Press Releases

Superintendent León Convenes the High School Redesign Strategy Fall Partners Meeting

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[Newark, NJ] On Thursday, October 19, 2023, Superintendent León convened the Fall gathering of the High School Redesign Strategy Partners, including comprehensive high school principals, their magnet high school counterparts, post-secondary education institutions, and industry partners. All stakeholders met in a concerted effort to sustain the success of the District’s high school redesign strategy by enriching educational opportunities and fortifying collaborative relationships.

Superintendent León opened the meeting by delivering a comprehensive overview of The Next Decade: 2020-30 Strategic Plan with an emphasis on the high school redesign strategy and examples of its successful implementation, "This strategic roadmap outlines critical priorities and strategies designed to elevate the learning environment, stimulate innovation, and prepare students for the rapidly changing world.” Superintendent León underscored the paramount significance of teamwork and the integral role of partners in realizing the successful execution of these plans. Assistant Superintendent of High Schools, Dr. Maria Ortiz, and Director of Career and Technical Education, Sandra Marques, work in tandem to nurture these partner relationships and bring the high school redesign strategy to life.

The Partner gathering brought together an impressive array of participants, including Board President Hasani K. Council, Ambassador Attallah Shabazz, Dr. Jamila Davis, Newark Beth Israel President Darrell K. Terry, Sr., President of Montclair State University Dr. Jonathan Koppell, radio host Nilda Rosario, Tiffany Aliche "The Budgetnista," renowned 2X NBA All-Star and New York Knicks legend Allan Houston, and numerous other partners and industry leaders. Several post-secondary institutions were also present, recognizing their role not only in equipping high school students with skills and knowledge through Dual-Enrollment opportunities, but also through their integral presence as higher education partners in the high school redesign strategy.

Houston, a youth mentor and founder of the Allan Houston Legacy Foundation, shared, “I'm extremely excited to be a part of this wonderful partnership with the Newark Public Schools. Our FISLL (Faith, Integrity, Sacrifice, Leadership, and Legacy) goals are to make the FISLL values aspirational and tangible in the lives of young people and provide them with the systems that does that.” He shared insights from his journey as a professional athlete and discussed the valuable work undertaken by the Legacy Foundation and his commitment to Newark Public School students.

United Airlines is a valued partner not only in the City of Newark, but with the Newark Public Schools as well. Monica Slater Stokes, Managing Director of Corporate and Government Affairs at United Airlines was present at the gathering and shared, “Our commitment to fostering young talent in the field of aviation is steadfast, exemplified by our partnership with Newark Vocational High School’s Hospitability and Tourism Program. Every day, we think about innovative strategies to create a pathway to careers in aviation – this partnership bolsters those efforts. We look forward to doing more.”

Susanne Newmark of commercial real estate firm Newmark Associates affirmed her unwavering commitment to supporting the District in reaching its objectives. She conveyed enthusiasm for contributing resources, expertise, and networks. Jerry Wonda, the Grammy Award-winning music producer, radiated genuine excitement about collaborating with students and teachers, as well as working with schools to strengthen programs and students. Integrating industry-standard opportunities for students is a pivotal aspect of our educational partnerships. He stated, “this partnership with the Newark Board of Education is so important – it’s how we connect teams together and channel that energy to students and teachers. We are operating like a band and together, we are going to change the way music is in the system.”

The Newark Board of Education looks forward to future collaborations and initiatives that will further enhance the educational landscape of the Newark Public Schools and empower the next generation of leaders.

About Newark Public Schools
The Newark Public Schools is the largest school district in New Jersey and dates back to 1676. The District currently enrolls over 39,000 students in 63 schools. After more than two decades of state operation and upon return to local control in 2018, the District has opened 9 new schools under Superintendent León’s leadership with an additional portfolio of new options to be announced in the coming months and years. The Newark Board of Education serves as a beacon of educational excellence, dedicated to nurturing the potential of every student. With a commitment to innovation, inclusivity, and fostering a love for learning, the District continues to shape future generations and make a positive impact within the community.

For media inquiries, please contact:
Nancy J. Deering, Acting Communications Director
ndeering@nullnewark.apppresser.com

La Gringa Enchants, Bringing the Magic of the Theater to the Dedicated Parents of the Newark Public Schools

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[Newark, NJ] On the evening of Wednesday, October 18th The Newark Public Schools  celebrated the culmination of Hispanic Heritage Month with an outstanding performance of La Gringa by Repertorio Español de Nueva York. The event was held at First Avenue School, and included a pre-show dinner as well as a musical performance by the Arts High School Latin Jazz Band. Following the pre-show festivities, guests made their way to the auditorium for the opening of the show.

La Gringa is a journey of discovery, revealing the story of a young woman born in New York City who travels to Puerto Rico for the first time to meet her family and discover her roots. Her misconceptions are transformed as she learns that being Puerto Rican is a matter of heart and spirit and not just geography.

Superintendent Roger León stated, “La Gringa illustrates the power of cultural exchange and the depth of human connections, overcoming boundaries and bridging communities.”  He added, “The Newark Board of Education is dedicated to bringing educational and cultural experiences to its community through theater and storytelling.”

“La Gringa took everyone present on an exciting cultural journey that allowed us to live vicariously through the talented actors of Repertorio Español,” said Board President Hasani Council.  In a word, “La Gringa enchants” he added.

One excited parent exclaimed before the show, “To be here celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month is a pleasure.  The music was great, the food was fantastic and I can’t express how appreciative I am for Mr. León and Principal Branco of First Avenue School to include me.  I can’t wait to see the show.”

Events such as these, celebrating parents in this manner, is yet another example of the priorities and strategies of the District’s strategic plan, The Next Decade: 2020 - 30, in action.

About Repertorio Español de Nueva York
Founded in 1968 by the visionary Artistic Director René Buch and the accomplished Producer Gilberto Zaldívar, Repertorio Español has long been a beacon of cultural exchange in the world of theater. This Off-Broadway powerhouse was created with a profound mission: to produce Spanish-language theater from Latin America and Spain, as well as plays written by Latinx artists. Over the years, they have consistently delivered compelling stories that resonate with audiences from all walks of life.

About Newark Public Schools
The Newark Public Schools is the largest school district in New Jersey and dates back to 1676.  The District currently enrolls over 39,000 students in 63 schools.  After more than two decades of state operation and upon return to local control in 2018, the District has opened 9 new schools under Superintendent León’s leadership with an additional portfolio of new options to be announced in the coming months and years. The Newark Board of Education serves as a beacon of educational excellence, dedicated to nurturing the potential of every student. With a commitment to innovation, inclusivity, and fostering a love for learning, the District continues to shape future generations and make a positive impact within the community.

For media inquiries, please contact:
Nancy J. Deering, Acting Communications Director
ndeering@nullnewark.apppresser.com

“The Three Doctors” Inspire Newark Youth at Annual Mentor Day

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[Newark, NJ] On Saturday, October 14th, the inspirational trio known as "The Three Doctors" - Sampson Davis, MD, Rameck Hunt, MD, and George Jenkins, DMD - returned to their alma mater, University High School, located at 55 Clinton Place, Newark, NJ, for their highly anticipated annual Mentor Day.

University High School holds special significance for these distinguished doctors, as it was here that they made a life-changing promise as teenagers to defy the odds and pursue their dreams of becoming physicians. Now, through Mentor Day, they aim to give back by inspiring the next generation, just as past role models and supporters once did for them.

"The presence of Dr. Davis, Dr. Hunt, and Dr. Jenkins, with all of the fantastic mentors, gave our students an invaluable opportunity to learn from successful professionals in their respective fields. We are grateful for their time and expertise and look forward to continuing to provide our students with opportunities to learn from and be inspired by successful role models like them." - Superintendent León.

