Newark Literacy Movement
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Students Compete In District’s Third Annual Robotics Competition
Ridge Street School earns top-honors; District IT Chief announces laptops and tables to be provided to every robotics team
NEWARK, N.J. – It was a big day of big ideas on Saturday at the District’s third-annual Robotics Competition, presented by the District’s Office of Educational Technology at Newark Vocational High School.
Working within the First Lego League’s theme of “Submerged,” which focused on life beneath the ocean’s surface, robotics teams from the District’s elementary schools used their creativity and Lego building bricks to develop their robotic innovations.
Teams earned points for developing innovations to improve life in the ocean. For example, the Belmont Runyan School team created “a cleaner and safer lobster cage.” Too often, lobsters caught in traps are never retrieved and are either left to die or get seriously injured trying to escape, the teammates said. The teams’ cage allows crustaceans to enter the trap more easily and is battery-powered, making it easier for people to retrieve their catch.
Teams were also evaluated on their robots’ designs and their ability to navigate them through an obstacle course with an oceanic theme.
Technology High School students and Teacher Joseph Ford were on hand to coach the robotics teams and participated as judges.
Before the competition’s award winners were announced, Executive Director of Information Technology Abdullah Ansari, another one of the competition’s judges, announced that every one of the robotics teams would receive their own laptop and robotics table, which will make it easier for teams to design and prepare robots for future competitions.
Lisa Hromoko, Vice Principal of Lafayette School and Districtwide Robotics Coordinator, commended all of the students who participated in the event.
“All of you work very hard to be here, and that makes every single one of you a winner,” Hromoko said. “You should all be very proud.”
Superintendent León expressed his pride in all the student participants.
“Your creativity, hard work, and passion for innovation in this year’s Robotics Competition are inspiring,” Superintendent León said. “Events like this would not be possible without the dedication and collaboration of our educators, mentors, judges, and the support of your parents and caregivers. I thank you all for making this competition such a success.”
Board of Education President Hasani K. Council offered his congratulations.
“This year’s Robotics Competition showcased the incredible talent, creativity, and determination of our students to overcome challenges with innovative solutions,” said President Council. “I want to congratulate every student who participated. You are all winners in our eyes. I also want to thank the teachers, mentors, organizers, and parents who made this event possible.”
This year’s award recipients were:
First Place: Ridge Street School
Second Place: Lafayette Street School
Third Place: Franklin School
Perseverance Award:
Hawkins Street School
Dr. E. Alma Flagg School
Quitman Street School
Team Spirit Award:
Grover Cleveland Elementary School
South Street School
Abington Avenue School
Outstanding Robot Design Award:
Park Elementary School
Louise A. Spencer School
Junior First Award:
Sir Isaac Newton Elementary School
Ironbound Academy Elementary School
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
The New Ironbound Academy Elementary School Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
[Newark, NJ – November 5, 2022] Today, Superintendent León and members of the Newark Board of Education celebrated the opening of Ironbound Academy Elementary School, making it the eighth new school the district has opened since it’s return to local control in 2018.
The inauguration of Ironbound Academy Elementary School as a new elementary school in the district is a realization of the goals and priorities outlined in the ten-year strategic, The Next Decade: 2020-30. The opening of Ironbound Academy Elementary School comes on the heels of burgeoning student enrollment in the district, now reaching over 38,000 students. Superintendent León stated, "This school is developing from something that has already demonstrated its greatness. We will continue creating opportunities for students and families by providing access to new innovative schools worthy of their enrollment."
Ironbound Academy Elementary School services kindergarten through fourth grade and will grow one grade yearly until it reaches the eighth grade. The school's core values are Innovators who are Responsible, Optimistic, and Nice to others (IRON), and will be guided in part by Project Lead The Way. PLTW prides itself on tapping into the curious nature of students, immersing them in hands-on activities, projects, and problems that build upon each other and relate to the real world while making learning feel like play.
"I am honored to be the first principal of Ironbound Academy Elementary School, where we build strong academic and social/emotional foundations to serve a diverse community of students. We are excited to see our students reach their fullest potential and become Innovators who are Responsible, Optimistic, and Nice to others," said Principal Erica Paich.
“Superintendent León and the Board have consistently honored the commitment made to the families of Newark by expanding school opportunities for all Newark students” said Board President Haynes. “While this is our eighth school, we look forward to additional announcements of our portfolio of school options for families,” she said.
Joining Superintendent León and Principal Paich today were Board Member Council, Board Member Williams, Assemblywoman Pintor-Marin, Councilman Silva, Chief of Staff Nazario and Assistant Superintendent Dr. Harrington.
“This is an amazing day for the Ironbound, the East Ward, and the City of Newark because we get another much-needed school… I want to thank Superintendent Leon and Mayor Ras Baraka for making this happen,” said Councilman Silva.
For additional information:
The Newark Board of Education Approves the Appointment of New Principals for the 2022-23 School Year
The Newark Board of Education Approves the Appointment of New Principals for the 2022-23 School Year
Jun 28, 2022
Newark, NJ, [June 27, 2022] Superintendent León and the Newark Board of Education are pleased to announce the appointment of 10 new Principals for the 2022–23 school year. All of the candidates participated in a rigorous interview process consisting of meetings with key members of the community, students, staff, and the Superintendent.
Superintendent León said, “I am thrilled to announce one of the most diverse group of principal candidates to be named Principal for SY 2022-23.” He added, “This cohort of candidates is a shining example of internal mobility at its best, and the School Leadership Councils were instrumental in helping to identify this talented group of Principals.”
“As I have said in the past, being a principal is the most important leadership role in our schools and we look forward to providing the support needed to be successful,” said Dawn Haynes, President of the Newark Board of Education.
American History High School - Meg Murray
Meg Murray held many positions after starting her career with the Newark Board; Curriculum Developer, Teacher of English, Department Chair, and most recently Vice Principal of East Side High School. Ms. Murray studied at the University of Illinois, Columbia University’s Teacher’s College, and University of Phoenix.
Avon Avenue Elementary School - Krishna Dalal Barroso
Krishna Dalal Barroso started her career as a Teacher at Avon Avenue School where she rose to become Vice Principal and has served in that role for the past eight years. Ms. Barroso studied at Seton Hall University and Rutgers University.
Dr. E. Alma Flagg - Filipa Alexandra Silva
Filipa Alexandra Silva began her career with the Newark Board of Education as a Teacher, followed by becoming an English as a Second Language Teacher, Operations Manager, and most recently Vice Principal of Salomé Ureña Elementary School. Ms. Silva studied at Drew University, St. Elizabeth College, and Grand Canyon University.
East Side High School - Carlos M. Rodriguez
Carlos Rodriguez began his career at the Newark Board of Education as a substitute, moving on to become a Teacher, Lead Technology Coordinator, Teacher Coach, and most recently Vice Principal of East Side High School. Mr. Rodriguez studied at Kean University and Saint Peter’s University.
Elliott Street School - Andres Barquin
Andres Barquin began his career as an elementary school teacher with the Newark Board of Education. He also served as an After-School Programs Lead, a Vice Principal, Summer Principal, and most recently Special Assistant to the North Ward Leadership Team. Mr. Barquin studied at Thomas Edison State College, Grand Canyon University, and Caldwell College.
Ironbound Academy - Erica L. Paich
Erica Paich started her career as an Instructional Coach for school administrators, teachers, and students, then became a Special Assistant and most recently served as Director of Enrollment. She studied at Rutgers University, Kean University, and Rowan University.
Luis Muñoz Marin - Daniel Guerra
Daniel Guerra started his Newark Board of Education career as an elementary school teacher and became an After-School Program Director, Summer Principal, and most recently Vice Principal of Elliott Street School. Mr. Guerra studied at Essex County College, Montclair State University, and John Hopkins University.
McKinley Elementary School - Lynnette Dortrait
Lynnette Dortrait joined the Newark Board of Education as Vice Principal of Dr. William H. Horton Elementary School where she has served for the past three years. Ms. Dortrait studied at Rider University and St. Peter’s University.
Quitman Street School - Courtney R. Johnson
Courtney Johnson held a variety of positions since joining the Newark Board of Education; Substitute Teacher, Teacher Coach, School Operations Manager, Supervisor, and most recently, Special Assistant of the High School Leadership Team. Ms. Johnson studied at the College of New Jersey, Capella University, and New Jersey City University.
Sir Isaac Newton - Tiffany Wicks
Tiffany Wicks started her career with the district as an Intern and became a Teacher, After-School Coordinator, Supervisor, and most recently Vice Principal of Sir Isaac Newton Elementary School. Ms. Wicks studied at Caldwell University, Montclair State University, and Seton Hall University.
Ironbound Academy Elementary School Set to Open in September 2022
Ironbound Academy Elementary School Set to Open in September 2022
Nov 19, 2021
[November 19, 2021, Newark, NJ] The Newark Board of Education is set to open a new school in September 2022. The new school, formerly Ironbound Catholic Academy, will now be known as Ironbound Academy Elementary School. The school will open with grades Kindergarten through Fourth grades and grow one additional grade thereafter. At the Ironbound Academy, students will be grounded with a strong foundation in the academic and social core in order to develop lasting intellect, character, spirit, and responsibility. Keeping in line with the district’s ten-year strategic plan, The Next Decade: 2020-30, this new school will provide another high-quality option to students. Ironbound Academy Elementary School will also offer a rigorous STEM curriculum starting as early as Kindergarten.
Adding the ninth new school under his administration and in response to the surge in student enrollment of nearly 700 students, Superintendent León continues to deliver on his promise to the students and families of Newark by providing them with more options to guide their educational choice and values. “We are excited that we can implement strategies that give families more choices and in doing so, open schools with innovative programming,” stated Superintendent León.
“The opening of this new school will respond to a greater demand for district schools in our growing City,” said President Dawn Haynes. She added, “Our parents want more options for their children, and we are doing just that.”
In addition to opening new schools, the district has expanded 6 elementary schools (Roberto Clemente, Elliott, Franklin, Harriet Tubman, Salome Urena, and South Street Schools), introduced 6 new STEM middle school programs with renovated science labs (Avon, Chancellor, Ivy, Lincoln, Mount Vernon, and Peshine elementary schools), and opened 3 new technology labs (Hawkins, Horton, and Hawthorne Avenue Schools).
Last year, the district opened 3 new schools; Newark School of Fashion & Design (Powered by Parsons), Newark School of Data Science & Information Technology steered by Microsoft, and the third Michelle Obama Elementary School in the United States.
The Newark Board of Education continues to strive in establishing and providing new and exciting opportunities for our students to succeed. Students are expected to excel within their individual programs, allowing them to dream and become the very best versions of themselves.
For more information about Ironbound Academy, visit https://www.nps.k12.nj.us/ironbound/
To apply to any Newark Board of Education school, visit NewarkEnrolls.org.