Welcome to the 2010-2011 school year, and welcome to our incoming freshmen - the Class of 2014!

As always, I am excited about the prospects for the 2010-2011 school year. Newark Tech is a school that is certainly “on the move” as evidenced in part by our NJ State Standardized Assessment scores (HSPA), which rank us amongst the highest performing urban high schools not only in the State of New Jersey but the entire U.S.A!

The bar continues to be raised each year relative to the performance of our students at the 11th grade level on the High School Proficiency Assessment (HSPA). 

Last year’s junior’s (our current seniors) achieved the following on the HSPA:
Language Arts – 93% proficient
Math – 83% proficient

Last year’s seniors graduated having passed the HSPA as follows:
Language Arts – 100% proficient
Math – 88% proficient

I am certain that for the current seniors who will be retaking the HSPA in October, we will surpass the accomplishment of last year’s seniors!
 

Newark Tech continues to soar higher and higher which is why I typically refer to us as the “Mighty Newark Tech.” For the 2010-2011 school year, I am expecting even bigger things to occur. By the school continuing to soar, the translation is that each individual student is soaring with it.

As we transition into the new school year, each individual class is on its own separate mission as follows:

Seniors - This is your last year. Each of you must be focused on having your strongest year ever in an effort to raise your GPA's to the highest possible average. You must also focus on improvement on your SAT's, acceptance into college, attainment of scholarships and the pursuit of careers.

Juniors - This is HSPA year! Although your education is not necessarily defined by the results of a standardized assessment, you are expected to pass both sections nevertheless. To ensure that you are successful, maximum effort will placed on preparation which will include mandatory attendance at our HSPA Academy. The goal is that we achieve 100% proficiency on the HSPA in Language Arts and Math! You will also be expected to begin the college and/or career exploration process which will include taking the SAT's in the spring.

Sophomores - You now have one year under your belts and now have a better handle on the high school experience. You must now "step up your game" as you have one year before you reach that crucial junior year. You must also work on correcting whatever mistakes you may have made in your freshman year which will include working diligently to raise your GPA's.

Freshmen - You are embarking on a new journey - your high school years. You MUST start off strong. You must strive to achieve a 4.0 (straight A's) in your first marking period and beyond. You must not allow yourselves to start off in a hole. I anticipate and expect that you will soar as a freshman class at the Mighty Newark Tech!

To the parents, in order for all of the above to become our reality, your involvement and engagement are imperative. Your children need and require your maximum involvement in their educational journey. Research says that when parents are involved, children perform better. I therefore encourage each of you to make your child’s academic success at the Mighty Newark Tech your number one priority.

To the entire Mighty Newark Tech student body, I wish you an extraordinary school year. I am confident that we will continue to make history. Set BIG goals and stay focused on achieving them. Be sure to write plans of action for achieving your goals and stay rooted in your purpose with a vision for success. As long as you maintain your focus, victory will be yours.

Principal Kafele