Message from the SuperintendentDear Teachers and Instructional Staff, In the previous newsletters, I shared a few highlights of culminating District events. With this message, I am so honored and proud to congratulate the following students, schools, teachers, departments, and staff for these accomplishments: Elementary Basketball Rising Stars Championships
On May 21st, the Office of Health, Physical Education, and Athletics hosted the thrilling finals of the Rising Stars Basketball League. The event brought together some of the District’s most promising young athletes, as teams battled it out on the court with skill, heart, and sportsmanship. Family members, classmates, and staff packed the stands to support and celebrate these talented student-athletes. Congratulations to all the players, coaches, and schools who participated in this exciting season! - Girls Division Champion: South Street School
- Boys Division Champion: Lafayette Street School
Your hard work and dedication truly made you shine—well done, Rising Stars! 🏀🌟
All City Budding Dancers
On May 27th, the District came together for the first ever All City Budding Dancers. The talent, dedication, and spirit of our young performers lit up the stage, with 194 emerging student dancers representing 17 District elementary and middle school dance programs. Their performances were filled with emotion, creativity, and a sense of pride that inspired everyone in the audience. The District's incredible dance educators' commitment and guidance helped bring this vision to life and each of them demonstrates excellence, professionalism, and care, exemplifying the heart of NBOE Arts Education. A heartfelt congratulations is extended to our students, educators, and all involved in making this event a huge success. Math Olympics
We offer congratulations to all of the 750+ Newark students and mathematics educators who participated in the 37th Annual Newark Math Olympics on Wednesday, May 28th! This competition fosters competitive learning and performance in mathematics. The winners are: - Middle School Mathematics: Science Park (1st), Oliver Street (2nd), Grover Cleveland (3rd)
- Algebra 1: Science Park (1st), First Avenue (2nd), Lafayette Street (3rd)
- Geometry: Technology (1st), Arts (2nd), Bard Early College (3rd)
- Algebra 2: Science Park (1st), Technology (2nd), East Side (3rd)
- Precalculus: Data Science (1st), Science Park (2nd), Technology (3rd)
- Calculus: Science Park (1st), East Side (2nd), Technology (3rd)
Vocal Jubilee
The Vocal Jubilee, held on May 29th at Symphony Hall, was a spectacular event that highlighted students from grades 6-12. This annual celebration spotlights the musical talents of students through a series of captivating performances. From powerful solos to harmonious ensemble pieces, the Vocal Jubilee is a night of musical excellence and community spirit. It's a chance for students to shine and for audiences to experience the rich vocal traditions nurtured within the Newark Public Schools. Elementary Basketball Championships
On May 31st, the Office of Health, Physical Education, and Athletics hosted the highly anticipated finals of the Elementary Basketball League. The atmosphere was electric as young athletes from across the District showcased their talent, teamwork, and competitive spirit. Families, friends, and school communities came out in full force to cheer on their teams and celebrate a season of growth and achievement. Congratulations to all the participating teams, coaches, and supporters for an outstanding season! - Girls Division Champion: Dr. William H. Horton School
- Boys Division Champion: Thirteenth Avenue School
Your dedication, hustle, and heart on the court made this season unforgettable. Way to go, champions! 🏀👏
Seal of Biliteracy Event
The Office of Bilingual Education is proud to celebrate a remarkable achievement: 448 high school students have earned the New Jersey State Seal of Biliteracy. This is a 71% increase from last year’s total. Even more impressive, 11 of these students demonstrated proficiency in three languages by earning the Seal in two world languages. This accomplishment reflects not only their hard work and determination, but also the District’s deep commitment to fostering multilingualism. This year’s recipients earned the Seal in Spanish, Portuguese, French, and Mandarin, showcasing the vibrant linguistic diversity that enriches our schools. R.A.M.P. Concert
The Recorder Arts for Musical Pathways (R.A.M.P.) Concert, held on June 4th at NJPAC, was a delightful event showcasing the musical progress of third and fourth grade students. This concert is the culmination of the R.A.M.P. program, which aims to teach young students how to read music and play the recorder. The event featured performances that demonstrate the students' newfound skills and their enthusiasm for music. It's a heartwarming, annual celebration of education, music, and community support. Academic Awards Night
The District recognized 631 graduating seniors at the Academic Awards Night. It was an honor to personally congratulate each academic scholar who has earned a 3.5 GPA or higher. The evening was truly incredible. Thank you to all who supported with making this amazing event a night to remember. Our students are deserving of this celebration and it was wonderful to share it with their families and our community. All City Theater Festival
