Schools

NPS and United Way Team Up for City Wide Literacy Engagement Program Events

An ambitious initiative to encourage literacy and build community has come to fruition with the launch of Little Free Libraries, a free book exchange program taking place in locations across the city. The five wooden mini-library structures were built, painted and installed by construction and art students at Newark Leadership Academy.Collaborating with The United Way of Essex and Hudson, the City of Newark, The Trust for Public Land and community groups, Newark Public Schools launched the Little Free Libraries at Jesse Allen Park on National Summer Learning Day in June to encourage students to continue reading, even when schools are out.

“A lot of children have no books at home, so this will make a big difference,” said Louise A.Spencer School third grade literacy teacher Brooklyn Holt, as her students clamored to read the titles of the books on display in the park. One boy said he liked to read about dinosaurs, and also snails, worms and slugs. A girl said she liked princess, science and social studies books. Other students offered up their favorites: mystery, adventure, fantasy, scary, funny. The ribbon-cutting event additionally attracted members of the surrounding community who shared the children’s enthusiasm for the Little Free Libraries program. One passerby, Kenneth Gaskins – enjoying his day off from his job with Clean & Green – took it upon himself to sweep the area around the new library structure and point out that he loves to read, especially love stories with happy endings.

Literacy is critical to academic and life success. It is a fact that one in six children who are not reading proficiently by third grade will not graduate from high school on time – a rate which is four times higher than that of proficient reader. (Annie E. Casey Foundation).

Little Free Libraries have been built in countries throughout the world as a resource designed to increase literacy and instill a love of reading in children, families and the surrounding community. The Newark Little Free Libraries, which were funded by the United Way of Essex and West Hudson, are located at the following community garden, early childhood centers and parks:

  • Jesse Allen Park – 41 Avon Avenue
  • Early Childhood School West – 26 Speedway Avenue
  • Hope Garden – 260 Bergen Street
  • River Front Park – Raymond Boulevard/Somme Street
  • Sarah Ward Nursery – 27 Jay Street
NJ.COM: Literacy programs keep kids learning during summer vacation
By: Peggy McGlone/For The Star-Ledger , July 3, 2014
The children’s room at the Hillsborough Public Library was teeming one recent morning with young readers, some holding books, some with their new summer reading club logs, others scrambling to pull their next story from the shelves.
Newark Pulse: More Free Little Libraries
By: Newark Pulse, June 27, 2014
Last Friday, June 20, in collaboration with Newark Public Schools (NPS), United Way of Essex & Hudson, City of Newark and the Trust for Public Land put up five new wooden mini-library structures. The mini libraries were built, painted and installed by NPS construction and art students who attend Newark Leadership Academy.

In Pursuit of 100 Excellent Schools, NPS Appoints Eight New Renew School Principals

June 19, 2014 (Newark, NJ) – Reaffirming its commitment towards realizing 100 excellent schools across the district, Newark Public Schools (NPS) today announced the appointment of eight principals to lead the 2014-2015 Renew Schools cohort. Renew Schools – created in line with extensive research identifying the common characteristics of successful schools – provide a wide-range of additional academic and social-emotional supports in order to ensure the needs of each individual child are met. This cohort of seasoned school leaders, with over seventy years of combined experience as educators and demonstrable capacity to improve school outcomes, is uniquely prepared to move these eight schools in a bold new direction in order to achieve academic success for all of their students. This cohort joins ten other Renew Schools for a total of eighteen Renew Schools across the district.
The five qualities successful schools with high levels of student achievement share are great school leaders; excellent teachers; a clear vision and mission; a safe building with flexible resources; and engagement with students and families. With a great principal at the helm of these new Renew Schools, the other four characteristics can come into place.
“The most critical goal of the Renew Schools strategy is to create the conditions necessary for success,” said Superintendent Cami Anderson. “With strong leaders at the helms of these schools, tightened accountability measures, and the ability to recruit, train, and retain the best talent, we can chart a course for enhanced learning environments and thus outcomes for our students.”
In Newark’s Renew Schools, principals will select their staffs through a city-wide hiring process that will ensure the right teachers are in the schools that make the most of their specialized skills. These schools will offer social and emotional supports that ensure students are ready and able to learn, including serving three healthy, organic meals daily, launching a school-wide mentoring program, offering families Adult Education classes in the evenings and on weekends, in literacy, math, and English. Renew Schools also make significant investments to create 21st century learning environments including updating their building’s wiring and internet access capabilities, and upgrading their computer labs with software aimed at reading and math acceleration and individualized learning.

The 2014-2015 Renew Schools Cohort is as follows:

Belmont Runyon Elementary School – Shawn Oxedine-Walter

An educator in the district since 1999, Shawn has worked as a bilingual Math teacher, Math Coach, and is now the Vice Principal of Miller Street. Under her leadership, Miller Street achieved gains in math on the NJASK. Shawn is committed to creating a collegial working environment where staff, families, and students can thrive.

