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Message from Dr. Reilly
Dear Teachers and Instructional Staff,
 October 5th marked the annual World Teachers’ Day sponsored by UNESCO. In 2023, World Teachers’ Day celebrations focused on the theme, "The teachers we need for the education we want: The global imperative to reverse the teacher shortage.” It was a day to celebrate how teachers are transforming education but also to reflect on the support teachers need to fully deploy their talent and vocation, and to rethink the way ahead for the profession globally.
We wanted to pause and acknowledge all our teachers and affirm the critical and creative work you do.
We thank you for your leadership, creativity, and commitment to our students and schools.
Sincerely,
Dr. Reilly
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Early Screening Inventory-3
Contact: Victoria Dampare, Office of Early Childhood
Email: vdampare@nps.k12.nj.us
The Office of Early Childhood will utilize the Early Screening Inventory-3 (ESI-3) for all new students, including 3-year-olds and 4-year-old students entering preschool for the first time. The initial screening period begins September 26, 2023, and will conclude on October 12, 2023.
Please refer to the SY 2023-2024 Early Screening Inventory-3 Guidance and Timelines for required resources and further information.
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ECERS and TPOT Assessments
Contact: Victoria Dampare, Office of Early Childhood
Email: vdampare@nps.k12.nj.us
The Office of Early Childhood would like to inform you that the Preschool Teacher Coach and PIRS Coach assigned to your school will be conducting Early Childhood Environmental Rating Scales (ECERS) and Teaching Pyramid Observation Tool (TPOT) program quality and environmental assessments in your Pre-Kindergarten classrooms. These assessments will begin on Monday, October 23, 2023, and continue through Friday, March 15, 2024. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to the supervisor who supports your location.
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October 18 Pre-K Professional Development
Contact: Mara Kaplan, Office of Early Childhood
Email: mkaplan@nps.k12.nj.us
On October 18, 2023, The Office of Early Childhood will be offering 3 Professional Development sessions.
- All Pre-K teachers will be participating in a half-day session focused on Mathematical Reasoning that will build on the session provided in August on Mathematical Discourse.
- All Pre-K Teacher Assistants will be participating in a virtual half-day session focused on Oral Language Development.
- All Head Start Teachers and Teacher Assistants will participate in a required virtual session on Active Supervision.
Additional information with locations and links will be provided in the Professional Development Matrix.
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| Elementary School Teachers |
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Mandatory RAMP Training for Grades 3 and 4 Music Teachers
Contact: Margaret El, Visual and Performing Arts
Email: mel@nps.k12.nj.us
There is mandatory professional development for all music teachers who will teach recorder this year on October 11, 2023. Teachers must register for the RAMP program using the following link by October 1:
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Register to Attend the NJMEA Inaugural Student Conference 2023 at Rider University (New)
Contact: Margaret El, Visual and Performing Arts
Email: mel@nps.k12.nj.us
 NJMEA Student Conference will involve sessions and performances for high school musicians to grow their musicianship and take another step into what it means to be a musician in today's world. The event will feature a keynote session by Dr. G. Preston Wilson.
Conference details:
Send any questions to Daniel Pasquale at dpasqual@somsd.k12.nj.us.
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Free Teacher Webinar – Student Courtroom News Reporter Competition
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:
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Qualified Translators and Interpreters (New)
Contact: Isabel Ruela-Fernandes and Pilar Veru, Office of Bilingual Education
Email: Ifernandes@nps.k12.nj.us; pveru@nps.k12.nj.us
 The attached list of Qualified Translators and Interpreters includes the names of the only individuals at each school who are authorized to provide translation or interpretation of school information. In the event of need for one of these services, please call on one of the listed individuals:
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UPDATED Procedure: New Vendor for Translation and Interpretation Services (New)
Contact: Adalis Alvarez-Craft, Office of Bilingual Education (OBE)
Email: acraft@nps.k12.nj.us
To use LanguageLine Solutions, please follow the UPDATED procedures outlined below.
On-Demand Interpretation: Please dial 844-234-2408 and select the required language. You will NOW be prompted to enter the school code. School codes can be found on the District List of Codes for Translation 2023-24. Users are also required to fill out the OBE Form for On-Demand Services for tracking.
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.
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Parent University – October 2023 (New)
Contact: Mariah Alston, Office of Federal Programs & Grants
Email: m1alston@nps.k12.nj.us
 We are excited to announce a new semester of Parent University, a system-wide learning program to provide resources, learning opportunities, and linkages for ongoing parent and family involvement and community engagement that supports student learning.
Please take a look at October 2023 using the link below, which has the dates, times, and linked flyers for each virtual workshop for October:
Print, post, and share the flyer and encourage families to attend. Also, keep an eye out for the forthcoming November 2023 calendar.
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Monthly Math Memo - October 2023 (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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Apply for School Garden Mini-Grant (New)
 Contact: Kathleen Tierney, Office of Science
Email: ktierney@nps.k12.nj.us
The Newark Grows School Garden Mini-Grant Program could award up to $1500 towards your school's garden-based programming. The deadline to apply for this grant is October 31st. Please see the flyer below for more details:
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Enter the 2024 Scholastic Art & Writing Awards! (New)
Contact: Margaret El, Visual and Performing Arts
Email: mel@nps.k12.nj.us
 The 2024 Scholastic Awards Are Open for Entries!
Now is the time to enter the 2024 Scholastic Art & Writing Awards! Teens in grades 7-12, ages 13 and up, can enter their original work in 28 categories of art and writing, which includes poetry, photography, short story, painting, and more! Educators can also create their accounts to help the creative teens in their lives participate in the 2024 Awards. Get started today!
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OSE Professional Development and Upcoming Supports (New)
Contact: Candice Wells, Office of Special Education
Email: c1wells@nps.k12.nj.us
October is a time to celebrate diverse abilities. See the attached to learn more about Learning Disability and Dyslexia Awareness Month & Physical Therapy Month. See attached list of October's OSE PD offerings. Please confirm with your principal first before registering in SchoolMint.
Inclusive Schools Week is celebrated in December. OSE would like all teachers and staff to share out their contributions to Inclusive Practices which occurs all year long. Take pictures of your collaboration or students engaged in building inclusive opportunities for all (more info forthcoming in next issue).
10-10-23-Teacher-Talk-2.pdf
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Social Emotional Learning- Rethink Scope and Sequence for Teachers (New)
Contact: Jessica Silva-Olmo, Student Support Services, Office of Student Life
Email: jsilva@nps.k12.nj.us
RethinkEd continues to be the Social and Emotional Learning Curriculum for students in grades K-12. Attached, please find the Classroom lesson scope and sequence for teachers to utilize with students in the classroom. The curriculum is to be followed as outlined to meet goals as described in strategic plans, grant reporting on school usage, as well as a way to measure self-reported behavior assessment for students who are possibly in need of referrals. Reports will be shared in the near future for school usage. The Student Fall Self-Assessment is from 9/11-10/31.
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Critical Urban Education Speaker Series (New)
Contact: Matthew Brewster, Office of Staff Development
Email: MBrewster@nps.k12.nj.us
 Critical Urban Education Speaker Series Presents:
Dr. Bettina L. Love
Date: Thursday, October 12, 2023
Time: 5:00PM-7:30PM
Location: Montclair State University, Memorial Auditorium
Please see flyer below to access the QR code for a FREE ticket:
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Great News! CPR Training for All NBOE Staff (New)
Contact: B. Helena Blackwell, Office of Health Services and Nursing
Email: Bblackwell@nps.k12.nj.us
 Newark Beth Israel Medical Center is offering FREE CPR Classes. The goal is to train at least 5 staff members in total from each school (1-2 per school will be selected so as not to disrupt school operations).
Sessions are 1-3 PM and begin Friday 10/20.
