Message from the SuperintendentDear Teachers and Instructional Staff, I am so honored and proud to congratulate the following students, schools, teachers, departments, and staff for these accomplishments: Elementary Basketball Championships
On Saturday, June 6th, the Office of Health, Physical Education, and Athletics hosted the highly anticipated finals of the Elementary Basketball League. Young athletes from across the District demonstrated impressive talent, teamwork, and sportsmanship. Families, friends, and school communities filled the stands to support their teams and celebrate a successful season. The competition was intense as the top two teams in both the boys' and girls' divisions battled it out for the championship title. Each game showcased exceptional skill, determination, and heart as players left everything on the court. All finalists should be proud of their accomplishments and the dedication they brought to every game. Congratulations to all participating teams, coaches, and supporters for a wonderful season! - Girls Division Champion: Speedway Avenue School
- Boys Division Champion: Thirteenth Avenue School
Your hard work, determination, and passion made this season memorable. Congratulations, champions! STEM Week
The Office of Science would like to recognize the over 2,900 middle school students across 23 schools who participated in our annual STEM Week activities. It was great to see how teachers and students made the topics of Building a Lunar Colony, Urban Farming, and Surgical Techniques come alive in their classrooms.  Newark Games
The Office of Health, Physical Education, and Athletics proudly congratulates the more than 2,550 students from Pre-K through 12th grade who participated in the second annual Newark Games, a District-wide event that brought together 65 schools representing 16 countries in a powerful display of athleticism, teamwork, and cultural pride.
After a day of spirited competition and camaraderie, we are excited to announce the winning teams:
Gold
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Silver
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Bronze
| Team Ecuador
(Barringer, Camden Street, Peshine) | Team Haiti (Central, Mount Vernon, Oliver Street, Ridge Street) | Team Egypt
(University, Avon Avenue, Michelle Obama, Roberto Clemente) |
Sportsmanship Award
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Spirit Award
| Team Ghana
(West Side, Dr. E Alma Flagg, Lincoln, Quitman Street) | Team Morocco
(Global Studies, Ironbound Academy, Salomé Ureña, Wilson Avenue) |
We commend all students, staff, and schools for making this event a success and look forward to continuing this tradition of unity and excellence! R.A.M.P. Concert
On June 9th, the District's 3rd and 4th grade students from 40 elementary schools took the stage at NJPAC in a vibrant celebration of musical achievement. This culminating performance of the Recorder Arts for Musical Pathways Program (R.A.M.P.), a partnership between the Newark Board of Education and NJPAC, highlights students’ growth in music literacy and performance. This year’s event included the largest number of music educators and participating schools in the history of the event. The R.A.M.P. performance featured an exciting World Percussion Ensemble, expanding the program’s focus to include global rhythms and collaborative musicianship. Cheerleading Championship
On June 13th, the Office of Extended Learning hosted their annual Cheer Competition at Essex County Community College. Spectators were wowed, as cheer teams representing 35 elementary schools demonstrated their strength, athleticism, school pride, and spirit. Special performances from exhibition cheer teams took the energy through the roof! Congratulations to the amazing athletes and their coaches for a terrific season of effort, development, and showmanship. This year's event featured 3 divisions. The winners are:
Gold Division
1st: Speedway Avenue
2nd: Belmont Runyon
3rd: Thirteenth Avenue
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Silver Division
1st: Luis Muñoz Marín
2nd: Quitman Street
3rd: Park Elementary
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Lower Division
1st: Park Elementary
2nd: Thirteenth Avenue
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Commencement Exercises
On June 23, 2026, the District will celebrate Commencement Exercises throughout the City. We are so proud of our seniors 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! To close out the last newsletter of the year, I want to thank you for your ongoing commitment and unwavering support. I join you in celebration of the major accomplishments of this school year and wish you a restful summer. We look forward to your return on September 1 and seeing you at District Staff Convocation 2026 at the Prudential Center on September 3, 2026. With gratitude,
Superintendent León |
