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Newark Public Schools Introduces Arts Education Landscape Baseline Report

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[Newark, NJ – November 10, 2021] Newark Public Schools released Newark Public Schools Arts Education Landscape Baseline Report 2019-2020 after it was approved by the Newark Board of Education on October 28, 2021.

The report was developed in response to NPS Clarity 2020, a one-year strategic plan that established the foundation for The Next Decade: 2020-30, and produced by the Office of Visual and Performing Arts under the leadership of Director, Margaret El. Framed from an equity lens, the report examines district-wide data from the 2019-2020 school year in five areas impacting quality arts education: Student Access and Participation; Capacity Building; Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment; Partnership and Collaboration; and Infrastructure and Sustaining the Arts. Each of the five areas includes an equity statement, a goal, findings, benchmarks, and 10-year action items through 2030.

Superintendent Roger León expressed his enthusiastic support, “The arts are an integral part of the fabric of Newark and essential to stimulating innovation, creativity, and critical thinking, and our students are so talented. This unprecedented report marks our commitment to high-quality sequential arts instruction for every child, and for the first time, provides a baseline by which we can track progress moving forward. I commend the Office of Visual and Performing Arts, for undertaking this major project in response to NPS Clarity 2020, and creating a 10-year roadmap aligned with The Next Decade to ensure our students have equitable access to all the arts—dance, music, theatre, and visual arts.”

Using multiple data sources, the report provides essential information on the state of Pre K-12 arts education across the district during the 2019-2020 school year. Findings from the report, including strengths, weaknesses, challenges, opportunities, and trends, were used to develop arts education goals and benchmarks for the next decade.

“On behalf of the Board, we are proud to fully support the implementation of this arts plan. The report is thorough in its examination of district-wide arts education. While it shines a light on the excellence within the district, it is clear vast resources and support are still needed to achieve arts for all. We encourage our stakeholders and valuable community partners to help make this vision a reality for Newark students,” remarked Dawn Haynes, President, Newark Board of Education.

Newark Public Schools believes in the arts as a core content area, as evidenced by its consistent and longstanding practice of hiring full-time certified arts educators to teach dance, music, theatre, and visual arts. The district employed 216 certified arts educators during the 2019-2020 school year, and 92% of schools offered both music and visual arts. Under COVID-19 the district has increased the number of full-time certified arts educators to 224 for the 2021-2022 school year.

Margaret El, Director of the Visual and Performing Arts, stated “A well-rounded and rigorous education includes the arts as an essential core academic subject. Our vision is that through this process, we will chart a clear and equitable path to ensure all Newark students are engaged in quality, sequential arts education in multiple disciplines; our teachers are fully supported in their practice; and the arts community’s vast resources, relationships, and partnerships are leveraged for the benefit of our young people. This report highlights the excellence that we see each and every day in our arts classrooms and schools, identifies areas of need and provides a roadmap for the next 10 years to achieve our mission to inspire every Newark Public School student to discover and achieve their highest creative potential.

We are thrilled to begin implementation and are so grateful for the support of Superintendent León, the Newark Board of Education, Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning Dr. Mary Ann Reilly, and the Prudential and Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation for continued support for the Renew the Arts initiative.

For more information, please contact:
Nancy J. Deering
Communications, Acting Director
Office: 973-733-6265
ndeering@nullnewark.apppresser.com

Sabrina Dias Represents Newark While Competing on Season 21 of NBC’S “The Voice”

“One day, I’m going to be on The Voice” stated Sabrina Dias, years before that statement would become a reality. As a Newark native, born and raised - Dias comes from a proud Portuguese family that instilled in her, a love of music. She attended both Oliver Street School and Wilson Avenue School in her younger years and then went on to Arts High School, eventually making her way back to Rafael Hernandez Elementary School as a music teacher. “I’ve been around the block” she says. “I’m just excited to be on this journey as an artist, to represent Newark, and to bring love. I’m big on love.”

