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Maria L. Varisco-Rogers Charter School participates in National Science Teacher Association Commercial

The Maria L. Varisco-Rogers Charter School was invited to participate in the filming of a commercial for the Nation Science Teacher Association that focused on a program the school has been utilizing in their science curriculum. InqITS (Inquiry Intelligent Tutoring System) is a collection of virtual labs that allows students to control their own learning by leading inquiry based simulations through NGSS-aligned virtual labs. The program utilizes patented algorithms in their science labs. Allowing students to be assessed in real-time while they work and providing teachers with real-time reports on student performance. To assist students further, the program provides an AI virtual tutor named Rex. Rex helps students as they move through their virtual labs, providing guidance where students may need assistance to move forward. InqITS is designed to enhance student learning on critical science and learning skills.

On Tuesday, February 25, 2025, select students from grades 6 through 8 participated in the filming of the NSTA commercial promoting InqITS use in the classroom, especially with the school’s multilingual learner (ML) population.MLVR ML program is recognized by the State of NJ as a Model ESL Program servicing 166 ML students in grades K-8. In attendance for the filming was also Dr. Janice Gobert, C.E.O. and founder of InqITS as well as Co-Founder, Mr. Cameron Brett. The commercial will be shown at the National Science Teacher Convention which is being held in Philadelphia from March 26-29, 2025 and then will run for one year on the NSTA YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/user/natsciteachassoc).

Maria L. Varisco-Rogers Charter School is a K-8 public charter school located in the northward section of Newark, NJ (233 Woodside Ave.). MLVR places an emphasis on infusing technology in education through their one-to-onechromebook initiative for all students in grades K-8, STEM lab, 3D printing/coding programs, and upgraded classroom technology. Applications for enrollment can be submitted through https://mlvrcs.schoolmint.net/signin or by calling 973-481-9001 x 210.

On March 26th, 3rd and 4th grade students participated in Multiplication March Madness, showcasing their mastery of multiplication facts through friendly competition. It's important for all students to know how to multiply, and continued practice is key to strengthening these skills. Pictured is our 3rd Grade Math Teacher Mr Clarke and our 4th Grade Math Teacher Mr A Quiles with the top winners of the event.

Maria L. Varisco-Rogers Charter School recently hosted a powerful and engaging drug and vaping prevention education assembly. This event, sponsored by the Tigger Stavola Foundation (TSF), featured Timothy Shoemaker, a vetted speaker from the Foundation. Shoemaker is an acclaimed presenter who promotes drug and alcohol prevention through presentations that emphasize healthy decision making. Shoemaker delivered an engaging presentation to our 5th-8th grade students that deeply resonated with the students.




The Tigger Stavola Foundation, based in Red Bank, NJ was founded in 2013 to honor Richard Stavola, Jr., lovingly nicknamed “Tigger, who lost his life to an accidental overdose at the age of 25. The Stavola family and its foundation persevere to fight addiction, spread awareness, and save lives through drug prevention education.




Shoemaker concluded the presentation by sharing information about LED by Tigger, TSFs mobile engagement program. Kids can enroll by texting TIGGER to 43386 to receive facts in the form of videos and quizzes that empower students to make informed decisions when confronted with substances. For more information about TSF’s educational programs, please visit tiggerstavolafoundation.org. 

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