NBOE Teacher Talk

Dear Teachers and Instructional Staff,

As part of our ongoing commitment to student success and well-being, Newark Public Schools is working to align with State legislation and guidance from the New Jersey Department of Education regarding the law Governor Murphy passed on student use of internet-enabled devices for the 2026-2027 school year. These updates ensure consistent expectations across schools, promote responsible technology use, and reinforce a focused, distraction-free learning environment.

To support this effort, the District has gathered input from key stakeholders and established a committee of students, parents, teachers, principals, and staff to develop policy recommendations for next school year by practicing some of them in the last few months of this school year. In addition, the District will begin pilot programs on April 13, 2026, at select schools. These schools chose to lead the pilot initiatives and provide valuable data and feedback by serving as models for possible future implementation. Insights from these pilots, along with the committee’s recommendations, will guide any updates to District policy for the upcoming school year. It is important to note that the current District policy, File Code 5142 Pupil Safety, continues to be in effect, and it should be clear to all students that they are expected to abide by the policy. If an infraction occurs, the penalties should range from a warning to possible loss of phone access at all. We believe that our current policy is in compliance with the new law when it is adhered to. In the schools who are not piloting any alternate strategy, it is super important for students to follow the current policy to prove that they can meet District expectations. Finally, it is important to note that the new law applies to students only.

As we continue to prioritize inclusive and supportive school communities, we also take time to recognize important observances that reflect our shared values. In recognition of Autism Acceptance Month, we celebrate the strengths, talents, and contributions of individuals with autism. We reaffirm our commitment to inclusive practices that honor neurodiversity and ensure that all students feel valued, supported, and empowered to succeed.

Because of the valiant efforts in our work with children with exceptionalities, the Urban Collaborative has selected the City of Newark and the Newark Public Schools as the location for their annual conference on special education where the entire nation is invited and will be in attendance next week.

Thank you for your continued cooperation and support as we work together to foster a focused, engaged, and positive learning environment for all students.

Superintendent León & Deputy Superintendent Severe

As we approach spring break, I want to take a moment to recognize the incredible dedication and passion you bring to your classrooms every day. Your hard work in guiding students and helping them build confidence is truly inspiring.

Students in grades Pre-Kindergarten through 3rd grade will soon be receiving books from the Newark Literacy Movement. Additionally, the District continues to ensure that all students receive Scholastic Magazines, along with other reading materials. These resources help build students’ home libraries, encouraging independent reading and fostering a lifelong love of learning.

This is a wonderful opportunity to design assignments that strengthen students’ reading and writing skills while keeping learning fun and engaging. During spring break, encourage students to explore books they have self-selected and inspire creative writing activities based on their reading. These experiences not only deepen understanding but also make learning enjoyable.

Keep moving forward with the same energy and heart that define our community. Take pride in the progress made so far and know that your work is shaping futures in profound ways.

Thank you for all that you do. Let’s finish this stretch strong and head into spring break with a sense of accomplishment and renewed purpose!

With gratitude and admiration,
Sylvia Esteves
Assistant Superintendent of Teaching & Learning

This week, we join schools nationwide in celebrating the power of reading and the written word. Reading opens doors to new worlds, sparks imagination, and fosters a lifelong love of learning. As Dr. Seuss said, “The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.”

Research shows that independent reading improves fluency, comprehension, and motivation. By encouraging students to choose books that interest them, we help build their confidence and stamina as readers.

I am honored to be a Guest Reader at several schools this week and look forward to sharing the joy of storytelling with our students.

Let’s make this week memorable by inspiring all readers, teachers and students alike, to explore, dream, and grow.

To close, here is a poem by Emily Dickinson that celebrates the transformative power of reading:

There is no frigate like a book
To take us lands away,
Nor any coursers like a page
Of prancing poetry.
This traverse may the poorest take
Without oppress of toll.
How frugal is the chariot
That bears a human soul!

Thank you for your dedication to nurturing a vibrant culture of literacy.

