Press Releases

NPS Honors Teacher of the Year and Governor’s Recognition Award Recipients

June 17, 2014 (Newark) – Newark Public Schools (NPS) announced today the selection of Jennifer Cohan, a third grade teacher at Camden Street Elementary School, as the 2013-2014 District Teacher of the Year. At a ceremony this morning, Superintendent Cami Anderson and School Advisory Board Chair Rashon Hasan honored Cohan, the Teacher of the Year finalists and the winners of the Governor’s Recognition Award Program.Serving as a teacher and instructional leader in Newark Public Schools since 2006, Ms. Cohan’s work – particularly in literacy – has resulted in great gains for all of her students, “Born to be a teacher,” Ms. Cohan seeks to improve her craft each and every day so, just like her students, she does not stagnate in her growth. She also dedicates countless hours as a lead teacher in Camden Street’s after school program, teaching culinary arts as an enrichment program.

“The teachers honored today represent some of the best of Newark Public Schools,” Superintendent Cami Anderson said. “Their work, along with their administrators who support what they do every day, not only improves our students’ lives today, but also opens the door for more opportunities for success in college and career tomorrow.”

The Teacher of the Year program recognizes and honors the contributions of outstanding classroom teacher leaders who possess a special talent for inspiring a love of learning in students of all backgrounds and abilities. A Selection Committee – comprised of a teacher, a parent, and two district administrators – picked the Teacher of the Year on the following attributes, aligned to the district’s Framework for Effective Teaching:

· Effective Instructional Techniques
· Creating a Culture of Achievement for all Students
· Bringing Students Towards Mastery
· Commitment to Personal & Collective Excellence

“Jennifer’s commitment to our school, her belief that all students can be successful and attend college, and her passion for teaching are all reasons why she embodies the District Teacher of the Year award,” said Camden Street Principal Sam Garrison.Cohan was selected among six finalists who were named Teacher of the Year for their respective schools.

Theresa Collins – Early Childhood South:
“Ms. Collins has dedicated her career as an educator to the young children of Newark and prides herself on being a lifelong learner,” said Vice Principal Jeanne Ramirez. “Her teaching style allows children to progress at independent rates while still feeling part of the whole group. It is evident that Ms. Collins provides the youngest learners with a challenging, engaging, supportive, and highly interactive environment.”

Catherine Dias – Lafayette Street:
“Ms. Dias has something that great teachers possess—the ability to make students feel good about themselves,” remarked Principal Maria Merlo. “I am highly impressed with creativity and enthusiasm that she brings to her classroom and to building a relationship with the students’ parents.”

James Intrabartolo – Oliver Street:
“Mr. Intrabartolo has a team approach and always puts his students and their education first,” Principal Douglas Petty said.

Tracey Roudez – Madison Elementary:
“Ms. Roudez brings great enthusiasm and dedication to her profession, motivating her students to become critical readers and life-long learners,” Principal Armando Cepero said.

Doretta Sockwell – Science Park High School:
“Ms. Sockwell is a life changer and an igniter of many students’ fighting torch,” said Vice Principal Kena Culver. “With her growth-oriented mindset, she pushes all she encounters out of their comfortable and fixed positions.”

Maria Iatesta – Ridge Street School:
“With her goals in mind, Ms. Iatesta’s demeanor reflects an educator who is dedicated to establishing an inquiry-based classroom conducive to teaching all students,” Vice Principal Caren Verde said. “Indeed, Maria’s belief system reflects the fact that it is her responsibility to help students know their potential.”

Governor’s Teacher Recognition Award recipients, like the School Teacher of the Year Award recipients, stand out as top teachers in their schools based on instructional excellence and leadership. As the committee reviewed all applications, these teachers were nominated for and won the Governor’s Recognition Award.

Christa Cordes – East Side High School:
“Ms. Cordes is never satisfied with the status quo, is relentless in improving her craft as an educator, and strives to make learning relevant and provocative for her students,” Principal Mario Santos said.

Krishna Dalal – BRICK Avon Academy:
“Mrs. Dalal’s high-quality instruction for her students has resulted in significant gains in reading and math,” said Vice Principal Christopher Perpich. “Additionally, her work with her colleagues to shift teacher perspective has resulted in more effective instruction for students across our school.”

Lenore Furman – Abington Avenue School:
“With over 30 years serving the Newark Public Schools, Ms. Furman has had many honors, served generations of students, and guided untold numbers of novice and veteran educators toward better practices,” Vice Principal Sandra Heintz said.

Patricia Jeffers – Belmont Runyon:
“Ms. Jeffers demonstrates every day, the belief that ‘if we give the students high quality instruction, they WILL learn,’” Principal Dorothy Handfield said.

Karla Rahner – Miller Street:
“Ms. Rahner is an excellent, dedicated teacher who instructs her students with the utmost professionalism, passion and creativity, and volunteers her time for the Miller Street community,” Vice Principal Shawn Oxendine-Walter said.

NJ.COM: Camden Street’s Jennifer Cohan named Newark Teacher of the Year
By: Peggy McGlone/The Star-Ledger
June 18, 2014

Camden Street Elementary School third-grade teacher Jennifer Cohan has been named the 2013-2014 Newark Teacher of the Year for her exceptional classroom leadership and for inspiring her students with a love of learning.

Newark Public Schools Announces Camden Street School’s Jennifer Cohan Wins the 2013-2014 Teacher of the Year Honor

Superintendent Cami Anderson and School Advisory Board Chair Rashon Hasan Present Governor’s Recognition Award Recipients

June17, 2014 (Newark) – Newark Public Schools (NPS) announced today the selection of Jennifer Cohan, a third grade teacher at Camden Street Elementary School, as the 2013-2014 District Teacher of the Year. At a ceremony this morning,Superintendent Cami Anderson and School Advisory Board Chair Rashon Hasan honored Cohan, the Teacher of the Year finalists and the winners of the Governor’s Recognition Award Program.

Serving as a teacher and instructional leader in Newark Public Schools since 2006, Ms.Cohan’s work – particularly in literacy – has resulted in great gains for all of her students, “Born to be a teacher,” Ms. Cohan seeks to improve her craft each and every day so, just like her students, she does not stagnate in her growth. She also dedicates countless hours as a lead teacher in Camden Street’s after school program, teaching culinary arts as an enrichment program. 

“The teachers honored today represent some of the best of Newark Public Schools,”Superintendent Cami Anderson said. “Their work, along with their administrators who support what they do every day, not only improves our students’ lives today, but also opens the door for more opportunities for success in college and career tomorrow.”

The Teacher of the Year program recognizes and honors the contributions of outstanding classroom teacher leaders who possess a special talent for inspiring a love of learning in students of all backgrounds and abilities. A Selection Committee – comprised of a teacher, a parent, and two district administrators – picked the Teacher of the Year on the following attributes,aligned to the district’s Framework for Effective Teaching:

  • Effective Instructional Techniques
  • Creating a Culture of Achievement for all Students
  • Bringing Students Towards Mastery
  • Commitment to Personal & Collective Excellence

“Jennifer’s commitment to our school, her belief that all students can be successful and attend college, and her passion for teaching are all reasons why she embodies the District Teacher of the Year award,” said Camden Street Principal Sam Garrison.

Cohan was selected among six finalists who were named Teacher of the Year for their respective schools.  Theresa Collins – Early Childhood South:

“Ms. Collins has dedicated her career as an educator to the young children of Newark and prides herself on being a lifelong learner,” said Vice Principal Jeanne Ramirez. “Her teaching style allows children to progress at independent rates while still feeling part of the whole group. It is evident that Ms. Collins provides the youngest learners with a challenging, engaging,supportive, and highly interactive environment.”

