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Teacher Talk 10/26/26

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OCTOBER 26, 2026

Message from the Superintendent

Dear Teachers and Instructional Staff,

The ALL Schools Fair this past Saturday is proof of something that I already knew about staff, students, and their families - YOU are ALL #1 and second to none.

From Principals to teachers to coaches to support staff to the incredible student ambassadors, ALL of you showed up and showed out!!!!!

The attendance of families who showed up as well is just further testament that they know we have a school for every child in Newark, that we are ready to serve their children well, and that we want their children in our schools and we need their children in our schools.

This promise is a note to self on how we must continue to be innovative, creative, and worthy of their children. This is not about being different; it is always about being better. We must remain steadfast on constantly being better. Now that they have shown up, we must secure their selection of our schools and then to attend them next school year. The work is not over. It is about choice and we need to make sure they choose our schools and attend them next school year. We already know that families who have enrolled their children in our schools are doing so because of YOU.

Thank you for making the ALL Schools Fair a great success, and to everyone who supported this event from OPPET, Newark Enrolls, and throughout central office and across our schools.

Great job! 

Superintendent Roger León

Message from the Office of Teaching & Learning

Dear Teachers and Instructional Staff,

It has been a busy month of learning across Newark Public Schools. Districtwide professional development, teacher coaching through our coaching model, and the first month of Collegial Circles have given us opportunities to strengthen our practice and learn from one another.

Our implementation of independent reading across all schools shows what we can accomplish together. By training coaches and teachers throughout the district, we are building a shared approach that can have a significant impact on students’ reading habits and growth.

Professional learning has its greatest impact when we apply it in our classrooms, observe how students respond, and refine our approach.

Thank you for your participation and for the work you will do to turn what you have learned into meaningful experiences for students.

Assistant Superintendent Sandra Marques

 
Early Childhood Teachers
PREVIOUS ITEMS

K and 1st Grade Teachers - Spread the Word

From: Michelina Thornton, Federal Programs & Grants
Email: mthornton@nps.k12.nj.us

Your help is needed to spread the word about Newark Saves, a program that helps Newark children build savings for their future education and career goals. Research shows that children with savings accounts are more likely to attend and graduate from college. By encouraging families to open a Newark Saves account now, we are helping students build a strong foundation for future success.

Please take time this week to:

  • ✅ Send the Newark Saves Coloring Sheet home with students.
  • ✅ Encourage students to color the page and talk with their families about their dreams for the future.
  • ✅ Remind families that opening a Newark Saves account is easy and can help their child prepare for college, career training, or other educational opportunities.

Together, we can help every Newark child dream big and prepare for a bright future.

 
Elementary School Teachers
NEW ITEMS

NBOE Science Fair 2027 (New)

From: Kathleen Tierney, Office of Science
Email: ktierney@nps.k12.nj.us

We are excited to announce that the theme for NBOE's Science Fair 2027 is The Wide World Of Physics.

All K-8 schools should hold their own science fairs the week of March 15th and award 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners in the following grade bands: K-2, 3-5, and 6-8. Judges from Central Office will visit schools the week of March 22nd to evaluate science fair projects for overall District winners.  

Please use this link to get more information about project requirements and rubrics.

Elementary School Teachers
PREVIOUS ITEMS

SLT Robotics Scrimmages

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

The Office of Instructional Technology (OIT) is excited to host the first ever Robotics SLT Scrimmages. The scrimmages will take place at the Dr. Marion A. Bolden Center. Please see the schedule below. OIT is coordinating buses for all teams. 

Tuesday, November 17 
Competition is from:  9am - 11am
South/West SLT Robotics Teams

Tuesday, November 17 
Competition is from:  12:15pm - 2:15pm
North SLT Robotics Teams

Thursday, November 19
Competition is from:  9am - 11am 
East/Central SLT Robotics Teams

Students are to eat breakfast/lunch at their respective buildings. 

 
High School Teachers
NEW ITEMS

Saturday School for Juniors on October 31 Is Cancelled (New)

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

It appears that while we were very careful in scheduling Saturday School for Juniors, we weren’t that careful. This week’s Saturday School for Juniors on October 31 (Halloween) is cancelled. 

On Friday, Principals were to inform Teachers and they were to advise Students of this change this past weekend. Today, and as a reminder this week, all Homeroom Teachers of Juniors need to advise their students accordingly.

Semester 1 Midterm Examination (E1) (New)

From: Esther Lewars, OPPET - Student Information Services
Email: elewars@nps.k12.nj.us

All semester 1 midterm (E1) assignments must be entered in PowerTeacher Pro with a due date of November 13th or November 16th. No other assignments should be entered in the gradebook with those dates.