With gratitude,

Assistant Superintendent Sylvia Esteves

Message from the Office of Teaching & Learning

Dear Teachers and Instructional Staff,

Charles Dickens, in A Tale of Two Cities, vividly portrays a society in troubled times. He eloquently captures the desperation and hardship faced by many, while also highlighting the underlying hope and perseverance that sustain the human spirit. Today, we find ourselves in the presence of societal discord, navigating the complex challenge of supporting both our students and our own social-emotional wellness.

Amid these pressures, it is essential that we remain committed to ensuring a stable and secure future through a well-educated populace. The lessons we have learned from great leaders, regardless of political views, remind us that true freedom can only be achieved through a thorough and equitable education.

As we celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. this month, let us reflect on the profound importance he placed on securing quality education for all students, while also empowering kindness in our words and actions. Dr. King once said, “The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character, that is the goal of true education.” He also reminded us that “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’”

Let us carry forward this spirit of dedication, compassion, and hope in our work every day.

Thank you for your unwavering commitment to our students and to each other.

With gratitude,
Sylvia Esteves
Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning

Dear Teachers and Instructional Staff,

As we approach winter recess, we want to encourage you to take a moment to reflect on all that has been accomplished so far this school year. You and your students have put in unwavering effort, and your students’ progress is a testament to your commitment and dedication. Additionally, please be mindful that the new year provides us with an opportunity to reset and reground ourselves in what is most important to the success and well-being of our students.

As shared during District Staff Convocation 2025 in August, please be reminded that January 2, 2026 is an Administrative Day for all District staff.

On behalf of everyone here at the District, we extend our heartfelt gratitude and best wishes to you and your families. May your holidays be joyful and the new year bring continued growth and blessings.

Warm regards,
Superintendent León, Deputy Superintendent Severe, and Assistant Superintendent Esteves

Message from the Office of Teaching & Learning

Dear Teachers and Instructional Staff,

We are excited by the positive impact of implementing Cornell Notes and Everybody Writes across Newark Public Schools. These strategies help students engage deeply, think critically, and make their learning visible, encouraging us to continue and expand their use.

Research shows that structured writing improves students’ ability to process and build knowledge (Graham & Perin, 2007). Cornell Notes promote metacognition by guiding students to record, summarize, and reflect (Flavell, 1979), while Everybody Writes encourages continuous writing and real-time insight into student understanding. Both strategies foster rich classroom discussions that develop academic vocabulary and critical thinking, supporting Vygotsky’s (1978) idea that learning grows through social interaction. Students then revise their work, strengthening reflection and knowledge construction.

Since students can’t write well about what they don’t understand, observing their writing and conversations provides valuable insight into their thinking. These practices align with best instructional methods and help drive continuous growth and success.

Thank you for your dedication to enhancing student learning through these effective writing strategies.

Warm regards,
Sylvia Esteves
Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning

Message from the Office of Teaching & Learning

Dear Teachers and Instructional Staff,

As Thanksgiving approaches, I want to take a moment to express our deepest gratitude for each of you. Your unwavering dedication to educating, nurturing, and supporting the academic and social-emotional growth of our students is truly inspiring. Your compassionate efforts uplift our most vulnerable children and families, especially during this holiday season.

In addition to your incredible work, I’m excited to share that all students from Pre-K through 8th grade, and soon 9th through 12th, will be receiving the latest edition of Scholastic Student Magazines. These magazines are powerful tools to ignite a love of reading, expand vocabulary, and deepen nonfiction knowledge. We encourage students to use them to log and journal about the topics that spark their curiosity and excitement.

Please continue to breathe life into students’ independent reading by creating opportunities to share highlights from their reading during breakfast, class discussions, or other moments throughout the day. Celebrating their discoveries not only builds confidence and vocabulary, but also fosters a vibrant reading culture that will serve them for a lifetime.

For all the love you give and the dedication you show in ensuring our children and their families thrive, we thank and honor you. Your selfless generosity and nurturing support make a profound difference in the lives of our students and the fabric of our community.

May your Thanksgiving be filled with warmth, laughter, and the company of loved ones. Wishing you and your families a holiday rich with peace, joy, and all the things you hold dear.

With deepest appreciation,
Sylvia Esteves
Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning