Winter Wonder Land

How do K-8 kids at Thirteenth Avenue School describe a
Winter Wonder Land?

Well in the house of LaShanda Gilliam, Vice Principal voices were heard to say “This is Great”, “Wow”, “I am having so much fun”, “Look at what I made”. As the day of Winter Wonder Land events continued, children with their parents cheered the selfless contributions of staff whose imagination and creativity exceeded expectations. Hovering like a protective guardian, VP Gilliam had a look of satisfaction in her eye as she snapped pictures which said “the best is yet to come”. It is our hope that Winter Wonder Land will spiral into a happy holiday season for all.
Our more mature upper grade students were enthralled by the power of vocal music. At the helm, Iris Matthews directed the program. Heard hundreds of times, the anthem “lift Every Voice and Sing” written as a poem by James Weldon Johnson (1871-1938) unleashed new sensibilities to lyrics when sung by music teacher Mr. Sloan whose introduction to our Winter Wonder Land program set the tone of what was to come. And then, Mr. Dock pumped up the Thirteenth Avenue School Choir by leading a choir comprised of staff and students up and up and up to higher levels, for a sensational vocal performance. Parents, students and staff left our auditorium exhilarated, and in the spirit of this holiday season.
Eatables provided by staff flowed from various venues at the Thirteenth Avenue Schools’ Winter Wonder Land.

13th Avenue PTA Meeting: December 16, 2010

Our meeting was called to order at 5:50 p.m. by our President, Lyndon Brown. Mr. Brown asked new parents to introduce themselves. Minutes were read by Ms. Mimi Holder. The minutes were adopted as read. Financial Report was read by Mr. Brown. Mr. Brown reported a current balance of $6249. The Financial Report was adopted as well. The meeting was opened by addressing the concerns that were reflected in our November Minutes. Mr. Ian Soanes stressed the need to have students safeguarded in the morning. Mr. Soanes stated that Parent notices should be sent home to inform parents of the importance of bringing students to school on-time and making sure students enter the school. Mr. Brown reported that a parent had been assaulted outside the school during the month of November by a pedophile who was trying to kidnap her child. Ms. Holder asked if parents or staff members could be provided the opportunity to safeguard children in the morning. Mr. Soanes also reported a bullying incident that he observed and inquired as to what type of intervention was available to students who are bullied. Ms. Jackson stressed the need of having bullies identified to administration in order to address the problem.
Mr. Brown announced that school-wide picture day would be held on January 28, 2011 and all students would receive a School ID Card. Mr. Brown also announced that the PTA had received five awards at the NJPTA Convention for Outstanding Parental Involvement. Family night will be held in February 2011 and parents were asked to volunteer to serve on a committee: Decorations, Food Serving, Game Station attendants, and Clean-Up.

Mr. Anthony White, Founder of the Parental Involvement Exchange (P.I.E.) was our Guest Speaker for the evening. Mr. White stated that school board members need to know how to read, interpret, and disaggregate Dada in order to effective advocate for children. Parents need to know how to advocate for their children. Mr. White distributed handouts with website information for parents to access. Mr. White reviewed key areas where parental involvement is needed in schools. Mr. White stated that under No Child Left Behind, parents should be informed if their child is being taught by a substitute teacher for more than four weeks.
Mr. White further stressed the importance of families holding family meetings once a week to discuss important family issues including academic achievement.
Parental Concerns
Several parents complained that they have not received a report card for Cycle I despite repeated attempts to contact teachers/school administrators. Some parents also complained about the font size of progress reports, wording and lack of written dialogue concerning child’s progress on the progress reports.

We also hosted Student Recognitions for Cycle I which included: Student of the Month, Honor Roll and Super Honor Roll a cheesecake social was held at the end of the evening to celebrate the holiday season.
We also conducted a door prize raffle and collected personal care items for area homeless shelters at the end of the meeting. Our meeting was adjourned at 7:25 p.m.

