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NBOE Teacher Talk 10/13/2026

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OCTOBER 13, 2026

Message from the Office of Teaching & Learning

Dear Teachers and Instructional Staff,

Every day in our classrooms, you help students discover what they are capable of achieving. A thoughtful question, a challenging task, or a moment of encouragement can change how a student sees themselves as a learner. Thank you for bringing your expertise, persistence, and care to that work.

As we continue through the opening months of the school year, our shared focus is the instructional core: the relationship among the teacher, the student, and the content. A strong curriculum matters, and your skill brings it to life. When students explain their thinking, ask questions, make connections, and create, they engage more deeply with what they are learning.

As we prepare for the October Staff Development Day, I encourage you to bring a specific question, challenge, or student need to your professional learning. Consider one practice you want to strengthen and what evidence will help you see its impact on students.

Teaching requires knowledge, judgment, responsiveness, and a commitment to keep learning. I appreciate all that you bring to Newark’s classrooms and the opportunities you create for our students each day.

Assistant Superintendent Sandra Marques

I Believe in You Grant

Teachers are vital to the success of our students. With the “I Believe in You” grant, teachers will demonstrate how they are helping students learn to think critically and solve problems. Grants in the amount of $1,000 will be issued to every teacher in each school. Grant funds can be used for instructional materials and supplies. See below for further information:

I Believe in My PLC Grant

This grant provides teachers, possessing a broad vision of what it means to teach and learn, the resources needed to pursue self-designed professional learning experiences. Teacher teams will work collaboratively to determine how funds will be allocated for the grade level or department. One grant will be allocated per school in the amount of $3,000-$7,000. Grant funds can be used for instructional materials and supplies. See below for further information:

 
Early Childhood Teachers
PREVIOUS ITEMS

K and 1st Grade Teachers - Spread the Word

From: Michelina Thornton, Federal Programs & Grants
Email: mthornton@nps.k12.nj.us

Your help is needed to spread the word about Newark Saves, a program that helps Newark children build savings for their future education and career goals. Research shows that children with savings accounts are more likely to attend and graduate from college. By encouraging families to open a Newark Saves account now, we are helping students build a strong foundation for future success.

Please take time this week to:

  • ✅ Send the Newark Saves Coloring Sheet home with students.
  • ✅ Encourage students to color the page and talk with their families about their dreams for the future.
  • ✅ Remind families that opening a Newark Saves account is easy and can help their child prepare for college, career training, or other educational opportunities.

Together, we can help every Newark child dream big and prepare for a bright future.

 
Elementary School Teachers
NEW ITEMS

SLT Robotics Scrimmages (New)

From: Michael Padilla, Office of Instructional Technology
Email: m4padilla@nps.k12.nj.us

The Office of Instructional Technology (OIT) is excited to host the first ever Robotics SLT Scrimmages. The scrimmages will take place at the Dr. Marion A. Bolden Center. Please see the schedule below. OIT is coordinating buses for all teams. 

Tuesday, November 17 
Competition is from:  9am - 11am
South/West SLT Robotics Teams

Tuesday, November 17 
Competition is from:  12:15pm - 2:15pm
North SLT Robotics Teams

Thursday, November 19
Competition is from:  9am - 11am 
East/Central SLT Robotics Teams

Students are to eat breakfast/lunch at their respective buildings. 

 
High School Teachers
PREVIOUS ITEMS

Seeking CTE Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO) Advisors

From: Vonetta Reeves, CTE
Email: vreeves@nps.k12.nj.us

QUALIFICATIONS

  1. NJ Permanent Teaching Certification
  2. A minimum of five years of successful teaching experience
  3. Excellent writing skills are needed.
  4. Knowledge of Career and Technical Student Organizations

RESPONSIBILITIES

  1. Directly support school-based administrator & CTE teacher to oversee the CTSO chapter for a specific Career Academy.
  2. Work with school administration to devise a specific, organized, systematic CTSO chapter that is aligned to NBOE WBL goals for the Academy to start or expand the CTSO chapter with measurable SY goals, & communicate CTSO opportunities with students & guardians.

Interested candidates, please email Director Colleen Troiano at CTroiano@NPS.K12.NJ.US

Please note this is an after school, hourly position at $45/hour.

 
All Teachers
NEW ITEMS

Staff Development Days (New)

From: Dr. Paula Perrone, Office of the Superintendent
Email: pperrone@nps.k12.nj.us

As discussed with Principals, School Leaders, and Teaching & Learning in August, and most recently at last week's Superintendent's Council of Teachers, please be reminded that teachers on District-led Staff Development Day sessions use a QR code or the designated sign-in strategy, to help avoid hundreds of teachers at unnecessary Kronos lines.

Educators are encouraged to carpool to Staff Development Day locations.
 
This information has also been shared with all School Leaders and Central Office Staff to avoid any confusion or misunderstandings.

Help Families Stay Engaged with Free Learning Resources (New)

From: Barbara Evans, Office of Federal Programs & Grants
Email: bevans@nps.k12.nj.us

Teachers are encouraged to share the free monthly Parent Newsletter and Daily Learning Planner with families. These resources provide engaging activities, practical tips, and learning opportunities that support student success at home and strengthen the home-school connection.

Call to Action: Take a moment this week to send these resources to your families and encourage them to explore an activity together.

Together, we can inspire learning beyond the classroom and empower families as essential partners in every child's success.

Check out the October Monthly Math Memo (New)

From: Amanda Grossi, Office of Mathematics
Email: agrossi@nps.k12.nj.us

Check out what is happening in mathematics from Kindergarten to Calculus across Newark Public Schools.

New Teacher Induction (NTI) Training Dates (New)

From: Jennifer Rodriguez, HRS - Office of Educator Effectiveness
Email: evaluations@NPS.K12.NJ.US

NTI Training provides new educators with the resources and support needed to thrive in their first year. The sessions focus on effective instructional practices, classroom management, and professional growth, while building a collaborative network to ensure long-term success. 

Session #1: October 15, 2026, 4:00-6:00 pm
Topics and Webex links: 2026-2027 NBOE New Teacher Induction PD Calendar

Training Dates:

  • 10/15/2026
  • 11/12/2026
  • 12/10/2026
  • 1/14/2027
  • 2/11/2027
  • 3/11/2027
  • 4/15/2027
  • 5/13/2027

Reminder: Traditional Mentor Training #1 (New)

From: Jennifer Rodriguez, HRS - Office of Educator Effectiveness
Email: evaluations@NPS.K12.NJ.US

Our mentor training sessions are designed to equip mentors with the skills, strategies, and resources they need to effectively support and guide others. Participants will deepen their understanding of mentorship, strengthen their coaching techniques, and build confidence in fostering growth and development. Session #1 will be held virtually on October 22 from 4:00-6:00 p.m. 

Session #1: https://nboe.webex.com/meet/acraft

Traditional Mentor Training:

  • 10/22/2026
  • 12/17/2026
  • 2/8/2027
  • 4/22/2027
  • 5/20/202
All Teachers
PREVIOUS ITEMS

Saturday School Dates SY 2026-27

From: Dr. Paula Perrone, Office of the Superintendent
Email: pperrone@nps.k12.nj.us

Please review the Saturday School Dates SY 2026-27, which outline Saturday School for students in Grades 3-8 and Saturday School for students in Grade 11.

Athletic and City-Wide Events SY 2026-27

From: Dr. Paula Perrone, Office of the Superintendent
Email: pperrone@nps.k12.nj.us

Homeroom Teachers should share these dates during Homeroom.

Coaches and Advisors should share with their students.

Collegial Circles: T&L Support Hours Begin October 1

From: Norma Ramos, Teaching and Learning
Email: nramos@nps.k12.nj.us

Looking for support with curriculum, assessments, instructional resources, or another current priority? Join the Office of Teaching & Learning every Thursday from 3:00–4:00 p.m. for Collegial Circles.

Every Thursday from 3:00 to 4:00 PM, the Office of Teaching & Learning is opening Collegial Circles — a weekly Webex help desk staffed by our department specialists. Just click the link for the department you need and connect with a real person.

Each week, T&L specialists will share timely information and be available to answer questions, offer practical guidance, and help you identify useful resources. Join for a quick question, stay for the full session, or attend with your grade-level or content-area team.

Choose the department that best matches your needs using the links available in the Collegial Circles Home Page.

Can’t attend on Thursday? Submit your question in advance using the Ask Us Ahead form. A T&L team member will follow up with you directly. If you are unsure which department to select, choose “Not sure—help me find the right person,” and we will connect you with the appropriate team.

We look forward to connecting with you beginning October 1.

Digital Citizenship Week

From: Michael Padilla, Office of Instructional Technology
Email: m4padilla@nps.k12.nj.us

Common Sense Media's Digital Citizenship Week, from October 19 - 23, is an opportunity for schools to engage students in meaningful conversations about responsible technology use, online safety, media balance, digital footprints, and respectful online behavior. Tech Coaches/Leads are asked to collaborate with staff to incorporate short classroom activities, discussions, lessons, and more using the free resources available through Common Sense Education.  

Schools may participate by highlighting a daily digital citizenship theme, sharing family resources, integrating lessons into existing classes, or collaborating with media specialists, counselors, and technology teachers to promote safe, responsible, and balanced technology use. Please highlight your school’s Digital Citizenship Week on this document and reach out to Director Padilla for questions or support.

Digital Learners Institute

From: Michael Padilla, Office of Instructional Technology
Email: m4padilla@nps.k12.nj.us

The Office of Instructional Technology will be hosting Digital Learners Institute meetings throughout the year to discuss technology initiatives and best practices with Technology Leads across the district. All meetings will take place in the library at the Dr. Marion A. Bolden Student Center. The planned meeting dates for this year are:

It is essential that all Technology Leads attend so that we can share goals and strategies that can then be turn-keyed to each building. Please reach out to Director Padilla with any questions.

OSE Updates: Policy Updates and PD Opportunities

From: Candice Wells, Office of Special Education
Email: elewars@nps.k12.nj.us

The Office of Special Education emphasizes the importance of ensuring teachers can quickly access key information in each student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP). Please see linked newsletter regarding completion of an "IEP at a Glance" document to support instructional planning (due date October 2, 2026). Program Specialists are available to support teachers. OSE Office Hours are available a well.

DLM Assessment guidelines are also included. See the newsletter to view various PD opportunities for teachers, CSTs, paraprofessionals, and school administrators.

October Culture & Climate Artifacts

From: Rania Sawaged, Office of Student Life
Email: rsawaged@nps.k12.nj.us

Please use the October Suggested Activities document to promote awareness for: 

  • Week of Respect (10/5-10/9)
  • World Mental Health Day (10/10)
  • New Jersey School Violence Awareness Week (10/19-10/23)
  • National Red Ribbon Week (10/23-10/31)

Traditional Mentor Training

From: Jennifer Rodriguez, HRS - Office of Educator Effectiveness
Email: evaluations@NPS.K12.NJ.US

Our mentor training sessions are designed to equip mentors with the skills, strategies, and resources they need to effectively support and guide others. Participants will deepen their understanding of mentorship, strengthen their communication and coaching techniques, and build confidence in fostering growth and development.

Session #1 will be held virtually from 4:00-6:00 pm.

Traditional Mentor Training:

  • 10/22/2026
  • 12/17/2026
  • 2/8/2027
  • 4/22/2027
  • 5/20/2027

New McKinney Vento Transportation Request Process

From: Stacy M Pelham Hale, Office of Student Life
Email: s1hale@nps.k12.nj.us

All McKinney-Vento Points of Contact (MV POCs) must now submit transportation requests for General Education Students ONLY through the McKinney-Vento Transportation Request Google Form.

Transportation Requests FYI:

  • Submit requests only for general education students enrolled in your school.
  • Submit a separate request for each sibling attending your school.
  • If siblings attend different NBOE schools, each school's MV POC will be asked to submit a separate request.
  • Newark high school students will receive a bus pass only (if they live beyond walking distance).
  • Newark elementary school students may receive in-district busing or a bus ticket and parent bus pass (if requested and eligible).
  • Students living outside Newark will receive out-of-district transportation.

Submit Your Proposal For Gen Green!

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

The next cycle of Gen Green is upon us. This youth-led sustainability initiative allows students to propose, develop, and vote on sustainable projects with the chance for their winning project to be announced on Earth Day 2027.  If you are interested in partnering with Newark's Office of Sustainability, upon your principal's approval, please contact gengreen@ci.newark.nj.us. They will work with you to tailor idea collection to your school's needs.

PowerSchool Maintenance Days 2026-2027

From: Esther Lewars, OPPET - Student Information Services
Email: elewars@nps.k12.nj.us

PowerSchool requires periodic downtimes to run processes not possible while the system is running. The PowerSchool Maintenance Calendar is subject to change. All PowerSchool maintenance days occur when school is not in session, and every effort is made to not have PowerSchool down the weekend before grades are due or stored. All staff and teachers are notified on the PowerTeacher login screen when an upcoming shutdown will occur.

Homework Hotline

From: Michael Padilla, Office of Instructional Technology
Email: m4padilla@nps.k12.nj.us

Homework Hotline returns on September 14th! Certified teachers will be able to meet with students virtually to provide live assistance to all grade levels in all content areas. Please share this information with all staff and students and see this flyer for additional information.

Culture & Climate Calendar SY 2026-27

From: Rania Sawaged, Office of Student Life
Email: rsawaged@nps.k12.nj.us

Please review the Culture & Climate Calendar for the 2026–2027 school year. This calendar is intended to serve as a guide when planning required and suggested activities, service/community projects, and other school events throughout the year.

To support a more streamlined artifact collection process, the principal will designate one staff member each month to be responsible for uploading photos and artifacts to your school's assigned slide. Please refer to the Culture & Climate Mandatory Artifacts for guidance.

If you have any questions, don't hesitate to reach out.

Mandatory HIB/Title IX SY 2026-27 Documents/Links

From: Stacy M. Pelham-Hale, Office of Student Life
Email: s1hale@nps.k12.nj.us

As we prepare for the 2026–2027 school year, we invite you to review the attached HIB/Title IX Resource Link. This resource has been created to support your school throughout the year and includes the following materials:

  • HIB and Title IX PowerPoint presentations for staff, students, and parents
  • Training templates
  • Principal Certification Forms
  • HIB/Title IX Complete Documentation Forms for the 2026–2027 school year

HIB/Title IX Resource Link – 2026–2027 School Year Documents: HIB/Title IX  Resource Links to Powerpoints Trainings & Certification Forms

Please keep this resource readily available, as it contains the forms and materials needed to ensure compliance with HIB and Title IX requirements throughout the school year.

If you have any questions or need assistance, please do not hesitate to contact Supervisor Stacy M Pelham-Hale at s1hale@nps.k12.nj.us.

 

NBOE in the News

Press Releases

Oct 09, 2026: Superintendent’s Council of Teachers Gives High Marks to the Start of a Great School Year
Oct 09, 2026: Newark Student Leaders Share Optimism and Determination at Superintendent’s Council of Students Meeting
Oct 09, 2026: Superintendent León Holds First Parent Council Meeting of the School Year, Strengthening Families’ Voices in Newark Public Schools
Oct 09, 2026: Newark Public Schools Celebrates Official Opening of New Media High School
Oct 09, 2026: Newark Public Schools’ Fall Convene Meeting Advances College and Career Opportunities
Oct 09, 2026: Newark Public Schools Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month With Music, Theater, and Community
Oct 07, 2026: Newark Public Schools’ Entrepreneurs Take Their Business to the National Stage
Oct 07, 2026: Newark Public Schools Students Perform at “Latinos in Times Square” Celebration
Oct 06, 2026: Police Officers of Puerto Rico Share Lessons in Service and Sacrifice with Barringer High School Students
Oct 02, 2026: Newark Public Schools Honored for Outstanding Communications

Oct 01, 2026: Newark Public Schools Celebrates 26th Annual Senior Day with Unprecedented Achievement and National Recognition
Oct 01, 2026: Newark Public Schools Museum Preserves the Excellence of Black History in Newark and New Jersey
Oct 01, 2026: Newark Public Schools Collaboration with Early Childhood Providers Yields Innovative Enrichment Opportunities
Oct 01, 2026: Newark Public Schools Continues Unparalleled Student Enrollment Growth
Oct 01, 2026: Newark Public Schools Fitness Center Helps Employees Prioritize Health and Wellness
Oct 01, 2026: Newark Public Schools Health Benefits Program Saves Employees Millions
Oct 01, 2026: Newark Public Schools Comes Through State Audit with Flying Colors

Teacher Talk is emailed every other Monday.

The submission deadline is 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday.

 

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