Newark Public Schools students participated in the student showcase with special guest, GRAMMY winner Christian McBride

[Newark, NJ – April 22, 2016] – Students from Abington Avenue School, John F. Kennedy School, LINK Community Charter School, Oliver Street School, Rafael Hernandez School and Science Park School participated in the Jazz House Music Club and Vocal Summit Student Showcase yesterday at Science Park High School. Five-time GRAMMY winner, Christian McBride met and performed with the students.

Jazz House Kids currently operates in 11 New Jersey schools and reaches over 500 students, offering pre-professional, year-round musical training, mentorship and education programs taught by internationally renowned jazz performers.

Jazz House Kids’ creative programming helps young people develop leadership, music and academic skills. Jazz House Kids is the only community arts organization in the Garden State that is committed to educating students through jazz music, which will help cultivate a new generation of creative, vibrant and diverse citizens.

New STEM room inspires Newark’s youngest learners to pursue Science, Technology, Engineering and Math

[Newark, NJ – April 21, 2016] – Last week, Principal Simone Rose, Superintendent Chris Cerf and other community leaders celebrated the grand opening of the 13th Avenue School’s Pre-Kindergarten STEM room. The STEM room opened during the annual Week of the Young Child, a week dedicated to the importance of early learning for students, teachers and families.

“It’s great to see some of the district’s youngest students getting exposed to science, technology, engineering and math so early on in their education,” said Superintendent Cerf of Newark Public Schools. “I have no doubt that the investments we are making today in early learning programs and exciting resources like a new STEM room at 13th Avenue School will create a strong educational foundation that will set our students up for academic and career success later in life.”

At the grand opening of the STEM room, community leaders received a tour of the new facility and saw students in action as they experienced the STEM room, which was designed and spearheaded by Pre-K teacher Jacqueline Adames, community leaders received a tour of the new facility and saw students in action as they experienced the STEM room for the first time with their teachers.

Pre-Kindergarten students and their families concluded Week of the Young Child with “Pancakes and Pajamas” to celebrate Newark’s youngest learners

[Newark, NJ, April 21, 2016] – Newark Public Schools (NPS) and the Office of Early Childhood celebrated the conclusion of the Week of the Young Child this past Saturday with over 300 people attending a “Pancakes and Pajamas” event at Newark Public Library. The Week of the Young Child is an annual celebration sponsored by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) celebrating early learning, young children, teachers and families.

“The Week of the Young Child helps shed a light on the important role early learning plays on a child’s development and highlights the great work of our students, as well as their families and teachers,” said Superintendent Christopher Cerf of NPS. “We are proud to have teachers and families who are making childhood literacy a priority.”

The “Pancakes and Pajamas” lunch was part of a collaboration between the Department of Children and Families (DCPP), Newark Public Library and NPS. The event was held in order to encourage families to visit the community library together and increase literacy. Community leaders attended the event and read to the children. In addition, there was a magician, face painter, raffles and goodie bags for kids. All participants received a free library card.

“Pancakes and Pajamas” was just one in a series of activities NPS’ Office of Early Childhood held throughout the week to celebrate The Week of the Young Child. Through a partnership with the Newark Museum, children in preschools in the South Ward created art work for the South Ward Children’s Art Exhibit that will be on display in the museum for the month of April.

“The Week of the Young Child is a very special week for the Office of Early Childhood,” said F. Nana Ofosu-Amaah, Executive Director of NPS Office of Early Childhood. “This is a time to pause, reflect, and celebrate the work we collectively do to ensure that our youngest learners receive the very best educational experiences now. For our pre-kindergarten children to have an opportunity to exhibit their work in a museum is simply phenomenal. In partnering with the Newark Public Library we hope to demonstrate to families what an invaluable resource the libraries are and encourage them to use this resource to build children’s early literacy skills and knowledge. We are very grateful to our partners.”

In addition, NPS partnered with local libraries, senior citizen centers and other community-based partners to display artwork from pre-kindergarten children throughout the week. Newark Preschoolers also donated 300 pieces of artwork to patients at University Hospital. The theme of the artwork was “Happy 350th Birthday, Newark!” This year marks Newark’s 350th anniversary.