Holiday Happenings at the Pride

Thirteenth Avenue School celebrated the 2010 Holiday Season with a week of fun-filled events. The Thirteenth Avenue School Social Committee hosted a Holiday Dinner on Monday, December 20th from 3-5 p.m. in the Bert R. Berry Media Center. On Tuesday, December 21st, The Thirteenth Avenue School PTA hosted a Holiday Breakfast for staff.
On Wednesday, December 22nd The Thirteenth Avenue Inspirational Choir held its annual Holiday Concert under the Direction of Ms. Andrea Collins, Mr. Mecal Jones, Mrs. Eunice Benjamin, and Mr. Reginald Docke. The program was dedicated to Mrs. Eunice Benjamin a 25-year veteran teacher who will be retiring after the holidays.
Some of the songs that the Choir sang included: "I really Love You", "Emmanuel", "Grateful", "This Christmas" and "Back to Eden".
The primary grade division held a Holiday Festival in the school Gymnasium on Wednesday, December 22nd. Students had the opportunity to make holiday ornaments, decorate cupcakes and enjoy warm apple cider and fun-filled games.

13th Avenue School Father's Club

The Thirteenth Avenue School Father's Club hosted Dads Night Out. Father's and Students were able to enjoy a fun-filled evening at the Prudential Center in Newark on Wednesday, December 1, 2010. 13th Avenue Students and their Dads enjoyed a NJ NETS vs. Oklahoma Thunder Game. The game went into Triple over-time which was an added treat for our 13th Avenue families. Special Thanks to NJ NETS Players: Jordan Farmer and Johan Petro for the complimentary tickets that they provided for our Father's Club

Capoeria comes to Thirteenth Avenue School

Kudos to the 13th Avenue School PTA’s Special Needs Committee hosted its first Special Needs Capoeria session on December 3, 2010. Capoeria is an African-Brazilian art of movement, music,martial arts. Students and Parents were totally engaged in the session and anxiously look forward to bringing this Arts Therapy Program to 13th Avenue School via a Title I Grant.

PTA Family Nite at IHOP

Thirteenth Avenue School PTA hosted Family Night at IHOP on Bergen Street in Newark on November 18, 2010. Thirteenth Avenue families enjoyed a delicious dinner and joyous fellowship. The Dinner gave the PTA the opportunity to engage new families and share school news/events and address parent concerns. Students were required to wear school uniforms in order to enjoy a free meal. Proceeds were donated to the Thirteenth Avenue School PTA. The event was organized by PTA Vice-President, Latisha Barnes

Parent/Teacher Conference Day: Fall 2010

Thirteenth Avenue School hosted Parent/Teacher Conference Day on Thursday, November 18, 2010. Parents had the opportunity to conference with teachers, addministrators, and support staff. The PTA and Parent Academy distributed inofmration for upcoming parent meetings/workshops and community events/ Parents also completed Parent surveys, emergency contact forms and P-Reports. Thirteenth Avenue Families gathered at IHOP at 7 p.m. for a get acquainted dinner. Students who wore school uniforms ate for FREE and proceeds for the dinner were directed to the 13th Avenue School PTA

Pumpkin Patch

The Pre-k and Kindergarten classes at 13th avenue participated in the first annual pumpkin patch! Each child received an opportunity to drink apple cider, eat a fall snack and pick a pumpkin to decorate. The Pre-k and Kindergarten teachers and parents, as well as the PTA and music teacher all lent a helping hand in creating this event for the children. The patch included elements such as stalks of corn, hay, pumpkins, scarecrows and a blow up haunted house. The children all agreed that the patch was a hit and a great way to start off the Halloween weekend!

Kick Our Reading Levels Up a Couple of Notches

Dear Parent/Guardian,

Your child has entered the 2nd grade “Kick Our Reading Levels Up a Couple of Notches” challenge. Any student who increases their reading scores by January 14, 2011 will receive school wide recognition, a certificate, and prizes!

In order to support your child in this literacy effort, we will provide each student with two grade level appropriate books to take home on Mondays. Reading their selected books at home is in addition to any homework assignment. On Thursday or Friday, students must return borrowed books. At this point, we will make a choice, select passages and have your child read aloud and discuss their interpretation of the text with peers.

As always, we thank you for your continued support and thank you for participating in our 2nd grade kick off breakfast in the media center. We look forward to providing you with tools and support resources to have your child to reach the “Kick Our Reading Levels Up a Couple of Notches” finish line on January 14, 2011!

Your 2nd Grade Team: Ms. Cobb, Ms. Chisolm & Ms. McCree

South Park High School Recruiting

On Thursday, October 14th representatives from Science park High School came to 13th Avenue School to discuss the high school application process and the requirements needed to get into Science Park. A very thorough power point presentation was provided. It highlighted the course load that was offered and expectations of the students over the course of four years. Current Science Park students were also on hand to speak to our students about their experiences and feelings about attending the school.

Overall, our students were very engaged. The representatives stayed afterwards to answer the many inquiries made by the 13th Avenue 8th grade class.

13th Avenue School PTA hosts first PTA Meeting

Thirteenth Avenue School held its first PTA Meeting on Tuesday, September 21, 2010 in the School’s Cafeteria. Our meeting was called to order at 5:45 p.m. by our PTA President, Mr. Lyndon Brown. Mr. Brown welcomed everyone and asked all new families to introduce themselves. Mr. Brown also introduced PTA Officers for 2010-2011. Mr. Brown also shared the objectives for the 13th Avenue School PTA
Mr. Brown stated that many things can hinder the academic growth of our students including school climate, lack of administrative supervision, lack of parental involvement, lack of student motivation, lack of textbooks, school supplies, poor attendance, lack of support services, lack of quality instruction in the classroom. Goals/Objectives for 2010: Educate more parents on their rights and responsibilities. To engage every parent in his/her child’s education and in PTA. Mr. Brown also stressed the need for every parent to be active on one of our PTA Committees/Clubs, and/or attend workshops/conferences.
Mr. Brown also stated that The State of NJ sent a Team to our School on May 17th-19th to access the strengths and weaknesses of our school in the areas of curriculum & Instruction, Administrative supervision, School Climate, Parental Involvement. The CAPA Team identified more challenges than strengths and the CAPA report is available if anyone wants to see it. We can also email it to you. Finally, The CAPA Team did note that the Parental Involvement at 13th Avenue School was Outstanding. THE CAPA Team cited a lack of differentiated instruction, cooperative learning as well as inclusion. No dedicated materials or support programs such as READ180 to decrease the achievement gap has been put in place, rubrics are not used across all content areas, some teachers do not recognize the value of data, The CAPA Team also recommended that NPS’ should make available Title I Funds in order for our school to address some of its challenges.
Mr. Brown also stated that the NJASK Scores for the 2009-2010 school year were extremely poor. If your child took the NJASK earlier this year you need to make sure that you and your child obtain a copy of those results so that you can guage where your child is and what he/she needs to do to score proficient or advanced proficient.
Out of the 65 students who took the test in 3rd grade last year 12 students passed LAL. OUT of the 65 who took the math portion 12 students were proficient. 47 Students who were in 4th grade last year took the test and 5 were proficient in LAL and 12 out of the 47 passed the math portion. 29 out of the 47 were proficient in science. Out of 59 students in 5th grade last year, 15 were proficient in LAL,12 were proficient in Math. Out of the 57 students in 6th grade, 11 were proficient in LAL, 17 were proficient in Math. In 7th grade last year we had 78 students, 24 were proficient in LAL, 11 were proficient in Math. In 8th grade we had 47 students, 25 were proficient in LAL, 14 were proficient in Math, and 28 were proficient in Science. Parents and teachers need to share strengths and challenges for students at 13th Avenue School. Parents should share their child’s special interests, hobbies, challenges and strengths.
After-School Programs will begin on October 4th for students in grades 4-8 and some students in grades 1-3 will also be able to attend.
