Newark’s New Superintendent Says ‘Summer School’ Is Changing

NEWARK, NJ — Here’s some food for thought, Newark… summer school can also be for students who are “ahead” in their classwork.

That was the idea put forth last week by Newark’s new school superintendent, Roger Leon, during a presentation made before more than 200 grammar school teachers and principals to launch the district’s summer programs for 2018.

According to Leon – who assumed the helm of the school district in the largest city in New Jersey earlier this month – summer school is about to take on a new meaning in Newark.

“Summer school will be for students who are not behind in school, but who are ahead in school – it will be a reward for doing well,” Leon said. “We want all students to succeed.”

Traditionally, summer school has always been about “recovering credits to stay in your grade” and to get academic assistance, Leon said. But in the future, students in Newark’s public schools will be able to take advantage of programs like music training at Arts High School and study opportunities at Johns Hopkins.

“Programs like these are real summer school to get our students excited and engaged in the summer and throughout the academic year,” Leon said.

• See related article: Newark Youth Who Break Summer Curfew Can Be Fined Up To $1K

Newark’s 2018 summer school programs kicked off Monday and continue through August 10th. High school classes will be held at Central and Science Park High School from 7:45 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. The district also hosts Summer Plus for grades K – 7th, a district-wide initiative that aims to “curb summer learning loss” and to provide enrichment experiences for students that will inspire learning. Other summer programs include English Plus, Extended School Year, Summer Music Camp and Summer Sports Camp. To read more about summer programs in Newark click here.

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