For Your Information and Participation...

Important Notices | Save The Dates!

We ARE Listening

Knowledge is POWER!

Hope Eternal!

Check out some Vidie Idie Ooosssss!

Click Image to Access Video

(Note: The Young Lady Front and Center Right is 1 of my mentees - Ahniesse Evelyn)

Click Image to Access Video

For other videos of the Male and Female 5k Winners Go To:  http://plainfieldsportsnews.com/

Oooh What A DAY!!!

Yesterday I had the awesome opportunity to work with a team of individuals committed to changing the current perception of the Queen City. Individuals from all sectors of professional disciplines: sales, marketing, medicine, sports, education, accounting, and civics were spearheaded by visionary Darryl Clark to help organize the first ever historic walk/run for our community.

With just over 8 weeks for planning this momentous endeavor, the team pulled together their resources, contacts, expertise and energy. Meeting every Monday and follow-up conference calls on Thursday we keep our noses to the grind stone and on yesterday – in the words of James Brown – we received the BIG Payback making every minute and hour worth the exhaustive effort.

As I remarked to one of the reporters yesterday, my 3 years of service on the Board of Education may not please everyone, but NO ONE will be able to say I sat by and did nothing. I plan to be involved in many more activities such as what was witnessed yesterday during the remainder of my term. It is vitally important that we all take whatever we have, wherever we are, to improve the condition of our city and support and encourage our youth. People coming together for the exclusive benefit of community! It is poetry in motion!

Thank you to the community who came out 191 registered walkers/runners STRONG yesterday! The diversity in persons yet the singleness in purpose were extraordinary!

Let us continue the momentum!

Ciao for now!

Let's Take A Long Walk...

[Click Image to go to ONLINE Registration Site]

Plugging Away...

Good Afternoon Plainfield Community;

It’s been quite awhile since I last penned any substantial information regarding the Board of Education on this blog. Primarily it is because I have been writing the Board Brief which for all intent and purposes serves the same principle – informing the community at large.

As I’m sure you have noticed there has not been a Brief produced for the month of the September. That was purposely done given the various training Board members have undergone in September and will continue through the month of October.

I will be working on a Board Brief that will highlight the CUBE and NJSBA conferences as well as share learning as I dialog with other board members from similar districts with regard to strategic planning, programs for gifted students, community involvement and many other relevant topics. This Brief will be released in the first half of November. In the second half of December, I'll do a year-in-review and prospective review of the 2011-2012 school year.

 

I also plan to introduce the concept of “Before You Run – Navigating through community expectations and legal obligations”. This informational class/training will be for those individuals in the community who have an interest in serving as board of education members. My experience to date substantiates the need, value and benefit of providing potential candidates with an overview of what to expect, what is possible, what is probable and what is unlikely. The goal is to help candidates avoid compromising their position after they are elected. More on that in the coming months…

In the meantime, please take advantage of the following information portals now available on our District website:

 Community Information – this section highlights various events going on in the district. Organization can submit consideration for announcements to the Superintendents’ office. She will reserve the right to post the information based on relevance and support of the District’s goal regarding Community Engagement.

HIB (Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying) Reporting Page – This list the District’s policy as well as personnel serving as point-of-contact specialists.

Additionally Checkout This Week's Featured Initiatives:

• Respect Week
• Kaplan Test Prep for: PSAT, SAT and ACT
• 21st Century After School Programs

Well that is it for now -- gearing up for some Board education and training to better serve this community!

Tonight...PHS - Be There!

Mark Your Calendars!!!

Click Image to Learn More About This Awesome Event!

Least We Forget - Freedom is NOT Free!



I was in a website design training class in Pistcataway, New Jersey.  One of the students was logged onto the internet and reading the report real-time. Then the 2nd plane hit and I immediately reached for my phone to call my husband to come pick me up. This day among all days I did not drive into school.  After several failed attempts to reach my husband, the school allowed me to use their landline.

Finally, I reached him and asked him to pick-up my daughter, then 3, from daycare and come and get me.  Imagine my horror when he pulls up WITHOUT my daughter in the car! I was LIVID. During the entire ride we passed helicopter after helicopter, hovering low enough for us to see armed soldiers peering over the landscape in search of... My anxiety grew as this scene unfolded and the traffic intensified.

All I could do was pray!

A twenty-five minute drive turn into the longest one and a half hours of my life.  We reach the daycare center. I jumped out of the car and made my way to get my daughter.  If this was to be the end -- I want (NO I NEEDED) her in my arms. Relief, pure love and peace engulfed me as I held my Lovey in my arms --FINALLY; emotionally drained I walked to the car.

