Quitman Street

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.

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 Teams Up with United Way of Essex & West Hudson, and Scholastic to Bring Author & Educator Sharon Robinson to Schools To Promote My Very Own Library Program

Daughter of the late Jackie Robinson visits three schools as part of national initiative


[Newark, NJ – June 20, 2017] Three Newark Public Schools hosted the United Way of Essex and West Hudson’s (UWEWH) My Very Own Library (MVOL) program, and author and educator, Sharon Robinson, daughter of the late, great Jackie Robinson on Friday, June 16.

Students at Hawkins Street School, Quitman Street School and Cleveland Elementary School were treated to day of reading as part of this national program, conducted in conjunction with Scholastic Book Fairs, a division of Scholastic, the world’s largest publisher and distributor of children’s books. In talking with the students, Ms. Robinson shared her journey as an author, educator and daughter to one of the greatest American hero’s, Jackie Robinson.

Roger León, Assistant Superintendent of NPS said, “Thank you to the United Way, Scholastic, My Very Own Library and Ms. Robinson for bringing this special reading program to Newark Public Schools. My Very Own Library helps to further our mission of encouraging students to read.” Joining Assistant Superintendent Leon was Assistant Superintendent Erskine Glover, who added, “Having Ms. Robinson in the District and participating in My Very Own Library Program, provides a unique opportunity for our students to experience the joy of reading. This program launches summer reading in a way students will remember and appreciate.”

Sharon Robinson, daughter of baseball great and civil rights icon Jackie Robinson, is an acclaimed author of works of fiction and nonfiction as well as an educational consultant for Major League Baseball. She is the founder of Breaking Barriers: In Sports, In Life a baseball-themed national character education curriculum that helps empower students overcome obstacles in their lives. Robinson’s widely praised nonfiction books about her father, baseball legend Jackie Robinson, include Testing the Ice: A True Story About Jackie Robinson and Promises to Keep: How Jackie Robinson Changed America. Her other books include novels: The Hero Two Doors Down, Safe at Home, and Slam Dunk. Prior to joining Major League Baseball, Ms. Robinson was an educator and taught at Yale, Columbia, Howard, and Georgetown University. She currently serves as Vice Chairman of the Jackie Robinson Foundation.

The partnership between NPS, UWEWH and MVOL allows students the opportunity to select three new children’s books at three special Scholastic book fairs, three times a school year.

“We are thrilled that Sharon Robinson is visiting students in Newark,” said Catherine Wilson, President and CEO. “This gives students an opportunity to not only connect with an author, but a woman whose family has made an indelible mark on African-American History. Our students are incredibly lucky to be able to learn from Ms. Robinson and connect her to their reading experiences.”

Newark Public Schools Congratulates Elementary Sports League Basketball Finalists

B.R.I.C.K. Peshine Academy Girls’ Basketball, Louise A. Spencer Boys’ Basketball win championships; Quitman Street Community School Girls’ Basketball, McKinley School Boys’ Basketball are runners up

Elementary Basketball Team Champs

Boys’ Finals Box Score
Louise A. Spencer 60
McKinley 53

Girls’ Finals Box Score
B.R.I.C.K. Peshine Academy 37
Quitman Community Street School 28

[Newark, NJ – June 15, 2016] – Superintendent Christopher D. Cerf of Newark Public Schools (NPS) congratulated the Elementary Sports League basketball finalists on their successful basketball seasons. This weekend, B.R.I.C.K. Peshine Academy, Quitman Street School, Louise A. Spencer and McKinley School competed at Barringer High School for the Elementary Basketball Championships.Louise A. Spencer defeated runner up McKinley School 60 – 53 to win the boys’ elementary school basketball championships. BRICK Peshine Academy defeated runner up Quitman Street School 37 – 28 to win the girls’ elementary school basketball championships. In addition, BRICK Peshine Academy also won the Elementary Cheer Competition.

