“The District growth is significant this year,” stated Board of Education President Dr. Nader J. Sayegh. There is an 8% growth since the 2006 cohort which increased 4% in 2007 and remained level at 72% for cohorts 2008 and 2009. Dr. Sayegh noted, “the data confirms our administrators and teachers are implementing strategies that are working.”

The pattern of high percentage gains for on-time graduates is validated when comparing the Cohort 2010 – Class of 2014 to the Cohort 2009 – Class 2013:

o Female graduates + 4% to 80%

o Male Graduates + 3% to 72%

o Black or African American Graduates + 3% to 67%

o Hispanic or Latino Graduates + 3% to 76%

o Asian or Pacific Islander Graduates + 6% to 93%

o White + 1% to 80%

o Students with Disabilities + 9% to 48%

The Aspirational Performance Measure (APM) increased from 9.7% to 14.8%. “While much work remains to be done, the significant 5.1% increase in the number of students who met this demanding demonstration of College and Career Readiness shows we are moving in the right direction,” stated Dr. Michael Yazurlo, Superintendent of Schools.

“I’m confident that there is a connection between the gains in the graduation rates and APM and our emphasis with administrators and teachers engagement with student achievement data,” according to Superintendent Yazurlo. “Administrators will continue to analyze subgroup data to design additional strategies for improving outcomes for all students.”

The post Yonkers Public Schools Graduation Rate Increases 4% appeared first on Yonkers Tribune.

Brenda Brown took the lead in making a bold decision in cutting off her beautiful blond locks for a short bob. The Cosmetology Program did a wonderful job in ensuring all the adults that they would get the ultimate spa treatment by even handing out cookies during their process.

The Saunders Trades and Technical High School
 Cosmetology Program is a three-year program designed to
teach the student all the requirements necessary to take
both the written and practical exam at the end of the third
year. In addition, a Co-Op program has been added to the
12th grade curriculum to give students a hands-on
experience. Cerebral Palsy of Westchester Grace Gerety
 was all smiles, singing Christmas carols and getting her nails done.
Cerebral Palsy of Westchester was grateful to experience the skills
that the students from Saunders High School had to offer as well as the genuine care they engendered to the participants. Cerebral Palsy of Westchester look forward to a continued and expansive relationship!

Cerebral Palsy of Westchester’s mission is to advance the independence, productivity, and full citizenship of people with Cerebral Palsy and other developmental disabilities. They are a non-profit organization that provides essential educational services, vocational training, recreation, rehabilitation and advocacy to thousands of children and adults in Westchester County. They are an organization proud to say that they Realize Tomorrow’s Potential… Today!
To learn more, visit the Cerebral Palsy of Westchester Website at www.cpwestchester.org.

The post Saunders Trades and Technical High School Cosmetology Program Give the Spa Treatment to Ten Adults from Cerebral Palsy of Westchester appeared first on Yonkers Tribune.

Charicature of a younger, better looking Publisher / Editor Hezi Aris.

Yonkers Mayor  Mike Spano

YONKERS, NY – December 11, 2014 – Communications Director Christina Gilmartin yesterday issued a press release in which the opening paragraph asserted, “Mayor Mike Spano hailed the federal government’s allocation of $9.6 million in new funds to restore full day pre-K in Yonkers, and vowed that the City will undertake every effort to get its program up and running in 2015 so that it can qualify for continuing funds going forward.” The integrity of that one sentence was today put into question by issues that were asserted and inferred through another source; the Yonkers Board of Education (YBoE) department. The first issue is whether the $9.6Mn sum is the correct figure? Secondly, what does Mayor Spano “need to accomplish to get the program up and running in 2015.”? Thirdly, can the City of Yonkers (CoY) manage to fulfill all the required components so as to qualify for funds going forward?

The Yonkers Board of Education today stipulated the grant is valued at $33Mn over a four year term. If so, that would amount to $8.25Mn every year. Is the sum $9.6Mn for one year or is it $33Mn for four years or $8.25Mn every year for four years? Is that sum over and above the necessary preparatory costs necessary in getting accommodation for the influx of new students?

