Press Releases

NBOE College Fair Fall 2022 for the Class of 2023

image002

Over two thousand Newark Public Schools (NPS) seniors participated in the District-Wide College Fair at Prudential Center in Newark. The event, hosted by the NPS Office of Student Support Services, introduced students to college admission counselors to help them navigate the college application process and understand the expectations required to prepare for college, technical school pathways, military options, and career success.

The goal is to increase the number of seniors preparing to enter and succeed in post-secondary education while contributing to the world community. Hosting a college fair is one way of providing our students with a level planning field to access important information about college and career pathways. College fairs allow our students to connect directly to admissions professionals and receive real-time information on the admissions process, graduation requirements, financial aid opportunities, institutional scholarships, internship opportunities, and graduation placement.

NPS seniors entered the college fair with copies of their high school transcripts, a college resource manual, and an NBOE bookbag ready for the task. Over two thousand seniors participated this fall, and over sixty college/university recruiters attended our college fair. Additionally, some colleges/universities offered on-site admissions to our seniors.

Newark Vocational Senior and NPS Student Representative Khaosara Adelakun said, " Thanks to the college fair, I've gained the knowledge of EOF programs and scholarship programs that can help me and my peers pay for college. Other students have said they like the variety of colleges and what they have to offer."

Superintendent León said, " We have very high expectations for our students, and our job is to ensure they have ample opportunities to follow their dreams after high school, which includes access to as much information as possible. This year's college fair provided NPS Seniors with the information and tools needed to make one of the most important decisions of their young lives."

Black Men Read Day at Camden Elementary School

Black Men Read Day at Camden Elementary School

My Very Own LibraryMy Very Own Library (MVOL) kicked off its Black Men Read Day at Camden Elementary School on October 20, 2022. Principal Samuel Garrison of Camden Street Elementary School was joined by Newark Public School's Superintendent Roger León, Deputy Superintendent Nicole T. Johnson, Board member Hasani Council, Mayor Ras J. Baraka of Newark, Duane Davis, National Director of MVOL, University of Chicago, and other honorable guests to join men from the community to read to elementary school students.

Students at Camden Street School, Michelle Obama Elementary School, Hawkins Street School, Quitman Street School, and Ridge Street School were treated to a day of reading as part of this national program, conducted in conjunction with Scholastic Book Fairs, a division of Scholastic, the world's largest publisher, and distributor of children's books.

My Very Own Library is an initiative Anne Feeley began in Newark to provide free books to children in traditional Newark Public Schools. The program started in six schools and is now in every Newark Board of Education elementary school. Twice during the school year, children receive five free books through a Scholastic book fair. Schools can also access in-person and virtual author visits and receive grants for 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. "And the opportunity to be read to by Black male leaders will help them expand their vocabulary and develop essential communication and social skills that are key to being successful in life."

United Way of Greater Newark’s My Very Own Library Declares October 20 as Black Men Read Day throughout the City of Newark

image001

October 18, 2022, Newark, NJ—United Way of Greater Newark’s My Very Own Library (MVOL) will kick off Black Men Read Day at Camden Elementary School located at 281 Camden Street in Newark at 9:00 am. On this day, Mayor Ras J. Baraka, Superintendent Roger Leon, Duane Davis, National Director of My Very Own Library, University of Chicago, Newark Municipal Council Members Dupre Kelly, Patrick Council, and local author Robert Constant will join men from the community to read to elementary school children.

Black Men Read will be celebrated in six MVOL locations around the country and the Dominican Republic and is a day to encourage men, especially Black men to read to children in the community. Reading can take place at home, during bedtime, or even at the local public library.

“My Very Own Library has long been a staunch supporter of the Newark Public Schools, as evidenced by their commitment to providing 10 free books to every student in participating schools over the years,” said Superintendent Roger León. “And the opportunity to be read to by Black male leaders will help them expand their vocabulary and develop essential communication and social skills that are key to being successful in life.”

