Press Releases

Newark Public Library Gives Every Newark Public School Student and Teacher – 45,000 Total – A Library Card in Observance of Library Card Sign-Up Month

[NEWARK, NJ, September 10, 2019] September is Library Card Sign-Up Month and The Newark Public Library and Newark Public Schools are partnering to give every student and teacher in the district a library card. Students and teachers can simply visit the Library and provide their name and address to receive their card. As part of the program, all third graders in Newark’s public schools will take field trips to one of The Newark Public Library’s eight community branches.

“We are proud to partner with Newark Public Schools to undertake this simple, yet monumental initiative, which will undoubtedly shape the future for all Newark students,” said Jeffrey Trzeciak, Director of The Newark Public Library. “One of our goals is to inspire life-long learning, and once these students walk through our doors, they’ll find unlimited ways to do just that. They’ll question, they’ll explore and they’ll grow, all while achieving greater academic success.”

The Library Card Sign-Up campaign was created to foster continuous learning and academic achievement, while providing other opportunities to Newark’s youth and families. In addition to its inspiring collection of books, the Library offers a robust calendar of community events and classes, innovative services and extensive online resources. All of these enrich patrons’ lives, inspire their imagination and strengthen the community.

“Our partnership with The Newark Public Library is in clear alignment with NPS Clarity 2020, a comprehensive plan designed to unify and align all of the district’s systems and create opportunities for continuous learning for our students, staff, and community,” said Superintendent Roger León. “We all know the incredible importance of reading and writing as the foundation for educational success, and this joint endeavor will afford amazing opportunities for our students at the Library.”

The American Library Association declared the first National Library Card Sign-Up Month in September of 1988 to spread awareness of the vast amount of opportunities the libraries of the nation have to offer.

About Newark Public Library

Since 1889, The Newark Public Library has been an anchor institution in Newark. It is New Jersey’s most comprehensive public library, serving nearly 10,000 patrons per week and providing equal access for all to vast educational, cultural, literary, historical, and digital resources. Through its Main Library and seven branches, The Newark Public Library provides residents of Newark with reference help for job searches and accessing social services, ESL and computer classes, and family literacy programs. It also contains the New Jersey Hispanic Research and Information Center, the Charles F. Cummings New Jersey Information Center, and the James Brown African American Room. To learn how to become involved with The Newark Public Library, please visit our website www.npl.org, or contact our Development Office at 973.733.7731

About Newark Public Schools

The Newark School District, with 66 schools, 5,595 employees and a student population of 35, 329, is the largest and one of the oldest school systems in New Jersey. Its origin dates back to 1676. Barringer High School, in Newark’s North Ward, is the third oldest public high school in the nation. The ethnic diversity of the city provides a rich educational experience for pre-kindergarten to secondary school students. The district continues to revise its services to meet the changing needs of students.

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The Newark Board of Education Kicks off National Arts in Education Week

The Newark Board of Education Kicks off National Arts in Education WeekThe Newark Board of Education is kicking off the 2019-2020 school year and National Arts in Education Week with a large increase in Visual and Performing Arts Teaching Staff.  Over 25 new positions were added inclusive of drama, music, theater, and visual arts for this academic year. According to Superintendent León, “These new positions were created because our children deserve to celebrate the arts”. In addition, he stated “This investment is being made to demonstrate the true genius of our students in the classroom, as well as in the visual and performing arts”.

Margaret El, the Director of Visual and Performing Arts states, “We are excited to know that more of our students will be able to experience and achieve basic literacy in multiple art forms at the K-5 level and the opportunity to achieve competency and mastery in at least one art form from grades 6 through 12.

2nd Annual Citywide Back to School Rally and Back Pack & School Supplies Giveaway

Thursday, August 29, 2019 • 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm

“The Newark Board of Education is proud to announce the 2nd Annual Citywide Back to School Rally and Back Pack & School Supplies Giveaway on Thursday, August 29, 2019,” said Josephine C. Garcia, President of the Newark Board of Education. “Last year’s event was extremely successful and we appreciate everyone who has assisted in making this year’s event even better,” she added. The event will be held at Schools Stadium located at 450 Bloomfield Avenue in Newark from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

This is a collaborative District and Citywide effort to prepare students for the first day of school. The Superintendent of Schools, Members of the Newark Board of Education, the Office of Mayor Ras J. Baraka, Newark Municipal Council, State Legislators from the 28th District, and Congressman Payne are co-sponsors of this event. “The start of the school year, and in particular the first day, is arguably the most important” said Superintendent León. “We are sending a strong message of support by providing students with the necessary materials to start their first day prepared for school,” he said.

