The Newark Teachers Union expressed appreciation for the pandemic-era work of its educators and support staff by sponsoring a district-wide pizza party March 9-11.
More than 1,000 pizzas from neighborhood pizzerias were delivered to Newark’s public schools, among them the Ann Street Annex (above), during staff lunch hours over the course of the three-day celebration.
“The members were all very excited — not just by the pizza, but by the reminder that things are finally getting closer to normal,” says NTU President John M. Abeigon. “The desk shields are gone! In a few weeks, mandatory masks will hopefully be joining them — it all depends on the COVID.”
As AFTNJ President Donna M. Chiera noted days before the first slice was served, “As we slowly return to normal in our state and in our public schools, we need to take a moment to acknowledge and thank all educators and staff who had direct contact with students during the pandemic. No one loves Newark more than NTU President Abeigon, and throwing a pizza party for his members reflects that passion for the city — and it ranks right up there as a quintessential New Jersey gesture of appreciation.”