5 Positive Things That Recently Happened In Newark’s Public Schools

NEWARK, NJ — There is no shortage of positive news taking place in the largest public school district in New Jersey. Catch up with a few of the latest developments in Newark below.

NEW SCHOOL OPENS

Recently, administrators and educators with the Newark Public School District celebrated the opening of Ironbound Academy Elementary School, making it the eighth new school the district has opened since its milestone return to local control in 2018.

According to a news release from the Newark Board of Education:

“Ironbound Academy Elementary School services kindergarten through fourth grade and will grow one grade yearly until it reaches the eighth grade. The school's core values are Innovators who are Responsible, Optimistic, and Nice to others (IRON), and will be guided in part by Project Lead The Way. PLTW prides itself on tapping into the curious nature of students, immersing them in hands-on activities, projects, and problems that build upon each other and relate to the real world while making learning feel like play.”

“I am honored to be the first principal of Ironbound Academy Elementary School, where we build strong academic and social/emotional foundations to serve a diverse community of students,” Principal Erica Paich said.

“This is an amazing day for the Ironbound, the East Ward and the City of Newark because we get another much-needed school,” agreed Councilman Michael Silva.

The opening of Ironbound Academy Elementary School comes on the heels of burgeoning student enrollment in the district, now reaching over 38,000 students, administrators said.

BAKING UP SUCCESS

In November, a new “state-of-the-art” bakery was unveiled at Newark Vocational High School, which is open and “flourishing” after once being shuttered under state operation, the board of education stated in a news release (see photo at the top of this article).

The bakery is the final learning destination of the school’s four-year culinary arts program, which exposes students to artisanal bread making, the creation of international pastries, cookies, and donuts, as well as wedding cake creations and designs.

“Just seeing everything we vote on come to life is truly amazing,” board member Hasani Council said. “We are so proud of our students and staff that I would be honored to put them up against anybody in the world.”

According to the board of education, the program provides students with “work-based learning experiences,” along with opportunities for potential careers in the baking industry, as well as high-end restaurants in New Jersey and New York City.

This year, Newark Vocational High School’s culinary arts seniors will participate in dual enrollment classes through a partnership with Hudson County Community College and graduate with college credits. They will also graduate with a ServSafe Manager certification and participate in Career, Technical, and Student Organization competitions. The students and staff continue to excel and expand both learning and partnerships to ensure their future success with college and careers.

“Being a student at Newark Vocational is an opportunity,” said Khaosara Adelakun, the board’s student representative. “Not only do we get the normal education, but we are also exposed to graphic design, hospitality, tourism, and culinary arts.”

CLASSROOM RENOVATIONS

George Washington Carver Elementary School recently got a series of upgrades, including new flooring, air conditioners, cabinets, ceiling tiles, lighting and painting.

It was a true effort from the home team, administrators said when the announced the upgrades last month. All the work – which consisted of carpentry, plumbing, electrical, sheet metal, glazing, HVAC masonry and more – was performed by the district trades staff. After renovations, the district custodial staff cleaned and set up the classrooms and offices, so students and staff were ready to work.

“Our students deserve an environment that is inviting and conducive to learning,” board president Dawn Haynes said.

“We look forward to filling these additional classrooms with children from the mighty South Ward,” Haynes added.

LIGHTS ON AFTER SCHOOL

In October, Camden Street Elementary School teamed up with the United Way of Greater Newark (UWGN), the City of Newark, and After-School All-Stars NJ to celebrate the “Lights On Afterschool” nationwide campaign.

The program focused on education and enrichment. Students from grades 3-8 took part in service-learning projects that addressed issues that directly affect their community, such as hunger, homelessness and mental health, according to a news release from the UWGN.

Camden Street Elementary School was one of 9,000 sites selected nationwide for the Lights On Afterschool campaign.

UWGN President and CEO Catherine Wilson said that out-of-school-time programming plays a crucial role in improving the lives of youth and their families.

“Initiatives like the Lights On Afterschool campaign punctuate the importance of out-of-school-time programs and the need for more not only in our footprint, but also across the country and the world,” Wilson said.

BALLET FOR PRE-K

Also in October, the Newark Public School District opened its doors to greet three and four-year-old budding ballet dancers and their families for its first-ever Saturday Prekindergarten Ballet Program.

According to the board of education:

“In alignment with the district's 10-year strategic plan, ‘The Next Decade: 2020 – 30,’ the work underway for families of children from conception to cradle is transformative and groundbreaking. Following that strategy and those efforts, the development of students from age 3 to grade 3 (“3 to 3”) is critical. The district is launching several programs for ages 3 and 4, providing challenging and rewarding experiences to children beyond the school day. This month those programs began with Ballet for Pre-K, located at Arts High School, the nation’s first-ever performing arts school.”

The board continued:

“Ballet requires strength and agility and teaches children ways to properly strengthen their bodies and stay healthy. This includes proper stretching techniques, flexibility practices, and how to recognize their physical limits. It is important that children learn these skills and techniques at a young age so they can avoid injury in the future and establish healthy habits.”

The principal of Arts High School in Newark, Devonne DeNose, is teaching the Ballet for Pre-K class on Saturdays with five Arts High School seniors who are dance majors (Zaynah Miller, LaShane Bradshaw, Madison Hibbert, Kiyomie Warsaw, and Hannah Cummings).

The board of education noted that DeNose is herself a dancer, a graduate of Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School for Music & Art and Performing Arts. She trained in dance at Bernice Johnson, DeVore Dance Center, and The Ailey School.

“Our prekindergarten students felt like they could conquer anything, stepping into high school when they are only of preschool age,” DeNose said. “They saw what older dancers look like and saw themselves. They learned how a new skill can blossom into a talent, a passion, and a career.”

Superintendent Roger León said the new program taps into students’ love of the arts and teaches them to remain focused, which will help develop muscle strength and discipline in ways that are both fun and educational.

“This is a great start for our B4K initiative,” León said.

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