“On behalf of Newark Public Schools, I want to congratulate the BRICK Peshine and Quitman Street School girls’ basketball as well as the Louise A. Spencer and McKinley Street School boys’ basketball on their successful seasons,” said Superintendent Cerf. “All of these student athletes worked hard this season to perform well both on and off the court and should be very proud of their accomplishments.”

The students practiced during the week and competed in games every Saturday, which were highly attended by Newark families.

South Ward Community Schools Initiative, Newark Public Schools and The City of Newark Host “A Day in the Life of a Community School” on Sat., April 16 at Belmont Runyon School

SWCSLogo
The free event will provide the community an opportunity to experience community school life and to contribute to the vision of the five South Ward Community Schools

[Newark, NJ, April 15, 2016] – On Saturday, April 16, 2016, 10am-2pm the community is invited to attend “A Day in the Life of a Community School” a free community event hosted by South Ward Community Schools Initiative, the Newark Public Schools and the City of Newark at Belmont Runyon School, One Belmont Runyon Way, Newark, NJ 07108.

The event will have an address by Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka, breakfast and lunch, workshops based on the resources community schools provide, and the opportunity for residents, parents and students to contribute to the vision of each South Ward Community School. South Ward Community Schools are beginning community planning in anticipation of the fall 2016 school year. This process is more than just asking for feedback from the community. Continued action is required. Parents, students, residents and community partners that want to participate in planning should text “UNITY” to 862-256-2500 for more information. Malkia King, South Ward Community Schools, community organizer can be reached at 973-306-4308.

WHO:

  • Superintendent Christopher Cerf Remarks – 10:00 AM
  • Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka Remarks – 1:00 PM
  • MC, Antoinette Baskerville-Richardson, Newark Public Schools Advisory Board Member

Moderated Panel – 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM

  • Jane Quinn, Children’s Aid Society
  • Erskine Glover, Principal Quitman Street School
  • Dr. Edward Fergus, New York University
  • Carolota Tagoe, Parent
  • Teacher from NYC community school or Representative from the AFT
  • Kaleena Berryman, Abbott Leadership Institute (Moderator)

Workshops – 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM

  • Health, Newark Department of Health and Community Wellness
  • Financial literacy, Urban League of Essex County
  • Employment and Training, Newark Workforce Development Board
  • Parent advocacy/leadership training, Abbott Leadership Institute
  • Music and Art, Ucyphe
  • Visual and Performing Arts, Yendor Productions
  • Yoga, Pawa Wise
  • Nutritional eating, Newark Beth Israel
  • Child mentoring, Newark Gals Inc.

WHEN:
Saturday, April 16, 2016

WHERE:
Belmont Runyon School, 1 Belmont Runyon Way, Newark, NJ 07108
Free parking is available on the street

WHY:

South Ward Community Schools are beginning community planning in anticipation of the fall 2016 school year. This process is more than asking for feedback from the community. Continued action is required.

Community schools succeed when there is partnership and input from parents, families, students, and residents all along the way. Community schools transform schools when there is intentional participation and

collaboration from school and community leaders, educators, community partners, students, families, and residents to remove barriers to learning and address the needs of the whole child.

About South Ward Community Schools
South Ward Community Schools are Newark Public Schools that unite educators, families, and community partners to be responsible for five schools: Louise A. Spencer; Belmont Runyon; BRICK Avon Academy; BRICK Peshine Academy; and Malcolm X. Shabbazz. Community schools transform schools by focusing on the results that happen when there is intentional participation and collaboration from school and community leaders, educators, community partners, students, families, and residents. Each community school has high academic expectations of kids. South Ward Community Schools will provide the extra supports and programs all along the way to address the basic physical, mental, and health needs of young people. The vision and mission of each community school will be shaped by the voices of families, students, and residents so that each school authentically reflects the specific needs of its local community. Parents, residents, students and school administrators at each school will also determine how to budget and allocate resources to support their stated vision. South Ward Community Schools are beginning community planning in anticipation of the fall 2016 school year. This process is more than asking for feedback from the community. Continued action is required. Community schools succeed when there is partnership and input from parents, families, students, and residents all along the way. For more information, text “UNITY” to 862-256-2500.