Hawthorne Avenue

Verizon Innovative Learning Provides Three Newark Schools Free Tech Education

Newark Public Schools join the national Verizon Innovative Learning Schools initiative at Hawkins, Hawthorne, and Dr. Horton Elementary Schools


Three Newark Public Schools distributed internet-connected Apple iPads with data plans for students and their teachers to take home as part of the Verizon Innovative Learning Schools (VILS) initiative. Verizon and the Verizon Foundation, through the Verizon Innovative Learning program and in partnership with Digital Promise, provides free technology, free internet access, and hands-on learning experiences to help give underserved students the technology, education, and opportunity they deserve. Powered by a next-gen, technology-infused education that fundamentally changes the way teachers teach and students learn, Verizon Innovative Learning is giving more students and more schools the ability to achieve, learn and create more. And the results are nothing short of amazing. Teachers in Verizon Innovative Learning changed the way they teach and have experienced enhanced student engagement, while more students believe that having technology makes science and math more interesting.* Since 2012, the Verizon Innovative Learning program has committed a total of $400 million to support education, helping students enhance their learning by infusing technology into the school’s curriculum.

The Newark Public Schools was selected as the first district in the State of New Jersey to receive this four-year grant that will provide approximately 840 sixth, seventh, and eight grade students and educators at three schools, Hawkins Street Elementary, Hawthorne Avenue Elementary, and Dr. William H. Horton, including 249 students here, with an iPad and a Verizon Wireless plan including up to 10 gigabits of data per month, cases, bags and curricular resources to use both in school and at home. In partnership with Digital Promise, the Verizon Foundation has also committed to provide professional development to the teachers and a partial stipend to technology coaches for a total donation equivalent of approximately $5.4 million dollars. To celebrate Newark’s participation in the program, a kick-off event will feature local middle school students each receiving their own tablets.

To learn more, please visit www.VerizonInnovativeLearning.com

  • *76% of teachers said that Verizon Innovative Learning enhanced student engagement
  • *79% of teachers said VILS helped them change the way they teach
  • *54% of students believe that having the technology makes science more interesting
  • *47% of students believe that having the technology makes math more interesting

*Source: Westat (2018).Verizon Innovative Learning Schools

About Verizon Innovative Learning
Verizon Innovative Learning addresses barriers to digital inclusion by providing the benefits of technology, connectivity, and hands-on learning opportunities to middle and high school students in underserved schools and communities, to help them thrive in the digital age. We not only fund the programs, but we also create and administer them in partnership with leading nonprofits. We diligently measure the impact of our work and refine our programs to ensure we’re making a difference – and we’re just getting started.

About Newark Public Schools
The Newark School District, with 66 schools, 5,595 employees and a student population of 35, 329, is the largest and one of the oldest school systems in New Jersey. Its origin dates back to 1676. Barringer High School, in Newark’s North Ward, is the third oldest public high school in the nation. The ethnic diversity of the city provides a rich educational experience for pre-kindergarten to secondary school students. The district continues to revise its services to meet the changing needs of students.

Rhodes Scholar Jordan Thomas Continues To Share His Experiences with Students at Two NPS High Schools

“Newark has Prepared Me Well for My Future”


[NEWARK, NJ – February 12, 2018] Princeton University student Jordan Thomas is sharing his academic and personal experiences with students as a way to inspire Newark Public Schools students to create their own path to success in college and beyond. The 2014 graduate of University High School recently went back to his Alma Mater to talk to students about staying focused in high school, planning their path through college and deciding their future goals, beginning now.

Thomas said, “Your freshman year is as important as your senior year in high school, you have to be serious about your studies from the day you walk into the school until the day you graduate.” Many of the students approached Jordan after the event to get personal recommendations on challenges and opportunities. Principal Edwin Mendez said, “It was an honor to meet with Jordan to discuss his research project for Princeton and to see him engage the students in a way that was informative and interesting to them.”

