Teach NJ held a community-wide back-to-school event on August 31, the day before most children in our area officially started the 2021-22 school year. According to Maya Joyandeh, Teach NJ regional field director, the purpose of the event was to “get the community excited for back-to-school, as many schools were starting the next day.”
Teach NJ, which works to secure funding for nonpublic schools, wanted to host this event because “it is important for community members to support their schools by supporting Teach NJ,” said Joyandeh. “We thought, ‘It’s a new year, with in-person learning, so let’s have a celebration’.”
More than 500 people excitedly gathered in Votee Park for the event, which featured balloon artists, face painters, members of the Teaneck Volunteer Ambulance Corps (TVAC) showcasing their ambulance, and an hour-long performance by Dr. Schnitzel Wacky Science, which was intended to highlight Teach NJ’s success in securing government funding to bring STEM teachers to nonpublic schools. An ice cream truck rounded out the event’s offerings and was, of course, loved by all.
“People were excited and engaged. They loved the entertainment and wanted to know how they could get involved and help,” said Joyandeh.
Teach NJ Executive Director Katie Katz added, “We also had voter registration opportunities for people, and opportunities to get involved with our work. … Community involvement is so important in helping us with our work making nonpublic school education affordable for all. That’s why it’s so important to get out and vote.”
Speaking at the event, Sam Goldstein, Yavneh Academy board member and lay leader of Teach NJ, said, “Thank you, Teach NJ, for organizing this great event and thank you to all of you for attending. It is because of you and all of your support that Teach NJ has been able to advocate for nonpublic schools across New Jersey and assist in the receipt of over $135 million in state funding this year, a 48% increase since Teach NJ began its advocacy efforts.
“Teach NJ’s staff and activists lobby for state funding for nonpublic schools across a range of areas that include security, nursing, special education services, technology, and funding for the STEM program,” Goldstein continued. “The STEM program allows public school teachers to teach STEM subjects in nonpublic schools at no cost to the schools.
“Teach NJ needs the involvement of the community and your continued support. Each and every one of you can vote during elections. Every time we vote, regardless of the candidate, we make our voice heard. The louder our voice is, the bigger our seat is at the table with the local politicians. You can also donate to Teach NJ, with your money or time or both,” he concluded.
Participant Aviva Banner of Englewood said of the event, “The Teach NJ event at Votee Park was so much fun for the whole family. What I love so much about Teach NJ is how it unites people from many different New Jersey communities, all interested in the same thing—increased funding for nonpublic schools. We are so thankful to Teach NJ for all that they do!”
For more information about how you can get involved or Teach NJ’s efforts on behalf of the community, visit teachcoalition.org or email Maya Joyandeh at [email protected]
