First-ever city-wide school listening club made possible by Audible’s “Project Listen Up” initiative, providing free Audible memberships and Fire tablets to all Newark high school students and their teachers

Newark, NJ – June 12, 2018 – Newark Public Schools and Audible, Inc., the world’s largest seller and producer of digital spoken-word entertainment, today announced that all Newark Public Schools high school students have listened to The Daily Show host Trevor Noah’s critically acclaimed performance of his poignant memoir, Born a Crime, as a collective student body during the month of May. This unique city-wide listening experience, the idea of East Side High School Vice Principal Meg Murray, is borne out of “Project Listen Up,” through which all Newark high school students and their teachers received a year of Audible membership beginning last fall. Conceived as part of the company’s celebration of the impact Newark students have had on its culture, the mission of “Project Listen Up” is to unleash the educational power of Audible to students across the city.

Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood is a coming-of-age story that recounts Noah’s experiences during the twilight of apartheid in South Africa and the tumultuous days of freedom that followed, including powerfully funny observations about how farcical political and social systems play out in our lives. Born and Crime was Audible’s highest-rated title in 2016, the year it was released, and Audible’s most commented-on title of 2017. Trevor’s performance in this production is both an Audible and New York Times bestseller, and remains one of the top-selling Audible performances of all time.

“The city-wide Common Listen of Born a Crime is designed to both foster a sense of community and to challenge all students with a shared fun and intellectually engaging experience,” said Robert Gregory, Interim Superintendent of Newark Public Schools. “We are thrilled that Born a Crime, with its trenchant insights about race, class and the effects of apartheid, and its brilliant narration, is available to all Newark students through Project Listen Up. Our students are also forging their identities at a time of great change and we are hoping everyone, even teachers, can find something to relate to in Trevor Noah’s powerful story and voice.”

“I’m blown away by this amazing initiative that Audible and the city of Newark have put together, and I’m humbled that they have selected my story for this city-wide school listening club,” said Noah. “Performing my Audible book was an emotional and rewarding experience, and I’m so gratified to see it inspiring meaningful conversations among students and teachers about their own histories and convictions.”

“Audible is a better company and a better place to work because of our decision to move to Newark a decade ago and include so many Newark high school and college students and Newark-born and educated people as our paid interns and employees, and that is the impetus behind Project Listen Up,” said Audible founder and CEO Don Katz. “I am thrilled that Trevor’s amazing performance of Born a Crime will now become a meaningful and memorable part of the educational experience for all Newark students.”

The “Project Listen Up” initiative kicked off in November at Technology High School and was rolled out city-wide in subsequent months. Audible integration into school curriculum as a supplemental education tool continues to evolve. The program includes 12 credits to download and own any of the 425,000+ titles in Audible’s unparalleled library of digital audiobooks as well as a free bundle of 150+ “recommended reading” titles identified by Newark educators and Audible experts. Students and teachers will keep the content, tablets, and headphones even after their free membership ends.

Praise for Born a Crime:

“Hearing Noah’s reading makes the story even more personable.” – The AV Club

“The author’s gift for vocal impersonation elevates the audio version into something even more splendid than an already terrific memoir.” – The Washington Post

“This book is powerfully funny on the page – but it really comes to life when read by its hilarious author.” – Bustle

For more information on Audible’s “Project Listen Up,” please visit www.audible.com/projectlistenup.

 

About Audible, Inc.
Audible, Inc., an Amazon.com, Inc. subsidiary (NASDAQ:AMZN), is the leading provider of premium digital spoken audio information and entertainment, offering customers a new way to enhance and enrich their lives every day. Audible was created to unleash the emotive music in language and the habituating power and utility of verbal expression. Audible content includes more than 425,000 audio programs from leading audiobook publishers, broadcasters, entertainers, magazine and newspaper publishers, and business information providers. Audible is also the provider of spoken-word audio products for Apple’s iTunes Store.

Newark Public Schools, United Way, The Nicholson Foundation and the Newark Museum Partner to Present a Free Night for Family Fun & Education at the Newark Museum

Black Panther and Paw Patrol Theme and Interactive Exhibits are Highlights of the Night.