Dr. E. Alma Flagg Elementary School – Ganiat Rufai

Ganiat Rufai is an instructional leader with an extensive background in special education. She has teaching experience in Washington D.C. and Brooklyn, NY, and has served as a Vice Principal in Washington, D.C. for the past four years. Ganiat is a results-driven leader who sets high expectations and has a record of building strong relationships with students, staff, and community members.

Hawkins Street Elementary School – Sandra Marques, Returning

Sandra began her fifteen-year career in the district as a teacher at Hawkins Street where she became Principal in 2012. She also served as Vice Principal at Wilson Street for eight years. Sandra emphasizes a culture of collaboration and collective responsibility amongst her staff and has expertise in aligning school operations with its values.

Rafael Hernandez Elementary School – Patricia Gois
A Wilson Avenue School alumna and an NPS educator since 2002, Patricia Gois has long been dedicated to serving the Newark community. She began her career as a teacher at Ann Street School, and has been Vice Principal there since 2010. Patricia is fluent in English, Spanish, and Portuguese and is relentless in her pursuit of excellence.
Dr. William H. Horton Elementary School – Ginamarie Mignone, Returning
A career educator in Newark Public Schools, Ginamarie began her district career in 1998 as a teacher and Literacy Coach at Burnet Street School, to where she returned as Vice Principal in 2007. She served as Vice Principal of Quitman Street Community School for one year before heading back to Burnet Street. In August 2013, Ginamarie became Principal of Dr. William Horton Elementary School. Her leadership skills and focus on family engagement fosters a high quality educational environment focused on student achievement.
Louise A. Spencer Elementary School – Jenn Pellegrine, Returning
Jenn Pellegrine will continue as the Principal of Louise A. Spencer for a third year. Prior to joining the Newark Public Schools, Jenn was a New Leaders Aspiring Principal, taught in public and charter schools in New York City, and served as Director of Data and Assessment at Newark’s Our Lady Liberty Charter School. Striving to continually develop her own leadership skills, Jenn actively seeks out opportunities for professional training in programs such as Research for Better Teaching and Relay Leadership. Leading by example, she encourages her staff to grow professionally as well.
Luis Munoz-Marin – Maria Ortiz
Building on her successful career with the Newark Public Schools, Maria will take the helm at Luis Munoz-Marin – where she started her district career as a Language Arts teacher – after serving as Principal at Alexander Street School. She has also been Vice Principal at Rafael Hernandez School and a Literary Coach Coordinator at both Miller Street Elementary School and Barringer High School. Maria’s spirit of grit and high standards helps establishing a goal-oriented and results-driven culture for staff, families, and students.
Speedway Elementary School – Atiba Buckman, Returning
Returning for a third year, Atiba Buckman will continue as Principal of Speedway Renew. Atiba studied reading at Columbia University’s Teacher’s College and brings expertise in literacy. Prior to joining Newark Public Schools, Atiba was a Vice Principal in New York City. Her commitment is to create a supportive school environment that prepares students for success in high school and beyond.

Elliott Street Elementary School Students & Dignitaries Sign New School’s Steel Beam

Elliot Beam Signing Ceremony from Ron Scott on Vimeo.

NEWARK, NJ – New Jersey Schools Development Authority (SDA) CEO Charles McKenna joined Newark students and school district and local officials for a “beam signing” ceremony to highlight the progress of construction on the new Elliott Street Elementary School. The students, teachers and officials celebrated the ongoing construction of the facility by signing steel that will be hoisted into place as a permanent part of the new facility.

“Every project milestone brings us one step closer to providing a new community school for Elliott Street Elementary School students,” said SDA CEO McKenna. “Being here today with the kids and together signing steel that will become a lasting part of this school for generations to come is symbolically important. These students are making a permanent mark on a building that will provide countless educational opportunities for its students.”

Located in the North Ward, the new 138,000 square foot Elliott Street Elementary School is being built on the site of the former school which was demolished following fire damage caused by a lightning strike. For several years the student population was divided among three building sites, however since September 2011 the students have been housed at the former First Avenue School. The new school will provide 848 students in Pre-K through eighth grades with 30 general use classrooms, four kindergarten classrooms, six pre-kindergarten classrooms, specialized instruction classrooms and labs, a media center, separate cafeteria, gymnasium and a multipurpose room with stage.

“It is exciting to see the progress for what will be a new home for all of Elliott Street Elementary School families,” said Superintendent Cami Anderson. “Every student deserves a modern 21st century learning environment, and today’s beam signing reflects another step forward to realizing 100 excellent schools in Newark.”

The school is being built using a design-build approach. Hall Construction Company of Howell, NJ is the design-build contractor, working in partnership with Paulus, Sokolowski and Sartor, LLC of Warren, NJ. The project is being managed by Gilbane Building Company, of New Brunswick, NJ. The total estimated project costs are $46.7 million.

The SDA has invested more than $562 million in completed projects in Newark. This includes 11 capital projects and 121 Health and Safety/Grants/Emergent Projects. In addition to the Elliott Street School, two other new school construction projects are ongoing in Newark – Oliver Street School and the South Street School.

