Message from the Office of Teaching and Learning

Dear Teachers and Instructional Staff,

As we approach Parent-Teacher Conferences on February 13, 2025, I want to take a moment to emphasize the significance of these meetings in fostering student success. Research consistently highlights the impact of strong family-school partnerships on academic achievement, student motivation, and overall well-being.

According to Epstein (2011), “When families and schools work together to support learning, students tend to earn higher grades, attend school more regularly, and develop better social skills.” Similarly, Henderson & Mapp (2002) found that students whose families are engaged in their education are more likely to complete homework, have better attendance, and demonstrate improved behavior.

Parent-Teacher Conferences provide a unique opportunity to:

✅ Strengthen communication between home and school.
✅ Share student progress and areas for growth.
✅ Collaborate with families to support learning beyond the classroom.
✅ Build trust and engagement within your school community.

As you prepare for conferences, consider strategies to make the discussions meaningful and solutions-oriented, ensuring that parents leave with clear next steps to support their child’s success. If you need guidance or resources, please reach out to the Teaching and Learning staff assigned to your school for support.

Thank you for your dedication to our students and families. Let’s make these conferences impactful!

Assistant Superintendent Esteves

Community Support Resources

The Office of New Americans (ONA) in the NJ Department of Human Resources supports new Americans through outreach and education, and works on priorities to build trust, improve access to social services, workforce development and employment services, and legal services for immigrants.

ONA is committed to ongoing support as updates and changes in federal policy arise. Please see below for community support resources:

• ONA Programs Flyer - English
• ONA Programs Flyer - Spanish
• Know Your Rights (Community) - English
• Know Your Rights (Community) - Spanish
• Know Your Rights (Organizations) - English
• Know Your Rights (Organizations) - Spanish

For additional information and resources, please visit the website at NewAmericans.nj.gov. 

Mandatory Summer School Enrollment Message (New)

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

Elementary Teachers, please be advised that on or about February 10, we will be emailing the parents of students who meet the Mandatory Summer School criteria informing them that their child(ren) could be enrolled in that program and they should plan accordingly. You should prepare to make parents aware of this fact during Parent/Teacher Conferences as you will assist your Principals in confirming the final list of names in early Spring.

Register for the Student Eco Citizenship Program

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

Classes in grades 5-8 can participate in a FREE program that will encourage the next generation of environmental citizens. Once registered, teachers will have access to lesson resources that will guide students toward implementing a project that is a solution to an environmental issue.

Please click on the link below for more information:

• https://www.fill.foundation/panasonic/

4th Annual Women's Leadership Conference (New)

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

You are cordially invited to attend the 4th Annual Women’s Leadership Conference: Writing Your Story, Becoming the Leading Lady. This event is open to current and aspiring women leaders in the District. The conference will take place in-person on Saturday, March 22, 2025, at Newark Vocational High School from 9:00am to 1:30pm. Breakfast will open at 8:30am.

For your convenience, parking is available onsite at Newark Vocational High School. Additional parking will be made available at American History High School with shuttles to transport attendees to the conference site.

If you are interested and able to commit to attending an amazing day filled with learning, professional development, and fellowship, please complete the link below.

*Space is limited and registration will close on Friday, February 28, 2025.

Registration: https://forms.gle/bhf3g1DCcf7ccm8KA

Download the event flyer.

Register for the Panasonic Kid Witness News Program (New)

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

Kid Witness News is a FREE global student team video competition that is open to New Jersey students from ages 10-18. Student teams will create a video on a global social issue aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals identified by the United Nations.

Please see the link below for more information:

• https://www.fill.foundation/kwn/#resources

Special Education Conference: March 5, 2025 (New)

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

The Office of Special Education is excited to announce its 3rd annual Special Education Conference, taking place on March 5, 2025 from 8:00 am to 3:05 pm at Newark Vocational High School.

This year's theme, Innovate, Adapt, Inspire: Achieving Excellence in Special Education, will highlight key strategies to support the academic and functional needs of students with disabilities.

Sessions will focus on best practices in compliance, curriculum instruction, and behavior management, offering valuable insights for administrators and special educators.

Registration information is forthcoming.

Office of Special Education Resources and Updates (New)

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

The Office of Special Education (OSE) hosts monthly workshops for special education teachers new to the NBOE. We are excited to announce that all special education teachers are invited to attend the Special Education Teacher Academy (S.E.T.A.) workshops for both February and March. February is dedicated to supporting student behavior needs; March's workshop is dedicated to Learning Ally (using audio/text to speech) to support struggling readers. 

OSE is also excited to announce its 3rd annual Special Education Conference taking place on March 5, 2025.  

See attached for February's PD Opportunities:

• 2-3-25-Teacher-Talk.pdf

February Culture & Climate Activities (New)

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

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

• Black History Month
• Teen Dating Violence Awareness & Prevention Month
• Random Acts of Kindness Week (2/14-2/20)

Cycle 2 24-25 Report Card Timeline and Requirements for Teachers

Contact: Darren Watsky, Student Information Services
Email: dwatsky@nps.k12.nj.us

All Cycle 2 grades and comments must be finalized in PowerTeacher Pro by the end of the school day on Thursday, February 6th.

Use the Cycle 2 Report Card Timeline document to prepare for the storing of Cycle 2 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. Historical grade changes require a grade change form submission. If you have questions, please consult with your administrator(s).