On June 5th, the District came together for the debut of All City Theatre. The stage lit up with the talent, dedication, and spirit of 59 emerging thespians in grades 6-12, representing eight District theatre programs. Their performances were filled with emotion, creativity, and a sense of pride that inspired everyone in the audience. The District's Theatre educators' commitment and guidance helped bring this vision to life, putting NBOE Arts in Action. A heartfelt congratulations is extended to our students, educators, and all involved in making this event a huge success. Senior Day
On Friday, June 6th, I welcomed over 2,800 graduating seniors as they arrived at Forest Lodge in celebration of their Senior Day! It was an amazing experience, as evidenced by the joy and enthusiasm of our students. A special thank you to the High School Leadership Team, High School Principals, and their teams who helped make Senior Day a truly memorable day. Cheerleading Championship
On June 7th, the Office of Extended Learning hosted their annual Cheer Competition at Weequahic High School. Spectators were wowed, as 41 cheer teams representing 37 elementary schools demonstrated their strength, athleticism, school pride, and spirit. Special performances from exhibition cheer and step teams took the energy through the roof! Congratulations to the amazing athletes and their coaches. - Lower Division First Place: Dr. E. Alma Flagg
- Upper Division Silver First Place: Wilson Avenue
- Upper Division Gold First Place: Speedway Avenue
More incredible events are still on the way. Tune in to the next newsletter for additional highlights and commendations.
Superintendent León |
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Culture and Climate SurveyIn alignment with The Next Decade: 2020-30 Strategic Plan Priority 3 - Strategy 3.1, students, parents/caregivers, and staff are to complete a culture and climate survey annually. Data from this survey will be shared with District and School Leaders to assist in preparing for the 2025-2026 school year. The survey is now open and will close on Friday, June 13, 2025. Please click on the link below to access and review suggested methods and means to promote completion and distribution. Remember, the information will be used to determine trends, areas of success/growth, and needed programming that will enhance your school community. If you have any questions, please contact the Office of Student Life: |
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SY 24-25 Pre-K Transition Portfolio Guidance (New)Contact: Victoria Dampare, Office of Early Childhood
Email: vdampare@nps.k12.nj.us The Office of Early Childhood is providing essential annual guidance to Preschool Teachers for compiling the Preschool Transition Portfolios. All students in Pre-K 3 and Pre-K 4 must have a transition portfolio. You can access the guidance and all necessary components of the portfolio through this link. |
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Dodge Poetry in the Community 2025 Youth Poetry Workshops (New)Contact: Jermaine Blount, Student Support Services - Office of Mentoring Services
Email: j2blount@nps.k12.nj.us  Mentor Newark is hosting the Dodge Poetry in the Community 2025 Youth Poetry Workshops. Free for ages 13-18.
Please share with interested students and families. Dates and times in the Registration Link.
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Nominate A 2025-2026 Governor's STEM ScholarContact: Kathleen Tierney, Office of Science
Email: ktierney@nps.k12.nj.us  The Governor's STEM Scholars is an opportunity for high school students who are passionate about STEM to attend STEM conferences, network with STEM professionals, visit STEM facilities, and conduct STEM research.
All interested students who meet the eligibility criteria should apply using the link in the attached document: |
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Inspire Science Grades 9-12 Initial TrainingContact: Tracy Cummings, Office of Science
Email: tcummings@nps.k12.nj.us  Science Summer Professional Development
Educators will engage in learning opportunities to enhance their understanding and instructional delivery of the Inspire Science curriculum. This will include building knowledge of the components used, building a basic understanding of the digital teacher and student center, and an overview of the module and lesson structure.
Each session is: - 2 hours
- Conducted by a McGraw-Hill Curriculum Specialist
The registration details are linked here. Upon completing the session, participants will receive a Certificate of Attendance. |
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Attend the Private Screening of Counted Out (New)Contact: Amanda Grossi, Office of Mathematics
Email: agrossi@nps.k12.nj.us  The Office of Mathematics is hosting a public screening of the documentary Counted Out, followed by a panel discussion on June 12 from 4:00 pm to 6:30 pm at Science Park High School. The film features civil rights activist Bob Moses, Institute for Mathematics and Democracy co-founder Ismar Volić, and author of our afterschool Math For Love curriculum Dan Finkel.
