The PreK DREAMers recently had a visit from some really important friends.
Mr. Kevin and his friends from the Rabbit Hole Farm, in the South Ward, stopped by and shared the importance of eating healthy, as well as, to show off a diverse array of herbs, plants, and foliage. Rabbit Hole Farm Newark aims to create a space for educating our community on the virtues of unrefined foods, healing herbs, minimal living, and environmental awareness.
Schools
Camp-A-Palooza 2024
Gather your family and friends and join us for a great day of outdoor fun at Camp Linwood MacDonald. Enjoy tours of our welcoming facilities, meet our dynamic staff, and experience some of the FUN-tastic activities we offer. Take aim at the archery range, paddle a canoe across Rooke Lake, hike the trails, create a craft project, and discover all that Camp Linwood MacDonald offers! Join us for the entire day or a part of the day.
FUN for all ages. Participants under 18 yrs must be accompanied by an adult
Optional transportation will be available at 9 am from the Newark YMCA & returning at 3:30 to the Newark YMCA
Registration is FREE & REQUIRED by June 12th
Bring a picnic lunch or enjoy our hot dog stand
Call 973-948-7090 or email chammond@nullnewarkymca.org with questions and/or suggestions.
Reading Gives Wings To Our Dreams
We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to all of the sponsors and volunteers that came out to make Read Across America EPIC for our DREAMers. Your support and dedication have made a significant impact on our students’ reading journey. Your time, effort, and commitment to SUPERCHARGING a love for reading has not gone unnoticed. We are truly grateful for your generosity and kindness.
Newark Board of Education Held a White Coat Ceremony for Students Inducted into the PLTW Medical Detectives Program
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
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.