New Day Charter High School now Accepting Registrations

The New Day Charter High School is a tuition-free public school in Newark scheduled to open in September 2012  with 100 students in grades 9 through 12.
 
Student registrations are accepted by appointment at 284 Broadway, Newark, during business hours.  Interested students and their families should call Phil DeFalco at 973-482-8411 to schedule an appointment. To register, students must bring proof of guardianship, and any three proofs of Newark residence (mortgage/tax statements, lease agreement, driver’s license and/or utility bill). Applications may be downloaded at the school’s website, NewDayCharter.org.

 The mission of the New Day Charter High School is to provide rigorous academic and social opportunities to prepare students to achieve success in post-secondary education and the workplace. Using an integrated, project-based 21st Century Skills curriculum that is aligned with the New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards, the focus will be for students to develop healthy lifestyle skills to achieve personal responsibility and wellness. Infused throughout the curriculum will be developmentally appropriate strategies to prevent many destructive behaviors and attitudes that are harmful to young people, including underage drinking, drug abuse, tobacco use, risky and impaired driving, bullying, teen violence and obesity.
 
“We feel there is a very great need in our high schools for a place where young people are supported, encouraged and instructed in making good decisions regarding their physical and mental well-being. This school will be small and will be staffed with professionals who know and care about each and every one of the students who come through our doors,” said Marc Wurgaft, president of the Board of Trustees.
 
The Board of Trustees has hired Raymond J. Ankrum, Sr. Ed.M. as the Director of the New Day Charter High School. “I’m excited to be working on such an ambitious mission,” said Mr. Ankrum. “Our rigorous educational program is geared to prepare our students for whatever their next step is—college, the workplace, the military, etc.—and it will prepare them for living a healthy lifestyle. We’ll address destructive teen behaviors head-on, on a consistent basis as part of our curriculum, so students have the information they need to make good decisions.”
 
Ankrum received a B.A. in African-American History, and a Master of Professional Studies from Stony Brook University.  Mr. Ankrum has also received his Master of Arts in Teaching from Morgan State University, as well an Ed.M. in Educational Administration from Teachers College, Columbia University.  Previously to joining New Day, he was Dean of Students and Families at Democracy Prep Public Charter School in Harlem, and Principal of Harlem Village Academy. He is currently working on his doctoral degree at Northeastern University in Boston.
 
Ankrum is currently in the process of hiring his staff for New Day and is working closely with the Board of Trustees to finalize the school’s location.
 
Information on the New Day Charter High School is available at www.NewDayCharter.org, by calling 973-482-8411 or emailing ndchsdirector@gmail.com.