My story ended with the best possible outcome. Many, many others would not be as blessed. 

My heart goes out to all those who lost loved ones on this day 10 years ago. 

Peace & Love

Renata

Opportunity Is Knocking!

NOW HIRING:  (Phone Numbers WERE NOT working for some) use links

• Fed Ex : www.jobsonline.net/FedEx
• Home Depot: http://jobs.homedepot.com/search/home-depot-careers
• U.P.S:  http://upsjobs-problemsolved.com/home
• Verizon: http://www22.verizon.com/jobs/search-jobs
• Staples (800) 378-2753

CHILDCARE:

And if they need help with their childcare needs, the Boys & Girls Club on 7th St is offering a FREE after-school program for 6th grades and up starting Monday. Mon-Fri 2:45 to 8pm. (908)822-8672

Plainfield's Disaster Preparedness Plan

PLAINFIELD NEWS: HURRICANE IRENE

In preparation for the storm, effective Saturday, August 27, 2011, we are requesting all residents to temporarily refrain from parking on city streets; instead to please use their private driveways.

For temporary emergency relocation:

• Plainfield Senior Citizen Center located at 400 E. Front Street
• Emerson Elementary School located at 305 Emerson Avenue
• Washington Elementary School located at 427 Darrow Avenue

These will be the primary sites for anyone requiring assistance, at any time on Sunday, August 28, 2011. Volunteers may come to the Senior Center on Saturday starting at 9am.

Emergency Kit Contents

Key Facts about Hurricane Readiness

Keeping Food Safe During a Power Outage

Drinking Water Safety During a Power Outage

Hurricanes and Public Health Concerns

Evacuation

Shelter in Place

Seguridad en caso de huracanes

Seguridad en caso de apagones

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Contact Information

• Plainfield Command Center – Office of Emergency Management- 908-753-3112
• Plainfield Senior Citizens Center (Primary Evacuation Welcome Center) - 908-753-3506
• Office of Emergency Management- Storm Update Line (outgoing information only) -908-226-2544

Welcome Centers
Plainfield Senior Citizens Center located at 400 East Front Street
Emerson Elementary School located at 305 Emerson Avenue
Washington Elementary School located at 427 Darrow Avenue

Additional Resource Links

County of Union - First Alert Network - http://ucnj.org/hurricane-prepardness

State of New Jersey - Department of Health - http://www.state.nj.us/health

Center for Disease Control - http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/hurricanes

National Weather Service - Hurricane Center - http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/

Union County Div. of Emergency Mgmt. - http://ucnj.org/government/Public-Safety/emergency-management

All Are Welcome!

He keeps Us!

After a very difficult evening this is what I came across...fitting, fixing and freeing:

LORD, when I am criticized or judged unjustly, help me have strength to walk away and continue on with what You have given me to do. Critical, judgmental people answer to You, not me. But I am accountable to You, to hear You and to follow You. Help me do so with all my heart, regardless of what anyone else thinks about it. In Jesus' name, Amen.

To My Sistah Souljahs - Strength, Wisdom, Courage and Peace be with you!

Missing You!

Five years ago today I lost my MOMsie to Glioblastoma Multiforme. It took by family by storm, and in 4 short months we would find ourselves wifeless, motherless, sisterless, friendless, auntless and just all around devastated.

Rumor has it that it gets better, but if it does -- it hasn’t.

I know all the biblical prefaces and promises and I believe them all – but when you lose someone who was the epitome of pure love -- you cannot help but miss their presence and feel their absence.

This is my homage to a world-class friend, an awesome soul and God’s masterpiece of a mother!

Cheryl Elizabeth Smith (Ivey)

On this day and throughout the year you are missed and remembered fondly.


Love your,
Nata

P.S.: She was just as beautiful on the inside!

Today Starting at 12...

P.A.C.T.

(Police And Clergy Together)

Gun Buyback Program

TODAY!!!

12 PM to 4 PM

NO QUESTIONS ASKED!

UP to $200 in Cash for: UZis, handguns, rifles, semi-automatics and others...

Drop Off Spots:

- Shiloh Baptist Church - W. 4th Street

- Grace Episcopal Church - Cleveland Avenue

- Rose of Sharon Community Church - W. 7th Street



APP.Com | Plainfield P.A.C.T. Gun BuyBack Program

For your reading pleasure: http://beta.app.com/article/CN/20110803/NJNEWS/308030028/1401/NEWS05

Let The Dialog Begin!

Emerson Elementary School

305 Emerson Avenue; Plainfield, NJ 07062

Thursday, August 4, 2011

BBQ Style Dinner will be served at 6:00 P.M.

