Press Releases

NPS Recognizes Importance of Afterschool Programs at “Lights On!” Event

District is dedicated to providing programs that gives young people access to positive activities, role models

 

[Newark, NJ – November 5, 2015] – Newark Public Schools (NPS) participated in a national celebration of afterschool programs yesterday called “Lights On!” to highlight the positive impact afterschool programming is having on Newark’s young people.  Nearly 100 people attended Lights On!, which was hosted by the Office of Expanded Learning Time and NJSACC: the New Jersey Statewide Afterschool Network at the Dr. Marion A. Bolden Student Center in Newark.

“Afterschool programs give our children an opportunity to participate in so many meaningful activities they may not have exposure to otherwise,” said Christopher D. Cerf, Superintendent of NPS, who met with families at the event.  “We must make sure our educators have the resources they need to continue reaching our children outside not just in the classroom, but outside the classroom as well.”

Yesterday’s event also served as an open house for current and prospective students in grades 7-12 as well as their family members to educate them about the offerings that are available at the Student Center, including: Intro to Coding, Art, TV Production/Film, Teen Talk, Arts Power, Sewing/Fashion, Chess, African Dance, Poet’s Workshop and SAT prep.

“As a city, our goal should be to ensure that every child has access to high quality out-school-time opportunities like these”said Ras J. Baraka, Mayor of the City of Newark. “After school programs are vital to developing the interests and talents of our students. Technology, art, and academic enrichment programs enhance their skills as well as provide exposure to the many opportunities that await them beyond high school.”

Over 7,000 students throughout the district participate in the Office of Expanded Learning Time’s afterschool activities. Programs like Newark Excel – which gives children in grades 3-5 access to different clubs and enrichment activities outside of school – and Reach – which is in partnership with Rutgers University – have been positive additions to students’ lives. In addition to managing programming, the Office of Expanded Learning offers all participants nutritionally balanced meals to ensure students are maintaining a healthy diet.

Earlier this year, NPS asked students to participate in a video contest to share their stories about how afterschool programs have impacted their lives.  Over 100 students across nine schools submitted videos. All participants received prizes and their videos were featured on the Afterschool Alliance Lights On Afterschool website.

Parents who are interested in enrolling their children in afterschool activities can newark.apppresser.com/elt/ or call 973-412-1910 for more information.

Newark Public Schools Recognizes Importance of Afterschool Programs at “LIGHTS ON!” Event

District is dedicated to providing programs that gives young people access to positive activities, role models

[Newark, NJ – November 5, 2015] – Newark Public Schools (NPS) participated in a national celebration of afterschool programs yesterday called “Lights On!” to highlight the positive impact afterschool programming is having on Newark’s young people. Nearly 100 people attended Lights On!, which was hosted by the Office of Expanded Learning Time and NJSACC: the New Jersey Statewide Afterschool Network at the Dr. Marion A. Bolden Student Center in Newark.

“Afterschool programs give our children an opportunity to participate in so many meaningful activities they may not have exposure to otherwise,” said Christopher D. Cerf, Superintendent of NPS, who met with families at the event. “We must make sure our educators have the resources they need to continue reaching our children outside not just in the classroom, but outside the classroom as well.”

Yesterday’s event also served as an open house for current and prospective students in grades 7-12 as well as their family members to educate them about the offerings that are available at the Student Center, including: Intro to Coding, Art, TV Production/Film, Teen Talk, Arts Power, Sewing/Fashion, Chess, African Dance, Poet’s Workshop and SAT prep.

“As a city, our goal should be to ensure that every child has access to high quality out-school-time opportunities like these”said Ras J. Baraka, Mayor of the City of Newark. “After school programs are vital to developing the interests and talents of our students. Technology, art, and academic enrichment programs enhance their skills as well as provide exposure to the many opportunities that await them beyond high school.”

Over 7,000 students throughout the district participate in the Office of Expanded Learning Time’s afterschool activities. Programs like Newark Excel – which gives children in grades 3-5 access to different clubs and enrichment activities outside of school – and Reach – which is in partnership with Rutgers University – have been positive additions to students’ lives. In addition to managing programming, the Office of Expanded Learning offers all participants nutritionally balanced meals to ensure students are maintaining a healthy diet.

Earlier this year, NPS asked students to participate in a video contest to share their stories about how afterschool programs have impacted their lives. Over 100 students across nine schools submitted videos. All participants received prizes and their videos were featured on the Afterschool Alliance Lights On Afterschool website.

Parents who are interested in enrolling their children in afterschool activities can visit newark.apppresser.com/elt or call 973-412-1910 for more information.

Newark Public Schools Submits District Improvement Plan to NJDOE, Newark School Board and Newark Educational Success Board

NPS takes important first step towards State’s approval of local control by outlining plans to improve QSAC results

[Newark, NJ – November 4, 2015] – Newark Public Schools (NPS) submitted its’ District Improvement Plan (DIP) to the New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE) this past Friday, October 30, and shared its’ pledge to effectively implement the plan with the New Jersey State Board of Education. The plan outlines a set of strategies to improve the district’s Quality Single Accountability Continuum (QSAC) performance, the Department of Education’s monitoring and evaluation system for public school districts.

