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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 Board of Education Held a White Coat Ceremony for Students Inducted into the PLTW Medical Detectives Program

Newark Board of Education Held a White Coat Ceremony for Students Inducted into the PLTW Medical Detectives Program

Apr 27, 2022
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Earlier this month, Mount Vernon Elementary School held a White Coat Ceremony to induct eight new students into their Project Lead the Way (PLTW) Medical Detectives Program.  The eight new inductees were welcomed into the program by an elite group of students from Cohort 1, who received their white lab coats February 10, 2022.

The White Coat Ceremony is a rites of passage initiative designed to inspire middle school students to pursue STEM career paths. The vision of the White Coat Ceremony was uniquely designed for the six South-West PLTW schools under the leadership of Assistant Superintendent Samantha Lott-Velez who said “Our schools will continue to put programs in place that give our students opportunity to engage in experiences that nurture their interests and expose them to career paths.”

PLTW programs are currently in Peshine Avenue, Lincoln, Chancellor Avenue, Avon Avenue, Ivy Hill, and Mount Vernon Elementary Schools. To date, there have been 143 participants across these six schools. Superintendent León stated “The district’s investment in PLTW at the middle school level is a long-term investment that will yield great returns in the future.” In all programs, “...students play the role of real-life medical detectives as they collect and analyze medical data to diagnose diseases. They solve medical mysteries through hands-on projects and labs, measure and interpret vital signs, examine nervous system structure and function, and investigate disease outbreaks,” he added.

As students received the lab coat and pin, Principal Camille Findley-Browne remarked how incredibly proud she is of all of the students that have persevered through this rigorous college-preparatory program.  And Director of Science Kathleen Tierney praised the PLTW teacher saying, “Mr. Shane Brown could not have been a better choice.  He has done a great job in retaining the largest number of students in this inaugural program for students interested in STEM.”

Students were inspired by special guest, Dr. Roger Mitchell, Jr., who became the youngest Chief Medical Examiner in the country in 2011 in Newark, New Jersey.   Dr. Mitchell shared his personal and professional journey with students.  A proud graduate of Howard University and New Jersey Medical School, Dr. Mitchell encouraged the students to “dream big”...”have determination”...”be dedicated”...and understand “...delayed gratification.” He also told students that he looked forward to seeing Newark’s PLTW students as colleagues in the future.

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Two NPS Administrators Selected as Finalists for Prudential’s “Newark’s Cornerstones” Competition

Akbar Cook, of West Side High School, and Charity Haygood, of B.R.I.C.K. Avon Academy, were selected for their positive impact on Newark’s future; Voting closes on Friday March 31

Newark's Cornerstones
Akbar Cook (left) and Charity Haygood (right) have been transformational in their daily work serving Newark children, families, and communities

[Newark, NJ – March 30, 2017] As Newark celebrates its 350th anniversary, two Newark Public Schools (NPS) administrators have been selected as finalists for Prudential’s “Newark’s Cornerstones” competition, a contest which showcases leaders across Newark for their dedication in making a positive impact on Newark’s future. Akbar Cook, Vice Principal of West Side High School (WSHS), and Charity Haygood, Principal of BRICK Avon Academy, are two out of eight finalists who were chosen over the course of the last eight months by Prudential, Prudential Center and Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka’s office. Finalists were selected based on the degree to which they represent at least one of “Newark’s Cornerstones” pillars, which include innovation, commitment, and positive influence.

“Congratulations to Ms. Haygood and Mr. Cook, two transformational NPS school leaders who were selected as finalists in Prudential’s “Newark’s Cornerstones” competition for the positive impact they have made on Newark students, families, and communities,” said Christopher D. Cerf, Superintendent of Newark Public Schools. “It’s exciting to witness two devoted educational leaders being recognized for their daily work to build a stronger future for Newark by serving the needs of all students and families and ensuring all children have access to excellent educational opportunities.”

Akbar Cook is the vice principal at WSHS, where he manages school operations related to disciplinary procedures, school climate and culture, and security. Mr. Cook is also the head coach of the WSHS varsity boys’ basketball team, the 2017 Group 2 NJSIAA champions. In addition to his daily work as vice principal and head coach, Mr. Cook has led a variety of transformative initiatives at WSHS. Last summer, Mr. Cook, with the support of the West Side Alumni Group and the MCJ Amelior Foundation, started the Lights On Program, a nighttime recreation program for kids and young adults. Mr. Cook’s program served approximately 80 students per night throughout the summer. Mr. Cook has also partnered with the Community Food Bank of NJ to provide food packs each Friday night to any students and families in need of food on weekends. Recognizing that many kids are not attending school regularly because they do not have clean clothes, Mr. Cook is also working to build a laundromat and study hall at WSHS to increase student attendance and support student achievement.

Principal Charity Haygood has been an educator for over two decades, serving thousands of students and families throughout Newark’s South Ward. Early on, she taught literacy, social studies and science to sixth, seventh and eighth graders at Bragaw Avenue School for nine years. In 2004 and 2005, during her last two years in the classroom, Ms. Haygood received the the Governor’s Teacher Recognition Program Award for her educational contributions. After leaving the classroom, Ms. Haygood transitioned into an NPS administrator role, serving as vice principal at Chancellor Avenue School for five years. In 2010, Ms. Haygood began serving as the principal of BRICK Avon Academy. As one of BRICK Avon Academy’s founding board members, Ms. Haygood, along with five other Newark educators, worked 18 months to develop the blueprint for BRICK (Building Responsible Intelligent Creative Kids). BRICK Avon Academy is one of five NPS schools that is a part of the South Ward Community Schools Initiative.

Out of the eight finalists who have been chosen, the grand prize winner will be selected by the general public through public online voting at www.prucenter.com/newarkscornerstones. Online voting, which has been open to the public since the beginning of March, will close on March 31. The grand prize recipient will be announced on Saturday, April 8, at the Prudential Center on ‘Fan Appreciation Night’ for the New Jersey Devils’ final home game of the 2016-2017 NHL season. In addition to being recognized for their dedication and impact, the grand prize winner will receive two tickets to Prudential Center events, including Devils games, for one year.

Newark Public Schools Congratulates Elementary Sports League Basketball Finalists

B.R.I.C.K. Peshine Academy Girls’ Basketball, Louise A. Spencer Boys’ Basketball win championships; Quitman Street Community School Girls’ Basketball, McKinley School Boys’ Basketball are runners up

Elementary Basketball Team Champs

Boys’ Finals Box Score
Louise A. Spencer 60
McKinley 53

Girls’ Finals Box Score
B.R.I.C.K. Peshine Academy 37
Quitman Community Street School 28

[Newark, NJ – June 15, 2016] – Superintendent Christopher D. Cerf of Newark Public Schools (NPS) congratulated the Elementary Sports League basketball finalists on their successful basketball seasons. This weekend, B.R.I.C.K. Peshine Academy, Quitman Street School, Louise A. Spencer and McKinley School competed at Barringer High School for the Elementary Basketball Championships.Louise A. Spencer defeated runner up McKinley School 60 – 53 to win the boys’ elementary school basketball championships. BRICK Peshine Academy defeated runner up Quitman Street School 37 – 28 to win the girls’ elementary school basketball championships. In addition, BRICK Peshine Academy also won the Elementary Cheer Competition.

“On behalf of Newark Public Schools, I want to congratulate the BRICK Peshine and Quitman Street School girls’ basketball as well as the Louise A. Spencer and McKinley Street School boys’ basketball on their successful seasons,” said Superintendent Cerf. “All of these student athletes worked hard this season to perform well both on and off the court and should be very proud of their accomplishments.”

The students practiced during the week and competed in games every Saturday, which were highly attended by Newark families.