Press Releases

Computer Science for All Newark Public School Students Participate in National Hour of Code during Computer Science Education Week

And Announces New Partners to Advance Computer Education in Schools

[NEWARK, NJ – December 3, 2018] Students across Newark in nearly every school will be participating in the Hour of Code this week; during this year’s Computer Science Education Week from December 3 – 9, 2019. Hour of Code is an annual program dedicated to inspiring students to engage in hour-long introductory activities designed to demystify coding and programming and show that anyone can learn the basics.

“The highest priority for us as a school district, is to ensure every child in Newark Public Schools, has full and uninterrupted access to the tools to prepare for college and career,” said Roger León, Superintendent of Newark Schools. “One of the most important tools for our students is for them to be knowledgeable in computational thinking and computer science theory and implementation, for whatever career they choose.”

Technology and innovation are some of the key driving forces behind our economic growth and there are currently over 500,000 available computing jobs, although fewer than 15 percent of graduates from U.S. colleges have an information services or computer science degrees to fill them. Furthermore, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates the number of computing jobs will continue to grow to approximately 4.6 million in just two years by 2020. Despite the great need to meet the growing demand of computer science careers, there is stark inequity in access and enrollment to computer science in K12 education nationally for underrepresented minorities and females.

The Superintendent said, this year’s district-wide participation in the Hour of Code serves to provide a hands-on introduction to coding but more importantly serves to kick-off the school district’s broader commitment to meet this need and ensure every student receives a computer science education to learn the fundamental knowledge and essential skills critical for future success.

To help support this work, the Newark Board of Education has established strategic collaborations with a number of organizations, businesses and universities; including the Microsoft Philanthropic-funded Technology Education and Literacy in Schools (TEALS) program which provides curriculum and teacher training, co-teaching, and mentoring for several of our high schools, which we will be expanding in a district-wide partnership next year to build robust Computer Science (CS) offerings in NPS high schools.

Additionally, NPS has established partnerships with Apple and the Rutgers-Newark Office of University-Community Partnership, to build and support CS offerings.

NPS students are also participating in a number of after-school and Saturday programs including the FIRST Robotics program currently in 30 schools where students compete in regional and State-level robotics competitions across the State.

Also, the Newark Kids Code Saturday program, led by the Urban League of Essex County in collaboration with the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT), will expand from 3 to 10 schools, and the after-school Girls Who Code program, designed to increase the number of girls with CS experience and knowledge, will be offered in 24 schools for middle school-aged students starting in Spring 2019.

Arts High School Student Receives Exclusive Invitation to Play at the Kennedy Center Along with Jazz Greats

Arts HS - Jalin Shiver
[NEWARK, NJ – November 28, 2018] The Thelonious Monk Institute has selected Arts High School senior Jalin Shiver for the 2018 National Peer-to-Peer All Star Jazz performance at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. The performance will be held on Monday, December 3. Jalin is an Instrumental Music major at Arts H.S.

Jalin, along with students from around the country, will be on the same performance bill as jazz greats; Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter, Ambrose Akinmusire, Melissa Aldana, Jimmy Heath, Jason Moran, Dee Bridgewater, and Danilo Perez, to name a few.

“The Arts High School Jazz Band continues to be an exemplary group of student scholars and musicians,” said Superintendent of Newark Schools Roger León. “I continue to be extraordinarily proud of our students and Arts High School leadership who continue to make the Jazz and Latin Bands an exciting, engaging and educational opportunity for our students.

According to Arts High School Band Director Lawrence Liggins, “Jalin is a humble, yet extraordinarily talented senior instrumental music major. He added, “Jalin’s passion for music serves as a model for other students. While he plays alto and tenor saxophones, (and also beginning to learn the flute and clarinet), his favorite and special talents lie in the alto saxophone.

Jazz band students from Arts High School have been selected to participate in special events hosted by the Thelonious Monk Institute on several occasions. In 2011, the jazz band was invited to perform at United Nations by Dr. J.B. Dyas, Vice President, Education and Curriculum Development, from the Thelonious Monk Institute for the 1st Inaugural International Jazz Day celebration. In 2014, drummer Derek Fykes was selected to perform with an All-Star High School Sextet at The Thelonious Monk International Jazz Competiton and an All-Star Gala in Hollywood. The jazz band has also performed several times in Washington, D.C. at the Department of Education, for A Jazz Informance, hosted by the Monk Institute. The Monk Institute has played an integral role in developing and sustaining jazz education at Arts High School for several years.