We are kicking off our 2010 PTA Fundraiser tonight. Every parent was asked to take a PTA Fundraising packet. Our Fundraising Chair is Mr. Manuel Rivera. Our PTA Membership is $5.00 for the year. Every parent, staff member, and community member was asked to purchase am membership card. Our 2010 Three for Me Campaign is also underway. Every parent is expected to volunteer at least three hours during the school year. You can do it in one day, one week, one month and there are a various ways to volunteer: Chaperoning a trip, Sorting clothes in our school’s clothing bank, or working on one of PTA Projects: Family Night, PTA Business Card Directory, or by serving on one of our PTA Committees. Mr. Brown also stated that we have a various Parent Meetings coming up: Our Special Needs Parents will be meeting on Sept. 30th at 5:30 pm. If you have a child who is in a self-contained or Resource classroom or is a 504 student please come out. Our Father’s Club Meeting will be held on October 5th at 6 p.m. and will include a book signing by our Guest Speaker, Mr. Baruti Kafele, Principal at Newark Tech. High School Our First Mother’s Club Meeting for this school year will be held on October 12th at 6 p.m. in our School Library. Our Eighth Grade Parents will be meeting on October 7th from 5:30-7:30 p.m. in our school cafeteria. We will be discussing high school admissions, Class of 2011 Dues which include: Yearbooks, Cap & Gowns, Class of 2011 trips and Prom. On October 16th, NPS will be hosting a High School Fair from 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m. at Barringer High School. Mr. Brown announced that snapshots were available for every parent. Ms. Portia Lowery, Vice-President gave an overview on how to conduct a productive Parent/Teacher Conference. Ms. Lowery also shared the grading policy and encouraged parents to request results of their students NJ ASK (Grades 3-8) and Observation Surveys (Grades Pre-k-2nd). Ms. Lowery also reminded parents that they should be able to review a minimum of nine assessments (Tests, quizzes, Class assignments, reports, etc.) for each subject. If a teacher cannot produce at least nine assessments, parents can challenge the child’s grade. Ms. Matthews, welcomed parents to come out to our School Leadership Council which is comprised of parents, staff, and community members to address the needs of the school. This Council meets monthly and the first meeting for this school year will be held on September 30th at 3:15 p.m.Ms. Acey Roberson, Attendance Counselor addressed the PTA and gave an overview of Newark Public Schools’ Attendance Policy. Mr. Rivers, Education Committee Chair surveyed parents to find out how they found out about our PTA Meeting and what’s the best way to send information to them. Mr. Brown recognized our 2010 Teacher of the Year, Ms. Iris Matthews, Our 2010 Parent of the Year, Mr. Kyle Rivers, and our 2010 Student of the Year, John Garner.
Parental Concerns: A lack of certified teachers at 13th Avenue School, Students homework assignments not aligned with schoolwork, several parents also complained about the school lunch not being cooked properly and school lunch has made several students sick, Several parents also complained about the combination classroom that has been implemented at 13th Avenue School. It’s unfair for my daughter to be put in a class with first graders when all of her peers are in second grade, remarked one parent. Why are four second graders sitting in a classroom with first graders when there is room in the second grade remarked another parent. Whose idea was this and why is teacher being made to divide her instruction between two grades? Has she received proper training asked Mr. Ali, a parent. Mr. Brown remarked that NO administrators attended the PTA Meeting so these questions will be raised at the SLC Meeting. Title I Funds being withheld from 13th Avenue School for several consecutive years, No science textbooks for Students, and classroom management in some classrooms. School Safety- Mr. Brown reported that a registered pedophile moved into our community in July. He resides on South 7th Street and it is very important that our children who walk home, go straight home after-school and parents who pick up your children pick them up immediately after dismissal. According to the letter we received from the Prosecutor’s office, This pedophile is a repeat offender. If anybody wants further info please see me after tonight’s meeting. Parents are also asked to outline safe corridors for your children. Where should they go if there normal route is blocked off or if someone is harassing them, chasing them or bullying them. A Door Prize raffle was conducted at the end of our meeting and refreshments were served by our PTA Parents. Mr. Brown informed parents that if their child received FREE or Reduced Lunch last school year then their child is eligible or FREE Tutoring this school year. Mr. Brown stated that students can have a tutor come to their homes, meet them after-school or engage in an on-line tutoring program. Mr. Brown adjourned the meeting at 7:10 p.m. and parents were given the opportunity to greet and meet one another and meet with various tutoring agencies who supplied the parents with brochures and flyers for their various tutoring programs. Next Meeting Date: October 19, 2010

