Message from the Office of the SuperintendentDear Teachers and Instructional Staff, As part of our ongoing commitment to student success and well-being, Newark Public Schools is working to align with State legislation and guidance from the New Jersey Department of Education regarding the law Governor Murphy passed on student use of internet-enabled devices for the 2026-2027 school year. These updates ensure consistent expectations across schools, promote responsible technology use, and reinforce a focused, distraction-free learning environment. To support this effort, the District has gathered input from key stakeholders and established a committee of students, parents, teachers, principals, and staff to develop policy recommendations for next school year by practicing some of them in the last few months of this school year. In addition, the District will begin pilot programs on April 13, 2026, at select schools. These schools chose to lead the pilot initiatives and provide valuable data and feedback by serving as models for possible future implementation. Insights from these pilots, along with the committee’s recommendations, will guide any updates to District policy for the upcoming school year. It is important to note that the current District policy, File Code 5142 Pupil Safety, continues to be in effect, and it should be clear to all students that they are expected to abide by the policy. If an infraction occurs, the penalties should range from a warning to possible loss of phone access at all. We believe that our current policy is in compliance with the new law when it is adhered to. In the schools who are not piloting any alternate strategy, it is super important for students to follow the current policy to prove that they can meet District expectations. Finally, it is important to note that the new law applies to students only. As we continue to prioritize inclusive and supportive school communities, we also take time to recognize important observances that reflect our shared values. In recognition of Autism Acceptance Month, we celebrate the strengths, talents, and contributions of individuals with autism. We reaffirm our commitment to inclusive practices that honor neurodiversity and ensure that all students feel valued, supported, and empowered to succeed. Because of the valiant efforts in our work with children with exceptionalities, the Urban Collaborative has selected the City of Newark and the Newark Public Schools as the location for their annual conference on special education where the entire nation is invited and will be in attendance next week. Thank you for your continued cooperation and support as we work together to foster a focused, engaged, and positive learning environment for all students. Superintendent León & Deputy Superintendent Severe |
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Elementary School Teachers
NEW ITEMS |
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Celebrate Financial Literacy Month With Students! (New)Contact: Michelina Thornton, Office of Federal Programs & Grants
Email: mthornton@nps.k12.nj.us  April is Financial Literacy Month — a perfect opportunity to build money skills in your classroom! EconEdLink offers free K–5 lessons and activities covering earning, saving, budgeting, and spending. Explore ready-to-use resources like Every Penny Counts, the Savings Match Game, and Personal Finance Printables.
**Kindergarten Teachers** Please remind families to sign their child up for the Newark Saves Account — a free savings account designed to set students up for future success. Share this link with parents today: https://newarksaves.org/ Together, we can help Newark students build healthy financial habits that last a lifetime! |
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Cycle 3 25-26 Report Card Timeline and Requirements - Teachers (New)Contact: Esther Lewars, OPPET - Student Information Services
Email: elewars@nps.k12.nj.us All Cycle 3 grades and comments must be finalized in PowerTeacher Pro by the end of the school day on Tuesday, April 21st. Use the Cycle 3 Report Card Timeline document to prepare for the storing of Cycle 3 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 grading period. Historical grade changes require a grade change form submission. If you have questions, please consult with your administrator(s). |
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Esports Super Cup 2026 (New)Contact: Michael Padilla, Office of Instructional Technology
Email: m4padilla@nps.k12.nj.us The second annual Esports Super Cup takes place on May 28th at 4:30 at Technology High School. Join us live or watch the stream to see our students in Data Science, East Side, and Technology compete in Rocket League and EA Sports FC 26! See if Data Science can maintain the Rocket League trophy they won in 2025! The livestream link will be shared closer to the date of the tournament. |
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Adult Education Summer Sessions (New)Contact: Andre Hollis, Adult Education
Email: a1holis@nps.k12.nj.us In partnership with the Newark Public Library, the Newark Public Schools Adult Education department presents "Discover, Grow, and Thrive: Adult Education Summer Sessions - Enroll Now." Dates: July 8, 2026 - August 8, 2026 - Wednesdays 5:45pm - 7:45pm
- Saturdays 11:00am - 1:00pm
Classes will be held at various library locations throughout the City of Newark. - Springfield Branch - 50 Hayes Street (GED)
- Van Buren Branch - 140 Van Buren Street (ESL)
- Weequahic Branch - 355 Osbourne Terrace (GED)
- North End Branch - 722 Summer Avenue ( ESL)
Interested teachers should apply here and complete JobID: 2138 |
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First Steps to Financial Freedom (New)Contact: Barbara Evans, Office of Federal Programs & Grants
Email: bevans@nps.k12.nj.us Ready to Boost Your Financial Confidence? Spend one powerful hour investing in you. Join a free, virtual Financial Wellness Seminar on Tuesday, April 21, from 6–7 p.m. and gain practical tips to take control of your money—without the jargon. Learn simple strategies for building a financial plan, saving smarter, and managing credit with confidence. Presented by Prudential Pathways, this engaging session is designed for busy educators who want clarity and peace of mind. One hour. Practical tools. Real impact.
