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NBOE Teacher Talk - 5/11/2026

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MAY 11, 2026 EDITION

Message from the Superintendent

Dear Teachers and Instructional Staff,

The end of the school year is filled with many exciting culminating activities. The list of people who assist in making all the incredible events happen literally spans the entire organization, and I recognize and commend them. Below are a few highlights of upcoming events; some are information for you, about you, or require an action, so please read carefully.

Principal for a Day - May 27: As part of this District-wide program, each principal has identified and invited a Community Leader, Entrepreneur, CEO, Producer, Artist, etc. to participate as the Principal for a Day (PFAD). The guest PFAD at each school will have the opportunity to witness firsthand the evolving responsibilities of school leadership and teaching techniques to meet the diverse needs of students, interact with both faculty and students, perform specific administrative tasks, and ensure they are creating a meaningful positive influence. Through this commitment and reciprocal partnership, the District continues to foster robust relationships between schools and the community.

Math Olympics - May 28: The 38th Annual Newark Math Olympics will be held at the Robert Treat Hotel. The competitions include Middle School Math, Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra 2, Precalculus, and Calculus. Over 800 students from 59 schools will be competing - so exciting!

Vocal Jubilee - May 28: This event will be at Newark Symphony Hall and begins at 6:00 pm. The Office of Visual & Performing Arts continues to showcase the incredible vocal talent of our students in grades 6-12 from schools across the District.  

Seal of Biliteracy Event - June 2: This event will be held at East Side High School at 5:00 pm. We have over 500 students who have successfully completed and qualify for this recognition. The Bilingual Department, World Languages staff, and Bilingual staff across the schools should be very proud of this major accomplishment.

Elementary Track Festival - June 3: The Office of Health, Physical Education, and Athletics is excited to host the annual Elementary Track Festival, for students in grades 3 - 8. Students will participate in dashes and relays, showcasing their speed, teamwork, and school pride. This event will provide a fun and competitive opportunity for our elementary student-athletes to celebrate movement, sportsmanship, and athletic growth.

Academic Awards Night - June 3: I am hosting this annual event for seniors in the Class of 2026 who have an overall GPA of 3.5 or higher. This year, 509 seniors meet the criteria. In the presence of their principals, families, and staff, seniors are called by GPA to receive a medallion to be worn at graduation, proclamations, and gifts. The event is followed by dinner. We will find out that evening the senior with the highest GPA in Newark. Who will that senior be and from what high school? School counselors, senior class and National Honor Society advisors, and homeroom teachers are reminded to make sure that students and their guests are notified, if you have not already done so. This event will be held at Central High School and will begin at 5:00 pm sharp.

Teacher of the Year Ceremony - June 4: As the largest school district in the state of New Jersey, the Newark Board of Education is proud and excited to celebrate exemplary educators across Newark Public Schools. We remain deeply committed to recognizing teachers in every school who go above and beyond each day to inspire, support, and uplift our students. This year, the District will honor 65 outstanding teachers, one from each school, at our annual Teacher of the Year Ceremony. This special celebration will culminate in the highly anticipated announcement of the overall District Teacher of the Year! 

Senior Day - June 5: I am taking seniors from the Class of 2026 who have met graduation requirements to Forest Lodge. Senior class advisors, homeroom teachers, and chaperones are reminded to set expectations, secure permission slips, and tell seniors to get ready for lots of fun, including lunch. This will be the largest gathering of seniors who qualify for graduation. The number in attendance will be well over 2,900 seniors. Incredible.

Elementary Basketball Championships - June 6: Get ready for an exciting showcase of young basketball talent! These games will be held at Malcolm X Shabazz High School - the girls’ championship game will tip off at 10:30 am, followed by the boys’ championship game at 12:00 pm. Join us as we celebrate the hard work, sportsmanship, and talent of our elementary student-athletes throughout an exciting championship day.

Fashion Show: Wicked with a Twist - We are excited to announce our upcoming 2026 Fashion Show: Wicked with a Twist, taking place on Saturday, June 6, 2026 at Newark Vocational High School. There will be two showtimes available:

  • 1st Show: Doors open at 11:00 am | Showtime at 12:00 pm 
  •  2nd Show: Doors open at 5:00 pm | Showtime at 6:00 pm

This event showcases the creativity, talent, and dedication of our students, and we are looking forward to building on the incredible success of last year’s inaugural show. Any NBOE staff who are interested in purchasing a ticket to the show, click on link: https://npswickedfashionshow.eventbrite.com.

