South Ward Community Schools Initiative, Newark Public Schools and The City of Newark Host “A Day in the Life of a Community School” on Sat., April 16 at Belmont Runyon School

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The free event will provide the community an opportunity to experience community school life and to contribute to the vision of the five South Ward Community Schools

[Newark, NJ, April 15, 2016] – On Saturday, April 16, 2016, 10am-2pm the community is invited to attend “A Day in the Life of a Community School” a free community event hosted by South Ward Community Schools Initiative, the Newark Public Schools and the City of Newark at Belmont Runyon School, One Belmont Runyon Way, Newark, NJ 07108.

The event will have an address by Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka, breakfast and lunch, workshops based on the resources community schools provide, and the opportunity for residents, parents and students to contribute to the vision of each South Ward Community School. South Ward Community Schools are beginning community planning in anticipation of the fall 2016 school year. This process is more than just asking for feedback from the community. Continued action is required. Parents, students, residents and community partners that want to participate in planning should text “UNITY” to 862-256-2500 for more information. Malkia King, South Ward Community Schools, community organizer can be reached at 973-306-4308.

WHO:

  • Superintendent Christopher Cerf Remarks – 10:00 AM
  • Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka Remarks – 1:00 PM
  • MC, Antoinette Baskerville-Richardson, Newark Public Schools Advisory Board Member

Moderated Panel – 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM

  • Jane Quinn, Children’s Aid Society
  • Erskine Glover, Principal Quitman Street School
  • Dr. Edward Fergus, New York University
  • Carolota Tagoe, Parent
  • Teacher from NYC community school or Representative from the AFT
  • Kaleena Berryman, Abbott Leadership Institute (Moderator)

Workshops – 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM

  • Health, Newark Department of Health and Community Wellness
  • Financial literacy, Urban League of Essex County
  • Employment and Training, Newark Workforce Development Board
  • Parent advocacy/leadership training, Abbott Leadership Institute
  • Music and Art, Ucyphe
  • Visual and Performing Arts, Yendor Productions
  • Yoga, Pawa Wise
  • Nutritional eating, Newark Beth Israel
  • Child mentoring, Newark Gals Inc.

WHEN:
Saturday, April 16, 2016

WHERE:
Belmont Runyon School, 1 Belmont Runyon Way, Newark, NJ 07108
Free parking is available on the street

WHY:

South Ward Community Schools are beginning community planning in anticipation of the fall 2016 school year. This process is more than asking for feedback from the community. Continued action is required.

Community schools succeed when there is partnership and input from parents, families, students, and residents all along the way. Community schools transform schools when there is intentional participation and

collaboration from school and community leaders, educators, community partners, students, families, and residents to remove barriers to learning and address the needs of the whole child.


About South Ward Community Schools
South Ward Community Schools are Newark Public Schools that unite educators, families, and community partners to be responsible for five schools: Louise A. Spencer; Belmont Runyon; BRICK Avon Academy; BRICK Peshine Academy; and Malcolm X. Shabbazz. Community schools transform schools by focusing on the results that happen when there is intentional participation and collaboration from school and community leaders, educators, community partners, students, families, and residents. Each community school has high academic expectations of kids. South Ward Community Schools will provide the extra supports and programs all along the way to address the basic physical, mental, and health needs of young people. The vision and mission of each community school will be shaped by the voices of families, students, and residents so that each school authentically reflects the specific needs of its local community. Parents, residents, students and school administrators at each school will also determine how to budget and allocate resources to support their stated vision. South Ward Community Schools are beginning community planning in anticipation of the fall 2016 school year. This process is more than asking for feedback from the community. Continued action is required. Community schools succeed when there is partnership and input from parents, families, students, and residents all along the way. For more information, text “UNITY” to 862-256-2500.