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Linkers shine in Black History Month performance

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Following tradition, Link concluded Black History Month with wonderful performance by many very talented Linkers last Friday evening. The program was not only a tribute to this special month which highlighted the accomplishments of Blacks throughout history, but also to the grandparents who paved the way for the younger generations.

Link’s production this year featured three 7th grade students acting out Act 1, Scene 1 of A Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry and as directed by Ms. Claire Snyder, 7th grade literature teacher.. All 7th graders studied this play in the fall, designing and creating a set as one of the several projects associated with the book. The set was used in the evening’s production.

The show also included the play, Decisions, by an unknown author and adapted by Mrs. Sahirah Johnson, Link’s performing arts teacher. The play centers on a grandmother doing her best to raise a teenager amid concerns about gangs and bad influences. During the play there were interludes of song, dance and a video of Link students and staff, produced by Mr. Bernard Clarke, Link’s 7th grade composition teacher, sharing stories and feelings about their grandparents.

As a bonus, student art was on exhibit during the evening. The display included works that were inspired by African American artists, included Jacob Lawrence, Dawn Otoro, Faith Ringold, Dion Pollard and others. The art show was arranged by Mrs. Keva Berutti, Link’s art teacher. What an awesome display!

 

Link’s head of school speaks on school choice

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Maria Pilar Paradiso, Link’s head of school, is featured on a video produced by the Newark Charter School Fund (NCSF) in celebration of the 5th annual National School Choice Week, which is being observed the week of January 26th. Created by a diverse group of individuals, educators, schools and other organizations – nonpartisan and nonpolitical – throughout the United States, the week is to provide awareness of the need for effective educational options for all children. Participants in National School Choice, such as NCSF, are encouraged to make the public aware of the option they represent. In that vein, NCSF’s video focuses on charter schools in Newark as an excellent option for high quality education in the city. Here’s the NCSF video; Mrs. Paradiso begins to speak at 1:03.

 

Enrollment Lottery: Tuesday, January 13

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Link will hold its first enrollment lottery for students entering grade 5 through 8 in the 2015-2016 school year on Tuesday, January 13 at 5 pm at the school. There is still time to get your child’s enrollment  application in for the lottery. You can find the application on the Enrollment Process page of this website or obtain one at the school during normal school hours.  Note: Link runs its own lottery; the school does not currently  participate in OneNewarkEnrolls.

A Taste of Newark raises funds for Link

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Friends, staff and families of Link gathered at NJPAC for a really exciting evening on November 19th – the 17th annual A Taste of Newark, a benefit for Link Community Charter School, hosted by Link Education Partners. Guests sampled delicious food from restaurants in and around Newark, bid on a terrific array of auction items which were donated by the school’s supporters and were treated to some great student performances.

This years’ event was a celebration of the school’s growth and the opportunity to honor Novartis, for their steadfast support for over twenty years. Link expanded from a two-year school (7th and 8th grades) by adding 5th grade this year. Next year, the school will include 6th grade too. This will double the size of the school, which means preparing additional classroom space, purchasing more furniture and supplies and, most importantly, hiring a cohort of 6th grade teachers.

Mr. Joe Vissagio, executive director of Novartis Patient Assistance and Philanthropy accepted a gift from Link for Novartis in gratitude for the partnership in education – particularly in science education- that the global pharmaceutical company has maintained with Link for over two decades. Novartis funded the state-of-the-art science lab in our current facility, provided funding for unique educational experiences including the The Island School, Bahamas expedition and field trips to Liberty Science Center, The Franklin Institute, and the Bodies Exhibit. Novartis also provides mentoring opportunities for Link students. In his acceptance, Mr. Vissagio stated that Novartis was proud of the long standing relationship between Link and Novartis, working together to educate students and to inspire them to consider a career in science.

Link Education Partners, the evening’s host, is the organization that raises funds for Link Community Charter School. This is the largest fundraiser of the year, and the proceeds go toward helping the school close the gap between public funding and the actual cost of educating a child. Charter schools receive significantly less than district schools, so donor dollars are really important, particularly for providing supplemental programming for students that enhance their basic education, as well as for the facility in which the school resides. At Link private funding is especially critical as the school is committed to providing a summer academy, electives, outdoor adventure education, and countless special programs that broaden students’ horizons. To learn more about the event,  click here.

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