Kickoff Meeting for Duke of Edinburgh Advisors (New)

From: Colleen Troiano,Teaching and Learning 
Email: ctroiano@nps.k12.nj.us

A virtual meeting for all Duke of Edinburgh advisors will take place on November 12, 2026, at 3:15 PM. Administrators are also welcome to attend.

High School Teachers
PREVIOUS ITEMS

Seeking CTE Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO) Advisors

From: Vonetta Reeves, CTE
Email: vreeves@nps.k12.nj.us

QUALIFICATIONS

  1. NJ Permanent Teaching Certification
  2. A minimum of five years of successful teaching experience
  3. Excellent writing skills are needed.
  4. Knowledge of Career and Technical Student Organizations

RESPONSIBILITIES

  1. Directly support school-based administrator & CTE teacher to oversee the CTSO chapter for a specific Career Academy.
  2. Work with school administration to devise a specific, organized, systematic CTSO chapter that is aligned to NBOE WBL goals for the Academy to start or expand the CTSO chapter with measurable SY goals, & communicate CTSO opportunities with students & guardians.

Interested candidates, please email Director Colleen Troiano at CTroiano@NPS.K12.NJ.US

Please note this is an after school, hourly position at $45/hour.

 
All Teachers
NEW ITEMS

Open Houses (New)

From: Alan Usherenko, OPPET - Enrollment
Email: ausherenko@nps.k12.nj.us

Elementary and high school open house schedules are now available! Families are encouraged to visit schools, meet staff, tour facilities, and learn more about the programs and opportunities available to students. Visit the Open Houses page on the District's website to explore participating schools and access their individual websites. For specific open house dates, times, and registration details, families can visit each school's website and select the event on its school calendar. We encourage all families to take advantage of these opportunities as they explore their options and prepare to apply for the 2027-28 school year!

New Teachers' Book Study (New)

From: Kashon Lopes, The Office of Staff Development
Email: klopes@nps.k12.nj.us

The Office of Staff Development is excited to offer a New Teacher Book Study featuring the book "What Great Teachers Do Differently" - Todd Whitaker. This book was provided to you at the beginning of the school year during your new teachers' orientation. We will meet virtually for seven sessions, with the final session held in person to celebrate our yearlong book study.

What Great Teachers Do Differently Book Study

Book Study Schedule: 

  • November 19th: Chapters 1-3  
  • December 17th: Chapters 4-6  
  • January 21st: Chapters 7-9  
  • February 18th: Chapters 10-12  
  • March 18th:Chapters 13-15  
  • April 15th: Chapters 16-18  
  • May 13th: Chapters 19-21  
  • June 10th: Closeout Book Celebration (more information to follow)  

We look forward to your participation in this enriching experience!

Black Men Rising Coalition + Latino Men Rising Coalition (New)

From: Kashon Lopes, The Office of Staff Development
Email: klopes@nps.k12.nj.us

The District has various pipelines to develop the next generation of leaders for our schools. To that end, if you are interested in the SY 2026-27 Black Men Rising Coalition (BMRC) or the Latino Men Rising Coalition (LMRC), please complete the BMRC + LMRC Interest Form no later than 11/1/26.

Cycle 1 Report Card Timeline and Requirements - Teachers (New)

From: Esther Lewars, OPPET - Student Information Services
Email: elewars@nps.k12.nj.us

All Cycle 1 grades and comments must be finalized in PowerTeacher Pro by the end of the school day on Monday, November 16th.

Use the Cycle 1 Report Card Timeline document to prepare for the storing of Q1 grades. All subjects should have a final grade and comment. Gradebook assignments must be associated with either the summative or formative category. For subjects not assessed this cycle, include a comment that the student is not in the class this cycle. Historical grade changes require a grade change form and administrative approval. If you have questions, please consult with your administrator(s).

Mandatory: McKinney Vento Essential Staff Training (New)

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

Required McKinney-Vento Homeless Education: “Essential Staff” trainings:
As part of our ongoing efforts to support students experiencing homelessness, we are required by federal law to provide all school staff interacting with students who may be experiencing homelessness with training on the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act. This law ensures that students experiencing homelessness are identified and receive the support they need to succeed in school.

Essex Regional Educational Services Commission has partnered with McKinney-Vento.org to provide you with this online training which should take about 25 minutes to complete. Instructions on how to access the training is provided in this document.