Yonkers Board of Education Department Board of Trustee President Dr. Nader Sayegh, Esq. today said the following in a press release, “Full-day Pre-kindergarten is back for September 2015! Yonkers families received a fabulous holiday gift yesterday from the U.S. Department of Education, our Federal Legislators and Governor Cuomo…” Continuing, Dr. Sayegh, Esq. said, “Reinstating full-day prekindergarten has been a top priority for the Trustees, we are thrilled it will be a reality for September…”

Whereas Mayor Mike Spano gives no credit to anyone for the funding source, Dr. Sayegh, Esq. does, as does Governor Andrew Cuomo who in his press release stated, “New York State has been awarded approximately $25 million in funding (Year 1 of 4) … to support pre-k programs … in communities with high poverty rates, these districts serve high numbers of children who are Dual Language Learners.” The statement by Governor Cuomo rightly qualifies Yonkers by virtue of its receiving Federal funding through the facilities controlled by the State. Is the sum to be received from New York State $9.6Mn every year or $8.25Mn yearly? Why doesn’t CoY know?

“In a telephone call yesterday with the New York State Education Department, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Michael Yazurlo was informed Yonkers would receive approximately $33 million over the 4 years.”

Perhaps by Friday, someone will profess to have figured the funding amount to be more or that it is contingent on some other concern? In the meanwhile, Yonkersites are psyched about Christmas!

The telephone call that took place between Dr. Yazurlo and the New York State Education Department refers to funding in a nebulous fashion. To whom specifically did he speak? Are the funds hearsay or are they written and qualified? Where is the document to show proof? Why has it not been published and entered into the public domain? Are we so forgetful and dismissive of issues of “misunderstanding” a $55Mn shortfall in funding that was the catalyst by which Yonkers City Hall chose to acquire the independent Yonkers Board of Education and make it a department of the City? Within 24 hours, City Hall’s grasp of the numbers and those of its education department do not match. Why? Who is at the helm? What are the correct figures? Where is the proof of funding?

Mayor Spano’s press release statement was devoid of if or how the City of Yonkers, in deference to finding space for the Pre-K program, that is housing the Pre-K population is to be found or acquired. Can Yonkers City Hall acquire the buildings that will comply with State and Federal regulations for housing the Pre-K population? How large is the Pre-K student population? A full-day Pre-K program is known to attract a larger number of children than a half-day program? Does CoY have the capacity to acquire space in buildings available for lease or rental or purchase? What will this cost? Can the process be completed in time? Has Mayor Spano incorporated the correct figures with respect to the upcoming proposed FY2014-2015 Yonkers Budget? Does CoY have the funds to make Pre-K a go?

“We will qualify for funds going forward. That’s a promise,” said Mayor Spano.” Curious, isn’t it, that Mayor Spano should deem it necessary to make a promise that has already been made as if he will shepherd something already done. Why? “This is a tremendous opportunity for the young people of Yonkers and we will take full advantage of it,” emphasized Mayor Spano.

Before the Pre-K program becomes an opportunity for a population beginning the process of climbing the education ladder, the program must be put in place. Can Mayor Mike Spano deliver on more than rhetoric if his office is incapable of comprehending the figures?

At issue again is what is the correct sum? Is there valid proof of the sum mentioned? Which is the correct figure and what is the correct amount? Can Yonkers qualify with the amount of necessary classrooms to accommodate the influx of Pre-K students? Is the program funded for a year or for four-years? What is the funding plan for years five onward? What is the plan? What is the remedy? Where and what is the Capital Improvement Plan budgeted to revitalize the Yonkers Board of Education (YBoE) school infrastructure? Can CoY hire a sufficient number of teachers to accommodate the increased population of students/

Most of all, can we trust either Yonkers City Hall or the Yonkers Board of Education Department to verify the figures they mention or are neither competent to understand the grant? Perhaps the fault lies with Yonkers Finance Commissioner John Liszewski and his staff for not deciphering the “complexity” of the grant to the City of Yonkers.

The post THE HEZITORIAL ANALYSIS: Full-day Pre-K to Begin September 2015: Why the Discrepancy in Duration and Amount of Funding By HEZI ARIS appeared first on Yonkers Tribune.

