Message from the Superintendent
Dear Teachers and Instructional Staff,
Welcome back from Spring Recess! We hope the break was joyful and relaxing, and that it has charged you to close out the school year strongly.
As shared previously, please be mindful of already scheduled District-wide events as we begin preparations for end of year activities:
| Event Name |
Date of Event |
| Math Olympics |
May 29 |
| STEM Week |
June 3 - 7 |
| Academic Awards Night for the Class of 2024 |
June 5 |
| Senior Day |
June 7 |
| Teacher of the Year |
June 13 |
| Office of Early Childhood Night at the Museum |
June 14 |
| Graduation Ceremonies |
June 21 |
Have a great week of teaching and learning!
Sincerely,
Superintendent León
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Week of the Young Child
Contact: Mara Kaplan, Office of Early Childhood
Email: mkaplan@nps.k12.nj.us
 The Week of the Young Child will take place from April 8, 2024-April 12, 2024. This annual celebration sponsored by NAEYC is to focus public attention on the needs of young children and their families and recognize early childhood programs and services that meet those needs. Please review the flyer to plan events and encourage families to participate. Family Friday focuses on engaging families to support our youngest learners. We are looking for everyone in the school to participate in joining the OEC Family in reading to a Pre-K classroom!
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| Elementary School Teachers |
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Summer VPA Academy Enrollment OPEN! (New)
Contact: Antonia Germanos, Visual and Performing Arts (VPA)
Email: agermanos@nps.k12.nj.us
The 5-week Summer VPA Academy is an art-focused enrichment program for students in grades 5-7 at Arts High School. VPA Educators will guide students in a joyful and nurturing exploration of the artistic disciplines of Dance, Music (Instrumental & Vocal), Theatre, Visual Arts, and Creative Writing. This is an opportunity for students currently participating in VPA programs in their schools and students with high interest to sharpen their skills and boost performance levels. The program includes field trip experiences and concludes with a student performance and art exhibit. See attached:
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Enrollment for Culture Creators and High School Musical Theatre (New)
Contact: Antonia Germanos, Visual and Performing Arts
Email: agermanos@nps.k12.nj.us
Culture Creators is a five-week program where students explore visual arts in a studio setting, refining skills in their chosen two-dimensional media. Experiences include museum/gallery visits, curating exhibits, and participation in the Newark Arts Festival.
 High School Musical Theatre offers a summer immersion in Musical Theater for aspiring performers and production designers. Students gain professional insight through rehearsals, auditions, and presentations, culminating in a full-scale musical production.
See attached for more information about these programs:
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Updates from the Office of Special Education (New)
Contact: Candice Wells, Office of Special Education
Email: c1wells@nps.k12.nj.us
The Office of Special Education (OSE) will hold our 6th annual Autism Acceptance kick-off on Tuesday, April 9, 2024. Our theme is “Make It Personal, Autism Acceptance.” OSE will use the Infinity Symbol to represent the infinite potential of individuals with autism, as well as their limitless possibilities and abilities.
The District’s goal is to promote autism awareness, acceptance, inclusion, and self-determination for all students, and to encourage the community, educators, families, and friends to create a more inclusive world.
See attached for "April Events and Workshops":
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Rethink SEL Student Self-Assessment (New)
Contact: Jessica Silva-Olmo, Student Support Services - Office of Student Life
Email: jsilva@nps.k12.nj.us
 All 3rd -12th Grade students will take a Spring 2024 RethinkEd SEL Self-Assessment by May 31st. The window for the assessment is currently open.
A data pull will be shared with Principals and Assistant Superintendents 1 week prior to the deadline. Information gathered from the data analysis will be used to support students, parents, and shared with stakeholders as needed. Please ensure that you are having students complete this in order to capture all of their SEL strengths and/or challenges.
