Superintendent León’s Statement Regarding The Tragic Events On Saturday

Dear Newark School Community,

As we approach the holiday season, a time that should be filled with warmth and togetherness, we find ourselves navigating a period of deep sorrow. The heartbreak felt across the Newark Public Schools community and throughout the City of Newark because of the senseless shooting Saturday evening cannot be expressed in words. We mourn the loss of one of our students and the woman who was killed, and we continue to pray for the recovery of those who were wounded, which includes another one of our students.

On Saturday evening, the Newark Board of Education’s Crisis Management Unit was activated and will provide grief counseling and support to students and staff members beginning Monday morning. These individuals will be in the school over the next several days to assist our school community. Our school counselors, social workers, and psychologists will work closely with this team and then continue to be available for students who need ongoing services.

Moments like this remind us of the strength and importance of family, friendship, and community. While the holidays often bring joy, they can also bring feelings of sadness and loss. It is understandable to feel the weight of this tragedy, and it is okay to ask for help. We encourage everyone – students, staff, and families – to check in on and lean on one another and ask for support if needed. No one should ever carry grief alone. We are here for you, and with you.

Please continue to take care of yourselves and hold on to the people who bring comfort and strength into your life. Our community is grieving, and our thoughts are with the families, friends, classmates, staff, and everyone devastated by this news. May we find healing together in the days ahead.

Mr. León, Superintendent