NICE TO BE RECOGNIZED – For the second consecutive year, New Brunswick Public Schools has earned recognition for its communication and information-sharing programs through the National Schools Public Relations Association (NSPRA) School Communication Awards.

The district’s social media program, an in-house video production, and an informational article each were acknowledged for the 2022-’23 school year by the Maryland-based NSPRA, which was founded in 1935 and has more than 30 chapters across the U.S. Of note, in the three categories for which New Brunswick Public Schools was recognized, only two other New Jersey school districts received awards.

“Our district is strongly committed to effectively communicating with all our students, faculty, staff, parents, families, and at-large community partners,” says Dr. Aubrey Johnson, superintendent, New Brunswick Public Schools. “Participating in the National School Public Relations Association’s prestigious, annual competition is an excellent way for us to monitor the consistent quality of our efforts.” 

The school district’s awards are being presented at the NSPRA’s gala, currently underway in St. Louis.

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 (Blanquita B. Valenti Community School, Lincoln, Livingston, Lord Stirling, McKinley, Redshaw, Roosevelt, Paul Robeson Community School for the Arts, and Woodrow Wilson). 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.

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.