Message from the Office of Teaching & LearningDear Teachers and Instructional Staff, As Thanksgiving approaches, I want to take a moment to express our deepest gratitude for each of you. Your unwavering dedication to educating, nurturing, and supporting the academic and social-emotional growth of our students is truly inspiring. Your compassionate efforts uplift our most vulnerable children and families, especially during this holiday season. In addition to your incredible work, I’m excited to share that all students from Pre-K through 8th grade, and soon 9th through 12th, will be receiving the latest edition of Scholastic Student Magazines. These magazines are powerful tools to ignite a love of reading, expand vocabulary, and deepen nonfiction knowledge. We encourage students to use them to log and journal about the topics that spark their curiosity and excitement. Please continue to breathe life into students’ independent reading by creating opportunities to share highlights from their reading during breakfast, class discussions, or other moments throughout the day. Celebrating their discoveries not only builds confidence and vocabulary, but also fosters a vibrant reading culture that will serve them for a lifetime. For all the love you give and the dedication you show in ensuring our children and their families thrive, we thank and honor you. Your selfless generosity and nurturing support make a profound difference in the lives of our students and the fabric of our community. May your Thanksgiving be filled with warmth, laughter, and the company of loved ones. Wishing you and your families a holiday rich with peace, joy, and all the things you hold dear. With deepest appreciation,
Sylvia Esteves
Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning |
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Program Assessments - ECERS and TPOTContact: 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 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 began on Monday, October 20, 2025 and continue through Friday, March 13, 2026. If you have any questions, please reach out to the supervisor assigned to your location. |
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District ALL CITY YOUNG ARTISTS Accepting Submissions (New)Contact: Antonia Germanos, Office of Visual and Performing Arts
Email: agermanos@nps.k12.nj.us The Office of Visual and Performing Arts is NOW accepting artwork submissions for the District All City YOUNG ARTISTS Annual Visual Art Exhibition. NBOE Visual Art Educators, submit the strongest student visual artworks aligning with the theme "JOY" to proudly represent your school in this year's adjudicated District-Wide exhibition. Participation Guidelines Here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1Qrtz-wv5_MrnO3EH66zFCn1_40QfUHfS?usp=sharing Submission Deadline January 28, 2026 |
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NBOE Science Fair 2026 (New)Contact: Kathleen Tierney, Office of Science
Email: ktierney@nps.k12.nj.us  We are excited to announce that the theme for NBOE's Science Fair 2026 is Chemistry in Our Every Day Lives.
All K-8 schools should hold their own science fairs the week of March 23rd and award 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners in the following grade bands: K-2, 3-5, and 6-8. Judges from Central Office will visit schools the week of March 30th to evaluate science fair projects for overall District winners. Please use this link to get more information about project requirements and rubrics: |
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District ALL CITY TEEN ARTS Accepting Submissions (New)Contact: Antonia Germanos, Office of Visual and Performing Arts
Email: agermanos@nps.k12.nj.us The Office of Visual and Performing Arts is NOW accepting artwork submissions for the District All City TEEN ARTS Annual Visual Art Exhibition. NBOE Visual Art Educators, submit the strongest student visual artworks aligning with the theme "JOY" to proudly represent your school in this year's adjudicated District-Wide exhibition.
Participation Guidelines Here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Ru1cTTInYE0_Qq1BShKpv2FKk8KdZcNpRa5H459iPQ4/edit?usp=sharing Submission Deadline January 28, 2026 |
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NBOE HSC Professional Development at Bloomfield College at MSUContact: Vernon Pullins Jr., Office of Student Life
Email: vpullins@nps.k12.nj.us  The Office of Student Life will host its annual FAFSA workshop in collaboration with the New Jersey Higher Education Student Assistance Authority on December 11, 2025.
This workshop will last all day and will be held at Bloomfield College at Montclair State University, 460 Franklin Street, Bloomfield, NJ.
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CommonLit Professional Development (New)Contact: Michael Padilla, Office of Instructional Technology
Email: m4padilla@nps.k12.nj.us  All are welcome to join the CommonLit virtual PD session on Tuesday, December 2, from 3:15 - 4:15pm. In this session, teachers will learn how to navigate and utilize the CommonLit Text Library, Target Lessons, Assessment Series, and CommonLit 360. Participants will explore how to assign resources, administer assessments, and access student data to inform instruction. By the end, teachers will feel confident using CommonLit’s tools and ready to integrate them into instruction.
Below are links to resources for the session. You may join the presentation via this zoom link. Looking forward to seeing you there! |
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Newark & Suburban Architects: Student Art Contest (Grades 6-12) (New)Contact: Devonne De Nose, Office of Visual and Performing Arts
Email: d1denose@nps.k12.nj.us  To celebrate “The Holidays” the American Institute of Architects (AIA) of the Newark & Suburban area would like to see what places you like and find interesting!
What: An art and drawing contest | Prizes totaling up to $500 Ages: From 6th through 12th grade | Prizes awarded to two age groups: 6-8 and 9-12 Requirements: - Create a drawing or a piece of art in any medium, or submit a design of your own (e.g. line drawing, paint, 3D, collage, montage)
- The work must feature or have as a main focus a building
- The submission must have a feeling, a setting, a group of buildings or a place defined by architecture, or be inspired by one of our upcoming holidays
- Submissions by individuals only
- Include a brief description (up to 100 words)
Submit Here: https://aians.starchapter.com/form.php?form_id=125&c=1 (Deadline is December 5, 2025) |
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McKinney-Vento MANDATORY Essential Staff Training: Due 12/12/25 (New)Contact: Stacy M Pelham-Hale, Office of Student Life
Email: s1hale@nps.k12.nj.us All essential staff are required to complete McKinney-Vento Homeless Education training to help identify and support students experiencing homelessness. The training is free, takes about 25 minutes, and includes role-specific content. Suggested staff to participate in this training includes: - McKinney-Vento Points of Contact
- School Counselors
- School Social Workers
- Main Office Clerks
- Individuals who register new incoming students
- Parent Liaisons
- SST Members
Staff assigned to complete this professional development can access the training by following the registration process below: Please be advised that this training needs to be completed and certificate uploaded by Friday, December 12, 2025.
For additional questions or concerns, contact Ana Osoria, NBOE McKinney-Vento Liaison, directly at a1osoria@nps.k12.nj.us. |
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Newark Enrolls & Children of NBOE StaffContact: Rochanda Jackson, OPPET
Email: rjackson@nps.k12.nj.us  Policy code 5111, previously approved by the Board, allows District staff who do not reside in Newark to enroll their children in our schools. The application launched on November 1, 2025 and will close on January 30, 2026.
Here is the link to the Newark Enrolls application: https://newarkenrolls.org/
If you have any questions, please reach out to Rochanda Jackson, Executive Director of the Office of Policy, Planning, Evaluation, and Testing at rjackson@NPS.K12.NJ.US. |
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Cycle 1 25-26 Report Card Timeline and Requirements - TeachersContact: Darren Watsky, OPPET - Student Information Services
Email: dwatsky@nps.k12.nj.us All Cycle 1 grades and comments must be finalized in PowerTeacher Pro by the end of the school day on Tuesday, November 18th.
Use the Cycle 1 Report Card Timeline document to prepare for the storing of Q1 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 cycle. Historical grade changes require a grade change form submission. If you have questions, please consult with your administrator(s). |
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OSE Resources and UpdatesContact: LaPrice Weatherington, Office of Special Education
Email: lweatherington@nps.k12.nj.us Since the standard Amira assessment is an oral reading test, students who are non-verbal, blind or visually impaired, or deaf or hard of hearing may need accommodations such as the paper-based format to complete the assessment. Teachers are asked to confer with their students’ case manager before completing a request to ensure the students are appropriate for the assessment. Information will be forthcoming for teachers to help identify those students, as well as training on how to administer the paper-based assessment. The first week of November is dedicated to celebrating School Psychologists. Resources are available to help schools prepare for Inclusive Schools Week which is celebrated in December. See the attached for additional announcements and upcoming professional development opportunities for teachers, paraprofessionals, CSTs, and Long-Term Substitutes serving in the role as a special education teacher. |
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November Culture & Climate ArtifactsContact: Rania Sawaged, Office of Student Life
Email: rsawaged@nps.k12.nj.us Please use the November Suggested Activities document to promote awareness for: - World Kindness Day (11/13)
- National Career Development Month
- National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week (11/16 – 11/21)
- National Parent Involvement Day (11/20)
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NBOE Recognizes Hunger & Homelessness Awareness WeekContact: Stacy M Pelham-Hale, Office of Student Life
Email: s1hale@nps.k12.nj.us  Join us for Hunger & Homelessness Awareness Week 2025.
This nationwide event is an opportunity to unite, raise awareness, and take action to address hunger and homelessness in our communities. Throughout the month of November, we encourage all schools to participate in this awareness event by hosting educational activities, service projects, and advocacy events. Together, let's make a difference in our school community and inspire positive changes for all! Click the links below for great ideas regarding whole-school community events, lesson plans, and service projects: |
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Refer a Teacher, Get Rewarded with $1000 per Referral!Contact: Claire S. Emmanuel, HRS - Office of Recruitment
Email: cemmanuel@nps.k12.nj.us  Refer a talented teacher to our school community and help us build a team of exceptional educators?
