The Digital Paw Print

By Superintendent David Lewis

I can’t believe that the end of the school year is already upon us. Where has the year gone? The month of May brings hints of summer, as well as many opportunities to celebrate our students. There are many activities taking place throughout the district this month. Be sure to get out and join us in celebrating our students at athletic contests, concerts, graduations, field days, and other building specific activities. Our students have worked hard this year and deserve to have some fun and showcase their talents.

Beginning in January, I made it a goal to spend a full day in each of our schools. I would like to thank all district staff and students for making me feel welcomed during my visits. It was refreshing to see all of the wonderful things taking place within our schools. I enjoyed getting to know everyone a little bit better, and each building had their own little twist to my visit. I can honestly say that I slept well each night after one of my visits. These visits reinforced my belief that we have great staff and students in Newark City Schools.

There is a lot to be proud of in Newark City Schools. We hope everyone enjoys these final days of the school year and has a fabulous summer.

Garnished with personal touches that breathe life into the former State Farm building, Newark City Schools’ newest property is preparing for its debut this fall for preschoolers following NCS Digital’s opening in January.

The 325,000-square-foot structure at 1440 Granville Road was purchased in 2021 for $2.2 million in ESSER funds — federal grant dollars that were provided to schools after COVID. Federal funds have also been used for building renovations.

The building has been used for a variety of purposes during the past three years.

NCS Digital’s 350-plus students and staff members appreciate the state-of-the-art classrooms and common spaces that are both attractive and user-friendly.

“We love it,” said NCS Digital Principal Angie Adkins. “The space is set up in a way that better suits what our kids need, what the staff need.”

Teachers previously lacked individual space in the school’s former facility on Woods Avenue. Now, each of the five classrooms in the new building is flanked by private offices.

“Each teacher has their own individual little office that they're able to teach in, and it has made a world of difference for them and for our students,” Adkins said. “So we now have space for all of our teachers to have their own individualized space.”

With bright lighting, an open feel and colorful accents, the space is one that students, parents and teachers can be proud of — and that goes a long way in the learning process, Adkins said.

“The students walk in and see it, and they're amazed at how much space there is. And they feel important. They feel more valued. It's a brand new space,” she said.

The bulk of work being done currently is preparation of Little Learners Preschool, which is set to open in time for the beginning of the 2024-2025 school year.

Thanks to the thoughts, dreams and special touches from Newark City Schools officials and Legat Architects, the space has been transformed from cubicles and offices to a bright, open, color- and texture-filled space designed to be appreciated by Newark’s youngest learners (and their teachers).

Windows that were formerly at eye level for grownups were extended down for little eyes to enjoy the view, and panels of varying colors and textures add interest to the walls.

Perhaps one of the biggest highlights is the added courtyard, which draws in light and creates a safe playspace for children — even on cold winter days.

“It really creates its own climate in there in the wintertime, because there's all this nice sun that comes into there, but there's no wind. And it's really a fun space,” facility manager Bill Franke said. “Even on a cold winter day, if there's a bright, sunny day, it feels really nice out there.”

Each of the twelve classrooms is equipped with the standard cubbies for storage, an electronic interactive board and a bathroom shared with an adjacent class.

With well thought-out spaces — sensory rooms, ample storage, a “family” room for occupational and physical therapy and various other special-purpose spots — the space is specially tailored to meet the needs of its users for many years to come.

Students in Newark High School's Art Club are currently working on a mural featuring "The Game of Life" on a wall in NHS' Workforce Development Center.

The student who led the mural's design, senior Jaylonda Smith-Dejesus, said that she's been wanting to do a mural since freshman year, and she's excited to work on something inside the school. She said the Workforce Development Coordinator Lori Mye had the idea for the mural's theme.

When completed, the mural will be fully interactive.

Other students working on the mural include: Juniors Julia Fitterer and Addy Tracy; sophomore Ashton Morrison; and freshmen Ben Barcus and Taylor Smitley.

Art teacher Kathy Lorenz serves as the art club's advisor.

The Summer Food Service Program will run from June 3 through August 9.

Food will be served from 11:30 to 12:30 at the following locations: Alive Vineyard, Buckeye Lake Recreation Center, Carson Elementary, Coble Park (Little Texas), The Salvation Army and The Village Network.

Food will be served from noon to 12:30 p.m. at the Rockin' Cool Freedom School, and from noon to 1 p.m. at the Fountain @ Buckingham and Newark Townhomes.

Email: contactnewark@newarkcityschools.org
Website: www.newarkcityschools.org
Location: 621 Mount Vernon Road, Newark, OH, USA
Phone: 740-670-7000
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NewarkCitySchools
Twitter/X: @Newark_Schools