Press Releases

36th Annual Title I Citywide Parent Conference: Let’s Go to Work

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The Newark Board of Education hosted the 36th Annual Title I Parent Conference last week, at the New Jersey Institute of Technology, the first in-person Conference for parents since 2019. 

While the virtual Parent Conference platform has been successful, there was no substitute for the excitement and energy of parents having the opportunity to Reconnect with friends, a chance to Revitalize their spirits and Reimagine a better future for their children. 

The day began with welcoming remarks from Director, Michelina Thornton, Deputy Superintendent Nicole Johnson, and Superintendent Roger León, followed by motivational words from keynote speaker, New Jersey Department of Education Acting Commissioner Dr. Angelica Allen-McMillian.

With a focus on parental engagement, Acting Commissioner Dr. Allen-McMillian shared, "Research tells us that family engagement is one of the most powerful predictors of a child's development, academic growth, and overall success in school and life." 

The layout of the Conference was truly phenomenal. Parents, community members, and parent liaisons were able to experience multiple workshops ranging from financial literacy to social and emotional learning. Also available were countless organizations tabling, which allowed parents and community members to gather information from over 30 partners and several Central Office Departments. 

"This is a fantastic event. There are so many helpful organizations for parents, and I have never been in one place where they have everything for every question I've been looking to answer; it is all here," stated Nyieshia Webb, mother of three.

Maria Mendoza, a mother of two children in the district, said, "It's very exciting to see all the excellent contributions being shared. We have been seen as unable to succeed in Newark, but we have the tools to succeed in Newark, and when everyone gets involved, our kids will succeed."

The Conference honored the memory and contributions of a lifelong pioneer and educational advocate, Ms. Wilhelmina Holder, by dedicating the Conference in her name and having the volunteers wear purple, her favorite color. The award was accepted by her daughter Omayra Molina.

Board President Dawn Haynes said, "Without the devoted parents we have in our district, we wouldn't be able to accomplish all the amazing things we have done so far. Our parents are appreciated and necessary."

Superintendent León stated, "As outlined in the strategic plan, The Next Decade: 2020-30, we are keeping our promise to provide opportunities for parents, guardians, and caregivers to experience continuous learning. We value our parents and we are grateful for a committee who dedicated their time to a memorable event.”

More Information

The Next Decade: 2020-30

 "Let’s go to Work" Film 

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Newark Schools’ ALL Schools Fair Attended by Thousands of Students and their Families

[Newark, NJ November 7, 2022]- The ALL Schools Fair kicked off on Saturday morning with families eager to connect with school representatives to learn about the great opportunities in the city’s schools.   The fair was attended by over two thousand students and their families amid the launch of Newark Enrolls – the district’s universal enrollment system.

This year, the fair was held at the newly renovated Newark Vocational High School where the students’ Career and Technical Education programs in Culinary Arts and Hospitality and Tourism were on full display.  Families were greeted with delectable treats of muffins, cupcakes, pasta, and pizza as they visited the various school stations.

Superintendent León welcomed guests, "We are extremely excited for the 2023-24 school year because we are bound for greatness! This is the largest turnout of all our ALL Schools Fairs!”  Families expressed similar excitement, Tracey Manor said, "I've attended all of the open houses to see what the schools have to offer and my daughters are interested in Newark Vocational; Imani in Graphic Arts and Amia in the Culinary Arts program.”

Eighth-grade student Nyzir exclaimed, “We visited all the schools; Science Park, Shabazz, and Central...  I am interested in the carpentry program at Barringer because I like building things with my hands.  I like football at Shabazz and the dental program at Central."

"The Fair is lovely and in a school that was updated.  There are a lot of opportunities in these schools and parents need to go to these schools and let their kids pick, because it's there," said parent Tiffany Bensmat.

Board President Haynes greeted and interacted with families as they entered the venue.  She noted, “We are excited for the families and their children.  They see the school system growing as our city is growing.”  Also representing the Board in attendance were Board Vice-President Norton, and Board Members Council, Garcia, and Williams.

The excitement at the fair translated into a swift response to the district’s call to action.  As soon as the application window opened at 3:00 pm, students began to apply.  Since the launch of the application window, nearly two-thousand applications have been recorded.