YONKERS, NY

“Pre-K gives a child an advantage that stays with them throughout their time in the school system,” said Mayor Spano, adding, “Pre-K is the path to success for many young students, and especially those who are not native English speakers.”

The grant was announced today by Governor Cuomo, who said the federal Department of Health, Education and Welfare is awarding a total of $25 million to several downstate districts, with Yonkers slated for the $9.6 million. Renewal of the funding will be dependent upon the School District’s success in getting its program up and running and working well.

“We will qualify for funds going forward. That’s a promise,” said Mayor Spano. “This is a tremendous opportunity for the young people of Yonkers and we will take full advantage of it.”

SOURCE: Christina Gilmartin, Communications Director, Office of the Mayor

The post Mayor Mike Spano’s Statement on $9.6 Million Federal Grant Received to Restore Full Day Pre-Kindergarten in The City of Yonkers appeared first on Yonkers Tribune.

YFT President Pat Puleo.

Yonkers Federation of Teachers.

YONKERS, NY — December 1, 2014 — The Yonkers Federation of Teachers, in conjunction with the New York State United Teachers are sponsoring a giveaway of free books on Saturday, December 6th from 10:00 am to 4:00 p.m. at the Yonkers Middle / High School gymnasium, 150 Rockland Avenue, Yonkers, NY 10705. Students, parents, teachers and all community members in Yonkers are invited to come by and participate in this free holiday reading celebration.

YFT President Pat Puleo said, “‘Reading is Fundamental‘. As teachers we know that the earlier children begin reading, the more successful they will be in school and in life. In celebration of the season, the Yonkers Federation of Teachers is hoping to put a book in every child’s hands. Come by Saturday, December 6th and go home with a gift from your teachers. We wish everyone a happy season of reading!”

The post YFT and NYSUT Sponsor a Giveaway of Free Books – Saturday, December 6, 2014, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. appeared first on Yonkers Tribune.

Carl Paladino

On Sept. 10 teachers from the Buffalo public schools walked the line outside a meeting of the Buffalo Board of Education. They were staging what they called an “informational picket”— not the first time they have done so—to call attention to a remarkable fact: Buffalo’s teachers have not had a new contract in 10 years.

This is just the latest manifestation of the sorry state of Buffalo’s schools. This past summer the district reported that only 56 percent of its 32,000 students graduated from high school in the 2013–14 school year, as opposed to the New York State graduation average of 77.8 percent. And with 2012’s graduation rate as low as 47.8 percent, and Buffalo school district officials caught artificially inflating graduation numbers back in 2010, suspicious state officials are currently auditing the district’s figures.

Faced with such dismal facts, many Buffalo parents and school leaders have embraced what is still a profound and divisive controversy in New York City: charter schools. According to Kyle Rosenkrans, the interim president of the Northeast Charter Schools Network, 17 percent of Buffalo’s schoolchildren now attend charter schools, as opposed to 6 percent of New York City students.

He may actually be understating the numbers. According to the Buffalo school district’s 2013–14 budget analysis book, fully 24 percent of the city’s children now attend charter schools. While New York City’s residents still remain loyal to their public schools, almost one in four Buffalo parents have simply given up on the public school system and are now trying out a new education model. “We’ve been able to grow at a fairly fast clip,” Rosenkrans said.

Charter schools may be particularly attractive to the city’s East Buffalo black population, which comprises 51 percent of the city’s students. For example, Denise Stevens, an African- American cook’s assistant at Buffalo’s Sisters of Charity Hospital, sent her first-born son through the public school system, and he just barely got his degree. According to Stevens, public school teachers simply did not put in the work to focus on the special needs of young black males.

“Oh, God, it was horrible,” she said. “The teachers didn’t really have patience with special issue kids. … I would go into the school and sit in the back, and a lot of the teachers would just get rid of the kids. They didn’t want to take time out to find out what was going on. Culturally, they didn’t take the time to find what was going on with African-American kids.”

When her younger daughter was ready for school, Stevens enrolled her in East Buffalo’s King Center Charter School. Stevens says that over the last seven years King Center’s teachers have worked overtime to enrich her daughter’s education and teach her about her black heritage.

“You ever see a place where the people have a real passion, and stay after hours?” Stevens said. “Where they don’t just treat it like a job—they take the time after hours? They teach them about our culture. They teach them about our history. That kind of moves me.”

But according to Phil Rumore, the president of the Buffalo Teachers Federation, parents have been given a false impression of Buffalo charter schools’ performance. Buffalo’s charter schools, he claims, have the right to deny entry to or expel any underperforming student. Last spring the union published a study that concluded that local charter schools were systematically turning away English as a Second Language students, as well as students with learning disabilities, to cook their graduation numbers.

“They can kick out students from the charter schools and send them back to the public schools,” Rumore said. “And you know when that usually happens? Right before exams. … There shouldn’t be a charter school that has absolutely no ESL students. They shouldn’t be able to kick students out whenever they don’t want them. Other than that, we love them.”

Immediately after the union published its study, the Northeast Charter Schools Network aired a series of radio ads promoting Buffalo’s charter schools. Rosenkrans still bristles at the critique. “We’re under a state obligation to recruit high-need students, including ESL students,” he says. “We have to report to the state on our progress, and if we’re not meeting our obligation, the state has to intervene. They haven’t so far. There’s no basis for this criticism other than sloppy statistical analysis.”

Charter school supporters have their own complaints, mostly about the amount of money they get from the state. In September a group of charter school parents filed a lawsuit against the state Education Department, charging that the Department’s funding formula only provides them with 60 percent of the funds it provides to the average Buffalo public school. According to Terrence Connors, the lawyer representing the parents, the state must finance charter schools fairly if Buffalo is to keep on its new path to prosperity.

“The economic rebirth of Buffalo, the momentum we have achieved in Western New York is palpable,” Connors said. “But we’re not going to achieve the momentum we want until our schools are better. We have to make sure that our schools are more and more creative. And charter schools can work.”

Even as Buffalo begins to claw its way out of its economic doldrums, its schools remain a constant source of tension. This spring a new school board majority, led by developer Carl Paladino and Buffalo ReformED chair and retired Gateway- Longview CEO James Sampson, took power and promised radical new reforms, with charter schools at the center of their agenda. Superintendent Pamela Brown promptly resigned, 63 teachers were laid off, and the teachers union threatened a lawsuit. A group of community leaders and parents recently rallied to claim that the state Education Department has shortchanged the Buffalo school district to the tune of nearly $140 million. And of course, there is the question of Buffalo’s iffy graduation numbers.

Throughout these fights, Buffalo’s charter schools continue to gain popularity, unlike the response in some other parts of the state. Seals Nevergold, a member of the school board faction that recently lost power, was initially skeptical of charter schools. Now she recognizes that they are here to stay: “I see them as a viable alternative,” she said. “At this point, Buffalo is fairly saturated with charter schools.”

Whatever Works by Chris Thompson was first published by City & State – November 24, 2014.

The post Whatever Works: Charter Schools Thrive in Buffalo By CHRIS THOMPSON appeared first on Yonkers Tribune.

In recognition of American Education Week (November 17-21)

YONKERS, NY — November 15, 2014 — Teachers who serve children in low-income communities often spend their own money on pencils, paper, and other basic classroom materials. To help teachers obtain the supplies they need, People’s United Community Foundation, the philanthropic arm of People’s United Bank, has awarded $100,000 to DonorsChoose.org for a “Uniting Cash for Classrooms” campaign in recognition of American Education Week, November 17-21.

A unique charity created to support public school teachers, DonorsChoose.org provides educators with an online venue to submit classroom project requests describing much-needed school supplies for their students. The public can then browse the projects and choose those they would like to support.

The $100,000 grant from People’s United Community Foundation will provide 50% of the cost for classroom projects that meet the foundation’s criteria throughout Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, and Vermont. The “Uniting Cash for Classrooms” campaign will combine the People’s United Community Foundation 50% contribution with public donations, until the project reaches 100% funding completion.