Use the Google form below to sign up for your first, second, or third date choice. Seating is limited. We will try to accommodate your top two date preferences. Once you receive your registration confirmation, your date cannot be changed.
Please register: https://forms.gle/7pbzaQnUxN4GpkeM7
CPR-for-All-NBOE-Staff.docx
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2023-2024 Trifecta of Illnesses (New)
Contact: B. Helena Blackwell, Office of Health Services and Nursing
Email: Bblackwell@nps.k12.nj.us
This school year, a trifecta of illnesses is on the rise:
- Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)
- Influenza
- COVID-19
These illnesses can be avoided or mediated with vaccinations.
Vaccines are recommended for individuals aged six months and up, and for those with underlying health conditions or compromised respiratory systems.
Please discuss the appropriateness of these vaccinations with your primary care physician.
Immunization-Information-2023-2024.docx
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Certifications Team Professional Development and Office Hours (New)
Contact: Eboni Woolridge, Human Resource Services
Email: ewoolridge@nps.k12.nj.us
To help support administrators and teachers, the Certification team will be hosting Virtual Office Hours and Professional Development through the month of October 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.
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Pathways Program Check-In (New)
Contact: Justine Carter, Human Resource Services
Email: j1carter@nps.k12.nj.us
Upcoming NEXT Pathways Program Check-Ins:
- Tuesday, October 10, 2023 at 3:20 pm
- Tuesday, November 14, 2023 at 3:20 pm
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National Celebrate Lacrosse Week Pick Up and Play (New)
 Urban Exposure (Newark, NJ) has been chosen again as one of many cities across the country to be one of the Host Sites for a National Celebrate Lacrosse Week Pick Up and Play location. This is a free event for all children, boys and girls under 14 years of age. The Pick Up and Play event is Sunday, November 11th at 11am at Rev. Jesse Allen Park - Turf Field.
Please see below for the flyer to be shared with students and families, one in English and one in Spanish:
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Guidance for Emergency Remote Instruction 2023-2024
 Contact: Paula Perrone, Executive Assistant
Email: pperrone@nps.k12.nj.us
In accordance with New Jersey State Legislature P.L. 2020, Chapter 27 and State of New Jersey Department of Education guidance, the Newark Board of Education will implement the Guidance for Emergency Remote Instruction during a District closure lasting more than three consecutive days due to a declared state of emergency, declared public health emergency, or a directive by the appropriate health agency or officer to institute a public health-related closure.
As shared by Superintendent León during this year’s Convocations, the Guidance for Emergency Remote Instruction 2023-2024 can be accessed from the District’s website:
Teachers and Instructional Staff, ensure that you have created virtual Webex classrooms so the links can be shared on the school’s website. Also, please be mindful that all students will need to have their Chromebooks at home if and when the Guidance for Emergency Remote Instruction is implemented.
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National Board Certification
 Contact: Herb Daughtry, Office of Educator Effectiveness
Email: certifications@nps.k12.nj.us
Are you interested in taking your teaching portfolio to the next level?
The District is encouraging all teachers who have at least three years of teaching experience and a NJ teaching license in good standing to apply for the National Board Certification. This would be an opportunity to be recognized nationally and within our District as a Distinguished Professional Educator.
This license is designed to develop accomplished teachers and generate ongoing improvement for our students. Click the following link to learn more: https://www.nbpts.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Guide_to_NB_Certification.pdf
Already have your Professional license? Contact Certifications today at certifications@nps.k12.nj.us
If you are having accessing issues, please contact Eboni Woolridge at ewoolridge@nps.k12.nj.us
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PowerSchool Gradebook Categories
Contact: Darren Watsky, Student Information Services
Email: dwatsky@nps.k12.nj.us
 The Summative Assessments and Formative Assessments categories have been delivered to all teachers’ gradebook. Assignments in any other categories will not count toward the student’s overall grade. Use the Inactivating Gradebook Categories document to view and edit your gradebook to make unused categories inactive.
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Optimum and TelevisaUnivision Grades 6-12 Hispanic Heritage Essay Contest
Contact: Jennifer Killeen, Office of Teaching and Learning
Email: jkilleen@nps.k12.nj.us
Optimum and TelevisaUnivision invite middle and high school students to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month. In 500 words or less, students choose a person, group of people, or cultural experience (TV show, movie, music, app, event) that has helped them connect to Hispanic culture and what that means. For more information, follow this link: https://www.optimum.com/hispanic-heritage-month.
- Grand Prize: $3,000 scholarship
- Prize for 3 Finalists: iPad
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Red Ribbon Week: October 23-31, 2023
Contact: LaTonya White, Office of Student Support Services - Office of Student Life
Email: ldwhite@nps.k12.nj.us
Red Ribbon Week is a national drug prevention awareness campaign celebrated annually during the month of October. To commemorate this campaign, below is a packet of suggested activities and lessons for students during the week of October 23rd to 31st, 2023.
Student Assistance Coordinators, please see below for the Information Sheet. Members of your school IMPACT Team (administrators, counselors, social workers and nurses) may join the "Informational" Google classroom with this code: 3z6whmq, or by utilizing this LINK.
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Poster and PSA Contests for Red Ribbon Week
Contact: LaTonya White, Office of Student Support Services - Office of Student Life
Email: ldwhite@nps.k12.nj.us
The Student Assistance Coordinators will conduct two student contests to kick off the Red Ribbon Week campaign, utilizing this year's theme, "Be Kind to Your Mind. Live Drug Free".
- Poster Contest: Grades 6-8th
- PSA Contest: Grades 9-12th
Please encourage student participation by the deadline of October 20, 2023. For more information, see the attached flyers:
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Health and Wellness Fair
Contact: LaTonya White, Office of Student Support Services - Office of Student Life
Email: ldwhite@nps.k12.nj.us
The Office of Student Life SACs are partnering with Greater Essex Counseling to host a Health and Wellness Fair on October 25th, 2023 for NBOE parents and students. The event will take place at Newark Vocational High School from 3:30-6:30 PM. Some activities include:
- Free dental and wellness screenings
- Behavioral health resources
- Drug prevention information
- Nutrition facts and resources
- Prizes and giveaways for students
Some community partners include:
- ADAPT
- Greater Essex Dental
- SAVE
- RethinkED
- I'm So Yoga
Please share the flyer with the registration LINK with students and parents:
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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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HIGH SCHOOL HIRING FAIR - SATURDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2023!!!
 Contact: Carlos Reyes, Human Resource Services
Email: c1reyes@nps.k12.nj.us
Please spread the word and post THIS FLYER on all of your social media platforms! Take advantage of our referral program and earn $1,000 for each teacher successfully hired with our District.
- Registration for External Applicants: Use THIS LINK to register.
Please contact Teach@nps.k12.nj.us with questions.
- Audience: This job fair is designed for high school teachers looking to join our District.
- When: Saturday, October 21, 2023
- Time: 10:00 am - 1:00 pm
- Location: Barringer High School - 90 Parker Street, Newark, NJ 07104
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Save the Date: 10/21 NBOE Well Health & Wellness Fair
 Contact: Jennifer Medina, Human Resource Services
Email: j1medina@nps.k12.nj.us
The Office of Benefit Services is thrilled to announce the first NBOE Well Health & Wellness Fair! The event is scheduled to take place on October 21st from 9:30 am – 12:30 pm at Rafael Hernandez. All benefit eligible employees are invited to participate in this event, no registration required! Click the link to download the NBOE Well Health & Wellness Fair 2023 Flyer for more details. We look forward to seeing you there!
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Register for Access to Education Week
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.
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Samsung Solve for Tomorrow Competition
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.
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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.
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I Believe in You & I Believe in My PLC FAQ
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:
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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.
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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 Office of Benefit Services Fall 2023 Newsletter
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!
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Labor Relations Virtual Office Hours
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.
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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
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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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