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Teacher Talk 6/1/2021

Message from Dr. Mary Ann Reilly

Dear Teachers and Staff,

I hope this extended weekend brought you the opportunity to not only enjoy time with your loved ones, but to also reflect on the meaning of Memorial Day. May the commitment of our heroes inspire you to serve in ways that you can. 

As we enter the month of June, let us continue to look for creative and inspiring ways to serve students and encourage lifelong learners. Distance learning has taught us the importance of valuing learning wherever it takes place in life. 

In addition, please find important information below for your review:

1. ) May 24th NJDOE Broadcast regarding American Rescue Plan Application and Update 
2.) NJDOE Road Forward 
3.) Social Emotional Spotlight Tools developed by the  Council of the Great City Schools that focus on social/emotional and mental health issues. The first is dedicated to fostering mental health; the second deals with issues of grief and loss; and the third involves suicide.

4.) Return, Recover and Reimagine:  Toward a Renaissance in America’s Public Schools - Randi Weingarten’s Speech
5.) Newark Teachers and Students Are Excited to Be Back in School- AFT President Randi Weingarten visits First Avenue School

Stay curious.

Have a wonderful week! 

Dr. Reilly

 
NEW ITEMS ALL TEACHERS    
NEW ITEMS 

Office of Early Childhood May Teacher News Blast (New)

Contact: Mara Kaplan, Office of Early Childhood
Email: mkaplan@nps.k12.nj.us

Below is a link to the May Teacher News Blast for Pre-K Teachers. Please feel free to reach out to your Teacher Coach or PIRT Coach for additional assistance.

May Teacher News Blast

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 Mentorship Log Submissions for 20-21SY (New)

Contact: Certifications
Email: Certifications@nps.k12.nj.us

Mentor logs should be completed and submitted to the Office of Human Resources Services upon completion of the required 30 weeks of mentorship no later than June 25, 2021. Please note, mentorship logs should NOT be submitted to certifications@nps.k12.nj.us or mentorship@nps.k12.nj.us (address no longer exists).

Please submit logs via Google Form.

Be sure to save mentor logs as "[Mentee ID] [Mentee Last Name] –Mentor Logs - [School Year]" or "54321 Smith - Mentor Logs 2020-21".

Mentor Logs Template 

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2021 - 2022 Pay Calendars (New)

Contact: Randy Schrader, Employee Services
Email: rschrader@nps.k12.nj.us

Attached please find the 2021-2022 Pay Calendar for each paygroup (see below)

Pay calendar goals (updates for 2021-2022):
• Standardize pay dates and periods for all employees
• Pay employees for time worked, after it is performed (Holdback)

Example: Time worked 9/11/2021 through 9/24/2021 paid 10/1/2021

P10 10 month NTU Staff, Food Service Workers, Bus Drivers, School Physicians*
P11 Nurse’s Aides, Security Guards
P12 12 Month Employees
P22 LPNs*
P23 VPs and DCs *
P24 Sr. Cooks and Food Service Workers *

*moving to holdback*

Contact: Gigi Pescoran - fpescoran@nps.k12.nj.us


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Muhammad Ali Festival Youth Poetry and Art Contest (New)

Contact: Margaret El, Visual & Performing Arts
Email: mel@nps.k12.nj.us

The Muhammad Ali Center is seeking student artists to join us in celebrating the life and legacy of Muhammad Ali for our annual ALI WEEK Festival. The Ali Center is calling students from grades K-12 to channel their inner Ali by submitting poetry or an art piece based on specific Ali-related themes. We will select one winner from grades elementary, middle, and high, who will receive a unique prize. Select student artwork and poems will also be showcased through the Ali Center’s social media platforms.

For more information, click here. 
To Submit, click here. 

Youth Poetry and Art Contest

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Teachers College Professional Development Summer Institute (New)

Contact: Dr. Kimberly R. Santos, Office of Staff Development
Email: ksantos@nps.k12.nj.us

Teachers College, Columbia University
Four day PD Summer Institute
July 12-15, 2021
Re-imagining Education: Teaching, Learning, and Leading for a Racially Just Society

Participants will get the resources they need to incorporate racial literacy, cultural competence, anti-racism, and social-emotional learning into their teaching practice. The Re-imagining Education Summer Institute is a PD opportunity for educators to earn PD Credits (30 Clock Hours) and/or earn 3-Graduate Credits from Teachers College that can be applied to graduate programs elsewhere.