STEM Week - Week of June 8: Middle school students will engage in interdisciplinary lessons around the topics of Building a Lunar Colony, Urban Farming, and Surgical Techniques. The week-long event will culminate in a showcase of student learning. Looking forward to seeing all the great work of our students and their teachers!

Newark Games - June 8 - 9: Save the date for the Second Annual Newark Games! 

The pep rallies will take place at school sites across the District on June 8, 2026. Schools will proudly showcase the countries they represent through creative performances, decorations, music, and displays that celebrate culture, unity, and school spirit. The pep rallies will build excitement and community pride leading up to the Newark Games, while highlighting the creativity and collaboration of our students and staff.

Then on June 9, 2026, the Newark Games are on! This incredible District-wide event celebrates unity, school pride, and student collaboration by bringing students from across the city to represent one of 16 international countries in a series of fun, challenging events designed to promote teamwork, sportsmanship, and cultural pride. The Newark Games will be taking place at Schools Stadium. 

The Office of Health, Physical Education, and Athletics is spearheading this unforgettable celebration of culture, cooperation, and competition.

R.A.M.P. Concert - June 9: The annual Recorder Arts for Musical Pathways (R.A.M.P.) event will be at NJPAC at 10:00 am. This event will feature third and fourth grade students from Newark Public Schools, showcasing their musical talents and progress in learning to read music and play the recorder. The concert will celebrate the culmination of their hard work throughout the year. 

Night at the Museum - June 12: Step into an evening of discovery and connection! The Office of Early Childhood invites preschool and kindergarten families to the 13th Annual Night at the Museum, in partnership with the Newark Museum. Explore, create, and learn together through interactive exhibits and hands-on experiences. Families will leave with fun, take-home resources to keep the learning going. Join us for a night filled with curiosity, creativity, and memorable moments! Click here to register and be part of the experience! 

Cheerleading Championship - June 13: Our cheerleaders have been demonstrating their strength, athleticism, school pride, and spirit all season. The finals showcase will be spectacular! Come show your support at Essex County College (Cleo S. Hill Gymnasium). Doors open at 11:30 am.  

Commencement Exercises - June 23: This is such an exciting day where hard work and commitment to excellence yields one (of many more to come) major accomplishment in the incredible lives of our students. The Superintendent’s $4,000 Scholarship goes to one Senior from each high school at the graduation ceremony. We will also distribute two laptops to two Seniors at the ceremony. Who will these 3 Seniors be from each high school? Job well done by all of our students and a big thank you to their parents, families, friends, teachers, school administrators, and staff. To the 8th graders, we are so proud of you. We see you too and are honored that you are coming to our high schools. Congratulations to the Class of 2026!

Superintendent León

 
Early Childhood Teachers
NEW ITEMS

Pre-K Transition Portfolio Guidance (New)

Contact: Victoria Dampare, Office of Early Childhood
Email: vdampare@nps.k12.nj.us

In preparation for the end of the school year, all students enrolled in Pre‑K 3 and Pre‑K 4 must have a completed Transition Portfolio, in accordance with N.J.A.C. 6A:13A‑6.1, which requires districts to implement transition initiatives from program entry through Kindergarten and extending through Grade 3.

All Pre‑K 3 and Pre‑K 4 teachers are expected to follow the Transition Portfolio Guidance Document, including the required checklist and established timeline. Completed folders should be filed in each student’s cumulative folder in accordance with school guidelines.

 
Elementary School Teachers
NEW ITEMS

Kindergarten Transition Meetings (New)

Contact: Victoria Dampare, Office of Early Childhood
Email: vdampare@nps.k12.nj.us

In alignment with The Next Decade: 2020-30 Strategic Plan, and in preparation for the 2026–2027 school year, the Office of Early Childhood Teacher Coaches will begin conducting in‑person grade‑level meetings with Kindergarten teachers. These meetings will focus on reviewing the updated Preschool Transition Portfolios to support a smooth transition into Kindergarten while minimizing interruptions to student learning.

The purpose of these meetings is to assist teachers in effectively utilizing the information within the Preschool Transition Portfolios to plan and prepare for their incoming students. Meetings will take place from the week of May 18, 2026, through June 4, 2026. Teacher Coaches will reach out to schools to schedule the Grade‑Level Meetings.

