Schools

Newark’s University High School Welcomes Home One of its Most Prestigious Alumni

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To celebrate National School Spirit Day, University High School in Newark, New Jersey, held a convocation on Friday, September 20th with special guest speaker, Jordan Thomas, alumnus and Rhodes Scholar.

Jordan Thomas graduated from University High School and went on to Princeton University, where he graduated Summa Cum Laude. After Princeton, Jordan completed a year of postgraduate studies at Oxford University as the first Rhodes Scholar to ever ascend from Newark Public Schools. This fall he will begin dual enrollment studies at Yale Law School and Harvard Business School.

The school welcomed home and celebrated Thomas on the completion of his international fellowship and to commemorate the continuation of his post- graduate education at Harvard and Yale Universities. Principal Genique Flournoy-Hamilton, is looking to reestablish the great legacy and spirit of University High School on National School Spirit Day. Thomas is the first of many prestigious alumni who will return home to be honored for continuing to move the Phoenix forward.

jordan thomas visit 9-20-19

Superintendent León Visits 40 High School Seniors Attending NJIT’s First Ever Math Success Initiative

High school seniors are learning from NJIT Professors and mentored by college students.

The participating high schools this summer: Central, Science Park, Malcolm X Shabazz, and Technology.

Special thank you to Mayor Baraka, President Bloom, Vice President Garrison, and participating teachers who collaborated on this initiative.

7 Science & STEM Teachers From Three Different NBOE Schools Visited Dayton, Ohio For Professional Development Unlike Any Other!


From July 18-21st, educators participated in a variety of engineering design challenges and learned innovative ways to infuse science, technology, engineering, and math into their lessons from STEM professionals at a variety of affiliated sites for up to fifteen hours each day.

The staff members were provided unique access to aviation and aeronautics sites that promote creativity, productivity, and full engagement. The teachers received expert instruction about the physics of flight, the opportunity to explore behind the scenes at the Dayton International Airport, and ultimately were able to pilot a small aircraft at Wright Brothers Airfield under the direction of a FAA certified instructor.

They were able to collaborate to develop ideas about lessons, units, and resource acquisitions in creative ways focusing on the values of scholarship, leadership, and citizenship with other teachers from various states. Teachers are able to return to their classrooms with a newfound perspective on how to demystify the STEM fields for their students, build self confidence in their abilities, and encourage their curiosity. By encouraging students to effectively analyze each failed attempt as a means to discover the correct answer, they can help shape collaborative leaders who will succeed in STEM careers in the future.

Staff members who attended were:

  • Jama Bridges, Dr. E. Alma Flagg School
  • James Dixon, Chancellor Avenue School
  • Rute Guerreiro, Oliver Street School
  • Ashleigh Kennedy, Oliver St School
  • Bianca Palma, Dr. E. Alma Flagg School
  • Principal Sakina Pitts, Chancellor Avenue School
  • Jacqueline Smith, Chancellor Avenue School

Air Camp was fully sponsored by United Airlines.

Tennis was dead in this city. These kids are bringing it back.

By Barry Carter | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

10-year-old Courtney hits the ball during tennis practice in a free program offered by Greater Newark Tennis & Education at the Althea Gibson Tennis Complex in Newark’s Branch Brook Park. (Charles McKenna)

Just beyond the large statue of Althea Gibson, a throng of kids eager to play the game she dominated fill up nearly 18 courts named after the tennis icon.

It’s a Wednesday evening, one of four days they practice at Newark’s Branch Brook. There’s no time to waste, either. They’re up on their toes with a bounce in their step, anticipating the direction of balls tossed at them from instructors at the Essex County Althea Gibson Tennis Complex.

This rarely happens at the courts, unless there’s a high school tournament, and there aren’t many. Hardly anyone from the neighborhood, which borders Belleville, plays there, either, making Newark a tennis desert like many urban communities.

Not anymore. This organization – the National Junior Tennis and Learning of Trenton – started a Newark chapter three years ago with a free program for kids in the city and surrounding communities. Since then, the Newark members of the group moved on and formed the Greater Newark Tennis & Education organization.

Under the new name, the program is still free, receiving funds from private donations and corporations. While financing is a challenge, the program is flourishing.

It started with five kids and finished with 70 after the first year. Now 130 are registered, but on any given evening, 50-55 kids learn the game for two hours Monday through Thursday and for another two hours on Saturday morning.

“We want to give kids the idea that there is a bigger world beyond than what they may know,” said Charles McKenna, the executive director of the program.

Camps big. University big. Globally, big. That’s how far the organization wants them to go.