The strategies outlined in the DIP focus specifically on the areas of Governance, Personnel and Instruction/Program. The submission of the DIP triggers the beginning of a window where the district executes the plan in advance of an NJDOE visit that is likely to occur no later than the end of this school year.

“We know that there is great urgency about returning Newark to local control,” said Superintendent Christopher Cerf. “Improving performance on QSAC is a critical part of that process; it is imperative that the community know we are listening and are fully committed to doing everything within our power to advance NPS down this path.”

Prior to submission, the final plan was presented to both the Newark School Board and the Newark Educational Success Board (NESB). Both boards have identified the future implementation of the DIP, and the QSAC process more broadly, as a step on the path towards the State’s granting of local control. They affirmed that the extensive efforts and thoughtful plan put forward by NPS this fall has been a significant step forward in that journey.

“The NESB received a detailed presentation of the District Improvement Plan (DIP) from Superintendent Cerf and members of his staff with direct responsibilities for components of the plan. NESB members asked questions and received clarifying information. We are optimistic Commissioner Hespe will accept this plan. The district’s efforts and actions in this necessary process were positive. The NESB will continue to monitor the progress of the district at the Department of Education” said Mary Bennett, chairperson of the Newark Educational Success Board.

Ariagna Perello, chairperson of the school board, also shared her commitment to supporting this plan. “The district’s responsibility is to ensure that the DIP is implemented so that we pass QSAC. The board is committed to monitoring the district’s compliance with the process.”

One commitment made by NPS in the improvement plan is to undertake a strategic planning process. The district will work with the respective boards in the coming weeks to provide more detail on how the community will be involved in the development of those plans.

Superintendent Cerf added, “We are partnering with our board members and will be working with the larger Newark community to help us identify key priorities, show progress on QSAC, and ultimately, the return of local control. Our responsibility is to the children and families we serve in this city, and this is an opportunity to ensure that as we push for this transition we are doing everything we can to prepare students for a successful future.”

The state has 30 days to review and approve the DIP. The DIP then serves as a foundational document to measure progress in the areas of Governance, Personnel and Instruction/Program. In addition to the plan, the district will use the feedback it receives through the strategic planning process to make operational improvements prior to the NJDOE visiting the district for its interim assessment in the spring of 2016.

# # #

The Newark School Board is comprised of nine members who are locally elected to the Board in three-year intervals. Representing different professional backgrounds and parts of the city, the members are charged with reviewing and voting on a wide range of NPS policies and actions that impact NPS students.

The Newark Educational Success Board is comprised of nine members — five appointed by the governor, four by the mayor – who have a focused goal to set the city on the path toward regaining control of its schools.

NPS Submits District Improvement Plan to NJDOE, Newark School Board and Newark Educational Success Board

NPS takes important first step towards State’s approval of local control by outlining plans to improve QSAC results

 

[Newark, NJ – November 4, 2015] – Newark Public Schools (NPS) submitted its District Improvement Plan (DIP) to the New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE) this past Friday, October 30, and shared its pledge to effectively implement the plan with the New Jersey State Board of Education. The plan outlines a set of strategies to improve the district’s Quality Single Accountability Continuum (QSAC) performance, the Department of Education’s monitoring and evaluation system for public school districts.

The strategies outlined in the DIP focus specifically on the areas of Governance, Personnel and Instruction/Program. The submission of the DIP triggers the beginning of a window where the district executes the plan in advance of an NJDOE visit that is likely to occur no later than the end of this school year.

“We know that there is great urgency about returning Newark to local control,” said Superintendent Christopher Cerf. “Improving performance on QSAC is a critical part of that process; it is imperative that the community know we are listening and are fully committed to doing everything within our power to advance NPS down this path.”

Prior to submission, the final plan was presented to both the Newark School Board and the Newark Educational Success Board (NESB). Both boards have identified the future implementation of the DIP, and the QSAC process more broadly, as a step on the path towards the State’s granting of local control. They affirmed that the extensive efforts and thoughtful plan put forward by NPS this fall has been a significant step forward in that journey.

“The NESB received a detailed presentation of the District Improvement Plan (DIP) from Superintendent Cerf and members of his staff with direct responsibilities for components of the plan. NESB members asked questions and received clarifying information. We are optimistic Commissioner Hespe will accept this plan. The district’s efforts and actions in this necessary process were positive. The NESB will continue to monitor the progress of the district at the Department of Education” said Mary Bennett, chairperson of the Newark Educational Success Board.

Ariagna Perello, chairperson of the school board, also shared her commitment to supporting this plan. “The district’s responsibility is to ensure that the DIP is implemented so that we pass QSAC. The board is committed to monitoring the district’s compliance with the process.”

