Message from the SuperintendentDear Teachers and Instructional Staff, As we recognize Black History Month, I want to take a moment to honor our Black educators and staff members in Newark and beyond. Black history is American history. It is a story of innovation, leadership, strength, and perseverance. This month provides an opportunity to reflect on the past, and to engage our students in meaningful conversations about the present and the future. Thank you for the vital role you play in helping our students learn every single day. I am grateful for the thoughtful ways you bring lessons to life in your classrooms through curriculum, dialogue, and the everyday example you set for students. Your commitment helps ensure that all students see themselves reflected in what they learn and feel valued within the Newark Public Schools. Together, we continue to cultivate schools where history is honored, voices are heard, and every student is empowered to succeed. With appreciation,
Superintendent León |
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Message from the Office of Teaching & LearningDear Teachers and Instructional Staff, Black History Month is a profound time to honor the rich history, resilience, and enduring contributions of Black individuals and communities. It calls us to reflect on the ongoing journey toward equity, justice, and inclusion, principles that are essential to the work we do every day in our schools. As we approach Parent-Teacher Conferences on February 12, 2026, this moment offers a powerful opportunity to strengthen the partnerships between families and educators that support all students’ growth and well-being. In a time when many are feeling the weight of recent events and ongoing national challenges, our collective commitment to fostering safe, supportive, and inclusive learning environments is more important than ever. Research shows that when schools and families collaborate with empathy and openness, students develop not only academically, but also socially and emotionally. This partnership helps create a foundation of trust and safety that allows students to navigate uncertainty and grow with confidence. Parent-Teacher Conferences offer a vital opportunity to: - Listen deeply to families’ perspectives and experiences.
- Share strengths and challenges in a balanced, honest way.
- Co-create actionable plans that reflect each student’s unique needs.
- Reinforce a shared commitment to student growth, well-being, and equity.
As you prepare for these conversations, consider how you can listen actively, acknowledge the challenges students and families may be facing, and work together to create clear, supportive next steps. Your role in fostering understanding, hope, and inclusivity is essential to helping students thrive in and beyond the classroom. Thank you for your unwavering dedication to our students and families. Together, let us continue to build a community where every student feels valued, supported, and empowered to reach their fullest potential. With gratitude and warm wishes, Sylvia Esteves Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning |
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Early Childhood Teachers
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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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Elementary School Teachers
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Cursive Writing Pictures (New) Contact: Paula Perrone, Office of the Superintendent
Email: pperrone@nps.k12.nj.us
Last month before leaving office, Governor Murphy established a law that mandates cursive writing in grades 3-5. The Newark Public Schools began our cursive writing initiative at the start of September 2025 for students in second and third grades.
We want to inundate the District’s website with pictures of students doing cursive writing. Please take pictures and upload them here. You will denote your school, your name, grade, and classroom. |
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Elementary School Teachers
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American Young Voices Teacher Workshop - Grade 5 Vocal TeachersContact: Antonia Germanos, Office of Visual and Performing Arts
Email: agermanos@nps.k12.nj.us Dear Grade 5 Music Educators, American Young Voices Teacher's Manual is now available with your digital resources! This invaluable resource answers most of your program-related and logistics-related questions for the remainder of the year. It includes information regarding student choir count, your workshop (more below), and the final field trip. Remaining Lesson Plans are also available! Find them in your digital resources folder. Teacher’s Workshop dates for 2026! - Wednesday, February 25th - Prudential Center, Newark, NJ
Registration is now open! |
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High School Teachers
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Yearlong Midterm Examination (E1) and Semester 1 (E2) FinalContact: Esther Lewars, OPPET - Student Information Services
Email: elewars@nps.k12.nj.us Enter all yearlong midterm (E1) and semester 1 (E2) final assignments with a due date of January 28th or January 29th. No other assignments should be entered in the PowerTeacher gradebook with those dates. |
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Submit Dance Awards Nominations for NJ Governor’s AwardsContact: Antonia Germanos, Office of Visual and Performing Arts