Open House at the Pride of Newark

Thirteenth Avenue School held its Fall Open House on Thursday, September 23, 2010. Parents and Staff assembled in the School’s Auditorium where they were introduced to the School’s Administration and Support Staff. Registration was held for the Thirteenth Avenue School PTA, Father’s Club, Mother’s club, and Grandparents Club. Parents also received Back to School Information and completed lunch applications, Emergency Contact Forms, and parent surveys. Parents were also informed of the school’s Attendance Policy, Discipline Policy, and Code of Conduct. Parents also had the opportunity to meet with their child’s teacher and the school’s support staff.

13th Avenue School Kicks off School PRIDE

Thirteenth Avenue School kicked off its school year with a 2010 PRIDE Assembly. Ms. Iris Matthews, School Leadership Council Chairperson served as Mistress of Ceremonies. Students were saluted for School Uniform Compliance during the 2009-2010 school year. The School Pride Pledge Demonstration was presented by Middle Grade Students. Administrative Greetings were given by the School’s Principal, Ms. Lynn Irby-Jackson and Vice-Principals, Dr. Graham and Ms. Gilliam.
Ms. Matthews welcomed all new staff members and students. Members of the school’s Support Staff introduced themselves and gave brief overviews of their job descriptions. A Pride Pep Rally was led by famed musician, Mr. G. Mr. Lyndon Brown, PTA President encouraged students to model good behavior and also acknowledged the school’s new students and staff. Special Recognition was given to the School’s 2010 Student of the Year, John Garner, sixth grader.

A New Hope

Hello Staff,

I am so pleased to join the Pride Family here at 13th Avenue School. I am the new School Social Worker and I&RS/504 Coordinator. Please feel free to call me Ms. T.
I have been a public servant with Newark Public Schools-Renaissance Academy for ten years.

Wow, time does go by quickly. I previously worked at Gladys Hillman-Jones Model Middle School as the Renaissance Social Worker from 2001-2005 prior to becoming the Health & Social Service Coordinator at the Office of Alternative Education (2005-2010).

I look forward to doing my personal and professional best for you at 13th Avenue School. Please feel free to stop by room 411 for assistance or contact me via email at tmitchell@nps.k12.nj.us

Warm Regards,

Ms. T.

Opening Day at the Pride-September 2, 2010

The Thirteenth Avenue School Family had a successful First Day Celebration for returning students. Parents assembled in the School Library and the Parent Room for orientation and registration. Ms. Irby-Jackson, Principal greeted new parents and the school's support staff successfully facilitated orientation and registration for new families. Parents completed on-line lunch applications, parent surveys, and emergency contact forms and parent organization recruitment forms.
Ms. Marion Hardy, parent liaison partnered with the FOCUS After-School Program Staff as co-hosts for our School's First Day Celebration. 25 families registered for our School's After-School Program.

Thirteenth Aveue School 2010 NJHS Induction

2010 National Junior Honor Society Inductees

OSAZE OGBE

Osaze Ogbe was born on November 7, 1997. He is 12 years old. He is the son of Jacob & Idowu Ogbe. Osaze aspires to become a computer engineer. Osaze’s hobbies include playing video games, baseball, soccer and watching WWE Friday Night Smackdown. Osaze has been accepted for fall admission to University High School. Osaze plans to attend New Jersey Institute of Technology after he graduates from high school. Osaze’s favorite subject is science.
His zodiac sign is Scorpio. At Thirteenth Avenue School,
Osaze is a member of the Debate Team, Student Council
and a 2010 Inductee in our National Junior Honor Society.



Patricia Middlebrooks

Patricia Middlebrooks is an Eighth Grader at 13th Avenue School. Patricia was born on December 24th and is a proud Capricorn baby. Her hobbies include socializing, playing various sports including basketball, flag football, volleyball, soccer, and kickball. She also enjoys shopping, reading drama books, and watching scary movies.
While attending Thirteenth Avenue School, Patricia has been a member of the Dance Club, Art History Club, Student Council, Girls Club, and Yearbook Committee.
Her career goal is to become a pediatrician. Patricia has been accepted for fall admission at American History High School.


Tommy Blanchard

Tommy Blanchard was born on October 4, 1997. His zodiac sign is Libra. “ I always take my education seriously” says Tommy, An Honor Roll Student. His extra-curricular activities include running track and Karate School.
Tommy prefers to be called, “The Intelligent One”. He is considered to be a very kind and helpful person he displays these characteristics as a member of the Thirteenth Avenue School Student Council and a 2010 Inductee of the Mary McCleod Bethune National Junior Honor Society here at 13th Avenue School.

This Panther Pride Scholar’s future goal is to become a Supreme Court Justice.





Orisegbubene Ogbe

Orisegbubene Ogbe is 14 years old. Her career goals are to become a Music Teacher or web designer.
She is a member of the Art History Club and the Student Council. Her favorite color is blue.

Her favorite quote is by Plato, “Wise men talk because they have something to say; fools, because they have to say something”. Her hobbies include: watching movies, reading books, listening to music, and socializing with friends.
Her best friends are Shauntice Paynes and Mahalia Bazile.
Orisegbubene was born on January 19th and she is also a Capricorn. Her role models are her parents.
In the fall, She will be attending University High School.
Jerry Jackson
Jerry Jackson is 13 years old. He holds many titles. He is a son, brother, student, athlete, and future automotive engineer.
Jerry is a hard working 8th grader at 13th Avenue School and he is heavily involved in different activities at 13th Avenue School including the debate team, robotics club, basketball team, Art History Club, Dance and Cheerleading Squad.
He also serves as Vice-President of the Boys to Men Club which focuses on mentoring and leadership of young men.
He is captain of the Panther Boys Basketball team, a student representative to student council and a merit honor roll student. Outside of school, Jerry has walked in marathons benefiting those affected with Multiple Sclerosis. He has planted trees for Arbor Day and collected donated money, clothes, and time to various charities including those focused on people infected with HIV & AIDS. This experience has helped build his character and made him more compassionate towards people with terminal illnesses.
In the fall, Jerry will be attending St. Benedict’s Preparatory School in Newark.

Kasha Bowe
Kasha Bowe is an Eighth Grader at Thirteenth Avenue School in Newark. While attending 13th Avenue School, Kasha has been a member of the Dance Club, Art History Club, Yearbook Club, Girls Club, and Cheerleading Squad. In the fall, Kasha will be attending University High School. Currently, Most recently, Kasha participated in the Dance Theater of Harlem’s Artist in Residence Program at 13th Avenue School and performed for the 2010 NJ Arbor Day Celebration at Thirteenth Avenue School. Kasha’s favorite hobbies are: dancing, cheerleading and writing.
In the future she hope to have the opportunity to travel and visit many different places. Her career goal is to purse a career as a Fashion Designer or attend a Culinary Arts School and become a Chef.


Shauntice Paynes
Shauntice Paynes is 14 years old. Shauntice is was born on May 3rd under the sign of Taurus. She has been attending Thirteenth Avenue School for eighth years. While attending 13th Avenue School she has been involved in multiple extra-curricular activities including the Dance Club, Art History Club, Sisters United, and Student Council. As a member of the Student Council she has worked to help make the school better. She has been dancing since the fourth grade. She has also danced at Rutgers University as well as various churches and schools. Her hobbies include dancing and debating. This summer she will be touring Italy with the Thirteenth Avenue School Art History Club.
Most recently, Shauntice was accepted into the Dance Program at Arts High School where she looks forward to attending in the fall. After high school, Shauntice plans to attend Kean University and study to become an Emergency Room Doctor.

Bernardo Dela Cruz
Bernardo Dela Cruz is a sixth grader at Thirteenth Avenue School where he is member of the Color Guard. A memorable moment for Bernardo was standing next to Mayor Cory Booker and our Superintendent, Dr. Clifford Janey.
Bernardo’s enjoys playing sports especially football and basketball. Bernardo credits his role model for keeping him focused and engaged in positive things. His role model is his mom, Ms. Olga Dela Cruz. Bernardo’s career goal is to become a teacher or a lawyer.











Thirteenth Aveneu School hosted its 2010 National Junior Society Induction on June 8th. This year's Inductees were:



Mahalia Bazile has been a student at Thirteenth Avenue School since the age of four. She has maintained Honor Roll and Super Honor Roll during her academic career at 13th Avenue School. Mahalia is a NJ SEEDS scholar which stands for (Scholars Educators Excellence Dedication Success).
The NJ SEEDS Program has afforded Mahalia the opportunity to attend to receive a scholarship in excess of $46,000 a year to Cheshire Academy in Connecticut.
At 13th Avenue School Mahalia is a member of the Art History Club, Debate Team, Girls Club, Sisters United, and newly elected President of the 13th Avenue School National Junior Honor Society.

The NJHS' 2010 Community Service Project was a Coin Drive for Haiti Relief effort.
The Guest Speaker was Mr. Miguel Salinas from Pitney-Bowles in Princeton, NJ

2010 PTA Recognition Cookout

The Thirteenth Avenue School PTA hosted its 2010 PTA Recognition Cookout on Thursday, June 17th in the School’s Courtyard. The Panther Dads Father’s Club spent three hours on the grill preparing hamburgers, hot dogs, and chicken for students, staff, and parents. While the Panther Moms served beverages, baked beans, fruit salad, ice cream, macaroni salad, tossed salad and potato salad.
Mr. Lyndon Brown, PTA President recognized PTA members who participated in the National PTA’s “Three for Me” volunteer program. PTA members who volunteered three or more hours during the school year received certificates. The 2009-2010 recipients were: Ian Ali, Keith Sadler. Seleta Carter, Laterria Sims. Ruby Hickman, Ruby Perkins, Kyle Rivers, Vanessa Strange, Mark Knight, Manuel Rivera, Gail Holiday, Latisha Barnes, Evelyn Rivera, Yaminah Rodriguez, Ruth Phillips, Barbara Tindell, Khadijah Kareem, Barbara Tindell, Annie Brown, Richard Denby, Latisha Linares, Alicia Sotver, James Davis, Arnold Bell, Maurice Williams, Cassandra Bowles, Valeria Barlow and Keisha Norman.
Door Prize Raffles were conducted by Ms. Juanita Sledge and Ms. Portia Lowery.
Political Advocacy Awards were presented to PTA members who advocated for children at School Board Meetings and City Council Meetings: Mr. Mark Knight, Ms. Jenise Reedus, Mr. Kyle Rivers, Sr. and Ms. Brenda Riley.
Parent Delegate Awards were presented to parents who represented the PTA at local, county and state conferences/conventions: Mr. Charles Curry, Ms. Laquanna Cooper, Ms. Evelyn Rivera, Ms. Yaminah Rodriguez, Mr. Keith Sadler, Mr. Manuel Rivera, Mr. Avery Spotswood, Mr. Anthony Rivera, Mrs. Annie Brown, Ms. Laterria Sims, and Mr. Kyle rivers, Sr.
The PTA’s 2010 Teacher of the Year Award was presented to Ms. Iris Matthews, Crisis Teacher and School Leadership Council Chairperson. Ms. Matthews was recognized for more than 35 years of dedicated service to Thirteenth Avenue School. Ms. Matthews received a plaque and proclamation from the City of Newark.
The PTA’s 2010 Parent of the Year Award was presented to Mr. Kyle Rivers for his outstanding parental involvement. Mr. Rivers was also presented a proclamation from the City of Newark and a plaque from the PTA for his success in creating the Thirteenth Avenue School PTA website and establishing a Special Needs Support Group for special needs parents at the school.

Parent Volunteer Recognition

The Thirteenth Avenue School Parent Academy held its 2010 Parent Volunteer Dinner on May 20, 2010. Ms. Hardy, Parent Liaison thanked parents for taking time out to volunteer at their child’s school. Each parent was presented a certificate, A Door Prize Raffle and Dinner followed. A Brainstorming session was held at the end of the program on how to enhance parental involvement at 13th Avenue School.

NJASK Celebration

The NJASK Prep Academy and the NJ Ask Saturday Academy was a great success. Students in Grades 3rd-8th were tested during the weeks of April 17th-May 14th. The Thirteenth Avenue School Rewards Committee hosted an NJASK Celebration on Friday, May 21st in our school cafeteria. Students and staff enjoyed a fun-filled evening that drew students from other West Region Schools who were eager to celebrate “Meeting the 2010 NJASK Challenge”. Special thanks to our NJ ASK Tutors Chaperones and Organizers.

6 Thousand Mile Visit to Ghana

To our great surprise and enjoyment 7th & 8th grade students crammed into the 4th floor computer lab and through the use of state-of-the-art technologies leaped 6,151 miles to Ghana West Africa. Students on both sides of the Atlantic were enthralled with the presence of each other, thanks to the Akoma Ntoso Cultural Center in Newark, New Jersey.

Students cheered when hearing about similarities they share and made further inquiries into:
• What is a normal school day?
• Wearing uniforms?
• Doing chores
• Favorite sports teams

Thanks to PolyCom video technologies and the internet, this event proved to be very rewarding. We look forward to continuing our distance learning collaboration in Ghana. To learn more visit www.oiadaintl.org