Historically, they get to learn that Gibson, an East Orange resident in her later years, became the first African-American to win a grand slam title, the French Championships in 1956. The following year, she won Wimbledon and the Nationals, which was precursor to the US Open, then did it again in 1958. Overall, Gibson won 11 grand slam tournaments, including five singles titles, five doubles titles, and one mixed doubles title.

The courts where the kids play were named after her by Essex County in 2002 and the statute was dedicated in 2012. Dozens gathered, including Gov. Chris Christie and tennis great Billie Jean King.

“Greater Newark Tennis & Education continues Ms. Gibson’s legacy by bringing the game of tennis to a new generation of players and using the game to help develop tomorrow’s leaders,” said Essex County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo.

And, if all goes right, this program could be the impetus to spark a comeback of the game in city high schools.

Bob Bynum, a Newark native and the program’s lead instructor, would love to see that happen. He’s always wanted to be part of a tennis program in Newark, having taught the game full-time in suburban communities since the 1980s.

Kids get ready to practice tennis during a free program offered by Greater Newark Tennis & Education at the Althea Gibson Tennis Complex in Newark’s Branch Brook Park. (Charles McKenna)

“This is a dream come true. Newark has always been close to my heart,” said Bynum, a South Side High School graduate, who played his first tennis tournament on these courts in the 1970s.

He remembers when Newark high schools had teams, but they dissipated over the years because there were no feeder programs to bring kids into tennis.

“That’s what we’re trying to do,” he said. “We’re hoping that some of these kids who go to high school in Newark will be able to rekindle the tennis programs.”

So, they’re starting them out young. Most of the kids are 5 to 12-year-olds, but the program teaches kids up to 18. The participants are mainly from Essex County, and have taken to the game, learning from Bynum’s staff, which numbers about 13 instructors, who are high school and college students and parent volunteers.

The kids want to play and have improved. Jason Honore, 11, said it was hard at first when he started three years ago. He had no control over the ball, his strokes sending it high over the net. Practice change that.

Bob Bynum, lead instructor of Greater Newark Tennis & Education, talks to kids who participate in the free program that started three years ago to get young people in the city interested in the game. (Barry Carter| NJ Advance Media)

“Sometimes when you hit the ball really well, you say, ‘I hope that can be my knew normal,’” he said.

His older brother, Julian, 13, said he is motivated by playing against good players to get better.

Ten-year-old Darren Cordero, 10, of Belleville, agrees. He hasn’t beaten Julian, yet, but is looking forward to that day. He’s really into the game, too. After spending all day in summer camp, his parents said he’s on them to get him to the courts on time.

“He doesn’t miss a day,” said Lewis Cordero, his dad.

The Whitest brothers – Marvin III, 12 an Courtney, 10 – like tennis so much that their dad, Marvin Jr., brings them from New Brunswick. They take the train, getting off at the station across the street from the courts.

“It’s good for me, too,” Marvin Jr. said. “It helps me get back active. Now, I’ve gotta hit with my boys. They want to show they can play.”

All of the kids, whether they know it or not, have breathed life into the community. People stop to see what’s going on. With their play — the program runs until October — perhaps others will take up the game and use the courts.

Superintendent León Appoints 15 New Principals to Lead Newark Schools

[Newark, NJ – August 2, 2019]  Superintendent León has a simple, yet brilliant plan for transforming school culture, increasing rigor, improving student life and promoting parent engagement – by mostly building and tapping into the district’s internal talent pipeline. 

“I am excited to start the year with such a talented group of leaders”, said Superintendent León. “We know they have the passion, the drive and track record for advancing student achievement.”

Of those starting the 2019 – 2020 school year as new Principals, 12 were promoted from within the district’s ranks and 3 were recruited externally from a charter school and other public schools in New Jersey.

Here are the 15 Principals who have joined the team of game changers to provide new opportunities for success to our students, staff and community.

American History – Allison R. DeVaughn
Allison R. DeVaughn began her career with the district as a high school English teacher.  She served in various positions, most recently as a Vice Principal at one of the district’s high schools.  Ms. DeVaughn studied at Caldwell College and Saint Peter’s College.  Allison’s focus on curriculum and instruction drove her passion for developing a robust professional development and coaching plan for teachers and staff.

Barringer High School – Dr. Jose Aviles
Jose Aviles returns to the district after recently serving as Principal of a high school in Franklin Township Public Schools.  Dr. Aviles studied at Kean University, St. Peter’s College and Seton Hall University.  His focus is on social emotional growth, increasing test scores and providing a strong academic curriculum.