Elementary School Teachers
PREVIOUS ITEMS

Recognize the NBOE Science Fair Winners

Contact: Kathleen Tierney, Office of Science
Email: ktierney@nps.k12.nj.us

The winners of this year's science fair have been selected. The complete list of projects can be accessed via the link here:

These projects demonstrated the scientific process from start to finish and truly embodied this year's theme of Chemistry In Our Everyday Lives. The Office of Science would like to thank all schools for participating. We hope that this experience ignited the scientist that lives in all of us.

Excel Program Staff 2026-27

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

Calling all teachers interested in providing academic and enrichment instruction after school! Please read the job roles and responsibilities here carefully prior to applying for: 

  • 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
 
All Teachers
NEW ITEMS

Summer Reading (New)

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

We are excited to share this year’s ELA Summer Reading List! On June 11th, students will receive their summer reading books as schools help build excitement and encourage students to continue reading throughout the summer. Please see the attached flyers for the full reading list by grade level. 

Culture & Climate Survey (New)

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

In alignment with The Next Decade: 2020-30 Strategic Plan Priority 3 - Strategy 3.1, students, parents/caregivers, and staff are to complete a culture and climate survey annually. Data from this survey will be shared with District and School Leaders to assist in preparing for the 2026-2027 school year. The survey is now open and will close on Friday, June 12, 2026.

Please click on the link below to access and review suggested methods and means to promote completion and distribution. Remember, the information will be used to determine trends, areas of success/growth, and needed programming that will enhance your school community.

If you have any questions, please contact the Office of Student Life:

May Culture & Climate Activities (New)

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

Please review the May Suggested Activities document to promote awareness for: 

  • Mental Health Awareness Month
  • Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month
  • National College Decision Day (High School)

May Is Dedicated to Special Education Week and National Speech-Language-Hearing Month (New)

Contact: LaPrice Weatherington, Office of Special Education
Email: LWeatherington@NPS.K12.NJ.US

Special Education Week shines a bright light on the hardworking teachers, administrators and support staff, dedicated parents, and amazing students who take on a learning adventure like no other. This week celebrates their nonstop effort and the powerful bond that keeps them going, showing their heart and hustle to make a real difference.  

Continue to shine brightly because your light makes a difference every day. In New Jersey, Special Education week is May 10-15, 2026, honoring teachers, educators, and innovative programs. The Office of Special Education extends a thank you to all who support diverse learners. 

May is recognized as Better Hearing and Speech Month - a time to raise awareness about the importance of communication, hearing health, and the vital role these skills play in student success. We encourage you to take a moment this month to recognize and celebrate the incredible work of your school audiologists and speech-language specialists. These professionals support students in developing essential communication skills, overcoming challenges, and fully accessing their education. Thank you for helping bring awareness to this important initiative and for supporting the dedicated staff who make a difference every day! 

As of July 1, 2026, all school districts must provide to parents in advance of an IEP meeting the following information.  

  • Statement of items that will be discussed at IEP meeting
  • The student’s current level of academic and functional performance
  • A list of required IEP team members to attend
    • List must include each excused member’s input
  • Invitation for the parent to provide feedback on the proposed programs and services in the IEP

See attached for upcoming professional development opportunities:

Cycle 4 Progress Reports - Thursday, May 21, 2026 (New)

Contact: Esther Lewars, OPPET - Student Information Services
Email: elewars@nps.k12.nj.us

The Q4 progress reports will be delivered on Thursday, May 21st. In PowerTeacher Pro, update each student’s Q4 final grade with a comment. Comments should include the student’s current level of achievement, and the teacher should have data to support the statement. Comments are limited to 1000 characters due to space limitations. To view all comments entered, select Reports > Final Grade Report > Select classes > Select Comments > Run Report.

Professional Development for Staff (New)

Contact: Olawunmi Ojoye, Office of Federal Programs & Grants
Email: oojoye@nps.k12.NJ.us

In May, Planned Parenthood of Metropolitan NJ will facilitate 2 virtual afterschool professional development sessions on Sex Education to provide strategies necessary for supportive and inclusive learning environments. Click below to register through Grow. Supplemental Pay will be offered for those who attend the sessions. All sessions will be from 3:30-5:00pm. 

