Message from Superintendent León
Dear Teachers and Instructional Staff,
Congratulations on an amazing first week of school!
As you dive into curriculum, and create conducive learning environments for students, please review the following information about the District’s Academic Walkthrough Tool:
Domain Descriptions:
Objective/Learning Intentions, Success Criteria, & Daily Instructional Task: Learning Intentions are descriptions of what learners should know, understand, and be able to do by the end of a learning period or unit. Learning intentions are the basis for tracking student progress, providing feedback, and assessing achievement. Success Criteria are the measures used to determine whether, and how well, learners have met the learning intentions. Both are important because they:
- Ensure all students know what they are going to learn and where they are heading.
- Provide a basis for feedback and reduce discrepancies between current student understanding and intended learning.
- Assist students and teachers in tracking and assessing student progress.
- Help teachers to understand the impact of their teaching and learning activities, and when they may need to adapt or change these.
- Help students understand what improved performance looks like.
Print Rich Environment: An environment in which children are exposed to a language-rich learning area. An environment that has as many examples of language in written form as possible. Some examples are environmental print describing the areas in the room, classroom library, writing exemplars, anchor charts, and academically appropriate word walls.
Questioning Techniques: Questioning Techniques are designed to stimulate critical thinking and encourage the exploration of ideas, while also supporting discussion and elaboration in the classroom. They are used as powerful tools for effective communication and information gathering, as well as increased student engagement and participation.
Student Interviews: The Student Interviews domain engages students in metacognition that promotes student efficacy. Students think about their learning goals, what actions they will take to achieve them, and how they will measure their achievement. Following the learning, the interview engages students in the process of thinking about their learning outcomes and next steps in their learning experience. This conversation and the engagement in the metacognition process are critical in closing and preventing academic achievement gaps. It allows students to know and own their learning.
Student Engagement: Student Engagement is evidenced by students’ active participation in their learning. This participation is supported by a positive culture that promotes academic dialogue, and it is inclusive of the social emotional needs of students. Classroom norms and relationships are conducive to learning, and the teacher nurtures a culture of academic excellence and high expectations in the classroom.
Standardized Student Notebooks: Having Standardized Student Notebooks ensures that students are able to organize information and synthesize their learning in class. This practice also strengthens students’ ability to take strong notes in class that can be referenced at any time. The standardized student notebook system must be continuous, and teacher feedback is critical.
Portfolios: A student portfolio is a compilation of academic work and other forms of educational evidence assembled for the purpose of: Evaluating coursework quality, learning progress, and academic achievement; Determining whether students have made progress towards mastery of grade-level standards; Helping students reflect on their academic goals and progress as learners; And, creating a lasting archive of academic work products, accomplishments, and other documentation.
Have a great week of teaching and learning!
Superintendent León |
|
|
Important Links
Please also review the important information below, which was referenced during District Staff Convocation.
The Next Decade: 2020-30 Strategic Plan
NBOE Well
Social Emotional Learning (SEL)
The Core 4:
- Focus: Our job is to transform the lives of students
- Friendly: Everyone’s experience with us is memorable
- Flexible: We are flexible in the delivery of products and services
- Fast: We are fast in the delivery of products and services
|
|
|
| Elementary School Teachers |
|
|
Elementary / Middle School Counselors (New)
Contact: LaTonya White, Student Support Services / Office of Student Life
Email: ldwhite@nps.k12.nj.us
Program Planning: Creating the Action Plan for Elementary/Middle School Counselors
Date: September 27, 2023 8:30 am - 12:00 pm
Location: Marion Bolden Student Center (230 Broadway, Newark, NJ 7104)
|
|
|
Free Teacher Webinar – Student Courtroom News Reporter Competition (New)
Join the High School Mock Trial New Jersey State Bar Association for a free informational session about the program on October 17, 2023 from 10:00-11:30 am about how students can take part, who is eligible to participate, and the rules of competition. Former legal affairs reporters will share insights on covering the courts and offer tips and tricks that aspiring student journalists can use.