The SDA’s current portfolio of active projects is valued at $2 billion – including the Capital Project Portfolio (more than $1.5 billion), emergent projects ($100 million) and Regular Operating District grants ($430 million state share).

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.

Holocaust Survivors Share Personal Stories with Luis Muñoz Marin Students, Enhancing Genocide Studies Curriculum

The Newark Public School 7th grade Social Studies curriculum focuses on World History. At Luis Muñoz Marin, the Social Studies teachers, Ms. Quetzy Rivera and Ms. Mimi Rosenbaum, showed students how past history affects the present and how each action causes a reaction. They were shown how the human experience can determine political, geographic, economic and social issues, linking all to the greater global community. The section on Africa coincided with the twentieth anniversary of the Rwanda Genocide and the Day of Remembrance for the European Holocaust where over ten million people were killed. Students in Ms. Rivera and Ms. Rosenbaum’s classes were asked to define the term ‘Genocide’, a term invented for the Jewish Holocaust, and how, even though the cry after World War II was “Never Again”, there have been attempts at genocide in countries like Rwanda, Bosnia, the Sudan, Cambodia. Students worked in teams of two and were asked, based on the eight stages of genocide, to pick one country that showed signs of genocide and research the causes and effect. They submitted research papers and had to present a power point explaining why they chose that particular country.

On June 12th, two Holocaust speakers came to Marin to talk to the students about their experiences. Both Ms. Goldstein and Mr. Obermeyer were children during the Holocaust and survived through horrible conditions.

Ms. Goldstein was eight years old when her father was taken away (her mother had previously died of natural causes) and she and her older sister were forced to care for each other. They survived with the help of a Catholic nun who did not differentiate that these were Jewish children; merely that they were children. Ms. Goldstein explained to the students that we are morally obligated to care for each other and repeated what the nun had said, “ Today they come for the Jews; tomorrow they will come for me if we do not stop them.” This Catholic nun put herself in harm’s way to protect Ms. Goldstein and her sister. Had she been discovered, the Nazis would have killed them all.

Mr. Obermeyer told his story as well. His family had lived in Germany for over two hundred years. Suddenly, they were told they were no longer citizens, were not allowed to attend school and were treated differently by friends and neighbors. His parents realized that things would only get worse after “Kristalnacht”, (the Night of Broken Glass), when Jewish businesses, homes and temples were vandalized. Britain agreed to give visas to 10,000 children including Germany if they had the funds to support themselves and to be schooled. He was accepted as one of the children to go on the Kindertransport and so survived the War. His mother couldn’t bear the thought of parting from her child and did not go to the station. He never saw either parent again. When asked by a Marin student, Mr. Obermeyer told them his biggest regret was not being ‘better’, that he had been a difficult child and that was how his mother remembered him. Students asked questions and wrote reflections on the two Holocaust speakers.

Arts High Jazz Musicians Perform in Washington, D.C. and NJPAC for Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz Events

ArtsHS-mainPhoto

Hitting the high notes at the U.S. Department of Education in Washington D.C. earlier this year, the Newark Public Schools Arts High School Jazz Combo represented their school and the district in a Jazz Informance hosted by Dr. J.B. Dyas, Director of Education at the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz. Joined by Terell Stafford, one of today’s top jazz trumpeters, the students performed six pieces for an audience comprised of Thelonious Monk Institute staff members, U.S. Department of Education personnel, and faculty and students from local schools. Following the performance, the students shared their personal experiences as musicians and how they developed an appreciation for Jazz. One of the Arts High School students, drummer Derek Fykes, has just been awarded a full scholarship to attend the internationally renowned Jamey Aebersold Summer Jazz Workshop, at the University of Louisville (KY) on July 6-11.

Derek’s message from Dr. J. B. Dyas read: “On behalf of our chairman Herbie Hancock and everyone at the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz, it is my pleasure to inform you that out of all the students attending the 11 performing arts high schools around the nation that we support, YOU have been awarded our full scholarship to attend the internationally renowned Jamey Aebersold Summer Jazz Workshop. Congratulations!”

Additionally, the Arts High School Jazz Sextet will perform a FREE public concert on Friday, June 20 at 7:30 p.m. (Chase Room) – along with internationally acclaimed jazz saxophonist and recording artist Bobby Watson, as well as students from NPS’ Barringer, Arts, East Side and Science Park High Schools – at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (1 Center St., Newark). The concert is presented by the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz, in conjunction with Newark Public Schools and the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC). Under the direction of teacher/flutist Lawrence Liggins and saxophonist Anthony Ware, the sextet is comprised of trumpeter Carlos Juncal; trombonist Craig Jacobs; guitarist Rahsaan Pickett; pianist Galo Inga; bassist Joseph Quiles; and drummer Derek Fykes.

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The concert is made possible by The Prudential Foundation, which provides year-round music programs at Arts High and other Newark public schools through the Monk Institute. Watson will serve as artist-in-residence during the three days leading up to the concert. The event marks the culmination of the Institute’s 2013-2014 National Performing Arts High School Jazz Program, which helps prepares students in Newark and eight other cities across the nation to become jazz’s next generation.