U.S. Deputy Secretary of Education Continues ARPStars Tour with Visits to Princeton and Newark to Highlight Best Pandemic Recovery Practices

By Jessel Thomas First Posted: Mar 28, 2022 08:27 PM EDT

On Tuesday and Wednesday, U.S. Deputy Secretary of Education Cindy Marten will continue the "ARPStars" tour of various states to highlight ways schools are using American Rescue Plan (ARP) investments to support K-12 students' recovery from the pandemic. Her tour will include visits to New Jersey's Princeton and Newark school districts.

(Photo: U.S. Department of Education )

Tuesday morning, Deputy Secretary Marten will visit Princeton High School to see how the school is using ARP funds to strengthen arts and mental health resources for students, as well as its professional development and coaching for educators. She will also tour a preschool classroom at Johnson Park Elementary School, participate in a roundtable discussion with district principals, and discuss tutoring and special programs that provide students learning opportunities beyond the regular school day, funded by ARP.

On Tuesday afternoon, she will travel to Newark for a discussion with Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka and leaders of Newark Public Schools, Montclair State University, and the American Federation of Teachers (AFT). Together, they will discuss a collaborative program that enables the district to strengthen its teacher pipeline by training East Side High School students for teaching careers through a dual credit program. The event also will be livestreamed by the district.

On Wednesday, Deputy Secretary Marten will continue touring Newark schools, with a visit to Oliver Street School to learn about STEM programs for young girls and to celebrate Women's History Month. She will conclude the tour by speaking to a dozen students who are currently in the district's teacher pipeline program.

These visits are part of Deputy Secretary Marten's three-day tour of multiple schools to highlight their use of ARP funds. Since President Joe Biden signed the American Rescue Plan into law one year ago, which included $130 billion to support recovery efforts at K-12 schools, more than 99% of elementary and secondary school students have returned to classrooms for in-person learning.

Each stop will end with a press gaggle. Press interested in covering each event can RSVP to Press@ed.gov.

Tour of Princeton High School

WHERE:
Princeton High School
151 Moore St.
Princeton, New Jersey

WHEN:
Tuesday, March 29, 8:30 - 9:30 a.m. ET

WHO:
U.S. Deputy Secretary of Education Cindy Marten
New Jersey Assistant Commissioner of Education Jorden Schiff
Princeton Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Carol Kelley

PRESS: If you are interested in covering this event, please email press@ed.gov.

Roundtable Discussion with Principals at Johnson Park Elementary School

WHERE:
Johnson Park Elementary School
285 Rosedale Rd.
Princeton, New Jersey

WHEN:
Tuesday, March 29, 9:45 - 11:15 a.m. ET

WHO:
U.S. Deputy Secretary of Education Cindy Marten
New Jersey Assistant Commissioner of Education Jorden Schiff
Princeton Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Carol Kelley

PRESS: If you are interested in covering this event, please email press@ed.gov.

Discussion Between District Leaders and AFT on Teacher Pipeline

WHERE:
Oliver Street School
86 Oliver St.
Newark, New Jersey

WHEN:
Tuesday, March 29, 3 - 3:45 p.m. ET

WHO:
U.S. Deputy Secretary of Education Cindy Marten
Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka
AFT Secretary-Treasurer Fedrick Ingram
Executive County Superintendent Joseph Zarra
Newark Board of Education Superintendent Roger León
Oliver Street School Principal Luis Henriques
New Jersey State Sen. M. Teresa Ruiz

PRESS: If you are interested in covering this event, please email press@ed.gov.