Thomas also met with more than 50 grammar school age male students at Hawthorne Avenue School. All of the young men are members of the Young Men’s Leadership Academy, established by Principal Henry James. Every week for more than 8 years at Hawthorne, Principal James meets with 6th, 7th and 8th grade male students to discuss challenges in their lives and at school and opportunities for them to soar. Principal James said, “Our neighborhoods need you to come back and help prepare the next generation of leaders which is what Mr. Thomas has done.” Principal James also noted three students who attended Hawthorne are employed at Hawthorne as teaching assistants and mentors to the boys.

Interim Superintendent Gregory said, “I grew up down the street from this school on South 11th. Street. I know what it’s like to be a NPS elementary school student; I am an example of what you can do with the opportunities before you.” He added, “Jordan Thomas is an example of where education and opportunity can take you, as well. As a student, as a person, it is important that you never live just in the moment but plan five years ahead and decide how you can empower yourself through education. My final message is to always believe in yourself and what you have the power to do in your life.”

This was Thomas’ first time speaking to an elementary school. He thanked Assistant Superintendent Roger León for recommending him to speak at Hawthorne Avenue Elementary School. León told the student you can accomplish your goals – whatever they are – but you must first have a plan of action.

In closing, Thomas said, “You must start with a vision of what you want to do and who you want to be in your life. This is the moment – you are powerful, soak up all of the knowledge and wisdom you can as a student. I would not be the person I am today, had I not grown up in Newark. This city has prepared me well for my future.”

NPS Teachers Awarded for Excellence

Governor’s Recognition Award

These eight individuals stand out as top staff members in their schools based on their ability to inspire students of all backgrounds; foster a strong student learning environment, demonstrate leadership in educational activities; and are dedicated to the school and community. These are not just teachers but also our education service professionals who work closely with our children.

  • Jessica Allen a teacher from Quitman Elementary
  • Glenda Capers a teacher from BRICK Avon
  • Josephine Cooper – a Social Worker from Quitman
  • Lucinda Lopez – a teacher from First Avenue
  • Melissa Milara (Ramirez) a teacher from Miller Street
  • Alberta Shiavo a teacher from John F. Kennedy school
  • Deborah Sims a Behavioral Specialist from John F. Kennedy school
  • Hilda Soto-Yao a teacher from New Jersey Regional Day

School Teacher of the Year Award

These teachers were nominated as the top teacher in their school based on their individual accomplishments and contributions in the classroom as well as for their leadership. Not only do these teachers consistently exhibit preparedness and instructional excellence, but they also take on formal and informal mentoring and leadership roles to broadly improve the quality of education at their school.

  • Marisa Alves, from Lafayette Street School
  • Andrea Arguello from South Street
  • Tammy Chavez from Ann Street
  • Nicole Coppola from Park Elementary
  • Deirdre Corley from Hawthorne Avenue
  • Whitney Farrand from Mount Vernon
  • Lisa Fischman from Harriet Tubman
  • Angelisa Guilford from Lincoln Elementary
  • Michelle Gutierrez from Abington Avenue
  • Stacy Guzman from McKinley
  • Stephanie Hairston from Chancellor
  • Nicole Harris from Hawkins Street
  • Sadiqua Harvard from George Washington Carver
  • Natasha Javed from Camden Street School
  • Celia Laricchia from East Side High
  • Cristano Liborio from Science Park High
  • Matthew Lichten from Ridge Street
  • Susan Lopes Oliveira from Wilson Avenue
  • Melissa McSweeney from Elliott Street
  • Jessica Morais from Oliver Street
  • Kariema Muhammad from Belmont Runyon
  • Sean Nally from Barringer Arts and Humanities
  • Teresa Oliveira from BRICK Avon
  • Marcela Palma from Miller Street
  • Anany Rodriguez from Luis Munoz Marin
  • Kimberly Rubenstein from Rafael Hernandez

Special congratulations to District Teacher of the Year recipient, Edith Battle. She is a teacher who exemplifies the highest level of excellence and is a true example for all other teachers in the district.