Students, teachers, parents, administrators--all are invited. Popcorn and soda will be provided. Here are additional event details and the film trailer. |
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Tutoring Coordinators K-12: Closeout for Tutoring Programs (New)Contact: Dr. Julianne Bello, Office of Extended Learning
Email: jbello@nps.k12.nj.us The last day for tutoring will be June 13th. Tutoring coordinators must ensure all student data has been entered in Powerschool by all tutors. All tutoring supplemental pay for the pay period of 6/7 to 6/20 must be submitted by the 6/23 payroll submission date. You should run the PowerSchool report:
Start Page » sqlReports » Attendance » Tutoring Sessions for Selected Date Range
…and review with your principal to close out your program. |
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OSE Updates and PD Opportunities (New)Contact: LaPrice Weatherington, Office of Special Education
Email: lweatherington@nps.k12.nj.us The Office of Special Education will be sending to schools calendars to be distributed to your special education teachers. The calendar captures pictures shared by staff who supported special education during this school year. Thank you from the Office of Special Education, to all staff who support exceptional learners and their families. Please note the three dates - June 11, 12, and 13, 2025 - for CSTs to meet with OSE supervisors to go over the Year End Close Out process. Please see enclosed the remaining OSE PD opportunities for this school year: ESY PD information will be sent by email to ESY teachers and ESY Paraprofessionals. OSE wishes everyone a great summer and looks forward to ESY 2025! |
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District Opportunity for Montclair State University’s Bilingual/Bicultural and ESL Programs (New)Contact: Claire Emmanuel, Human Resource Services
Email: cemmanuel@nps.k12.nj.us Are you, or do you know a teacher who is interested in joining a Bilingual or ESL Program? The District is offering an opportunity to those who are interested or hold a CE in either content (ESL/Bilingual) to join our partnership with Montclair State University. NOTE: Current NJ teacher certification is required to apply for these programs. (Teachers who do not hold a CEAS or Standard Instructional Certification MUST have completed an Alternate Route program in their primary certification area.) Kindly complete the interest form below based on your desired program: |
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Get Ready for the First Annual Newark GamesContact: Elizabeth Aranjo, Office of Health, Physical Education & Athletics
Email: earanjo@nps.k12.nj.us 
The Office of Health, Physical Education, & Athletics is thrilled to announce that the First Annual Newark Games, a district-wide celebration of unity, school pride, and student collaboration through spirited competition and cultural representation, will be taking place on Tuesday, June 17, 2025 at Newark Schools Stadium. The Newark Games will bring together 40 students from every school across the district to represent one of sixteen countries in a series of fun and challenging events designed to promote teamwork, sportsmanship, and cultural pride. The sixteen countries this year represent the sixteen most highly represented nations of our student body in an homage to the children and their families. Inspired by a camp-like structure at Frost Valley, this event will encourage students across grade levels to work together in cooperative games, problem-solving challenges, and athletic activities-all in pursuit of the ultimate prize: the GOLD. Teams will have the opportunity to also win silver, bronze, spirit, and sportsmanship awards. All other participating students will also be recognized. Homeroom teachers should share with students the country that the school is representing. This event will be more than just a day of games-it's a powerful opportunity to build community across schools, highlight student leadership, and embrace global awareness through friendly competition. Principals have received important guidance in preparation of this incredible event; please see them for information on how to serve on your school's committee. In anticipation, a school pep rally will be judged by a representative(s) from Central Office on June 16, 2025 at 1:30 pm. Let's make the first Newark Games an unforgettable celebration of culture, cooperation, and competition! Let the Newark Games begin!
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Summer Reading Launch - June 12th  Contact: Jazleen Othman, Office of English Language Arts
Email: jothman@nps.k12.nj.us We’re excited to kick off Summer Reading 2025 on June 12th! On this day, all PreK–12 students will receive their summer reading book. Teachers will lead an engaging launch activity that provides students with an opportunity to learn more about their required readings.  Families will also receive a special letter from Superintendent León detailing Summer Reading on June 12, 2025. Full details can be found here. |
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ELA Residency OpportunitiesContact: Jazleen Othman, Office of English Language Arts
Email: jothman@nps.k12.nj.us The Office of English Language Arts is offering a range of professional development residencies shaped by teacher feedback and student performance data. Insights from surveys and classroom trends helped identify areas where support is needed. Our goal is to provide meaningful, relevant learning experiences that enhance instructional practices and positively impact student outcomes.
For information regarding each opportunity, click here. |
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Summer Ed Tech PD AcademyContact: Michael Padilla, Office of Instructional Technology
Email: m4padilla@nps.k12.nj.us The Office of Instructional Technology is excited to share information on our Summer Ed Tech PD courses. Please view this brochure with more information on the courses, as well as links to sign up. Afternoon and morning sessions will be offered and all sessions will take place at the Dr. Marion A. Bolden Student Center. Staff will be paid to attend and space is limited! |
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Cycle 4 24-25 Report Card Timeline and Requirements - TeachersContact: Darren Watsky, Student Information Services
Email: dwatsky@nps.k12.nj.us All Cycle 4 grades and comments must be finalized in PowerTeacher Pro by the end of the school day on Monday, June 16th.
Use the Cycle 4 Report Card Timeline and Requirements document to prepare for the storing of Cycle 4 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. Grade changes after June 20th require a grade change form submission. If you have questions, please consult with your administrator(s). |
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Teach Adult Education ClassesContact: Andre Hollis, Adult Education
Email: a1hollis@nps.k12.nj.us  In partnership with Newark Public Library, the Newark Public Schools Adult Education department presents "Discover, Grow, and Thrive: Adult Education Summer Sessions - Enroll Now."
Dates: July 9, 2025 - August 9, 2025 - Wednesdays 5:45pm - 7:45pm
- Saturdays 11:00am - 1:00pm
Classes will be held at various library locations throughout the City of Newark. - Springfield Branch - 50 Hayes Street (GED)
- Van Buren Branch - 140 Van Buren Street (ESL)
- Weequahic Branch - 355 Osbourne Terrace (GED)
- North End Branch - 722 Summer Avenue ( ESL)
Interested teachers should apply here and complete JobID: 1832 |
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Professional Development OpportunitiesContact: Jennifer Rodriguez, Office of Federal Programs & Grants
Email: j20rodriguez@nps.k12.nj.us 
Creating More Supportive & Inclusive Environments
Through the CDC Grant awarded to the NBOE, the Office of Federal Programs and Grants has partnered with Planned Parenthood of Metropolitan NJ (PPMNJ) to offer various resources, workshops, and professional development opportunities for school staff and families. In June, PPMNJ will facilitate 2 virtual afterschool professional development sessions on creating a more supportive and inclusive learning environment. Registration is now open through Whetstone. Please see the attached flyer for more information and the registration links: Supporting At-Risk Youth & Building Resilience
Thanks to funds from the CDC Grant awarded to the NBOE, the District has partnered with Family Connections to support schools in creating safe and supportive environments. In June, Family Connections will facilitate 2 virtual afterschool professional development sessions focused on Supporting At-Risk Youth and Supporting Resilience and Building Community. Registration is now open through Whetstone. Please see the attached flyer for more information and the registration links: |
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New Teacher Induction NBOE/MSUContact: HRS - Office of Educator Effectiveness
Email: evaluations@nps.k12.nj.us New Teacher Induction sessions will be held on the 2nd Tuesday of each month. Teachers should attend 6 of the 10 sessions during the school year. Please register for the next New Teacher Induction session scheduled for Tuesday, June 10th; 3:30-5:30pm. Registration and meeting links for each month can be found in the induction schedule linked here. |
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Mentorship Logs and License Renewal RequestContact: Human Resource Services - Office of Staffing and Certifications
Email: certifications@nps.k12.nj.us Mentorship logs are due Monday, June 9, 2025. Please use the following links for additional submission details: Expiring Provisional and Emergency Licenses: Please complete the following link if your Provisional or Emergency license is expiring in July of 2025: For additional inquiries, contact certifications@nps.k12.nj.us. |
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Escrow Program (Open Enrollment and Refund Dates)Contact: Human Resource Services
Email: npscompensation@nps.k12.nj.us - Escrow Open Enrollment for current and newly hired employees is May 1st through September 15th of each year!
- Employees who are 10-month and 11-month full time employees can now self-enroll, discontinue, and switch options in the Escrow Program.
- For more information about refund dates, view deduction selected through ESS (Employee Self Service), and instructions on how to enroll or initiate a refund, kindly visit our HRS Portal at https://nboehrs.com/es/#escrow or view attached:
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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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