Members of the Class of 2017 were awarded over $15.7 million in scholarships and will attend over 135 U.S. institutions of higher education in the fall

[Newark, NJ – June 26, 2017] This week, Newark Public Schools (NPS) held graduation ceremonies for 1,926 students across 16 Newark high schools. Thousands of NPS community members, including faculty, staff, school and district administrators, and family and friends of the graduates attended the ceremonies, celebrating the achievements of NPS seniors and the culmination of their K-12 education. A variety of community leaders also attended the commencement ceremonies as keynote speakers, including Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka, legendary basketball coach Vanessa Watson, former principal and renowned speaker Gemar Mills, New Jersey Devils President Hugh Weber, and former Democratic Gubernatorial candidate Jim Johnson, providing inspiration and words of wisdom to this year’s senior graduates. This upcoming fall, NPS seniors will be attending over 135 colleges, universities, and vocational schools across the United States.

“Congratulations to each of our senior graduates on their achievements that have led to this monumental milestone,” said Christopher D. Cerf, Superintendent of Newark Public Schools. “Our school community is so proud of the accomplishments of our seniors and wishes each of them success as they continue to advance toward their college, career, and life goals. As we celebrate our graduates’ achievements, I would also like to thank their committed parents and families, along with our teachers and community members who are so instrumental in supporting and shaping them into the brilliant young men and women they are today.”

Throughout the 2016-2017 academic year, NPS seniors researched, visited, and applied to a wide-range of institutions. Below are a few significant facts about this year’s graduating class:

• More than 75% of graduating seniors are expected to attend two or four year colleges or universities.
• 14% of seniors were accepted to 5 or more colleges or universities.
• 71 students will also be graduating with associates degrees.
  • 14 students from East Side earned their associates from Essex County College.
  • 57 students from Bard Early College earned their associates degree from Bard College.
• 7 students will be attending Ivy league schools at either Harvard University, Yale University, Princeton University, the University of Pennsylvania, or Columbia University on a full-tuition scholarship.
• 52 students will be joining the United States Armed Forces.
• Collectively, NPS seniors have already received $15,728,233 in scholarships from a wide range of colleges, universities, community organizations and additional institutions across the United States.

“I’m incredibly proud of our NPS graduates for their accomplishments that have resulted from the hard work, talent, and grit that they have displayed throughout their lives,” said Robert Gregory, Deputy Superintendent of Schools and former principal of American History High School. “I’m confident our scholars will continue to make Newark proud as they go on to pursue and achieve their future goals and I look forward to hearing about all that they accomplish in the coming years.”

Over the past several months, NPS seniors have celebrated the conclusion to their K-12 journey through a variety of events, including the district’s first annual College Decision Day in May and the fourth annual Superintendent’s Awards Banquet earlier this month. Senior leaders across the district have also provided words of encouragement to their peers as they transition into the next chapter in their lives.

“I don’t believe in excuses, which is why I take advantage of opportunities afforded to me,” said Lucia Couto, valedictorian of Arts High School. “Don’t let people’s opinions about where you come from make you think in a certain way. I love Newark and I am proud to say I live here. A lot of good things and people come from Newark.” Lucia will be attending Harvard University in the fall on a full-tuition scholarship and intends to major in medical physics.

“I am extremely happy to receive my scholarship,” added Michael Lawrence a West Side High School graduate whose entire tuition at NJIT will be covered by scholarships. “I want to thank my support system of friends, family, and teachers who pushed me to be someone who is passionate for success. I hope this is the first step to honor the legacy of the love and support of those who are especially close to me.”

Early projections show that NPS will once again increase its high school graduation rate this year, though these projections will not be officially confirmed until data is finalized in August. Earlier this year, the New Jersey Department of Education released data showing that Newark’s high school graduation rate increased to 73.5 percent in 2016, up four percentage points from 2015. This data also showed that this is the fourth consecutive year this rate has increased in Newark. Newark’s graduation rate is up nearly 15 percentage points since 2011.

For more information about Newark’s graduates, see the graduation spotlight on the district’s webpage.

88 students in their senior year from across the district were recognized for exceptional accomplishments

[Newark, NJ – June 15, 2017] Superintendent Christopher D. Cerf of Newark Public Schools (NPS) hosted the fourth annual Superintendent’s Awards Banquet on Friday, June 2, to recognize 88 students in the 2017 senior class for their outstanding academic achievements. Nearly 250 members of the NPS community were in attendance to celebrate each student, including students, parents, teachers and administrators. The valedictorian and salutatorian from each NPS high school were presented with awards, as well as 54 students, who received the “3E” Award, a prestigious accolade presented to students who display significant achievements in the areas of equity, effort or excellence.

