Cameron Barrett, Author at Quitman Street School

My Very Own Library (MVOL) kicked off its Black Men Read Day at Camden Elementary School on October 20, 2022. Principal Samuel Garrison of Camden Street Elementary School was joined by Newark Public School's Superintendent Roger León, Deputy Superintendent Nicole T. Johnson, Board member Hasani Council, Mayor Ras J. Baraka of Newark, Duane Davis, National Director of MVOL, University of Chicago, and other honorable guests to join men from the community to read to elementary school students.

Students at Camden Street School, Michelle Obama Elementary School, Hawkins Street School, Quitman Street School, and Ridge Street School were treated to a day of reading as part of this national program, conducted in conjunction with Scholastic Book Fairs, a division of Scholastic, the world's largest publisher, and distributor of children's books.

My Very Own Library is an initiative Anne Feeley began in Newark to provide free books to children in traditional Newark Public Schools. The program started in six schools and is now in every Newark Board of Education elementary school. Twice during the school year, children receive five free books through a Scholastic book fair. Schools can also access in-person and virtual author visits and receive grants for family literacy events.

"My Very Own Library has long been a staunch supporter of the Newark Public Schools, as evidenced by their commitment to providing ten free books to every student in participating schools over the years," said Superintendent Roger León. "And the opportunity to be read to by Black male leaders will help them expand their vocabulary and develop essential communication and social skills that are key to being successful in life."

Newark, NJ, [June 27, 2022] Superintendent León and the Newark Board of Education are pleased to announce the appointment of 10 new Principals for the 2022–23 school year. All of the candidates participated in a rigorous interview process consisting of meetings with key members of the community, students, staff, and the Superintendent.

Superintendent León said, “I am thrilled to announce one of the most diverse group of principal candidates to be named Principal for SY 2022-23.” He added, “This cohort of candidates is a shining example of internal mobility at its best, and the School Leadership Councils were instrumental in helping to identify this talented group of Principals.”

“As I have said in the past, being a principal is the most important leadership role in our schools and we look forward to providing the support needed to be successful,” said Dawn Haynes, President of the Newark Board of Education.

American History High School - Meg Murray
Meg Murray held many positions after starting her career with the Newark Board; Curriculum Developer, Teacher of English, Department Chair, and most recently Vice Principal of East Side High School. Ms. Murray studied at the University of Illinois, Columbia University’s Teacher’s College, and University of Phoenix.

Avon Avenue Elementary School - Krishna Dalal Barroso
Krishna Dalal Barroso started her career as a Teacher at Avon Avenue School where she rose to become Vice Principal and has served in that role for the past eight years. Ms. Barroso studied at Seton Hall University and Rutgers University.

Dr. E. Alma Flagg - Filipa Alexandra Silva
Filipa Alexandra Silva began her career with the Newark Board of Education as a Teacher, followed by becoming an English as a Second Language Teacher, Operations Manager, and most recently Vice Principal of Salomé Ureña Elementary School. Ms. Silva studied at Drew University, St. Elizabeth College, and Grand Canyon University.

East Side High School - Carlos M. Rodriguez
Carlos Rodriguez began his career at the Newark Board of Education as a substitute, moving on to become a Teacher, Lead Technology Coordinator, Teacher Coach, and most recently Vice Principal of East Side High School. Mr. Rodriguez studied at Kean University and Saint Peter’s University.

Elliott Street School - Andres Barquin
Andres Barquin began his career as an elementary school teacher with the Newark Board of Education. He also served as an After-School Programs Lead, a Vice Principal, Summer Principal, and most recently Special Assistant to the North Ward Leadership Team. Mr. Barquin studied at Thomas Edison State College, Grand Canyon University, and Caldwell College.

Ironbound Academy - Erica L. Paich
Erica Paich started her career as an Instructional Coach for school administrators, teachers, and students, then became a Special Assistant and most recently served as Director of Enrollment. She studied at Rutgers University, Kean University, and Rowan University.

Luis Muñoz Marin - Daniel Guerra
Daniel Guerra started his Newark Board of Education career as an elementary school teacher and became an After-School Program Director, Summer Principal, and most recently Vice Principal of Elliott Street School. Mr. Guerra studied at Essex County College, Montclair State University, and John Hopkins University.

McKinley Elementary School - Lynnette Dortrait
Lynnette Dortrait joined the Newark Board of Education as Vice Principal of Dr. William H. Horton Elementary School where she has served for the past three years. Ms. Dortrait studied at Rider University and St. Peter’s University.

Quitman Street School - Courtney R. Johnson
Courtney Johnson held a variety of positions since joining the Newark Board of Education; Substitute Teacher, Teacher Coach, School Operations Manager, Supervisor, and most recently, Special Assistant of the High School Leadership Team. Ms. Johnson studied at the College of New Jersey, Capella University, and New Jersey City University.

Sir Isaac Newton - Tiffany Wicks
Tiffany Wicks started her career with the district as an Intern and became a Teacher, After-School Coordinator, Supervisor, and most recently Vice Principal of Sir Isaac Newton Elementary School. Ms. Wicks studied at Caldwell University, Montclair State University, and Seton Hall University.