Ivy Hill

Newark Board of Education Held a White Coat Ceremony for Students Inducted into the PLTW Medical Detectives Program

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Earlier this month, Mount Vernon Elementary School held a White Coat Ceremony to induct eight new students into their Project Lead the Way (PLTW) Medical Detectives Program.  The eight new inductees were welcomed into the program by an elite group of students from Cohort 1, who received their white lab coats February 10, 2022.

The White Coat Ceremony is a rites of passage initiative designed to inspire middle school students to pursue STEM career paths. The vision of the White Coat Ceremony was uniquely designed for the six South-West PLTW schools under the leadership of Assistant Superintendent Samantha Lott-Velez who said “Our schools will continue to put programs in place that give our students opportunity to engage in experiences that nurture their interests and expose them to career paths.”

PLTW programs are currently in Peshine Avenue, Lincoln, Chancellor Avenue, Avon Avenue, Ivy Hill, and Mount Vernon Elementary Schools. To date, there have been 143 participants across these six schools. Superintendent León stated “The district’s investment in PLTW at the middle school level is a long-term investment that will yield great returns in the future.” In all programs, “...students play the role of real-life medical detectives as they collect and analyze medical data to diagnose diseases. They solve medical mysteries through hands-on projects and labs, measure and interpret vital signs, examine nervous system structure and function, and investigate disease outbreaks,” he added.

As students received the lab coat and pin, Principal Camille Findley-Browne remarked how incredibly proud she is of all of the students that have persevered through this rigorous college-preparatory program.  And Director of Science Kathleen Tierney praised the PLTW teacher saying, “Mr. Shane Brown could not have been a better choice.  He has done a great job in retaining the largest number of students in this inaugural program for students interested in STEM.”

Students were inspired by special guest, Dr. Roger Mitchell, Jr., who became the youngest Chief Medical Examiner in the country in 2011 in Newark, New Jersey.   Dr. Mitchell shared his personal and professional journey with students.  A proud graduate of Howard University and New Jersey Medical School, Dr. Mitchell encouraged the students to “dream big”...”have determination”...”be dedicated”...and understand “...delayed gratification.” He also told students that he looked forward to seeing Newark’s PLTW students as colleagues in the future.

Newark Superintendent Surprises NJ’s Largest School District’s Teacher of the Year in Her Class with Flowers, Balloons and the Unique Honor

Newark Superintendent Surprises NJ’s Largest School District’s Teacher of the Year in Her Class with Flowers, Balloons and the Unique Honor

[NEWARK, NJ, June 3, 2019] The Superintendent of New Jersey’s largest school district, along with principals, students and family surprised Newark’s Teacher of the Year, Tamara Leveridge, of Ivy Hill School, in her classroom Monday morning. Along with the surprise, she received flowers and balloons.  Ms. Leveridge will be honored along with one teacher from every Newark Public School, at a breakfast, later this week. 

Superintendent Leon said, “What makes Ms. Leveridge a well-rounded educator, is that she most importantly understands and sets as a priority, what I call the most significant heartbeat of a school – and that is the child, the student.  Ms. Leveridge is an extraordinary professional, who through her compassion and love for students and teaching, is changing lives every day.  We are honored and grateful that she is a member of the extraordinary group of teachers who call the Newark Board of Education and Newark Public Schools, home.” 

Ms. Leveridge has been teaching for eleven years.  She taught multiple grades and content across the primary grades, 1st and 2nd; the intermediate grades, 4th and 5th and middle school, 6th grade. 

According to Principal of Ivy Hill School Dorrice Rayam, “What makes Ms. Leveridge an exceptional teacher is her drive for excellence.  Ms. Leveridge does not confine herself to the textbook or traditional methods of teaching, she finds creative ways to make the material accessible to their students, and keeps up-to-date with best practices.   She strives to create interactive lessons. She believes in the importance of providing rigorous and differentiated instruction.”  Ms. Rayam added that this year, Ms. Leveridge and her six graders, with the support of her colleagues, produced the Living Wax Museum for the entire school body. 

Principal Rayam continued, “Ms. Leveridge has the respect and admiration of her students. She has earned this respect and admiration by serving as a role model for her students and always has their best interest in mind. She treats students fairly, setting high expectations and is consistent with discipline. Ms. Leveridge goes beyond interacting with students on an instructional level and works to make sure their emotional needs are met, as well.”

In addition, according to the Principal, Ms. Leveridge has a positive relationship with colleagues and has earned their respect. She regularly collaborates with other staff within the school and district.  She also takes on positions of leadership within a school, such as leading professional development sessions and mentoring.  She added that Ms. Leveridge was deemed a highly effective teacher for four school years

When surprised this morning, Ms. Leveridge said, “I am surprised.  I do this for the students.  When I was in the third grade, I decided I wanted to be a teacher.  That dream never left me and became my reality.  I love my work and the opportunity to help children.” 

One of Ms. Leveridge’s students said, “She cares about us, she helps us and she is just nice.” 

To view the students wish Ms. Leveridge well, click here. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1NgL8ntfZL-uaVLCvWuF1brRIoto1uyz0/view

 

Students at Newark’s Ivy Hill School Kick Off United Way’s MY VERY OWN LIBRARY Program

United Way of Essex and West Hudson’s Hosts Women in Literature Kickoff at Newark School followed by FREE Book Fairs for 22,000 Students!


[NEWARK, NJ – March 22, 2019] Nearly 500 students at Ivy Hill School participated in the kickoff celebration of United Way of Essex and West Hudson’s My Very Own Library Book (MVOL) Program, which celebrated women authors. In all, more than 22,000 students in 35 Newark Public Schools during National Women’s History Month will receive books through the MVOL program.

