Message from the Office of Teaching & LearningDear Teachers and Instructional Staff, As we prepare to begin the new marking period on November 6th, I want to take a moment to recognize the incredible dedication and passion you bring to our classrooms every day. Our Phase 1 Teaching & Learning visits have highlighted your unwavering commitment to fostering student growth and learning, and it is clear that we are on a strong trajectory toward high student achievement thanks to your efforts. This year, our focus on Writing Across the Curriculum leverages Doug Lemov’s Everybody Writes strategy, which aims to deepen students’ construction of knowledge through writing. Writing is not just a skill but a powerful tool for learning across all subject areas. When students write regularly, they engage more deeply with content, reflect on their understanding, and solidify their learning. Complementing this, we are integrating Oracy strategies such as Think-Write-Pair-Share, Idea Wave, Socratic Seminar, and Reciprocal Teaching. These approaches encourage rich, rigorous dialogue and help students articulate their ideas clearly and confidently. This emphasis on spoken language supports students in developing communication skills that are essential across disciplines. These strategies align closely with Lev Vygotsky’s theory of social constructivism, which emphasizes that learning is fundamentally a social process. Through collaborative dialogue and shared writing experiences, students operate within their Zone of Proximal Development, where they can achieve higher levels of understanding with the support of peers and teachers. By embedding daily Everybody Writes activities alongside the use of Cornell Notes, students not only deepen their comprehension but also reflect on their learning in a social context that reinforces and extends their knowledge. As we move forward, I encourage you to continue weaving these writing and oracy strategies into your daily instruction. Let us continue to challenge our students to think critically, write thoughtfully, speak confidently, and take pride in their academic achievements. Your leadership and dedication are the driving forces behind their success. Together, we are building a strong foundation for their future, one that empowers them to reach new heights. Thank you for your hard work, passion, and commitment. Wishing you a productive and fulfilling marking period! Warm regards,
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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NBOE HSC Professional Development at Bloomfield College at MSU (New)Contact: 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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Newark Enrolls & Children of NBOE Staff (New)Contact: 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 - Teachers (New)Contact: 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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“Healing-Centered Engagement through the Arts” Online Workshop (New)Contact: Antonia Germanos, Teaching and Learning/VPA
Email: agermanos@nps.k12.nj.us NBOE partner Arts Ed Newark is offering a 4-part "Healing-Centered Engagement through the Arts" online workshop series this Fall. Series Dates: - Thursday, November 6th 8:30-10:30am;
- Friday, November 7th 8:30-10:30am;
- Thursday, November 13th 8:30-10:30am; and
- Thursday, November 20th 8:30-11am.
Learn more about the four part series by reviewing this flyer: Contact Arts Ed Newark for questions about this event: mayuri@nullnewarkarts.org, sanaz@nullnewarkarts.org. |
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Call for Submissions: 2025 Drumthwacket Holiday Ornaments (New)Contact: Jayson Martinez, Teaching and Learning/VPA
Email: jmartinez@nps.k12.nj.us Call for Submissions: 2025 Drumthwacket Holiday Ornaments
From the Office of First Lady Tammy S. Murphy In celebration of the upcoming 250th Anniversary of the United States, the Office of First Lady Tammy S. Murphy, the Drumthwacket Foundation, and RevolutionNJ invite all New Jersey K–12 schools to participate in a special holiday ornament initiative. Students are encouraged to design a one-of-a-kind ornament inspired by the theme: “Honoring New Jersey’s Role in the Revolutionary War.”
These ornaments will be proudly displayed on the holiday trees at Drumthwacket, the historic Governor’s Residence in Princeton, New Jersey, throughout the 2025 holiday season. Submission Deadline: Friday, November 14, 2025
Mail to:
Drumthwacket Foundation – Ornament Contest
354 Stockton Street
Princeton, NJ 08540 Include with your submission: - The ornament (securely packaged)
- A short description (100 words max) of the ornament's inspiration
- School name, student(s) name(s), and grade(s)
- Contact name, email address, and phone number
Recognition: - All participating schools will receive a Certificate of Recognition
- Selected ornaments may be featured at the Governor’s Holiday Reception and in media coverage
This is a great opportunity to engage students in a cross-curricular project that celebrates history, art, and civic pride.
Questions? Contact Haley Tam at Haley.Tam@nj.gov |
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OSE Resources and Updates (New)Contact: 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 Artifacts (New)Contact: 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 Week (New)Contact: 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! (New)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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New Teacher Induction Training Dates (New)Contact: Adalis Alvarez-Craft, HRS - Office of Educator Effectiveness
Email: evaluations@nps.k12.nj.us Our next new teacher induction training will be held virtually on Thursday, November 13th from 4:00pm - 6:00pm. The sessions focus on effective instructional practices, classroom management, and professional growth, while also building a collaborative network of peers and mentors to ensure long-term success. Session #2 will be held virtually on November 13, 2025, 4:00pm - 6:00 pm. |
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Traditional Mentor Training #2 (New)Contact: 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! (New)Contact: Jennifer Medina, Benefit Services
Email: j1medina@nps.k12.nj.us Benefits Open Enrollment for NBOE award winning coverage starts this week, Tuesday, November 4th through Wednesday, November 19th!
Don’t wait to make your elections.
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UPDATED Contact Information for the Office of Educator EffectivenessContact: Adalis Alvarez-Craft, HRS - Office of Educator Effectiveness
Email: evaluations@nps.k12.nj.us Be advised that the Office of Educator Effectiveness has an updated phone number and extensions. - Adalis Alvarez-Craft, Director
- Matthew Madeira, Supervisor
- Angel Nieves, Senior Research Assistant
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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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Culture & Climate Calendar SY 2025 - 2026Contact: Rania Sawaged, Student Support Services - Office of Student Life
Email: rsawaged@nps.k12.nj.us Please review the Culture & Climate Calendar for the 2025–2026 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. |
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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: