Approximately 50 community members attended the meetings with Superintendent Cerf
Newark Public Schools hosted two “Conversations with Chris” events this week with Portuguese and Latino parents in their native languages. Above, Superintendent Cerf speaks with parents at Hawkins Street School and Elliot Street School.
[Newark NJ – April 11, 2016] – Two Newark Schools hosted “Conversations with Chris” community meetings this week with their Latino and Portuguese parents. The Superintendent spoke with parents in their native languages through interpreters and talked about how to best engage and support the Latino and Portuguese communities, especially as it relates to educating children.
Topics that were discussed ranged from bilingual education to the need for highly qualified teachers, as well as concerns about overcrowding and water quality. Portuguese parents from Ann Street, Lafayette and Wilson Elementary schools in the East Ward participated in the discussion with Superintendent on, Tuesday, April 5, while Latino parents from First Avenue, Abington, Luis Munoz Marin and Elliot Street Elementary schools in the North Ward attended the discussion with Superintendent Cerf on Wednesday, April 6.
Since joining the district in July 2015, Superintendent Cerf has held a series of targeted meetings with families, students, educators and community members to better understand the district’s challenges and successes, as well as how the district can best identify and work towards key priorities and actions as local and state leaders take steps towards regaining local control.