Press Releases

WQXR Donates Nearly 100 Instruments to Support Newark Public Schools’ Music Education Programs

Newark public schools like Harriet Tubman Elementary School receive new instruments that were collected and refurbished during WQXR’s instrument drive

[September 21, 2016 – Newark, NJ] Today, WQXR, New York City’s only classical music station, announced they are donating nearly 100 musical instruments ranging from clarinets to French horns and acoustic guitars — to seven Newark public schools to support music programs at Harriet Tubman Elementary School, East Side High School, Elliot Street School, Technology High School, Roberto Clemente, Branch Brook School and Barringer Academy of the Arts & Humanities.

The donation is the result of the station’s 2016 instrument drive which collected gently used musical instruments from area residents to support music programs throughout New York City and Newark public schools, as well as community music programs. This was the station’s second instrument drive, and the first time Newark schools were included as recipients.

“Music education is such an important and often overlooked part of a student’s educational development,” said Christopher D. Cerf, Superintendent of Newark Public Schools (NPS). “WQXR’s generous donation will give the gift of music to more of our students and also help a new generation of young people develop an appreciation for the arts.”

“WQXR is thrilled to bring together music lovers with music schools through the WQXR Instrument Drive,” said Laura Walker, President and CEO, New York Public Radio, which includes WQXR. “The drive was so successful because residents near and far believe – as we do — in the value of music education, and wanted to pass along instruments that had meant so much in their own lives to the next generation. We are particularly proud to be able to extend the donations beyond New York City this year to Newark, and to help make music education available to more students.”

WQXR officials visited Harriet Tubman Elementary School and presented students with violins for their music education program. Harriet Tubman submitted an application requesting violins for their students in the 4th, 5th, and 6th grade instrumental music program, where all students learn to play the violin. This gift will expand the number of students who have access to the violin and allow students to bring instruments home with them to practice.

“The Harriet Tubman Elementary School community is grateful to WQXR for donating instruments to our music program,” said Malcolm Outlaw, Principal of Harriet Tubman Elementary. “WQXR’s new instruments will give our music program new life, and I have no doubt that our students will put WQXR’s instruments to good use.”

“Music education is such an important part of a student’s curriculum,” said instrumental music Teacher Shariff Elhagin “Music helps students develop in almost every other area of their education including language and reasoning. Thanks to WQXR, more of our students will discover a love for music this year that will have a positive impact on their life.”

To date, the instrument drive has collected more than 5,000 instruments which have been distributed to more than 150 schools and community programs in the New York metro area and impacting more than 20,000 students. WQXR partnered with the New York City Department of Education and Newark Public Schools for the 2016 drive. The WQXR Instrument Drive is generously supported by the Stavros Niarchos Foundation and the Robert and Mercedes Eichholz Foundation. Additional support has been provided by Thomas S. and Patricia Y. Bain.

The WQXR Instrument Drive is supported, in part, by the InterContinental New York Barclay.

WQXR 105.9 FM, which streams live at www.wqxr.org, is New York City’s only all-classical music station, immersing listeners in the city’s rich musical life. WQXR presents new and landmark classical recordings as well as live concerts from Carnegie Hall, the Metropolitan Opera, the New York Philharmonic, among other venues. WQXR also broadcasts essential destination programs including New York Philharmonic This Week and The McGraw-Hill Financial Young Artists Showcase. For listeners in search of the new, WQXR operates Q2 Music, an online music stream dedicated to contemporary classical composers, cross-genre adventures, and performances from New York City’s edgier venues. Operavore is WQXR’s opera site featuring news, interviews, and commentaries from the world of opera, as well as a 24/7 all-opera stream. WQXR.org provides essential playlist information and online listening, as well as original content, host blogs, NYC cultural news, and videos. The station’s free mobile app allows listeners to take WQXR with them wherever they go. As a public radio station, WQXR is supported by the generosity of its members and sponsors, making classical music relevant, accessible and inspiring for listeners in New York City and around the globe.

njtvWQXR Drive Brings Instruments to Newark Students| …In a school system like Newark Public Schools, where kids face challenges that others can scarcely imagine, music and music education can sometimes be an afterthought. But when a classical radio station (WQXR) and some generous listeners send a supply of instruments — over 100 in fact — that is music to the ears…“Here’s a little secret; when schools devote time and energy and resources to the arts — music, performance, visual arts — it actually contributes to student achievement in the academic subjects,” said Newark Public Schools Superintendent Chris Cerf. At Harriet Tubman Middle School, Principal Malcolm Outlaw says music is part of regular student curriculum. He said students like first-time violinist Joshua Moreno — Yankee fan and running back on the Pop Warner team — have found a new mode of expression… In all, seven Newark schools will get instruments, tools to — as a philosopher once said — wash away from the soul the dust of everyday life. The sound of kids at play is its own special melody but when you put instruments in their hands, then you’ve created an opportunity for a remarkable symphony. (NJTV News, 9/23)

‘Jobs for New Jersey’s Graduates’ Program Expanding in Newark

100% of High School Seniors Participating in the Program Graduated in the 2015-16 School Year

[Newark, NJ – September 15, 2016] Newark Public Schools Superintendent Christopher D. Cerf, State Sen. M. Teresa Ruiz, and the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce Foundation yesterday announced that the successful ‘Jobs for New Jersey’s Graduates’ program will be expanding in Newark. In addition to Barringer Academy for the Arts and Humanities, students at Barringer STEAM Academy; West Side Campus; and Weequahic High School will participate in the ‘Jobs for New Jersey’s Graduates’ program.

“’Jobs for New Jersey’s Graduates’ is an excellent program that gives our young people the skills they need to be successful in their academic and professional careers,” said Superintendent Cerf. “This program has helped keep many of our young people in school who may have otherwise dropped out. I have no doubt that the expansion of ‘Jobs for New Jersey’s Graduates’ will help us reach more students and change their lives for the better.”

The program targets students who are at risk of dropping out and encourages them to stay in school. The program gives students the skills they need to graduate and pursue either a post-secondary education, a career in the military or a career upon graduation. Last year, 28 students at Barringer Academy of the Arts and Humanities participated in the program, and all 17 participating seniors graduated. In total, 120 students have participated in the Barringer ‘Jobs for New Jersey’s Graduates’ program since its inception in 2011.

“Last year’s high graduation rates are outstanding and it makes perfect sense to replicate the program’s success in schools throughout the state,” said Donna Custard, president of the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce Foundation. “We are thankful for the support of sponsors such as the Prudential Foundation, Wal-Mart, AT&T, IBM and PNC Bank.”

The ‘Jobs for New Jersey’s Graduates’ program is part of a national initiative called ‘Jobs for America’s Graduates.’ The N.J. Chamber of Commerce Foundation recently took over managing the program from the State Department of Education, which has managed the program since 2011. The program is expanding from four to 11 schools this year in Newark, Camden, East Orange, Carteret, New Brunswick and Vineland. An estimated 500 students are expected to participate this year, up from 134 last year. Graduation rates have ranged from 96 to 100 percent.

“This initiative has demonstrated positive results in Newark and around the state. It is making a real difference in students’ lives,” said Sen Ruiz (D-Essex), who serves as chair of the Senate Education Committee. “I am thrilled that it is a huge success in Newark, and that the program is expanding so more students will have the opportunity to participate. I want to thank the Chamber of Commerce Foundation for spearheading the program this year, and I look forward to its continued success in supporting students through graduation and helping them develop skills necessary for college, the military or the workforce.”

‘Jobs for New Jersey’s Graduates’ teaches students about important leadership and employment skills. Students also receive academic support, are given access to inspiring guest speakers, partake in tours of local businesses, and receive mentoring as they consider pursuing an academic or professional career. Students also have the opportunity to attend statewide and national conferences where they take part in competitions with other program participants. Graduates of the program continue to receive support for 12 months after graduation to help them as they transition into college or a career.