[Newark, NJ – June 7, 2018] Newark Public Schools (NPS) Office of Early Childhood, in partnership with the United Way of Essex and West Hudson, The Nicholson Foundation and the Newark Museum presents the 6th annual “Night at the Museum” at the Newark Museum on Friday, June 8, 2018. The fun-filled evening begins at 3 p.m. and ends at 7 p.m. The evening will feature fun and meaningful educational activities for parents and children to enjoy, along with information about Early Childhood resources and programs that families can access during the summer months and throughout the school year.

‘Night at the Museum’ is a wonderful event that brings together families and children to learn more about the exciting educational opportunities available to them, in a fun-filled setting,” said Interim Superintendent of Newark Public Schools, A. Robert Gregory. “The Office of Early Childhood has done an exceptional job ensuring our youngest learners have access to a wide-range of educational opportunities that support their growth and learning. Early childhood learning is critical to a student’s lifelong success, and it’s vital that we are investing the time and resources necessary to give our youngest learners the tools they need to succeed.”

Numerous community based organizations participate in the evening event, including Newark Cool Cat, the Statewide Parent Advocacy Network (SPAN, Department of Children and Families), the Newark Public Library, the Newark Department of Health and Community Wellness, the D.A.D. Network, Habitat for Humanity, Newark Conservancy, Bricks for Kidz, Program for Parents and the Newark Arts Council. Each organization provides information to Newark families about the array of Early Childhood resources and programs that are available to them throughout the year.

“We are thrilled to host our fifth annual ‘Night at the Museum’, in partnership with the Newark Museum,” said F. Nana Ofosu-Amaah, Executive Director of NPS Office of Early Childhood. “This event allows us to engage meaningfully with children and families and showcases the wide breadth of Early Childhood educational opportunities that Newark offers. The involvement of parents, grandparents and guardians is crucial throughout a child’s educational journey, and events like this empower them to take a more active role in supporting their child’s learning experiences.”

The evening’s activities included tours of the Newark Museum and planetarium show screenings. Event participants also received free library cards, raffles, prizes and books, as well as a special meet and greet with Black Panther and Paw Patrol. Zumba, Yoga, Meditation, African Dance, Health and Nutrition Videos, Lead Screening and more are offered to families.

“The Office of Childhood Education is focused on making learning engaging for our youngest learners, and events like ‘Night at the Museum’ provide an opportunity to get children excited about summer learning and attending school in the fall,” Ofosu-Amaah added.

“Night at the Museum” is also an opportunity to introduce children and families to Newark’s cultural institutions. According to a survey conducted by the Office of Childhood Education, nearly sixty percent of respondents said they rarely visit local libraries or museums.

“It’s so much fun to bring families together to learn about the rich opportunities in this city. We are pleased that the Newark Museum is a place of lively engagement,” said Sonnet Takahisa, Deputy Director of Engagement and Innovation at the Newark Museum. “On Early Childhood Night, the Museum’s arts and science collections, combined with the resources of all our partner presenters, encourage early learners and their adults to explore the world, learn about different cultures and discover their own creativity.”

Click here to register.

Newark Public Schools & Rutgers University Host UNDOCU-NEWARK on Saturday, June 9, 2018

Come Learn the Latest Information on DACA and Access to Education

[NEWARK, NJ] Newark Public Schools (NPS) in conjunction with Rutgers University Newark, is hosting UNDOCU-Newark on Saturday, June 9, from 9 a.m. to 12 noon. The program will be held at East Side High School, located at 238 Van Buren Street in Newark. The event is free and open to the public.

At UNDOCU-Newark, families can obtain the latest information on Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA). In addition, Rutgers University – Newark will be on site to provide scholarship and financial aid information to undocumented and mixed status students (when a student is undocumented and the parent is a citizen).

“Our goal is to help families and students navigate their higher education options and other aspects of their lives during and after high school,” said A. Robert Gregory, Interim Superintendent of Newark Public Schools. “It is our responsibility to create pathways to success for our students – what better way to do that to help them and their families prepare for their future today.

UNDOCU-Newark is a unique event developed by the NPS Office of College and Career Access, in collaboration with Essex County College, Rutgers Law School, and UndocuJersey. The goals of UNDOCU-Newark are to teach and families about educational resources such as scholarship opportunities and other important facts about college programs and finances specific to undocumented students.