Catherine Dias – Lafayette Street:

“Ms. Dias has something that great teachers possess—the ability to make students feel good about themselves,” remarked Principal Maria Merlo.“I am highly impressed with creativity and enthusiasm that she brings to her classroom and to building a relationship with the students’ parents.”

James Intrabartolo – Oliver Street:

“Mr. Intrabartolo has a team approach and always puts his students and their education first,” Principal Douglas Petty said.

Tracey Roudez – Madison Elementary:

“Ms. Roudez brings great enthusiasm and dedication to her profession, motivating her students to become critical readers and life-long learners,” Principal Armando Cepero said.

Doretta Sockwell – Science Park High School:

“Ms. Sockwell is a life changer and an igniter of many students’ fighting torch,” said Vice Principal Kena Culver. “With her growth-oriented mindset, she pushes all she encounters out of their comfortable and fixed positions.”

Maria Iatesta – Ridge Street School:

“With her goals in mind, Ms. Iatesta’s demeanor reflects an educator who is dedicated to establishing an inquiry-based classroom conducive to teaching all students,” Vice Principal Caren Verde said. “Indeed, Maria’s belief system reflects the fact that it is her responsibility to help students know their potential.”

Governor’s Teacher Recognition Award recipients, like the School Teacher of the Year Award recipients, stand out as top teachers in their schools based on instructional excellence and leadership. As the committee reviewed all applications, these teachers were nominated for and won the Governor’s Recognition Award. 

Christa Cordes – East Side High School:

“Ms. Cordes is never satisfied with the status quo, is relentless in improving her craft as an educator, and strives to make learning relevant and provocative for her students,” Principal Mario Santos said. ,

Krishna Dalal – BRICK Avon Academy:

“Mrs. Dalal’s high-quality instruction for her students has resulted in significant gains in reading and math,” said Vice Principal Christopher Perpich.  “Additionally, her work with her colleagues to shift teacher perspective has resulted in more effective instruction for students across our school.”

Lenore Furman – Abington Avenue School:

“With over 30 years serving the Newark Public Schools, Ms.Furman has had many honors, served generations of students, and guided untold numbers of novice and veteran educators toward better practices,” Vice Principal Sandra Heintz said.

Patricia Jeffers – Belmont Runyon:

“Ms. Jeffers demonstrates every day, the belief that ‘if we give the students high quality instruction, they WILL learn,’” Principal Dorothy Handfield said.

Karla Rahner – Miller Street:

“Ms. Rahner is an excellent, dedicated teacher who instructs her students with the utmost professionalism, passion and creativity, and volunteers her time for the Miller Street community,” Vice Principal Shawn Oxendine-Walter said.

Newark Superintendent Cami Anderson and Students Discuss College Admissions, the ACT Exam and Launch #ACT4Newark

First College and Career-Readiness Workshop and Career Fair to be Held May 10

Newark, NJ, May 7, 2014 – For the past several months, high school students from across the Newark Public Schools District have been spending their afternoons advising the superintendent and senior officials on college and career readiness strategies that can be implemented in Newark’s high schools.

One of the strategies will begin this month when students host Saturday College-and-Career Readiness Workshops for high school students, with the first workshop taking place onSaturday, May 10th from

11 a.m. – 1 p.m. at Rutgers University, Paul Robeson Center, 350 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard, Newark, NJ 07102.  The session will focus on financial literacy, helping students understand how to pay for college and supporting high school seniors with last minute financial aid and scholarship applications.  In addition there will be a Career Fair with 50 local professionals and workshops on medical sciences, hospitality and tourism and law.