Click here to register.

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Essex County Turtle Back Zoo Vaccination Event (New)

Please share this information with your students and families. 

Zoo Vaccination Event Flyer

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ALL TEACHERS 

ILP Completion Tips : New One Pager (New)

Contact: Rochanda Jackson, OPPET
Email: RJackson@nps.k12.nj.us

Based on the questions that have been fielded by T & L and OPPET regarding the completion of the Individualized Learning Plans, a one pager is now available with additional guidance for the K-7 English, Math, Science, and Social Studies teachers to consider as they complete this task.

ILP Completion Tips

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Office of Mathematics - Office Hours (New)

Contact: Darleen Gearhart, Office of Mathematics
Email: dgearhart@nps.k12.nj.us

The Office of Mathematics is hosting weekly, one-hour sessions in which unit overviews from curriculum guides will be reviewed with emphasis on students’ conceptual understanding and resources for student engagement.

The session will be divided into two parts: first, the Summaries of Key Learnings will be reviewed and, second, teachers and coaches will have an opportunity to engage in a question-and-answer session. Join us Tuesdays & Thursdays from 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm. See the attached flyer for details.

Math Office Hours Flyer

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Kean University Community Writing Program for Teachers in Grades 3-8 (New)

Contact: Brian Mooney,  ELA Office/ Teaching and Learning 
Email: bmooney@nps.k12.nj.us

Through a new partnership with Newark Board of Education, the Kean University Writing Project will develop and deliver customized programming on the teaching of writing across the curriculum based on writing process, community building, and critical digital pedagogy, specifically designed for ELA teachers in Grades 3-8. Mandatory participation required in summer writing retreat on July 12, 13, 14 from 9am - 3pm. PD hours will be awarded to participants.

Please apply here by June 4, 2021. 

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Revised Reconciliation period for the End-of-year (2020-2021) (New)

Contact: Elizabeth A. Haden, OPPET - SIS
Email: ehaden@nps.k12.nj.us

In support of determining the students’ expected final grade for 2020-2021, the teacher gradebooks are unlocked for all grading cycles so that teachers can update previous cycle grades. Teachers will provide the Historical Grade Change Form to the Scheduling VP who will then edit the Historical Grade in PowerSchool.

Please remember that the teacher’s Gradebook is a legal document and is the authoritative source of a student’s grade. The student’s final grade in a course is determined by what the teacher has in the gradebook for the cycle and exam grades.

By the time grades are stored for the end of the year, there should be no results when running the gradebook vs Stored Grades report. [Please refer to the link attachment]

 If you have questions or concerns, please consult with your administrator(s) and or PowerSchool clerk.

Historical v. Gradebook 

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Office of Special Education Updates (New)

Contact: Candice Wells, Office of Special Education
Email: c1wells@nps.k12.nj.us

The Office of Special Education is providing an opportunity for permanent aides in the Autism and Emotional Regulation Impairment (ERI) Programs to participate in the Registered Behavior Technician Training Initiative Program. Paraprofessionals will complete 40 hours of training in order to successfully complete an RBT® initial competency assessment. The RBT® certification is a widely recognized and respected credential since it is offered by the BACB, the nation’s first organization to certify behavior analysis professionals.

Also, see the attached for additional information regarding Compensatory Services due to the impact of COVID19.

OSE Updates

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Discretionary Funds 

Contact: Maria Arce, Office of Accounting
Email: M1arce@nps.k12.nj.us

Dear Teachers, Nurses, or Academic Interventionist:

As per District policy, in order to be reimbursed in the amount of $300.00 for items that supplemented and affected your work with pupils this school year and COVID-19 related expenses, you will be asked to complete and submit a District Discretionary Fund Certification.

All individuals requesting reimbursement will be required to scan and upload a copy of their 2020-2021 discretionary receipts as supporting documentation no later than June 1, 2021. Please see the attached memorandum for further instructions and to access the link.

Discretionary Funds Memo

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 Revised Calendar for SY 2020-21 

Contact: Principal

The school calendar has been revised for this school year with the last day of school for students and all 10-month employees on June 25, 2021.  Graduation ceremonies will take place no earlier than June 25, 2021. Dismissal time for all other students on the last day of school is noted on the calendar as 1 pm.  If you can close-out by that time, then you will also be dismissed at 1 pm.

The revised school calendar needs to be distributed to families and students.

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Calendar for SY 2021-22 

Contact: Principal

The school calendar has been approved for next school year. The school calendar needs to be distributed to families and students.  We are also including the NJ State Board of Education List of Religious Holidays.

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Math Olympics - Discover Your Inner Mathematician 

Contact: Darleen Gearhart, Office of Mathematics
Email: dgearhart@nps.k12.nj.us

The Newark Board of Education 2021 Math Olympics will take place virtually this year June 3rd for grades 6-12 . All students must register to compete in this year's Math Olympics. Students should complete the registration form below for the categories of Grade 6, Grade 7, Grade 8, Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra 2, Pre-Calculus, Calculus and Statistics/Probability no later than June 2, 2021. Prizes and fame will be awarded!

This competition is open to only students who are currently enrolled in a Newark Board of Education School.

Registration Link
Math Olympics Flyer 

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Road Safety Art Contest 

Contact: Margaret El, Visual & Performing Arts
Email: mel@nps.k12.nj.us

The Road Safety Art Contest is open to students in grades K-12. This contest invites students to use their creativity to raise awareness of how to stay safe on the road, particularly when driving, biking, or walking around large commercial motor vehicles. Entries can be hand-drawn, digital art, animated and live videos, crafts, or photos. The contest is open until June 4th. One GRAND PRIZE, one HONORABLE MENTION, and one PEOPLE’S CHOICE winner will be awarded in four categories (k-5, 6-8, 9-10, 11-12).

Contest entry form and submission guidelines here.

Contest Rules

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Summer Arts Enrichment Programs 

Contact: Margaret El, Visual & Performing Arts
Email: mel@nps.k12.nj.us

The Arts Office looks to support the artistic growth of students through expanded Summer Arts Enrichment Programs located at Arts High School. Share the appropriate flyer with students/families and encourage enrollment for this fun and engaging arts enrichment program.

• Middle School Summer Visual and Performing Arts Academy-current grades 5-7 only (dance, instrumental music, vocal music, theatre and visual art)
• High School Musical Theatre-current grades 8-11 only (singing, acting, dancing, stage design and lighting)
• High School Visual Arts-current grades 8-11 only (art studio atmosphere)

Summer SVPAA Flyer 2021
Summer HS VPA Flyer 2021 

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Request for Kindergarten Clips 

Contact: Cheryl Mack, Office of Early Childhood
Email: cmack@nps.k12.nj.us

Due to the District being immersed in virtual learning for most of school year, Pre-K4 students at Contracted Pre-K Provider locations may not have the opportunity to visit feeder school locations for Kindergarten tours. To that end, The Office of Early Childhood is again requesting short video clips from Kindergarten Teachers to welcome rising Kindergarteners and provide a glimpse of a “day in the life” of a Kindergarten student. This is a monumental educational milestone to be celebrated, and we’d appreciate representation from teachers.

Please email clips to cmack@nps.k12.nj.us

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Escrow Reminder 

Contact: Maribel James, Human Resource Services
Email: NPSCompensation@nps.k12.nj.us

Dear Employee:
 
We hope that you and family are continuing to remain safe and healthy. 
This is a reminder for those enrolled in the Escrow Program that the deductions will be ending on Friday, May 28, 2021. The refund dates are as follows:
 
>>>One Check Option – issued in one (1) lump sum on Friday, June 11, 2021
>>>Four Check Option – issued in four (4) equal installments on July 9th, 23rd, August 6th and August 20, 2021.
 
Escrow Open Enrollment –May through July 15th of each year, if you are interested in enrolling, switching options or discontinuing from the Escrow Program we ask that you do so through ESS (Employee Self Service).  We are excited to introduce our ESS (Employee Self Service) way of enrolling in our Escrow Program this year!!  Please see attachment quick reference on how- to- enroll “Enrolling in the Escrow Program through ESS”.

Enrolling In Escrow Instructions

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Teen Life Conference 

Please share this year's Teen Life Conference information and encourage your students to register! 

When: Friday, June 11, 2021 from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm 

Share the registration link below so you can recruit and attend with your class.

Students can register using this link.  

This virtual youth development conference is free and will include the following presenters:   

Main Stage 10:00AM-10:30AM  

  • PPMNJ Welcome  
  • Teen Links Welcome  
  • Keynote Address (Tia Ryans)  
Workshop Sessions 10:35AM-11:05AM & 11:10AM-11:40AM  
  • New Jersey Social Justice Institute- Ashanti Jones "Social and community activism" 
  • Community Foodbank of NJ-Ashley Policastro  "Nutrition at the store" 
  • Planned Parenthood of Metropolitan NJ- Bethany Diaz   " LGBTQ+"  
Workshop Sessions 10:35AM-11:05AM & 11:10AM-11:40AM  
  • William Paterson  Alma Diaz "College Preparedness" 
  • Job Corps- Julia Gibson  "Are you ready for the workforce?" 
  • Rutgers-Newark HPD (HEALTH PROMOTION DIVISION) “Sexual Health and Social Justice” 

Teen Life Conference Flyer

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Principal Certification and Graduate Program Survey 

Contact: Matthew Brewster, Staff Development
Email: MBrewster@nps.k12.nj.us
 

As we continue to build various pipelines, we know there are teachers and other instructional personnel with master’s degrees from accredited colleges/universities who hold NJ Principal certification or a Certificate of Eligibility. Individuals in that category who have not submitted their principal certification information to HRS can do so by sending an email to certifications@nps.k12.nj.us.
 
You can access and download your certification by visiting the NJDOE Teachers Certification Information System.
 
Additionally, so that we may provide you with some important information and resources, we ask that you complete the Principal Certification Survey linked below:
 
Principal Certification Survey
 
We also know that some of you are currently enrolled in a master’s program at an accredited college/university that will lead to a NJ Principal Certificate of Eligibility. If this describes you, please complete the survey below so we can share some important information with you.
 
Graduate Program Survey

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What’s Your Evidence? Poster Competition 

Contact: Tracy Cummings, Office of Science
Email: tcummings@nps.k12.nj.us

The Office of Science is excited to present: What’s Your Evidence? (Poster Competition)

We encourage teachers and students to get creative with the CER framework and enter our poster competition.

Theme: “Plants Are Our World”
Showcase your grade level specific investigable question provided or create your own investigable question based on the theme: “Plants Are Our World”

Posters can be made by hand or using a computer.

TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR JUDGING, ALL POSTERS MUST BE RECEIVED BY
FRIDAY, June 4, 2021.

Please see links:
Competition Details
Entry Form
Rubric

What's Your Evidence? Poster Contest Information

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Register for NGSS Summer Institute 

Contact: Kathleen Tierney, Office of Science 
Email: ktierney@nps.k12.nj.us

The Office of Science is offering a free professional development experience for a select group of middle school science teachers interested in exploring how to use the tools provided by the NGSS to best support students. Please see the attached flyer for additional information. Anyone interested in this opportunity should submit the google form linked below. Once individuals have been selected, the Office of Science will complete the registration process for the district to attend the NGSS Summer Institute.

Registration Link
NGSS Summer Institute LIVE ONLINE

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$1000 Referral Bonus for NBOE Staff 

Contact: Nadia Khan, HRS
Email: Nkhan@nps.k12.nj.us

Do you know an amazing BILINGUAL or ESL Teacher who would be a perfect match for the Newark Board of Education? If you are a current employee and you refer someone who gets hired as a full-time Bilingual or ESL teacher for the 2020-21 or 2021-22 school year you can earn $1000 per hire. Find out more about this opportunity here.

*Some exceptions may apply.

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NBOE Now Hiring for the 2021-2022 School Year 

The Newark Board of Education will be opening three additional schools for the 2021-2022 School Year. The district will also be creating additional grade levels in eight schools! With the additional schools and grade expansions, there will be a multitude of positions that will be available for hire. WE NEED YOU!

The applications for the various titles are NOW LIVE!  Interviews will be scheduled and held virtually. We are looking for dynamic candidates that will personify the culture of each of our new schools. If you know someone who is ready to join our growing district, share this announcement.

Take a look at the schools’ overview below and Apply Today!

November Special Edition Teacher Talk Newsletter 
 

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Teacher Talk will be delivered every Monday.

  • The submission deadline is 5:00 p.m. on Thursday.
 
NPS Mobile App! 

The district's NPS Mobile App is now available for download for both Apple iOS and Android. With this app you, can:

• Receive Push Notifications when there is inclement weather and school closings

• Track news feeds (powered by your school web site, Facebook and Twitter accounts) at the district and school level

• Look up commonly-sought information directly from the mobile app

 
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. Teacher Talk is typically published on every Monday. 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 submission deadline is Thursday by 5:00 p.m.


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