One commitment made by NPS in the improvement plan is to undertake a strategic planning process. The district will work with the respective boards in the coming weeks to provide more detail on how the community will be involved in the development of those plans.

Superintendent Cerf added, “We are partnering with our board members and will be working with the larger Newark community to help us identify key priorities, show progress on QSAC, and ultimately, the return of local control. Our responsibility is to the children and families we serve in this city, and this is an opportunity to ensure that as we push for this transition we are doing everything we can to prepare students for a successful future.”

The state has 30 days to review and approve the DIP. The DIP then serves as a foundational document to measure progress in the areas of Governance, Personnel and Instruction/Program. In addition to the plan, the district will use the feedback it receives through the strategic planning process to make operational improvements prior to the NJDOE visiting the district for its interim assessment in the spring of 2016.

# # #

The Newark School Board is comprised of nine members who are locally elected to the Board in three-year intervals. Representing different professional backgrounds and parts of the city, the members are charged with reviewing and voting on a wide range of NPS policies and actions that impact NPS students.

The Newark Educational Success Board is comprised of nine members — five appointed by the governor, four by the mayor – who have a focused goal to set the city on the path toward regaining control of its schools.

# # #

Press Release: DIP Announcement PR112015 (PDF)

Newark Public Schools Expands Its “Reading Like A Historian” Curriculum As City’s 350th Anniversary Approaches

350thLogoNewark, NJ – October 26, 2015 – Newark Public Schools (NPS) announced that it is expanding its “Reading Like a Historian” curriculum in celebration of the 350th anniversary of the city. The district recently held a professional development training session showing educators how to incorporate lesson plans highlighting the role of African Americans throughout history into the social studies curriculum.  In honor of the 350th anniversary, the district plans to work with Stanford University, Newark 350 Board members, local historians and educators to design lesson plans to help students better understand African American history and Newark history through important historical events.

“Thanks to Reading Like a Historian and our history teachers, students will have a better understanding of important historical events,” said Christopher D. Cerf, Superintendent of NPS.  “I am thrilled that we will be further incorporating African American and Newark history into the social studies curriculum, especially as Newark’s 350th anniversary is approaching. I hope the lessons they learn this year will inspire them to be a part of the rebirth and regeneration that is currently underway in this city.”

Junius Williams, the director of the Rutgers-Newark’s Abbott Leadership Institute and chairman of Newark Celebration 350, emphasized the important role history education will play in the celebration of the anniversary. “We are happy the Newark Public Schools has accepted our invitation to join in the celebration of Newark’s history in such an important way. Our work as the NC350 Board will be that much more meaningful if educators, local historians and history makers, engage NPS students in the interpretation of Newark’s history in an ongoing fashion. NC350 wants young people to understand how history impacts upon the present and future. We look forward to working with the Superintendent and his staff to design an exciting course”.

NPS launched its Reading Like a Historian program three years ago in an effort to improve history education and understanding.  Reading Like a Historian supplements teachers’ lesson plans and empowers students to understand history through historical inquiry and investigation.  Students are given a series of primary documents that outline different or conflicting points of view about a historical event. It is offered to students in grades 6 through 8 as well as to students in Newark’s high schools.

“Programs like Reading Like a Historian are so important because they encourage our students to consider important historical questions and come to their own answers after examining rich primary sources,” said Caleb Perkins, who is the Special Assistant for Curriculum at NPS, “The professional development is preparing high school teachers to incorporate Reading Like a Historian into their lesson plans in the coming weeks and months in order to help students better understand historical events like Newark and the Great Migration of the 20th Century that brought so many African Americans to communities in the north like Newark.”

Roger León, Assistant Superintendent at Newark Public Schools, summarized the effort. “This collaboration is part of our team’s larger effort to engage community members in the work of our schools. We look forward to working with teachers and our local partners to build more like it as the 350th anniversary approaches.”

The City of Newark recently kicked off Newark Celebration 350 with a family fun festival in Military Park. The year-long celebration will include a series of over 50 events and projects throughout the city in 2016.

The broader Reading Like a Historian curricular program is supported by the Stanford History Education Group (SHEG), which is a group of education and history advocates who are researching how history is taught and understood in the classroom.  To learn more about Reading Like a Historian, visit: https://sheg.stanford.edu/

Superintendent Cerf Reads “Not Norman – A Goldfish Story” As Part of Jumpstart’s Read for The Record

Newark, NJ – October 23, 2015 – On Thursday, October 22, 2015 Superintendent Christopher D. Cerf participated in Jumpstart’s Read for the Record by reading “Not Norman – A Goldfish Story”, by Kelly Bennett to students at Belmont Runyon Elementary School.

Over 6,500 Pre-K students from schools across the district participated in this year’s Read for the Record, and every school received a copies of the book, “Not Norman – A Goldfish Story” for each classroom.

For more information on Jumpstart’s Read for the Record visit: http://www.jstart.org/campaigns/read-for-the-record.