NBOE Teacher Talk - 9/1/2026

Message from the Office of the Superintendent

Dear Teachers and Instructional Staff,

We are excited to welcome you back for the 2026–2027 school year!

As we enter Year 7 of The Next Decade: 2020-30 Strategic Plan, your continued dedication is essential to advancing the District’s priorities and ensuring academic success for every student. Through our collective commitment and purposeful work, we will continue building upon our progress and bringing the Strategic Plan’s vision to life in every classroom.

In preparation for a successful start to the school year, please carefully review the important information provided below.

We wish you an inspiring, productive, and successful school year!

Superintendent Roger León
Deputy Superintendent Yolonda Severe
Assistant Superintendent Sandra Marques

The Next Decade: 2020-30

• Strategic Plan
• NPS Clarity 2020
• Logic Model
• The Next Decade: 2020-30 Strategic Plan Slides
• Year 1 Report (2020-21)
• Year 3 Report (2021-23)
• Year 5 Report (2023-25)

Academic Walkthrough

• Academic Walkthrough Tool

EdResearch for Recovery

• Learning Loss and Key NPS Strategies
• School Practices to Address Student Learning Loss

Upcoming Events

• September 1: Staff Development Day
• September 2: Staff Development Day
• September 3: District Staff Convocation
• September 8: First Day of School for Students
• September 11: High School Convocation 
• September 15: Co-Curricular Advisors Meeting at Harold Wilson at 4:00 PM
• September 17: Coaches Meeting at Newark Vocational High School at 4:00 PM

Give Me 5 Campaign

The District’s “Give Me 5” campaign has proven to have a positive impact on student attendance and student success. Every staff member will receive an email with a list of students to contact their families and remind them of the importance of being in school every day and on time.

I Believe in You Grant

Teachers are vital to the success of our students. With the “I Believe in You” grant, teachers will demonstrate how they are helping students learn to think critically and solve problems. Grants in the amount of $1,000 will be issued to every teacher in each school. Grant funds can be used for instructional materials and supplies. See below for further information:

• I Believe in You Grant Application
• I Believe in You and PLC FAQ

I Believe in My PLC Grant

This grant provides teachers, possessing a broad vision of what it means to teach and learn, the resources needed to pursue self-designed professional learning experiences. Teacher teams will work collaboratively to determine how funds will be allocated for the grade level or department. One grant will be allocated per school in the amount of $3,000-$7,000. Grant funds can be used for instructional materials and supplies. See below for further information:

• I Believe in My PLC Grant Application
• I Believe in You and PLC FAQ

Superintendent's Council of Leaders (New)

From: Shamere Williams, Office of the Superintendent
Email: s21williams@nps.k12.nj.us

Dates to Remember SY 2026-27 (New)

From: Shamere Williams, Office of the Superintendent
Email: s21williams@nps.k12.nj.us

As we prepare for a successful 2026-27 school year, please review the Dates to Remember for important events and activities throughout the year. We encourage you to save these dates and plan accordingly to ensure you stay informed and prepared.

We look forward to a productive and exciting school year!

High School Guidebook 2026-2027 (New)

From: Dr. Paula Perrone, Office of the Superintendent
Email: pperrone@nps.k12.nj.us

The High School Guidebook is published annually to provide high school students and their families with a guide to the District's expectations, guidelines, and procedures.

The High School Guidebook 2026-2027 is being shared as a resource.

Guidance for Emergency Remote Instruction 2026-2027 (New)

From: Marialana Juliano, Office of the Deputy Superintendent
Email: mjuliano@nps.k12.nj.us 

In accordance with New Jersey State Legislature P.L. 2020, Chapter 27 and State of New Jersey Department of Education guidance, the Newark Board of Education will implement the Guidance for Emergency Remote Instruction during a District closure lasting more than three consecutive days due to a declared state of emergency, declared public health emergency, or a directive by the appropriate health agency or officer to institute a public health-related closure.

The Guidance for Emergency Remote Instruction 2026-2027 can be accessed from the District’s website: https://www.nps.k12.nj.us/documents/guidance-for-emergency-remote-instruction-2026-2027/

All Teachers and Instructional Staff should have created virtual WebEx classrooms and ensure that the links are shared on the school’s website. Also, please be mindful that all students will need to have their Chromebooks at home if and when the Guidance for Emergency Remote Instruction is implemented.

NPS Cares (New)

From: Dr. Samantha Lott-Velez, Student Support Services
Email: slott@nps.k12.nj.us

The Public Service Announcements (PSAs) highlight student voices and encourage meaningful conversations. 

Our students have created powerful public service announcements addressing issues that directly affect their lives and school communities, including attendance, anti-bullying, and mental health. These videos give students an opportunity to hear important messages through the voices and experiences of their peers.

Teachers and student support staff should incorporate the PSAs into class discussions, counseling lessons, restorative circles, and other appropriate learning opportunities.  A PSA can serve as a brief but meaningful opening to a conversation about belonging, choices, responsibility, help seeking, and the impact our actions have on others.

To deepen the experience, consider asking students to respond to one or a few more questions after viewing. For example:

• What message stood out to you?
• Why does this issue matter in our school community?
• What choice or action does the video encourage?
• How can students support one another?
• Where can students go for help?

The PSAs may also be used by designated staff as a preventative or part of a restorative response when a student’s behavior violates a related district policy.  In those situations, the purpose is not simply to require the student to watch a video, but to help the student reflect, understand the impact of the behavior, identify a better response, and determine what support may be needed.

A short video can begin a conversation.  What makes it meaningful is what we help students think, say and do afterward.

Please connect with your school administrator or your school-based plan for implementation.

National Board Certification (New)

From: Dr. Kashon Lopes, Office of Staff Development
Email: KLOPES@NPS.K12.NJ.US

National Board Certification (NBC) is a voluntary, advanced teaching credential that goes beyond state licensure. The National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) certifies teachers who successfully complete its rigorous certification process. The NBOE will pilot a program to help 20 eligible teachers become certified. The Office of Staff Development will be hosting a virtual informational session on October 16, 2026, from 4 - 5 PM.

For more information on becoming a National Board-Certified Teacher and to register for the session, please view the Flyer linked below.

• National Board Certification Flyer

Join the Science Office Hours (New)

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

The science team will be holding office hours on Tuesdays in September starting at 3:30 pm. K-8 science teachers are encouraged to drop in with questions or discuss new ideas. Be sure to access the correct Webex link below:

• Join the Science Office Hours

We look forward to the conversations!

Arts in Action: No Stopping Our Purpose! (New)

From: Devonne De Nose, Office of Visual and Performing Arts
Email: d1denose@nps.k12.nj.us

The Office of Visual and Performing Arts is excited to welcome you to a new school year. This year’s theme is Arts in Action: No Stopping Our Purpose! and we will continue our work to celebrate the creativity of our students as they develop artistic literacy and grow their craft.

As we launch into this school year, remember that National Arts in Education Week is September 13-19, 2026! Please use this flyer to spread awareness.

Our office would like to see all of the wonderful celebrations and work throughout the week of September 14th, so please upload your submissions here! 

• Resource

Homework Hotline (New)

From: Michael Padilla, Office of Instructional Technology
Email: m4padilla@nps.k12.nj.us

Homework Hotline returns on September 14th! Certified teachers will be able to meet with students virtually to provide live assistance to all grade levels in all content areas. Please share this information with all staff and students and see this flyer for additional information.

• Homework Hotline Flyer

Culture & Climate Calendar SY 2026-27 (New)

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

Please review the Culture & Climate Calendar for the 2026–2027 school year. This calendar is intended to serve as a guide when planning required and suggested activities, service/community projects, and other school events throughout the year.

To support a more streamlined artifact collection process, the principal will designate one staff member each month to be responsible for uploading photos and artifacts to your school's assigned slide. Please refer to the Culture & Climate Mandatory Artifacts for guidance.

If you have any questions, don't hesitate to reach out.

• Culture and Climate Calendar
• Mandatory Artifacts

Mandatory HIB/Title IX SY 2026-27 Documents/Links (New)

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

As we prepare for the 2026–2027 school year, we invite you to review the attached HIB/Title IX Resource Link. This resource has been created to support your school throughout the year and includes the following materials:

• HIB and Title IX PowerPoint presentations for staff, students, and parents
• Training templates
• Principal Certification Forms
• HIB/Title IX Complete Documentation Forms for the 2026–2027 school year

HIB/Title IX Resource Link – 2026–2027 School Year Documents: HIB/Title IX  Resource Links to Powerpoints Trainings & Certification Forms

Please keep this resource readily available, as it contains the forms and materials needed to ensure compliance with HIB and Title IX requirements throughout the school year.

If you have any questions or need assistance, please do not hesitate to contact Supervisor Stacy M Pelham-Hale at s1hale@nps.k12.nj.us.

OSE Professional Development and Updates (New)

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

New this year is the requirement by NJDOE for notice to be sent to families two days in advance of an IEP meetings (PL2025). See the OSE newsletter for resources for PL2025, access to EdPlan for new special education teachers, and AMIRA assessment updates. PD information for paras, teachers and CSTs are also included. Information enclosed within the OSE newsletter are for general education teachers, special education teachers, and child study team members.

OSE will host OSE Office Hours on September 15th and 17th from 3:15 pm to 4:30 pm to assist with EdPlan and/or Curriculum questions. See newsletter to register.

• 9-1-26 OSE Newsletter

Marking Period Calendar SY 2026-27 (New)

From: Esther Lewars, OPPET
Email: elewars@nps.k12.nj.us

Here is the 2026-2027 Marking Period Calendar. The first Progress Report is due on Thursday, October 8. Only assignments in the Formative Assessment and Summative Assessment categories will count toward final grades at the end of the cycle.

PowerTeacher Pro Gradebook Categories (New)

From: Esther Lewars, OPPET
Email: elewars@nps.k12.nj.us

NBOE uses two categories of assignments to determine a student’s grade: Summative Assessments and Formative Assessments. If other categories are used for assignments in PowerTeacher Pro, the assignments will not count for the student’s overall grade. All categories should be made inactive except for the two categories that are district wide categories in all gradebooks. Use the Inactivating Gradebook Categories document to view and edit your gradebook categories as needed.

• Inactivating Gradebook Categories

Parent Engagement Publications - FREE (New)

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

Increase Parent Engagement by Partnering with Families! Share the monthly Parent Newsletter and Daily Learning Planner with families. Available in English and Spanish, these resources support parents of students from elementary through high school with learning tips, activities, and strategies to reinforce academic success at home. A valuable tool for teachers, social workers, school counselors, and support staff, both publications are updated monthly. An effective practice is to include the links in weekly family communications and highlight one activity for parents and students to complete together.

Benefits Onboarding Information (New)

From: Jennifer Medina, HRS
Email: j1medina@nps.k12.nj.us

New employees should review the benefits onboarding materials that are sent via district email and complete all required enrollment steps. Benefits include mandatory TPAF pension enrollment with a 7.5% contribution, life insurance coverage, medical and prescription plans (NJEP or GSHP), dental, vision, and optional Flexible Spending Accounts. Benefits elections must be completed online through the WEX portal after work email access is established and eligibility is activated. Employees enrolling dependents must provide supporting documentation. Visit the https://nboehrs.com/eligibility/#new-hire HR and WEX Benefits Portal www.nboebenefits.com for plan details, enrollment instructions, and additional resources.

• Benefits Onboarding Information

Escrow Program (Open Enrollment and Refund Dates) (New)

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

Escrow Open Enrollment for current and newly hired employees is always May 1st through September 15th! Due to security restrictions, you will not be able to enroll or select an option unless you are physically at one of our district sites.

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

• Enrolling in the Escrow Program through ESS

For up-to-date information, feel free to visit our NBOE HRS Portal at https://nboehrs.com/es#escrow.

Guidelines for Managing Student Chromebooks (New)

From: Abdullah Ansari, Division of Information Technology
Email: AAnsari@nps.k12.nj.us

As in prior years, schools are to distribute student Chromebooks using the district’s Chromebook Distribution Formula where students in grades K, 5, and 9 receive the newest Chromebooks in inventory. Chromebooks are to be managed in Incident IQ Asset Management platform that was deployed last year. Schools must verify all student devices in Incident IQ and update each device profile with pertinent information including student’s name and devices status. Signed parental agreements are to be uploaded to the platform as well.

With the increase in cost of technology due to RAM and hard drive shortages, it is important that all schools enforce the established fee schedule for damaged and lost Chromebooks in order to retain 1:1 student to device ratio. Please refer to the pertinent guidelines disseminated in June 2026 linked below.

Chromebook repairs will be done by IT based on the information entered in Incident IQ. Therefore, it is imperative that schools continue to update the whereabouts and conditions of the devices in the platform. This year, the district will replace a large number of aging Chromebooks in accordance with the district’s device replacement policy. Additional information will be forthcoming.

• Guidelines for Handling the Return and Inventory of Student Devices (June 2026) 

Teacher Talk is emailed every other Monday.

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