Please be advised that this training needs to be completed and certificate uploaded here by Friday, December 18, 2026.

For additional questions or concerns, respond to Supervisor, Stacy M,. Pelham-Hale directly at s1hale@nps.k12.nj.us.
 

Online Resources for Displaced Families (New)

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

The Essex Regional Educational Services Commission (ERESC) Education of Homeless Children and Youth (EHCY) Program has an online resource for children, youth and families experiencing homelessness. This website is where families should be referred to find free or reduced-cost resources like food, housing, financial assistance, health care, and more. These FREE resources are available for all families in need.

OSE Updates and Upcoming PD (New)

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

November recognizes School Psychologists and the vital role they play in supporting students and teachers through assessment, consultation, and effective strategies. The second week of December highlights Inclusive Practices. Schools are encouraged to review the linked resources, begin planning activities, and use the Inclusive Schools Week 2026 template to showcase their commitment to inclusion. Please submit highlights to OSE for inclusion in the district presentation. 

OSE is also providing Child Study Team training on Prior Written Notice requirements. Prior Written Notices are required after a meeting, for program change, disciplinary actions to occur and as follow up for parent requests as it pertains to IEPs. 

Additional topics in this edition include: 

  • Independent Reading Initiative tips 
  • The High School Transition Fair 
  • Prior Written Notice guidance 
  • PD opportunities for paras, teachers, and child student team members in the Autism Program

OSE Updates: 10/26/2026 Teacher Talk

All Teachers
PREVIOUS ITEMS

Collegial Circles: T&L Support Hours Begin October 1

From: Norma Ramos, Teaching and Learning
Email: nramos@nps.k12.nj.us

Looking for support with curriculum, assessments, instructional resources, or another current priority? Join the Office of Teaching & Learning every Thursday from 3:00–4:00 p.m. for Collegial Circles.

Every Thursday from 3:00 to 4:00 PM, the Office of Teaching & Learning is opening Collegial Circles — a weekly Webex help desk staffed by our department specialists. Just click the link for the department you need and connect with a real person.

Each week, T&L specialists will share timely information and be available to answer questions, offer practical guidance, and help you identify useful resources. Join for a quick question, stay for the full session, or attend with your grade-level or content-area team.

Choose the department that best matches your needs using the links available in the Collegial Circles Home Page.

Can’t attend on Thursday? Submit your question in advance using the Ask Us Ahead form. A T&L team member will follow up with you directly. If you are unsure which department to select, choose “Not sure—help me find the right person,” and we will connect you with the appropriate team.

We look forward to connecting with you beginning October 1.

Digital Learners Institute

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

The Office of Instructional Technology will be hosting Digital Learners Institute meetings throughout the year to discuss technology initiatives and best practices with Technology Leads across the district. All meetings will take place in the library at the Dr. Marion A. Bolden Student Center. The planned meeting dates for this year are:

It is essential that all Technology Leads attend so that we can share goals and strategies that can then be turn-keyed to each building. Please reach out to Director Padilla with any questions.

October Culture & Climate Artifacts

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

Please use the October Suggested Activities document to promote awareness for: 

  • Week of Respect (10/5-10/9)
  • World Mental Health Day (10/10)
  • New Jersey School Violence Awareness Week (10/19-10/23)
  • National Red Ribbon Week (10/23-10/31)

Traditional Mentor Training

From: Jennifer Rodriguez, HRS - Office of Educator Effectiveness
Email: evaluations@NPS.K12.NJ.US

Our mentor training sessions are designed to equip mentors with the skills, strategies, and resources they need to effectively support and guide others. Participants will deepen their understanding of mentorship, strengthen their communication and coaching techniques, and build confidence in fostering growth and development.

Session #1 will be held virtually from 4:00-6:00 pm.

Traditional Mentor Training:

  • 10/22/2026
  • 12/17/2026
  • 2/8/2027
  • 4/22/2027
  • 5/20/2027

PowerSchool Maintenance Days 2026-2027

From: Esther Lewars, OPPET - Student Information Services
Email: elewars@nps.k12.nj.us

PowerSchool requires periodic downtimes to run processes not possible while the system is running. The PowerSchool Maintenance Calendar is subject to change. All PowerSchool maintenance days occur when school is not in session, and every effort is made to not have PowerSchool down the weekend before grades are due or stored. All staff and teachers are notified on the PowerTeacher login screen when an upcoming shutdown will occur.

Homework Hotline

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.

Culture & Climate Calendar SY 2026-27

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.

Mandatory HIB/Title IX SY 2026-27 Documents/Links

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.

 

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