Newark students return to school with extended day, more time for lunch
NEWARK, New Jersey (WABC) -- Class is back in session for New Jersey's largest school district and this year, students will be spending more time in the classroom in Newark.
All 40,000 Newark Public School students will have more time for instruction and tutoring because of the new schedule.
Newark elementary schools will now start at 8:15 a.m. and end at 3:05 p.m.
This is 20 minutes more than last year for elementary students who used to start at 8:25 a.m. and end at 2:55 p.m.
High school students will spend 25 minutes more each day in school.
The new schedule provides more instruction time and an extra 30 hours of tutoring time per year for students.
It also gives students a lunch period equivalent to a class period.
Parents that Eyewitness News spoke with are all for it while administrators are hoping to build on improving test scores.
Franklin Elementary School saw a 5% increase in state math proficiency, and ELA proficiency went up 3.7%.
The changes were born out of a new agreement between the district and teachers' union to guarantee a 45-minute lunch break and more transition time between periods.
The union has reportedly said in the past that teachers would have to skip lunch or squeeze in a snack sometimes.
Newark Public Schools are entering the fifth year of a 10-year strategy to transform the school system.
Superintendent of Schools Roger Leon touted the $169 million the class of 2024 collectively received in college scholarships.
ALSO READ: Stray kitten rescued from storm drain in Staten Island
----------
* Get Eyewitness News Delivered
* Download the abc7NY app for breaking news alerts
Submit a tip or story idea to Eyewitness News
Have a breaking news tip or an idea for a story we should cover? Send it to Eyewitness News using the form below. If attaching a video or photo, terms of use apply.