“I’m pleased to celebrate each of our valedictorians and salutatorians, as well as our ‘3E’ Award recipients, for the academic excellence and leadership they have displayed over the course of their academic careers,” said Superintendent Cerf. “Tonight is a special occasion for our school community as we honor senior leaders who have demonstrated distinction both inside and outside of the classroom, not only to advance themselves, but also to lift up their peers, our schools, and our community. I’m inspired by the accomplishments of each of our scholars and look forward to learning about their future successes.”

In order for a student to be a “3E” Award recipient, he or she must strongly exhibit one of the following values:

• Equity – focus on justice and fairness: the nominee exemplifies spirit and intent of the old adage “treat others the way you want to be treated”
• Effort – hard work and consistency of effort: the nominee shows diligence and perseverance in overcoming obstacles and consistency of effort over time
• Excellence – results driven: the nominee exhibits exceptional and tangible results in community involvement for social justice, self-improvement and academic achievement

During the evening’s festivities, members of the NPS school community stood in a moment of silence to remember Chris Gibbs, president of the graduating class of 2017 at Barringer Academy of Arts and Humanities, who died on Thursday, June 1, after he was hit by a truck near his home shortly after his senior prom. The principal of Barringer Academy, Dr. Kimberly Honnick, and Chris Gibbs’s fellow students received his “3E” Award on his behalf, celebrating his effort and leadership throughout his academic career. Chris Gibbs was set to attend Westchester Community College this upcoming fall.

“Mr. Gibbs was a beloved member of his school community, embodying the traits of a strong leader and hardworking scholar and serving as a role model for his peers at Barringer on a daily basis. Our thoughts and sincere sympathies are with his family and friends at this difficult time,” said Superintendent Cerf.

This year’s valedictorians, salutatorians and “3E” Award recipients will be attending the following colleges and universities after graduation: Yale University, Columbia University, Boston College, New York University Stern School of Business, Georgetown University, Harvard University, Davidson College, Rutgers University-New Brunswick, Rutgers University-Newark, Montclair State University, University of West Indies (Jamaica), Harvard University, Cooper Union, Caldwell University, Lincoln University, Bard College, Bloomfield College, Monroe College, Kean University, Essex County College, Pace University, Tuskegee University, Amherst College, Swarthmore College, New Jersey City University, The College of New Jersey, Union County College, Empire Beauty School of Montclair, The Travel Academy, The After 21 Program, The Culinary Institute of America, The Division of Vocational Rehabilitation and Developmental Disabilities, Gettysburg College, Stockton University, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Hudson County College, and Fairleigh Dickinson University.

To read the student bios of each of the 2017 senior class valedictorians, salutatorians and “3E” Award recipients, click here.

Fun-filled event at the Newark Museum featured educational activities and early childhood resources and programs for children and families

[Newark, NJ – June 14, 2017] Newark Public Schools (NPS) Office of Early Childhood co-hosted the fifth annual “Night at the Museum” at the Newark Museum on Friday, June 9. Over 2,100 people attended the event that featured 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 Superintendent Christopher D. Cerf of NPS. “The Office of Early Childhood has done an exceptional job ensuring our youngest learners have access to a wide-range of educational opportunities that will 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 participated in the evening event, including 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 provided 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 directly with children and families and showcase the wide variety of early childhood educational opportunities that Newark has to offer. 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 academic experience.”

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 Curious George and Clifford the Big Red Dog.

“The Office of Childhood Education is focused on trying to make learning fun and 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 PreSchool 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.”

“Night at the Museum” is sponsored by NPS and the Nicholson Foundation, with additional support from the United Way of Essex and Hudson and WNET.

22 teachers across the district celebrated for their effective and innovative instruction throughout the 2016-2017 academic year

[Newark, NJ – June 8, 2017] Teachers from across the Newark Public School (NPS) district are being recognized for their important work with Newark students in recent weeks. On Friday, June 2, 21 teachers joined school and district administrators, school board members, parents, and additional Newark community members at Robert Treat Hotel for the 2017 NPS Teacher of the Year Award Breakfast, where the district celebrated each teacher’s contributions to Newark students and families throughout the 2016-2017 academic year.

“It is an honor to have the opportunity to celebrate Newark’s exceptional educators and recognize each of them for their significant impact and achievements over the course of this school year,” said Christopher D. Cerf, Superintendent of Newark Public Schools. “Our school community is incredibly grateful to have such hard working and committed teachers leading classrooms across our city, who continue to inspire students and their colleagues to strive for excellence on a daily basis. We value the outstanding work and service of each of these leaders to our students and families and congratulate each of them for their achievements.”