At the age of eight, Dias felt her first call to music. She wanted to play the drums. Her mother, a pastor in the area attempted to steer her in the direction of learning the piano as the idea of a young girl playing the drums wasn’t quite common. However, after the realization set in that Dias would come home from piano lessons and find a way to play the drums, her mother gave in and her journey as a musician began. Playing at her parents’ church, she became lead drummer by the age of 12. She accredits her mother as the reason she began singing. “My mom was a singer and I always admired that about her.” Dias says her mom continuously encouraged her to sing after hearing her in the shower and eventually she decided to start taking vocal lessons at 16. That opened the door for her to begin leading praise and worship at her church where she decided she also wanted to pick up the guitar as a means to sing and play - leading the band.

During this time, Dias was attending Arts High School, which she praises as a real driving force in her artistry. “First off, shout out to Arts High School, you guys are amazing” her face lights up as she recalls her time there. “My favorite school in the whole world. Going to Arts High was everything.” Dias didn’t know how to read music as she played by ear and says that going to the musical and visual arts high school was a foundation in her understanding of music. As the only female-drummer among boys, she says it wasn’t always easy because it was so different but the love and support she received from her teachers really gave her the drive to be the best, practicing as much as she could because she couldn’t settle for anything less.

"My principal, Ms. Jackson used to call me “Sheila E”, Dias begins to get emotional as she details the ways in which her former principal played a role in her journey. “Every time she saw me, she would say “You’re going to be like Sheila E, you’re going to be big one day”, she always believed in me.” Dias lists a number of teachers that were instrumental to her journey and says that it meant more than she can explain that they saw something special in her. It changed her life.

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Fast forward from watching The Voice every week with her family, to being on the show – Dias remembers saying out loud that maybe one day, she’d try out. “Who knows? Maybe somebody will turn.” And now, years after the fact, the thought nearly forgotten and she gets a chair turn from John Legend who invites her to be on his team. “It’s been a dream” she says. The singing competition, in its 21st Season features music superstars; John Legend, Kelly Clarkson, Blake Shelton and newcomer, Ariana Grande. “The best thing about being on Team Legend is that he’s a singer and musician, so in that aspect we both connect and I’ve admired him my whole life.” says Dias. “Being a musician, being a singer and connecting with the type of music genre that we both sing, that’s where we connected before I ever even met him and it has been the greatest part of this journey.”

While Dias is living out her dream, she isn’t coy about recognizing those who’ve supported her and inspired her along the way. Growing up as a product of Newark Public Schools, Dias decided to pursue a career as an educator and came back to teach, instilling music in her students as her teachers did for her. “I have a passion for people and a passion for teaching, I think any person who becomes a teacher has a passion for people because if not, we wouldn’t do it. It wouldn’t work.” Dias currently teaches at Rafael Hernandez School where she is beloved and wildly supported. During the show’s first week of premieres, both her alma mater and current place of employment went above and beyond to show their love and support of Dias and her endeavor.

“Hernandez, wow, you know that I love you. All of you guys have a special, special place in my heart.” she says as she beams from ear to ear. “You have no idea how much they support me. I’m so grateful to be there, to meet the best teachers and the best coworkers that I could ever ask for.” Dias goes on to talk about the staff that she works with and shares how she brought her Team Legend boxing robe, a gift from Coach John Legend to school after she received her chair turn and every teacher and student was so excited and supportive. She shared that she has posters hung up all over her walls, mementos given to her by her students who couldn’t be any happier about their teacher’s journey on The Voice. “My students, they’re so beautiful. I’m extremely lucky.”

While a fan and judge favorite, unfortunately Dias was voted off of the competition two weeks ago during the Knockout Rounds. She performed Ed Sheeran’s hit song “Photograph” while playing the guitar and drums earning a standing ovation from judges John Legend, Kelly Clarkson, and Ariana Grande. When asked what advice she would give those wanting to pursue music, Dias said “Follow your passion and remember your purpose. Nothing is impossible, nothing is too hard, and nothing is too difficult.” She concludes by saying “If it’s something that you want, then it’s something that you go for, it’s something that you fight for. You have to pursue it with everything if that is your dream – it’s never too high, there is no difference between you and john Legend, or you and Ariana Grande – the only difference is that they fought for it and pursued it.”