Click on the links below for more information, including how to register:
|
|
|
National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) 2024 (New)
Contact: Rochanda Jackson, Office of Policy, Planning, Evaluation, and Testing
Email: rjackson@NPS.K12.NJ.US
The New Jersey State Department of Education announced that the following schools have been selected to represent schools across the nation by participating in the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP): Hernandez, Barringer, Science Park, West Side, Peshine Avenue, Dr. William H. Horton, Lafayette Street, Oliver, and Ridge in Grades 4, 8, and 12 in the following subjects: Mathematics, Reading, and Science.
The NAEP is the largest nationally representative assessment of what students across the country know and can do in core subjects. It is administered by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), within the U.S. Department of Education.
Congratulations!
2024 NAEP School Factsheet
|
|
|
Register for Access to Education Week (New)
Contact: Timothy Nellegar, Teaching and Learning - Educational Technology
Email: tnellegar@nps.k12.nj.us
Superintendent León has made providing professional learning resources a priority for educators and administrators. In an effort to support this priority, the District has purchased access to Education Week. Education Week is the #1 source of non-partisan, high-quality news, and insights covering the K-12 education sector. To create and access your online account please click on the attachment and follow the short steps:
We look forward to you using this great resource.
|
|
|
Samsung Solve for Tomorrow Competition (New)
Contact: Timothy Nellegar, Teaching and Learning - Educational Technology
Email: tnellegar@nps.k12.nj.us
Now through Friday, October 27th, teachers can submit applications for the Samsung Solve for Tomorrow Competition. Throughout the competition, applicants will have a chance to win a share of $2 million in Samsung technology and supplies for their classroom!
Over the last 13 years of the Solve for Tomorrow competition, students have identified significant societal and environmental challenges, designing STEM-based solutions to address these challenges. For more details, including the contest rules and how to apply, please visit the competition page found here.
|
|
|
New Procedures for Translation and Interpretation Services (New)
Contact: Pilar Veru, Office of Bilingual Education
Email: PVERU@NPS.K12.NJ.US
LanguageLine Solutions is the District's new vendor that supports District translation and interpretation needs. Please reference and follow the procedures outlined below when requesting interpretation/translation services.
On-Demand Interpretation: Please dial 844-234-2408 and select the required language. You are also required to fill out the OBE Form for On-Demand Services so that the Office of Bilingual Education (OBE) can keep track of the services being used.
Document translation request: Contact Katherine Lopes at k1lopes@nps.k12.nj.us for all document translation requests. Please ensure that at least 15 days are given to request written translation services.
|
|
|
OSE PD Opportunities (New)
Contact: Candice Wells, Office of Special Education
Email: c1wells@nps.k12.nj.us
To support the achievement of students with disabilities, check out the monthly professional development opportunities for teachers, paraprofessionals, and child study team members provided by The Office of Special Education (OSE). Newly added is also professional development opportunities for long term substitutes placed in Special Education classrooms.
Special Education Teachers can also reach out to OSE Program Specialists for support. See contact information in the attachment below.
|
|
|
I Believe in You & I Believe in My PLC FAQ (New)
Contact: Barbara Evans, Office of Federal Programs & Grants
Email: bevans@nps.k12.nj.us
The Newark Board of Education is thrilled to provide the "I Believe in You” and “I Believe in My PLC" grants this year. To ensure clarity and transparency, a FAQ document has been prepared to address the grant approval process, final report expectations, and ordering clarification. This document will provide you with the necessary information to support your grant objectives:
|
|
|
New Teacher Induction (New)
Contact: Herb Daughtry, Educator Effectiveness
Email: evaluations@nps.k12.nj.us
Be sure to register for the first New Teacher Induction session that will take place on Tuesday, September 12th - 4-6pm. Induction sessions will be held on the 2nd Tuesday of each month. September’s session will focus on developing your understanding of the Framework for Effective Teaching and the District evaluation and coaching policies.
The registration and meeting links for each month can be found in the induction schedule linked here:
|
|
|
Traditional Mentor Orientation (New)
Contact: Herb Daughtry, Educator Effectiveness
Email: evaluations@nps.k12.nj.us
Mentor orientation and training will take place on October 4th at 4pm. Anyone serving as a mentor is required to attend. If you participate in New Teacher Center (NTC) training, you are not required to attend this training.
Please register here:
Meeting information:
|
|
|
SY 23-24 Black Men Rising Coalition + Latino Men Rising Coalition (New)
Contact: Matthew Brewster, Office of Staff Development
Email: MBrewster@nps.k12.nj.us
The District is intentionally building various pipelines to develop the next generation of leaders for our schools. To that end, if you are interested in the SY 23-24 Black Men Rising Coalition (BMRC) or the Latino Men Rising Coalition (LMRC), please complete the interest form below no later than 9/26/23.
BMRC + LMRC Interest Form: https://forms.gle/oTHNym955tsDLFT48
|
|
|
2023-2024 Escrow Program (New)
Contact: M. James, Human Resource Services
Email: npscompensation@nps.k12.nj.us
Dear Employee:
- Escrow Open Enrollment for current and newly hired employees is May 1st through September 15th of each year!
- Employees who are 10-month and 11-month full time employees can now self-enroll, discontinue, and switch options in the Escrow Program.
- For more information about refund dates, viewing deduction selected through ESS (Employee Self Service), and instructions on how to enroll, kindly visit our HRS Portal at https://nboehrs.com/es/#escrow or view attached QR Code to the HRS Portal:
|
|
|
NBOE Office of Benefit Services Fall 2023 Newsletter (New)
Contact: Jennifer Medina, Human Resource Services
Email: j1medina@nps.k12.nj.us
See what is available to you below and where to find free coffee!
View the Fall 2023 newsletter video here, or download a copy here, Benefit Services Fall 2023 Newsletter.
Highlights:
- Everyday Wellbeing (Diabetes, Cancer, Food Safety, and much more!)
- New Hires Reminder: visit here!
- Student Verification required for children, click here for more info.
- “Back to School Week” at Yankee Stadium.
- Want a $50 gift card? Check out 2023 Healthy Actions!
- Escrow: 10/11-month employees only.
- Open Enrollment
Visit NBOEHRS.com for the latest news!
|
|
|
Labor Relations Virtual Office Hours (New)
Contact: Sweta Kawasaki, Human Resource Services
Email: skawasaki@nps.k12.nj.us
To help support Administrators (Principals, Vice-Principals, and Department Chairs) and Staff Members, Labor Relations is hosting Virtual Office Hours through September, October, & November.
Please register for these Virtual Office Hours.
|
|
|
SEL/Mental Health Programming and Initiatives
Contact: Mary Leigh Harvey, Office of Student Life
Email: mharvey@nps.k12.nj.us
The link below contains Social Emotional Learning (SEL) and Mental Health programming and initiatives offered by the Office of Student Life for the 2023-2024 school year:
Please see your school counselor or social worker 2 should you have any questions.
|
|
|
Disciplinary Guide
Contact: Mary Leigh Harvey, Office of Student Life
Email: mharvey@nps.k12.nj.us
The attachment contains the disciplinary guide:
|
|
|
Digital Citizenship Month
Contact: Timothy Nellegar, Office of Teaching and Learning
Email: tnellegar@nps.k12.nj.us
This September, the Office of Educational Technology is celebrating Digital Citizenship Month. We will be providing activities, information, and more for you to share with students, staff, and families.
Please click the link below to check out our Digital Citizenship Resource Guide for Educators and Families:
All of our students and families need to be exposed to this important information around online safety, being a good digital citizen, and more. Please have these discussions with your class as you are setting expectations for the coming school year.
|
|
|
Office of Educational Technology PD Sessions
Contact: Timothy Nellegar, Office of Teaching and Learning
Email: tnellegar@nps.k12.nj.us
The Office of Educational Technology is excited to offer Professional Development Sessions on Tuesdays and Thursdays starting September 12th through December 14th. These voluntary one hour sessions will be offered virtually from 3:00-4:00p. Tuesdays will focus on Teaching Digital Citizenship in the Classroom and Thursdays will focus on Using Educational Strategies with our Academic Platforms. You can find more about the specific programs and sessions in the attached document, which includes dates and links to the sessions:
We look forward to seeing you at our sessions.
|
|
|
Traditional Mentor Orientation
Contact: Herb Daughtry, Educator Effectiveness
Email: evaluations@nps.k12.nj.us
Mentor orientation and training will take place on October 4th at 4pm. Anyone serving as a mentor is required to attend. If you participate in NTC training, you are not required to attend this training.
