"You're a part of history," Superintendent
says to student cast members at premier event
NEWARK,
N.J., Oct. 2, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- On the heels
of last night's stellar premiere, the Newark Public Schools and the Newark School of
Fashion and Design released the first episode of the new reality
show, Newark Fashion Forward.
The entire first episode of the three-part series can be seen on
the following platforms:
The Newark School of Fashion and Design website home page:
https://www.nps.k12.nj.us/fashion-design/
Superintendent León was expressively proud of the school's
students after the first episode was screened by an audience of 200
people at the Newark Museum of Art last night.
"You're a part of history," Superintendent León told the 11
student cast members of Newark Fashion Forward, their
principal, Sakina Pitts, and their
teacher, Omneya Elsoufani.
Superintendent León also credited his Chief of Staff, Havier
Nazario, for developing the idea of a high school focused on the
fashion industry as a new Career Technical Education (CTE)
initiative as well as a major part of the district's redesigning of
its high schools.
"He dreamt of this high school when he was in college,"
Superintendent León said of Nazario, a former student of the
Superintendent's as well as a former teacher and principal in the
district. "You don't know how much joy he feels."
Principal Pitts said that watching Newark Fashion Forward
allowed her to see the school she leads through a "different lens"
of the students, staff, and the curriculum – powered by
Parsons School of Design – in
action.
"We cut a ribbon in September of 2021," said Principal Pitts,
referring to the school's opening. "Seeing these students and Ms.
Elsoufani as creatives and innovators, the alignment to the vision,
pressing the status quo, just has been a really overwhelming
experience."
Board of Education President Hasani K.
Council attended the premiere as did Co-Vice Presidents
Allison K. James-Frison and Vereliz
Santana.
"I am incredibly proud of the students, staff, and everyone
involved in the successful launch of Newark Fashion
Forward," said President Council. "This innovative show is a
remarkable way to showcase the extraordinary talent of our
students, the expertise that exists among the school's faculty,
and, most importantly, the wonderful opportunities we offer to
Newark students who aspire to
pursue a career in fashion and design. Newark Fashion
Forward highlights the power of creativity and collaboration,
demonstrating what's possible when we invest in our students'
dreams and futures. Congratulations to all who made this project a
reality."
The district commissioned The Palette Group to shoot and edit
the unscripted series. The second episode is scheduled to be
released on October 15th,
and the third on October
29th.
About Newark Public
Schools
The Newark Public
Schools is the largest school district in New Jersey and dates back to 1676. The
District currently enrolls over 39,000 students in 64
schools. After more than two decades of state operation and
upon return to local control in 2018, the District has opened ten
new schools under Superintendent León's leadership with an
additional portfolio of new options to be announced in the coming
months and years. The Newark Board
of Education serves as a beacon of educational excellence,
dedicated to nurturing the potential of every student. With a
commitment to innovation, inclusivity, and fostering a love for
learning, the District continues to shape future generations and
make a positive impact within the community.
Contact:
Paul Brubaker
973-803-6983
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SOURCE Newark Board of
Education