Camden Elementary School is one of Newark Board of Education’s MVOL schools under the leadership of Samuel Garrison. “It was important to launch this initiative at a school led by an African American male principal. We are excited to this school as part of our program and initiatives like this not only encourage reading but they help dispel myths and stereotypes about Black men,” said Karen Leach-Toomer, Director of MVOL Newark.

My Very Own Library is an initiative that began in Newark by Anne Feeley and then mayor Cory Booker and aims to provide free books to children in traditional Newark Public Schools. The program began in six schools and is now in every Newark Board of Education elementary school. Twice during the school year, children receive 5 free books through a Scholastic book fair.  Schools also have access to both in person and virtual author visits and receive grants for family literacy events.

Newark Schools Debut Ballet for Pre-K

On Saturday, October 8, 2022, the Newark School District opened its doors to greet three and four-year-old budding ballet dancers and their families for its first-ever Saturday Prekindergarten Ballet Program. This program is the first in a series of their B4K (Before Kindergarten) initiative.

In alignment with the District's ten-year strategic plan, The Next Decade: 2020 – 30, the work underway for families of children from conception to cradle is transformative and groundbreaking. Following that strategy and those efforts, the development of students from age 3 to grade 3 (“3 to 3”) is critical. The District is launching several programs for ages 3 and 4, providing challenging and rewarding experiences to children beyond the school day. This month those programs began with Ballet for Pre-K, located at Arts High School, the nation’s first-ever performing arts school.

The Principal of Arts High School in Newark, Devonne DeNose, is teaching the Ballet for Pre-K class on Saturdays with five Arts High School seniors who are dance majors (Zaynah Miller, LaShane Bradshaw, Madison Hibbert, Kiyomie Warsaw, and Hannah Cummings). Principal DeNose is herself a dancer, a graduate of Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School for Music & Art and Performing Arts. She trained in dance at Bernice Johnson, DeVore Dance Center, and The Ailey School. She said, “Our prekindergarten students felt like they could conquer anything, stepping into high school when they are only of preschool age. They saw what older dancers look like and saw themselves. They learned how a new skill can blossom into a talent, a passion, and a career.”

Ballet requires strength and agility and teaches children ways to properly strengthen their bodies and stay healthy. This includes proper stretching techniques, flexibility practices, and how to recognize their physical limits. It is important that children learn these skills and techniques at a young age so they can avoid injury in the future and establish healthy habits.

Board of Education President Dawn Haynes is enthusiastic about the program and said, “Introducing our youngest learners to the arts at such an early age will lead to healthier choices as they grow into adulthood. Assisting parents in the development of their children at such an early age is definitely a much welcomed opportunity that I know parents will look forward to taking advantage of”.

Superintendent Roger León added, “This incredible initiative taps into their love of the arts and teaches our youngest students to remain focused. This will help develop muscle strength and discipline in ways that are both fun and educational. This is a great start for our B4K initiative. We look forward to announcing additional enrichment opportunities in the near future for Newark’s youngest learners. Coming soon is Swimming for Pre-K ”.

For additional information:

The First Day of School in Newark

Superintendent León greets students on first day of school
Superintendent León greets students on first day of school

Today, marks a historic moment in Newark’s history, as over 38,000 students returned back from summer vacation on their first day of school.

While high school students began returning to school in August with Summer Bridge Programs and August High School Orientation Week, they joined all other students today to start this school year.

“The first day, is undeniably, the most important day of the year for students, their families, and staff. The attendance on the first day of school is just one way we ensure the school year gets off to a great start,” said Superintendent León. He added, “We are extremely excited about the expansion of grades across elementary schools to the 8th grade, growing grades at the new high schools, and opening new Prekindergarten seats throughout the city.”