Deputy Superintendent Dr. Gerald Fitzhugh, who was joined by Assistant Superintendent Dr. Shakirah Harrington said, “Reading is key to student learning and development. I want to thank Catherine Wilson, Executive Director of the United Way of Essex and West Hudson, Scholastic, the authors, and the administration, teachers, staff and students of Ivy Hill School for an extraordinary program highlighting reading. Our students are excited to learn and the MVOL Program raises that level of excitement in our schools and at home.”

Ivy Hill Elementary School hosted a Hollywood themed book fair and special event paying homage to Women in Literature starting with a red carpet introduction of each author, followed by remarks, a brief book reading, dance, drama and the morning program closed with African drums and dance.

Ivy Hill Principal Dorrice Rayam Johnson said, “Our students at Ivy Hill are tremendously excited about receiving books and the opportunity to explore the world through the My Very Own Library Program. Thank you to everyone and especially to my students whose love of learning continues to grow – programs and events like the kickoff help us to make learning fun.”

The Ivy Hill program spotlighted 6 award winning female children’s authors. Following the morning’s assembly, the authors travelled to multiple Newark Public Schools throughout the city hosting My Very Own Library events to engage students in a discussion about being a children’s author. Free copies of their books were also distributed to students as well.

Participating authors were: Obludbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich, Amy Ignatow, Elly Swartz, Alyson Gerber, Ame Dyckman, and Jess Keating.

Nearly 2,000 NPS 3rd & 4th Grade Students Perform At NJPAC

Recorder Arts Program Highlights Newark Students and A Commitment to the Arts


[NEWARK, NJ – June 27, 2017] Nearly 2,000 Newark Public Schools (NPS) 4th and 5th grade students recently performed at NJPAC as part of the Recorder Arts for Musical Pathways Program; a partnership between NPS and the New Jersey Performing Arts Center. This participation more than doubled the 739 students who participated last year.

“Thank you to NJPAC and Margaret El for their dedication to this important program that brings the arts to our students and allows them to play in the best concert hall in this country,” noted Superintendent of Newark Public Schools Christopher D. Cerf. “We must continue to grow programs like this because the arts are a vital part of our students’ education.”

The partnership includes 20 schools and teachers, who participated in a two day professional development program. As part of the program, NJPAC’s Recorder Arts master teacher conducted two site visits at each school during the first and second semester of the school year for in class support. In addition, NPS teachers from each of the 20 schools made nominations for the All-Star Recorder Choir, who performed on stage during the concert. The concert was held on June 15 at NJPAC’s Prudential Hall.

“I absolutely got chills looking out over the orchestra and all the way up to the third tier in Prudential Theater, seeing and hearing over 1900 third and fourth graders from Newark Public Schools performing in unison,” Added Margaret El, Director of Arts Education at NPS. “We are so excited about the work NPS music students and teachers have accomplished, and look forward to many students pursuing an instrument of choice in the future.”

Click here to listen to the concert.

Participating schools included:

  1. 14th Avenue School
  2. B.R.I.C.K. Avon Academy
  3. Camden Street School
  4. Elliott Street School
  5. First Avenue School
  6. Harriet Tubman School
  7. Ivy Hill School
  8. Lafayette Street School
  9. Lincoln School
  10. Louise A Spencer School
  11. McKinley School
  12. Mt. Vernon School
  13. Oliver Street School
  14. Park Elementary School
  15. Quitman Street Community School
  16. Rafael Hernandez School
  17. Ridge Street School
  18. Roberto Clemente School
  19. South Street School
  20. Wilson Avenue School

Newark Public Schools Parent Recognition Program

Each day, throughout the district, hundreds, of parents are making a difference in our schools, supporting their children’s academic successes by volunteering. The Newark Public Schools Advisory Board wishes to recognize and express its appreciation to those parents and community members who devote their time, share their talents and resources with children, staff and administrators to improve the quality of our schools and the lives of children.

Each month this board will continue to recognize parents/guardians who support our district wide Parental Involvement Program consisting of activities focusing on:

  • Parenting
  • Communicating
  • Volunteering
  • Learning at Home
  • Decision-making and
  • Community Involvement

Nominated by their child’s school administration, we are proud to announce tonight’s award recipients:
Honorees:

Billie Mills — George Washington Carver School
Mr. Mills is the father of two of George Washington Carver scholars and he supports, encourages and serves as a role model for them. He volunteers his free time and is always willing to go the extra mile, to ensure that they are always striving to achieve excellence. He is a contributing member to the Newark Public Schools and the community, by serving as the lead father of the Concerned Fathers’ Program. He is also a member of our new formed Eagles PTSA here at GWC as well as one of our classroom sponsors.

Elisha Mack — B.R.I.C.K. Peshine Academy
Since 2010, Ms. Mack has been an active parent volunteer at B.R.I.C.K. Peshine Academy. She is always willing to assist in anything that needs to be done when called upon. She is very generous and always donates her time and talent to all school events.
She is the proud parent of 3 scholars. Ms. Mack is an active member of her church, community, and the school parent organization.

Jean Simeon — Ivy Hill School
Mr. Simeon has been active and very helpful at Ivy Hill. He helps with our communication with our French Creole speaking parents by coming in early to translate for us, staying after school to assist with calls to our parents and volunteering during the day with lunch duty. He has also assisted Ivy Hill by being a classroom parent and chaperoning some of our events, The Ivy Hill Community is very grateful for all things that Mr. Simeon does.