NEWARK, NJ, April 15, 2016 – On Saturday, April 16, 2016, 10am-2pm the community is invited to attend “A Day in the Life of a Community School” a free community event hosted by South Ward Community Schools Initiative, the Newark Public Schools and the City of Newark at Belmont Runyon School, One Belmont Runyon Way, Newark, NJ 07108. The event will have an address by Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka, breakfast and lunch, workshops based on the resources community schools provide, and the opportunity for residents, parents and students to contribute to the vision of each South Ward Community School. South Ward Community Schools are beginning community planning in anticipation of the fall 2016 school year. This process is more than just asking for feedback from the community. Continued action is required. Parents, students, residents and community partners that want to participate in planning should text “UNITY” to 862-256-2500 for more information. Malkia King, South Ward Community Schools, community organizer can be reached at 973-306-4308.

1. Media Advisory
Media Contact:
Newark Public Schools
City of Newark
South Ward Community Schools Initiative, Newark Public Schools and The City of
Newark Host “A Day in the Life of a Community School” on Sat., April 16 at Belmont
Runyon School
The free event will provide the community an opportunity to experience community school life
and to contribute to the vision of the five South Ward Community Schools
NEWARK, NJ, April 15, 2016 – On Saturday, April 16, 2016, 10am-2pm the community is
invited to attend “A Day in the Life of a Community School” a free community event hosted by
South Ward Community Schools Initiative, the Newark Public Schools and the City of Newark at
Belmont Runyon School, One Belmont Runyon Way, Newark, NJ 07108. The event will have
an address by Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka, breakfast and lunch, workshops based on the
resources community schools provide, and the opportunity for residents, parents and students
to contribute to the vision of each South Ward Community School. South Ward Community
Schools are beginning community planning in anticipation of the fall 2016 school year. This
process is more than just asking for feedback from the community. Continued action is
required. Parents, students, residents and community partners that want to participate in
planning should text “UNITY” to 862-256-2500 for more information. Malkia King, South Ward
Community Schools, community organizer can be reached at 973-306-4308.
WHO:
Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka remarks – 1pm
MC, Antoinette Baskerville-Richardson, Newark Public Schools Advisory Board
Member
Moderated panel – 10am – 11am
Jane Quinn, Children’s Aid Society
Erskine Glover, Principal Quitman Street School
Dr. Edward Fergus, New York University
Carolota Tagoe, Parent
Teacher from NYC community school or Representative from the AFT
Kaleena Berryman, Abbott Leadership Institute (Moderator)
Workshops – 11am – 12:30pm
Health, Newark Department of Health and Community Wellness
Financial literacy, Urban League of Essex County
Employment and Training, Newark Workforce Development Board
Parent advocacy/leadership training, Abbott Leadership Institute
Music and Art, Ucyphe

2. Visual and Performing Arts, Yendor Productions
Yoga, Pawa Wise
Nutritional eating, Newark Beth Israel
Domestic/Intimate Partners Abuse/ Healthy Relationships
Coach Tina Lane
Child mentoring, Newark Gals Inc.
WHEN: Saturday, April 16, 2016
WHERE: Belmont Runyon School, 1 Belmont Runyon Way, Newark, NJ 07108
Free parking is available on the street
WHY: South Ward Community Schools are beginning community planning in
anticipation of the fall 2016 school year. This process is more than asking for
feedback from the community. Continued action is required. Community schools
succeed when there is partnership and input from parents, families, students,
and residents all along the way. Community schools transform schools when
there is intentional participation and collaboration from school and community
leaders, educators, community partners, students, families, and residents to
remove barriers to learning and address the needs of the whole child.
About South Ward Community Schools
South Ward Community Schools are Newark Public Schools that unite educators, families, and
community partners to be responsible for five schools: Louise A. Spencer; Belmont Runyon;
B.R.I.C.K. Avon Academy; B.R.I.C.K. Peshine Academy; and Malcolm X. Shabazz. Community
schools transform schools by focusing on the results that happen when there is intentional
participation and collaboration from school and community leaders, educators, community
partners, students, families, and residents. Each community school has high academic
expectations of kids. South Ward Community Schools will provide the extra supports and
programs all along the way to address the basic physical, mental, and health needs of young
people. The vision and mission of each community school will be shaped by the voices of
families, students, and residents so that each school authentically reflects the specific needs of
its local community. Parents, residents, students and school administrators at each school will
also determine how to budget and allocate resources to support their stated vision. South
Ward Community Schools are beginning community planning in anticipation of the fall 2016
school year. This process is more than asking for feedback from the community. Continued
action is required. Community schools succeed when there is partnership and input from
parents, families, students, and residents all along the way. For more information, text “UNITY”
to 862-256-2500.
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