NJDOE Anti-Bullying Rights Webinar Series

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

The NJDOE is pleased to announce a FREE Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights Act Webinar Series for all district administrators & school Anti-Bullying Specialists. This 1 hour webinar series is designed to foster an understanding of the Anti-Bullying laws, statutory and regulatory requirements for school districts, and share best practices for school district personnel as they fulfill the roles and responsibilities required by the law.

*ALL Anti-Bullying Specialists are required to attend "The ABR & Required Reporting" webinar on April 7, 2025.

 See attached document to view all webinars:

• AntiBullyingBillofRightsActWebinarSeries.pdf

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.

New Teacher Induction

Contact: Dana Moore-Mishoe, HRS - Office of Educator Effectiveness
Email: evaluations@nps.k12.nj.us

New Teacher Induction will take place on February 11th, 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 February will focus on connecting accommodations or modifications to lesson planning and supporting students in a least restrictive environment. This session will be led by the Office of Special Education. The meeting link & other sessions can be found in the schedule here.

Traditional Mentor Training

Contact: Dana Moore-Mishoe, HRS - Office of Educator Effectiveness
Email: evaluations@nps.k12.nj.us

The next Traditional Mentor Training for mentors will be held on February 27th from 3:30-4:30pm. The session will be conducted virtually and is intended for 1st and 2nd year mentors, but all mentors are welcome.

• Please register for the session here.

Retrieving Your PD Certificate from Whetstone

Contact: Dana Moore-Mishoe, HRS - Office of Educator Effectiveness
Email: evaluations@nps.k12.nj.us

This quick video tutorial will help you navigate to print your certificates from Professional Development trainings you registered for and signed into.  If, after reviewing your Schoolmint transcript, you believe something is missing, please contact the facilitator of that session. The Educator Effectiveness team will not have access to update that specific certificate.

Minimize Your Risk

Contact: B. Helena Blackwell, Health Services
Email: Bblackwell@nps.k12.nj.us

What can you do to mitigate your risk of getting the flu, COVID, RSV, Norovirus, or Pertussis (whooping cough)?

1. Get vaccinated for the flu, COVID, and Pertussis viruses, especially if you are at High Risk and have been diagnosed with diabetes, cardiac, an autoimmune disease, or weakened immune system.
2. These viruses have similar gastrointestinal symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, with or without fever. If you have symptoms, make an appointment with your personal healthcare provider immediately.
3. Wash your hands well and often.
4. Clean and disinfect contaminated surfaces. 

Health Services and Nurses are monitoring clusters of illness and working with the Health Department to minimize the spread of viruses.

Flu-RSV-COVID-19-Cold-Symptom-differences.png

New Hire / Hard to Staff Bonus Guidelines SY 24-25

Contact: Justine Carter, HRS - Office of Staffing
Email: InstructionalStaffing@nps.k12.nj.us

Please click here for eligibility requirements and payout guidelines. If you have ANY questions, please complete this Google Form.

Trauma Informed Care/Healing Centered Arts Models Peer Learning Community

Contact: Antonia Germanos, Office of Visual and Performing Arts
Email: agermanos@nps.k12.nj.us

ATTENTION: Arts Ed Newark (AEN) is offering 6 FREE virtual sessions focusing on Trauma Informed Care/Healing Centered Arts Models Peer Learning Community to anyone who has completed the AEN Healing Centered & the Arts Training Series.

AEN is offering a stipend to participants who attend all 6 sessions. 

See flyer attached:

• Trauma-Informed-Care-Healing-Centered-arts-models-Peer-Learning-Community.pdf

High School Entrance Exam

Contact: Lydia Alvarez, Office of Policy, Planning, Evaluation, and Testing (OPPET)
Email: Lalvarez@nps.k12.nj.us

We are looking for certified teachers and staff members.

It's that time of year when we invite staff members to sign up to assist with the High School Entrance Exam.

This year, the first administration is scheduled for February 15, and the second for February 22.

Student Loan Forgiveness Applications

Contact: Ivette Toledo, Human Resource Services
Email: itoledo@nps.k12.nj.us

We encourage you to take advantage of the financial relief opportunities that are available to you. By actively researching various student loan forgiveness programs, you can find options that best suit your needs.

Our dedicated Records Verification team is ready to assist you with any employer verification forms required for your application. However, you must research these programs and submit your documents on time. Your proactive approach will significantly improve your chances of success.

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.

Newark Enrolls & Children of NBOE Staff

Contact: Rochanda Jackson, OPPET
Email: rjackson@nps.k12.nj.us

Policy code 5111, previously approved by the Board, allows District staff who do not reside in Newark to enroll their children in our schools. The application launched on November 2, 2024 and will close on February 7, 2025. 

Here is the link to the Newark Enrolls application: https://newarkenrolls.org/

If you have any questions, please reach out to Rochanda Jackson, Executive Director of the Office of Policy, Planning, Evaluation, and Testing at rjackson@NPS.K12.NJ.US.

NBOE and MSU Leadership Pipeline Program for Fall 2025

Contact: Matt Brewster, Staff Development
Email: MBrewster@nps.k12.nj.us

If you have been contemplating becoming a supervisor or school administrator, now is the perfect time to take action. Join us for a virtual information session on February 11, 2025 at 4:00 PM to learn how the Newark/MSU Leadership Pipeline Program is designed to provide educators with the skills, knowledge, and credentials needed to acquire a leadership role in the District.

• Earn your Master of Arts in Educational Leadership in addition to Supervisor and Principal certifications
• Reduction in tuition prices

Click here to register!

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.