New York Mets star Wilmer Flores to present $5,000 to Quitman Street Community School

WASHINGTON (April 20, 2016) – New Jersey’s Quitman Street Community School has been chosen as a New Jersey winner of Be a Learning Hero’s ‘Game Plan for Success’ contest.

To succeed in the big leagues, professional athletes aim high, listen to coaches, practice hard, and then test themselves on game day. That same game plan leads to big wins in classrooms. The ‘Game Plan for Success’ contest recognizes schools that encourage students to work hard and practice their skills by holding them to high expectations.

“Quitman Street Community School truly exemplifies all four tenets of the Game Plan for Success. The school embraces a blended learning philosophy – a model heavy on giving students extensive, individualized feedback. The students, teachers, and staff at Quitman Street Community School are aiming high, listening to teachers, practicing their skills, and testing themselves,” said Game Plan for Success Project Director Jim Cowen. “We’re excited to celebrate the success at Quitman and share their story as an example to other schools in New Jersey and across the country.”

Quitman Street Community School Principal Erskine Glover described the school’s commitment to college- and career-readiness: “A successful Quitman student is one who can successfully compete with any student in the state of New Jersey and the global marketplace.”

Quitman Street Community School students and teachers will be congratulated for their success by Wilmer Flores, a member of the New York Mets, during a school event on Tuesday, April 26 at 10:30 am. Flores will present the school with a cash prize of $5,000.

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Interested media can contact Lorie Green at lgreen24@nullmindspring.com

Be A Learning Hero is a project of the New Venture Fund, supported by a group of organizations with a shared mission — providing parents with the information and resources they need to support their children’s learning and help them be successful in school.

South Ward Community Schools, Newark Public Schools and the City of Newark begin community planning for the 2016-2017 school year

[Newark, NJ – April 20, 2016] – This past weekend, the South Ward Community Schools Initiative, in partnership with Newark Public Schools (NPS) and the City of Newark, hosted “A Day in the Life of a Community School” at Belmont Runyon School in Newark. The free community event allowed community members to experience what community school life is like, and participants contributed their ideas to the vision for the South Ward Community Schools Initiative for the 2016-2017 school year.

“The South Ward Community Schools Initiative is a vital step by our community to ensure that the education of our children represents a shared vision among children, parents, teachers, and school and community leaders,” said Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka. “It is critical to provide our students with academic and social supports that will improve educational outcomes. I am working with school leaders and parents to ensure this initiative is off to a strong start this fall.”

Mayor Baraka spoke to attendees about the significance of the South Ward Community Schools Initiative and the initiative’s short and long term goals for the City of Newark. Over 120 community members participated in various events throughout the day, including a community breakfast and lunch and panel discussion. Additionally, participants were able to attend workshops that focused on financial literacy, employment and training, parent advocacy, leadership training, visual and performing arts, yoga, nutritional eating, and child mentoring.

“Newark Public Schools is committed to ensuring that all Newark students have access to an excellent education,” said Superintendent Christopher D. Cerf of Newark Public Schools. “It is our hope that the South Ward Community Schools Initiative will give families the resources they need to help their children achieve academic success. It is encouraging to see how engaged the community is in making sure this initiative is a success, and I look forward to the district’s continued partnership with the City of Newark and South Ward Community Schools to reach out to more young people in the South Ward.”

The South Ward Community Schools Initiative is focused on four key steps: focusing on building a community vision; shaping support for the children of Newark through various education programs, special services, and partner organizations; finance, budgeting and obtaining additional funding sources; and continuous collaboration and action by all community members.

The Strong Healthy Communities Initiative (SHCI), under the leadership of Director Monique Baptiste-Good, is the lead planning agent for South Ward Community Schools Initiative. “It is so important for community members to understand how a community schools model can achieve positive impact for the South Ward, and it was exciting to see the number of families who came out this weekend to learn more about the South Ward Community Schools Initiative,” said Baptiste-Good. “We are committed to working hand-in-hand with the community to make sure that we reach as many students as possible with enrichment, health, social and academic support services. I encourage families to stay involved to help make sure our 2016-2017 school year is a success.”

The South Ward Community Schools Initiative is focused on four key steps: focusing on building a community vision; shaping support for the children of Newark through various education programs, special services, and partner organizations; finance, budgeting and obtaining additional funding sources; and continuous collaboration and action by all community members.

South Ward Community Schools will continue community planning in anticipation of the fall 2016 school year and are asking community members to remain involved and engaged throughout this process. Parents, students, residents and community partners who want to participate in planning are encouraged to text “UNITY” to 862-256-2500 for more information. In addition, Malkia King, South Ward Community Schools’ community organizer, can be reached at 973-306-4308 for more information.

The first five schools throughout Newark that are participating in the initiative are Louise A. Spencer, Belmont Runyon, B.R.I.C.K. Avon Academy, B.R.I.C.K. Peshine Academy, and Malcolm X Shabazz.

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About South Ward Community Schools
South Ward Community Schools are Newark Public Schools that unite educators, families, and community partners to be responsible for five schools: Louise A. Spencer; Belmont Runyon; B.R.I.C.K. Avon Academy; B.R.I.C.K. Peshine Academy; and Malcolm X. Shabazz. Community schools transform schools by focusing on the results that happen when there is intentional participation and collaboration from school and community leaders, educators, community partners, students, families, and residents. Each community school has high academic expectations of kids. South Ward Community Schools will provide the extra supports and programs all along the way to address the basic physical, mental, and health needs of young people. The vision and mission of each community school will be shaped by the voices of families, students, and residents so that each school authentically reflects the specific needs of its local community. Parents, residents, students and school administrators at each school will also determine how to budget and allocate resources to support their stated vision. South Ward Community Schools are beginning community planning in anticipation of the fall 2016 school year. This process is more than asking for feedback from the community. Continued action is required. Community schools succeed when there is partnership and input from parents, families, students, and residents all along the way. For more information, text “UNITY” to 862-256-2500.

District focused on sibling match, neighborhood preference, special education; Families have until June 3 to register their child for the 2016-2017 school year

[Newark, NJ – April 19, 2016] – Newark Public Schools (NPS) announced today that the approximately 12,000 families who submitted new school applications for the 2016-2017 school year have been matched. Families will learn of their child’s placement through a letter they receive in the mail this week. Families may also learn of their placement by accessing their Newark Enrolls account online at www.newarkenrolls.org, or at a letter pick-up day on Saturday, April 23rd at the Family Support Center. To complete the enrollment process, parents or guardians must confirm school placements by registering their child at their assigned school before June 3.

“This year, we’ve incorporated the feedback we’ve heard from families to make improvements to the enrollment process,” said NPS Superintendent Christopher D. Cerf. He continued “Specifically, we made the following enhancements:

1. We gave greater weight to neighborhood preferences
2. We put processes in place to ensure that our special education students are matched with programs that meet their needs and;
3. We worked harder to keep siblings together.

We believe these improvements have allowed us to be more responsive to the needs of our families, while still ensuring that this process is equitable to all children in Newark.”

With these adjustments in place, the process produced the following results:

