| Barringer High School Arts & Music Technology Department presents an evening of Dance, Music, Drama, Visual Arts and Audio Multimedia. Date: Friday, April 11th, 2025 Location: Barringer High School’s Auditorium Time: Doors Open at 5:30 pm Show Begins at 6:00 pm Everyone is encouraged to attend and support our students. |
FLEMINGTON, N.J. – Newark Public Schools’ student debaters and orators from five District high schools with first-place wins in five categories at the New Jersey Speech and Debate League’s state championships.
Mofoluwa Olagadeyo and Risiqat Adeniji of Science Park High School won the state championship in the tournament’s Policy Debate category. Jonathan Alston coaches the Science Park students.
Barringer High School’s Britney Deer, coached by Michael Sowell, won the state title in the Declamation category.
In a rare sweep, Central High School students won the top four places in Dramatic Interpretation, with Jamal Kirton winning the state championship and Cassidy Harris, Ayomide Adekoya, and Jahnaiya Simpson winning second, third, and fourth place, respectively, in the same category.
Rebekah Edohwokui, coached by Dennis K. Philbert, brought more honors to Central High School as she won the state championship in the Interpretation category.
University High School’s Michaela White, coached by Saul Grullon, won first place in the Program of Oral Interpretation category.
Each state champion received The Governor’s Medal, a proclamation from the governor, and a scholarship.
“All I can say is, ‘Wow!’” said Superintendent León, who was a state champion debater when he was a student at Science High School (now Science Park High School). “Winning five state titles in multiple categories showcases their individual excellence and the strength of our debate and speech programs across Newark Public Schools. I commend the students, their coaches, and their schools for their commitment to excellence and for representing Newark with pride and distinction.”
“Our student debaters and orators have demonstrated remarkable skill, confidence, and perseverance in achieving these state championship victories,” said Board of Education President Hasani K. Council. “On behalf of the Newark Board of Education, I congratulate these outstanding students and their exceptional coaches for making our district proud and proving that Newark’s voices are strong, powerful, and championship-worthy.”
Kamira Hall won second place in the Oral Interpretation category, and her teammates, Amilah Stuart and Bariah Cox, won fifth and sixth place, respectively, in the Improvisational Acting category. David Richardson coaches the Arts High School students.
Jahnaiya Simpson won third place in Oral Interpretation, and Jamal Kirton won sixth place in the Humorous Interpretation category.
Ashley Lourenco and Anna Odra won second place in the Policy Debate category.
Malakai Yepes and Michaela White won second place, and Dante Elliott and Josmanuel De Leon won fifth place, in Duo Interpretation. Luis Franco won third place, and Josmanuel De Leon won fifth place in the Declamation category.
The Newark Public Schools is the largest school district in New Jersey and dates back to 1676. The District currently enrolls over 40,000 students in 64 schools. After more than two decades of state operation and upon return to local control in 2018, the District has opened ten new schools under Superintendent León’s leadership with an additional portfolio of new options to be announced in the coming months and years. The Newark Board of Education serves as a beacon of educational excellence, dedicated to nurturing the potential of every student. With a commitment to innovation, inclusivity, and fostering a love for learning, the District continues to shape future generations and make a positive impact within the community.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Paul Brubaker, Communications Director
Email: pbrubaker@nullnps.k12.nj.us
Phone: 973-803-6983
| Every year on March 14th, math lovers, students, and pie enthusiasts alike come together to celebrate Pi Day - a quirky holiday dedicated to one of the most famous numbers in mathematics: π (pi). While it may seem like just another reason to enjoy a delicious slice of pie, Pi Day actually has an interesting history and significance. Teachers and schools often use Pi Day as a fun way to engage students in math and science. |
| Pi Day is an annual celebration of the mathematical constant π (pi), which represents the ratio of a circle’s circumference to its diameter. No matter the size of the circle, this ratio is always approximately 3.14159, which is why Pi Day is observed on March 14th (3/14). |
| Pi is an irrational number, meaning its decimal representation goes on forever without repeating. It has been calculated to trillions of digits, but for most calculations, the first few decimal places (3.14159) are enough. |
| Pi Day is more than just a fun holiday—it’s a celebration of math, science, and curiosity. Whether you're a student, a teacher, or just someone looking for a great excuse to eat pie, Pi Day is a great way to appreciate the magic of mathematics in everyday life. |
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| Click video above to see snippet of Alvin Ailey artist teaching Barringer High School students West African dance. | Click video above to see snippet of Alvin Ailey artist teaching Barringer High School students West African drumming. |
| Barringer High School Dance Academy is a college preparatory program that teaches modern dance, ballet, jazz and choreography. The program is designed to provide students with the foundations to leave high school ready to enroll in a dance education bachelor’s program or teach in a dance studio setting. |
NEWARK, N.J. – As the Newark Board of Education approaches its first election in which the voting age is 16, Newark Public Schools officials today released a video promoting student voter registration.
“This is the first time Newark students can have a voice in the decisions that affect us the most,” says Zuri McCune, the student representative to the Board of Education in the 40-second spot. “Don’t miss this chance. Let your voice be heard.”
The video, which was written and produced by the District’s Communications Department, has been uploaded to the District’s website and Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn accounts. More information about student voter registration is available at the following link:
https://www.nps.k12.nj.us/events/vote-16-registration-deadline/
“I encourage everyone in Newark Public Schools to watch and share this video to help make sure that eligible students register by March 25th,” said Superintendent León. “Never before have high school students in New Jersey had the chance to participate in their local democracy like what’s happening in Newark this year.. It is my hope that all eligible students will register and cast their ballots in the upcoming school board election as a start to a lifelong commitment to voting.”
“This is a historic moment for Newark’s students,” said Board of Education President Hasani K. Council. “I strongly encourage every eligible student to take advantage of this opportunity, register by March 25th, and show up to vote. Our young people have powerful voices, and this election is their chance to make them count.”
About Newark Public Schools
The Newark Public Schools is the largest school district in New Jersey and dates back to 1676. The District currently enrolls over 40,000 students in 64 schools. After more than two decades of state operation and upon return to local control in 2018, the District has opened ten new schools under Superintendent León’s leadership with an additional portfolio of new options to be announced in the coming months and years. The Newark Board of Education serves as a beacon of educational excellence, dedicated to nurturing the potential of every student. With a commitment to innovation, inclusivity, and fostering a love for learning, the District continues to shape future generations and make a positive impact within the community.
NEWARK, N.J. – Students from four district high schools have qualified for the National Catholic Forensic League’s Grand National Tournament, which will be held in Chicago in May.
“This is the largest group of students that we have ever sent to this event,” said Dennis Philbert, the speech coach for Central High School. “All of the schools’ coaches and students met over the summer for an entire month. That helped our students prepare early and it gave them the strength to do what they are doing now.”
The district students earned their way to the national tournament by competing against qualifying students from throughout New Jersey at a day-long tournament Saturday at Union Catholic High School in Scotch Plains. Schools from as far west as Randolph and Mountain Lakes participated in the tournament.
Superintendent León congratulated the students and their coaches.
“We are incredibly proud of our students for their outstanding achievements in speech, qualifying for the NCFL Grand National Tournament,” said Superintendent León, a former Science High School Debate Team member and New Jersey state champion himself. “I can personally attest to the life-long value of the skills students develop by participating in speech and debate tournaments, and it is so gratifying to see so many of our students excelling in speech and debate on a national level. I greatly appreciate their hard work, dedication, and the training they receive from their coaches. We all look forward to seeing them represent our district nationally.”
Board of Education President Hasani K. Council also offer his congratulations.
“The success of these students in qualifying for the NCFL Grand National Tournament is a remarkable achievement and a proud moment for Newark Public Schools,” said President Council. “Their dedication to excellence in speech and debate showcases the power of education, mentorship, and perseverance. On behalf of the Board of Education, I commend the students, their coaches, and their schools for this outstanding accomplishment. We are thrilled to have them represent our district on the national stage.”
The Newark Public Schools students who qualified are:
Arts High School – David Richardson, Coach
Barringer High School – Michael Sowell, Coach
Central High School - Dennis Philbert, Coach
University High School – Saul Grullon, Coach
The Newark Public Schools is the largest school district in New Jersey and dates back to 1676. The District currently enrolls over 40,000 students in 64 schools. After more than two decades of state operation and upon return to local control in 2018, the District has opened ten new schools under Superintendent León’s leadership with an additional portfolio of new options to be announced in the coming months and years. The Newark Board of Education serves as a beacon of educational excellence, dedicated to nurturing the potential of every student. With a commitment to innovation, inclusivity, and fostering a love for learning, the District continues to shape future generations and make a positive impact within the community.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Paul Brubaker, Communications Director
Email: pbrubaker@nullnps.k12.nj.us
Phone: 973-803-6983