Jalin’s early introduction to jazz can be attributed to his elementary school music teacher at Maple Ave. School, Thaddeus Expose, a jazz bassist of note. In addition to Arts High School, Jalin has supplemented his education in jazz through participation in jazz programs at NJPAC Jazz for Teens, Jazz House Kids and Berklee School of Music Summer Program.

Jalin will be joined by his family for the performance at The Kennedy Center on Dec. 3rd.

Road Map to College Success

Does Your College Bound Senior Need Financial Aid?

[Newark, NJ – November 28, 2018]  Newark Public School’s Office of Family and Community Engagement will be hosting ROAD MAP TO COLLEGE SUCCESS for parents and students to learn more about college admissions, particularly financial aid. 

The Financial Aid Workshop will be held on Thursday, November 29 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at Central High School.  Dinner is served from 5:30 to 6 p.m. and the workshop is from 6 to 8 p.m.  Central High School is located at 246 18th Avenue, Newark, NJ  07108. 

According to program organizers, families will receive critical information on how to navigate the college experience through various presentations on financial aid, college scholarships, and more.  There will be a student panel, admission officers, and high school counselors who can speak on graduation requirements. 

Students and families can register online at: newark.apppresser.com/events/road-map-to-college-success.

Newark Board of Education Creates Pathway to Civic Engagement

Civics in the Classroom, Voter Registration and Education and Student Voting on the Newark Education Referendum

 

Nearly 500 students registered to vote, thousands of students participated in Civics in the Classroom and more than 3,000 students took part in a mock vote on the Newark referendum on education.

Superintendent of Newark Schools Roger León said one of the priorities of Newark Public Schools being returned to local control would be to educate students in civic engagement; through voter registration and education, classroom civics and student voting. Over the last three weeks, Superintendent León accomplished all three of the goals set forth for Newark Public School students to participate in civic engagement.

“The success of our students and our district will be measured in part by how we engage our students in real life experiences,” said Superintendent León. “One of the priorities of my administration is to give students a voice in their future – civic engagement is an integral part of any life experience – it not only gives students a voice, it also educates them about how they as individuals, can make a difference.”

This is the first time the Newark Board of Education has engaged students on this level of civic engagement. A number of Newark leaders participated in Civics in the Classroom, including Ryan Haygood, Executive Director of the NJ Institute for Social Justice. Led by Deputy Superintendent Gerald Fitzhugh, II, students throughout the district participated in a curriculum focused on civics. According to Principal Jasonn Dennard of American History High School (AHHS), the topic chosen for discussion at AHHS was of the role of protests and civic responsibility to bring about change. According to Deputy Superintendent Fitzhugh, the Newark BOE students embarked on a “Civics Day Exploration” within their Social Studies classes. He said, “The purpose of this work was to engage students in what it means to be an engaged citizen in their local community, how to work with others on community issues, and what components help create a good solution.” Many of the schools chronicled their day through pictures and writing. The school district worked alongside The Citizens Campaign to present civics in the classroom.

Voter registration was held at every Newark High School for students not already registered to vote, and for those turning 18 before Election Day. Students were registered with the help of the Rutgers Newark Campus of The New Jersey Public Interest Research Group. Finally, students in Grades 8-12 were offered an opportunity to participate in a mock election for Tuesday’s vote in Newark on the referendum of what kind of school board Newark will have in the future. In just two days, more than 3,000 students have registered their vote.

Superintendent León said, “I am proud of the students who registered to vote, who voted in the mock election and those who participated in Civics in the Classroom Day. It is our hope they will continue to participate in civic engagement throughout their lifetime.”

 

A total of 3,480 students voted. 

