fall 2007 - Seton Hall University

“The journey to create a New Newton is off to its own great start
with a new power-sharing system, a new academic focus and
training, some new staff and, most important, new hope.”
a onetime Seton Hall assistant basketball coach, who was
also “a cop in Newark,” recalls Mitchel. Back in the early
’60s, Mitchel had been recruited to play basketball for
Seton Hall from his high school in Columbus, Ohio. His
mother’s poor health, however, had brought him home,
says Mitchel, who adds, “I actually quit school.”
Within a few days, the dejected young Mitchel was
surprised by a knock on his door. “Mr. Murphy, what are
you doing here?’” Mitchel recalls asking the man who’d
driven hundreds of miles to see him.
“I want a cup of tea,’” deadpanned the coach.
Coach Murphy got his tea, and went on to make
arrangements for Mrs. Mitchel’s care and housing near
Seton Hall. To the grateful Mitchel, he offered these words
to live by: “’Whenever you’re in a position to help somebody
in Newark, just do it.’”
A FIVE-PRONGED PROGRAM
Now, Mitchel is helping Newton help itself, and he points
to five major goals for the school: strong instruction in
leadership, a clear school mission focused on student
learning, high expectations (and accountability), effective
teaching strategies, and cultural and physical changes.
These goals translate into a critical set of standards.
Teachers must have a strong knowledge base from which
to instruct. There must be a litmus test for all decisions:
“Is this contributing to the new Newton?” The conviction
that individuals can make a difference must underscore
the effort. Teachers and administrators must not only
be competent, but also caring, able to grow in character,
and resolved to do the hard work of school improvement.
And, students must be assured of a safe, clean and
orderly environment.
What’s ahead for Newton? As Mitchel puts it, “We are
focused today on the promise of a better life for countless
young lives in Newark.”
And, speaking of an educational ideal worthy of Coach
John Murphy, he adds: “All kids need to have someone
love them irrationally.”
Bob Gilbert is a writer based in Connecticut.
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