Message from the Superintendent
Dear Teachers and Instructional Staff,
This month, the District hosted various conferences for instructional and non-instructional staff. I want to thank and congratulate the members of the Executive Staff who led these incredible conferences, as well as their teams who supported in making the events such a success. In alignment with The Next Decade: 2020-30 Strategic Plan Priority 4: Continuous Learning for All, your professional development will continue to guide the continuous improvement of learning outcomes for our students.
As we begin preparations for end of year activities, please be mindful of already scheduled District-wide events:
| 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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Office of Early Childhood Spring Break Packet (New)
Contact: Mara Kaplan, Office of Early Childhood
Email: mkaplan@nps.k12.nj.us
The Office of Early Childhood is excited to present students and families with our 3rd Annual Spring Break Packet featuring the book A Bad Case of Stripes by David Shannon. The packet will support families through 5 days of engaging reading activities focused on Social Emotional Learning, Literacy, and Mathematics, with a culminating project that students will present to their classmates after Spring Break. Teacher Coaches will visit your locations on Monday, March 25th to distribute packets. Packets should be sent home no later than Wednesday, March 27th.
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Week of the Young Child (New)
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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NBOE Spring Junior College Fair
Contact: Vernon Pullins Jr., Student Support Services - Office of Student Life
Email: vpullins@nps.k12.nj.us
 On Tuesday, March 26, 2024, the Office of Student Life will hold its annual NBOE Spring Junior College Fair. The location is the Prudential Center, 25 Lafayette Street, Newark, NJ.
The Office of Student Life will provide transportation. The flyer, school rotation schedule, media consent form, and blank trip permission slips are linked below:
Students are not allowed to bring bookbags, food, or drinks into the Prudential Center.
If you have any questions, please contact Vernon Pullins, Jr. at vpullins@nps.k12.nj.us or 862-810-8180 x8626. |
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Required Annual Affirmative Action Training – (All Staff) (New)
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 launch 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 (New)
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 (New)
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 (New)
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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OSE Updates (New)
Contact: LaPrice Weatherington, Office Of Special Education
Email: lweatherington@nps.k12.nj.us
 The Office of Special Education (OSE) is pleased to announce that our 6th Annual Autism Acceptance Kickoff date will be on Tuesday, April 9, 2024. See enclosed for additional information, including OSE PD opportunities:
Additionally, please be sure to register for March 2024 PD opportunities. You must register to receive PD certificates.
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New Teacher Induction (New)
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 (New)
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 (New)
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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PK-8 Snapshot
 Contact: Kimberly Diaz, Office of Teaching and Learning
Email: kdiaz@nps.k12.nj.us
Snapshots for Grades PK-8 can be found on the District website in English, Spanish, Portuguese, French, and Haitian Creole:
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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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National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week 2024
Contact: LaTonya White, Student Support Services - Office of Student Life
Email: ldwhite@nps.k12.nj.us
 Explore activities on substance use prevention, overdose awareness and response, and more!
Teens and other members of your community can learn more about the science of drug and alcohol use, make informed decisions about their health, and possibly even save the life of someone else.
In case you haven’t registered for National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week® (NDAFW), happening March 18-24, 2024, please Register Today!
National-Drug-Alcohol-Fact-Week-Final.pdf
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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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Kean University Tuition Discount
Contact: Carlos Reyes, Human Resource Services
Email: c1reyes@nps.k12.nj.us
 Are you currently attending Kean University or do you intend on attending Kean in the near future? Do you wish to save 10-20% on tuition? If so…
SAVE THE DATE!
As an NBOE staff member, you're part of the KEANetwork and eligible for exclusive benefits from Kean University. Join us in March to learn more!
Click here to learn more about this initiative and to access the virtual link to join this information session.
Date: Tuesday, March 26th, 2024
Time: 3:15pm - 4:15pm
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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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Join Juilliard's Tuition-free Music Advancement Program (MAP)
Contact: Margaret El, Visual and Performing Arts
Email: mel@nps.k12.nj.us
 For more than 30 years, MAP has served students from New York City’s five boroughs and the tri-state area who demonstrate a commitment to artistic excellence. Classes take place at Juilliard on Saturdays, 8:30am-6:00pm. Eligible students must be between the ages of 8 and 17, reside in the tristate area (NY, NJ, CT), and have played their instrument for at least two years.
The program is tuition-free and actively seeks students from diverse backgrounds underrepresented in the classical music field.
Apply online at apply.juilliard.edu/apply.
Juilliard-Music-Advancement-Program.pdf
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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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