This is the start of year three of the historic ten-year strategic plan, The Next Decade:  2020-30.  Our mission is to deliver an academically rigorous and culturally responsive instructional program that prepares every student for success and builds knowledge, strengthens character, cultivates ingenuity, and fosters leadership. Our vision is to build a new educational ecosystem that provides a world-class education for every child in Newark.

“I am so proud of the start of this school year. I just want to encourage students to start the year strong so they can end even stronger and accept all the knowledge that their teachers pour into them so that they can be the best that they can be. We are realizing the ten-year strategic plan. We see it alive and well and wish everyone a great school year,” said Board President Haynes.

With the start of the school year, the District is excited to open a new school. The Ironbound Academy is an elementary school in the heart of the city’s East Ward serving students in Kindergarten through grade 4 this year and growing one grade per year thereafter until it reaches 8th grade. This is one of eight schools opened since the start of Superintendent Leon’s administration and the District is looking forward to opening other new schools in Newark.

In preparation for the start of the school year, Superintendent León always activates the “Give Me Five Attendance Campaign” where every staff member is assigned five families to call to remind them of the first day of school, the importance of being on time, and ready to learn. In response to learning loss, the Excel Afterschool Program also begins today with well over 4,000 students already registered. This, alongside a plethora of options before school, during school, and after school for tutoring and to address the social-emotional learning needs of students is being provided to students across the district beginning today and throughout this school year.

Finally, another tradition is Central Office staff members report to schools across the district to support Principals, staff, students, and their families on the first days of school. Their role is to help the Principals in creating a welcoming and engaging school environment to ensure intentional learning takes place on day one.

For additional information:

Superintendent León Welcomes District Staff at Convocation 2022

In preparation for the first day of school on September 6, Superintendent León welcomed district staff at the annual Convocation. The event was held virtually yet broadcasted live. School-based staff attended at their respective schools, while Central Office Staff convened at the District’s headquarters on Broad Street.

The Convocation motivates all staff members for the start of the new school year. So, a fitting start to the meeting was the viewing of the District’s new inspirational video, “Let's Go to Work!” which highlights the rich heritage, joy, talent, and diversity of Newark students and staff.

Following the video, Superintendent León thanked all staff for their dedication, contributions, courage, and commitment to excellence during these most unusual times, “I really appreciate all of you for your hard work. The impact of your work is realized every day in our schools by our students who have a safe, nutritious, and healthy learning environment with the resources needed to be successful.”

He continued by announcing the addition of 600 new teachers, student achievement and the four part strategy outlined to address learning loss, elementary schools offering Algebra in 8th grade, enrollment increases at the highest ever, increases in student attendance, graduation rates at an all-time high, increase in the number of students receiving associate degrees, increases in scholarship awards, highest numbers entering college, one more school adding the International Baccalaureate Program this year, Middle State Accreditation underway, 1:1 Chromebooks, Smartboards, At-Promise initiative for students who may have disengaged with school, Lights On! expands to three schools in the evening, Silver status in Sustainability at three schools with Bronze status at all the other schools, recipient of the Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting Award, Adult Education opportunities throughout the city, expanding elementary schools and high schools, and additional new school options to open in the years ahead just to name a few.

“We are excited to start our school year off strong,” said Board President Haynes. “Our students will be able to do great things, based on what you put in them.”

All the initiatives listed here and the many others shared during the Convocation are all aligned with the priorities that are outlined in the District’s 10-year strategic plan, The Next Decade: 2020-30, their roadmap for success.

The Honorable Mayor Ras J. Baraka said, “What’s important now is that we give our kids a sense of hope because hope is the thing that makes them get up in the morning, that makes them go out there and do things that are unimaginable. Only the administrators, teachers, and staff who are around them every day can create that hope.”

Finally, one of the highlights of every Convocation is the acknowledgment and celebration of employees who have dedicated 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, and yes, 50 years of service to the district.

The Newark Board of Education is always looking for exceptional people to join the movement because Newark Public Schools is the place to be!

For additional information: