Halloween Thriller at the Pride

Thirteenth Avenue School celebrated Halloween 2009 with a tribute to the King of Pop, Michael Jackson. The Thirteenth Avenue Dance Club performed a remake of Michael Jackson’s Thriller. The performance included a video screening of Jackson’s Thriller video and the Dance Club under the direction of Ms. Timeka McLeod-Jamison and featured students from various grade levels. The students were adorned with costumes and received a standing ovation for their performance. Primary Grade students also had the opportunity to Trick-or-Treat throughout the building and venture through the school’s haunted hallway.

Little Kids Rock

Gregory Pavliv, the music teacher at Thirteenth Avenue school, completed training as a music educator for "Little Kids Rock" a music foundation which gives FREE instruments to public schools. In two weeks, we will recieve enough guitars and materials to begin teaching all students from 1st through 8th grades how to play guitar! And this is only the beginning as the more performances the students are able to produce, the more instruments they will receive. Contact Mr. Pavliv if you have any questions about the program.

Helping Your Child Succeed in School: PK-2

Today, October 27th, Vivian P. Brown, a resource teacher /coordinator, from the Office of Special Education, presented a workshop entitled, “Helping Your Child Succeed in School: Pre-K through 2nd Grade”. The workshop provided the parents with an arena for discussing the various roles they play in their children’s education and why it is necessary to bridge their children’s learning from school to home. Also, they participated in learning strategies and hands-on activities for supporting their children’s learning. One strategy involved using ‘sound tapping’ to develop phonemic awareness. At the end of the workshop, the parents left with strategies and an array of resources to assess, support, and build on their children’s learning achievement.

Student of the Month Recognition

On Thursday, October 22, 2009, Ms. Lynn Irby-Jackson, Principal awarded Student of the Month Certificates to students who were selected “Student of the Month” recipients for their individual classes for the month of September. Students were recognized at the Thirteenth Avenue School PTA Meeting with Parents, Staff and Administrators in attendance. There were many proud parents in attendance who were grateful that students were recognized in the evening when they were able to attend.

Breast Cancer Awareness Workshop

The Thirteenth Avenue School Parent Academy held a Breast Cancer Awareness Workshop on Thursday, October 15th in observance of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The Facilitator was Mrs. Mary Ann Kokidis from AmeriGroup, Inc. Ms. Kokidis guided parents on how to perform a self-examination for Breast Cancer. Parents were also given vital statistics, resources, and literature on Breast Cancer. Ms. Marion Hardy, Parent Liaison also conducted a door prize raffle for parents who were in attendance.

Student Council

As the Student Council Officers, we will try our very best to fund, and get what this school needs. We will make this school year the best for all students in 13th Avenue School. We hope to help get this school to a shining future of greatness. We will distribute our all to make this school a positive place to come and learn. Boost student’s confidence so they can get even better test scores. Not only educational terms, but fun filled activities too. Such as a Halloween bash, a secret Santa for Christmas and Valentine’s Day dinner for the eighth graders. We will try to make this year the greatest, that no other year can top.


Student Council President and Officers

8th Graders Parents/Students Dinner

The Thirteenth Avenue School PTA hosted an Eighth Grade Parents Dinner on Monday, October 5th in the School's Cafeteria. Parents received an Official Welcome from the New School Principal, Ms. Lynn Irby-Jackson. Ms. Jackson commended students for adhering to the School District's New Uniform Policy. Ms. Kelly Green, School Guidance Counselor gave an overview of the high school admissions process. students and Parents received a high school interest survey and students were encouraged to apply to as many high schools as possible. Ms. Iris Matthews, Crisis Teacher gave an overview of the Newark Public Schools' New Discipline Policy. Ms. Matthews also led the students in a P.R.I.D.E. Pledge. Ms. Barbara Waddell, Class Advisor informed parents and students of the graduation activities and fees for the Class of 2010.  Ms. Marion Hardy, Parent Liaison encouraged parents to return Cell Phone Contracts, Lunch Applications, and SES tutorial forms. Mr. Lyndon Brown, PTA President  introduced fellow PTA Officers: Portia Lowery-Vice-President, Annie Brown, Treasurer, Yaminah Rodriguez, PTA Secretary urged every parent to join the PTA. Parents were given PTA Fundraiser packets, PTA Newsletters, Parent Handbooks, Parent E-Board sites, Pre- College Program Applications and a plethora of other information. Ms. Paula Savino, Art Teacher informed parents of the Art Club's Trip to Italy which is scheduled for Spring 2010. Ms. Jackson, Principal and Mr. Kyle Rivers, Education Committee Chair for the PTA conducted a Door Prize raffle. Student, Javon Ross won an MP3 Player and Eighth Grade student, Radiah Washington won a DVD Player. Several tutoring vendors were on hand to register students for FREE Tutoring. The PTA's Blue Moon Club served dinner to the parents which included: baked ziti, tossed salad, chicken, cake and soda.  

School Uniforms

The school climate at Thirteenth Avenue School has improved tremendously during the first month of school. This improvement is due largely in part to the adherence of the Newark Public Schools Uniform Policy. Currently, the school is experiencing tremendous response to this mandate. 94% of the student population is wearing uniforms and staff members are following suit as well.
Kudos to the Thirteenth Avenue School PTA and Social Committee for lending a hand to purchase uniforms for students in need.