Press Releases

Dr. William H. Horton Elementary School Unveils New Verizon Innovative Learning Lab

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On March 24, 2022, Dr. William H. Horton Elementary School unveiled a new Verizon Innovative Learning Lab, created by Verizon with Heart of America and Arizona State University. The ribbon-cutting ceremony revealed a new state-of-the-art lab featuring emerging technology that will equip students and teachers with access to augmented and virtual reality, coding & circuits, 3D printing, and artificial intelligence. As part of the Verizon Innovative Learning program, students will be introduced to a technology-infused curriculum to enhance the learning experience, allowing them to do more and succeed in today’s digital economy.

Attendees were greeted by the junior honor society, who personally escorted each guest to the lab, the school’s cheerleaders, and Vice Principals. It was evident that the students and staff at Dr. William H. Horton Elementary School had been awaiting this very moment.

“This is intentional,” shared Superintendent León. “It is with purpose and intentionality that the digital divide is being eliminated. The world needs the children from the city of Newark to get it together and the way that we’re doing that is by providing them with essential resources and access.” The Superintendent then went on to thank the school’s partners, highlighting that “We would not be here today, if not for you. The work that you are doing is integral and important, not just to this school but in our city.”

“This all began as a dream,” stated Principal Hamlet Marte. “The lab itself tailors each piece of technology to meet the needs of our students. In this lab, students are allowed to explore their creative selves and there are no language barriers here. I can't wait to see you making it to places that no one has ever been. I can't wait to see your names on monuments.”
Students and educators, as part of the Lab program, are encouraged to explore Verizon Innovative Learning HQ, a recently-launched next-gen online education portal that provides free access to immersive learning experiences, available to all educators nationwide. Through this work, and Citizen Verizon - the company’s responsible business plan - Verizon advances its commitment to providing 10 million youths with digital skills training by 2030.

The continuation of the ceremony featured remarks from partner affiliates such as Alex Servello, Verizon Director of Corporate Social Responsibility, Mark Bochieri, Verizon Manager, State Government Affairs, and Vice Principal of the Middle School, Lynette Dortrait. In her speech, she shared “Our kids now have access to state of the art resources and tools that will foster their creative curiosity. Allow them to innovate, create critical thinking and problem solve in a beautiful space.”

The involvement of students throughout the morning festivities allowed all who attended to see how this initiative will be benefiting students directly. After the ribbon-cutting ceremony, students gave everyone a tour of their new lab, demonstrating the new gadgets along with all of the knowledge that they’ve acquired since the lab’s development. Mia Maldonado, Horton’s Student Government President said “On behalf of the students we want to say thank you. Thank you for this opportunity that you've given us to expand our horizons. We promise to utilize this daily and to maximize every opportunity.”

NJSDA and NJDOE Award Newark Public Schools $6 Million for Emergent and Capital Maintenance Projects

Newark, NJ [February 16, 2022] –Through contributions from the New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE) and the New Jersey Schools Development Authority (SDA), Newark Public Schools will be able to address three of their emergent projects within the school district. Recognizing the challenges that districts face in making repairs to school building structures, Governor Murphy made a direct appropriation of $75 million to districts across New Jersey, and the Newark Board of Education received an allocation of $6,455,930 to assist in their improvements.  The funding is designed to offset district costs associated with taking important measures to ensure that students and staff have a safe and healthy learning environment.

Newark Public Schools has identified three schools within the district that meet the criteria and guidelines for emergent projects and that have been approved by the SDA and NJDOE; specifically, roof replacements and masonry repairs at Sir Isaac Newton Elementary School, Dr. William H. Horton Elementary School, and West Side High School.

“We are pleased that Newark was chosen as a recipient of this grant and we will use the monies to make repairs to the three schools identified, which have suffered water infiltration and damage to walls and ceilings over time,” said Superintendent Roger León. “This generous award will allow us to strengthen those key structures” he added.

“The Newark Board of Education is more than appreciative of these contributions made to our schools by the NJDOE and the SDA. Improvements such as these typically come at the expense of having to cut back on other opportunities,” said Board President, Dawn Haynes. “With the assistance of the NJDOE and SDA, we have been able to reallocate funds to other important initiatives that positively influence the culture and climate of our schools for students”.