The Newark Literacy Movement

We all know how important literacy is by third grade-that's why I was proud to secure funding to support The Newark Literacy Movement initiative. We're thrilled to continue this exciting effort for a second year! I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to Newark Public Schools and the Superintendent for helping to bring the gift of reading to our community. We hope you and your family enjoy this special time together through the joy of reading!

Click on the buttons for an important message from NJ Senate Majority Leader M. Teresa Ruiz.

About Our School

Thalia Brownridge-Smith, Principal

Mission Statement

At Thirteenth Avenue School, our mission is to ignite a passion for Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) education, fostering an environment where students feel empowered to thrive through critical thinking, collaboration, and confident communication. Our commitment extends to ensuring that students, staff, and caregivers are safe, supported, and encouraged to realize their highest potential. Through strategic partnerships, we enhance the quality of life of all stakeholders, creating an inclusive environment where all members of our community flourish.

Vision

13^th Avenue School is a place where students are eager to attend and receive a quality education, teachers are supported and provided with effective professional development, and parents are excited about the high standard of education and strong home – school connection.

Core Beliefs

Be

Dream

Welcome Back Thirteenth Avenue School Community

Spanish translation click here

August 7, 2026

Dear Thirteenth Avenue School Families,

Welcome to the 2026–2027 academic year! I am Principal Brownridge-Smith, the proud principal of Thirteenth Avenue School. As we begin this new chapter, our faculty and staff are excited to welcome your child(ren) back to school. We are committed to a thriving, student-centered community grounded in academic excellence and a relentless belief in each student’s potential.

Our schoolwide theme this year is:

Raising the Bar: Turning Action into Impact!

This theme reflects our commitment to moving beyond good intentions by taking purposeful action that leads to meaningful results. Together, we will challenge ourselves to set higher expectations, embrace continuous growth, and create lasting impact for every student, every day.

At Thirteenth Avenue School, our core beliefs - Be Respectful, Be Responsible, Be Productive, Be Courageous, and DREAM BIG - serve as the foundation for everything we do. I am looking forward to witnessing the incredible progress our students will make and the meaningful experiences we will create together. Your partnership is essential to our school’s success, and I sincerely thank you for your continued support.

Below you will find important dates and information to help you prepare for the 2026-2027 school year:

Important Dates

Thursday, September 3, 2026: Meet your child(ren)’s teacher(s) and find out classroom assignments (1:30 - 2:30 p.m.)
Tuesday, September 8, 2026: First Day of School, including After School Programs
Thursday, September 29, 2026: Back to School Night (6:00 - 8:00 p.m.)
Thursday, October 1, 2026: Perfect Attendance Celebration
Monday, October 7, 2026: Title I Parent Meeting

Important Information

Arrival and Dismissal Locations

PreK: Front Yard (13th Ave.)

Grades K-4: Playground (8th Street Gate Entrance)

Grades 5-8: 8th Street (Exit 3)

NBOE Transportation: 9th Street

School Hours (8:15 a.m.- 3:05 p.m.)
Attendance: Each month is a new opportunity to earn perfect attendance recognition.
SchoolMint: Please confirm your contact information to facilitate accurate communication.
Lunch Applications: Students must complete a lunch application before being assigned a Chromebook.
Uniform Policy: Students are required to wear the school uniform daily, except on designated dress-down or school spirit days.
Summer Reading Assignments: Due during the first week of school.

Supply Lists: Necessary materials for the school year.

Cell Phone Policy: Student cell phones will be collected upon arrival and returned at dismissal.

Please regularly visit our school website for important updates and information. If you need support with completing any of the required documents or have questions, please call the Main Office at 973-733-7045. Together, let's raise the bar and turn our actions into meaningful impact for every student, every day. Welcome back, Panthers!

Best, Thalia Brownridge-Smith, Principal

Our School in the News

Thirteenth Avenue School Alumnus Establishes Scholarship in Honor of His Beloved Teacher

June 27, 2025

Pharmaceutical industry professional Miguel A. Salinas comes home to celebrate Iris McMurray Matthews, eighth graders moving up NEWARK, N.J. – During the Thirteenth Avenue School’s moving up ceremony on Tuesday, alumnus Miguel A. Salinas made a heartfelt announcement that will have a lasting impact on future generations of students. Salinas, now a successful professional in […]

NBOE Educators Celebrate Academic Achievement at Montclair State Winter Commencement

February 26, 2025

From left: Joseph DeRisi (Hawthorne), Susana Pena (Mt. Vernon), Marcela Palma (Louis A. Spencer), Stephania Corneille (Ivy Hill), Nesary Cruz (Chancellor), Yvonne Copprue-McLeod (Peshine), Natasha Stevenson (Lincoln), Jennifer Ragonese (George Washington Carver), Zadia Ballard (Hawthorne), Karima Onque (13th Avenue), Angelica Rodriquez (13th Avenue), Diane Phillips (Belmont); Students from Louise A. Spencer Montclair State University (MSU) […]

Office of Attendance Holiday Collaboration

January 2, 2025

Newark Board of Education Office of Attendance hosted our annual “Holiday Blessing Initiative” that partners with agencies and stakeholders in the city of Newark. We delivered cheer, love, hope and gifts to scholars throughout our school district. Through this collaboration it is the goal to provide intentional supports that continue motivating and igniting the importance […]

Newark Transforms Auditoriums for Student and Community Use

June 17, 2024

Thirteenth Avenue upgraded auditorium In line with The Next Decade: 2020-30 Strategic Plan, Priority 1.5 focuses on developing a capital strategy that aligns with the Long-Range Facilities Plan. This strategy aims to modernize all facilities while considering enrollment projections, academic programs, and community needs. The Facilities Team has been diligently working to upgrade and modernize […]

Newark Empowers Parents and Communities Through the Parenting Partners Program

June 17, 2024

Parenting Partners participate at Luis Munoz Marin The Office of Federal Programs & Grants is excited about the partnership with Parenting Partners. This program highlights Newark Public School’s commitment to fostering a supportive and collaborative educational environment. Using a train-the-trainer model, this program aligns with Strategy 4.7 of the Next Decade: 2020-30 Strategic Plan. The […]

Newark Board of Education Hosts Thrilling Elementary Basketball Event

June 17, 2024

Excitement filled the air at Weequahic High School on Thursday, May 22nd, as the Newark Board of Education hosted an exhilarating elementary basketball event. The atmosphere was electric as the girls’ game unfolded, with Mount Vernon emerging victorious in a hard-fought battle against Elliot Street School. Meanwhile, in the boys’ game, Avon Avenue School narrowly […]