RIGHT AT HOME 

New Brunswick’s own Jordan Cunningham – currently a senior at New Brunswick Health Sciences Technology High School – is an accomplished dancer who’ll perform with the American Repertory Ballet on December 17 (7 p.m.) at the city’s State Theater (15 Livingston Avenue). 

Cunningham will play the title role of “Clara” in the holiday classic The Nutcracker. 

“Dancing as Clara is one of the most memorable things I’ve ever done – and performing in my home city makes it even more incredible,” Cunningham says. “My heart is just full of gratitude.”

As a third grader, Cunningham earned a DANCE POWER scholarship to attend the American Repertory Ballet’s official school, Princeton Ballet School. 

“I’m incredibly proud of Jordan and everything she’s accomplished,” says Jeremiah Clifford, the dancer’s principal at New Brunswick Health Sciences Technology High School. “And what makes this even more special is that I was also Jordan’s principal when she was a kindergarten student at Woodrow Wilson Elementary School. So, it’s particularly enjoyable seeing her continued success.”  

About New Brunswick Public Schools 
The New Brunswick, NJ public school district consists of two high schools (New Brunswick High School and Health Sciences Technology High School), a middle school (New Brunswick Middle School) and nine elementary schools (Lincoln, Lincoln Annex, Livingston, Lord Stirling, McKinley, Redshaw, Roosevelt, Paul Robeson Community School for the Arts, and Woodrow Wilson schools). A comprehensive educational program for students in pre-kindergarten through twelfth grade serves a student population of more than 10,000. New Brunswick Public Schools participates in the P-TECH (Pathways in Technology Early College High School) public-private partnership, which provides select students an opportunity to simultaneously earn both a high school diploma and an associate degree in Engineering or an Engineering-related field.

The 2022 edition of the annual New Jersey Schools Public Relations Association (NJSPRA) School Communication Awards resulted in New Brunswick Public Schools receiving recognition in multiple categories. Specifically, the district placed second in the marketing, branding, and image category, and third in social media. 

Marketing, branding, and image is a direct extension of the district’s motto, “To Prepare, Empower, and Inspire Lifelong Learners and Leaders.” Included in this effort is graphic content, apparel items, and strategic communication outreach. 

The district’s comprehensive social media program utilizes a strategic focus in providing information to its more than 8,000 followers – who include students, parents, teachers, faculty, staff, and community members. Posts consist of information on school district events, motivational quotes, engaging questions, and much more. 

“We certainly appreciate this recognition, since it acknowledges we’re succeeding at something we consider essential,” explains Dr. Aubrey Johnson, superintendent of New Brunswick Public Schools. “Our district’s ongoing communication program – which includes social media, branding, and multiple other efforts – is at the heart of our sharing of information with students, their families, and the community as a whole. We’re committed to transparency, and to cultivating a broad understanding of the educational process.” 

For this 2022 competition, the NJSPRA received a total of 87 entries.

About New Brunswick Public Schools 
The New Brunswick, NJ public school district consists of two high schools (New Brunswick High School and Health Sciences Technology High School), a middle school (New Brunswick Middle School) and nine elementary schools (Lincoln, Lincoln Annex, Livingston, Lord Stirling, McKinley, Redshaw, Roosevelt, Paul Robeson Community School for the Arts, and Woodrow Wilson schools). A comprehensive educational program for students in pre-kindergarten through twelfth grade serves a student population of more than 10,000. New Brunswick Public Schools participates in the P-TECH (Pathways in Technology Early College High School) public-private partnership, which provides select students an opportunity to simultaneously earn both a high school diploma and an associate degree in Engineering or an Engineering-related field.

Prestigious, national award to New Brunswick Public Schools

Social media program recognized by National School Public Relations Association

A prestigious, 2022 Publications and Digital Media Excellence Award – recognizing outstanding achievement in the “social media” category – has been awarded to New Brunswick Public Schools. The presenting agency is the Maryland-based National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA).

The school district entered the nationwide, annual National School Communication Awards competition in March, and was informed in June of having been selected. The submission emphasized the consistent flow of information from the district, the variety of special, ongoing features – including Motivation Monday, NBPS Asks, and a broad range of holiday posts – as well as the district’s commitment to sharing essential information from other local organizations.

“Social media has evolved over time into an extremely effective tool for keeping students, faculty and staff, families, and the at-large community updated on developments within our schools,” explains the district’s Assistant Business Administrator of Operations, Dorenia Villalona. “Realizing this, we’ve committed time and effort to ensuring our Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter feeds are an essential resource for everyone with an interest in our district. We’re delighted with this recognition, which we view as acknowledgement that we’ve been successful in reaching those we need to communicate with online.”

In the social media category, the NSPRA honored a total of 13 school districts across the U.S. for “Excellence,” the highest level of achievement. New Brunswick Public Schools was the lone New Jersey district so recognized.

Later this month, Assistant Business Administrator of Operations Dorenia Villalona and Digital Branding and Communications Specialist Jisette Duran will represent New Brunswick Public Schools in Chicago at a celebratory luncheon, during which National School Communication Awards will be presented.

About New Brunswick Public Schools 
The New Brunswick, NJ public school district consists of two high schools (New Brunswick High School and Health Sciences Technology High School), a middle school (New Brunswick Middle School) and nine elementary schools (Lincoln, Lincoln Annex, Livingston, Lord Stirling, McKinley, Redshaw, Roosevelt, Paul Robeson Community School for the Arts, and Woodrow Wilson schools). A comprehensive educational program for students in pre-kindergarten through twelfth grade serves a student population of more than 10,000. New Brunswick Public Schools participates in the P-TECH (Pathways in Technology Early College High School) public-private partnership, which provides select students an opportunity to simultaneously earn both a high school diploma and an associate degree in Engineering or an Engineering-related field.