Another component of the initiative is the launch of #ACT4Newark. Students from the Rutgers Abbott Leadership Institute’s Youth Media Symposium have created a student-led social media campaign to raise awareness about the ACT, as a critical step in the college-going process that helps students get test-ready as early as the 8th grade. #ACT4Newark is now live, with daily tips posted to Facebook and Twitter and a newly released, student-produced public service announcement, starring the ACT Wizard: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O8LqraPRIdA#t=37
Students are also helping the district develop a college-and-career-knowledge course that will be taught in all Newark high schools in the fall. The course will start in the 9th grade with skill-building lessons on the basics of goal setting, time management and organization. Students will use those skills as they tackle post-secondary planning and career exploration in 10th and 11th grade, with a focus on the college-going process in the 12th grade. Currently, students are surveying Newark Public Schools graduates on how prepared they felt for their own experiences at college and starting out in their careers, in order to identify challenges and tips for success to pass along to NPS students.

Newark Public Schools Invites Parents to Register Children for Summer Programs by May 23

New Programs Aimed at Preventing Summer Learning Loss

Newark, NJ, May 5, 2014 – Newark Public Schools has announced its 2014 summer programs, which include exciting new initiatives such as Summer Plus, a district-wide summer learning initiative offering a new approach to traditional summer school. To ensure places in the July 7-August 15 programs, parents should register their children by May 23. This includes ESL and bilingual students who will attend the English Plus Program. Parents of special needs students will be asked to register via the Special Education office.
Summer Plus is a free program open to elementary school students (kindergarten – seventh grade), which will operate project-based enrichment activities at 11 NPS sites from 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM. The program has been developed by NPS’ curriculum experts to improve critical math and literacy skills and stem seasonal learning loss, thereby ensuring that participants are well prepared to start school in September.
“According to the Community Assessment of Newark by the National Summer Learning Association students without access to constructive summer learning activities, can experience more significant learning loss,” said Sarah Cruz of the Office of Expanded Learning Time at NPS. “Over time, these children continue to lose ground and by the fifth grade, many students without high quality summer learning experiences are two to three school years behind their middle and high-income peers. Summer Plus will provide participating students with high quality enrichment activities, educational programs and field trips to enhance their academic growth while they have some fun.”
The program will combine rigorous content that boosts students’ academic progress with innovative formats and engaging themes that booster attendance and participation. Summer Plus programs include the opportunity for students to study scientific concepts in nature on field trips, participate in Robotics Competitions and perform in dramatic renderings based on texts read in morning academics.

This summer, four community-based non-profits — the YMCA of Newark and Vicinity: http://www.newarkymca.org/), Kids Corp: http://kidscorp.com/), FOCUS: http://www.focus411.org/) and ASPIRA: http://www.aspira.org/) — are partnering with Newark Public Schools to implement Summer Plus.

In addition, Summer Day Camps will be available at a cost of $250 for two weeks for elementary students who do not attend Summer Plus, as well as an Extended Day Option (3 PM-6 PM) at a cost of $300 for six weeks. (Programs for Parents subsidies are available for those eligible.) Summer Sports Camps will be available for grades K-12 at no cost and registration will be on site. High school students should consult their guidance counselors about Credit Recovery, Accelerated and HS English Plus programs being offered.

Visit Newark Public Schools https://newark.apppresser.com) to access the full 2014 Summer Program Guide and Application, as well as busing, site location and Summer Food Services information.

Registration for Newark Community-based Preschools is Now Open

Parents Invited to Register Their Children for Pre-K3 and Pre-K4

Newark, NJ, April 28, 2014 – Early registration for students who will attend Pre-K Three and Pre-K Four classes (ages 3 and 4 respectively) at Newark’s community-based preschools for the 2014-2015 school year in now open. Students will be accommodated on a first come, first served basis. 

All children celebrating their third or fourth birthday on or before October 1, 2014 are eligible for enrollment in any of the community-based preschool programs under contract with the Newark Public Schools. Children enrolled at the contracted centers should be registered on-site at the center of choice. The centers are listed on the district’s website at the following link.

(In accordance with New Jersey Department of Education, Preschool Program Implementation Guidelines, mixed-age classes are the standard in both district and community-based preschool programs.)

Admission Requirements

Proof of Age: Birth Certificate (Original) or Baptismal Certificate (Original) or Passport.

Proof of Newark Residency: The preschool program is offered free to children who live in Newark with their parent(s) or legal guardian(s). Any three (3) of the following documents may be offered to prove legal residence: Voter Registration Card, Deed or mortgage statement, Recent property tax bills (last 6 months), Official notarized lease or affidavit of landlord verifying that student lives at the given address, Utility Bills (water, gas or electric), Driver’s license, Federal, State or County issued identification (containing a home address), Financial account information (containing home address), Employment documents and/or benefit statement containing home address.   (One of the documents must have been issued within the last 30 days of the date the child is registered for preschool.) 

Proof of Immunizations: All students must meet the current requirements for age-appropriate immunizations. (Proof of vaccinations must be submitted at time of admission.) All students must be immunized unless exempt, as permitted by law. Provisional admission shall be granted to any children from another state or country that are in the process of completing their immunizations, provided they have started their immunizations. 

Home Language Survey: As part of required district intake screening for every child, a Home Language Survey (HLS) is to be completed in the preschool office by the adult registering the new student. This survey takes no more than two minutes to complete and is used to establish eligibility for bilingual and/or ESL instructional support for the Pre-K students. 
There is a separate process for registration to attend Newark Public Schools Pre-K and Kindergarten classes. For more information on Community-based and Newark Public Schools Pre-K and Kindergarten classes, contact the Newark Public Schools Early Childhood Education office: 973-733-6234/8389, or log on to newark.apppresser.com

Newark Pre-K Awareness Day to Focus on Preventing the Achievement Gap

Annual Event Kicks Off Week of the Young Child and April 21 Enrollment Campaign

Newark NJ, April 4, 2014 – Newark Public Schools (NPS) is hosting its Second Annual Pre-K Awareness Day on Monday, April 7, 2014, 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., at The Newark Public Library’s Program Hall, 5 Washington Street. The event kicks off the city’s Week of the Young Child, as well as a campaign to encourage parents to enroll their children in Newark’s community preschools. In addition, the event will debut a preschool art exhibit which will be displayed throughout the city during the month of April.

“The Newark Public Schools is committed to ensuring all preschool eligible children in the City of Newark have an opportunity to participate in high-quality preschool programs, whether they be in our schools or run by community providers,” said NPS Executive Director of Early Childhood Education Sandra Rodriguez. “A number of the Head Start preschools are also overseen by the Newark Public Schools’ Early Childhood Education office,” she explained.

Adhering to the theme Preventing the Achievement Gap, the event will focus on the importance of family and community partnerships, while recognizing parents and family workers who have worked tirelessly to improve the educational outcomes of Newark’s youngest learners. Additionally, speakers will highlight the proven, innovative and ground-breaking initiatives that have been launched as part of the Early Childhood Program.

Guest speakers will include Jacqueline Lake, an early childhood parent, PTO president and former family worker and LaTonya Williamson, Director of the Department of Child and Family Well Being. There will also be a presentation of the “2014 Children’s Award” to community partner, Catherine Wilson of United Way of Essex and West Hudson.  They will be joined by Executive Director of Early Childhood Sandra Rodriguez, NPS Board Member DeNiqua Matias, parents and representatives from organizations such as Newark Preschool Council, Advocates for Children of New Jersey, The Foundation for Newark’s Future, The Nicolson Foundation and The Schumann Foundation.

Pre-kindergarten registration for admittance to community preschools for next school year starts on April 21 at the preschool sites. Enrollment in pre-k classes in Newark Public Schools will resume in May. For more details log onto the NPS website.

WHO: NPS Executive Director of Early Childhood Sandra Rodriguez and staff, parents, representatives from various organizations and foundations that support early childhood education.

WHAT: Newark Public Schools Second Annual Pre-K Awareness Day, organized by the district’s Office of Early Childhood, will kick off the Week of the Young Child.

WHEN: Monday, April 7, 2014, 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

WHERE: The Newark Public Library, Program Hall, 4th Floor, 5 Washington Street, Newark, 07102