Teachers across the district were nominated as the highest performing teacher in their school by their principal based on their instructional excellence and preparedness, outstanding contributions to the classroom, school leadership, improvements toward the quality of education delivered to each of their students, as well as their individual accomplishments. A selection committee comprised of administrators, special assistants and HR leaders then reviewed the applications and essays submitted by each principal across the district and selected this year’s finalists. The following 20 NPS educators received a Teacher of the Year certificate at the breakfast and were also finalists for the 2017 “Newark Teacher of the Year” award:

• Nancy Pais, Ann Street School
• Marc Harris, B.R.I.C.K. Avon Academy
• Cynthia Reeder-Thomas, B.R.I.C.K. Peshine Academy
• Lori Donovan, Belmont Runyon School
• Tameika Garrett-Ward, Camden Street School
• Elizabeth Pecota, Chancellor Avenue School
• Dina Stadnicki, Elliott Street School
• Rasheedah Muhammad, First Avenue School
• Daniel Lu, Harriet Tubman School
• Nancy Francois, Lincoln Elementary School
• Timothy Blackmon, Louise A. Spencer Elementary School
• Rachael Safier Luis Munoz Marin School
• Bernavela Valera, McKinley Elementary School
• Marcela Palma, Miller Street School at Spencer
• Vera Caetano, Oliver Street School
• Alicia Wiltshire, Quitman Street Community School
• Michelle Queirga, Rafael Hernandez Elementary School
• Pamela Marolakos-Manfro, Ridge Street School
• William Gaines, Speedway Academies
• Amanda Grossi, Sussex Avenue Renew School

“We are so proud of the successes each teacher here today has achieved with their students,” said Larisa Shambaugh, Chief Talent Officer of Newark Public Schools. “Teachers often work without knowing the positive impact that they have on their students— but we know that our students stand on the shoulders of these great teachers. This recognition is just one way for us to tell our teachers that we see them – and the work they do for our students each and every day.”

Brian Klasner, a world history and financial literacy teacher to ninth and twelfth graders at East Side Big Picture Academy (ESBPA), a student-centered learning academy within East Side High School, was recognized as the 2017 “Newark Teacher of the Year” at the breakfast. Last month, Mr. Klasner was surprised by NPS Superintendent Cerf and other district leaders, who honored him with the 2017 “Newark Teacher of the Year” award. Mr. Klasner, who has taught at ESBPA for the past four years, earned a “Highly Effective Teacher” rating for the second year in a row and is currently in his seventh year of teaching. Additionally, another educator from East Side High School, Andrew Paulsen, who was chosen as Teacher of the Year at East Side High School for the 2015-2016 academic year, was recently selected as one of nine TNTP (The New Teacher Project) “Fishman Prize for Superlative Classroom Practice” finalists, out of approximately 5,000 applicants. Additionally, Mr. Paulsen was recently one out of approximately 35 U.S. citizens who were offered a Fulbright Distinguished Awards in Teaching Program grant.

“We are very fortunate to have Mr. Klasner and Mr. Paulsen leading classrooms across East Side High School and appreciate their countless contributions to students and families,” said Dr. Mario Santos, Principal at East Side High School. “Their leadership inspires collaboration across our school, enabling our teachers to continue to improve the quality of education for each of our students.”

NPS Head Start Program is focused on expanding STEAM learning opportunities for pre-kindergarten students

[Newark, NJ — June 6, 2017] — Over 100 students and staff members participated in the first-ever Newark Public School Head Start Program STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) Fair at the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) on Friday, May 26. The fair, organized by the NPS Head Start Program and NJIT, is part of the district’s early childhood education program focused on expanding STEAM learning opportunities for Newark preschool students. Executive Director of NJIT’s Educational Opportunity Program Tony Howell, NPS School Board Chairman Marquis Lewis, Executive Director of Office of Early Childhood F. Nana Ofosu-Amaah, and NPS Head Start Program Director Samantha Lott Velez each delivered remarks at the event.

“Investing in early childhood education has proven to be vital toward ensuring each of our students have a strong start in their educational journey,” said NPS Superintendent Cerf. “Thanks to the support that NJIT and local organizations continue to provide for Newark’s children, our Head Start Program is able to offer engaging STEAM education opportunities for our youngest scholars to build a foundation that will ultimately prepare them for college and career success in the 21st century.”

Various local organizations, including Bricks for Kidz, Liberty Science Center, and Newark’s YMCA, as well as a renowned New Jersey muralist, Steve Green, led individual workshops for students to participate in throughout the day. Additionally, each Head Start Program site presented a wide range of STEAM projects that students created in advance of the fair.

The Head Start Program is currently in its third year of operation. In September 2014, NPS received a $7 million Head Start grant to expand access to high-quality, comprehensive preschool services in district classrooms for Newark’s highest-need children and their families, and one component of the grant is specifically focused on enhancing STEAM education for pre-kindergarten students. There are currently eleven Newark Public Schools Head Start Program sites across the district. Families interested in applying for Head Start services can contact the Newark Public Schools Office of Early Childhood at 973-733-6234 or visit https://newark.apppresser.com/departments/early-childhood/ for more information.