Newark Public Schools’ summer program registration open until May 28

Newark Public Schools’ 2014 Summer Program Guide and Application is now available online at http://www.nps.k12.nj.us/Page/1) along with busing, site location and Summer Food Services information. To ensure places in the July 7-August 15 programs, parents must register their children by May 28.

ESL and bilingual students who plan to attend the elementary and high school English Plus programs must also register by May 28. The elementary ESL school sites will be Lafayette Street, Wilson Avenue, Park, First Avenue, Mount Vernon, Dr. E. Alma Flagg, Camden Street and Quitman Street. Science Park High School is the site for ESL/bilingual high school students.

Special needs students are registered through the Special Education office. High school students should consult their guidance counselors about Credit Recovery and Accelerated programs being offered.

Among exciting new initiatives is Summer Plus, which offers a new approach to traditional summer school. This free program is open to elementary school students (kindergarten – seventh grade) and will operate academic and enrichment activities at 11 NPS sites from 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM. Programs include the opportunity for students to study scientific concepts in nature on field trips, participate in Robotics Competitions and perform in dramatic renderings based on texts read in morning academics.

Summer Plus has been developed by NPS’ curriculum experts to improve critical math and literacy skills and stem learning loss, thereby ensuring that participants are well prepared to start school in September. Students without access to constructive summer learning activities can experience more significant learning loss and Summer Plus will combine rigorous content that boosts students’ academic progress with innovative formats and engaging themes that booster attendance and participation.

Four community-based non-profits — the YMCA of Newark and Vicinity, Kids Corps, FOCUS and ASPIRA — are partnering with Newark Public Schools to implement the program.

In addition, Summer Day Camps will be available at a cost of $250 for two weeks for elementary students who do not attend Summer Plus, as well as an Extended Day Option (3 PM-6 PM) at a cost of $300 for six weeks. (Programs for Parents subsidies are available for those eligible.) Summer Sports Camps will be available for grades K-12 free-of-charge, with registration on site. Sports available include football, soccer, track, volleyball and wrestling.

Before the May 28 registration deadline, Summer Learning Nights will take place throughout the district to inform and assist parents who wish to sign up their children for summer school.

As well as logging on to the NPS website for more information on NPS summer programs, parents can enquire at their child’s school or call the NPS Call Center at 973-733-7333.