1. Most students chose to stay in their current school, including Pre-K students
   • All students continue to have the right to remain at their school, unless transitioning out of their school’s final grade (e.g. 8th grades students who need to attend high school in the fall)
   • 92% of all non-transition grade students (PreK-11) chose to remain at their school. 8% chose to apply for a new school.
2. The vast majority of transition-grade students (incoming Kindergarteners, rising 9th graders) will attend one of their top choices
   • 92% of incoming Kindergarten students who applied to a new school were admitted to one of their top three choices
   • The 8% of students who were not matched to a top choice applied to schools with many more applicants than seats available. For example:
     • 187 students selected First Avenue as their top choice, but the school had space for only 60 new Kindergarten students
     • 150 students selected Philip’s Academy as their top choice but only 42 seats in Kindergarten were available
   • 77% of rising 9th grade students gained access to one of their top three choices
   • The 23% of students who were not matched to a top choice often selected only schools with many more applicants than seats available. For example:
     • 1,932 rising 9th graders chose a magnet school as their first choice, but these schools only had space for about 1,000 students (e.g. Science Park, Technology HS)
     • One-third of all 9th graders selected only magnet schools in their top 3 choices
3. Every student in the South Ward who chose a Community School was admitted
   • The South Ward Community schools include: Malcolm X Shabazz High School, B.R.I.C.K. Avon Academy, Belmont Runyon Elementary School, Louise A Spencer Elementary School, and B.R.I.C.K. Peshine Avenue School
4. Families who preferred a neighborhood district school were overwhelmingly admitted to a neighborhood school. However, many Kindergarten families selected a district school outside of their neighborhood or a charter school as their first choice.
   • 97% of incoming Kindergarten families who wanted to attend a district school in their neighborhood were matched to a district school in their neighborhood
   • In the small number of schools that did not have enough seats to accommodate all Kindergarten applicants from the neighborhood, there were more applicants from the neighborhood than seats available. For example:
     • 179 East Ward students selected Ann Street first for 118 open Kindergarten seats. All new Kindergarteners who matched there live in the East Ward, with the exception of four students whose siblings already attend Ann Street.
   • Many incoming Kindergarten families (59%) selected either a district school outside of their neighborhood or a charter school as their first choice
     • 15% selected a district school outside of their neighborhood as their first choice
     • 44% selected a charter school as their first choice
5. Families who wanted their children to attend school with siblings were accommodated at high rates
   • 94% of students who applied to a school where their sibling currently attends were admitted to that school
   • The 6% of students who were not matched to the school where they currently have a sibling most often applied to Pre-K programs or charter schools that did not have enough space to take all siblings. For example:
     • 29 siblings of current students at Mount Vernon applied to Pre-K there, but because only 17 seats were available, 12 siblings could not be accommodated. No students without siblings were admitted to Mount Vernon’s Pre-K program.
   • In addition, 72% of families with multiple children who applied to attend a new school together were matched together
6. Applicants with specific special education needs are being matched to school choices most suited to provide them with appropriate services
   • Matches for incoming NPS students who require self-contained special education programs have been reviewed closely by district staff to assure that appropriate services were available. The Office of Special Education is continuing to work with about 80 families to ensure their children are matched to schools that meet their needs.

“Newark Enrolls encourages families to take advantage of the great schools that are available to them, and we have worked very hard to make sure the enrollment process works for everyone,” said Executive Director of Enrollment, Gabrielle Ramos-Solomon. “That is why we placed a strong emphasis on responding to community feedback and on reviewing unique cases to make sure that we do our best to get each placement right. We believe this year’s improvements will give families confidence in their school matches, and we are looking forward to continue to help families secure their child’s seat in the 2016-2017 school year.”

Families will be notified about their child’s school placement in the following ways:

• All families will receive a letter in the mail with their school match outcome and detailed next steps
• Families who filed an electronic application can also log-in to their account on www.newarkenrolls.org to view their school placement
• Families who filed a paper application can call the NPS Contact Center at 973-733-7333 for more information
• Families can also go to their child’s current school to pick up their match letter or call the school regarding their child’s placement
• The district will also be hosting a letter pick-up day on Saturday, April 23rd at the Family Support Center located at 301 W. Kinney Street from 10:00am to 2:00pm

Once they have received their match, parents or guardians must register their children before June 3; simply receiving a match letter does not automatically register a child in the school. At certain schools, failure to register may result in the child losing his or her seat in the school they have been placed for the 2016-2017 school year. The district encourages parents to review their match letter and contact their school for more information about the registration process. Registration information for each school can also be found at www.newarkenrolls.org.

After receiving a match letter, families have the following options:

• Parents or guardians have until June 3 to register their child in the school in which they have been placed
• If circumstances have changed since the application was submitted, parents or guardians can submit an online appeal at www.newarkenrolls.org/appeals
• If a family is new to Newark or missed the Newark Enrolls application window, they can submit an application through the online appeal at www.newarkenrolls.org/appeals

Families with questions about their match are encouraged to visit the Newark Enrolls website at www.newarkenrolls.org, or reach out to the NPS Contact Center for assistance at 973-733-7333. In addition, the Family Support Center is open to all families, including those new to Newark Public Schools. Visit the Family Support Center for any immediate school enrollment needs at 301 W. Kinney Street in Newark, Mondays through Thursdays from 9:00am to 3:00pm.

For more information please visit www.newarkenrolls.org.