Dr. William H. Horton – Hamlet Marte
Hamlet Marte started his career as a teacher and joined the Newark Board of Education as a Vice Principal at one of the district’s elementary schools.  He studied at Long Island University, Rutgers and Montclair State Universities. Mr. Marte was responsible for instructional programming of the upper elementary students and frequently facilitated workshops and conducted outreach to support students and families.

Early Childhood Centers – Jeanne Ramirez
Jeanne Ramirez started her career with the Newark Board of Education as a bilingual elementary school teacher.  Ms. Ramirez studied at Pace University, Hunter College and The College of St. Elizabeth. Jeanne has an extensive background in early childhood education.  She has served in multiple capacities ranging from classroom teacher to school administrator. She is experienced in serving the diverse learners and families represented in the Early Childhood Schools.

East Ward – Rosa Monteiro-Inacio
Rosa Monteiro-Inacio started her career as an elementary school teacher with the Newark Board of Education.  Rosa studied at Felician College and Kean University.  Rosa has a proven record of increasing test scores and has extensive knowledge of curriculum.  She also has the ability to effectively communicate with families, students and other stakeholders.

Franklin – Amy B. Panitch
Amy B. Panitch started her career with the Newark Board of Education as an elementary school teacher and rose to the level of Vice Principal after serving as an instructional coach.  Ms. Panitch studied at the University of Pennsylvania and Montclair State University. She developed the K- 4 instructional programming to improve student achievement in her building.

Harriet Tubman – Angela Davis
Angela Davis started her career with the Newark Board of Education as an elementary school teacher and rose through the ranks, serving most recently as a Vice Principal in one of the district’s elementary schools.  Ms. Davis studied at Rutgers and Kean Universities and has a track record for increasing student test scores and effectively engaging all stakeholders.

Lincoln – Hillary Dow
Hillary Dow began her career at the Newark Board of Education as a teacher and literacy coach. She rose to the rank of Vice Principal at one of the district’s elementary schools and recently served as a Special Assistant.   She studied at Rutgers and Seton Hall Universities.  Hillary assisted in managing the instructional and operational programs of twelve district elementary schools. She collaborates with staff and constituents to ensure effective school operations.

Louise A. Spencer – Karla Venezia
Karla Venezia began her career with the Newark Board of Education as an elementary school teacher and most recently a Vice Principal. She studied at Rutgers and Montclair State Universities.  Ms. Venezia effectively communicates with parents and staff.  Her students consistently demonstrated academic growth and mastery on state assessments.   

Luis Munoz Marin – Kenneth Montalbano
Kenneth Montalbano started his career with the Newark Board of Education as an elementary school teacher.  Mr. Montalbano studied at New York University and Teachers College – Columbia University.  Most recently he served as a Vice Principal, where he led the schools’ social justice initiative and designed a yearlong social justice focus for each grade level, orchestrating the implementation of quarterly Social Justice Showcases.

McKinley – Carlos Reyes
Carlos Reyes started his Newark Board of Education career as an elementary school teacher.   Mr. Reyes studied at Montclair State University.  He embraced the opportunities to create and facilitate purposeful sessions, which are focused on improving student growth metrics and teacher performance.

Mount Vernon – Camille Findley-Browne
Camille Findley-Browne began her career as an elementary school teacher with the Newark Board of Education and most recently served as Vice Principal at an elementary school.  Ms. Findley-Browne studied at Franklin Pierce and St. Peter’s Universities.  She made literacy a focus in her building, by creating Literacy Week for her PreK – 2 students and having older students read to the younger students, focusing on guided reading and ensuring that reading was done every day and in every content area. 

Newark Vocational – Kyle Brown
Kyle Brown started his career in the Newark Board of Education as a teacher in one of the district’s elementary schools. Mr. Brown studied at Rowan and Grand Canyon Universities.  Kyle is solutions oriented and skilled in mitigating issues that distract from instruction.  He understands the importance of engaging all stakeholders to achieve the vision of the school and the district. 

Quitman Street – Justin Avery
Justin Avery joins us from the Teaneck Public Schools where he was an Assistant Principal.  Mr. Avery studied at Rutgers and Grand Canyon Universities. He focused on student and parent equity and differentiated instruction for middle grades 5 – 8.   He understands the importance of engaging all stakeholders and is committed to the vision of the district. 

University High School – Genique Flournoy-Hamilton
Genique Flournoy-Hamilton joins us from charter school where she served as Principal for the past several years.  Ms. Flournoy-Hamilton studied at Rutgers University and Tuskegee University.  Ms. Flournoy-Hamilton has demonstrated success in creating a school culture and climate that is safe, inclusive and engaging for all students, staff and parents.