Email: agermanos@nps.k12.nj.us Attention NBOE Dance Educators, Dance New Jersey has announced the NJ Governor’s Award Arts Education (NJGAAE) Dance Education Award. Dance New Jersey NJGAAE will be awarded to: - One Pre-K-12 Dance Educator
- Six-Eight High School Dance Juniors or Seniors with a cumulative grade point average of 3.0
Let's bring Arts in Action to the entire state! Nominate your students, yourself, and your fellow dance colleagues! Applications due Feb 13, 2026. |
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The Presidential 1776 AwardThe U.S. Department of Education announced the launch of the Presidential 1776 Award, a nationwide competition recognizing exceptional student knowledge of the American founding. This award program establishes a national scholarship contest that evaluates students’ understanding of civics and the principles that shaped the United States. Additional information can be found below: |
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Calendars SY 2026-27 (New) As shared previously, please see below for the SY 2026-27 calendars:
All Homeroom Teachers should distribute the School Calendar SY 2026-27 to students and their families, if they have not done so already. |
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Access to UKG Ready from Outside the District's Network (New)Contact: Abdullah Ansari, Division of Information Technology
Email: AAnsari@nps.k12.nj.us The District's new UKG Ready cloud-based time management system has been stabilized and access to the platform from outside the District's network via Multi-factor Authentication (MFA) will be enabled during the week of February 2, 2026. Once enabled, District staff, including timekeepers, will be able to access the platform from outside the District's network using District and/or personal desktops/laptops. Access to the platform from within the District's network will not necessitate Multi-factor Authentication at this time. District staff will be required to perform a one-time installation of the Microsoft Authenticator app on their mobile devices and enroll their mobile devices with the app in order to be able to access the platform remotely. Here are the instructions. It is strongly recommended that mobile devices being used for MFA access are set up with passcodes or biometrics access as an additional layer of security. Completion of the January 2026 Cyber Security training which includes a module on mobile device security is also encouraged. An email with additional information including the link for remote access will be disseminated as remote access is enabled. |
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Marking Period Dates SY 2026-27 (New)Contact: Darren Watsky, OPPET - Student Information Services
Email: dwatsky@nps.k12.nj.us - Here are the marking period dates for next school year.
As you may have noticed in the calendar recently distributed for next school year, at the request of the NTU, the parent/teacher conferences have been moved closer to the end of each of the marking period dates, so that you don’t have a lengthy delay between marking period and report card distribution. We already knew in the first marking period that the parent/teacher conference was weeks after the marking period ended. The main reason for that discrepancy has always been the multiple days off in November. This is how we have adjusted. This change will require everyone at the schools and in central office to make changes to past practices. Since these changes will not be implemented until next school year, let’s take advantage of this year and begin to practice some of what will be required next year. The marking periods have always had approximately 45 days in years past. Next school year, all of the marking periods will have exactly 45 days. On the last day of each marking period, teachers will be required to finalize grades at the end of that school day. The Student Information Services Team will then permanently store grades the very next day so that report cards will be ready for distribution two days after the end of the marking period. You will note that two days after the marking period ends in February is actually a Friday, but we decided not to make the second parent/teacher conference on that day. |
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Curriculum Survey: Your Voice Matters! (New)Contact: Sylvia Esteves, Office of Teaching & Learning
Email: sesteves@nps.k12.nj.us The Curriculum Committee, comprised of members from the Office of Teaching & Learning, the City Association of Supervisors & Administrators (CASA), and the Newark Teachers Union (NTU), has developed a brief survey to gather your valuable feedback. Your feedback is vital to help us improve and strengthen curriculum across the District. This is a collaborative effort, and your input will directly inform next steps. Please take a few minutes to complete the survey linked below by February 13, 2026. Thank you in advance for lending your voice to this important work! |
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Summer Programs 2026 - Employment Opportunities (New)Contact: Julianne Bello, Office of Extended Learning
Email: jbello@nps.k12.nj.us  Newark Board of Education Summer Programs are a key component of the District’s Strategic Plan, supporting academic, enrichment, and expanded learning opportunities for students. These programs would not be possible without the dedication of NBOE’s instructional and non-instructional staff.
Summer Programs 2026 will offer a variety of programs, schedules, and roles. District personnel who are interested in Summer Programs 2026 employment are encouraged to review the attached video for a preview of program dates, application details, and available opportunities. |
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Digital Learners Institute (New)Contact: Michael Padilla, Office of Instructional Technology
Email: m4padilla@nps.k12.nj.us The Office of Instructional Technology is excited to bring back the Digital Learners Institute for all Technology Leads. Our goal is to empower our Tech Leads to drive technology initiatives across the District and to ensure our vision and goals remain aligned. The remaining meeting dates for this year are: - Tuesday, February 10, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
- Tuesday, May 12, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Location: Dr. Marion A. Bolden Student Center |
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Hack Against Hate (New)Contact: Michael Padilla, Office of Instructional Technology
Email: m4padilla@nps.k12.nj.us  Science Park Girls Who Code invites Newark Public School students to Hack Against Hate on Saturday, March 28th! We are hosting a Computer Science Fair that will showcase programs that promote diversity and inclusivity. We invite students of all coding levels to create and submit entries. Everyone is invited to register and attend even if they do not submit an entry. We will have a "Learn to Code" workshop for beginners!
For more information, please visit the link: |
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OSE 4th Annual Special Education Conference (New)Contact: LaPrice Weatherington, Office of Special Education
Email: lweatherington@nps.k12.nj.us  The Office of Special Education (OSE) is excited to announce our 4th Annual Special Education Conference, “Stronger Together: Empowering Teams, Transforming Teaching.”
Dr. Kim Murray, Director, Office of Special Education, NJDOE will be our keynote speaker. This year’s conference will also commemorate a historic milestone—the 50th anniversary of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
This year, over 20 special education teachers and/or CSTs are presenters. In honor of the 50th anniversary of IDEA, OSE invites special education staff to share a reflection, story, or message highlighting the impact of IDEA. Email to Marilyn Mitchell, mmitchell@nps.k12.nj.us by February 9, 2026.
See attached for the conference catalog: Use this link to register by February 9th: https://forms.gle/qN2Vigx8vUPaxpJP8 |
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OSE Updates and Professional Development Opportunities (New)Contact: LaPrice Weatherington, Office of Special Education
Email: lweatherington@nps.k12.nj.us The Office of Special Education is excited to share in this newsletter registration information for the upcoming OSE 4th Annual Special Education Conference. See the catalog for workshop descriptions. Registration is due by February 9th. Included within this newsletter are resources to help schools prepare for Autism Acceptance Month in April. NJDOE invites schools to identify students to participate in a virtual art expo entitled "Autism in Action." Please see the attached for additional OSE Professional Development Opportunities for special education teachers, Child Study Team members, paraprofessionals, and substitutes who provide instruction in a special education program. |
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ScIP Committee Meeting (New)Contact: Jennifer Rodriguez, HRS - Office of Educator Effectiveness
Email: evaluations@nps.k12.nj.us Please be advised that the next ScIP committee meeting is scheduled for Thursday, February 26 from 1-3pm via Webex (link below). This training is mandatory for all ScIP members within every school. Kindly help us communicate this change to ensure that all members are registered and in attendance. Please see the registration link below. |
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New Teacher Induction Training Dates (New)Contact: Jennifer Rodriguez, HRS - Office of Educator Effectiveness
Email: evaluations@nps.k12.nj.us Our next new teacher induction training will be held virtually on Tuesday, February 10th from 4:00-6:00pm. 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 #5 will be held virtually on February 10, 2026 4:00-6:00 pm. View registration forms and Zoom links by clicking the link below: |
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Calling All Creative Principal and Staff Candidates (New)Contact: Claire Emmanuel, Human Resource Services
Email: cemmanuel@nps.k12.nj.us  New School Alert! We have launched the release of our newest school and we're looking for innovative and creative staff.
Our students will learn from industry pros, have hands-on experiences, and dive into cutting-edge curriculum. Turn your passion into a rewarding career.
Learn more about New Media High School and apply now!
TeachNewarkNow! |
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Calling All Fashionista D/C Candidates (New)Contact: Claire Emmanuel, Human Resource Services
Email: cemmanuel@nps.k12.nj.us  We're hiring a Department Chair (D/C) to join our amazing staff at the Newark School of Fashion and Design.
If you have a fashion flare and are passionate about students, apply now! Check out the job description and apply here:
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 Gut Health Starts With Cylinder! (New)
Contact: Jennifer Medina, Office of Benefit Services
Email: j1medina@nps.k12.nj.us Gas? Bloating? Constipation? Cylinder has you covered! Cylinder is a virtual, digestive health program that’s covered at 100%—no co-pays or out-of-pocket fees if you are enrolled in one of the District's health plans. Cylinder includes custom care plans, virtual appointments with Registered Dietitians and Health Coaches, and tools like meal plans and a gut microbiome analysis. Sign up now at https://go.cylinderhealth.com/NBOE/. |
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2025 W-2 Forms are Now Available on Employee Self Service (New)Contact: Dimple Patel, HRS - Office of Payroll
Email: payrollcs@nps.k12.nj.us  The Office of Payroll is pleased to announce that 2025 W-2 forms have been posted and are now available through the Employee Self Service (ESS) website.
Below are the instructions on how to access your W2s on ESS. - Log in to the Employee Self Service portal: https://npsssvc.nps.k12.nj.us/psp/essint/SELFSERVICEINT/ESS/?cmd=login&languageCd=ENG&
- Navigate to the “W-2/W-2c Forms” section.
- Select “View/Print W-2 tile”.
Please review your W-2 carefully and verify that all information is accurate. If any discrepancies are found or assistance is needed to access the form, contact the Payroll Customer Service at PayrollCS@NPS.K12.NJ.US. |
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All Teachers
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Cycle 2 Report CardContact: Esther Lewars, OPPET - Student Information Services
Email: elewars@nps.k12.nj.us All Cycle 2 grades and comments must be finalized in PowerTeacher Pro by the end of the school day on Thursday, February 5th. Report Cards will be distributed on February 12th.
Use the Report Card Timeline document to prepare for the storing of Q2 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. Please consult your administrator(s) with any questions. |
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NJDOE Call for Art: Autism Acceptance Virtual Art Expo 2026Contact: Katherine P. Agurto, Office of Special Education
Email: kagurto@nps.k12.nj.us District-wide administrators, case managers, and teachers are encouraged to support participation by identifying students or classroom projects whose original artwork reflects creativity, engagement, and inclusion aligned with the theme “Autism in Action.” Autism leads and art teachers in self-contained Autism programs may submit artwork created through instruction, therapeutic programming, or structured classroom projects highlighting student strengths and lived experiences. Submissions are due February 13, 2026, by 4:30 PM. Artwork will be displayed online in April as part of the NJDOE Office of Special Education Virtual Art Expo. Submit photographed artwork (JPEG, PNG, or PDF) with title, students' first name, school district, grade level, and a brief description (max 100 words). One submission per student. |
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Jersey Talent: New Jersey's Community Talent Show for Ages 8-25Contact: Antonia Germanos, Office of Visual and Performing Arts
Email: agermanos@nps.k12.nj.us New Jersey's community talent show for ages 8-25 returns in 2026! Jersey Talent provides a platform for youth to express themselves through art in a safe environment before a big, supportive audience at the historic State Theatre New Jersey. Video audition submissions are NOW OPEN! Apply by completing our online form with a video link (no longer than 2 minutes) of their talent. All performances are welcome, and no previous experience is necessary to apply. Applications close on February 20 at 11:59pm. Those selected for live callback auditions will be contacted by Feb. 25. Questions? Contact Director Devonne De Nose from the Office of Visual and Performing Arts at d1denose@nps.k12.nj.us. |
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2026 ART Competition with Multiple Awards and $6K Grand PrizeContact: Antonia Germanos, Office of Visual and Performing Arts
Email: agermanos@nps.k12.nj.us The Annual 2026 ARTEFFECT COMPETITION is open to grades 6-12 visual artists worldwide. Students choose an inspiring and diverse Unsung Hero from history as a role model, creatively interpret their story in an original artwork, and write a statement about the positive impact of their project. Multiple Awards and $6K Grand Prize: - GRAND PRIZE (6-12th grades) = $6,000
- HIGH SCHOOL (9-12th grades) = Best in Show - $3,000 & Second Place - $2,000
- MIDDLE SCHOOL (6-8th grades) = Best in Show - $2,000 & Second Place - $1,000