$1,000 Referral Bonus Benefits of Referring: - Earn $1,000 for each referral
- Help us find passionate educators who share our values and mission
- Provide our students with the best possible educators and mentors
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Traditional Mentor Training #2Contact: Adalis Alvarez-Craft, HRS - Office of Educator Effectiveness
Email: evaluations@nps.k12.nj.us Be advised that the 2nd Mentor training will take place virtually on Wednesday, Dec 10, 2025, from 4:00pm - 6:00pm. Please note that this is a change from the originally established date. Register for this session by clicking HERE. Traditional Mentor Training Dates - 12/10/2025 (Note: Date change)
- 2/5/2026
- 4/16/2026
- 5/21/2026
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Benefits Open Enrollment Starting Nov 4, 2025!Contact: Jennifer Medina, Benefit Services
Email: j1medina@nps.k12.nj.us Benefits Open Enrollment for NBOE award winning coverage is Tuesday, November 4th through Wednesday, November 19th!
Don’t wait! Make your elections at http://www.nboebenefits.com
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Art Contest: 2026 AKC - NYC Meet the BreedsContact: Antonia Germanos, Office of Visual and Performing Arts
Email: agermanos@nps.k12.nj.us  Calling all teachers and parents of young artists!
American Kennel Club Public Education is hosting an art contest for students in grades K-12 in the NYC area! Art is due December 23, 2025, for the 2026 NYC Meet the Breeds Art Contest! Visit the American Kennel Club Public Education Contest Website for more information on how to submit: https://www.akc.org/public-education/akc-meet-the-breeds-art-contest/?sc_src=email_2486832&sc_lid=153182121&sc_uid=yDydhPcUhl&sc_llid=588&sc_eh=0545434560f810381 - The theme for the art contest is "400 Years of Dogs in NYC," celebrating New York City's 400th anniversary.
- Open to students in grades K-12.
- A winner will be selected from each category and will receive a prize (Grades K-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12)
- Winning art will be displayed at the AKC Museum of the Dog in NYC!
- All finalists will receive two free tickets to the MTB NYC event.
- Entries are due by December 23, 2025.
Contact publiced@akc.org for more details! |
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Certifications RemindersContact: Eboni Woolridge, HRS - Instructional Staffing and Certification
Email: ewoolridge@nps.k12.nj.us  Register for the Virtual Office Hours with the Certification Team by using the following link: https://forms.gle/J9EmbPxAgG3eiMNb6
Please check NJEdCert to ensure all Instructional, Educational Services, and/or Administrator certificates are accurate and up to date. Contact the Certifications team if you are awaiting the issuance of a Provisional or Standard license or if your license(s) have been issued. It is important that all certifications are reflected in your personnel record.
The Certifications Team can be reached via email at certifications@nps.k12.nj.us. |
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Title IX Student and Staff Trainings Due DateContact: Stacy M Pelham-Hale, Office of Student Life
Email: s1hale@nps.k12.nj.us  To: ALL HIB/Title IX Coordinators
Kindly adhere to the following deadline for uploading and submitting all required Title IX trainings and program artifacts. Please click the links below to access all Title IX Student/Parent Powerpoint Trainings and the Title IX Trainings Artifact Google Form. Title IX Parent and Student Trainings: |
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HIB/Title IX Documentation Forms: 2025-2026 SYContact: Stacy M Pelham-Hale, Student Support Services - Office of Student Life
Email: s1hale@nps.k12.nj.us 
We are pleased to announce the release of updated online fillable forms for Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying (HIB) and Title IX documentation for the 2025–2026 school year. The comprehensive documentation packet contains all required forms and resources to support HIB and Title IX investigations, including the following: - The Necessary Tools for HIB/Title IX Investigations
- Student Safety Data System (SSDS) forms 2025-2026
- HIB Complaint forms 2025-2026
- Title IX reporting forms
- HIB/Title IX Summary of Support Services Provided
Please be sure to complete the entire investigation packet when submitting forms for all HIB and Title IX matters. These materials are designed to facilitate thorough, consistent, and compliant documentation throughout the investigative process. Click the link below to access the 2025-2026 SY HIB/Title IX Complete Documentation File Packet: |
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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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The Homework Hotline is off to a great start with over 30 calls in the past 3 weeks.
The Benefits Team is thrilled to announce the release of the 
The purpose of this newsletter is to share important benefit information, including the following and much more: