NEWARK, N.J. – Despite a stormy forecast on Tuesday evening, nearly 100 students and their families gathered at Oliver Street School where summer reading was becoming much more than a list of books and assignments.

Students discussed what they had read, worked on writing activities and began creative projects inspired by their books as part of Newark Public Schools’ Family Summer Literacy Night. It was the first of three such events being held across the district this week to help students complete their summer reading assignments and prepare confidently for the new school year. The second Family Summer Literacy Night was held at the Thirteenth Avenue School where 118 students and their families participated. Tonight, the final event will be held at Elliott Street Elementary School beginning at 5:30 p.m.

“Families had somewhere to come where we could explain the assignments and help students get a significant portion of the work completed,” said District Director of English Language Arts Education Jazleen Othman. “When students return on September 8th, they will feel empowered to present their projects and confident about starting the first day of school.”

Each book on the district’s summer reading list is accompanied by three assignments: two focused primarily on comprehension and writing and a third that allows students to complete a larger project. The literacy nights give students and their families direct access to educators who can answer questions, clarify expectations and provide hands-on assistance.

“The summer reading list is really coming to life,” Othman said. “Students are not only reading the books; they are thinking deeply about them, expressing their ideas through writing and creating projects that demonstrate what they have learned.”

“Summer learning should give students the confidence to return to school ready to succeed,” said Superintendent León. “By bringing our teachers, students and families together, these literacy nights provide the guidance and resources students need while reinforcing a love of reading that extends well beyond the classroom.”

“The Board of Education is proud to support programs that make learning accessible to students and families throughout the summer,” said Board of Education President Hasani K. Council. “Family Summer Literacy Nights demonstrate the power of our schools and families working together to prepare every student for a strong start to the new school year.”

“This is an opportunity for families to engage with our faculty and for students to work on their summer reading assignments in a supportive environment,” said Summer Principal Ivone Cardoso-Neto, who serves as a vice principal at Oliver Street School during the academic year.

“We are always promoting a love of reading, and it is wonderful to see our students and families learning together.”

Families were also invited to select free books to take home, including books for siblings who were unable to attend. Students and families were entered into a raffle for prizes that included books, LEGO sets and other educational materials.

Oliver Street School remains exceptionally active throughout the summer, according to Cardoso-Neto, providing students with opportunities to continue learning, explore new interests and stay connected to their school community.

 “It is a great day whenever our students are here and our scholars are learning,” Cardoso-Neto said. “We want them to remain active, engaged and excited about learning throughout the summer.”