Backpacks and school supplies; such as notebooks, pencils, pens, markers, and other items needed by students will be distributed at the event.  In addition, students will be treated to an afternoon of sports, entertainment, programs about health and safety and a variety of fun activities. Entertainer Oskii will perform his song “Boogie Book Bag” and Just One Soccer Clinic, the NJ Devils and a variety of community partners will be there. Families will also have access to valuable information about community programs and exciting new initiatives taking place in the Newark Public Schools. 

The event is free and open to all school-aged children who are residents of the City of Newark. You must register in advance on the District’s website to participate, as space is limited. 

The rain date for this event is Friday, August 30, 2019.

Superintendent León Appoints 15 New Principals to Lead Newark Schools

[Newark, NJ – August 2, 2019]  Superintendent León has a simple, yet brilliant plan for transforming school culture, increasing rigor, improving student life and promoting parent engagement – by mostly building and tapping into the district’s internal talent pipeline. 

“I am excited to start the year with such a talented group of leaders”, said Superintendent León. “We know they have the passion, the drive and track record for advancing student achievement.”

Of those starting the 2019 – 2020 school year as new Principals, 12 were promoted from within the district’s ranks and 3 were recruited externally from a charter school and other public schools in New Jersey.

Here are the 15 Principals who have joined the team of game changers to provide new opportunities for success to our students, staff and community.

American History – Allison R. DeVaughn
Allison R. DeVaughn began her career with the district as a high school English teacher.  She served in various positions, most recently as a Vice Principal at one of the district’s high schools.  Ms. DeVaughn studied at Caldwell College and Saint Peter’s College.  Allison’s focus on curriculum and instruction drove her passion for developing a robust professional development and coaching plan for teachers and staff.

Barringer High School – Dr. Jose Aviles
Jose Aviles returns to the district after recently serving as Principal of a high school in Franklin Township Public Schools.  Dr. Aviles studied at Kean University, St. Peter’s College and Seton Hall University.  His focus is on social emotional growth, increasing test scores and providing a strong academic curriculum.

Dr. William H. Horton – Hamlet Marte
Hamlet Marte started his career as a teacher and joined the Newark Board of Education as a Vice Principal at one of the district’s elementary schools.  He studied at Long Island University, Rutgers and Montclair State Universities. Mr. Marte was responsible for instructional programming of the upper elementary students and frequently facilitated workshops and conducted outreach to support students and families.

Early Childhood Centers – Jeanne Ramirez
Jeanne Ramirez started her career with the Newark Board of Education as a bilingual elementary school teacher.  Ms. Ramirez studied at Pace University, Hunter College and The College of St. Elizabeth. Jeanne has an extensive background in early childhood education.  She has served in multiple capacities ranging from classroom teacher to school administrator. She is experienced in serving the diverse learners and families represented in the Early Childhood Schools.

East Ward – Rosa Monteiro-Inacio
Rosa Monteiro-Inacio started her career as an elementary school teacher with the Newark Board of Education.  Rosa studied at Felician College and Kean University.  Rosa has a proven record of increasing test scores and has extensive knowledge of curriculum.  She also has the ability to effectively communicate with families, students and other stakeholders.

Franklin – Amy B. Panitch
Amy B. Panitch started her career with the Newark Board of Education as an elementary school teacher and rose to the level of Vice Principal after serving as an instructional coach.  Ms. Panitch studied at the University of Pennsylvania and Montclair State University. She developed the K- 4 instructional programming to improve student achievement in her building.

Harriet Tubman – Angela Davis
Angela Davis started her career with the Newark Board of Education as an elementary school teacher and rose through the ranks, serving most recently as a Vice Principal in one of the district’s elementary schools.  Ms. Davis studied at Rutgers and Kean Universities and has a track record for increasing student test scores and effectively engaging all stakeholders.

Lincoln – Hillary Dow
Hillary Dow began her career at the Newark Board of Education as a teacher and literacy coach. She rose to the rank of Vice Principal at one of the district’s elementary schools and recently served as a Special Assistant.   She studied at Rutgers and Seton Hall Universities.  Hillary assisted in managing the instructional and operational programs of twelve district elementary schools. She collaborates with staff and constituents to ensure effective school operations.

