Newark, NJ, [August 9, 2022] Newark Public Schools’ Office of Early Childhood will host its first “Road Trip to Pre-K” to be held at Belmont Runyon Elementary School on Friday, August 12, 2022, between 10:00 am and 2:00 pm.
The Road Trip to Pre-K is a Head Start Community Resource initiative designed to showcase resources in the community and highlight important milestones from conception to Pre-K, and beyond. The journey begins with Head Start and prekindergarten families interacting with community leaders, various district departments, and helpful staff members. Some stops on The Road Trip include a chance to meet with social service technicians, members of Newark Enrolls, Health Services, Food Services, and experience many fun-filled activities and prizes.
“We are proud of the District’s Healthy and Ready to Learn Plan. The Road Trip to Pre-K is a component of our new educational ecosystem that focuses on building a strong academic foundation for our youngest learners,” said Superintendent León. “This is going to be an incredible event.”
The Office of Early Childhood’s Executive Director Yolonda Severe said, “When we continue to build reciprocal partnerships between the Newark Board of Education, city and state agencies that focus on learning, everyone benefits. It’s imperative to seize the day to create opportunities to service our youngest learners in preparation for their future endeavors. This begins from conception to cradle in Newark.”
Board President Dawn Haynes said, “It is important that we engage our young students early to feed their curiosity preparing them for a future of success. Parents as the first teachers and our community at large will be the greatest beneficiaries of this labor of love.”
While this event is hosted by the Office of Early Childhood Head Start program, families interested in learning more about Newark Public Schools are invited to attend. District staff will be on-site to provide registration support for new and returning students, model learning through play, and other educational materials to enhance learning. Community partners will be available to provide COVID-19 and other health screenings, and information about their organizations and services offered.