Mentor Day is a free event made possible through the partnership of University High School and "The Three Doctors" Foundation, their non-profit organization. The mentees in attendance were high school students from University High School and middle school students from across the District, who engaged in enlightening discussions and interactive activities geared towards future career and educational success. The mentors who guided these young minds was comprised of University High School alumni, members of the community, and partners of the foundation, representing diverse professional backgrounds.
Principal Genique Flournoy-Hamilton expressed gratitude to "The Three Doctors" and all the volunteers who supported mentor day. “As a proud alumnus of University High School, having "The Three Doctors" as well as other alumni and community members share their rich experiences during Mentor Day confirms the possibilities that exist for our scholars. It reinforces one of our daily messages to scholars, that they can, they must and they will achieve great things. Further, it demonstrates our school’s motto, Pay It Forward, in action. When graduates of our very school, like the Three Doctors, return home to give back to those coming behind them, they provide a real-life example of what they can become.

“Education is the foundation of a thriving community. Our responsibility as a Board, is to work closely with the Superintendent, to ensure that every child in our district has access to the opportunities necessary to reach their full potential. The Mentor Day event featuring 'The Three Doctors' is an outstanding example of our commitment to supporting and inspiring the next generation.” - Hasani K. Council, Board President.

To enhance the program's impact, students received complimentary backpacks courtesy of "The Three Doctors" Foundation. The students were also treated to a special screening of "The Pact" documentary at University High School, providing students with insights into the doctors' inspiring journey.

Additionally, students were invited to take part in "The Three Doctors" Foundation Positive Peer Pressure Challenge, an initiative designed to motivate youth to engage in positive activities that benefit their communities. These activities align with the foundation's primary focus areas, including health, education, leadership, and mentoring. This challenge provided students with an opportunity to be acknowledged and rewarded for their positive contributions to society.

“It was a surreal feeling to come back home to University High School to serve with family, to inspire and motivate our scholars. I can’t thank the mentors, volunteers, and Principal Hamilton enough for such an enriching and rewarding experience. We hope to make this the beginning of a new and ongoing connection to a place that has always been home to us.” - Dr. George Jenkins, The Three Doctors

The annual Mentor Day was not only a celebration of determination and success but also an embodiment of the enduring commitment of "The Three Doctors" to inspire, mentor, and uplift the Newark community. The event was filled with empowerment, learning, and inspiration, setting the stage for the bright futures of the next generation.

About “The Three Doctors”
The doctors have authored three inspiring books about their lives: The Pact for adults, and We Beat the Streets for children, as well as a third book, The Bond, highlighting fatherhood relationships. Dr. Davis also released a new book, Living & Dying in Brick City, which provides a rare, real-life glimpse into the inner workings of an urban emergency room while offering practical health advice for our communities. Drs. Davis, Hunt, and Jenkins also find time to give back to the community through their non-profit organization, The Three Doctors Foundation which has offered over a decade of free health, education and mentoring programs for youth and families in the NY/NJ area. The Three Doctors have received many awards including the prestigious Essence Award for their accomplishments and leadership as well as a BET Honors award.

About Newark Public Schools
The Newark Public Schools is the largest school district in New Jersey and dates back to 1676. The District currently enrolls over 39,000 students in 63 schools. After more than two decades of state operation and upon return to local control in 2018, the District has opened 9 new schools under Superintendent León’s leadership with an additional portfolio of new options to be announced in the coming months and years. The Newark Board of Education serves as a beacon of educational excellence, dedicated to nurturing the potential of every student. With a commitment to innovation, inclusivity, and fostering a love for learning, the District continues to shape future generations and make a positive impact within the community.

For media inquiries, please contact:
Nancy J. Deering, Acting Communications Director
ndeering@nullnewark.apppresser.com

English Teacher from Newark’s Science Park High School Makes Global Impact with Student Memoirs

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[Newark, NJ, October 12 , 2023] Shawn Adler, an English and AP Psychology teacher at Newark’s Science Park High School is among the shortlist of nominees for the $1 million Varkey Foundation Global Teacher Prize, in partnership with UNESCO.

Identified as the “Nobel Prize of Teaching,” the Global Teacher Prize serves to underline the importance of educators and the fact that, throughout the world, their efforts deserve to be recognized and celebrated. It seeks to acknowledge the impact of the very best teachers – not only on their students but on the communities around them. Principal Gearhart excitedly shared, “I am extremely proud to call Shawn Adler my teacher at Science Park High School. His character and work with students as well as his advocacy are inspiring.”

Since 2020, Adler has empowered over a thousand students to share their profound experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic through three gripping collections of student memoirs collectively titled "The Class of COVID-19." The impact of these memoirs has been monumental, transcending accolades to inspire students to become authors, advocates, and agents of change.

"The Class of COVID-19" offers a poignant insight into the lives of teenagers navigating the challenges posed by a global pandemic. The stories are personal, vulnerable, heart-wrenching, and reflect both tragedy and resilience. In their stories, students heal, take control of an uncertain world, and show resilience in the face of adversity.

However, the significance of this endeavor extends beyond literary accomplishments. Students face barriers that were compounded by the pandemic. Some shoulder the responsibility of supporting their families. Through "The Class of COVID-19," Adler and his students have raised tens of thousands of dollars for scholarships in support of disadvantaged youth in need of support. The program has provided a platform for students to engage in political advocacy and secure college admissions they might have otherwise missed.

Given the project's success, the state of New Jersey has partnered with Adler to expand similar opportunities to more students across the region. Most recently, Adler, in cooperation with Ramapo College of New Jersey and Newark Science Park High School, completed work on a fourth collection of student stories titled "The Helpers." This volume celebrates those who have facilitated student self-actualization and features stories from over a dozen school districts in New Jersey and New York, sourced from more than 300 student submissions. The collaboration, training, and resource-sharing among teachers statewide have been instrumental in this endeavor.

As Adler continues to make a positive impact on the lives of his students and the broader community, his dedication to amplifying their voices and advocating for their well-being remains unwavering. If he wins the Global Teacher Prize, Adler aims to work with Newark to craft first-of-their-kind memoir collections centered on immigration and teenage mental health.

For More Information: https://newark.apppresser.com/SCI/

About Newark Public Schools
The Newark Public Schools is the largest school district in New Jersey and dates back to 1676. The District currently enrolls over 39,000 students in 63 schools. After more than two decades of state operation and upon return to local control in 2018, the District has opened 9 new schools under Superintendent León’s leadership with an additional portfolio of new options to be announced in the coming months and years. The Newark Board of Education serves as a beacon of educational excellence, dedicated to nurturing the potential of every student. With a commitment to innovation, inclusivity, and fostering a love for learning, the District continues to shape future generations and make a positive impact within the community.

Newark Board of Education Hosts Microchip Robotics Session for B4K Students

[Newark, NJ] On Saturday, September 30, 2023 pre-kindergarten students from Mount Vernon Elementary School were greeted at the Newark School of Data Science & Information Technology for the Newark Board of Education's second installment of its Microchip Robotics program. This is part of the Before Kindergarten (B4K) Initiative, which connects pre-kindergarten students from elementary schools to their aligned high schools in order to begin building lasting relationships and provide them with the opportunity to participate in innovative activities.

As part of this collaboration, students will have many writing, mathematics, and fine motor skills opportunities. Microchip Robotics also allows pre-kindergarten students to start seeing how STEM exists around them using, in this case, using energy as the theme. Energy permeates all STEM fields and is vital in the real world.