Louise A. Spencer – Karla Venezia
Karla Venezia began her career with the Newark Board of Education as an elementary school teacher and most recently a Vice Principal. She studied at Rutgers and Montclair State Universities.  Ms. Venezia effectively communicates with parents and staff.  Her students consistently demonstrated academic growth and mastery on state assessments.   

Luis Munoz Marin – Kenneth Montalbano
Kenneth Montalbano started his career with the Newark Board of Education as an elementary school teacher.  Mr. Montalbano studied at New York University and Teachers College – Columbia University.  Most recently he served as a Vice Principal, where he led the schools’ social justice initiative and designed a yearlong social justice focus for each grade level, orchestrating the implementation of quarterly Social Justice Showcases.

McKinley – Carlos Reyes
Carlos Reyes started his Newark Board of Education career as an elementary school teacher.   Mr. Reyes studied at Montclair State University.  He embraced the opportunities to create and facilitate purposeful sessions, which are focused on improving student growth metrics and teacher performance.

Mount Vernon – Camille Findley-Browne
Camille Findley-Browne began her career as an elementary school teacher with the Newark Board of Education and most recently served as Vice Principal at an elementary school.  Ms. Findley-Browne studied at Franklin Pierce and St. Peter’s Universities.  She made literacy a focus in her building, by creating Literacy Week for her PreK – 2 students and having older students read to the younger students, focusing on guided reading and ensuring that reading was done every day and in every content area. 

Newark Vocational – Kyle Brown
Kyle Brown started his career in the Newark Board of Education as a teacher in one of the district’s elementary schools. Mr. Brown studied at Rowan and Grand Canyon Universities.  Kyle is solutions oriented and skilled in mitigating issues that distract from instruction.  He understands the importance of engaging all stakeholders to achieve the vision of the school and the district. 

Quitman Street – Justin Avery
Justin Avery joins us from the Teaneck Public Schools where he was an Assistant Principal.  Mr. Avery studied at Rutgers and Grand Canyon Universities. He focused on student and parent equity and differentiated instruction for middle grades 5 – 8.   He understands the importance of engaging all stakeholders and is committed to the vision of the district. 

University High School – Genique Flournoy-Hamilton
Genique Flournoy-Hamilton joins us from charter school where she served as Principal for the past several years.  Ms. Flournoy-Hamilton studied at Rutgers University and Tuskegee University.  Ms. Flournoy-Hamilton has demonstrated success in creating a school culture and climate that is safe, inclusive and engaging for all students, staff and parents.

Newark Public School Teacher Honored at Yale for Commitment to Music Education

[Newark, NJ, June 19, 2019] Katherine Brodhead, a music teacher of Rafael Hernandez School, has been chosen to receive the Yale Distinguished Music Educator Award. The award was presented at the 2019 Symposium on Music in Schools at the Yale School of Music in New Haven, Conn., in June. Ms. Brodhead is one of just five exemplary music educators and five exemplary teaching artists from across the country chosen to receive the award and give their input during the symposium.

“We are very proud of this tremendous honor bestowed on Ms. Brodhead,” said Superintendent Roger Leon. “Through her teaching, Ms. Brodhead has touched the lives of so many children and used music as a way to educate, inform and inspire.”

Held every two years, the Symposium on Music in Schools is a gathering of policy leaders and practitioners from across the country to discuss topics relating to music education in public schools. The topic of this year’s symposium is the preparation of music educators and teaching artists in higher education with the goal of developing a set of principles by which higher education can prepare music educators and teaching artists who are well-equipped to teach preK-12 students in twenty-first-century music ecosystems.

Ms. Brodhead will join a team of national organization leaders, music education professors, school of music leadership, and experts in teaching artistry and public policy. The symposium will be structured as a “think-tank,” in which participants will work in large and small groups to develop the set of principles for national dissemination.

Honoree and teacher Ms. Brodhead said, “This speaks to the work that so many passionate educators and local organizations are doing in our city – Newark is a dynamic community with numerous arts resources, including NJPAC, the NJ Symphony Orchestra, the Newark Arts Education Roundtable, VH1 Save The Music, Newark Arts, and more.  These partnerships, as well as support from district administrators, are creating an environment where both teachers and students can grow and thrive.  I am honored to be a part of the conversation and a representative of our schools.  I hope to take what I’ve learned at the Symposium, as well as new connections to arts organizations, back to Newark in order to provide more opportunities for our students.”