Dodge Poetry Festival Opportunities for Newark Public High Schools

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Opportunities for Newark Public High Schools with the Geraldine R. Dodge Poetry Festival in October 2016

The Dodge Poetry Festival introduces poets from widely diverse backgrounds, to thousands of Newarkers and beyond. These Dodge Festival poets are extraordinary-participating in live readings and discussions, designed to engage with literature as a living art form. Students and teachers who attend the Festival, have the opportunity to converse directly with writers about their work, their practices and their influences. The personal connection that students and teachers can make to poets and poetry is unique to the Dodge Poetry Festival and presents an innovative way to encourage student reading and writing, and to encourage deep engagement with literature.

The staff of the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation places a high priority on including Newark Public School in the 16th Biennial Dodge Poetry Festival. There are three ways to get involved:

  • Newark High Schools may request an In-School Mini Festival or School Assembly on Thursday October 20, 2016, featuring 2-4 Festival poets, for a student audience as large as the schools’ auditorium can accommodate. Poets will give readings and do an informal Q & A, engaging with students in a thought provoking way. This mini-festival can be scheduled at no charge to your school. The deadline to request an In-School Mini Festival is Friday, September 23, 2016.
  • Newark High Schools may attend the Dodge Poetry Festival in Newark’s Downtown Arts District on Friday, October 21, 2016, which is referred to as High School Student Day, where 200+ schools from New Jersey and beyond are in attendance. High School Student Day is a full day of readings, conversations and open mic events featuring today’s most vibrant and accomplished poets. Pre-registration required. This is offered at no charge. The deadline for registering for High School Student Day is Friday, October 7, 2016.
  • All Newark teachers (of any grade level or subject matter) may register* to attend the Festival on Thursday, October 20, 2016. NJ Professional Development Hours are awarded. Sessions will take place at NJPAC and at surrounding downtown Newark venues. Registration is required by Friday, September 30, 2016 (http://www.dodgepoetry.org/festival-events/teacherday/) and entitles teachers to attend all daytime events and/or evening Poetry Reading Sampler.

For more information, please contact Ysabel Y. Gonzalez, vgonzalez@nullgrdodge.org or 973-695-1185

SDA Officials Break Ground for New South Street Elementary School in Newark

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[NEWARK, NJ] – New Jersey Schools Development Authority (SDA) CEO Charles McKenna joined Newark School District leaders today to break ground for the new South Street Elementary School.

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Superintendent Chris Cerf speaking at the groundbreaking for South Street School

“The construction of the South Street School and the two new schools that SDA opened in Newark earlier this year, mark a new beginning for the thousands of students who will walk the halls of these facilities,” said SDA CEO Charles McKenna. “This milestone we celebrate today exemplifies the State’s partnership and commitment with Superintendent Cerf and local representatives to provide Newark students with 21st century learning environments.”

The new South Street Elementary School will be an approximately 103,000 square foot facility designed to accommodate 657 students in grades Pre-kindergarten through eight. The project includes a separate parking area adjacent to the new facility. Once complete, the school will include 29 general classrooms, two science labs, six small group instruction rooms, a computer/technology lab, a world languages classroom, instrumental and vocal music rooms, an art room, a media center, a multipurpose room with stage, a cafeteria and a gymnasium.

“Today is a great day not only for the students, families and educators that make up the historic South Street School community, but for all of Newark Public Schools” said Superintendent Christopher D. Cerf of Newark Public Schools (NPS). “South Street School was established over 130 years ago, and thanks to the Christie Administration and the Newark leaders who advocated for this project, this school community will soon be able to enjoy a new 103,000 square foot state-of-the-art educational facility. Once open, the new South Street School building will be a place that provides our children with a positive and safe learning environment that will foster their academic and personal growth.”

The school is being constructed on a SDA acquired site. Prior to the start of construction, early site preparation activities were completed to ready the site for the new school.
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The school is being built using the design-build approach. This method differs from the traditional approach in that SDA contracts with one firm for both design and construction of a school facilities project. The design-build method also allows for some design and construction activities to proceed concurrently through phased advancement, an approach that potentially allows for improvement upon the original overall schedule.

Ernest Bock & Sons, Inc. of Philadelphia, PA was awarded a $36.9 million design-build contract for the design and construction of the school. As part of the design-build contract, Ernest Bock & Sons, Inc. is working with SSP Architectural Group of Bridgewater, New Jersey on the design. The project is being managed by STV Construction of New York. The total estimated project cost is $69.9 million.

To date, the SDA has invested more than $679 million in completed projects in Newark alone including seven new schools. Its current portfolio of active projects is valued at approximately $2 billion – including the Capital Project portfolio, emergent projects and Regular Operating District grants.

njcomGroundbreaking day for Newark city schools | The New Jersey Schools Development Authority and Newark Public Schools have broken ground on the new South Street Elementary School in the city’s Ironbound section. The new 103,000-square-foot facility … will feature 29 classrooms, two science labs, six small group instruction rooms, a computer/technology lab, a world languages classroom, instrumental and vocal music rooms, an art room, a media center, a multipurpose room with stage, a cafeteria and a gymnasium. The new school, which will accommodate 657 students in grades Pre-K through 8, will replace the original South Street Elementary School, which was built in 1883. “Today is a great day not only for the students, families and educators that make up the historic South Street School community, but for all of Newark Public Schools,” said Newark superintendent of schools Christopher D. Cerf at the Sept. 9 groundbreaking. (The Star Ledger, 9/18)

The City of Newark and Newark Public Schools Welcome Students and Families Back to School in the South Ward

Community Leaders Kick-Off School Year by Welcoming Families to Belmont Runyon Elementary School, a New South Ward Community School

[Newark, NJ – September 6, 2016] – Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka, Superintendent of Newark Public Schools (NPS) Christopher D. Cerf, Board Chairperson Antoinette Baskerville-Richardson and other Newark school leaders welcomed students and families back to school at Belmont Runyon Elementary this morning for its official opening as a community school, part of the broader South Ward Community Schools Initiative (SWCSI). Community leaders are in the process of launching five community schools in the South Ward and released a report today that details what was heard from each school community about their needs and how SWCSI plans to address those needs.

“I am excited to be here today at Belmont Runyon to welcome students to their new community school,” said Superintendent Christopher D. Cerf of NPS. “The South Ward Community Schools Initiative has the opportunity to transform the lives of students, families and their communities. By implementing this innovative model, the district and the city will be able to work together more effectively to support schools, families and educators in their efforts to provide students with the essential support services they need to achieve educational and career success.”

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NPS Superintendent Christopher D. Cerf, Assistant Superintendent Erskine Glover, Mayor Ras J. Baraka, Belmont Runyon Principal Shawn Oxendine-Walter, State Senator Teresa Ruiz, School Board Chair Antoinette Baskerville-Richardson, and Assemblywoman Eliana Pintor Marin

Newark Public Schools (NPS), in partnership with the Mayor’s Office of Comprehensive Community Education and the National Center for Community Schools (NCCS), launched an engagement effort last spring to gather feedback about how SWCSI can best support children, families and school communities. More than 200 parents and teachers participated in school-based focus groups and more than 750 community members provided feedback through individual and group meetings, small group discussions and large community events.

“As both a student and an educator here in Newark, I’ve always enjoyed the first day of school because students are excited, educators are at their best, and everyone is ready to go,” said Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka. “We must bring that energy not just to the first day, but to every day of school. Particularly as we endeavor to move back to local control, making sure we as community members support schools like this one is extremely important. These are the children who will become the next generation of self-starters and leaders who then go on to give back to the City and their communities, and it is all of our jobs to help them get there.”

The SWCSI will be implemented incrementally throughout the start of the school year, with school and community leaders finalizing partnerships and onboarding staff members to address key priorities in the coming months. The city and district have set a goal for these five schools to transition into full-service community schools by the end of the school year. In addition to Belmont Runyon, the Newark schools participating in the SWCSI include Malcolm X Shabazz High School, BRICK Avon Academy, Louise A Spencer Elementary School and BRICK Peshine Academy.

“Community schools, as a strategy for organizing school and community resources around student success, fits well with the strengths and needs of the Newark Public Schools. Our team is pleased to help launch the five South Ward community schools at the start of this 2016-17 school year,” said Jane Quinn, Vice President, and Director of the National Center for Community Schools, at The Children’s Aid Society in New York City. “We have spent nearly a year working with Newark leaders to develop the South Ward Community Schools Initiative, working hand-in-hand with community members to design schools that deliver high-quality instruction in the classroom, while providing the enrichment, health, social and other support services for children and their families.”

The feedback gathered in recent months helped community and school leaders understand the needs that must be addressed in order to better assist students and families. Each SWCSI will implement a number of common strategies over the course of the 2016-17 school year to ensure students are provided with:

  • A high expectation for learning, with well-supported teachers and an instructional program that integrates services and supports
  • Lead agency partnerships and community school coordination to connect children and families to services, resources and supports
  • Integrated student data to help guide and accelerate student learning
  • School capacity to address the health needs of students, especially mental health services to address students suffering from trauma
  • Expanded learning time and student enrichment activities that reinforce what students are learning in the classroom
  • A strong community of caring, supportive adults who promote long-term student success for every child

“Today is a truly a momentous occasion for the students at Belmont Runyon School,” said Shawn Oxendine-Walter, principal of Belmont Runyon School. “This initiative will help us put in place the resources necessary to fully support the unique needs of our children. While there is much work that lies ahead, we are on an exciting journey of transformation, and I am confident we are on track to build a vibrant community school that will enrich and fulfill the lives of our students and their families.”

At Belmont Runyon School, some examples of these strategies that will be implemented over the next year include:

  • Building a partnership with Seton Hall University and a focus on building team, morale and support for all teachers and staff in school by starting the school year with a staff retreat co-facilitated by professionals from the Children’s Aid Society
  • Establishing a partnership with Rutgers School of Nursing and the Children’s Hospital of New Jersey at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center to provide on-site medical and mental health services to address the health needs of students at Belmont Runyon
  • Creating strong community partnerships with organizations like PULSE and Pleasant Grove Baptist Church, who have adopted the school and will assist with family and community programming and activities throughout the school year
  • Fully incorporating Belmont Runyon’s special needs pre-school and full early childhood program into its community school model, so that even the students with the greatest needs can benefit from the resources and supports available
  • Partnering with the Strive Program, lead agency who will provide a full-time community school coordinator to connect children and their families to the services and resources they need
  • Working with Strive and other expanded learning time providers to provide quality after school programs for every Belmont Runyon student beginning in Fall 2016

“Today we celebrate the initial implementation of the Community Schools Strategy in the South Ward Community Schools. This day is a result of relentless community drive, a partnership between the City of Newark and the Newark Public Schools, and the advice and guidance of community schools national experts,” noted Antoinette Baskerville-Richardson, Chairperson of the Newark School Board. “Much preparatory work has been done by the parents and staff at each South Ward community school. These schools serve as a catalyst for other schools in the Newark District that are developing partnerships around a community schools model. The members of the Board of Education support the Community Schools Strategy as the best model for removing the barriers to learning and increasing academic achievement, attendance, and graduation rates for our children. We look forward to supporting our community schools and all Newark Public Schools. We wish all Newark students, families, and education and support staff a productive successful school year.”

First announced in December 2015, the SWCSI is a partnership project of Newark Public Schools and the City of Newark with grant funding provided by the Community Foundation of New Jersey. To learn more about preparations made to welcome all Newark students back to school, please see a release the district shared earlier today.

Newark Public Schools Welcomes Students Back to School

District spent summer preparing for successful 2016-2017 school year

[Newark, NJ – September 6, 2016] – Newark Public Schools (NPS) welcomes over 35,000 students, over 5,500 employees and nearly 70 principals back to school today. Students and faculty across all schools look forward to a successful first day thanks to the hard work of the Successful School Opening Team (SSOT), who put forth a comprehensive effort to ensure schools across the district were prepared and ready to welcome back teachers and students for the 2016-2017 school year.

“Our dedicated teachers, school leaders, and staff members are thrilled to open their school doors to Newark students and families today,” said Christopher D. Cerf, Superintendent of Newark Public Schools. “As we embark on this new school year, I am excited and optimistic about the direction we are headed and remain confident that if we continue to work together we can accelerate our progress and move closer to assuring that all of Newark’s children have access to a free, high quality public education.”

This marks the fifth year NPS has convened a SSOT that focuses on all elements of school readiness across the district such as facilities upgrades, staffing, school enrollment, and professional development. The SSOT is led by several departments – including purchasing, facilities, transportation, food services, talent, academics, and the family support center – that are integral in ensuring principals, teachers and students have the resources they need for a successful school year.

“One of the main priorities for the Successful School Opening Team has been to ensure that every student throughout the city of Newark is able to enter a safe, healthy, and welcoming learning environment on the first day of school,” said Valerie Wilson, School Business Administrator at NPS who is responsible for overseeing the SSOT process. “The district is excited about the substantial steps that have been taken this summer to reach our goal that will have a positive effect on student achievement.”

The Facilities Office prioritized and addressed hundreds of major projects to be completed prior to the start of the school year. Projects included interior and exterior building upgrades, as well as thorough cleanings of all schools. There was a specific emphasis on water testing this year, with approximately 8,500 water samples taken in 70 locations. In addition, significant steps were taken to ensure that all students and teachers have access to healthy and safe drinking water options on the first day of school.

The facilities team also worked diligently to ensure that millions of dollars of high priority projects at schools were ready for the start of the 2016-2017 school year, including: the re-launch of the new North 10th Street school, the re-location of the South Street school building, and building preparation for the South Ward Community Schools.

The district’ Talent Office focused heavily on school staffing, including working with schools to recruit and hire more than 250 new teachers this year. As a result, schools across the district are 98 percent staffed for the 2016-2017 school year – with the fewest vacancies at the beginning of school year in recent history at NPS. In addition, school and district leaders have worked together to ensure that every position with a vacancy has an intermediate solution in place until the position is filled, ensuring that every classroom is accounted for.

“Newark Public Schools is committed to ensuring that high quality educators are at the front of every classroom leading our children—they deserve nothing less,” said Larisa Shambaugh, Chief Talent Officer of Newark Public Schools. “We all remember meeting our new teachers on the first day of school. To this end, our office continues to work with each and every principal to ensure that our students have the best educators to experience a positive learning environment from the very first day of school.”

Over the course of the past month, the district invested in a month-long Principal Leadership Institute (PLI) training that helped district and school leaders learn about high impact instructional strategies, curriculum and operations that will positively impact teachers and students in the upcoming school year. Additionally, approximately 300 school leaders, including principals, vice principals and teachers spent over a week at Montclair State University learning how to implement these strategies in a way that will allow them to support all educators at their schools throughout the school year.

“In order for our students to attain an excellent education, our educators and school leaders must have access to extensive professional development to learn and improve important skills that can be applied in the classroom,” said Brad Haggerty, Chief Academic Officer of Newark Public Schools. “Thanks to these intensive and constructive meetings, educators are receiving the tools and resources they need to create positive learning environments and improve student outcomes. We believe this work will help us build on recent progress and accelerate student learning this year in our schools.”