Press Releases

Newark Public Schools Awarded A $250,000 State Grant to Plant Trees at 10 Schools

NEWARK, N.J. – Newark Public Schools has been awarded a $250,000 Trees for Schools Grant to support tree planting and greening efforts at 10 district schools, officials announced today.

The grant, provided by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) in partnership with Sustainable Jersey and The College of New Jersey, will fund the planting of trees that will provide greenery, and will increase shade coverage and help mitigate rising temperatures caused by climate change, beautify school campuses, reduce and filter stormwater runoff, and contribute to lowering the state’s overall carbon footprint.

Newark was among 40 grant recipients across the state. Award amounts ranged from $10,000 to $250,000 and cover costs related to planning, site preparation, tree purchases, planting, watering, monitoring, and maintenance over a three-year period.

The 10 schools where new trees will be planted are:

  • Michelle Obama Elementary School
  • Chancellor Avenue School
  • Speedway Avenue Elementary School
  • Nelson Mandela Elementary School
  • Luis Munoz Marin Elementary School
  • Peshine Avenue, Elementary School
  • First Avenue Elementary School
  • South Street Elementary School
  • New Jersey Regional Day School
  • Technology High School

“This grant is a great investment in both our school campuses and our students’ future,” said Superintendent León. “By planting more trees, we are creating greener, cooler, and more beautiful learning environments while also doing our part to address climate change. I want to thank Michelina Thornton, our Director of Federal Programs & Grants, for her efforts in securing this funding. I also thank the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, Sustainable Jersey, and The College of New Jersey for recognizing the importance of this work in our district and supporting it so generously.”

“Our schools are not just centers of learning they are anchors in our neighborhoods,” said Board President Hasani K. Council. “This initiative will enhance the daily experiences of students, staff, and community members alike, while helping build a more sustainable Newark. We’re proud to be part of this statewide effort to plant the seeds of environmental responsibility.”

“The planting of trees in urban areas is an incredible tool in our work to mitigate the impacts of climate change,” said NJDEP Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette. “Expanding tree canopies at school campuses will make it easier for students, staff and residents to find shade on hot days while providing numerous environmental benefits. My DEP colleagues and I are proud to support this work to promote the importance of trees in fighting climate change.”

“The Trees for Schools grants make local sustainability real, practical, and achievable,” said Randall Solomon, director of Sustainable Jersey. “Congratulations to the schools, colleges, and universities awarded a grant. They are stepping up, taking advantage of resources, and showing that meaningful climate action isn’t an abstract idea. It’s happening now, in communities across New Jersey. We look forward to working with these schools to expand their tree canopy and provide students with rich educational opportunities and a vital connection to nature.”

District representatives will also participate in workshops and project design activities, with tree planting scheduled to begin in Spring 2026.

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 65 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

Chancellor Avenue School Officially Opens “The Chancellor’s Closet”

Chancellor Avenue School Officially Opens “The Chancellor’s Closet”

Superintendent León cuts the ribbon in front of the Chancellor’s Closet.

Principal Lopes, center, and Superintendent León, center right, flanked by members of the North Jersey Chapter of The Links, Inc.

The washer and dryer, donated by the North Jersey Chapter of The Links, Inc., in the Chancellor’s Closet.

Representatives of the North Jersey Chapter of The Links, Inc. join District and school officials in opening new resource that will help eliminate a barrier to students’ attendance in school

NEWARK, N.J. – Superintendent León and Dr. Kashon Lopes, Principal of the Chancellor Avenue School, welcomed representatives of the North Jersey Chapter of The Links, Inc. today for the official opening of “The Chancellor’s Closet,” a new resource to help students maintain access to clean uniforms and their attendance in school.

At times, a student can experience a mishap at school in which their uniform gets dirty to the point that they cannot continue the school day. The Chancellor’s Closet will serve as a resource to help eliminate this barrier to student attendance in school by providing essential clothing, uniforms, and personal hygiene items to students.

The Chancellor’s Closet also includes an onsite washer and dryer, and supplies to empower students to care for their clothing while boosting their self-esteem. By addressing these fundamental needs, the Chancellor’s Closet ensures that students can focus on their education and personal growth.

“I am proud of our principal, Dr. Kashon Lopes, for his vision of The Chancellor’s Closet. This initiative addresses a fundamental need for our students and helps ensure they have clean uniforms and other essentials they need,” said Superintendent León. “I want to extend my deepest thanks to the North Jersey Chapter of The Links, Inc. for their generous donations and support in making this resource a reality. Together, we are breaking down barriers and empowering our students to remain focused on their education and personal growth.”

“On behalf of all my sisters in The Links, we are proud to partner with Dr. Lopes, The Chancellor Avenue School, and Newark Public Schools to establish this valuable resource to help students maintain their confidence while they are in school,” said Karen Hudson, President of the North Jersey Chapter of The Links, Inc. “Initiatives like the Chancellor Closet exemplify the North Jersey Chapter of The Links, Inc.’s ongoing commitment to meeting critical needs within local schools and are aligned with The Links’ time-honored mission of focusing on civic, educational, and cultural initiatives that foster social and civic responsibility.”

“I want to commend Principal Lopes for his thoughtful initiative in establishing ‘The Chancellor Closet,’ a resource that truly reflects our commitment to supporting every student’s success,” said Board of Education President Hasani K. Council. “By providing clean uniforms and essential items, we are removing obstacles that can hinder a child’s ability to focus on learning. I also want to express my heartfelt gratitude to the North Jersey Chapter of The Links for their generous contributions that have helped realize the concept of The Chancellor Closet. Together, we are creating a positive and supportive environment that empowers our students to thrive.”

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 39,000 students in 63 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

About the North Jersey Chapter of The Links

The North Jersey Chapter of The Links, Inc., founded in 1949, is proud to celebrate its 75th anniversary in 2024. For 75 years, the North Jersey Chapter has been at the forefront of educational support, youth empowerment, and cultural enrichment, addressing the needs of underserved communities in the region. Chartered by Fannie Holland Curtis and sponsored by the Philadelphia Chapter, the North Jersey Chapter has grown into a dynamic group of women dedicated to service. Today, under the leadership of President Karen Hudson and an active executive board, the North Jersey Chapter continues its rich tradition of community involvement. Through five programmatic facets—Services to Youth, The Arts, National Trends & Services, International Trends & Services, and Health & Human Services—the chapter impacts thousands of lives every year.

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.