Administration
Kinyetta Bird
Principal
Principal Kinyetta Bird is a Newark native, and a first generation high school and college graduate. She has been with the Newark Board of Education, where she has worked for over twenty years. Ms. Bird started her career in the district as a per diem cafeteria worker, per diem aide, permanent teacher assistant, third grade teacher, literacy teacher coach, vice principal, prior to becoming the proud principal of Avon Avenue School. Ms. Bird uses her vast experience in education to understand and respect all positions within the school district. Having a wide range of experience has impacted the development of her educational philosophy. Ms. Bird’s years of experience has added value to her lookout on education. It also aligns her vision as a transformative leader. Ms. Bird's work with children and families throughout the city is only a fraction of the time she has dedicated to Newark Board of Education.
Ms. Bird’s pedagogical career began as a third grade teacher with the Newark Board of Education. There, she grew into a model classroom teacher and created a pipeline between Uncommon Schools and Newark Public School. Throughout her experience, she took on the role of mentoring new teachers and leading professional development sessions, which further developed her skills as an educational leader. She continued as a third grade teacher in Newark Board of Education, until becoming a teacher coach of literacy. Ms.Bird transitioned into the role of Vice Principal in 2018 at Rafael Hernandez Elementary School. Ms. Bird is the mother of one son, who attended Newark Public Schools. Ms. Bird is also a proud grandmother of two. Year after year, Ms. Bird pursues making sustainable progress that improves teacher instruction and impacts student learning outcomes. However, her love and passion for students, staff, families and community is unmatched.
Marianne Ramos Kramer
Vice Principal, 5th -8th Grade
Marianne Ramos Kramer comes to Newark Public Schools with 21 years of experience as an urban educator. She is excited to serve as Vice Principal alongside Principal Bird, VP Tauheed and the entire Avon Community. Ms. Kramer’s core beliefs are centered around the idea that education is the means to a future of success. Given the necessary support, all children are able to learn and thrive. She aims to cultivate this support through the building of a community that is committed to academic success as well as the development of a school culture that attends to the social emotional health of its students. Together with Avon’s leadership team, Ms. Kramer will strive to uphold these ideals.
Ms. Kramer is dedicated to serving students in Avon with attention to equity and inclusion.She is committed to the improvement of student outcomes by empowering our teachers and students through coaching, mentoring, book talks and discourse all while celebrating cultural, social-emotional and academic achievement. Ms. Kramer holds a Bachelor's Degree in Fine Arts from Rutgers Universities as well as Masters Degrees in Education from Seton Hall, Teachers College -Columbia University and most recently, Montclair University. Her previous experience as Academic Interventionist, Special Education Coordinator as well as General Education and Art teacher at multiple grade levels at schools in the tri state area has given her the requisite skills and experience to engage and involve the stakeholders of the Avon Avenue School community.
When she is not teaching and learning, she is spending time with her husband and two daughters. Reading, Writing and traveling are activities that she enjoys
Chanel Rutty
Vice Principal, PreK 3 - 4th Grade & Enrichment
Chanel Rutty joins the Avon School Community as our new Pre-K - 4th Grade ELA Vice Principal bringing years of experience in Early Childhood Education. Ms. Rutty is thrilled to work alongside Principal Bird and Vice Principal Kramer to support our students and staff. Coming from a family of dedicated educators, Ms. Rutty has a profound passion for teaching and learning.
She began her own educational journey at Hampton University, where she earned a degree in English Arts. Ms. Rutty then furthered her expertise by obtaining two Master's degrees from Montclair State University: one in Early Childhood Education with a dual certificate in Teaching Students with Disabilities, and a second in Educational Leadership.
Ms. Rutty's philosophy on early childhood education centers on the belief that a strong foundational start is paramount for every child's success. She advocates for a holistic approach that nurtures not only academic growth in literacy and language but also social-emotional development, critical thinking, and a genuine love for learning. She believes in creating inclusive and dynamic learning environments where every child feels valued, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential.
With 12 years of diverse classroom experience, Ms. Rutty brings a wealth of knowledge to her new role. She's taught across various grade levels, including preschool, Kindergarten, 1st grade, and 4th grade, and also served as an ELA teacher for NJIT’s Upward Bound Program. Prior to joining Avon School, Ms. Rutty was a Director of Early Childhood, a role where she was deeply committed to school achievement and ensuring all students had access to a high-quality education.
Outside of school, Ms. Rutty loves to travel with her family and is an active member of her sorority.