Families have until February 3, 2023, at 11:59 pm to make their choices. We encourage families to visit the Newark Enrolls website to review each school’s profile and promotional video (www.NewarkEnrolls.org).  Newark Enrolls is the only universal enrollment system in Newark that provides families with a transparent and equitable process to access the city’s schools.  The system, which includes all district schools, private prekindergarten providers, and participating charter schools, is administered by the district and powered by the SchoolMint platform.

SchoolMint supports 16,000 school districts, 11 million students, and more than 70% of U.S. Charter Management Organizations.  “SchoolMint is very excited to continue its partnership with Newark Public Schools.  As a trusted leader in school enrollment systems since 2013, we are confident our platform, with its rich collection of features and reliable performance, will help families in the Newark Public Schools community find the best school option for their students,” said Marianna Caballero, Senior Director of Customer Success at SchoolMint.

The New Ironbound Academy Elementary School Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

The New Ironbound Academy Elementary School Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
Councilman Silva, Assemblywoman Pintor-Marin, Principal Paich, Superintendent León, Assistant Superintendent Dr. Harrington, Board Members Council & Williams, and IAES Students

[Newark, NJ – November 5, 2022] Today, Superintendent León and members of the Newark Board of Education celebrated the opening of Ironbound Academy Elementary School, making it the eighth new school the district has opened since it’s return to local control in 2018.  

The inauguration of Ironbound Academy Elementary School as a new elementary school in the district is a realization of the goals and priorities outlined in the ten-year strategic, The Next Decade: 2020-30. The opening of Ironbound Academy Elementary School comes on the heels of burgeoning student enrollment in the district, now reaching over 38,000 students. Superintendent León stated, "This school is developing from something that has already demonstrated its greatness. We will continue creating opportunities for students and families by providing access to new innovative schools worthy of their enrollment." 

Ironbound Academy Elementary School services kindergarten through fourth grade and will grow one grade yearly until it reaches the eighth grade. The school's core values are Innovators who are Responsible, Optimistic, and Nice to others (IRON), and will be guided in part by Project Lead The Way. PLTW prides itself on tapping into the curious nature of students, immersing them in hands-on activities, projects, and problems that build upon each other and relate to the real world while making learning feel like play.

"I am honored to be the first principal of Ironbound Academy Elementary School, where we build strong academic and social/emotional foundations to serve a diverse community of students. We are excited to see our students reach their fullest potential and become Innovators who are Responsible, Optimistic, and Nice to others," said Principal Erica Paich.

“Superintendent León and the Board have consistently honored the commitment made to the families of Newark by expanding school opportunities for all Newark students” said Board President Haynes. “While this is our eighth school, we look forward to additional announcements of our portfolio of school options for families,” she said.

Joining Superintendent León and Principal Paich today were Board Member Council, Board Member Williams, Assemblywoman Pintor-Marin, Councilman Silva, Chief of Staff Nazario and Assistant Superintendent Dr. Harrington.

“This is an amazing day for the Ironbound, the East Ward, and the City of Newark because we get another much-needed school… I want to thank Superintendent Leon and Mayor Ras Baraka for making this happen,” said Councilman Silva.

For additional information:

Ironbound Academy Elementary School

The Next Decade: 2020-30

Gallaudet University Facilitates Professional Development for NBOE Staff

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Marianne Belsky, Chief Academic Officer, and Nicole Sutliffe, Chief Administrative Office for the Laurent Clerc Deaf Education Center at Gallaudet University, provided Bruce Street School for the Deaf staff and Technology High School Deaf Education Program staff with professional development in ASL/English Bilingual Education

In October, the Newark Board of Education welcomed back Ms. Marianne Belsky, Chief Academic Officer for the Laurent Clerc Deaf Education Center at Gallaudet University along with Ms. Nicole Sutliffe, Chief Administrative Officer for the Clerc Center.  Together, they provided the staff of Bruce Street School of the Deaf and the staff of Technology High School Deaf Education with a full day of professional development in ASL/English Bilingual Education.  The training was also informed by Belsky’s Phase 1 classroom observations of the district’s programs and review of current curriculum materials this past Spring.

All teachers of the deaf, deaf and hard of hearing (hh) program paraprofessionals, members of the child study teams, and interpreters from both schools, along with some school-based and central office leadership attended the morning and afternoon professional development sessions.  The importance of ASL/English Bilingual Education and how it can support the development of the whole child was discussed in depth. Our staff had the opportunity to learn about the 7 principles of student success for deaf/hh students and engaged in activities they can incorporate into their classrooms to develop ASL and English skills.  They also learned about the New Clerc Deaf Education Center Platform launching next week and its resources that are now available to the Newark Board of Education.

Superintendent Leon said, “We are extremely excited about our partnership with Gallaudet University, the premier institution for the deaf and signing community. Collaborative relationships such as this, result in student success.”  Board President Haynes stated, "When our staff is well trained, they share that knowledge with our students to prepare them for the future."

The Newark Board of Education and the Office of Special Education look forward to the continued partnership with Gallaudet Clerc Center, professional development opportunities, and next month’s visit from Gallaudet Clerc Center trainer, Ms. Barbara Robinson, who has been assigned as the district’s dedicated representative.  Ms. Robinson is a former special education teacher and principal and will conduct classroom observations, provide coaching and actionable feedback to key staff and introduce the Clerc ASL/English Bilingual Teacher Observation Form to our teachers of the deaf.  The Clerc ASL/English Bilingual Teacher Observation Form will be introduced to promote language acquisition, support language use, student engagement, and bring us one step closer to providing exemplary elementary and secondary deaf education programs for our district students.

Newark Teachers’ Union (NTU), President John Abeigon, also attended and announced that there will be an ASL interpreter during every NTU Meeting beginning in November.

For more information:

George Washington Carver Elementary School Classrooms get Renovations

Renovated classroom at George Washington Carver
Renovated classroom at George Washington Carver

Superintendent León and the Newark Board of Education are prioritizing renovations, repairs, and upgrades because they positively impact the school environment. The Office of Facilities works tirelessly, upgrading schools, including classrooms, CTE rooms, offices, gyms, and building grounds! George Washington Carver Elementary School is one of the newest recipients of renovations that enhance the learning environment and contribute to improved attendance, test scores, and more.

The upgrades, including new flooring, air conditioners, cabinets, ceiling tiles, lighting, and painting, were done to improve school’s facilities, increase morale, and the student's overall academic performance. The district believes that the space where teachers teach and students learn is just as important as the learning itself.

All the work, which consisted of carpentry, plumbing, electrical, sheet metal, glazing, HVAC masonry, and more was performed by the district trades staff. After renovations, the district custodial staff cleaned and set up the classrooms and offices, so students and staff were ready to work.

Superintendent León said, "During the height of the pandemic, the Facilities Team advanced significant upgrades and repairs. Over 50 buildings received upgraded roofing and HVAC, 35 bathrooms were enhanced, and multiple gyms received new flooring, basketball hoops, and lighting. We will continue to provide safe and exceptional environments for our students and staff."

"Our students deserve an environment that is inviting and conducive to learning. I am proud that we have talented staff capable of creating that environment. We look forward to filling these additional classrooms with children from the mighty South Ward," stated Board President Haynes.

Newark’s ALL Schools Fair Returns to In-Person Showcase

Newark, NJ, October 31, 2022- Superintendent León and the Newark Board of Education proudly announce the return of the ALL Schools Fair to in-person operations.  The ALL Schools Fair will be held Saturday, November 5, 2022, at Newark Vocational High School from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.  At the ALL Schools Fair, families will have the opportunity to learn and witness the incredible programs offered in the city's schools and PK providers firsthand.

The annual showcase of schools aligns with the launch of the Newark Enrolls application window scheduled to open following the fair at 3:00 pm.  "Newark Enrolls is the only trusted universal enrollment system for equitable access to Newark schools. Newark Enrolls makes it easy and convenient for families to identify schools based on their child’s interest,” said Superintendent León.  And now for the first time since its introduction, Newark families seeking access to any of the 52 PK-providers will be able to submit their application through the Newark Enrolls process. “We are ecstatic to be joining the Newark Enrolls process and collaborating with the district to offer families the fairest streamlined experience,” said Dr. Donna Johnson, President of the Early Childhood Coalition of Newark.

The 2023–24 Newark Enrolls application window will remain open for 13 weeks and close at 11:59 pm on February 3, 2023.  During the application window, families can select up to 8 schools of their choice and use the application platform to link siblings in one single account.  “The Newark Enrolls process continues to offer families a one-stop one application process.  We applaud all the participating schools who value this key tenet of Newark Enrolls,” said Board President Dawn Haynes.

For more information, please visit www.newarkenrolls.org.

  • What: Newark Enrolls All School Fair
  • Where: Newark Vocational High School
    301 West Kinney Street
    Newark, NJ 07103
  • When: 10:00 am – 2:00 pm