Message from the Office of Teaching and LearningDear Teachers and Instructional Staff,  On October 5th, we celebrated World Teachers’ Day, sponsored by UNESCO. This year’s theme, “Valuing Teacher Voices: Towards a New Social Contract for Education,” emphasized the importance of listening to and amplifying teacher voices in shaping the future of education.
Although the official day has passed, we want to take a moment to recognize your ongoing contributions. Your leadership, creativity, and dedication are instrumental in creating an education system that truly meets the needs of all students. As we reflect on this year’s theme, we reaffirm our commitment to ensuring that your voices are heard and valued in every decision that affects our schools and communities. Thank you for everything you do to support and inspire your students. Your work continues to shape the future, and we are grateful for the critical role you play every day. Have a great week of teaching and learning! Assistant Superintendent Esteves |
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Cornell Notes
 It has been wonderful to see the District implementing Cornell notes across all schools. The rationale behind Cornell notes is supported by research on active learning and memory retention (Pauk & Owens, 2013). By organizing notes into sections for key points, questions, and summaries, students are not merely recording information but actively engaging with it. The summary section, in particular, challenges students to consolidate their understanding and reflect on the material. This structure promotes critical thinking, encouraging students to make connections between concepts, which enhances long-term retention, empowers them to take ownership of their learning, and fosters self-discipline and responsibility. As educators, it is important for us to understand the purpose of these structures to maximize student learning and retention. It is equally essential that students understand the significance of engaging in meaningful learning practices like using Cornell notes daily across all disciplines.
Research by Kiewra (2002) indicates that when students understand why note-taking is critical to their development, they are more likely to practice the skill regularly, organize their thoughts effectively, improve their focus during lessons, and engage more deeply with the content. By incorporating this method into their daily routine, students develop essential study skills that will benefit them beyond the classroom. It is recommended that teachers explain to their students the importance of note-taking. For example, you might say, “An important life and learning skill is the ability to process information on demand. Proficient learners do this by using organized note-taking structures, such as Cornell notes. Studies have shown that the ability to collect and organize information is key to academic success. Cornell notes will help you focus and process critical information across all content areas.”
As educators, we have a unique opportunity to emphasize the importance of Cornell notes as a powerful tool for fostering deeper learning. Let’s work together to ensure students not only use this method effectively but also understand its value in improving their academic success. |
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Early Screening Inventory-3 (ESI-3) ReminderContact: Victoria Dampare, Office of Early Childhood
Email: vdampare@nps.k12.nj.us The Office of Early Childhood will utilize the Early Screening Inventory- 3 (ESI-3) for all new students, including 3-year-old and 4-year-old students entering preschool for the first time. As a reminder, the initial screening period began on September 23, 2024, and will conclude on October 8, 2024. Students' scores must be entered into PowerSchool by October 15, 2024.
Please refer to the SY 2024-2025 Early Screening Inventory-3 Guidance and Timelines for required resources and further information. |
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Learning Environment Expectations ChecklistContact: Mara Kaplan, Office of Early Childhood
Email: mkaplan@nps.k12.nj.us The Office of Early Childhood developed the Learning Environment Expectations Checklist to ensure uniformity of Pre-K classroom expectations, aligning with Priority 2 of The Next Decade. The learning environment is a vital component of the Pre-K classroom, supporting students in developing and mastering skills introduced by the teacher. The purpose of this document is to assist teachers and administrators with understanding the key elements of a high-quality preschool program. Throughout September and October, Supervisors and Teacher Coaches will concentrate on the learning environment to cultivate a Culture of Achievement. |
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Pre-K Literacy and Mathematics AssessmentContact: Mara Kaplan, Office of Early Childhood
Email: mkaplan@nps.k12.nj.us To support the implementation of a District-wide assessment that integrates multiple measures and is aligned with the curriculum (Priority 2: Strategy 2.1), the Office of Early Childhood designed the Pre-K Literacy and Mathematics Assessment to support teachers in planning for intentional instruction and monitoring student mastery over time. Upcoming Dates: - Assessment Period 1 ends October 22, 2024
- Class Score Sheets are to be shared with Administrators and Teacher Coaches by October 29, 2024
- Individual score reports are added to GOLD and placed in Assessment Folders by November 1, 2024
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Attorney General Platkin Statement: Addressing Bias-Based Harassment in Schools (New)Contact: Stacy M Pelham-Hale, Student Support Services - Office of Student Life
Email: s1hale@nps.k12.nj.us As the new school year begins, we must all comply with the N.J. state civil rights laws that address and prevent bias-based harassment incidents in our schools. Please click the link below to read the recent statement from Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin and Sundeep Iyer, Director of the Division on Civil Rights, regarding the ongoing rise in bias incidents targeting Arab, Israeli, Jewish, Muslim, and Palestinian individuals. |
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NBOE Celebrates 2024 Week of Respect (New)Contact: Stacy M Pelham-Hale, Student Support Services - Office of Student Life
Email: s1hale@nps.k12.nj.us  The 2024 Week of Respect is October 7-11, 2024. This week is designated by the Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights Act and is celebrated in all public schools throughout New Jersey. During this week, all Newark Board of Education Schools are encouraged to provide age-appropriate instruction and activities to promote kindness and inclusion, and to prevent bullying, harassment, and intimidation.
Click the link below to access valuable resources that can assist you with planning lessons and events for this week: |
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McKinney Vento Resource Hour: "Domestic Violence Awareness (New)Contact: Stacy M Pelham-Hale, Student Support Services - Office of Student Life
Email: s1hale@nps.k12.nj.us October is Domestic Violence Month! Therefore, we invite you to attend the McKinney Vento Virtual Resource Hour as The Family Justice Center will be discussing valuable information on how educators can support students and families affected by Domestic Violence. This virtual event will take place on October 10, 2024 from 10am-11am. All Support Staff, Teachers & Admin are invited! For more information, email Ana Osoria at a1osoria@nps.k12.nj.us. Click the link below to join this event: |
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October Culture & Climate Suggested Activities (New)Contact: Rania Sawaged, Student Support Services - Office of Student Life
Email: rsawaged@nps.k12.nj.us Take a look at the October Suggested Activities document for some great activities you can introduce in your classroom or school to promote awareness for: - Week of Respect (10/7-10/11)
- World Mental Health Day (10/10)
- Safe Schools Week (10/16-10/20)
- Red Ribbon Week (10/23-10/31)
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Rethink SEL Self Assessments (New)Contact: Jessica Silva-Olmo, Student Support Services - Office of Student Life
Email: jsilva@nps.k12.nj.us All 3rd to 12th Grade students are to take the Fall 2024 Rethink Self-Assessments by October 15, 2024. The SEL Self Assessment measures the students’ strengths, as well as challenges for the following competencies: Self-Management, Self-Awareness, Social Awareness, Relationship Skills, and Responsible Decision Making. Teachers and Support Staff should use results to support students via SEL lessons. Schoolwide Support Teams should review for trends in Grade Levels to also support cohorts. See resources below: |
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I&RS Meeting (New)Contact: Jessica Silva-Olmo, Student Support Services - Office of Student Life
Email: jsilva@nps.k12.nj.us OSL will host an I&RS Team meeting for I&RS Coordinators and Academic Interventionists. This training will provide an overview of procedures and operations of Intervention and Referral Service Teams. Please complete the following spreadsheet for I&RS Meetings: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/15wZxvZJeUm87SvhZV7jLv-WhSotT0D08cAJbnDW7F_U/edit?usp=sharing - Date: October 11, 2024
- Times:
- 8:30am-11:00am (SLT: North and South/West)
- 12:00pm-2:30pm (SLT: East/Central and High School)
- Location: Rutgers University, Paul Robeson Center - Essex Room (350 Dr. MLK, Jr. Blvd, Newark)
- Register members through Schoolmint Grow, bring a copy of your Special Programs Report with I&RS students, and bring 2 Social Emotional (Behavior) Plans.
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Section 504 Committee Training (New)Contact: Jessica Silva-Olmo, Student Support Services - Office of Student Life
Email: jsilva@nps.k12.nj.us NJPSA will provide Section 504 training to review the Section 504 law and accommodations in school. All 504 VP leads and committee members are welcome to attend (including CST ad hoc members and school nurses). 504 Coordinators must attend and turnkey if need be. - Date/Time: October 24, 2024 (8:30am-12:30pm)
- Location: Virtual link will be sent to all coordinators and registrants on Schoolmint Grow
- Participants: Mandatory - Section 504 VP leads and Coordinators
Optional - Section 504 Committee members are welcome to attend (including CST ad hoc members, school nurses, and social workers/counselors)
Update the 504 Spreadsheet: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/15wZxvZJeUm87SvhZV7jLv-WhSotT0D08cAJbnDW7F_U/edit?usp=sharing |
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Special Education Resources and Trainings (New)Contact: LaPrice Weatherington, Office of Special Education
Email: lweatherington@nps.k12.nj.us 10-7-24-Teacher-Talk.pdf - Awareness is Key! October is Attention Deficit Hyper Activity Disorder Month.
- October is National Physical Therapist Month. Give a shout out to your school based Physical Therapist.
- The ReThink Training Series Continues for Teachers, CSTs and Paraprofessionals in Autism Programs.
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Guidance for Emergency Remote Instruction 2024-2025Contact: Marialana Juliano, Executive Assistant, 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 2024-2025 can be accessed from the District’s website: Teachers and Instructional Staff, ensure that you have created virtual Webex classrooms so the links can be 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. |
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Immunizations PreK-12Contact: B. Helena Blackwell, Office of Health Services
Email: bblackwell@nps.k12.nj.us To prevent some of the most serious infections, the New Jersey Department of Health implemented immunization rules. Immunization of Pupils in Schools (N.J.A.C. 8:57-4) requires students to receive a series of immunizations. In addition, schools are required to enforce requirements, maintain records, and submit annual reports. There are specific requirements for preschool, kindergarten and sixth grade. Please see the links below for vaccination schedules: |
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 Log Tutoring Sessions Using Gradebook Assignments
Contact: Darren Watsky, Student Information Services
Email: dwatsky@nps.k12.nj.us
Teachers who are part of the school’s tutoring program must track each time they meet with a student for tutoring. This is done by creating an assignment in the Tutoring class for the student(s) tutored on a particular date. The assignment name identifies the subject tutored (ELA, Math, SCI, SOC, or Other). The date of the assignment is the tutoring session date. No grade needs to be entered for the assignment. Specific details for creating tutoring assignments are located in the Tutoring Program - Creating a Tutoring Assignment document. Saturday Tutoring AttendanceTeachers who are part of the school’s Saturday tutoring program must take attendance on Saturday for their Tutoring class. Attendance is taken for the Saturday class in the very same manner that attendance is taken for Homeroom or any other class in which attendance is taken on a daily basis. Since the Saturday Tutoring class is the only class on that day, it is the only class that is highlighted in the Take Attendance column of the PowerTeacher Home Page. Attendance MUST be taken every Saturday. |
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New Teacher InductionContact: Carlos Reyes, Educator Effectiveness
Email: evaluations@nps.k12.nj.us New Teacher Induction will take place October 8th, 3:30-5:30pm. Teachers who are new to Newark (regardless of previous years of experience) are expected to attend 6 of the 10 monthly sessions that will be offered this year. One of the sessions in October will focus on Best Practices for Facilitating Small Group Instruction - Identifying purpose, key components, and small group instruction to improve student growth. This session will be led by the Office of Early Childhood. The meeting link & other sessions can be found in the schedule here. |
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Certifications Yearly RemindersContact: 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. |
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Connecting with NBOE HRS through Employee Self Service (ESS) and NBOEHRS.comContact: 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: 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. |
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Culture & Climate Annual Calendar SY24-25Contact: 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. |
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SEL/Mental Health Programming and InitiativesContact: Samantha Parreiral, Student Support Services: Office of Student Life
Email: SParreiral@nps.k12.nj.us The attachment below contains Social Emotional Learning (SEL) and Mental Health programming and initiatives offered by the Office of Student Life for the 2024-2025 school year: |
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I&RS ResourcesContact: Jessica Silva, Student Support Services: Office of Student Life
Email: jsilva@nps.k12.nj.us VP Leads and I&RS Coordinators are to ensure that teachers, coaches, academic interventionists, and substitutes are aware of any student who has an I&RS Plan. Plans should be reviewed by teachers to ensure students are supported on the first day of school. Each plan is entered/updated on the Power School Special Programs Platform ONLY. Join the I&RS Classroom for the NBOE Toolkit and all protocols, recorded webinars, and procedures. |
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NBOE SchooLinks Virtual Parent Information SessionContact: Vernon Pullins Jr, Student Support Services - Office of Student Life
Email: vpullins@nps.k12.nj.us The Office of Student Life encourages parent(s)/guardian(s) to join us on Wednesday, October 9, 2024 at 5:00PM via WebEx to learn about our college and career readiness platform known as SchooLinks! SchooLinks provides students with information and opportunities to ensure they are well equipped to plan for and make successful post-secondary decisions. Please post and share the attached flyer with parents and students: We look forward to seeing our parents! |
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SchooLinks Training: PD #3Contact: Vernon Pullins Jr, Student Support Services - Office of Student Life
Email: vpullins@nps.k12.nj.us On October 23, 2024, the Office of Student Life will host a SchooLinks training for middle and high school counselors. The location is to be determined. This is a full day training session. The purpose of this training is to provide new and returning school counselors with a refresher on the SchooLinks platform and user-interface. Users will experience working with, but not limited to, College Application Manager (CAM), College Financing Tracker (CFT), Curriculum setup, Scope and Sequence, and critical software/platform updates for the end-user. |
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NBOE in the NewsStay informed on everything happening within Newark Public Schools and the Newark Board of Education! Read up on all of the many ways the district is garnering media coverage. Press Releases |
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 | Teacher Talk is emailed every other Monday. The submission deadline is 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday. |
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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. |
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