Dr. William H. Horton

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

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”.