Press Releases

The Newark Board of Education Approves the Appointment of New Principals for the 2022-23 School Year

Newark, NJ, [June 27, 2022] Superintendent León and the Newark Board of Education are pleased to announce the appointment of 10 new Principals for the 2022–23 school year. All of the candidates participated in a rigorous interview process consisting of meetings with key members of the community, students, staff, and the Superintendent.

Superintendent León said, “I am thrilled to announce one of the most diverse group of principal candidates to be named Principal for SY 2022-23.” He added, “This cohort of candidates is a shining example of internal mobility at its best, and the School Leadership Councils were instrumental in helping to identify this talented group of Principals.”

“As I have said in the past, being a principal is the most important leadership role in our schools and we look forward to providing the support needed to be successful,” said Dawn Haynes, President of the Newark Board of Education.

American History High School - Meg Murray
Meg Murray held many positions after starting her career with the Newark Board; Curriculum Developer, Teacher of English, Department Chair, and most recently Vice Principal of East Side High School. Ms. Murray studied at the University of Illinois, Columbia University’s Teacher’s College, and University of Phoenix. 

Avon Avenue Elementary School - Krishna Dalal Barroso
Krishna Dalal Barroso started her career as a Teacher at Avon Avenue School where she rose to become Vice Principal and has served in that role for the past eight years. Ms. Barroso studied at Seton Hall University and Rutgers University. 

Dr. E. Alma Flagg - Filipa Alexandra Silva
Filipa Alexandra Silva began her career with the Newark Board of Education as a Teacher, followed by becoming an English as a Second Language Teacher, Operations Manager, and most recently Vice Principal of Salomé Ureña Elementary School. Ms. Silva studied at Drew University, St. Elizabeth College, and Grand Canyon University.

East Side High School - Carlos M. Rodriguez
Carlos Rodriguez began his career at the Newark Board of Education as a substitute, moving on to become a Teacher, Lead Technology Coordinator, Teacher Coach, and most recently Vice Principal of East Side High School. Mr. Rodriguez studied at Kean University and Saint Peter’s University.

Elliott Street School - Andres Barquin
Andres Barquin began his career as an elementary school teacher with the Newark Board of Education. He also served as an After-School Programs Lead, a Vice Principal, Summer Principal, and most recently Special Assistant to the North Ward Leadership Team. Mr. Barquin studied at Thomas Edison State College, Grand Canyon University, and Caldwell College. 

Ironbound Academy - Erica L. Paich
Erica Paich started her career as an Instructional Coach for school administrators, teachers, and students, then became a Special Assistant and most recently served as Director of Enrollment. She studied at Rutgers University, Kean University, and Rowan University. 

Luis Muñoz Marin - Daniel Guerra
Daniel Guerra started his Newark Board of Education career as an elementary school teacher and became an After-School Program Director, Summer Principal, and most recently Vice Principal of Elliott Street School. Mr. Guerra studied at Essex County College, Montclair State University, and John Hopkins University.

McKinley Elementary School - Lynnette Dortrait
Lynnette Dortrait joined the Newark Board of Education as Vice Principal of Dr. William H. Horton Elementary School where she has served for the past three years. Ms. Dortrait studied at Rider University and St. Peter’s University.

Quitman Street School - Courtney R. Johnson
Courtney Johnson held a variety of positions since joining the Newark Board of Education; Substitute Teacher, Teacher Coach, School Operations Manager, Supervisor, and most recently, Special Assistant of the High School Leadership Team. Ms. Johnson studied at the College of New Jersey, Capella University, and New Jersey City University.

Sir Isaac Newton - Tiffany Wicks
Tiffany Wicks started her career with the district as an Intern and became a Teacher, After-School Coordinator, Supervisor, and most recently Vice Principal of Sir Isaac Newton Elementary School. Ms. Wicks studied at Caldwell University, Montclair State University, and Seton Hall University.

Newark Board of Education Held a White Coat Ceremony for Students Inducted into the PLTW Medical Detectives Program

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Earlier this month, Mount Vernon Elementary School held a White Coat Ceremony to induct eight new students into their Project Lead the Way (PLTW) Medical Detectives Program.  The eight new inductees were welcomed into the program by an elite group of students from Cohort 1, who received their white lab coats February 10, 2022.

The White Coat Ceremony is a rites of passage initiative designed to inspire middle school students to pursue STEM career paths. The vision of the White Coat Ceremony was uniquely designed for the six South-West PLTW schools under the leadership of Assistant Superintendent Samantha Lott-Velez who said “Our schools will continue to put programs in place that give our students opportunity to engage in experiences that nurture their interests and expose them to career paths.”

PLTW programs are currently in Peshine Avenue, Lincoln, Chancellor Avenue, Avon Avenue, Ivy Hill, and Mount Vernon Elementary Schools. To date, there have been 143 participants across these six schools. Superintendent León stated “The district’s investment in PLTW at the middle school level is a long-term investment that will yield great returns in the future.” In all programs, “...students play the role of real-life medical detectives as they collect and analyze medical data to diagnose diseases. They solve medical mysteries through hands-on projects and labs, measure and interpret vital signs, examine nervous system structure and function, and investigate disease outbreaks,” he added.

As students received the lab coat and pin, Principal Camille Findley-Browne remarked how incredibly proud she is of all of the students that have persevered through this rigorous college-preparatory program.  And Director of Science Kathleen Tierney praised the PLTW teacher saying, “Mr. Shane Brown could not have been a better choice.  He has done a great job in retaining the largest number of students in this inaugural program for students interested in STEM.”

Students were inspired by special guest, Dr. Roger Mitchell, Jr., who became the youngest Chief Medical Examiner in the country in 2011 in Newark, New Jersey.   Dr. Mitchell shared his personal and professional journey with students.  A proud graduate of Howard University and New Jersey Medical School, Dr. Mitchell encouraged the students to “dream big”...”have determination”...”be dedicated”...and understand “...delayed gratification.” He also told students that he looked forward to seeing Newark’s PLTW students as colleagues in the future.

Avon Avenue Elementary School Honors Alum, “The Godfather of Funk” George Clinton ,With Band Room Named After Him

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Avon Avenue Elementary School Honors Alum, "The Godfather of Funk" George Clinton With Band Room Named After Him

 

On Thursday, March 17th at 9:30 am, Newark Public Schools in partnership with The City of Newark held a “funky” celebration in honor of “The Godfather of Funk”: George Clinton ahead of his birthday concert at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center. Hosted at his alma mater Avon Avenue Elementary School, a renamed band room in Clinton’s name was unveiled as a culmination of the festivities. Bestowed with the title of “Godfather Ram of Funk” by Principal of Avon, Charity Haygood - the celebration began with a proclamation read to Mr. Clinton by Superintendent Roger León and was followed by words from Mayor of Newark, Ras J. Baraka, Dave Rodriguez, Executive Vice-President of NJPAC and Jennifer Tsukayama, Vice-President of Arts Education, NJPAC.

“In honoring Mr. George Clinton, we not only honor him as the man and legend that he is, but we honor him as a student, one of ours,” said Superintendent Roger León. “Can you imagine? He started everything he is and has accomplished here, as a student of Avon Avenue Elementary School.”

Clinton was welcomed at the entrance of his alma mater by rows of students from Grades K -2 lining the walls with streamers and music and applause, he was also guided into the cafetorium by a parade of students donning hula hoops, a nod to Clinton’s history. Students were encouraged to dress in their “funkiest” clothes in honor of the musical icon, known for his out-of-this-world attire and costumes – while Clinton and guests were treated to a concert of his hits performed by the students. Clinton quickly joined, encouraging guests and participants to “get funky” with him. The school’s orchestra performed the song “Flashlight” while Clinton clapped and danced in his seat.

Students were invited to participate in a Q&A with Clinton as they asked him about his inspirations, humble beginnings, and favorite past-times. Clinton shared that the start of the Parliament happened on Avon’s playground as a result of being inspired by musical superstars Frankie Lymon, and The Teenagers. While staring out at the crowd of students, Clinton stated “It’s so crazy to me now, thinking back – looking at the students here, how small I was when The Parliament began. We were so young.” As a former student of the school, Clinton reminisced about how his teachers heard him and his bandmates sing and play, and encouraged them to continue on, which led to their overall start.

“We produce skilled leaders who positively impact their community and the world,” said Principal Haygood.  “I thank you from the bottom of my heart for returning and inspiring our scholars to be the best that they can be.”

The morning’s events came to an end with the unveiling of the school’s new band room, dedicated to Clinton, titled “The George Clinton Band Room” which featured a mural of the iconic musician and rows of new instruments from pianos to drums, guitars and more, some of them – donated by Clinton, himself. The City of Newark is home to many of the “giants” we look up to today, and Newark Public Schools stands as part of their foundations. To recognize Mr. Clinton through the school that helped shape him, in front of the students that he is now assisting in shaping through his generous donations; Newark Public Schools in line with the Newark Board of Education is overjoyed to be able to bestow this honor today.

Avon Avenue Elementary is one of many Newark Public Schools currently unveiling new additions within their facilities. With renovations happening over the last two years, our schools have been able to benefit from updated and restructured additions, providing our students with more opportunities to explore and engage in developmental activities. With a newly remodeled gym, two years in the making, the creation of a STEM lab, and now, a renewed band room, the students and staff at Avon Avenue are on a direct path to success.