\In This issue:

1. Upcoming Membership Meeting
2. ICE concerns
3. It's okay to not be okay. 
4. Scholarship Opportunities
5. PD Opportunities

AND MUCH MORE!!

As we move into the second half of the academic year, I want to thank you for your continued dedication to our students' success. I am writing to remind you that the Quarter 2 Benchmark Assessments will open tomorrow, January 22, 2025, and remain open through January 30, 2025.
 
Benchmark assessments play a pivotal role in informing our instructional practices. According to research, "benchmark assessments provide critical insights into student progress and help educators identify both strengths and areas for targeted intervention" (Black & Wiliam, 2018). These assessments allow us to monitor growth, adjust our teaching strategies, and ensure we are meeting the diverse needs of our learners.
 
All students are expected to complete the benchmark assessments during this testing window. Full participation not only offers an accurate representation of student performance but also promotes equity in our instructional delivery and support. As you prepare for this week, I encourage you to set aside adequate time for testing and proactively address any logistical or technical challenges.
 
Together, we can leverage this critical tool to drive student achievement and maintain high standards for all.
 
Thank you for your unwavering commitment to excellence in teaching and learning.

Assistant Superintendent Esteves

In This Issue:

1. Editor's Report
2. Midyears
3. Dr MLK Jr Day of Service

4. Scholarship Opportunities

   AND MUCH MORE!

In This Issue

1. SLC Networking Breakfast
2. AFT disaster relief fund
3. Evaluation Task Force
4. Member of the Month
5. NTU Wears Blue
6. Share My Lesson - Dr MLK Jr
7. City of Newark Creative Opportunities
8. Prescription Discounts
   
   AND MORE!!

Dear Teachers and Instructional Staff,

Happy New Year! As we step into 2025, I want to express my sincere gratitude for the dedication, creativity, and passion you bring to our classrooms each day. Your tireless efforts make a profound difference in the lives of our students, and I am excited to see all that we will accomplish together in the year ahead.

As we continue our journey of excellence in Teaching and Learning, I want to remind you of the importance of two key practices that are integral to student success: utilizing Cornell Notes and building student work portfolios. Research underscores the value of these strategies. Jacobs (2008) found that Cornell Notes improve organizational skills and significantly enhance retention and understanding of material, empowering students to become active and reflective learners. Similarly, Paulson and Meyer (1991) emphasize that student portfolios are transformative tools, offering a living, growing collection of work that showcases their efforts, progress, and achievements. These practices not only enrich learning but also foster critical thinking, self-assessment, and ownership of their educational journey.

As we move forward, let us collectively recommit to these approaches, ensuring they are fully embedded in our instructional practices. Together, we can continue to nurture an environment where students thrive, achieving excellence and personal growth.

Thank you for your hard work and dedication to our mission. Here’s to a successful and inspiring year ahead!

Assistant Superintendent Esteves

In this Issue:

1. Happy New Year!!  
2. Efficiency and Organization
3. Looking at your paycheck
4. Social Security Fairness Act
5. NTU Scholarship Application

AND MUCH MORE!