NBOE Teacher Talk - 3/30/2026

Message from the Office of Teaching & Learning

Dear Teachers and Instructional Staff,

As we approach spring break, I want to take a moment to recognize the incredible dedication and passion you bring to your classrooms every day. Your hard work in guiding students and helping them build confidence is truly inspiring.

Students in grades Pre-Kindergarten through 3rd grade will soon be receiving books from the Newark Literacy Movement. Additionally, the District continues to ensure that all students receive Scholastic Magazines, along with other reading materials. These resources help build students’ home libraries, encouraging independent reading and fostering a lifelong love of learning.

This is a wonderful opportunity to design assignments that strengthen students’ reading and writing skills while keeping learning fun and engaging. During spring break, encourage students to explore books they have self-selected and inspire creative writing activities based on their reading. These experiences not only deepen understanding but also make learning enjoyable.

Keep moving forward with the same energy and heart that define our community. Take pride in the progress made so far and know that your work is shaping futures in profound ways.

Thank you for all that you do. Let’s finish this stretch strong and head into spring break with a sense of accomplishment and renewed purpose!

With gratitude and admiration,
Sylvia Esteves
Assistant Superintendent of Teaching & Learning

DREAM BIG. CHEER LOUD. Elementary Art Contest

Contact: Julianne Bello, Office of Extended Learning Time
Email: jbello@nps.k12.nj.us

Calling all elementary students!

Design the official T-Shirt for our District-wide elementary cheer competition. Designs should visually represent the theme "Dream Big. Cheer Loud" and capture the energy and positivity of cheer. 

The winner will receive:

• Official T-shirt and design credit
• VIP seating and recognition at the June 13th event
• $50 gift card

OVPA teachers, please share the following opportunity with your students. Attached are fliers for teacher submissions and student participation:

• Student: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1XfkdJ0SlSJdw414mfae5J9WANmFE5-E_/view?usp=sharing
• Teacher: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1s7BvZr6C_UMGt1pDqQbXz06_XM26iDJV/view?usp=sharing

Check Out the March Math Monthly Memo (New)

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

The Math Monthly Memo is back! Check out what is happening in mathematics from Kindergarten to Calculus across Newark Public Schools.

Past is Prologue Essay Contest (New)

Contact: Jazleen Othman, Office of English Language Arts
Email: jothman@nps.k12.nj.us

The Past is Prologue Essay Contest offers students an opportunity to strengthen analytical writing while connecting history to their own lives.

Students select a time period and respond to two guiding questions, developing claims, using evidence, and explaining relevance. This is a strong opportunity to build writing, text-based analysis, and real-world connections.

We are asking all teachers in grades 6-12 to encourage student participation. Please use this link for more details and submission information.

Classroom Microgrants for Language Educators (New)

Contact: Brian Temple, Office of Bilingual Education
Email: btemple@nps.k12.nj.us

This microgrant opportunity program is open to all K-12 language educators. Eligible individuals may apply for grants of $300 to fund a variety of projects. 

Interested teachers should review the criteria and submit their proposal no later than April 29, 2026.

April is Earth Action Month (New)

Contact: Tracy Cummings, Office of Science
Email: tcummings@nps.k12.nj.us

In recognition of Earth Day on April 22nd, we invite you to participate in a month-long Action for Earth. NJDOE and the Office of Science challenge you to plan and share activities related to the five themed weeks that engage students, educators, and families to be stewards of their communities and their planet as they explore climate-related challenges and solutions. The five themed weeks will be:

• Reducing Our Impact
• Healthy Communities
• Educating for a Healthy Planet
• Protect and Preserve
• Building Green Spaces

You will find details about each theme and resource linked here.  Let us collectively protect our planet.

April Culture & Climate Activities (New)

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

Check out the April Suggested Activities document to promote awareness for:

• World Autism Awareness Day (April 2)
• Month of the Military Child
• NJ High School Voter Registration

As a reminder, be sure to wear your favorite college or university gear on April 1 for our District-Wide College Spirit Day!

Additional Military Family Resources (New)

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

To better support our military-connected students, please review the resources and documentation below:

• https://smhp.psych.ucla.edu/pdfdocs/3-5-2026.pdf
• https://www.heroeswelcome.alabama.gov/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Educator-Guide-to-Deployment.pdf

Additional resources are always available on the NPS website:

• https://www.nps.k12.nj.us/departments/studentlife/military-families/

2026-2027 SY Social Worker II Internship Inquiry Form: NOW AVAILABLE (New)

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

The Office of Student Life is now accepting applications for School Social Worker 2 Internships for the 2026-2027 school year. If you are a School Social Worker II and you are interested in hosting an intern, please read the following requirements:

• Principal/Administrator must authorize permission to host intern(s).
• NBOE schools must have a SW2 who is in good standing and is highly qualified to supervise intern(s).
• The SW2 must complete the Social Worker II Internship Inquiry Google Request form by 5/22/26. Please click  to access form: https://forms.gle/vPVWcoMyHKdM3wYH6

Note: If a college/university contacts you regarding internship placement, please direct all inquiries to Mrs. Stacy Pelham-Hale, Supervisor at s1hale@nps.k12.nj.us.

OSE Updates and Highlights (New)

Contact: LaPrice Weatherington, Office of Special Education
Email: lweatherington@nps.k12.nj.us

The Office of Special Education (OSE) is proud to launch the 8th Annual Autism Acceptance Month on World Autism Day, Thursday April 2, 2026. This year’s theme, Leveling Up Our Friendships invites our entire District to deepen understanding, strengthen connections, and celebrate neurodiversity through everyday actions rooted in kindness, empathy, and belonging. See attached for additional resources to support Autism Awareness. The monthly OSE professional development workshops are also included.

• 3-30-26-Teacher-Talk.pdf

Annual IEP Meeting Notices: NJDOE Requirements Begin July 1, 2026 (New)

Contact: Candice Wells, Office of Special Education
Email: c1wells@nps.k12.nj.us

Beginning July 1, 2026, NJ school districts must notify parents at minimum two days in advance of information regarding the upcoming Annual IEP meeting. The notice must include the following:

• A statement of what will be discussed
• The student’s current levels of academic and functional performance
• A list of required IEP members to attend
  • Any excused member’s input regarding progress must be included
• An invitation for the parent to provide feedback on the proposed programs and services

The Office of Special Education will host Office Hours on April 21st and 28th and May 19th from 3:15 pm to 4:15 pm. Teachers will learn about embedded resources within EdPlan.

Virtual Meeting: https://nboe.webex.com/meet/c1wells

See attached guidance document from NJDOE.

• PL2025.pdf

Co-Curricular & Before/After School Program - Timeline / New Job Codes (New)

Contact: Justine Carter, HRS- Office of Staffing
Email: j1carter@nps.k12.nj.us

Interested in Co-Curricular Opportunities for SY26-27?

Applications are LIVE!

26-27 SY Co-Curricular Submission Timeline

NEW Job Codes:

1. 2476 - Before and After-School Per-Diem Teacher - Co-Curricular
2. 2477 - Before and After-School Teacher - Co-Curricular
3. 2478 - Before and After-School Teacher Aide Co-Curricular
4. 2479 - Before and After-School Tutoring Coordinator- Co-Curricular
5. 2480 - Coach Co-Curricular - Sports Activities
6. 2481 - Co-Curricular Advisor and Coordinator
7. 2482 - Directors - Co-Curricular for Band Related Activities
8. 2483 - Treasurer- After School Activities

2025-2026 Discretionary Funds

Contact: Maribel James, Human Resource Services
Email: mjames@nps.k12.nj.us

Dear Teachers, Nurses, Academic Interventionists:

As per District policy, in order to be reimbursed in the amount of $150.00 for items that supplement and affect your work with pupils this school year, you will be providing your receipts to your location treasurer.
Please be guided by the Discretionary Fund Memo attached:

• Approved.2025-2026-Discretionary-Funds-Memo.pdf

If you should have any questions, please speak with your school administrator.

Transfer Period!

Contact: Justine Carter, HRS - Office of Staffing
Email: j1carter@nps.k12.nj.us

If you are interested in transferring to one of our AMAZING schools, please visit Frontline between March 23rd and April 2nd to apply. Hiring managers will review, and if your transfer is approved by all parties, notifications will be provided by HRS.

**Check out the fantastic opportunities at the elementary and high school level by reviewing the following links: NBOE High School Profiles or NBOE Elementary School Profiles. For more information about our academies at the high school level, please visit: https://www.nps.k12.nj.us/academies/ **

Summer Quest Interest Meeting

Contact: Julianne Bello, Office of Extended Learning Time
Email: jbello@nps.k12.nj.us

Winter may be in full swing, but the Office of Extended Learning is already setting the stage for an unforgettable 2026 Summer Quest program!

Summer Quest provides recreation and enrichment activities from 1-6 pm for students currently in grades K-7 at various elementary locations from July 6 to August 7, 2026.

Teachers are needed to lead sports, recreation, visual and performing arts, book club, games, CTE explorations, STEM, and other activities!

Curious to learn more? We will be holding an information/interest session soon. Please fill out the Summer 2026 Quest Interest Form to receive an invitation!

Summer School Season

Contact: Dr. Claire S. Emmanuel, HRS - Office of Recruitment
Email: cemmanuel@nps.k12.nj.us

We are excited to begin our summer season and wanted to share some thoughts:

• An application is needed for all summer roles.
• Select desired programs in one application.
• The summer postings are for internal candidates
  • Select: “Yes, I am a current employee of NBOE”

Note: All postings will close by May 15, 2026

2026 ART Competition with Multiple Awards and $6K Grand Prize

Contact: 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.

• Click here to learn more.

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

HIB/Title IX Documentation Forms: 2025-2026 SY

Contact: 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:

• https://drive.google.com/file/d/1pjTsP-7rgLUfwhj-nbKIP5zI9H0QvzRy/view?usp=drive_link

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.

Teacher Talk is emailed every other Monday.

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