John F. Kennedy

Students from Newark’s JFK School Tapped for the Inaugural Sled Hockey Program

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[Newark, NJ – November 16, 2021]  In partnership with the City of Newark’s Recreation Department, USA Hockey, the New Jersey Devils and Hockey In NJ (Newark), students from John F. Kennedy School will participate in the first ever Sled Hockey Program in Newark. 

JFK is a middle-secondary special education school that offers specialized curriculum for students with multiple disabilities and moderate cognitive involvement.

Sled Hockey provides opportunities for many types of disabilities for recreation/competitions at the local level all the way to the Paralympics. Players sit in specially designed sleds that sit on top of two hockey skate blades.

Each child will receive a donated sled and a full set of equipment this Saturday, November 20th at the 11th annual USA Hockey Sled Classic, presented by the NHL at the Ice Vault Arena in Wayne, New Jersey.  

Superintendent Roger León said, “We are excited at this unique opportunity in establishing our very own NBOE Sled Hockey Program at JFK because this sets the stage to one day celebrate our very own Paralympian.”

JFK students, along with other students from the community who want to play, will be part of the Newark Board of Education’s (NBOE) Inaugural Sled Hockey Program, where they will practice at the James/Gibson Ice Hockey Rink in Newark, NJ. 

 “As the principal of JFK, I am so excited about this opportunity of a lifetime for our students, they will be able to live our school motto and show the world that there are No Limits to What We Can Do” remarked Jill Summers.

Pat Council of Newark’s Recreation, Cultural Affairs, and Senior Services shares in the superintendent’s excitement, “The City is always excited to partner with the Newark Board of Education on initiatives that are inclusive to all communities that we serve and look forward to the partnership with JFK and the students they serve”

“The addition of Sled Hockey in Hockey in NJ’s (Newark) programming led by Dennis Ruppe and Keith Veltre proves once again that hockey is making great inroads in providing equity and access that allows more kids to participate.”  stated Dan Brennan of Director of USA Hockey Sled National Teams.

For more information, please contact:

Nancy J. Deering
Board Relations, Director
Communications, Acting Director
973-733-6265 (office)

NJ Regional Day Unifies Newark!


For 50 years, Special Olympics has been building a movement to break down barriers – both on and off the field in health and education – all through the power of sport. Through the power of their athletes and sports, Special Olympics is ushering in a new world of unity, tolerance, and respect. Just like the Special Olympics New Jersey Regional Day School, JFK, West Side, American History High School, University High School, and North Star who unfortunately could not be here today are unifying Newark. Today marks the day that we unite people of different backgrounds from different schools to inspire action and ultimately end discrimination for people with Intellectual Disabilities. We are the ambassadors of an uprising-peaceful protest in a rebellion against anyone who has a fear of difference.

Our demands are equality, dignity and the recognition of our shared humanity. People of all ages, races, genders, cultures, backgrounds, and abilities continue to face discrimination, ignorance, and disparagement. It is our responsibility to be the leaders that are needed in our community and educate others to take a stance in creating a world of inclusion. We are fighting for a more inclusive world. The Revolution Is Inclusion. I want to take a moment and thank Susan, Kathy and the Special Olympics. Without them our event would not be as big as it is. Also, to Mrs. Mitchell my principal of New Jersey Regional Day School for giving Mr. Garrett and I the freedom and having the confidence in us to create this event. I also want to give a shout out to everyone from NJPAC especially Tom for building confidence in our students’ self-esteem through dance. Shout out to the Montclair Rugby team for taking the time to come and show us what Rugby is all about!

Thank you, Mr. Ellis for allowing us to have our event at your field! Finally, a big thank you and shout out to all of our community partners for working with us to make this amazing event happen. Inclusion is about our ‘abilities’ – our gifts and how to share them. It is our expectation that every community partner teams up with a student from New Jersey Regional Day School to collaborate, help, and learn more about each other’s positive qualities and gifts that you all have to share because remember this event is about inclusion!

Now let’s see what your all about on the field! Let’s have some fun!

NPS Unveils First Wheelchair Lift Bus Service for Students

Lift Service To Provide More Opportunity for Students Needing Wheelchair Services

 

[Newark, New Jersey] September 20, 2017 – Newark Public Schools (NPS) unveiled their first wheelchair bus service for student transportation at the John F. Kennedy School yesterday. The wheelchair lift bus will allow students needing wheelchair access the ability to use district sponsored transportation to and from school. Students using the wheelchair lift bus will now have greater access to programs and services offered by NPS; including school sponsored field trips, transportation to job training, and learning life skills from community visits.

“Today is a great day for Newark Public Schools, particularly for students, parents, teachers and administrators at the JFK School,” remarked Superintendent of Schools Christopher D. Cerf. “Learning happens not only in the classroom, but also on excursions outside the classroom – the new lift bus will expand the learning opportunities for students of the JFK School. A special thank you goes to a dedicated and compassionate leader, Principal Dr. Glenda Johnson-Green, who has led a coalition of dedicated community leaders who helped us reach our goal to acquire the new wheelchair bus.”

Having a wheelchair bus has been at the top of Dr. Johnson-Green’s bucket list for many years according to school administrators. The bus provides home to school transportation for JFK students. The purchase of the wheelchair lift bus was made possible through the dedication of a number of donors and Dr. Glenda Johnson-Green, who has worked with NPS for 44 years; first as a teacher, then administrator and now principal of JFK.

“Working towards fundraising for the Lift Bus was an idea that I and community partners decided to do to impact the lives of this very specialized population,” said Dr. Johnson-Green. “We wanted each student in JFK, whether they are able bodied or in a wheelchair to be exposed to the same experiences in the community. This unveiling has been a long time coming. We appreciate the efforts of our community partners, students and staff in this endeavor.”

The JFK School is home to 167 students from 6th grade to 21 years of age. JFK students receive academics and life skills training, allowing them to be employable. Vice Principal Jill Summers-Phillips said that several graduates of the JFK School are employed there at the school; indicating that one person works in schools services and another graduate works as a locker room attendant. The sign outside of the school says, “Attend Today, Achieve Tomorrow.” Ms. Summer-Phillips said we are a special school for special people, which is why the bus is so important for our students.

Joining in the celebration were Board President Marques Aquil Lewis, Members, Josephine Garcia and Reginald Bledsoe, Freeholder Rufus Johnson, who helped to raise funds for the bus, along with Councilman Joe McCallum. Dr. Johnson-Green extended a special thank you to all of the donors; particularly Freeholder Rufus Johnson, Pastor Tilley, and Nanina’s in the Park.
According to JFK school administrators, they are currently reviewing student service needs to determine how many students will utilize the wheelchair bus lift for home to school transportation, which could result in the elimination of up to five bus routes that are currently provided by outside vendors.

In addition to the JFK Chorus, the Weequahic High School Drumline also performed to celebrate the arrival of the new wheelchair bus.