Please see the attached flyer for more information:

Professional Development for Staff (New)

Contact: Olawunmi Ojoye, Office of Federal Programs & Grants
Email: oojoye@nps.k12.NJ.us

As part of the Newark Health & Wellness Grant through the CDC, ANSWER will provide two virtual after-school professional development sessions centered on artificial intelligence technology and best practices for teacher–student communication. This training will provide strategies necessary for supportive and inclusive learning environments. Click below to register through Grow. Please see the attached flyer for more information. Supplemental Pay will be offered for those who attend the sessions. All sessions will be from 3:30pm - 4:30pm. 

Flyer: Answer-PD-20May2026-21May2026.pdf

Financial Wellness (New)

Contact: Barbara Evans, Office of Federal Programs & Grants
Email: bevans@nps.k12.nj.us

The Office of Federal Programs & Grants invites all teachers and staff to participate in a virtual Financial Wellness Seminar, First Steps to Financial Freedom, hosted by Prudential Pathways. This one-hour session will provide practical guidance on building a financial plan, saving for long-term goals, understanding credit, and managing debt. The seminar will be held on May 12, from 6:00–7:00 p.m. (ET) via Zoom. Registration is required. Staff are encouraged to attend and to share the attached flyer with colleagues who may benefit from this opportunity.

New Teacher Induction Training - May Date (New)

Contact: Jennifer Rodriguez, HRS - Office of Educator Effectiveness
Email: evaluations@nps.k12.nj.us

Our final New Teacher Induction training for the school year will be held virtually on Thursday, May 14 from 4:00-6:00 pm. This month, we are excited to have sessions facilitated by both the Office of Social Studies and Engaged 2 Learn. 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. 

Traditional Mentor Training #5 - May Date (New)

Contact: Jennifer Rodriguez, HRS - Office of Educator Effectiveness
Email: evaluations@nps.k12.nj.us

The final Traditional Mentor Training for this school year will take place virtually on Thursday, May 21, from 4:00-5:00 pm. If you have any questions, please contact the Office of Educator Effectiveness at evaluations@NPS.K12.NJ.US.

Bilingual and ESL Certification Programs through Montclair State University (New)

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

We are offering an information session for the Bilingual and ESL Certification programs offered through Montclair State University and in partnership with NBOE. Come learn about those programs. 

  • Find the registration here!

The NBOE Vibrant Living Health & Wellness Fair Spring 2026 (New)

Contact: Jennifer Medina, HRS - Office of 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

Medical Benefits Open Enrollment Starting May 13, 2026! (New)

Contact: Cristina Ribau Orama, HRS - Office of Benefit Services
Email: corama@NPS.K12.NJ.US

Medical Benefits Open Enrollment for NBOE’s award-winning coverage starts Wednesday, May 13th, through Wednesday, May 27th! 

2026 Spring Medical Benefits Open Enrollment Highlights

Don’t wait to make your elections.

Make them on day one, May 13, 2026 at http://www.nboebenefits.com.

All Teachers
PREVIOUS ITEMS

Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Training 2026

Contact: B. Helena Blackwell, Office of Health Services
Email: Bblackwell@nps.k12.nj.us

CPR Training
Pre-Registration Required

CPR Training is being offered by the University Hospital. All training dates will be held at the Dr. Marion A. Bolden Student Center, 230 Broadway, 07104. Limited onsite parking is available and accessible via Taylor Street.

Please select your first, second, and third preferred training dates. We will do our best to accommodate your first or second choice. Seats are limited, and classes fill quickly. Ensure you have approval from your Principal or supervisor before submitting your pre-registration. Click here to reserve your date. You will receive an email confirming your training date. Once your date is confirmed, it cannot be changed.

Escrow Program (Open Enrollment and Refund Dates)

Contact: Maribel James, HRS - Office of Employee Services
Email: NPSCompensation@nps.k12.nj.us

Escrow Open Enrollment for current and newly hired employees is May 1st through September 15th of each year!

Employees who are 10-month and 11-month full-time employees can now self-enroll, discontinue, and switch options in the Escrow Program. PPD and 12-month employees are exempt from this deduction. 

For additional information, feel free to visit our NBOE HRS Portal at www.nboehrs.com.

Esports Super Cup 2026

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.

Adult Education Summer Sessions

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: 2477

Innovative and Creative Teachers - Hiring for New Media High!

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!

Summer Hiring Ends May 15, 2026

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.

NBOE Office of Benefit Services - Spring 2026 Newsletter

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.

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

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.

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

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:

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

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:

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.

 

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