Public Question 1: Securing Our Children’s Future Bond Act

  • Yes – 2,953 (84.9%)
  • No – 527 (15.1%)

Newark BOE: Public Questions

  • Type 1 – 741 (21.3%)
  • Type 2 – 2,739 (78.7%)

Students who voted:

  • 8th Grade: 1,062
  • 9th Grade: 658
  • 10th Grade: 677
  • 11th Grade: 610
  • 12th Grade: 473

New Soccer Mini-Pitch Unveiled at Luis Muñoz Marin School to Provide Recreation and Life Skills Development for Newark, N.J. Youth

New space part of five-year, 20 mini-pitch project announced in May 2018

[NEWARK, N.J., October 25, 2018] An innovative new soccer mini-pitch system was unveiled at Newark’s Luis Muñoz Marin School today marking the fourth mini-pitch opened this year in Newark. The opening is part of a five-year partnership with the New York Red Bulls, Newark Public Schools, U.S. Soccer Foundation and Wells Fargo to increase access to safe places to play across the city by creating 20 new soccer mini-pitches. As part of this initiative, more than 2,500 Newark youth will be engaged in Soccer for Success, the U.S. Soccer Foundation’s after-school soccer program that delivers positive health and youth development outcomes. The program will operate on many of these new sites.

“I want to thank the U.S. Soccer Foundation, the New York Red Bulls, Wells Fargo and all of our partners for investing in our schools and students and changing the face of schoolyards across the city,” said Newark Superintendent of Schools Roger León. “The new soccer pitches will allow our students to engage in physical fitness, learn the tenets of teamwork, and have fun. Partnerships that benefit our students are an essential part of our success as a district.”

The latest mini-pitch system at Luis Muñoz Marin Middle School features a complete system design that incorporates fencing, lighting, and goals. The system was developed to assist the U.S. Soccer Foundation with its national movement, It’s Everyone’s Game, which endeavors to build 1,000 mini-pitches in cities across the country by 2026 and engage one million young people annually through the Foundation’s Soccer for Success program. Mini-pitches have also been created at three other Newark school locations including Belmont Runyon School, BRICK Avon Academy, and Rafael Hernandez School this year.

“Today is another significant step in our commitment to providing mini-pitches for the children of the Newark Public Schools,” said Marc de Grandpre, General Manager, New York Red Bulls. “Thanks to the generosity of our valued partners, the U.S. Soccer Foundation and Wells Fargo, along with the support from Musco Lighting, the students of Luis Marin Muñoz Middle School will have an innovative mini-pitch that includes full lighting for safety and extensive storage for convenience. This venue will further their passion for our beautiful game.”

Area families, members of Major League Soccer’s New York Red Bulls, Newark City officials, and representatives from the Luis Muñoz Marin School officially celebrated the new space with a dedication ceremony alongside the U.S. Soccer Foundation, Wells Fargo, and Musco Lighting at the event.

“Wells Fargo is proud to partner with the Newark Soccer Initiative to partner on an important investment in the City of Newark,” said Gino Cammarota, Northeast Treasury Merchant Services Manager at Wells Fargo. “We are excited to be one of the many organizations here today because this program will enrich the lives of so many through the game of soccer. The sport is celebrated by the many here in Newark and we are pleased today’s announcement benefits the community and specifically our future leaders.”

Newark is the third municipality nationwide to make a major commitment to building safe places to play and expand sports-based youth development programs for its youth as part of this larger national movement. Other national partners including adidas, Major League Soccer, Target, and Musco are lending critical support to ensure the movement’s success.
“We’re grateful to have such valuable partners here in Newark who are committed to providing local youth with safe places to play,” said Ed Foster-Simeon, President and CEO of the U.S. Soccer Foundation. “We’re also excited to unveil the first mini-pitch prototype developed by one of our key national partners, Musco Lighting. Their devotion to the It’s Everyone’s Game movement is evident in their innovative approaches to providing children with safe places to play past daylight hours.”

To overcome logistical issues working with a multitude of contractors, suppliers and municipal agencies across different markets—and to avoid construction delays and site relocations—engineers at Musco developed a prototype of a comprehensive mini-pitch system.

“The U.S. Soccer Foundation’s mission of positively impacting the lives of up to a million young people in the next decade is something we believe in very strongly,” said Joe Crookham, President of Musco. “These community pitches will be a place for local youth to learn, grow, develop confidence and teamwork, and have fun. We want to do everything we can to help with this important endeavor.”

The Foundation and its partners have plans for multiple mini-pitch openings in more than a dozen cities across the country over the next several years.

About New York Red Bulls
The New York Red Bulls are one of 22 teams in Major League Soccer (MLS). They are one of the ten charter clubs of MLS, having competed in the league since it’s founding in 1996. They currently play home matches at Red Bull Arena (RBA) in Harrison, New Jersey. RBA, a state-of-the-art 25,000-seat stadium, is widely regarded as the top soccer-specific stadium in North America. The club is owned by the Austrian beverage company Red Bull GmbH for which the team is named. The New York Red Bulls offer one of the nation’s premier youth soccer development programs. The club provides grassroots training programs to all ages and skill levels, and also offers elite players a pathway from those programs to the Regional Development School, then on to the academy teams and, ultimately, to the Red Bulls professional team.