~ Showtime 7:00 P.M. ~

Please RSVP : Dyane Miller
908-731-4424 or dmiller@plainfield.k12.nj.us

The City At Its Finest!

What a wonderful evening! Kudos to the Mayor, FREEHOLDER Linda Carter and the City of Plainfield!

The weather was gorgeous, in fact my family and I rode our bikes over to city hall to participate in the evening's festivities. I was also able to pick-up the flyer I mentioned the other day regarding the P.A.C.T. gun buyback program. However, because I rode my bike I had to fold it -- so it's no longer scan-able...

But here is the critical information:

Gun Buyback Program

NO QUESTIONS ASKED!

UP to $200 Cash for: UZis, handguns, rifles, semi-automatics and others

August 6, 2011: 12 PM to 4 PM

Drop Off Spots:
- Shiloh Baptist Church - W. 4th Street
- Grace Episcopal Church - Cleveland Avenue
- Rose of Sharon Community Church - W. 7th Street


August 13, 2011: 12 PM to 4 PM

Drop Off Spots:
- St. Mary's Catholic Church - W. 6th Street
- Ruth Fellowship Ministries - South 2nd Street
- Mount Zion AME Church - East Front Street
- First Park Baptist Church - W. 7th Street

Unity In The Community!

JOIN US: The City of Plainfield

National Night OUT

City Hall Plaza

Tonight ~ 6:30 - 10:00 PM

Extraordinary Effort - Receives Extraordinary Support!

P.A.C.T.

Police And Clergy Together

along with the

NJ Prosecutor's Office

Sponsoring: 

Plainfield Gun Buy Back

Program

August 6th and August 13th -- There will be 7 drop off locations identified.  Please call the Plainfield Police Station for more information. 

I hope to have a copy of the flyer currently circulating to post.

That's The Idea!!!

...The weather outside is frightful,

but inside is so delightful...

and since it's toOOOO hot to go...

let the air flow.... let it flow...let it flow!

Lewis Latimer, Inventor Extraordinaire -- Nata loves ya!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

With Sympathy...

My Family and I send our heartfelt condolences to the Interim Superintendent, my sister in the Lord - Cheryl and the entire Pyles Family on the loss of a husband, brother, son and friend.

For detailed service arrangements, please log onto the district site.

Welcome Back!

A Hearty Welcome going out to our Newly Appointed Board of Ed Member...

Mrs. Keisha Edwards

Our district is at a critical juncture.  In an effort to continue the Grand School Leadership Advocacy Movement -- The Board felt it was both prudent and appropriate to appoint someone who was familiar with the process, and would require minimal time to ramp up and hit the ground running.

We look forward to doing great thing with Mrs. Edwards continued passion for children, educational experience and unwavering commitment to "Doing the RIGHT Thing!"

Welcome back --  Let's GIVE 'em PROGRESS!

Phase II

I haven’t blogged for a minute, primarily because there just hasn’t been anything pressing on my heart and/or mind to share. The other reason is I’ve begun writing the District’s Board Brief which is due out in 2 weeks. There’s only so much time in a day!

I did, however, have an extraordinary day, or should I say night – this evening. I have begun working with the Youth from the Youth Summit Council on the 2nd Phase of Peace Prosperity and Unity in Plainfield. We were graced with about 11 youth and about that many adults. We went through the data from the survey we conducted at the end of the Summit we held in April. There were some really exciting findings gleaned from the results, and we are going to use this information to springboard into our next activity. I will also be sharing some of the results with the Board and community at large over the next few months.

These youth are so dynamic! They are energized, focused and eager to turn their city around!

In addition to these wonderful youth, I also had the pleasure of meeting one of the truce initiating members who stopped by the youth summit wrap/rap up session. Something this gentleman said tonight hit me to my core; “why are we getting all this negative press for trying to turn our lives around and for working for the city.” One of the adult summit members reached out his hand to the young man and said to him that there are many more that are supportive of what they all are doing.

I really, really hope HE HEARD THAT. There are soooooooooooooooo many more of us who are supportive and encouraged by what these gentlemen are doing. Stay encouraged; the hope and motivation you are exampling is not in vain. There are so many youth looking at you and up to you, for whatever reason, you must not fail them – you MUST NOT FAIL YOURSELF!

The devil is busy – especially when someone is aiming to pick themselves up and rise! Marvel at those nipping at your heels because they are a sign that you are on the RISE!

I pray you all continue to represent Peace & Unity for Prosperity in this city. Our collective energy, commitment and teamwork will be what move this city forward and upward.

God Bless!

Note: Any negative comments will not be posted by this blogger!

A Very Proud Moment...

One of the More FINER moments in this life as a Board Member...

My Speech to the Graduating Class of 2011

Good evening esteemed class of 2011.

It is my pleasure and honor to come before you at this extraordinary time in your life. I did not know that part of my duty as President of the Board of Education included signing off on each of your diplomas.

This fact takes this occasion to a different level. This is truly personal.

My name binds me to you; we become a part of each other’s history – know I take your presence and your future seriously. I am believing in you to do great thing – many GREAT things.

Do you hear me???!!!

More than 25 years ago I stood on the opposite side of this podium, and my concerns then:

• where’s the party at?

• what shoes am I going to wear ?

• and how will I do my hair?

Fast forward to where we are today and I can tell you that never in my wildest dreams did I imagine myself here addressing you all and sending you off to what will be the beginning of the rest of your lives.

I will also tell you that today my concerns are:

• What time can I get in my bed tonight?

• Do I have some flat comfortable shoes to wear?

• But I still have to make sure my hair is tight!

I say this to say to you that very few of us, if any, knew what we were going to be or do “when we grew up”! BUT as long as you pursue continuous learning from this day on you will be prepared to exploit and capitalize on every single opportunity that comes your way!

And if I where honest and I am -- living life is in fact about being prepared for your life’s opportunities.

In closing, I want to remind you all:

• To be patient with yourself and each other,

• To show loving kindness often

• To speak the truth in love

• And to let your word be your bond.

And finally, Be safe tonight and throughout the summer and whether you are going to work or to an institution of higher learning pursue it with excellence, determination and commitment.

Now turn to the right and give your classmate a high five, and now turn to the left and extend a handshake to your classmate. You must be able to be down-to-earth and professional!

Now go forward in peace.

And when it was all said and done -- we walked off smiling...

Those CAMPBELLs are @ It Again -- The Nerve.

Join them & The Plainfield Baseball League

for an old fashion

North Carolina Chicken and Fish Fry!

• Today: 12 Noon - 6 PM - Rock Avenue Baseball Field
• Dinner or Sandwiches being sold
• Dinners include -- 2 sides and Dessert

Yum, Yum -- Come Get You SOME!

It's for a Great Cause -- Our CHILDREN!!!
I'll See YOU at the Ballpark!
Remember...ACTIONs speak louder than words!

Phew - - June is NOT just for Brides!

June is ONE BUSY Month for those in education or serving in any official capacity within the educational landscape.  From career day assemblies, to formal dances and proms, fun-filled field days and awards banquets and the culimination of Graduation ceremonies  -- Whoa -- what a month this has been.

I pray our students and faculty have a safe and enjoyable Summer!

I'm looking forward to greater days, educational gains and community partnerships.

Ciao for now!

World's Greatest Dads!

In a time where too few men honor their role as father, I want to say thank you to my Daddy who is truly the measure of a man, and my husband who has been nothing less than remarkable in life of our daughter.

Arthur Leroy and Alejo -- I thank God for you and I thank you for honoring what God has given you. Today the world celebrates the sanctity of fatherhood, but I offer you my heartfelt thanks for all you do to protect, nurture and support your family.

I love you more than words, thoughts or deeds could ever capture!

So BLESSED am I!!!

Arthur L. Smith (My Daddy)

Alejo Hernandez, Jr. (Milani's Dad)

Let The Conversation(s) BEGIN!

A Good Clean Cause...

POSTPONED Due to the WEATHER -- STAY TUNED for the RE-Do!

Dinner & Dialogue : The Series Begins

The Bar Has Been Set!

Plainfield Community You SHOWED UP and Our YOUTH FELT The LOVE!!!!

What an awesome sight to behold -- well over 300 people came out over the past two days in support of PAAAS’s Premiere production!

To the Principal, staff, students and parents of PAAAS,  I am so proud to be a part of the family!

Special Thanks to my fellow Board Members (Past and Present) who came out – much appreciated!!!

Onward and Upward!

We're off to see the Wizard...



The Wonderful Wizard of Oz




Flying Monkeys Won't Stop no Show!




Even A Leader needs some T.L.C.




Watch Out Now!




Delicate, Dainty and Dangerous...




Dance!




Stay out of trouble Son... 




Entering Emerald City




He's the WIZ!




Can You --- Feel A-- Brand New Day!




Mission Accomplished!




Everything taint always what it seems...




Gotta Get Back to Basics...




You Have to Believe in Yourself!


It was good to see all the people I saw, and very telling about those who I did NOT see at all...

But still we RISE!

Pictures are not so clear but the MEMORIES will last forEVER!