Registration is required. Save your spot by Friday, April 17! |
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FREE Pride+/Family Connection (New)Contact: Olawunmi Ojoye, Office of Federal Programs and Grants
Email: OOjoye@nps.k12.nj.us Thanks to CDC DASH grant funding, the Newark Board of Education (NBOE) has partnered with Family Connections to provide free, confidential, safe, and affirming supports and services for all school staff. Through the Family Connections – Pride+ initiative, a two-day professional development will be offered on April 29 and April 30, 2026. This training will support educators in deepening their understanding of how identity influences student experiences and will provide practical strategies to create inclusive classroom environments where all students feel safe, respected, and supported. Supplemental pay will be provided to all attendees. For additional details, please review the attached flyer: Questions may be directed to JP Pedoto at jpedoto@familyconnectionsnj.org. Registration links: |
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Innovative and Creative Teachers - Hiring for New Media High! (New)Contact: Dr. Claire S. Emmanuel, HRS - Office of Recruitment
Email: cemmanuel@nps.k12.nj.us  We are excited to share that we have a couple of spots open for extraordinary teachers. Spanish, math, and biology teacher roles are still available for New Media High and we are actively hiring. Submit your application today or tell someone to submit their application!
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Summer Hiring Ends May 15, 2026 (New)Contact: Dr. Claire S. Emmanuel, HRS - Office of Recruitment
Email: cemmanuel@nps.k12.nj.us The deadline for summer applications is May 15, 2026. Have you already applied, received, and accepted an offer? If not, you are not hired. Failure to submit your application in Frontline and accept the offer emailed through SummerJobs@nps.k12.nj.us may delay your summer pay. |
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New Teacher Induction Training - April Date (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 Wednesday, April 15th 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 #7 will be held virtually on April 15, 2026 4:00-6:00 pm. |
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Traditional Mentor Training - April Date (New)Contact: Jennifer Rodriguez, HRS - Office of Educator Effectiveness
Email: evaluations@nps.k12.nj.us Be advised that Mentor training #4 will take place virtually on Thursday, April 16, from 4:00-6:00 pm. Session #4 will be held virtually from 4:00-6:00 pm (See link below). https://nboe.webex.com/meet/acraft Register for this session by clicking here. Traditional Mentor Training Upcoming Dates: |
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NBOE Office of Benefit Services - Spring 2026 Newsletter (New)Contact: Jennifer Medina, Benefit Services
Email: j1medina@nps.k12.nj.us The NBOE Benefits Team wants to remind you what is available this spring season! We are excited to announce the release of the Benefit Services Newsletter Spring Edition! The purpose of this newsletter is to share important information, including the following and much more: - Everyday Wellbeing
- Spotlight on Benefit Program
- Spring Benefits Open Enrollment: Wednesday, May 13 - Wednesday, May 27
- NY Yankees – Teacher Appreciation Special Offer
Save the date: Saturday, May 16, 2026 - NBOE Well Vibrant Living Health and Wellness Spring Fair 2026. Remember to visit the HRS Informational Portal at www.NBOEHRS.com.
Know More. Choose Better. Live Well. |
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The NBOE Vibrant Living Health & Wellness Fair Spring 2026 (New)Contact: Jennifer Medina, Benefit Services
Email: j1medina@nps.k12.nj.us  Join us for the NBOE Vibrant Living Health & Wellness Fair, hosted by the NBOE Well Benefits Team, for opportunities to receive health and wellness consultations, massages, win exciting prizes and gift cards, and discover the valuable benefits available to Newark BOE employees!
- When: Saturday, May 16th, 2026 from 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
- Where: Quitman Street Elementary School (70 Montgomery St. Newark, NJ 07103)
- Who: All benefit eligible NBOE employees and their families are invited to participate in this event.
Register now and secure your spot here: Spring 2026 NBOE Vibrant Living Health & Wellness Fair Registration Form |
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All Teachers
PREVIOUS ITEMS |
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Past is Prologue Essay ContestContact: 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. |
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Classroom Microgrants for Language EducatorsContact: 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. |
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April is Earth Action MonthContact: 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. |
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April Culture & Climate ActivitiesContact: 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
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Additional Military Family ResourcesContact: 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: Additional resources are always available on the NPS website: |
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2026-2027 SY Social Worker II Internship Inquiry Form: NOW AVAILABLEContact: 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. |
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OSE Updates and HighlightsContact: 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. |
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Annual IEP Meeting Notices: NJDOE Requirements Begin July 1, 2026Contact: 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. |
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Co-Curricular & Before/After School Program - Timeline / New Job CodesContact: 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: - 2476 - Before and After-School Per-Diem Teacher - Co-Curricular
- 2477 - Before and After-School Teacher - Co-Curricular
- 2478 - Before and After-School Teacher Aide Co-Curricular
- 2479 - Before and After-School Tutoring Coordinator- Co-Curricular
- 2480 - Coach Co-Curricular - Sports Activities
- 2481 - Co-Curricular Advisor and Coordinator
- 2482 - Directors - Co-Curricular for Band Related Activities
- 2483 - Treasurer- After School Activities
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2025-2026 Discretionary FundsContact: 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: If you should have any questions, please speak with your school administrator. |
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Summer School SeasonContact: 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 |
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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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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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