About Newark Board of Education
The Newark Board of Education is New Jersey’s largest school district with 62 schools and nearly 37,000 students, serving children in Pre-K through high school. On February 1, 2018 the Newark School District was returned to local control following 22 years of being under state control. On July 1, 2018, Roger León became the first Superintendent of the Newark Board of Education following the return of local control to the school district and the first Hispanic to serve as Superintendent in the district’s history.

About U.S. Soccer Foundation
The U.S. Soccer Foundation’s programs are the national model for sports-based youth development in underserved communities. Since its founding in 1994, the Foundation has established programs proven to help children embrace an active and healthy lifestyle while nurturing their personal growth beyond sports. Its cost-effective, high-impact initiatives offer safe environments where kids and communities thrive. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., the U.S. Soccer Foundation is a 501 (c)(3) organization.

About Wells Fargo
Wells Fargo & Company is a diversified, community-based financial services company. Founded in 1852 and headquartered in San Francisco, Wells Fargo provides banking, investment and mortgage products and services, as well as consumer and commercial finance, through 8,050 locations, 13,000 ATMs, the internet (wellsfargo.com) and mobile banking. With approximately 265,000 team members, Wells Fargo serves one in three households in the United States. Wells Fargo & Company was ranked No. 26 on Fortune’s 2018 rankings of America’s largest corporations. News, insights and perspectives from Wells Fargo are also available at Wells Fargo Stories.

About Musco Lighting
Since 1976, Musco has focused on the design and manufacture of sports and transportation/infrastructure lighting systems, from hometown Little League® fields to professional sports stadiums and ports around the globe. Offering permanent and temporary lighting systems for new and retrofit projects, we bring first-hand knowledge and experience with the many issues that impact players, spectators, neighbors, television broadcasts, and staff.

Contacts
U.S. Soccer Foundation
Jennifer Arnold
202-872-6662
jarnold@nullussoccerfoundation.org

New York Red Bulls
Christina Giunta Quarino
973-776-8842
christina.giunta@nullnewyorkredbulls.com

Newark Public Schools
Tracy Munford
973-733-7338
t1munford@nullNPS.K12.NJ.US

Wells Fargo
Stephanie Ahenkora
908-370-4061
Stephanie.Ahenkora@nullwellsfargo.com

Musco Lighting
Eduardo Zamarripa
641-676-2652
Eduardo.zamarripa@nullmusco.com

Newark Board of Education Hosts First College Fair Under Local Control

Fair Exposes Nearly 2,500 Seniors Early and Often to College Choices


[Newark, NJ, October 26, 2018] The Newark Board of Education hosted the first College Fair since the return of local control to the school district. Superintendent of Newark Schools Roger León, upon being named Superintendent, indicated that it would be a priority of his administration to begin the process of college preparation for students, not in the 11th or 12 grades, but earlier to prepare students as early as the 8th grade to plan their college journey.

The College Fair was held at the Prudential Center in Newark on Wednesday. In all, 42 colleges 2,300 senior students, from 17 high schools attended the College Fair. Superintendent León said, “I want to thank the Prudential Center and the Newark Board of Education staff who helped to create and host the College Fair and inspire our students before and at the fair. We will also host a second college fair in the Spring to provide another opportunity for our students to prepare for college.” He continued, “Choosing a college is one of life’s most important decisions, which is why college preparation is a priority for me, the school district and the members of the Board of Education.”

In addition to the college fair, Superintendent León has developed a plan whereby all senior transcripts are being audited to ensure students have taken the required classes, not just for graduation, but also for college entrance. Also, this year, the Newark Board of Education hosted the PSAT for a larger percentage of 8th grade students. The Superintendent indicated that he wanted to give students more than one opportunity to take the required testing for college entrance. The Newark Board of Education is also working with Rutgers Newark City of Learning Collaborative to increase the number of Newark residents and high school graduates are attending college.”

In closing, the Superintendent said, “This is the first time; the city of Newark, Rutgers, Essex County College, charter schools and the Newark Board of Education have undertaken the most aggressive and collaborative approach to moving students and Newark citizens to college.”