Schools

2026-2027 Welcome Back Letter

 

2026-2027 Welcome Back Letter

 

Dear Dr. William H. Horton Families,

Welcome to the 2026-2027 school year! I hope you and your family had a wonderful summer filled with time to relax, make memories, and enjoy one another. Whether you traveled, spent time with loved ones, or simply enjoyed a slower pace, I hope you are returning refreshed and excited for a new school year.
Summer is always a special time for my family. We enjoyed time together before my oldest son, Paul, begins his senior year at Rutgers University, and my youngest son, Gabriel, returns to Bentley University for his sophomore year. It’s hard to believe how quickly time flies, and as a parent, I know how precious each school year is. As you prepare for the first day of school on Tuesday, September 8, 2026 please keep these important reminders in mind:
● School Hours: 8:15 a.m. to 3:05 p.m. Please arrive on time each day.
● Uniform Reminder: Students are expected to wear a maroon polo shirt with gray or black pants/skirts each day.
Hoodies must be solid maroon with no large logos or writing.
● NO Crocs, NO Slides. NO flip flops. NO leggings

● School Supplies: No school supply shopping is needed. Horton will provide all classroom supplies for every
student.
● Popsicles on the Playground: Join us on Wednesday, September 2, 2026 from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. to meet
your child’s teacher, visit the school, and enjoy a popsicle before the first day.
● Stay Connected: Be sure to follow us on Instagram @dr.hortonnps to stay up to date on school news,
important reminders, upcoming events, and all the great things happening at Horton.
Thank you for sharing your children with us each day. We are honored to be part of their journey and look forward to a school year filled with learning, laughter, growth, and lasting memories.

Warmly,
Mrs. Marvelis Perreira
Principal
Dr. William H. Horton Elementary School
Stay wild and wonderful!

291 North 7th Street • Newark, New Jersey 07107 • 973-268-5260 • www.nps.k12.nj.us/hor

Estimadas familias de la Escuela Dr. William H. Horton:
¡Bienvenidos al año escolar 2026-2027! Espero que usted y su familia hayan disfrutado de un verano lleno de descanso, diversión y momentos especiales juntos. Ya sea que hayan viajado, compartido tiempo con sus seres queridos o simplemente disfrutado de un ritmo más tranquilo, espero que regresen con energías renovadas y entusiasmo para
comenzar un nuevo año escolar.
El verano siempre es un momento especial para mi familia. Disfrutamos de tiempo juntos antes de que mi hijo mayor, Paul, comience su último año en la Universidad de Rutgers y mi hijo menor, Gabriel, regrese a la Universidad de Bentley para su segundo año. Es increíble lo rápido que pasa el tiempo y, como madre, sé lo valioso que es cada año escolar. Mientras se preparan para el primer día de clases, el martes 8 de septiembre, les pedimos que tengan en cuenta los siguientes recordatorios importantes:
● Horario Escolar: De 8:15 a. m. a 3:05 p. m. Les pedimos que los estudiantes lleguen a tiempo todos los días.
● Recordatorio sobre el Uniforme: Los estudiantes deben usar un polo color vino con pantalón o falda gris o
negra todos los días. Las sudaderas con capucha deben ser color vino liso, sin logotipos grandes ni letras.
● No se permiten leggings, chancletas, o crocs.
● Útiles Escolares: ¡No es necesario comprar útiles escolares! La Escuela Dr. William H. Horton proporcionará
todos los materiales necesarios para el salón de clases.
● Paletas en el Patio: Acompáñenos el miércoles 2 de septiembre, de 1:30 p. m. a 2:30 p.m., para conocer al
maestro(a) de su hijo(a), visitar la escuela y disfrutar de una paleta antes del primer día de clases.
● Manténgase Informado: Síganos en Instagram @dr.hortonnps para mantenerse al día con noticias de la
escuela, recordatorios importantes, próximos eventos y todas las cosas maravillosas que suceden en Horton.
Gracias por confiarnos la educación y el cuidado de sus hijos cada día. Es un honor ser parte de su camino, y esperamos compartir un año escolar lleno de aprendizaje, sonrisas, crecimiento y recuerdos inolvidables.
Con cariño,

Sra. Marvelis Perreira
Principal
Dr. William H. Horton Elementary School
Stay wild and wonderful!

291 North 7th Street • Newark, New Jersey 07107 • 973-268-5260 • www.nps.k12.nj.us/hor

More Than 700 Newark Public Schools Students Compete in the Annual Soccer For Success Jamboree

More Than 700 Newark Public Schools Students Compete in the Annual Soccer For Success Jamboree

Newark Public Schools, U.S. Soccer Foundation Partner to Host Event at Ironbound Stadium

NEWARK, N.J. – After a long, rainy week, the Ironbound came alive on Saturday as hundreds of Newark Public Schools students and their families gathered under bright sunny skies and the music of countless popstars including Taylor Swift, Dua Lipa, and Justin Timberlake.

This was the scene of the annual Soccer for Success Jamboree, where more than 700 Newark Public Schools student-athletes in grades 3 through 8 played on their schools’ team in a day-long tournament.

The event is the culmination of the year-long Soccer for Success Program, an initiative made possible through a partnership between the Newark Public Schools’ Office of Extended Learning Time and the U.S. Soccer Foundation. The program provides opportunities throughout the school year for students to learn the game of soccer, while also learning valuable skills through the social-emotional curriculum. 

“Everyone loves how the annual Jamboree brings together student-athletes and families from throughout the City of Newark,” said Dr. Julianne Bello, Director of the Office of Extended Learning Time. “It is a wonderful occasion when we celebrate all of our students and the successes they achieve on the soccer field and the classroom.”

“The energy at Ironbound Stadium was incredible, and seeing so many of our students active, engaged, and having fun with their families was truly inspiring,” said Superintendent León. “The Soccer for Success Jamboree is a shining example of what happens when strong partnerships, like the one we have with the U.S. Soccer Foundation, bring real opportunities to our young people.”

“Soccer for Success is about so much more than learning the game. It’s about developing confidence, building teamwork, and reinforcing the idea that perseverance on the field leads to success in the classroom, said Hasani K. Council, President of the Board of Education. “I am so proud of the more than 700 students who came out to play, compete, and support one another. Events like the Jamboree show what’s possible when we invest in the whole child.”

The Soccer For Success Jamboree Champions were:

Grades 7 and 8

  • Platinum (Competitive) Division Champions: Lafayette Street School
  • Silver (Beginner) Division Champions: Louise A. Spencer School

Grades 5 and 6

  • Platinum Division Champions: Mount Vernon School
  • Gold Division Champions: Elliott Street Elementary School
  • Silver Division Champions: Dr. William H. Horton School

Grades 3 and 4*

  • Gold Division Champions: Peshine Avenue Elementary School

*Grades 3 and 4 competed in only one division.

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

Newark Transforms Auditoriums for Student and Community Use

Newark Transforms Auditoriums for Student and Community Use

Thirteenth Avenue upgraded auditorium

In line with The Next Decade: 2020-30 Strategic Plan, Priority 1.5 focuses on developing a capital strategy that aligns with the Long-Range Facilities Plan. This strategy aims to modernize all facilities while considering enrollment projections, academic programs, and community needs. The Facilities Team has been diligently working to upgrade and modernize various facilities as part of this initiative. Each building is customized to accommodate the academic program it houses and the community it serves. Recently, Thirteenth Avenue School underwent upgrades to enhance seating, flooring, lighting, as well as audio and video systems. Dr. William H. Horton and Peshine Avenue School are in the process of receiving similar upgrades. The District remains committed to transforming and modernizing spaces to better serve its students.

District’s Annual Women’s Conference Draws Nearly 200 Participants

District’s Annual Women’s Conference Draws Nearly 200 Participants

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The 3rd Annual Women’s Leadership Conference: Carrying Your Light & Living Well hosted by the Newark Board of Education on Saturday, March 23, 2024, was a truly empowering event for current and aspiring women leaders. Nearly 200 participants attended and were captivated by the committee dressed in theme colors, highlighting Carrying Your Light & Living Well. Throughout the conference, attendees were encouraged to recognize and harness their inner strength and leadership potential.

Dr. Yolanda Méndez, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resource Services, kicked off the event with a warm welcome, followed by inspiring greetings from Superintendent Roger León, and Board President Hasani K. Council. The keynote speaker, Dr. Mariel Buqué, delivered a powerful message that resonated with all in attendance. The message included her reflections during her time as a student at Dr. William H.  Horton and the impact Superintendent León had in her life. She went on to share how her childhood impacted her to pursue a career in psychology. Another dynamic speaker, Judge Pratt, shared an empowering speech that guided participants through the necessary steps to put themselves first so they can unleash their gifts and unlock their full potential. 

Seven breakout sessions were led by women leaders who offered a variety of topics for participants to choose from, Trust Your Magic and Light; Repair Your Light! Identifying and Coping with Childhood Trauma; Shining Through: Building Capacity and Wellness in Leadership; Powerful Essential Communication Skills Every Woman Needs to Shine Brightly in Business; How Right NOW; Parenting Support for Academic Success; and Be Powerful, Be You.  Engaging conversations and interactions took place throughout the day, culminating in participants raising their candles to symbolize unity in Carrying Your Light & Living Well. Additionally, Wellness options such as Smoothie Bar, Massage Chair, Self-Care 101, Mindfulness, Meditation and Cooking Demo were available for participants to explore, adding an extra layer of rejuvenation to the conference experience.

The District extends a special thank you to the committee for their exceptional organization of an in-person event, and to all conference attendees who enthusiastically engaged and enjoyed the full conference experience.

Click here to view photos captured during the conference.

8th Grade Student Leads Sphero Certification Program at Dr. William H. Horton School

Everything they need to access the future. Verizon Innovative Learning E 3 U 1259 123 Today's dreams. Tomorrow's careers verizon innovative learningDid you know we have a Sphero Certification Program at Dr. William H. Horton School? 8th Grader Ibrahim is now designing the official badge for the Horton students who complete the certification process. The certification process will include:

  • A walkthrough of the official  Sphero Edu app on our Horton iPads.
  • Identifying items included in the classroom Sphero kit
  • How to unlock the battery compartment and properly charge the batteries
  • How the Connect the Sphero to Bluetooth
  • How to identify the Sphero mobility controls and drive the device with and without block coding
  • Tips for preventing damage

As the Sphero Certification Lead, Ibrahim has been working with Mr. St. Jean, Verizon Coach, to create a User Guide inclusive of all mentioned above with more detail which will be made available to all users of the Verizon Innovation Lab