Dr. Jay B. Teston, principal of Paint Branch Elementary School on Pierce Avenue, said he believes in education with an international emphasis. In his fourth year as principal of Paint Branch, Teston is working to expand his students' knowledge of the global community. In 2008, Paint Branch partnered with the University of Maryland's Confucius Institute. The partnership sought to promote the teaching and learning of the Chinese language and culture. As part of the partnership, the institute sponsored a full-time Chinese language teacher and assisted the school in taking about 50 students and chaperones to China in March. Teston has made partnerships an integral part of the school's growth."We have two major initiatives coming this school year, both with the University of Maryland," Teston said. "One is in the area of international education with the university's College of Education. And we still have a partnership with the Confucius Institute. We would like to go deeper into our projects involving Chinese language and culture."

"I made the right decision in choosing Newsome Park Elem. School. I can see how my 2 kids transformed into a brighter and futuristic kid. I am amazed with all the things they have learned in school. Newsome Park is a good foundation, it has a quality teacher-students and teacher-parents relationship. All the staff, most specially to the Principal, Dr. Jay Teston, are very approachable and helpful to all the students. I am very proud to be a family of Newsome Park Elementary School." By Mrs. A. Florendo