Dear School Community,

I am Kenya Moncur, the new principal of MLK Middle School, and I am honored to share a bit about my journey and invite you to an important upcoming event. With over 28 years of experience in education, I am dedicated to fostering academic excellence, championing equity, and nurturing the holistic development of our students. I began my career as a math teacher, then served as a math coach, math supervisor, vice principal, and principal in Essex and Union counties. I also served as the Head Wrestling Coach and GED coordinator in Newark and Linden. My passion for teaching and student success in both academics and sports, with a focus on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math), is what motivates me daily. With a Bachelor of Arts degree in K-8 Education and a Master's degree in Middle School Mathematics, I pursued an Educational Specialist Degree in Administrative Leadership, preparing me for future leadership roles.

Throughout my career, I have held various leadership positions, from district-level curriculum supervisor to building-level administrator and principal. In each role, I have strived to foster collaboration and drive positive change within educational institutions. My tenure as the GED program coordinator in both the Newark Public Schools district and the Linden School District underscored my commitment to providing educational opportunities for learners of all backgrounds, from K-12 and beyond. My impact extends beyond the classroom as I actively engage in community service and advocacy for underserved populations and communities. I remain steadfast in my pursuit of excellence, driven by my unwavering passion for education and service learning.

Beyond my professional responsibilities, I find fulfillment in my role as a husband and devoted father. I embody the values of education, compassion, and community engagement. From my humble beginnings as a mathematics teacher in the Newark Public School District to my current role as principal of MLK School in Asbury Park, my journey exemplifies resilience, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to equity, diversity, and shared leadership excellence. As I continue to inspire others and shape the future of education and society, I aim to stand as a beacon of hope and empowerment for generations to come.

I am inviting you to join me for our first middle school town-hall hybrid style meeting on September 4th, 2024. The meeting will take place from 3:30 PM to 4:30 PM. You can join virtually via Zoom using the link provided below, or you can join us in person in the media center, where light refreshments will be served.

Join the meeting link.

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82026120375

Meeting ID 820 2612 0375 

Agenda topics will include chronic absenteeism, uniforms, student dress codes, and codes of conduct. According to a PEW Research poll released in June 2024, 72% of grade 6-12 teachers say that students being distracted by cell phones is a major problem in the classroom that disrupts quality teaching and learning, preventing students' academic growth and achievement. As a result, we will implement a zero-tolerance policy regarding cellular phones. The goal is to prevent cell phones from disrupting teaching and learning, so we will require students to securely store their cell phones during the school day. I understand this may pose an inconvenience for some, but the decision was made to preserve the safety and well-being of everyone in the community. We will discuss this further at the town-hall meeting, along with student behaviors that disrupt teaching and learning.

Other issues we will discuss are outlined below:

Attendance: Attendance is mandatory! Students who are not present will be marked absent for the day. We must be serious about attendance.

Uniforms: Uniforms are optional; we encourage a proper dress code. See the handbook for details.

Chromebooks: All scholars are instructed to return their Chromebooks to school to prepare for high-stakes testing if they have not done so already.

As always, I appreciate your partnership in ensuring that our children are safe and well-supported—academically, socially, and emotionally.

Sincerely,

Kenya Moncur
Principal