News

Newark Continues to Foster a History of Growth and Success

Bard High School Early College, which first opened its doors in September 2011, has undergone significant changes over the years. Initially sharing a building with two other schools, Bridges and People's Prep, Bard now stands alone in the building thanks to the efforts of the Superintendent León and the District. Starting in July of this year, Bard will occupy the entire space, marking a new chapter in its history.

Looking ahead to the Fall of 2024, Bard is set to welcome a larger freshman class. Additionally, a group of new teachers will join the Bard community to support the growing student body. At Bard, students have the unique opportunity to take college courses during their 11th- and 12th-grade years, allowing them to graduate with both a high school diploma and an Associate's Degree.

Newark Inspires the Next Generation of Writers: Editing Day Success Story

Students collaborate with the Office of Teaching and Learning Staff and Teachers, refining their narratives for a shared journey of storytelling excellence
Students collaborate with the Office of Teaching and Learning Staff and Teachers, refining their narratives for a shared journey of storytelling excellence

In collaboration with Science Park High School, the Office of English Language Arts orchestrated a phenomenal Editing Day, transcending borders and bringing together students from 10 schools spanning 33 countries. The event, set to feature in the upcoming anthology "We Were Strangers Once, Too," celebrated creativity and collaboration, marking a significant milestone in the pursuit of writing excellence. Attendees engaged in interactive sessions that showcased the impact of effective editing on student writing and fostered a spirit of exploration and learning—the transformative Editing Day left an indelible mark, inspiring students to sharpen their editing skills and kindling a newfound enthusiasm for crafting impactful narratives.

In the coming months, select students will have their stories published in the upcoming anthology "We Were Strangers Once, Too." This initiative celebrates their creativity and empowers them to share their narratives with a broader audience, creating a lasting impact on their writing journey.

NBOE Boosts its Security Measures

Office of Safety and Security Command Center
Office of Safety and Security Command Center

The Newark Board of Education’s Office of Safety and Security Command Center has recently implemented remote camera access for 58 schools, allowing for real-time monitoring and remote surveillance footage retrieval. This initiative not only boosts security measures but also promotes a safe learning environment for students, providing peace of mind for parents and staff.

Moreover, classroom emergency procedure booklets have been distributed District-wide to equip teachers with essential guides for handling emergencies efficiently. This move underscores the District's dedication to preparedness and proactive safety measures.

Furthermore, 60 school buildings now have operational alarms, with the rest scheduled for completion by July 1, 2024. The completion of these alarm projects will further enhance NBOE's infrastructure, ensuring the safety and well-being of its educational community.

Newark Empowers Student Learning Journey with Tailored Spring Break Packet

Students at Lafayette Street School are gearing up for spring break with A Base Case of Stripes
Students at Lafayette Street School are gearing up for spring break with A Base Case of Stripes

The 3rd Annual Spring Break Packet, presented by the Office of Early Childhood, is an exciting opportunity for students and families. This packet includes the book A Bad Case of Stripes by David Shannon and is designed to provide support and engagement for families over 5 days. The activities in the packet focus on Social Emotional Learning, Literacy, and Mathematics, and culminate in a project where students create a poster depicting their own bad case of stripes.

In addition to the daily activities, the packet also includes valuable information about the importance of reading with children, strategies for reading at home, introducing new vocabulary, and support for students with special needs. Families can also choose to participate in extension activities such as growing lima beans and making lima bean dip.

To further enhance the experience, QR codes are provided with videos that review the activities for each day. The packet is also available in Spanish, Portuguese, French, and Haitian Creole. Additionally, each day begins with videos of teachers and Office of Early Childhood staff conducting read-aloud sessions to support families.

This initiative aligns with the department's commitment to academic rigor, quality instruction, and oral language development. By providing developmentally appropriate resources and promoting family engagement, the Office of Early Childhood aims to ensure kindergarten readiness and support the holistic development of every child. Click here to view the 3rd Annual Spring Break Packet.

Families Connect Through Early Literacy

Parent University Kindergarten Readiness at Chancellor Avenue
Parent University Kindergarten Readiness at Chancellor Avenue

Parent engagement initiatives are flourishing as they equip families with knowledge and resources through strong partnerships. This month, Parent University shines a spotlight on the Kindergarten Readiness monthly series - a program designed to create an environment where families with young children can learn and embrace early literacy skills. These skills are crucial in helping elementary school students become proficient readers and writers. The Kindergarten Readiness series provides families with the tools needed to establish a meaningful connection between school and home learning. Families are given strategies and materials to further enhance early literacy skills within their household. The District remains committed to fostering partnerships and creating spaces where families can explore their passion for literacy. Through these initiatives, families are motivated, empowered, and educated, enabling students to excel in the realms of reading and writing. Learn more by visiting the Parent Engagement webpage and at your child’s school.

Newark Showcases Art, Talent, and Dedication in NBOE’s All City Events

All City Music Orchestra at Arts High School; Family and friends view student original artwork during Young Artists Annual at Newark Vocational High School; Newark Vocational High School drama students share spoken words and song during Teen Arts Annual at Newark Museum of Art
All City Music Orchestra at Arts High School; Family and friends view student original artwork during Young Artists Annual at Newark Vocational High School; Newark Vocational High School drama students share spoken words and song during Teen Arts Annual at Newark Museum of Art

March has been a vibrant celebration of students' creativity, optimism, and new beginnings. In honor of Arts in Schools Month, the Office of Visual and Performing Arts has hosted enriching events based on this year’s district theme, Brand New Day. The celebration began with the Young Artists Annual Exhibition on February 28th at Newark Vocational High School, featuring the imagination and talents of middle school students from grades 6-8 with their visual art, theatrical, and musical performances. This was followed by the All City Music Festival at Arts High School, bringing together 220 budding vocalists and instrumentalists from 38 school music programs across the District showcasing their musicianship in a collaborative performance highlighting the importance of music education. Then, the 2024 Teen Arts Annual, in collaboration with The Newark Museum of Art, showcased the talents of high school students across grades 9-12, featuring over 170 visual artists and performers from 14 District high schools. The month concluded with the All City Dance Festival at Barringer High School, bringing together over 200 students in grades K-12 across various Newark Public Schools, emphasizing the role of dance in education and student personal development. NBOE’s All City events have highlighted students' extraordinary abilities and the District's dedication to nurturing an environment where the arts are encouraged for personal and cultural growth.