Message from the SuperintendentDear Teachers and Instructional Staff, In the previous newsletters, I shared a few highlights of culminating District events. With this message, I am so honored and proud to congratulate the following students, schools, teachers, departments, and staff for these accomplishments: Math Olympics
Congratulations to the more than 900 Newark students and mathematics educators who participated in the 38th Annual Newark Math Olympics on Thursday, May 28, 2026. This premier competition celebrates mathematics excellence while fostering problem-solving, collaboration, perseverance, and a passion for learning mathematics. We commend all the participants for their hard work and dedication, and extend a special recognition to this year's winning teams. - Middle School Mathematics: Science Park (1st), Roberto Clemente (2nd), Oliver Street (3rd)
- Algebra 1: Science Park (1st), Ann Street (2nd), Abington Avenue (3rd)
- Geometry: Science Park (1st), Architecture and Interior Design (2nd), East Side (3rd)
- Algebra 2: Science Park (1st), Technology (2nd), Data Science and Information Technology (3rd)
- Precalculus: Science Park (1st), Technology (2nd), Bard Early College (3rd)
- Calculus: Science Park (1st), East Side (2nd), Technology (3rd)
Vocal Jubilee
The Vocal Jubilee, held on May 28th at the historic Newark Symphony Hall, was a spectacular event that highlighted 270 students from 30 middle and high school music programs. This annual celebration spotlights the musical talents of students and music educators through a series of captivating performances. From powerful solos to harmonious ensemble pieces, the Vocal Jubilee continues to be a night of musical excellence and community spirit. It provides the opportunity for students to shine and for audiences to experience the rich vocal traditions nurtured within the Newark Public Schools. Seal of Biliteracy Event
The Office of Bilingual Education, ESL, and World Languages is proud to recognize an outstanding milestone: 531 high school students have earned the New Jersey State Seal of Biliteracy this year and the prestigious ACTFL Language Proficiency Certificates. This year’s recipients earned the Seal in Spanish, Portuguese, French, Haitian Creole, Yoruba, and Urdu, reflecting the rich linguistic diversity that strengthens and enriches our community. Additionally, 18 students achieved proficiency in more than two languages by earning the Seal in Spanish, Portuguese, and French. This achievement highlights not only their dedication and hard work but also the District’s strong commitment to promoting multilingualism. Academic Awards Night
The District recognized 508 graduating seniors at the Academic Awards Night. It was an honor to personally congratulate each academic scholar who has earned a 3.5 GPA or higher. The evening was truly incredible. Thank you to all who supported with making this amazing event a night to remember. Our students are deserving of this celebration, and it was wonderful to share it with their families and our community. Teacher of the Year Ceremony
On June 4th, the District proudly recognized each school’s Teacher of the Year and announced our District Teacher of the Year, Dr. Farah Ramezanzadeh from the Newark School of Data Science & Information Technology. Exceptional teaching is reflected in the dedication, passion, and commitment educators demonstrate each day in support of their students. We are incredibly proud of these outstanding educators for their hard work and continued dedication to instructional excellence and student achievement.
Congratulations to all Teacher of the Year recipients. Thank you for serving as inspiring examples of the impact educators have on shaping the future and making a meaningful difference in the lives of students each and every day. Senior Day
On Friday, June 5th, I welcomed over 2,900 graduating seniors as they arrived at Forest Lodge in celebration of their Senior Day! It was an amazing experience, as evidenced by the joy and enthusiasm of our students. A special thank you to the High School Leadership Team, High School Principals, and their teams who helped make Senior Day a truly memorable day. More incredible events are still on the way. Tune in to the next newsletter for additional highlights and commendations.
Superintendent León |
|
|
Elementary School Teachers
NEW ITEMS |
|
Register for ONPAR Training (New)Contact: Kathleen Tierney, Office of Science
Email: ktierney@nps.k12.nj.us There will be ONPAR training for middle school science teachers on August 24, 2026 from 1 pm - 4 pm. Training will be virtual and will be available to the first 12 teachers to respond directly to Director Tierney. ONPAR is a formative assessment tool available to all middle school science teachers. Training will include how to utilize the platform to promote a classroom culture grounded in the 3 dimensions. |
|
|
Elementary School Teachers
PREVIOUS ITEMS |
|
Excel Program Staff 2026-27Contact: 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
|
|
|
High School Teachers
NEW ITEMS |
|
2026 ARTEFFECT Summer Competition - Visual Art (New)Contact: Antonia Germanos, Office of Visual and Performing Arts
Email: agermanos@nps.k12.nj.us The 2026 ARTEFFECT summer competition offers multiple awards across various categories, totaling over $20,000 in financial prizes. Entries from students in grades 9-12 are eligible for all awards. No submission can win more than one award or prize. Winners receive cash prizes. TOP AWARDS - Grand Prize—$3,000
- Best in Show—$2,000
- First Place—$1,500
- Second Place—$1,000
For more information visit: https://www.arteffectlmc.org/competition/summer |
|
|
Check out the May Math Monthly Memo (New)Contact: Amanda Grossi, Office of Mathematics
Email: agrossi@nps.k12.nj.us Check out what is happening in mathematics from Kindergarten to Calculus across Newark Public Schools. |
|
|
Summer Ed Tech PD Academy (New)Contact: Michael Padilla, Office of Instructional Technology
Email: m4padilla@nps.k12.nj.us Staff will be paid to attend and space is limited! |
|
|
District-wide Arts Post Survey (4th - 12th grade) (New)Contact: Devonne DeNose, Office of Visual and Performing Arts
Email: d1denose@nps.k12.nj.us FINAL CALL: The Office of Visual and Performing Arts, in partnership with Arts Ed Newark, would like to thank you in advance for making every effort to have your students complete the District-wide arts post-survey. Students in grades 4-12 only, are being asked to complete the survey, and translations are available to students (they must select their preferred language from the drop down upon entering their ID #). We are asking that arts supervisors, school counselors and arts educators support the completion of the post survey. The goal is to have 100% of the District's 4th - 12th grade students complete the survey BEFORE June 12, 2026! SURVEY LINK: https://newark.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3K90vmVbeA4ZzBI |
|
|
Office of Visual and Performing Arts Newsletter (Issue #3) (New)Contact: Devonne DeNose, Office of Visual and Performing Arts
Email: d1denose@nps.k12.nj.us The Office of Visual and Performing Arts is excited to share the third issue of the OVPA Newsletter! This edition highlights the incredible teaching, learning, and artistic experiences happening across our schools. You are invited to explore important updates, celebrations of student and educator accomplishments, and stay connected to upcoming opportunities, performances, and initiatives that continue to elevate arts education in the Newark Public Schools. |
|
|
Professional Development and Updates from OSE (New)Contact: LaPrice Weatherington, Office of Special Education
Email: lweatherington@nps.k12.nj.us In August 2025, the NJ Department of Education introduced a Guidance on Additional Annual IEP Meeting Notice PL2025 Requirements. As of July 1, 2026, all districts must provide to parents in advance of an IEP meeting the following information. See attached for resources which includes a video regarding the process for teachers to submit information via EdPlan. This information is for both general education and special education teachers who support students with an IEP. ESY PD information is included for teachers, CSTs, and paraprofessionals hired for the ESY Program. Please share with paraprofessionals the updates regarding the summer PD dates. End of Year CST information is included. On-Demand virtual para training is also included. |
|
|
End of Year Close Out Process for CSTs (New)Contact: LaPrice Weatherington, Office of Special Education
Email: lweatherington@nps.k12.nj.us The End of Year (EOY) Close‑Out process ensures that all CST members complete required compliance activities, finalize outstanding case responsibilities, and prepare for a smooth transition into the 2026–2027 school year. These meetings support accuracy, accountability, and continuity of services for students with disabilities. All Child Study Teams will meet in person with their prospective SLT Supervisors, and CST attendance is mandatory. - Monday, June 8 – Thursday, June 11, 2026
Please see the 2025-2026 EOY Memo to CSTs link: 2025-2026 EOY Memo to CSTs. If you have any questions regarding the EOY Close‑Out process, please reach out directly to your assigned SLT Special Education Supervisor for support. |
|
|
All Teachers
PREVIOUS ITEMS |
|
June Culture & Climate ActivitiesContact: Rania Sawaged, Office of Student Life
Email: rsawaged@nps.k12.nj.us Please review the June Suggested Activities document to promote awareness for: - Caribbean Heritage Month
- LGBTQ+ Pride Month
- Juneteenth (6/19)
|
|
|
Cycle 4 25-26 Report Card Timeline and Requirements - TeachersContact: Esther Lewars, OPPET - Student Information Services
Email: elewars@nps.k12.nj.us All Cycle 4 grades and comments must be finalized in PowerTeacher Pro by the end of the school day on Friday, June 12th.
Use the Cycle 4 Report Card Timeline and Requirements document to prepare for the storing of 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. Grade changes after June 16th require a grade change form submission. If you have questions, please consult with your administrator(s). |
|
|
Sign-up for Free Professional Development WorkshopsContact: Olawunmi Ojoye, Office of Federal Programs and Grants
Email: OOjoye@nps.k12.nj.us Thanks to CDC DASH grant funding, NBOE has partnered with Family Connections to provide free, safe, and affirming support services for all school staff. Family Connections–Pride+ will offer professional development sessions on June 4 and June 8. These trainings will equip staff with de-escalation techniques and strategies to foster classrooms where a student feels safe, builds confidence, and strengthens resilience. Supplemental pay will be provided to all participants. For more details, click the flyer below or contact Family Connections representative JP Pedoto at jpedoto@familyconnectionsnj.org. Flyer: Pride+ PD 04Jun2026 & 08Jun2026.pdf Registration: |
|
|
Sign-up for Professional Development with PPMNJContact: Olawunmi Ojoye, Office of Federal Programs and Grants
Email: OOjoye@nps.k12.nj.us NBOE & Planned Parenthood of Metropolitan NJ will facilitate a virtual afterschool professional development session to 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 3:30-5:00pm. |
|
|
MSU Partnership for Bilingual and ESL Programs Interest SurveysContact: Dr. Claire S. Emmanuel, HRS - Office of Recruitment
Email: cemmanuel@nps.k12.nj.us Looking to acquire certification? Employees with a standard certification or a CEAS may be eligible for the Bilingual or ESL provisional programs. This will allow you to support bilingual and English learners. Complete the desired interest form today and see if you may be eligible for this paid program with MSU. See below: |
|
|
Culture & Climate SurveyContact: 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: |
|
|
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. |
|
|
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. |
|
|
 | Teacher Talk is emailed every other Monday. The submission deadline is 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday. |
|
|
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. |
|
|
|
