Newark Board of Education and the Office of Special Education is proud to announce the opening of Branch Brook Elementary School on September 3, 2024. The school serves students from Preschool to 3rd grade and will expand one grade level each year. On the first day of school, 53 excited students and parents walked through the front door of their new school. Principal Cristina Pennetti, formerly a supervisor from The Office of Special Education, brings her expertise to Branch Brook Elementary as the school’s new principal. Principal Pennetti’s appointment follows Superintendent Leon’s vision of promoting staff to leadership positions within the District. Ms. Pennetti states, “Our goal is to ensure all students complete our academic program and life skills training to guarantee all students and families have access to resources, supports, relevant learning experiences and curricula that nurtures their confidence and academic growth.” Parents gathered in person on September 11, 2024 to learn more about the Autism Program at Branch Brook Elementary and to meet the parent liaison, teachers, child study team members and the principal.
NBOE is excited to report a second school partnership with Rutgers University Douglass Developmental Center to provide BCBA services, parent training, and training for staff to support two ABA classrooms at Branch Brook Elementary. Rutgers professionals will be instrumental in shaping the behavioral and academic goals of the school's vision. Speech, Occupational Therapy, and Physical Therapy are a part of the related services provided to students. Branch Brook Elementary in the North Ward joins Fourteenth Avenue School in the East Central Ward and Bruce Street School in the South West Ward as specialized elementary schools supporting students with exceptionalities across the District.