMEA) 6-12 String Academy and NJMEA HS Band Academy. Students from across the state of New Jersey attended this event, where they learned strategies to prepare for successful auditions at region, state, and collegiate levels. Guest clinicians included Dr. Oscar Petty, Jr., an Arts High School graduate, and Martha Mooke, director of the strings program at New Jersey City University. Ms. Brodhead Cullen, Supervisor of NBOE Visual and Performing Arts stated, “The NJMEA String and Band Academies were a wonderful opportunity for our students to further develop skills and collaborate with fellow student musicians, educators, and professionals from across the state. Hosting these experiences at Arts High School opens doors for Newark students to achieve their fullest potential and engage with their community and world.” Ms. Brodhead Cullen serves on the NJMEA Board as the Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access (IDEA) Committee Chair.

Under the leadership of Principal Devonne DeNose, and Music Directors Lawrence Liggins and Christine Sweet, Arts High School opened doors to nine participating schools from across the state. Participating Schools included Arts High School, Cicely Tyson Performing Arts High School, Melvin H. Kreps Middle School, New Brunswick High School, Passaic Public Schools, Plainfield High School, West Essex High School, Whitney Houston Academy, and Woodrow Wilson Middle School.

Newark Student-Athlete Selected to Serve on the NJ Interscholastic Athletic Association’s Student-Athlete Advisory Council

East Side High School Student-Athlete
East Side High School Student-Athlete

The Office of Health, Physical Education and Athletics is pleased to announce that for the first time, a Newark Board of Education student-athlete has been selected to serve on the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association’s (NJSIAA) Student-Athlete Advisory Council!

Justin Hidalgo, 11th grade student at East Side High School and a Volleyball and Basketball player, will serve a two-year term on the council and has already provided input in revising the Sportsmanship Policy.

The New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association’s Student-Athlete Advisory Council’s (NJSIAA SAAC) application process is competitive and open to approximately 435 accredited public and non-public high schools. The NJSIAA SAAC will work to represent the perspective of all NJSIAA student-athletes by presenting their feedback to the NJSIAA Executive Committee and Staff which will thereby assist in decision making and development of initiatives for future improvement that will benefit all NJSIAA member schools.

NBOE is beyond proud of Justin and confident that he will represent the student-athletes of the district well, and hopeful that the collective voices and perspectives of student-athletes are heard and seen.