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Barringer High School

Barringer High School Earns Middle States Accreditation

Barringer High School Earns Middle States Accreditation

Newark, NJ — Barringer High School has earned accreditation by the Middle States Association Commissions on Elementary and Secondary Schools (MSA-CESS), a worldwide leader in accreditation and continuous school improvement. 

“Middle States accreditation serves as an independent validation of the good work we do, and the accreditation process focuses our attention on continuous growth and improvement,” said Principal Pared. “We are proud to have earned accreditation and to join the Middle States network. We look forward to continuing to work with our administrators, teachers, parents and our entire school community to provide high quality education for all students.”  

The accreditation process begins with a self-study that is conducted by the school or school system and requires input from school leaders, teachers, parents and students. Following the self-study, a team of volunteer educators from Middle States member schools conducts a peer review. 

The visiting team makes its recommendation to the Middle States Association Commissions, which votes on the accreditation. 

“The Middle States accreditation process advances school evolution,” said Christian Talbot, president of MSA-CESS. “Middle States accredited schools are part of a powerful network of innovative and skilled educators from around the globe committed to preparing students to contribute to the common good, to be purposeful citizens, and to live fulfilling lives.”

Barringer High School’s Vision

Barringer High School, nestled in the heart of Branch Brook Park, stands as a historic institution with a rich legacy of academic excellence and vocational training.

Established over a century ago, the school has evolved to meet the changing needs of its students while maintaining its commitment to fostering a well-rounded education.

The hallways of Barringer are alive with the energy of students pursuing their passions. Advanced Placement (AP) courses offer ambitious learners the opportunity to challenge themselves with college-level material in subjects like AP Calculus, AP Literature, and AP Chemistry. These courses not only prepare students for higher education but also instill a sense of confidence and accomplishment.

In addition to its rigorous academic offerings, Barringer High School is proud of its Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs. The carpentry program equips students with hands-on skills, allowing them to master the art of construction. Meanwhile, the law and public safety programs provide insights into the legal system and emergency response, preparing students for careers in law enforcement and legal professions.

The Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (JROTC) program instills leadership and discipline, fostering a sense of responsibility and community service among its cadets. Students learn valuable life skills while developing a strong sense of camaraderie and respect for others.

For those interested in technology, the computer networking program offers a gateway into the ever-evolving world of IT. Students gain practical experience in networking, cybersecurity, and software development, preparing them for a future in a digital landscape.

As Barringer High School continues to thrive, it remains a beacon of hope and opportunity for its students, blending tradition with innovation. The school’s commitment to academic rigor and vocational training ensures that every student is equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in an increasingly complex world.

Superintendent León and President Council congratulates and commends the administration, staff, parents and students at Barringer High School for this incredible milestone. 

About Middle States Association Commissions on Elementary and Secondary Schools (MSA-CESS)

Based in Philadelphia, the Middle States Association is the worldwide leader in accreditation and school improvement. Since 1887, Middle States has been helping school leaders establish and reach their goals, develop strategic plans, promote staff development, and advance student achievement. With more than 2,700 accredited schools and school systems in nearly 50 states, Puerto Rico,  and the U.S. Virgin Islands, and in over 110 countries, Middle States is proud of its continuing legacy and its ongoing innovations to meet the challenges of improving education in the 21st century. For more information visit www.msa-cess.org.

Three District Students Break District’s Championship Barrier By Winning First Place at the Tournament of Champions

Three District Students Break District’s Championship Barrier By Winning First Place at the Tournament of Champions

Students from Barringer, Central, and University High Schools win at prestigious national tournament

LEXINGTON, KY – For as long as Newark Public Schools students have been involved in speech and debate competitions, a first place win at the University of Kentucky’s Tournament of Champions has eluded the district – until now.

Three outstanding students have earned three national championships at the Tournament of Champions.

Central High School’s Jamal Kirton and Jahnaiya Simpson won national championships in the tournament’s Dramatic Interpretation and Oral Interpretation categories, respectively. Dennis Philbert coaches the Central High School students.

University High School’s Michaela White, coached by Saul Grullon, won the national championship in the Program of Oral Interpretation category.

The tournament is regarded as the nation’s most prestigious and competitive high school speech and debate championship. Competing students must qualify for the event by earning bids through top performances at other elite tournaments held during the school year.

“For high school forensics students, qualifying for the Tournament of Champions is considered a great achievement and we are very proud of the record number of participating students and their performance,” said Superintendent León. “To have three students win championships is truly historic and represents a high-water mark in the district’s speech and debate programs.”

“This is a groundbreaking achievement for our district and the City of Newark,” said Board of Education President Hasani K. Council. “It is a powerful testament to our students’ talent, their hard work, and the strength of our academic and extracurricular programs. This is what happens when we invest in our students and believe in their limitless potential.”

Other notable finalists at the Tournament of Champions were the following:

Barringer High School

Britney Deer won second place in the Dramatic Interpretation category. Michel Sowell is the Barringer High School coach.

Central High School

Jamal Kirton won third place in the Oral Interpretation category, Ayomide Adekoya and Cassidy Harris won fourth place in the Duo Interpretation category, and Cassidy Harris and Jahnaiya Simpson were semifinalists in the Dramatic Interpretation category.

University High School

Malakai Yepes won second place in Oral Interpretation and fifth place in the Program of Oral Interpretation category. Dante Elliott and Solim Agbada won third place and fifth place, respectively, in Dramatic Interpretation. Yepes and Michaela White won second place, and Dante Elliott and Josmanuel De Leon won third place in Duo Interpretation. Michael Adeleke was a semifinalist in Oral Interpretation.

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 41,000 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

District Speech & Debate Teams Win Five State Championships

District Speech & Debate Teams Win Five State Championships

Students from Arts, Barringer, Central, Science Park, and University high schools are among the tournament’s competitors

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.”

Other notable finalists at the tournament were the following:

Arts High School

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.

Central High School

Jahnaiya Simpson won third place in Oral Interpretation, and Jamal Kirton won sixth place in the Humorous Interpretation category.

Science Park High School

Ashley Lourenco and Anna Odra won second place in the Policy Debate category.

University High School

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.

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.

For media inquiries, please contact:
Paul Brubaker, Communications Director
Email: pbrubaker@nullnps.k12.nj.us
Phone: 973-803-6983

District Kicks Off CTE Month By Hosting Professional Development Day

Superintendent León welcomes the CTE Professional Development Day attendees before a dramatically lighted wooden display created by students at Barringer High School’s 311 carpentry program. (Photo credit: Dr. Annette Jones/Barringer High School)

NPS administrators and presenters with some of the attendees of the CTE Professional Development Day.

All of the CTE Professional Development Day participants.

Members of the of the NPS College, Career, and Technical Education Department. (Photo credit: Dr. Annette Jones/Barringer High School)

Educators from neighboring districts join with NPS to explore ways to develop career pathways for students

NEWARK, N.J. – Newark Public Schools kicked off Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month today by hosting a professional development day that attracted educators from throughout and outside the District.

In attendance with our staff at the day-long seminar at Newark Vocational High School were representatives of the public school districts of Paterson, Kearny. (NVHS). The agenda was a series of workshops that explored various topics related to CTE education. Dr. Maria Ortiz, Assistant Superintendent overseeing the District’s high schools, and Sandra Marques, Director of College, Career, and Technical Education, planned the event.

“Our goal is to form reciprocal relationships with other districts,” said Superintendent León. “Through our historic 10-year strategic plan, the high school redesign strategy has developed a variety of programs to help students embark on career pathways. We’ve learned the power of partnerships with universities and industry leaders, and we are looking to expand cooperative ties with neighboring districts to further enrich career education for all students.”

Newark Public Schools has plenty of CTE knowledge gained through experience to bring to any partnership. Since 2020, the District has opened 10 new schools. Four are high schools focused on specific career fields, including fashion design and culinary arts, and the District is planning a new media high school.

The Superintendent highlighted the diverse talents of district students, demonstrating the real-world impact of CTE programs across various industries.

While giving his remarks, he stood before a dramatically lighted wooden display created by students at Barringer High School’s 311 carpentry program. He introduced the NVHS Culinary Arts Academy student-chefs, some featured in the school’s new reality show, Newark Chops. He mentioned that last fall the District released Newark Fashion Forward, another reality show showcasing the Newark School of Fashion and Design's student designers.

Professional quarterback Colin Kaepernick, who attended the morning session, talked about the partnership between the District and his company, Lumi, which uses artificial intelligence to enable students to unlock their abilities to become authentic storytellers.

Board of Education President Hasani K. Council commended the organizers of today’s professional development event.“Today’s professional development event highlights Newark Public Schools’ commitment to not only expanding opportunities for our own students but also strengthening partnerships with neighboring districts to ensure all students have access to high-quality career pathways,” Council said. “By working together, we can provide students with the skills, experiences, and connections they need to excel in their chosen fields.”

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.

For media inquiries, please contact:
Paul Brubaker, Communications Director
Email: pbrubaker@nullnps.k12.nj.us
Phone: 973-803-6983

Best in the Field: District Student-Athletes Return to Fall Sports

Left-to-Right: Jailyn Jenkins, Bard Early College Girls’ Volleyball; Weequahic Football players; Stiven Moreno, Barringer Boys’ Soccer

As the summer days begin to wane, and the crisp autumn air starts to settle in, the District’s fall athletics programs are kicking into high gear with student-athletes from across high schools showcasing their talents and dedication to their sports. The cross country teams are hitting the trails, pushing their endurance to new levels as they prepare for competitive meets. Meanwhile, football season has arrived, bringing the community together under the Friday night lights to cheer on student-athletes as they demonstrate teamwork and perseverance on the field. The girls' volleyball teams are ready to spike their way to victory, the girls’ tennis teams are stoked to take to the court and the girls' and boys' soccer teams are taking the pitch, eager to score goals and build momentum as the season progresses.

In addition to NBOE’s athletic programs, the band and cheer teams are hard at work, adding spirit and energy to every game and event. The marching band’s dynamic performances elevate the atmosphere, while cheerleaders pump up the crowd with their enthusiasm and school pride. These programs are not just about winning, but about building character, leadership, and a sense of community. With so much to look forward to, it is clear that this fall season will be one to remember, full of athletic achievements and school spirit across the District. Go Newark!