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Monthly Math Memo - April 2024 (New)
Contact: Amanda Grossi, Office of Mathematics
Email: agrossi@nps.k12.nj.us
The Monthly Math Memo will be posted in the first Teacher Talk of each month. The purpose is to highlight the mathematics teaching and learning that occurs throughout Newark and to inform mathematics educators of professional learning and student opportunities:
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Mentor Training (New)
Contact: Herbert Daughtry, Educator Effectiveness
Email: evaluations@nps.k12.nj.us
 The next mentor training session is scheduled for May 1st, 2024.
This session is intended for ALL mentors, and will provide guidance for closing out the year and submitting proper paperwork. We will also focus on strategies to shift practice and mindset for equity.
Please register here: https://forms.gle/JALbyJXtnz4bjFSz7 |
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Escrow Program - Open Enrollment (New)
Contact: M. James, Human Resource Services
Email: npscompensation@nps.k12.nj.us
- 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:
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Required Annual Affirmative Action Training – (All Staff)
Contact: Nicola Camacho, Affirmative Action
Email: ncamacho@nps.k12.nj.us
Board policy requires all employees to complete annual Affirmative Action training. All training courses launched on March 25, 2024. You will receive an email from Newark Board of Education containing a link to log in to Vector Solutions using your District email and password (sample attached). Each training course includes an assessment which must be completed. A certificate can be saved or printed after successfully completing each assigned training course. You must complete all required courses by May 31, 2024.
NBOE Affirmative Action Training Courses 2024
| Course Name |
Course Assignment |
| Sexual Harassment: Staff-to-Staff |
All Staff |
| Discrimination Awareness in the Workplace |
Employees who did not complete the training offered in 2023 will be required to complete this additional course. |
| Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Practices: Staff-to-Staff |
OPTIONAL COURSE |
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Experience A Solar Eclipse on April 8, 2024
Contact: Tracy Cummings, Office of Science
Email: tcummings@nps.k12.nj.us
 On April 8th, a total solar eclipse will cross parts of North America. In New Jersey, we will experience a partial solar eclipse; parts of the moon's shadow will cover the sun from 2:09-4:35 pm.
All schools have been provided with specialized protection solar view glasses for all students to enjoy this phenomenon safely. Principals have received letters that should be distributed to parents with information about this event. Linked below are some suggested (K-8) resources for teachers and students to engage in on this exciting day:
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April is Earth Action Month
Contact: Tracy Cummings, Office of Science
Email: tcummings@nps.k12.nj.us
 In recognition of Earth Day on April 22nd, we invite you to participate in a month-long Action for Earth.
The NJDOE and the Office of Science challenge you to plan and share activities related to the four themed weeks that engage students to be better stewards of their bodies, their communities, and their planet, as they explore climate-related challenges and solutions. The four themed weeks are:
- Energy
- Food
- Waste
- Nature and Wellness
You will find details about each theme and resources linked here. Let us collectively protect our planet.
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Cycle 3 23-24 Report Card Timeline and Requirements - Teachers
Contact: Darren Watsky, Student Information Services
Email: dwatsky@nps.k12.nj.us
All Cycle 3 grades and comments must be finalized in PowerTeacher Pro by the end of the school day on Friday, April 19th.
Use the Cycle 3 Report Card Timeline and Requirements document to prepare for the storing of Cycle 3 grades. All subjects should have a grade and/or comment. For subjects not assessed this cycle, include a comment that the student is not in the class this grading period. Grade changes after April 23rd require a grade change form submission. If you have questions, please consult with your administrator(s).
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New Teacher Induction
Contact: Dana Mishoe, Educator Effectiveness
Email: evaluations@nps.k12.nj.us
New Teacher Induction sessions will be held on the 2nd Tuesday of each month. Teachers should attend 6 of the 10 sessions during the School Year. Please register for the next New Teacher Induction session scheduled for Tuesday, April 9th, 4-6pm.
One of April’s sessions will be hosted by the Department of Science and will focus on how to develop Three Dimensional Science Tasks.
Registration and meeting links for each month can be found in the induction schedule linked here.
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2023-2024 Discretionary Funds
Contact: Maribel James, Human Resource Services
Email: mjames@nps.k12.nj.us
Dear Teachers, Nurses, and Academic Interventionists:
As per District policy, in order to be reimbursed in the amount of $150.00 for items that supplement and affect your work with pupils this school year, you will be providing your receipts to your location treasurer.
Please be guided by the Discretionary Fund Memo below:
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Updated 2023-24 Climate and Culture Calendar
Contact: Stacy M Pelham-Hale, Office of Student Life
Email: s1hale@nps.k12.nj.us
 Please click the link to access the updated 2023-24 Culture and Climate Calendar. This revised calendar contains valuable resources that include interactive schoolwide and classroom activities to celebrate Asian American & Pacific Islanders Month in May and Caribbean Heritage Month in June.
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Enter the "Attendance Matters" Attendance Poster Contest 2023-2024
Contact: Margaret El, Visual and Performing Arts
Email: mel@nps.k12.nj.us
 Encourage student artists to participate. Complete details, including criteria and guidelines, are available in this Google folder:
- Each poster must be the original design and creation of the student and meet the Contest Rubric Criteria.
- Each poster must feature the slogan, "Attendance Matters...Every School Day Counts"
- Each poster must be properly labeled as instructed in the guidelines to be considered.
District submission deadline is April 8, 2024 by 2:00pm. Please follow all guidelines to ensure proper school selection and submission.
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Elementary Basketball and Cheer Begins!
Contact: Julianne Bello, Office of Extended Learning
Email: jbello@nps.k12.nj.us
 The Office of Extended Learning is excited to launch the 2024 Elementary Basketball and Cheer Season beginning March 16, 2024 at 1:30pm in schools across the city. Use the link here to view the weekly schedule:
See you in the stands!
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Apply for Summer Programs 2024 Jobs on Frontline
Contact: Matthew Brewster, Office of Staff Development
Email: MBrewster@nps.k12.nj.us
 District personnel who are interested in Summer Programs 2024 employment are encouraged to review the Summer Jobs Brochure to see the new and exciting opportunities that are being offered this year.
Select instructional, non-instructional, and administrative positions are currently available on Frontline. Additional jobs will be made available on a rolling basis.
Please direct questions to summerjobs@nps.k12.nj.us.
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Observance of Ramadan
As you know, Muslims observe Ramadan, which began on Sunday, March 10 and ends on Tuesday, April 9. In our continuing efforts to be mindful and respectful of everyone, attached for your convenience, is an infographic from the Superintendent.
Infographic: Ramadan - Need To Know Flyer
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RethinkEd Paid Professional Development
Contact: Muddasra Munir, Office of Federal Programs & Grants
Email: mmunir@nps.k12.nj.us
Thanks to CDC Grant funds, the NBOE has partnered with RethinkEd to provide Professional Development opportunities under Trauma Informed Care and Cultural Responsiveness and Racial Literacy. The sessions are being held virtually between March 5th - May 16th from 3:30PM-4:30PM and are open to all District teachers and support staff.
Participants will receive supplemental pay.
See the attached flyer for descriptions and Whetstone registration links:
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Interested in TESL/Bilingual Certification?
Contact: Carlos Reyes, Human Resource Services
Email: c1reyes@nps.k12.nj.us
 Grant funding is available to New Jersey educators looking to earn TESL/Bilingual credentials. Join OSGP online or in Portugal in Summer 2024!
This program is for individuals who already possess their primary cert (Standard) and wish to obtain additional teaching certifications. Upon completion of the program and obtaining the new certification, staff may qualify for the $4,000 bonus to transition into a Bilingual vacancy.
Click here for more information.
Should you have additional questions, please email Teach@nps.k12.nj.us.
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Certifications Updates
Contact: Eboni Woolridge, Human Resource Services
Email: ewoolridge@nps.k12.nj.us
Register for Virtual Office Hours by using the following link: https://forms.gle/J9EmbPxAgG3eiM
Urgent Request: Contact the Certifications team for the following:
- CE/Limited CE Holders Only: Provisional program selections must be submitted immediately for provisional license registration.
- All licenses must be submitted to the certification team upon issuance.
- Email: certifications@nps.k12.nj.us
Pathways Programs: All certification progress must be uploaded via Google Form:
Mentorship: All novice Provisional and Pathways employees should be paired with a mentor.
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Transfer Period: April 8th - April 19th, 2024
Contact: Justine Carter, Human Resource Services
Email: j1carter@nps.k12.nj.us
The transfer time frame allows teachers to review all District school portfolios and apply to a school they feel their skill set is best suited for. Once the teacher interviews with the school leader, and if both agree to move forward on a transfer request, an application is placed.
During the transfer window, the applications are reviewed for requirements such as licensure and other items that are in the best interest of the students being served. Once the transfer decision is arrived, all parties are messaged.
Apply on Frontline between April 8th and April 19th.
** Check out the fantastic opportunities at the elementary and high school level by reviewing the following links: NBOE High School Profiles or NBOE Elementary School Profiles. For more information about our academies at the high school level, please visit: https://www.nps.k12.nj.us/academies/ **
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Friendly Referral Bonus Reminder!
Contact: Carlos Reyes, Human Resource Services
Email: c1reyes@nps.k12.nj.us
 The anticipated job postings for school year 2024-25 are now live and open for external candidates to apply!
We encourage all staff members who qualify for the referral program to take advantage of this great initiative and earn $1,000 for EACH teacher candidate that is successfully hired in our District.
For additional information, please visit https://teachnewark.com/referral/ or email us at Teach@nps.k12.nj.us.
Thank you!
HRS - Recruitment Team
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Parent University Spring 2024 (February - June Workshops)
Contact: Mariah Alston, Office of Federal Programs & Grants
Email: m1alston@nps.k12.nj.us
 The Spring 2024 semester of NBOE's Parent University is underway with virtual family and academic workshops hosted by NBOE, virtual financial wellness workshops hosted by Prudential, and opportunities to attend in person workshops as well!
All workshops are open to both families and staff across an array of topics all with the goal of supporting student learning and success.
Print, post, and share the Spring 2024 Calendar of workshops and encourage families to attend.
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Pathways to Teaching Program Check-In Meetings
Contact: Justine Carter, Human Resource Services
Email: j1carter@nps.k12.nj.us
Below you will find the schedule for the Pathways to Teaching and Career Pathways monthly check-in meetings:
- Tuesday, 4/9 - 3:20PM
- Tuesday, 5/14 - 3:20PM
- Tuesday, 6/11 - 3:20PM
WebEx links are sent to your NPS emails one week prior to the check-in date. Contact your HRS Partner with any questions or concerns.
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Empowering Educators: Unwind and Recharge with Yoga!
Contact: Jennifer Rodriguez, Office of Federal Programs and Grants
Email: J20rodriguez@nps.k12.nj.us
We are excited to continue offering free virtual yoga classes to all NBOE staff! Thanks to grant funding, the District has continued to partner with Newark Yoga Movement to provide yoga classes twice a month through the end of the school year. Staff who attend at least 4 classes will receive a free yoga mat while supplies last. Please see the flyer below to register for the classes you would like to attend:
For more information, contact j20rodriguez@nps.k12.nj.us.
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Disciplinary Guide
Contact: Mary Leigh Harvey, Office of Student Life
Email: mharvey@nps.k12.nj.us
The attachment contains the disciplinary guide:
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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
Press Releases
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Teacher Talk is emailed every other Monday.
The submission deadline is 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday. |
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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.
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