The district couldn’t be any prouder of Ms. Dias as both an alumna and a teacher within our schools. We wish her all of the best and continued success on her musical endeavors.

Newark School of Fashion & Design Teams Up with Macy’s To Provide Students With Blueprint Denim Washhouse Experience

Newark School of Fashion & Design
Macys Logo

[November 5, 2021 - Newark, NJ] The Newark Board of Education is honored to announce through the courtesy of Macy’s and their generous donation of $10,000 - the students of Newark School of Fashion & Design (NSFD) High School will be granted the opportunity of professional development through a partnership with Blueprint Denim (BPD) Washhouse, located in Jersey City, New Jersey. Students will be given the chance to work with professionals who specialize in denim wear and will curate their own denim pieces. In small cohorts of five or six, students will learn about the specifics of denim washes and colors.

“The Newark Board of Education is truly excited about this collaboration and the many ways in which our students will be exposed to real-world experiences that largely benefit their career aspirations.” shares Superintendent Roger León. “It is thanks to Macy’s and their generosity, by way of Ms. White that we can provide the students of NSFD with this one-of-a-kind opportunity.”

The partnership, spearheaded by Macy’s “First Impressions” Assistant-Designer, Rakiyah White; came about as a way to further motivate and support students whose career objectives revolve around fashion. “My goal is to give students a hands-on real-life experience, that can motivate their career in fashion design” stated White. “I was able to take the denim class at BPD Washhouse along with my colleagues and we absolutely loved it. Experimenting with the different techniques on my own personal garments – I know for sure the students will have a blast and get their creative juices flowing!”. Ms. White shares her hope that this partnership will contribute to future collaborations and give students a glimpse of what the real world of fashion entails from a production aspect.

"For BPD, sharing our knowledge and experience is a top priority. This partnership between BPD, Macy's, and NSFD is a great way to inspire a new generation of student designers. Our hope in this partnership is that it will give NSFD students a glimpse into the professional world of fashion and give them confidence in their talent” said BPD Washhouse Representative, Bill Curtin. As a company, BPD specializes in taking the vision in a designer’s mind and making it real. They also strive to teach the benefits of sustainability in the fashion industry.

On the East Coast, BPD Washhouse serves as the only full-service commercial denim wet and dry process facility. Considered a true denim studio for pure development with a creative atmosphere with technical knowledge – the Washhouse provides courses in Denim 101. Classes consist of tutorials on how denim is made along with an in-depth explanation on the types of terminology used in the focus and hands-on training and designing. Working with brands like Calvin Klein, Tommy Hilfiger, Marc Jacobs, and many more, students will be granted an all-around production experience.

“I’m ecstatic that grant funding provided by Macy's will allow Newark School of Fashion & Design students to engage in techniques at the BPD Washhouse such as stone washing, tinting, and pigment spraying using denim as their fashion medium,” stated Principal Sakina Pitts of Newark School of Fashion Design. “Aligned with the vision of Newark School of Fashion & Design High School, the opportunity for our students to engage in this experience funded by the Macy's grant will allow them to use some of the latest technology innovations at the BPD Washhouse to manifest their own personal creative styles using denim fabric and articles of clothing.

Howard University Partners with Newark’s University High School Offering Dual Enrollment Program

[Newark, NJ - November 3, 2021] In a partnership that marks the first of its kind, Newark Public Schools by way of University High School, partners with Howard University and the National Education Equity Lab to offer high school juniors and seniors the opportunity to take courses offered by the university to earn college credits. The course titled Principals of Criminal Justice serves as a means to provide an introduction to the criminal justice system and a foundation for future study. In the course, students will be able to explore the key concepts of the criminal justice system and be encouraged to think critically about issues emerging in the 21st century media. They will also be able to debate current topics relevant to the principles of criminal justice while considering the range of policies currently in place.

“Priority 2 of The Next Decade 2020-30 outlines the importance of executing curricula for college and career programs with fidelity. This renowned partnership does that,” said Superintendent León. “We are excited about this partnership and the opportunity it provides our students” he added.

The program is designed for students who are curious about law, sociology, or social justice. Students who join the program will be eligible to earn high school credit along with college credit from the university as dual credit. The course will be taught by Professor, Dr. Bahiyyah Muhammad; known as an innovative educator who utilizes radical ways of engaging students in higher education. As a unique educator working strategically to change the landscape of higher education, Newark Public Schools is thrilled to have our students participate in this historic opportunity.

Keeping in line with University High School’s core values of “R.I.S.E.” which translates to Responsibility, Integrity, Service, and Excellence – the program provides its scholars with the tools necessary to carry out these calls to action. “To be the first high school in the city of Newark offering a dual enrollment opportunity with a Historically Black College or University, the Howard University, is extremely significant,” said Principal Genique Flournoy-Hamilton. “Not only does it provide our scholars with the experience of taking a college course while in high school, but it also reaffirms the importance of their value and expands their perspective about opportunities that exist at this great institution and other HBCU's where their experiences are acknowledged and validated by those who are serving as their professors. HBCU's have been known to have more success graduating scholars of similar demographic as those enrolled at University High School so we hope that more of our scholars see HBCU's as a viable college choice through their enrollment in this course and program.”

Participating students will meet during their regular class period and will be overseen by a Co-Teacher who will act in a facilitation and coaching role. To further support students, Co-Teachers will be invited to participate in regular check-ins where they will share information and engage in conversations with other teachers across the country to discuss challenges, highlights, and best practices. Lee Snowden, Instructor, and Co-Teacher on behalf of University High School stated “The collaboration with the historic Howard University and University High School will impact this great community of Newark for generations to come. I am ever so fortunate to work with such a cadre of esteemed scholars as well as stellar Howard University faculty.”

“This course has allowed me to unpack and understand the different layers within our criminal justice system. It makes me feel good to be knowledgeable about laws so I can protect my own rights. What I love most about this course is that I am attending a Historically Black University. I find it very empowering to see black people so informed about the law.” stated University senior, Hallia Robinson. Her sentiments for the program were echoed by fellow classmate Amir Chase, who said “This course is an eye-opener for me and most classmates not just for social justice but for the college life as well. I’m influenced by what we’re learning and can’t wait to get to learn more throughout the year!”

As the district continues to implement best practices to elevate students and their chosen career paths, this opportunity marks a historic partnership. As a Historically Black College & University, Howard has a long-standing history of producing exceptional scholars that turn into exceptional professionals in the in the workforce. The Newark Board of Education is hopeful that this will constitute as the start of a very long and plentiful partnership between the two institutions.

Reebok Awards 24 Newark Public Schools With PE Grants of $2000 Each

[Newark, NJ] November 1, 2021 - Superintendent León and the Newark Board of Education are proud to announce that 24 schools within the district have been awarded a $2000 PE Grant by way of Reebok and their Build Our Kids Success initiative. The schools will receive funds totaling $48,000 to purchase equipment and incentives for their Physical Education program this school year. Build Our Kids Success, also known as BOKS serves as a physical activity program initiative designed to get kids active while establishing lifelong commitments to health and fitness. Their mission – to make physical activity and play a part of every child’s day.

Through the BOKS program, physical education educators are provided lesson plans, training, and the support needed to get kids moving for up to 45 minutes a day. By conducting research, BOKS was able to determine that 81% of adolescents do not participate in enough physical activity. As a nod to the continuous work that Newark Public Schools has been doing to further support the introduction of healthy living to students in grades PK – 8, the district has instilled these very values into one of the new schools, featured on the list – Michelle Obama Elementary School.

The elementary school, slated to grow a grade every year, just opened its doors this September with a focus on Community, Leadership, and Wellness. “We are ecstatic to introduce our youngest learners to transformative learning, deliberately focused on the knowledge and skills needed to help them grow into transformational leaders” stated Superintendent León.

The recipient schools of the grant are 22 elementary, one middle, and one specialized school spanned across the district with 9 schools in the East/Central Ward, 8 in the North Ward, 5 in the South/West Ward along with Science Park High Middle School, and NJ Regional Day School.

With much gratitude to Reeboks and their BOKS initiative, the district is very proud of this and aims to continuously support and instill the values of healthy living within our curriculum.