Please register here:
Meeting information:
|
|
|
PowerTeacher Pro Gradebook Categories
Contact: Darren Watsky, Student Information Services
Email: dwatsky@nps.k12.nj.us
NBOE now uses two categories of assignments to determine a student’s grade: Summative Assessments and Formative Assessments. If other categories are used for assignments in PowerTeacher Pro, the assignments will not count for the student’s overall grade. All categories should be made inactive except for the two categories that are district wide categories in all gradebooks. Use the Inactivating Gradebook Categories document to view and edit your gradebook categories as needed.
|
|
|
Back to School, Back to Benefits!
Contact: Jennifer Medina, Office of Benefit Services
Email: j1medina@nps.k12.nj.us
The Office of Benefit Services is excited to welcome staff back to school for the 2023-2024 school year! We've been working hard this summer to bring new programs and expand existing ones. Here's a glimpse into what you can expect for the new school year:
- Office of Benefit Services Fall Newsletter
- VitalCheck Pilot Expansion
- Health/Wellness Fairs
- Open Enrollment
- Enhancements to our current programs: Maven, Noom, Peerfit (FitOn)
Be on the lookout in the next few weeks for more information, and in the meantime, visit www.nboehrs.com to learn more, including a description of the NBOE Well programs!
|
|
|
Certification Team: Office Hours and Professional Development for September 2023
Contact: Eboni Woolridge, Human Resource Services
Email: ewoolridge@nps.k12.nj.us
To help support administrators and teachers, the Certification team is hosting Virtual Office Hours and Professional Development through the month of September 2023.
Register for the Professional Development and Virtual Office Hours by using the following link:
Be sure all of your Instructional, Educational Services, and/or Administrator certificates are current in NJ Ed Cert.
Contact the Certifications team if you are pending issuance of a Provisional or Standard license. The Certifications team can be reached via email at certifications@nps.k12.nj.us.
|
|
|
IT Help Desk Extended Operational Hours - Monday August 28, 2023 to Friday September 22, 2023
Contact: Abdullah Ansari, Division of Information Technology
Email: aansari@NPS.K12.NJ.US
The Division of Information Technology will extend the operational hours of the IT Help Desk starting on Monday August 28, 2023 through Friday September 22, 2023 to address the influx of calls that we anticipate to receive at this time of the year.
Please be guided as follows:
- The Help Desk will operate from 7:00AM to 5:00PM Monday through Friday.
- Please call the Help Desk at 973-733-8700 or email at ITHelpDesk@nps.k12.nj.us.
- All calls into and out of the Help Desk will be monitored by our Avaya call monitoring software. We will use the platform to return calls that may have been missed.
- NOTE: due to increase in cyber threats, all password related matters must be handled via phone calls and not via email. The Help Desk will also guide the callers to register their accounts with our Self Service Password Reset portal for future account lockouts and other account related matters.
|
|
|
Inviting Board Members to Events
Contact: Nancy Deering, Board Relations
Email: ndeering@nps.k12.nj.us
As we approach the conclusion of summer and eagerly anticipate the dawn of a Brand New Day, I wholeheartedly encourage you to extend invitations to our esteemed Board Members. These occasions provide a platform to showcase our district's remarkable strides in academics, the arts, athletics, and more. I'm confident that our Board Members would be enthusiastic about supporting you and your students.
In our shared journey, I am committed to facilitating their participation in these events. Our collaborative efforts can truly make a difference.
Kindly note if you're seeking a Board Member's presence or involvement at any event, please route your invitation through the Office of Board Relations Nancy Deering at ndeering@nps.k12.nj.us or call 973-477-1475. Thank you for your dedication and enthusiasm in fostering a vibrant educational community.
|
|
|
NBOE in the News
Stay informed on everything happening within Newark Public Schools and the Newark Board of Education! Read up on all of the many ways the district is garnering media coverage.
News Stories
|
|
 |
Teacher Talk is emailed every other Monday.
The submission deadline is 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday. |
|
|
Contact Us
To support and encourage highly effective instruction, Teacher Talk synthesizes information and resources that will help NPS teachers meet the expectations of the framework for effective teaching. Please open the form with Firefox or Chrome in order to add attachments.
You may submit items for inclusion in the Teacher Talk newsletter via this form:
https://www.nps.k12.nj.us/departments/communications/teacher-talk-form/
The weekly submission deadline is Wednesday by 5:00 p.m. before Monday distribution.
|
|
|
|
