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Lessons in Leadership: Roger León and Kevin O’Toole

In this edition of Lessons in Leadership, Steve Adubato and Mary Gamba are joined by Roger León, Superintendent, Newark Public Schools, about leading in a pandemic, what leadership skills our youth need to succeed and who inspired and mentored him as a leader. Then, Steve is joined by Kevin O'Toole, Chairman, Board of Commissioners, Port Authority of NY and NJ and Former NJ State Senator, about the importance of pivoting in a crisis and fearless leadership.

Newark School of Fashion & Design Freshman Student Wins 1st Place FCCLA National Fashion Competition

Newark, NJ [July 7, 2022] Just eleven short months ago, first-year students arrived at the Newark School of Fashion & Design (NSFD) having limited to no sewing skills. By the time of the Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) Fashion Competition in Spring 2022, twelve students created their custom-designed formal wear and placed in the Gold, Silver, and Bronze categories. NSFD also took home the State's Northern Region Membership Award for 2022! 

One NSFD freshman, Sa’Kayla Mclendon, proceeded to the National Leadership Conference in San Diego, California held June 29, 2022 - July 3, 2022, and won First Place in the Fashion Competition.

Superintendent Leon stated, “We are very proud of Sa’Kayla.  She, like her peers at NSFD, are talented and they are influencing the world of fashion, and in such a short period of time.”

Every year, FCCLA members from across the country gather to network with fellow members, attend leadership workshops, take part in competitive events, explore career pathways, and learn from industry experts. FCCLA's National Leadership Conference Fashion Show showcased exemplary fashion garments created by student members from across the country! 

Principal of NSFD, Sakina Pitts shared “Proud is an understatement! My expectations are extremely high for my students, and Sa’Kayla's 1st place National win is a testament to the impact being made here at the Newark School of Fashion & Design in just one year.”

Ms. Posey, teacher of Art Education at NSFD shared “All things are possible for those who have a willing heart." 

Sa’Kayla Mclendon, FCCLA National 1st place winner shared "I was nervous, but I prayed. In the end, it was unbelievable that I won 1st place and haven't even been sewing for a full year yet! I went to California to represent my school and my City. So, it felt good to bring home the win!"

Akima Mclendon, mother of Sa’Kayla who also attended the event shared "All of your hard work and dedication paid off! You went to California to represent your school and your City! So, The Sky's the Limit!"

Board President Dawn Haynes said “ I am so happy that other parts of the country get to see how truly talented students from Newark are. The opportunity to compete in California is amazing and bringing home 1st place sets the standard. Congratulations to Sa’Kayla and NSFD.”

Newark Public Schools Open Summer Programs 2022

Newark, NJ [July 5, 2022] Today, the Newark Public Schools opens the Summer Programs 2022 schedule with K-Ready Kindergarten Boot-camp, Mandatory Summer School, Summer Plus, English Plus, Extended School Year, and a High School Academy Summer Jump-Start Program for elementary students.  At the high school level, in addition to credit recovery, there are also High School Extended School Year and English Plus Programs to go along with the CTE Summer Future Business Leaders Program, and the NBOE College and Career Readiness Institute. The Circuit Acceleration Summer Program by Novartis for 8th and 9th graders enrolled at Data Science & Information Technology High School is a new initiative that provides a peek at the kinds of innovative programming that will be available at all high schools in the coming years. In addition, there are several exciting enrichment programs like Summer Sports Camps, Summer STEM Academy, Newark Educational Technology Summer Camp, Summer Visual & Performing Arts Academy, High School Musical Theatre, and the Culture Creators – High School Visual Arts Academy.

This summer, we have opened up summer programming opportunities for all students in Newark and we have approximately 20,000 students across all grades engaged in one to various activities throughout the entire summer from 8 am to 6 pm. "Last summer, we opened the largest number of schools in over one decade with incredible opportunities for students," said Superintendent Leon. He added, "We've continued that trend this summer in our response to the impact of coronavirus with additional educational, social-emotional learning, learning loss, and just simply fun activities to keep our students well engaged during this summer."

We know that keeping our students involved in summer programs is extremely important and we provide breakfast, lunch, and snacks to keep our students well fed and healthy. "We commend the district for continuing such programming that is innovative and fun," said Board President Haynes. "We encourage families and students to join us at any of their schools of choice for this summer."

For additional information: 

The Newark Board of Education Approves the Appointment of New Principals for the 2022-23 School Year

Newark, NJ, [June 27, 2022] Superintendent León and the Newark Board of Education are pleased to announce the appointment of 10 new Principals for the 2022–23 school year. All of the candidates participated in a rigorous interview process consisting of meetings with key members of the community, students, staff, and the Superintendent.

Superintendent León said, “I am thrilled to announce one of the most diverse group of principal candidates to be named Principal for SY 2022-23.” He added, “This cohort of candidates is a shining example of internal mobility at its best, and the School Leadership Councils were instrumental in helping to identify this talented group of Principals.”

“As I have said in the past, being a principal is the most important leadership role in our schools and we look forward to providing the support needed to be successful,” said Dawn Haynes, President of the Newark Board of Education.

American History High School - Meg Murray
Meg Murray held many positions after starting her career with the Newark Board; Curriculum Developer, Teacher of English, Department Chair, and most recently Vice Principal of East Side High School. Ms. Murray studied at the University of Illinois, Columbia University’s Teacher’s College, and University of Phoenix. 

Avon Avenue Elementary School - Krishna Dalal Barroso
Krishna Dalal Barroso started her career as a Teacher at Avon Avenue School where she rose to become Vice Principal and has served in that role for the past eight years. Ms. Barroso studied at Seton Hall University and Rutgers University. 

Dr. E. Alma Flagg - Filipa Alexandra Silva
Filipa Alexandra Silva began her career with the Newark Board of Education as a Teacher, followed by becoming an English as a Second Language Teacher, Operations Manager, and most recently Vice Principal of Salomé Ureña Elementary School. Ms. Silva studied at Drew University, St. Elizabeth College, and Grand Canyon University.

East Side High School - Carlos M. Rodriguez
Carlos Rodriguez began his career at the Newark Board of Education as a substitute, moving on to become a Teacher, Lead Technology Coordinator, Teacher Coach, and most recently Vice Principal of East Side High School. Mr. Rodriguez studied at Kean University and Saint Peter’s University.

Elliott Street School - Andres Barquin
Andres Barquin began his career as an elementary school teacher with the Newark Board of Education. He also served as an After-School Programs Lead, a Vice Principal, Summer Principal, and most recently Special Assistant to the North Ward Leadership Team. Mr. Barquin studied at Thomas Edison State College, Grand Canyon University, and Caldwell College. 

Ironbound Academy - Erica L. Paich
Erica Paich started her career as an Instructional Coach for school administrators, teachers, and students, then became a Special Assistant and most recently served as Director of Enrollment. She studied at Rutgers University, Kean University, and Rowan University. 

Luis Muñoz Marin - Daniel Guerra
Daniel Guerra started his Newark Board of Education career as an elementary school teacher and became an After-School Program Director, Summer Principal, and most recently Vice Principal of Elliott Street School. Mr. Guerra studied at Essex County College, Montclair State University, and John Hopkins University.

McKinley Elementary School - Dr. Lynnette Dortrait
Lynnette Dortrait joined the Newark Board of Education as Vice Principal of Dr. William H. Horton Elementary School where she has served for the past three years. Ms. Dortrait studied at Rider University and St. Peter’s University.

Quitman Street School - Dr. Courtney R. Johnson
Courtney Johnson held a variety of positions since joining the Newark Board of Education; Substitute Teacher, Teacher Coach, School Operations Manager, Supervisor, and most recently, Special Assistant of the High School Leadership Team. Ms. Johnson studied at the College of New Jersey, Capella University, and New Jersey City University.

Sir Isaac Newton - Tiffany Wicks
Tiffany Wicks started her career with the district as an Intern and became a Teacher, After-School Coordinator, Supervisor, and most recently Vice Principal of Sir Isaac Newton Elementary School. Ms. Wicks studied at Caldwell University, Montclair State University, and Seton Hall University.