Ms. Brodhead was nominated for the award by the National Association for Music Education and the VH1 Save the Music Foundation, who identified her as an exemplary music educator who can bring valuable expertise and perspective to the symposium.

Principal Natasha Pared said, “Congratulations to Ms. Brodhead for the work she does on behalf of our students.”

Save The Music Foundation is a New York 501(c)(3) nonprofit that helps kids, schools, and communities realize their full potential through the power of making music. Founded in 1997, Save The Music partners with school districts and raises funds to restore music programs in public schools. Since inception, we have donated over $56 million worth of new musical instruments to over 2,100 U.S. schools in 261 school districts around the country– impacting the lives of millions of students. Learn more about us and our efforts at www.savethemusic.org. 

 

Mayor Baraka Launches Mayor’s Book Club as First Step in #NewarkReads Literacy Coalition at Newark Public Library

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Coalition will provide residents of all ages with approaches to improve reading, writing, listening, and thinking skills; Newark youth scored in bottom 6 percent of 2003 state standardized testing; 47,000 adults lacked basic skills—literacy coalition seeks to combat this

[Newark, NJ | June 4, 2019] Mayor Ras J. Baraka, United Way of Essex and West Hudson CEO Catherine Wilson, Newark Public Library Director Jeffrey Trzeciak, Newark City of Learning Collaborative Executive Director Reginald Lewis, the Newark Board of Education, Audible.com, and Panasonic Foundation Executive Director Alejandra Ceja launched a comprehensive Newark literacy initiative for the entire city this morning at the Newark Public Library Main Branch, located at 5 Washington Street in the city’s downtown. The initiatives will include intergenerational literacy coaching. Anchor Partners donated $100,000 to #NewarkReads, including $80,000 from Panasonic alone.

The Mayor’s Book Club will start in June 2019, with a sixth to eighth grade pilot and a high school-adult segment will follow in September. The Newark Literacy Coalition will provide residents of all ages with approaches to improve reading, writing, listening, and thinking skills for residents of all ages, focusing on adult literacy and birth to third-grade interventions.

“A love of reading can foster a lifetime of success,” said Mayor Baraka. “I am excited to announce the formation of #NewarkReads, a citywide literacy coalition, and lead the charge to increase reading, writing, and higher level thinking skills, by challenging the youth and the adults of Newark to participate in the Mayor’s Book Club. The summer selections will connect youth to books that will educate, empower and inspire them. High school – adult selections will begin in the fall. This book club will connect residents in all of our neighborhoods in thought-provoking discussions, as residents read book club selections.”

“The Newark Public Library is proud to partner on this important initiative,” said Mr. Trzeciak. “Literacy is a fundamental component of the services we provide. As such, the Library looks forward to working collaboratively with the City of Newark and community partners to increase literacy rates among youth, families and adults.”

“As a global tech leader, Panasonic is proud to support initiatives that transform communities and support 21st century career readiness skills,” said Alejandra Ceja, executive director, Panasonic Foundation and Office of Corporate Social Responsibility. “The future of work will require strong literacy coupled with STEM proficiency and our commitment to #NewarkReads is an investment in the people of Newark and our global economy. This is just one example of how collaboratively, we can work towards a better life, a better world.”

According to available statistics, 47,000 Newark adults lacked basic prose literacy skills, and 56 percent of Newark youth scored partially proficient on NJ ASK and HSPA standardized literacy tests. Almost 90 percent of the students who scored partially proficient on these tests came from economically disadvantaged families. These literacy statistics place Newark the bottom six percent of all New Jersey districts. This gap ties directly to a lifelong economic opportunity gap and has financial, social, and civic consequences for individuals as well as Newark as a whole.

Nationwide, approximately 32 million adults cannot read, according to the US Department of Education and the National Institute of Literacy. 50 percent of US adults cannot read a book written at an eighth-grade level. Scores on the National Assessment of Educational Progress are considered “catastrophically low” for children of color. Nationally, only 18 percent of black and 21 percent of Latino students tested “above proficient” in reading by the end of fourth grade. As of 2011, America is the only free-market Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development nation where the current generation was less-educated than the previous one.

Anchor Partners in the program include the Mayor’s Office of Comprehensive Community Education, Newark Public Schools, the United Way of Essex & West Hudson, Panasonic, Newark City of Learning Collaborative, the Newark Public Library, and Audible.Com.

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