Message from the Superintendent

Dear Teachers and Instructional Staff,

As shared previously, please see below for the SY 2025-26 calendars:

• School Calendar SY 2025-26
• 12 Month Calendar SY 2025-26

Additionally, please review the 2025-2026 Marking Period and Report Card Dates.

All Homeroom Teachers should distribute the School Calendar SY 2025-26 to students and their families, if they have not done so already.

Have a great week of teaching and learning!

Superintendent León

Message from the Office of Teaching and Learning

Dear Teachers and Instructional Staff,

As we reach mid-March, we find ourselves at a pivotal moment in the academic year—a time to reflect on our progress, renew our focus, and re-energize our commitment to student success. The work you do every day is transformative, shaping not only academic growth but also the confidence and resilience of our students.

March is a month of movement—where learning deepens, instructional strategies take root, and we see students pushing themselves toward new challenges. It is also a time when stamina is tested. I want to acknowledge the dedication, creativity, and adaptability you bring to your classrooms, ensuring that every student, regardless of their starting point, has the opportunity to thrive.

This month, I encourage you to:

✅ Celebrate Growth – Take a moment to recognize the strides your students have made, both big and small. Growth is a process, and every step forward matters.

✅ Lean into Collaboration – Whether through professional learning communities, department meetings, or peer observations, the collective wisdom in our schools is one of our greatest assets.

✅ Prioritize Student Voice – Engage students in conversations about their learning. What do they find exciting? Where do they need support? Their insights can help shape even more meaningful learning experiences.

✅ Stay the Course – The final stretch of the school year is ahead, and consistency in expectations, engagement, and high-quality instruction remains key.

Thank you for your unwavering dedication. Your impact is immeasurable, and your hard work does not go unnoticed. Let’s continue to move forward together with purpose and passion. Remember that teachers are the greatest catalyst for student success, and for that, I celebrate you!

With gratitude,

Sylvia Esteves
Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning

Friendship Youth Choir (New)

Contact: Jayson Martinez, Office of Visual and Performing Arts
Email: jmartinez@nps.k12.nj.us

The Friendship Youth Choir (FYC), in its first year, is open to thirty 5th grade and middle school students. The choir will give children opportunities to be applauded and affirmed, model teamwork and discipline, and experience personal and interpersonal joy. FYC aims to center the music, the direction, and the ethos of the choir on building bonds among students of varying backgrounds and experiences and celebrating the connections that bind students as members of one community. FYC choir will draw on the power of the arts to engender a creative, collaborative, and educational experience. They envision this initiative as one which will provide a meaningful way for students to communicate their feelings and experiences related to unity, diversity, justice and friendship. FYC also recognizes that choral singing has many emotional, social, and behavioral benefits. In time, we hope that participating students will be able to assume positions of leadership within the choir: assisting with outreach, music selection, planning, and other musical and administrative roles.

Since the focus is on fostering community rather than technical skills, there will be no auditions. The door will be open for all interested students. The Choir will rehearse at the Unitarian Universalist Church, 67 Church Street, Montclair, NJ, from 5:00 pm to 6:30 pm on Sundays.

Friendship-Youth-Choir-Description_02_27_2025_LJE-3.docx

Student Voter Registration Video & Virtual Town Hall Meeting (New)

Contact: Nancy Deering, Office of Board Relations
Email: ndeering@nps.k12.nj.us

Newark’s 16- and 17-year-olds will make history by casting their votes in the April 15 school board election!

We have created an instructional video to help them navigate the registration process. Please show the student voter registration video during homeroom, as it is critically important for their participation:

• https://vimeo.com/1065113763?share=copy

Additionally, kindly share information about the upcoming virtual student town hall meeting, hosted by the student representative on Friday, March 21 at 4:00 pm.

Information on how to participate in this event can be found on the District’s calendar by clicking on March 21, 2025. This event will provide students with valuable insights and an opportunity to engage in the election process, amongst other topics of interest.

Enter Intuit Hour Finance Challenge for a Chance to Win Chromebooks

Contact: Carynne Conover, Office of Social Studies
Email: cconover@nps.k12.nj.us

In celebration of Financial Literacy Month, Intuit for Education is challenging schools to spend at least one hour learning about budgeting. Schools can compete to win prizes from Intuit.

• National champions: Top three middle and high school winners will be recognized and receive Chromebooks for their schools.
• State-level champions: Each state winner will be recognized and receive a trophy.

Here is the link to review the challenge information and registration.

Upcoming VPA Events and Field Trip Paperwork (New)

Contact: Jayson Martinez, Office of Visual and Performing Arts
Email: jmartinez@nps.k12.nj.us

Congratulations to all the talented students for their exceptional performances at our District events thus far! They showcased their artistic abilities brilliantly, and it was a pleasure to witness their growth and enthusiasm.

As we look forward to the remaining events, please be reminded that all field trip paperwork to secure the bussing is now due. Ensuring this is completed in a timely manner will help us continue to provide smooth and successful experiences for our students. 

Once again, thank you for your unwavering commitment to our VPA program and for inspiring our students to reach new heights.

Link: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1zihA82dvszUil1YHl81IBJvv4AagikVIOBW8Tc26zvQ/

Section 504 Leads and Coordinator Training (New)

Contact: Jessica Silva-Olmo, Office of Student Life
Email: jsilva@nps.k12.nj.us

Date and Time: April 10th, 8:30am-3:00pm
Location: Harold Wilson, 190 Muhammad Ali Avenue
Audience: Section 504 Lead and Coordinators
Title: Section 504 Law, Policy and Training

Description: NJPSA/Legal One will conduct Section 504 training to provide an overview of the law, as well as cover the eligibility criteria and required accommodations. The presentation will contrast Section 504 with IEPs; emphasis will be placed on the need for staff training and collaboration to effectively implement accommodations along with case study review.

Co-Curricular Guidance (New)

Contact: Eboni Woolridge, HRS - Office of Staffing
Email: ewoolridge@nps.k12.nj.us

Please be advised, Co-Curricular Activity applications are due by the end of March 2025 for the 25-26SY. If you are currently appointed to a Co-Curricular activity, you must reapply to be appointed for the 25-26SY. Please be on the lookout for new postings in Frontline.

Women’s History Month & Women’s Health (New)

Contact: Jennifer Medina, Benefit Services
Email: j1medina@nps.k12.nj.us

In honor of Women's History Month, we're highlighting Noom (https://nboehrs.com/wellness/#noom), a benefit that supports women's health at all stages of life. Whether you're focused on overall well-being, family planning, or navigating postpartum, perimenopause, or menopause, Noom's personalized tools, coaching, and CBT programs can help you achieve a healthy weight and lifestyle, manage insulin levels, and address both physical and mental challenges.

Learn more and join Noom today!

Newark-Board-of-Education-Women's-History-Month-Flyer.pdf

Maven Live: Take Charge of Your Reproductive Health (New)

Contact: Jennifer Medina, Benefit Services
Email: j1medina@nps.k12.nj.us

You're invited to an upcoming Maven event focused on taking charge of your reproductive health, in celebration of Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day. This event will provide tools and knowledge to support you at all stages of your reproductive journey.

March-2025-webinar_Advocating-for-yourself-at-every-stage.pdf

This live event will provide valuable strategies and practical tips for advocating for yourself throughout your reproductive health journey, including understanding the various stages of reproductive health, what self-advocacy means, how to effectively communicate with healthcare providers, and balancing home responsibilities.

Can’t make it? Register anyway and Maven will share the recording with you. And remember, Maven is a free benefit that provides 24/7 support throughout your reproductive health journey.

Join today for free!

NBOE Savings Marketplace - Exclusive Savings on Travel, Entertainment & More! (New)

Contact: Jennifer Medina, Benefit Services
Email: j1medina@nps.k12.nj.us

We understand that your well-being and work-life balance are as crucial as your health and financial security. Your time outside of work is highly valued alongside your contributions. To support this, we are excited to offer you access to Beneplace G3, a program that provides exclusive discounts on travel, entertainment, shopping, and more.

Enrollment is free and easy! As a special thank you, you will receive a $10 off promo code for your first purchase, details of which will be sent in a separate email from Beneplace G3.

Here’s how to enroll:

1. Visit Newark Public School's Discount Marketplace: Newark Public School's Discount Marketplace
2. Create an account using your personal or work email.

For more information, please visit: https://nboehrs.com/voluntary-and-fringe-benefits/.

Evergreen-Marketplace-PDF-100124_npsk12.pdf

IRS Direct File (New)

Contact: Jennifer Medina, Benefit Services
Email: j1medina@nps.k12.nj.us

We’ve teamed up with the IRS to get the word out that IRS Direct File is helping transform how people file their federal taxes!

IRS Direct File lets people file their federal taxes online directly with the IRS from the convenience of their mobile device or personal computer. It’s available in English and Spanish and is designed to be simple, secure, and always free.

Why sign up for IRS Direct File?

• It’s Free – No hidden costs.
• It’s Easy – Step-by-step guidance ensures accurate tax filing.
• It’s Secure – Protected by IRS security standards while filing directly with the IRS
• It’s Official – A trusted, government-backed tool accessible from your smartphone, laptop, tablet or desktop computer

Head to directfile.irs.gov to get started!

Adult Vaccination (New)

Contact: Dr. Marguerite Leuze, Office of Health Services
Email: mleuze@nps.k12.nj.us

The measles is an outbreak most adults have never dealt with before so, who should get vaccinated?

In general, if you were born prior to 1957, you had the disease and have natural immunity. The individuals born between 1957 and 1968 received one dose of a new live attenuated vaccine, which was less effective than the vaccine today.

For more information, please review this document:

• adult-vaccinations.pdf

March Culture & Climate Activities

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

Take a look at the March Suggested Activities document for some great activities you can introduce in your classroom or school to promote awareness for:

• Women's History Month
• International SEL Day (3/3)

March is National Social Worker Month

Contact: Jessica Silva-Olmo, Student Support Services - Office of Student Life
Email: jsilva@nps.k12.nj.us

March begins National Social Work Awareness Month (March 1-31). Social Work Month in March is a time to celebrate the great profession of social work. The theme for the National Association of Social Workers is Compassion + Action.

During Social Work Month, take time to teach others (students, teachers, and parents) about the many positive contributions of the profession. You may inspire someone to want to become a Social Worker and/or go back to school to go into the profession. Additionally, be sure to acknowledge the great work of all our District school social workers. Attached, please print and post their well deserved proclamation:

• 2025-03-Social-Worker-Proclamation.pdf

Special Education Resources and Updates

Contact: LaPrice Weatherington, Office of Special Education
Email: lweatherington@nps.k12.nj.us

Please see attached the full March PD opportunities per the Office of Special Education:

• 3-3-25-Teacher-Talk.pdf

Parent Institute Newsletter

Contact: Jill Budinich, Office of Federal Programs & Grants
Email: jbudinich@nps.k12.nj.us

The Parent Institute newsletters provide practical information and tips for families on many school topics in a user-friendly format. The newsletters are broken down by grade span:

• Elementary level (K-5)
• Middle school (6-8)
• High school (9-12)

This publication is available in English and Spanish. This resource is a tool to empower families to help their children develop educational and social-emotional skills to achieve school success. Currently, there are highlighted topics being discussed within our school communities. We encourage you to share with your parents and share your feedback.

America250 Opens Submissions for Nationwide Student Contest: ‘America’s Field Trip’

America250, the official nonpartisan entity charged by Congress with planning the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the Semiquincentennial, in collaboration with BNY, kicked off the second installment of “America’s Field Trip” — a nationwide scholastic contest where students have the opportunity to earn a special behind-the-scenes experience at an iconic American historical and cultural site. America’s Field Trip invites students in grades 3-12 to submit artwork or writing that reflects on what America means to them.

Watch this video to learn more about the America’s Field Trip contest and see some of the incredible places awardees visited this summer.

For more information, visit america250.org/FieldTrip, and note the deadline is April 16, 2025.

Observance of Ramadan

Please note that Ramadan is being observed from February 28, 2025 to March 29, 2025.

In our continued effort to be mindful and respectful, please review the Ramadan Infographic.

See the Summer Program 2025 Timelines

Contact: Matthew Brewster, Office of Staff Development
Email: MBrewster@nps.k12.nj.us

Please see the following timelines for Summer 2025:

• Parents, families and schools notified of mandatory registration - February 13, 2025
• Staff job announcements posted - March 3, 2025 
• Program brochure and application launch - April 1, 2025
• Program registration ends - May 16, 2025
• Parent/Student notification of enrollment - June 2, 2025
• Summer Staff Orientation and Organization Days -  June 25 and 26, 2025
• Summer Program Dates - June 30, 2025 through August 1, 2025

For more information, visit our website at https://www.nps.k12.nj.us/summerprograms/.

Parent University – Prudential Financial Literacy Workshop

Contact: Natasha Rouse, Office of Federal Programs & Grants
Email: nrouse@nps.k12.nj.us

Newark Board of Education is partnering with Prudential Pathways to offer financial wellness educational seminars hosted by industry experts. Prudential Pathways aims to make building financial planning strategies less intimidating and more empowering through easy-to-understand educational programs. Please share the flyer with families so they can register. All sessions are FREE!

• Prudential-Pathways-Financial-Wellness-Series.pdf

SY 25-26 School Social Worker 2 Intern Request Form: NOW

Contact: Stacy M Pelham-Hale, OSL - Student Support Services
Email: s1hale@nps.k12.nj.us

The Office of Student Life is now accepting applications for School Social Worker 2 Internships for the 2025-2026 school year. If your school is 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 following Google Request form by 5/23/25.

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.

Mandatory Affirmative Action Training

Contact: Nichola Camacho, HRS - Affirmative Action
Email: ncamacho@nps.k12.nj.us

Board policy requires all employees to complete annual Affirmative Action training. All training courses launched on February 19, 2025. You will receive an email from the Newark Board of Education containing a link to log in to Vector Solutions using your District email and password. Each training course includes an assessment that must be completed. A certificate can be saved or printed after successfully completing each assigned training course. You must complete all required courses by May 30, 2025.

2024-2025  NBOE Annual Affirmative Action Training Courses

• FILE-CODE-4111142111-NON-DISCRIMINATION-POLICY.pdf
• 2024-2025-Sexual-Harassment-Staff-to-Staff-Training.pdf
• 2024-2025-Discrimination-Awareness-in-the-Workplace-Training.pdf

Teacher Transfer Period

Contact: Eboni Woolridge, HRS - Instructional Staffing
Email: ewoolridge@nps.k12.nj.us

If you are interested in transferring to one of our AMAZING schools, please apply on Frontline between April 7th and April 17th. You will be provided a notification by HRS when your request is reviewed and approved by Hiring Managers and Leadership.

**Check out the fantastic opportunities at the elementary and high school level by reviewing the following links: NBOE High School Profiles or NBOE Elementary School Profiles. For more information about our academies at the high school level, please visit: https://www.nps.k12.nj.us/academies/ **

Sexual Health Education Professional Development

Contact: Jennifer Rodriguez, Office of Federal Programs & Grants
Email: j20rodriguez@nps.k12.nj.us

The NBOE has partnered with Planned Parenthood of Metropolitan NJ (PPMNJ) to provide after-school professional development sessions focused on the health services available for teens at the Newark Planned Parenthood locations and answering tough questions about sexual health. Registration is now open.

See the attached flyer for descriptions and Whetstone registration links:

• PPMNJ-April-2025-PDs.pdf

For more information, contact j20rodriguez@nps.k12.nj.us.

HIB/Title IX Q&A Hour: Every First Friday

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

Please join our HIB/Title IX Monthly Q&A Hour! We’ll be meeting every First Friday to provide an open space for questions, discussion, and guidance. This is a valuable opportunity to ensure we’re all aligned on best practices and have the support we need to address our students' needs. Our goal is to make these sessions collaborative and impactful, so come prepared with any cases, questions, or concerns you may want to address.

Certifications Yearly Reminders

Contact: Eboni Woolridge, Office of Staffing
Email: ewoolridge@nps.k12.nj.us

The Certification Team is hosting Virtual Office Hours and Certification Trainings throughout the 2024-2025 school year. 

Register for the Virtual Office Hours and the Trainings by using the following link: https://forms.gle/J9EmbPxAgG3eiM

Please check NJEdCert to ensure that your Instructional, Educational Services, and Administrator certificates (if applicable) are accurate and up to date.

Contact the Certifications team if you are awaiting the issuance of a Provisional or Standard license.

The Certifications Team can be reached via email at certifications@nps.k12.nj.us.

Connecting with NBOE HRS through Employee Self Service (ESS) and NBOEHRS.com

Contact: Randy Schrader, Employee Services
Email: mjwilliams@nps.k12.nj.us

Employee Services would like to encourage all staff to become familiar with the two online tools:

1. NBOEHRS.com: 24/7 source of information Benefits, Pension, Payroll, and much more. 

Employee Self Service (ESS): to complete numerous HR activities, including View Paycheck, update Direct Deposit or W-4, confirm and update Personal Information, and Submit Retirement and Resignation.

Culture & Climate Annual Calendar SY24-25

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

Review the Culture & Climate Calendar SY 2024-2025. This calendar is suggested to be utilized as a guide and reference when planning for required/suggested activities, service/community projects, and additional school events throughout the school year.

To streamline the artifact collection process, each month, the principal will designate one person from your school to be in charge of uploading pictures and artifacts to the relevant slide assigned to your school.

Please reference the due dates and directions.

Teacher Talk is emailed every other Monday.

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