- SPOTLIGHT PRIZES (6-12th grades) = $1,000
2026-The-Lowell-Milken-Center-for-Unsung-Heroes.jpg |
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Traditional Mentor Training #3Contact: Jennifer Rodriguez, HRS - Office of Educator Effectiveness
Email: evaluations@nps.k12.nj.us Be advised that Mentor training #3 will take place virtually on Thursday, February 5, from 4:00-6:00 pm. Link for the session: Register for this session by clicking HERE. Traditional Mentor Training Dates - 2/5/2026
- 4/16/2026
- 5/21/2026
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Updated New Teacher Induction Training DatesContact: Jennifer Rodriguez, HRS - Office of Educator Effectiveness
Email: evaluations@nps.k12.nj.us Please note that the New Teacher Induction Training dates for February and April have been changed to ensure they do not overlap with the Parent/Teacher Conference date and Spring Recess week. Our next New Teacher Induction training will be held virtually on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, from 4:00 - 6:00 pm. The registration link will be shared in upcoming newsletters. New Teacher Induction Training Dates: 2/12/2026 -> 2/10/2026- 3/12/2026
4/9/2026 -> 4/15/2026- 5/14/2026
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Important Information about District All City TheatreContact: Antonia Germanos, Office of Visual and Performing Arts
Email: agermanos@nps.k12.nj.us Attention All NBOE Theatre Educators! Deadlines for All City Theatre are quickly approaching. Ensure your school's Theatre program is represented, your students are prepared, and all your documents are submitted in a timely manner. Review the All City Theatre Teacher Guidelines here: |
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Attend the Newark/MSU Pipeline Information SessionContact: Dr. Nicole Bethea, Staff Development
Email: NBethea@nps.k12.nj.us Aspiring school/district leaders are encouraged to attend the Newark/Montclair Leadership Pipeline Program Information Session on Tuesday, February 10, 2026. At this session, participants will learn about this Master's in Educational Leadership program and the process to apply to be a member of Cohort 7 which will begin study in the fall of 2026. Registration is required via the QR Code on the attached flyer: |
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Virus Season Fall/Winter 2025-2026Contact: Samuel G Carruth MD., Office of Health Services
Email: scarruth@nps.k12.nj.us  Help prevent the spread of seasonal viruses and other seasonal infective agents.
Handwashing: - Teach and encourage proper handwashing.
- Hand washing before entering the cafeteria and frequently during the day.
- Hand sanitizers are less effective against certain viruses.
- Handwashing with soapy, warm running water for twenty (20) seconds remains an effective technique to reduce the spread of viruses.
Virus-Season-Guidelines-for-Suspected-Outbreaks.docx |
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Newark Accelerated Pathways Program (NAPP) Enhances Support!Contact: Eboni Woolridge, HRS - Office of Staffing
Email: ewoolridge@nps.k12.nj.us Newark Accelerated Pathways Program (NAPP) continues to enhance support by hosting On-Site Staff Development and Premium Pop-Up Test Events through the Engage2Learn (E2L) partnership. Important Dates On-Site Staff Development - Wednesday, January 28, 2026 at 3:45PM. 2026 Premium Pop-Up Test Events: - Saturday - February 21st
- Saturday - April 25rd
- Saturday - May 30th
Pathways teachers must complete the following link to register for testing events: All Career Pathways and NAPP teachers must upload their certification progress via the following link: |
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America’s Field Trip Contest for Grades 3 - 12 America’s Field Trip is a nationwide contest that invites students across the country in grades 3 - 12 to be part of our nation’s 250th anniversary by sharing their perspectives on what America means to them — with the chance to earn an unforgettable field trip experience at some of the nation’s most iconic historic and cultural landmarks.
Students are asked to submit writing or original artwork in response to the contest’s prompt: “What does America mean to you?” For more information, visit: https://america250.org/fieldtrip/
Note: the deadline is March 30, 2026. |
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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 
Click the link below to access the 2025-2026 SY HIB/Title IX Complete Documentation File Packet: 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. |
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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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