[Newark, NJ – May 30, 2018] Newark Public Schools celebrated 66 teachers and Education Service Professionals who were honored as the best of the best in Newark Public Schools at the annual Teacher of the Year Awards Breakfast. This year, New Jersey’s largest school district also celebrated Education Service Professionals; including School Operations Managers, Security Guards, Guidance Counselors, Social Workers, Food Service Workers and Community Engagement Specialists, all of whom contribute to making the school day a positive experience and the school a destination for more than 36K students every day.

The teacher honorees included one teacher who for family reasons had to suddenly relocate to Colorado. Soon after the move the father died, leaving the students disconnected to the community. The teacher traveled to Colorado to introduce the family to service professionals and others who helped with the father’s death and to get the Brazilian family needed resources. Both the teacher and her husband continue to tutor and work with the students via SKYPE. One Education Service Professional was honored today for spending evenings at school helping graduating seniors prepare college applications and complete exams and paperwork to ensure they met requirements and deadlines for college and Thomassina McAfee celebrated 54 years employed with NPS and Camden Street School. Earlier this month, NPS also recognized Lourdes Reyes, a special needs teacher at First Avenue School, as the Teacher of the Year Honors.

Interim Superintendent of Schools A. Robert Gregory said, “Thank you to each of our teachers and education service professionals, because it is you, who are reimagining what our schools should look like. This annual celebration is our way of saying thank you and showing you the value you bring to every student and every school – on behalf of everyone at Newark Public Schools, thank you, we truly appreciate you choosing to teach in Newark.” He continued, “You ignite the genius in every student, and make our students come to school excited, and ready to learn and soar.”

Interim Superintendent Gregory was joined by Incoming Superintendent Roger Leon and Senator Teresa Ruiz.

Honorees:

• Carolyn Garcia, Abington Ave.
• Julia Aleman, Abington Ave.
• Maria Costeira Da Cruz, Ann St. – Posthumously
• Marcella Ciotolla, Avon Ave.
• Dr. Tiffany Morris, Bard High School Early College
• Tamar Mitchell, Bard High School Early College
• Gwendolyn Bynum, Belmont-Runyon
• Elaina Riccardi, Branch Brook
• Thomassina McAfee, Camden St. – 54 years with NPS !!!!
• Patricia D’Ambrosio, Camden St.
• Esther Emmanuel, Central High
• Jacqueline Smith, Chancellor Ave.
• Anthony Jackson, Chancellor Ave.
• Nadira Coley, Cleveland
• Cherisse Charles, Early Childhood School Central
• Jessica Adorno, Early Childhood School North
• LaTonya Drayton, Early Childhood School West
• Lilia Arfinengo, East Side High
• Debra Crosby, East Side High
• Brenda Almodovar, Elliott St.
• Gina Lee Onorevole, Elliott St.
• Lourdes Reyes, First Ave.
• Maricela Rodriguez, First Ave.
• Emily Burnett, Fourteenth Ave.
• Tracy Blazquez, Franklin
• Brooklyn Holt, Harriet Tubman
• Jacqueline Iannucci, Hawkins St.
• Florence Ememe, Hawthorne Ave.
• Dr. Vivian Ijoma-Tamin, Hawthorne Ave.
• Kelvin Henry, Ivy Hill Elementary
• Leonie Cammock, John F. Kennedy
• Lekesha Brooks-Wertz, John F. Kennedy
• Marisol Casais, Lafayette St.
• Kay Pollard, Lincoln
• Holly Wojciechowski, Spencer/Miller
• Stephen Mayer, Spencer/Miller
• Tiffany Raphael-Wicks, Luis Munoz Marin
• Nicholas Ferriero, Malcolm X Shabazz
• Allison DeVaughn, Malcolm X Shabazz
• Jennifer LoConti, Mc Kinley
• Desrie Morris, Mount Vernon
• Nanettee Garcia DeLos Santos, N. J. Regional Day
• Marcia DiNorscio, No. 10th Street
• Jennifer Baccellieri, Oliver St.
• Jennifer Rossi, Park Elementary School
• Rosiland Johnson-Gayton, Peshine Ave.
• Allison Bowman, Peshine Ave.
• Maria Hermo, Rafael Hernandez
• Ann Marie Santos, Ridge St.
• Melissa Edwards, Roberto Clemente
• Wahab Ashraf, Science High
• Amiyrah Waddell, So. 17th St.
• Andrea Arguello, South St.
• Tricia Brewster, Speedway Avenue
• Bridget Bussey, Speedway Avenue
• Lin Hong, Sussex Ave.
• Noemi Ballester, Technology High School
• Andrea Valerius, Technology High School
• Krisha Giammarco, Thirteenth Avenue
• Liza Lopez, University High
• Lidia Dos Santos, West Side
• Judith Mosselle, West Side
• Elizabeth Clark, Weequahic High
• Nicole Myers, William H. Horton
• Michael Gizzi, Wilson Ave.
• Joseph Amabile, Newark Institute of Culinary Education

i2 Learning Partners with Newark Public Schools and Boston for Annual STEM Weeks
1 Week, 21 Schools, 2,000 Students Immersed in STEM

 

[Newark, NJ – June 1, 2018] ––Newark Public Schools (NPS) and i2 Learning will officially launch Newark STEM WEEK 2018 on Monday, June 4, at 13th Avenue School in Newark. This is the second year that NPS and i2 Learning are partnering to engage students in an immersive week of STEM exploration and project design.   STEM Week will expose nearly 2,000 middle school students across 21 NPS schools to a variety of STEM-centered, hands-on learning experiences from June 4 – 8. The week will culminate with a showcase of STEM projects at Ridge Street School on Friday, June 8, at 2 p.m.

“Newark Public Schools is excited to continue our partnership with i2 Learning and launch the 2018 STEM Week,” said A. Robert Gregory, Interim Superintendent of Newark Public Schools. “We are making major investments in STEM education across the district in order to prepare our students for what continues to be one of the largest career development areas for graduates. We look forward to working with i2 Learning to expose our students to new and exciting learning opportunities in STEM and seeing the amazing things our students and teachers will learn and produce in the days ahead.”

During Newark STEM Week regularly scheduled classes will be replaced by one of two hands-on, project-based STEM courses, Exploring Ecological Systems or Building a Lunar Colony, developed by i2 Learning and leading STEM organizations such as Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and NASA. Each week-long course is designed to have students work in teams to solve real-world problems through activities that require hands-on experimentation and critical thinking skills, according to Ethan Berman, founder of i2 Learning.

“These STEM opportunities are incredibly important and meaningful for Newark students,” said Mayor Ras J. Baraka. “While we of course can’t solve all of our problems in one week, by exposing students to new things, getting them excited about STEM, and showing them that we are committed to STEM as an entire city and community, we can change their sense of possibility and put them on a different trajectory in life.”

The Newark STEM week initiative debuted last year with i2 Learning. “We are very grateful for the opportunity to partner with i2 Learning again to bring this high quality learning experience to our students,” said Ivory Williams, Director of Science Education at Newark Public Schools. “This year’s STEM Week’s courses were selected to complement our newly adopted middle school science curriculum and to build upon our other exciting STEM partnerships. We believe the combination of these efforts will be a major step forward for Newark students, helping to make a career in a STEM field a more accessible reality for each of them.”

Additionally, through the district’s partnership with i2 Learning, NPS teachers were able to participate in a two-day i2 Learning training encompassing hands-on, inquiry-based STEM instruction earlier this year. The i2 Learning professional development workshop provided teachers with project-based learning instructional strategies that will enable them to engage and inspire students, and foster a 21st century learning environment in their classrooms during, and beyond, STEM Week.

“We are excited to be working with teachers from 21 different Newark schools to bring our program to 2,000 middle school students this school year.” said Ethan Berman, founder of i2 Learning. “We applaud the forward thinking of the Superintendent’s office to provide this innovative learning to the district. We can’t wait to see the projects students produce this week and are looking forward even more to bringing this to all Newark students in the coming years.”

Newark STEM Week and the professional development workshops for teachers are being funded in part through support from the Victoria Foundation and i2 Learning. To learn more about the program and see a full list of participating schools, courses and more, please visit http://i2learning.org/newark/ and follow along on Facebook and  Twitter.