[Newark, NJ – October 21, 2016] Newark Public Schools (NPS) participated in a national celebration of afterschool programs called Lights On Afterschool highlighting the positive impact afterschool programming has on Newark’s young people.

“It is essential that our students have access to enriching afterschool activities,” said Christopher D. Cerf, Superintendent of NPS. “Afterschool programs keep our children safe and inspire them to learn. We are committed to making sure Newark students have access to positive afterschool programming to further advance their academic and personal growth.”

Students put together “Public Service Announcement” videos about how afterschool activities have impacted their lives and uploaded it to YouTube to educate others about the importance of afterschool programming.

“Newark Public Schools has so many afterschool programs that young people can benefit from,” said Sarah Cruz, Special Assistant of Expanded Learning Time of NPS. “We know that afterschool programs have a positive influence on our students, and we look forward to helping more children sign up for activities.”

In addition, Nearly 30 people attended a legislative bus tour on Wednesday with elected officials, community leaders and philanthropists from across the city to showcase the wide-variety of afterschool programs in which Newark students participate. The tour included visits to Luis Munoz Marin Middle School, University High School and the South Ward Youth Development Center. The event was hosted by the Office of Expanded Learning Time, NJSACC: The Statewide Network for New Jersey’s Afterschool Communities and Newark Thrives! the Newark Out of School Time Network.

Over 7,300 students throughout the district participate in the Office of Expanded Learning Time’s afterschool activities. Parents who are interested in enrolling their children in afterschool activities can newark.apppresser.com/elt or call 973-412-1910 for more information.

In America today, over 11 million children are alone and unsupervised after school. Afterschool programs keep kids safe, help working families and inspire learning. They provide opportunities to help young people develop into successful adults.

Lights On Afterschool, launched in 2000, is the only nationwide event celebrating afterschool programs and their role in keeping kids safe, inspiring them to learn and helping working families. The effort has become a hallmark of the afterschool movement and annually sees more than 1 million Americans celebrate at more than 8,000 events nationwide.

United Way of Essex and West Hudson in collaboration with Scholastic Book Fairs and My Very Own Library to provide thousands of free books to students of Newark Public Schools

[Newark, NJ – October 17, 2016] United Way of Essex and West Hudson (UWEWH) announced today it will receive a $4.4 million private donation to support literacy for Newark Public School students.

The monies will fund the continuation of the My Very Own Library (MVOL) program, an initiative made possible through United Way of Essex and West Hudson (UWEWH), the program’s administrator, and Scholastic Book Fairs, a division of Scholastic, the world’s largest publisher and distributor of children’s books, and the exclusive book supplier of MVOL.

United Way of Essex and West Hudson, headquartered in Newark, announced the three-year implementation plan for MVOL, an international initiative that encourages literacy by offering students in need an opportunity to own their own books.

Since 2011, the MVOL initiative, has given students the opportunity to select free books from school book fairs. Research indicates students foster a lifelong love of reading and demonstrate strong literacy skills as they build home libraries.

For the 2016-2017 school year, three more schools have been added to the list of MVOL schools, expanding the project’s reach to 26 schools and 16,500 students. In total, this year’s program will place 165,000 more books into the home libraries of Newark students.

“My Very Own Library gives students the opportunity to explore books by selecting those they are interested in reading. Self-choice and voice is critical to students’ learning and MVOL provides students the ability to build their own home libraries. There is no better way to foster a love of reading than to allow students to choose the books they want to read during their free time,” Catherine Wilson, President & CEO, United Way of Essex and West Hudson.

At each of two Scholastic Book Fairs, students will be able to choose three books for free to build their own home library, and at a third book fair, each student will select four books, bringing the total for each child in the program to 10 books which they then own. Also included in the MVOL program, are school visits with children’s book authors, during which 100 copies of each author’s book will be distributed to participating students. Additionally, each school will receive $1,000 in grant funding to host three family literacy events which will coincide with each book fair event, helping families understand the importance of independent reading beyond the school day..

“Scholastic is proud to work with organizations like United Way of Essex and West Hudson and My Very Own Library, to ensure that children who may never have owned their own books have an opportunity to choose and own the books they want to read,” said Alan Boyko, President of Scholastic Book Fairs. “By providing these students with access to new quality titles of their choice we hope each child will discover the power and joy of reading.”

The freedom to select their own books is a key facet of the program that’s meant to encourage students’ love of reading. According to the Scholastic Kids & Family Reading Report(tm), 91% of children ages 6–17 say “my favorite books are the ones that I have picked out myself.” Furthermore, 52% of children ages 6-17 say the person who does the best job of choosing books to read for fun is “me.”

“My Very Own Library and the United Way of Essex and West Hudson are helping to create a new generation of enthusiastic readers in Newark children,” said Superintendent Christopher D. Cerf of Newark Public Schools. “The year alone, My Very Own Library will bring 165,000 books to 16,500 students in 26 of our schools. By giving our young people access to valuable reading materials, we are instilling a love of reading that will help them both inside and outside the classroom.”

Participating schools in Newark, NJ include:

• Abington Avenue School
• B.R.I.C.K. Avon Academy
• B.R.I.C.K. Peshine Avenue
• Belmont Runyon School
• Camden Street School
• Chancellor Ave School/Annex
• Cleveland Elementary
• Dr. E. Alma Flagg
• Elliott Street School
• George Washington Carver
• Harriett Tubman School
• Hawkins Street School
• Hawthorne Avenue
• Ivy Hill Elementary
• Louise A. Spencer
• Luis Munoz Marin
• McKinley School
• Miller Street
• Oliver Street
• Quitman Street Community School
• Rafael Hernandez Elementary
• Ridge Street
• South 17th Street
• Speedway Academies
• Sussex Avenue
• Thirteenth Avenue School

---

My Very Own Library is one of three literacy programs offered by United Way of Essex and West Hudson including Raising a Reader and Celebrity Read. For additional information on My Very Own Library, please visit www.myveryownlibrary.org or United Way of Essex and West Hudson.

Denise Rawding will represent New Jersey nationally as a finalist for the 2016 Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching

[Newark, NJ – October 19, 2016] Newark Public Schools (NPS) teacher Denise Rawding has been selected as one of five New Jersey finalists in math for the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST). Rawding, a current math coach at Dr. William Horton School of Arts and Technology and former teacher at 1st Ave School, will represent the state as a finalist.

“Denise Rawding is an inspiration to her peers and the success of her students in the classroom speaks to her skills as an educator,” said Superintendent Christopher D. Cerf of NPS. “Newark Public Schools is fortunate to have talented teachers like Denise working hard to provide an excellent education for our children each and every day. On behalf of the district, I would like to congratulate Denise on this well-deserved recognition of being selected as a finalist for the 2016 Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching.”

The PAEMST are the highest honors a teacher can receive from the United States government. The PAEMST program recognizes teachers who are seen as role models in their communities and leaders in the improvement of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education.

Established in 1983, the PAEMST program authorizes the president to present over 100 awards each year to deserving educators. The program is overseen by the National Science Foundation on behalf of The White House Office of Science and Technology Policy. Awards are given to mathematics and science teachers from across the country as well as in the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Department of Defense Education Activity schools, or the U.S. territories.

Winners receive a signed certificate by the President of the United States, a paid trip to Washington, DC to attend related events and a $10,000 award from the National Science Foundation.

Three major funders announce Pi Chubb Newark Field Trip Fund

[October 5, 2016] Newark, NJ – The Community Foundation of New Jersey, the Victoria Foundation, the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation and Newark Public Schools today announced the creation of the Pi Chubb Newark Field Trip Fund, a $1 million dollar endowment ensuring Newark children get outside their classrooms to experience field trips that enhance learning for many years to come.

The Pi Chubb Newark Field Trip Fund is a special endowment that will be part of Field Trip New Jersey, a program that launched in January to provide transportation funding for field trips to schools in underserved communities across New Jersey.

“Thanks to the generosity of the Community Foundation of New Jersey, the Victoria Foundation and the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation, Newark students will have more opportunities to go on field trips that will take them beyond the classroom and into the world of history, culture, the arts, nature and science,” said Christopher D. Cerf, Superintendent of Newark Public Schools. “We want to create a learning environment that will allow our students to learn and grow, not only in the classroom, but in the real world. More field trips will help inspire our students to use their imagination and dream big, and we are excited to see what doors this fund will open for them.”

The Pi Chubb Newark Field Trip is open to all public, charter and non-profit private schools in Newark, grades pre-Kindergarten through 12. Schools may apply for funding to cover the transportation cost of field trips to help school children experience the arts, culture, history, nature, science, and college campuses. Students may also take field trips to tour college campuses in New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, and Washington, DC.

The Victoria Foundation established the endowed fund of Field Trip New Jersey in memory of Percy “Pi” Chubb III, a philanthropist and former vice chairman of The Chubb Corporation. Throughout his life, Chubb was involved in the foundation his grandfather founded in 1924. For 30 years, he served as board president, dedicated to the foundation’s mission of breaking the cycle of poverty in Newark by supporting projects addressing K-12 education reform, neighborhood revitalization, and strengthening youth and families.

“For more than four decades, Percy Chubb was passionate about Victoria Foundation’s mission to serve the Newark community and he was particularly concerned about the well-being of Newark’s youngest citizens,” said Irene Cooper-Basch, executive officer of the Victoria Foundation. “We hope that the Pi Chubb Newark Field Trip Fund will help all Newark students gain memorable and meaningful experiences through educational and enriching school field trips for years to come.”

The Pi Chubb Newark Field Trip Fund will provide grants of up to $700 per school each year, which may cover multiple trips. Priority will be given to field trips that bring students outside their school district.

Field Trip New Jersey launched as a pilot program last school year. Eighty-three schools from throughout the state received grants totaling $45,000 to experience such trips as glassmaking at Wheaton Arts and Cultural Center, a poetry slam at William Paterson University, and historic reenactments at Historic Cold Springs Village.

“The benefits that field trips can have on our young people are often overlooked — they have the power to inspire and enrich student’s lives,” said Hans Dekker, president of the Community Foundation of New Jersey and Field Trip New Jersey spokesperson. “Field trips can help a child begin to imagine his or her future as a college student, researcher, artist or leader. We hope that our new program in Newark will help inspire a new generation of young people to pursue their dreams.”

Central High School, Luis Munoz Marin, Oliver Street School, Quitman Street Community School, Barringer High STEAM Academy, among others, participated in Field Trip New Jersey last year. At Central High School specifically, Field Trip New Jersey paid for transportation for juniors and seniors to travel to Salem County to see PSE&G’s Energy and Environmental Resource Center firsthand. This experience focused on helping these students build a greater understanding of energy, environmental challenges, and strategies for balancing energy demand with environmental stewardship.

“Last year’s trip to PSE&G’s Energy and Environmental Resource Center was an experience our students would have never been able to experience if it weren’t for the help of Field Trip New Jersey. Our juniors and seniors were able to apply the lessons they learned in the classroom to real life experiences,” said Sharnee Brown, Principal of Central High School. “As educators, our job is to expose students to enriching and intellectually stimulating learning opportunities, and Field Trip New Jersey makes that possible.”

Applications for trips to take place through the end of the 2016-17 school year are due on Dec. 5, 2016.

For more information and to apply, visit www.fieldtripnj.org.

---

About Field Trip New Jersey
When it is fully funded, the Field Trip New Jersey permanent fund will provide funds to help school children in underserved communities across New Jersey access the arts and culture, historical landmarks, nature preserves and science institutions, and college campuses. The fund will make field trips possible for more students across an even wider range of disciplines and interest areas. Field Trip New Jersey is hosted by the Community Foundation of New Jersey with support from the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation, the Victoria Foundation and other funders.

Sarah Cruz Will Work in New Jersey, Nationally to Increase Students’ Access to Afterschool Opportunities

Washington, DC – The Afterschool Alliance and Newark Public Schools (NPS) announced today that Sarah Cruz, Special Assistant for Expanded Learning Time at NPS, has been selected to serve as a 2016-2017 Afterschool Ambassador. She is one of just 15 leaders from across the nation chosen for the honor this year. Each Afterschool Ambassador will continue directing or supporting a local afterschool program while also serving a one-year Afterschool Ambassador term, organizing public events, communicating with elected officials and policy makers, and growing support for afterschool programs in other ways.

