Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: More Newark Charter Students Are Speaking 2 Languages–And Succeeding In The Classroom, Data Shows

Also check out Unity Rd. Maywood Grand Opening 🎉 on the Newark Patch calendar

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Friday August 28th Patch AM
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Good morning Newark! Your connection to what's happening around town is here. Take a sip of coffee and read on. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • Multilingual Newark charter students are growing fast and outpacing peers statewide
  • Africa on Stage brings month-long African arts festival to Newark
  • Newark leaders demand fossil fuel giants fund climate damage costs

Also on today's calendar: Unity Rd. Maywood Grand Opening 🎉 and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: What did the tree say when Spring arrived? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Friday: Humid; an afternoon t-storm, with a high of 83 and low of 68 degrees.
  • Saturday: Mostly cloudy and less humid, temps: high: 83, low: 66.
  • Sunday: Partly sunny, with a high of 86 and low of 72 degrees. 🌶 Hot!

📰 News we're reading

1. More Newark Charter Students Are Speaking 2 Languages–And Succeeding In The Classroom, Data Shows (patch.com) — Newark families with multilingual children are seeing strong results in the city's charter schools, where the share of students who speak two or more languages has surged over the past decade. New state data show these multilingual learners are outperforming peers statewide and in district schools, while more families are using Newark Common App in Spanish and Portuguese, signaling growing confidence in local bilingual education options.
   

2. Newark Symphony Hall Will Host 'Africa On Stage,' Headlined By 'FELA! The Concert' (patch.com) — Newark Symphony Hall is turning its Centennial season into a major celebration for local residents this October, hosting Africa on Stage across its Newark campus. The month-long series will bring film, fashion, beauty, and hands-on arts education to city students and families, culminating in FELA! The Concert at the historic Sarah Vaughan Concert Hall on October 22.
   

3. Tug Of War Over 'NJ Polluters Pay Act' Continues In Essex County (patch.com) — Newark's Military Park became the focal point for a major push to pass New Jersey's Polluters Pay Act, with Mayor Ras Baraka, city council members and local advocates demanding fossil fuel companies fund climate resilience. Supporters argue Newark and Essex County residents already shoulder rising flood, heat and health costs, while business groups warn the bill could spike energy prices and face constitutional challenges.
   

4. NJ Spotlight News: August 27, 2026 (thirteen.org) — A new public art initiative in Newark, including "The Golden Life" mural and other city-backed projects, is transforming once-neglected corners into safer, more vibrant spaces while centering local women and girls. Newark arts leaders describe how grants, residencies, and public installations support working artists, boost neighborhood pride, and reshape the city's reputation as a creative hub for residents and visitors alike.
   

5. Newark Public Schools' chronic absenteeism rate is the lowest in district history (chalkbeat.org) — Newark Public Schools just hit a record-low 8.5% chronic absenteeism rate for 2025-26, outpacing the state and marking a huge turnaround from pre-pandemic years. District leaders credit revamped attendance strategies, new state rules, and partnerships with groups like the city's reengagement center and Arts Ed Newark, while warning that homeless students still face much higher absenteeism.
   

📸 Around Newark

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Deon Cole Gets Candid About 'Average Joe' Season 2, Rejection, Faith and Breaking the Comedy Box —Zollyann Howell Read on Patch
  • Newark Kids Count 2026 Reveals Gains in Graduation and School Attendance, While Healthcare Gaps Persist —Lana Lee Read on Patch
  • Dominican Corner Brings Culture, Business & Community to Elizabeth —Andrew Whitaker Read on Patch
  • Newark Alliance Names Technology and Government Leader Solomon Steplight as New Chief Executive Officer —Monica Smith Read on Patch
  • Has anyone seen this cat?
    She has her left ear tipped and she was last seen on the corner of Isabella Ave (Nextdoor Columbia)
  • Anyone have experience petitioning for a speed bump / speed reducer on your street?
    We have cars speeding through our street and it scares me with the kids in play and people walking their pets, including me. (Nextdoor Roseville)
  • University Hospital New Jersey posted a job opening for Medical Office Assistant, Hepatology & Liver Transplant in Newark. Apply here.
  • Crescent Hotels & Resorts posted a job opening for Breakfast Line Cook in Newark. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Newark here.

Ok Newark! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: What a re-leaf! (Thank you Flo G. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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