NPS Celebrates Class of 2017 With First District-Wide College Decision Day

Students who have committed to attending college in the fall participated in celebratory events across the district

 

[Newark, NJ — May 19, 2017] — Seniors from across all 16 Newark Public Schools (NPS) high schools participated in the first annual district-wide College Decision Day on Monday, May 1, celebrating each member of the 2017 NPS senior class who has committed to attending college this upcoming fall. Each district high school held an event where students showcased their individual college decision in a variety of ways, such as creating posters and banners or wearing apparel which displayed the school they plan on attending in the fall.

“Today is a remarkable moment in the educational journey of our 2017 NPS senior class who have made this significant and transformative decision to attend an institution of higher education,” said Superintendent Christopher D. Cerf of Newark Public Schools. “I am proud of each of our scholars for the hard work, and dedication they have displayed toward their academic pursuits. I’m thrilled to join the entire school community to celebrate our seniors, as they take this major step on their academic path toward lifelong success.”

The 2017 NPS senior class has committed to attend a wide-range of schools across the country, including Harvard University, Rutgers University, Howard University and Essex County College, among others. Newark Public Schools continues to witness a steady increase in the district’s high school graduation rate.

Earlier this year, the New Jersey Department of Education released data showing that Newark’s high school graduation rate increased to 73.5 percent in 2016, up four percentage points from 2015. This data also showed that this is the fourth consecutive year this rate has increased in Newark. Newark’s graduation rate is up nearly 15 percentage points since 2011.

Assistant Superintendent Robert Gregory said, “Decision Day is a major part of our ongoing commitment and effort to create a college-going culture in all of our schools – the global job market demands such.”

Newark’s district-wide College Decision Day is part of Better Make Room’s “College Signing Day,” a national event focused on celebrating students’ commitment to transition into higher education. Better Make Room partners with former first lady Michelle Obama’s Reach Higher initiative to inspire every student in America to pursue and complete their education after high school, whether through a professional training program, a community college, or a four-year college or university.