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Dear Supporter,

The release of this year’s Newark Kids Count drew strong support from Mayor Cory Booker and Superintendent Cami Anderson, who both spoke at the event and promised to provide leadership in addressing the issues identified in the report.

While the report documents progress – fewer uninsured children, more children receiving school meals and fewer youth in detention – child poverty grew at an alarming rate and far too many children are not reading on target by 3rd grade – a critical predictor of school success.

Read the report.

Both Booker and Anderson said using data is critical in forging positive change for children and thanked ACNJ for its unbiased annual reporting of dozens of measures of child well-being.

“As Mayor, I find the information presented in the annual Newark Kids Count helpful in targeting specific problems,” Mayor Booker said.  “What ACNJ’s been doing in our city for over a century is truly incredible. The real challenge on us now is how we can use the report to transform outcomes. It is hard work. Let us create a city that ultimately exalts the greatest value, which is being there for our children, and empowering them for lifetime success.”

Anderson said knowing the “cold, hard facts” is essential to helping children succeed in school.

“I’m daunted by the child poverty numbers, but also emboldened by schools like this one and schools across the country” that, despite high concentrations of children in poverty, show high student achievement. The report was released at Branch Brook Elementary School in Newark, which has the highest 3rd grade reading proficiency in the city.

With quality principals and teachers and a “laser-like focus” on student achievement, Anderson said all city schools can be improved to give all kids a good education.

Also speaking at the event was Khaatim Sherrer El, chief of staff for the Foundation for Newark’s Future, which is administering the Facebook grant to improve education in Newark. Sherrer El promised to use the Kids Count data to inform the foundation’s investment in Newark.

And last, but not least, Branch Brook 4th graders shared their inspiring poetry with the more than 100 people who attended the event. They helped us to remember why we work each and every day to give every child the chance to grow up safe, healthy and educated.

Check out pictures of the event on our Facebook page.

Sincerely,

Cecilia Zalkind
Executive Director

 

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Advocates for Children of New Jersey
 35 Halsey Street 2nd Floor, Newark, NJ 07102
(Between Bleeker St. and Central Ave.)
973.643.3876 I Fax 973.643.9153 I www.acnj.org 
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