[NEWARK, NJ – March 22, 2019] The students of 13th Avenue School received a special gift recently from two brothers from Bernardsville, New Jersey. The brothers, Evan and Casey Hoeckele, along with their mother, Shannon Calvert, donated more than 300 books to the students.

The brothers started a program called Read to Lead – Evan & Casey’s Reading Program, to deliver books in good condition to students in New Jersey. The brothers said it was a fun thing to do because they had so many books they had read, that they wanted to share with others. Mother Shannon said, “I’m proud of my boys primarily for their interest in community service and creating a reading program as the anchor of that service. We are honored to present these books to the students at 13th Avenue School.”

The partnership between 13th Avenue and the Read to Lead Program began between Mother Shannon and colleague Natasha Levant, who used to work at 13th Avenue School. When they came up with the idea, they asked Board Member Floisha Hill if the book program was possible.

Mrs. Hill said, “Being a mother and member of the Newark Board of Education encouraged me to take advantage of this opportunity for our students at 13th Avenue School. The excitement of the students in receiving books as a gift was special and heartwarming. Most importantly, we want to make reading and learning fun – the books from Evan and Casey created a great opportunity for our kids to learn and have fun.”

[Newark, NJ – October 5, 2018] Thirteenth Avenue/Dr. M.L.K. School celebrated students who are producing great results in attendance for this school year. More than 70 students, their parents and siblings were treated to a “Bump Up Your Attendance,” concert on October 4.

Principal Simone Rose said, “Administration and staff are excited about the new school year. Our goal is to keep our students excited and engaged around perfect attendance, getting to school on time and achieving academic success. The concert is a way to celebrate their success thus far.”

Students were treated to a concert featuring a number of their favorite area artists, many of whom brought gifts along to distribute to the student attendance winners. New shoes and school uniforms were donated, in addition to free haircuts and other gifts were presented by the musical artists.

According to Vice Principal LaShanda Gilliam, “Students attending the concert were required to be present and on time every day since school opened. Those who met the challenge were given this special treat.”

Both Principal Rose and VP Gilliam said, student attendance has a direct correlation to success, which is why incentives, such as the concert were an important way to illustrate attendance success one month into the new school year.

Literacy Carnival Brings More than 300 Students and Families Out for a Night of Fun & Learning

[NEWARK, NJ – February 1, 2018] More than 300 families turned out for a night of fun and learning at the Literacy Carnival at 13th Avenue School. For two hours, students and parents played literacy games to encourage a love of literacy and to earn prizes as rewards for their participation and engagement, according to Principal Simone Rose.

Vice Principal LaShanda Gilliam, who created the Literacy Carnival said, “Student writing and literacy projects were the focus of the evening fun night. Games were displayed for families through the entire first floor of the school – all of our games were linked to learning. She added, “Our goal is to get as many families as possible to fall in love with literacy.”

The evening program included the reenactment of a play, “To Kill a Mockingbird,” a poetry slam, playing Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy and other games that connects reading to fun.

A parent with three daughters commented that the school effort was so rewarding for the children and the parents and it gave parents an opportunity to take, during the week to have fun with their children, in way that stresses learning and fun at the same time.

Assistant Superintendent Erskine Glover, who oversees 13th Avenue School said, “I commend the leadership, teachers and staff for their commitment to their students and the community and their relentless efforts to always highlight learning through educational games and engagement.”