Data and AP Computer Science Teacher and Robotics Coach Tim Salerno states, "Energy is all around them! I want them to start thinking about their relationship to energy and how energy moves through a system (in our case, food -> student -> Lego Machine), as this is a relationship their generation will be thinking about as climate change progresses. We all think about our relationship with energy production and consumption."

Upcoming sessions of the B4K Microchip Robotics program will be focused on Lego and mechanical energy, but also expand to electrical energy and simple circuits/electricity so students can see how energy comes in many forms.

"We are thrilled with the success of the Microchip Robotics program in inspiring our youngest learners to engage with STEM concepts," Superintendent Leὀn shared. "By introducing them to the importance of energy in our world, we empower them to think critically about their impact on the environment and make informed decisions for a brighter future."

About Newark Public Schools
The Newark Public Schools is the largest school district in New Jersey and dates back to 1676. The District currently enrolls over 39,000 students in 63 schools. After more than two decades of state operation and upon return to local control in 2018, the District has opened 9 new schools under Superintendent León’s leadership with an additional portfolio of new options to be announced in the coming months and years. The Newark Board of Education serves as a beacon of educational excellence, dedicated to nurturing the potential of every student. With a commitment to innovation, inclusivity, and fostering a love for learning, the District continues to shape future generations and make a positive impact within the community.

Newark School of Fashion & Design Celebrates Junior Students with Prestigious Black Lab Coat Ceremony

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[Newark, NJ] On Friday, October 6th the Newark School of Fashion & Design (NSFD) held a special ceremony to honor the promotion of its inaugural class of students to the Junior level. These students were recognized for their exceptional commitment and accomplishment of 20 fashion credits and were presented with emblazoned black lab coats to signify their transition to upperclassmen. It was a momentous occasion for all involved.

During the ceremony, Principal Pitts of Newark Fashion & Design highlighted the incredible journey the school has been on since its inaugural year in 2020. The event celebrated the students' academic achievements and commitment to furthering their education in the fashion industry. It's worth noting that all the students in the junior class have managed to complete the challenging requirement of earning 20 fashion credits. This is a testament to the hard work and dedication of both the students and faculty.

At NSFD, first- and second-year students proudly don white lab coats, while the distinguished junior class now wears black coats. These lab coats have come to symbolize not only a mark of distinction, but also serve as a rite of passage for the exceptionally talented students of the Newark School of Fashion & Design.

Superintendent Roger León emphasized, "We are dedicated to creating an environment in our schools where students can confidently express their unique creativity and make meaningful contributions. Newark School of Fashion & Design remains steadfast in its mission, partnerships, and integral role within our community."

Board President Hasani Council shared, "Our goal is to educate and inspire Newark students to explore their academic and creative potential, to envision and realize their dreams.”

Powered by the Parsons School of Fashion, the Newark School of Fashion & Design places a strong emphasis on partnerships to enrich student experiences. Through these dynamic collaborations, students gain access to hands-on learning opportunities, including internships at the Blueprint Denim Wash House in Jersey City, participation in the transformative "Look Good, Feel Good" program, and immersive experiences at the Misa Hylton Fashion Academy. Students also have the privilege of customizing sneakers with the innovative Dirty Soles footwear group.

At the end of the ceremony, Principal Pitts expressed gratitude and acknowledged the unwavering support that has helped the school succeed over the past three years. She encouraged all students to seize every opportunity that comes their way and instilled the belief that determination and dedication can help them achieve any goal they set their minds to.

About Newark Public Schools
The Newark Public Schools is the largest school district in New Jersey and dates back to 1676. The District currently enrolls over 39,000 students in 63 schools. After more than two decades of state operation and upon return to local control in 2018, the District has opened 9 new schools under Superintendent León’s leadership with an additional portfolio of new options to be announced in the coming months and years. The Newark Board of Education serves as a beacon of educational excellence, dedicated to nurturing the potential of every student. With a commitment to innovation, inclusivity, and fostering a love for learning, the District continues to shape future generations and make a positive impact within the community.