“We are thrilled that Sarah will serve as an Afterschool Ambassador this year,” said Afterschool Alliance Executive Director Jodi Grant. “She is a dedicated champion for quality afterschool and summer learning programs. I know she will mobilize business, community and faith leaders, lawmakers, educators, parents and others to increase resources for afterschool programs, which keep students safe, inspire them to learn and help working families. These programs offer hands-on learning opportunities, homework help, mentors, science and technology, access to healthy snacks and meals, sports and fitness, arts programming, civic engagement, and much more. I’m eager to work with Sarah to bring us closer to the day when no children or youth are unsupervised and at risk after the school day ends.”

“I am delighted to support the Afterschool Alliance’s work to increase resources for afterschool programs, here and around the country,” said Cruz. “In my 17 years working in this field, I’ve witnessed firsthand the many ways that afterschool programs give students opportunities to explore their interests and discover their passions, while giving parents the peace of mind that comes with knowing their children are safe and supervised, with engaging, educational activities, during the afternoons. I look forward to raising awareness and support for the out-of-school-time opportunities all students need.”

The Newark Public Schools serves more than 7,000 students per day in afterschool programming across 56 schools in the city. Through a variety of activities, special events and clubs, students experience academic support and programming in the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math (STEAM), delivered by highly qualified teachers and partner organizations such as the Newark Chess Club, Bed Time Math, Just One Soccer, After-School All-Stars, the Newark YMCA and many other community non-profit organizations. These programs are important to the development of a students’ well-being by keeping kids safe, learning and by supporting families. NPS is also a Child and Adult Care Food Program sponsor serving nutritious meals to student’s everyday afterschool.

Each Ambassador will organize a major event for Lights On Afterschool, the Afterschool Alliance’s annual rally for afterschool programming, to be held on October 20 this year. Last year, 1 million people participated in some 8,000 Lights On Afterschool events across the United States and at U.S. military bases worldwide.

The 2016-2017 Afterschool Ambassadors are:

• Arizona: Jeremy King, Community Services Supervisor, Kid Zone Enrichment Program in Tempe;
• Delaware: Beth Ohline, Senior Child Development Director, Bear-Glasgow YMCA in Newark;
• District of Columbia: Daniela Grigioni, Executive Director, After-School All-Stars DC in Washington, D.C.;
• Idaho: Lissa Hall, School Age Coordinator, Mountain Home Air Force Base Youth Programs in Mountain Home;
• Illinois: Tammera Holmes, President & CEO, AeroStar Avion Institute in Country Club Hills;
• Iowa: Nate Clark, Vice President, John Deere Foundation and Manager of Enterprise Citizenship, Deere & Company;
• Maine: Amy Pichette, Director of Afterschool Programming, LearningWorks in Portland;
• Michigan: Maria Mitter, Assistant Director, Eastern Michigan University Bright Futures 21st CCLC in Ypsilanti;
• New Jersey: Sarah Cruz, Special Assistant, Newark Public Schools Office of Expanded Learning Time in Newark;
• North Carolina: Bill McClain, Executive Director, Guiding Institute for Developmental Education (GIDE) in Winston-Salem;
• North Carolina: Betsey McFarland, Executive Director, Wade Edwards Foundation in Raleigh;
• Oregon: Debra Jones, Program Coordinator, Oceanspray Family Centers and Housing Authority of Lincoln County in Newport;
• Rhode Island: Ayana Crichton, Expanded Learning Program Director, Cranston Public Schools in Cranston;
• Wisconsin: Eric Vanden Heuvel, Chief Academic Officer, The Boys & Girls Club of Greater Green Bay in Green Bay; and
• Wyoming: Tamra Petersen, Grant Coordinator, 21st CCLC Uinta B.O.C.E.S. #1 Education Center in Evanston.

The America After 3PM household survey of more than 30,000 families, commissioned by the Afterschool Alliance, found that participation in afterschool programs has increased to 10.2 million students nationwide, up from 6.5 million in 2004. But the unmet demand for afterschool programs has increased as well. Today, for every child in an afterschool program, there are two more whose parents say they would participate, if a program were available. Unmet demand is especially high in rural communities and communities of concentrated poverty. One in five students in the United States today is unsupervised after the school day ends.

A large and growing body of evidence demonstrates improvements in attendance, behavior, academic achievement and more among children in afterschool programs. Researchers have also found that afterschool programs encourage increased parental involvement – an important building block for student success.

---

The Afterschool Alliance is a nonprofit public awareness and advocacy organization working to ensure that all children and youth have access to quality afterschool programs. More information is available at www.afterschoolalliance.org.