“We’re delighted to once again to partner with DonorsChoose.org,” said Vincent Santilli, Executive Director of People’s United Community Foundation. “This campaign is a way to support and thank teachers who are working hard to ensure our children receive a quality education. We hope the community will join us in our efforts to provide teachers with the resources they need to help students thrive academically.”

The funding is allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, so teachers are encouraged to submit their classroom requests on DonorsChoose.org as soon as possible in order to qualify. Teachers must secure the remaining 50% of the cost to receive the classroom materials. To help a classroom in your community and bring a worthy educational initiative to life, simply log on to the People’s United Community Foundation Campaign Page on the DonorsChoose.org website, or look for the People’s United Community Foundation “half-off” logo when you search the site using your zip code. For more information visit pucf.org.

“We’re so grateful for the continued support of People’s United Community Foundation,” said Charles Best, founder and CEO of DonorsChoose.org. “Their generosity will inspire thousands of individuals to help us fulfill the classroom dreams of so many teachers and students.”

People’s United Community Foundation has partnered with DonorsChoose.org since 2010, providing $350,000 in support of initiatives in school districts that serve low-to moderate-income students. Together, with public donations, more than 1,000 classroom projects have been funded through this partnership.

Established in 2007, People’s United Community Foundation was formed to help support programs and activities that enhance the quality of life for citizens in the communities that People’s United Bank serves. People’s United Bank, founded in 1842 and serving customers from New York to Maine through a network of more than 400 branches, is the largest independent bank headquartered in New England. The funding priorities of the Foundation include affordable housing, community development, and youth development.

The post Join People’s United Community Foundation for The “Uniting Cash for Classrooms” Campaign with Donorschoose.org appeared first on Yonkers Tribune.

Schools Invite Prospective Families to Experience Catholic Schools in Action

WESTCHESTER, PUTNAM and ROCKLAND COUNTIES, NY — November 12, 2014 — Elementary schools throughout the Archdiocese of New York will be kicking off the 2014-15 student recruiting initiative, “Touring Tuesdays,” from 9 to 11 a.m. on Tuesday, November 18^th. These universal open houses are designed to introduce new families to the life-long benefits and value of a Catholic education.

“Touring Tuesdays” offer an exciting way to invite prospective parents into schools for an opportunity to meet with principals, faculty, other parents and students to experience the schools in action, in programs from Pre-K 3 through Grade 8.

Last year’s open houses were incredibly successful, resulting in more than 1,200 new students enrolled throughout the Archdiocese. This year’s open houses are also expected to be well attended with more than 200 schools throughout the archdiocese participating.

“There’s no better way to see how our excellent schools educate the whole child than by experiencing our safe, nurturing environment firsthand,” said Dr. Timothy J. McNiff, Superintendent of Schools for the Archdiocese of New York. “Touring Tuesdays provide a wonderful opportunity to see the archdiocese’s character-focused curriculum up close and in-person. We welcome families throughout the region to take part.”

Reservations are required and can be made online at www.buildboldfutures.org or by calling a bilingual hotline, 646-794-2885. For those who cannot attend, school tours can also be arranged by appointment by calling the hotline or making a reservation online.

TOURING TUESDAY Open Houses will be held at:

Westchester & Putnam County

• Corpus Christi – Holy Rosary School, 135 South Regent St., Port Chester
• Holy Name of Jesus School, 70 Petersville Rd., New Rochelle
• Immaculate Conception School, 53 Winterhill Rd., Tuckahoe
• Immaculate Heart of Mary School, 201 Boulevard, Scarsdale
• Iona Prep Lower School, 173 Stratton Rd., New Rochelle
• John Cardinal O’Connor-School Spec. Ed, 16 North Broadway, Irvington
• Our Lady of Mount Carmel School, 59 East Main St., Elmsford
• Our Lady of Perpetual Help School, 575 Fowler Ave., Pelham Manor
• Our Lady of Sorrows School, 888 Mamaroneck Ave.,  White Plains
• Our Lady of Victory School, 38 North Fifth Ave., Mount Vernon
• Resurrection Grammar School, 116 Milton Rd., Rye
• Sacred Heart Grade School, 34 Convent Ave., Yonkers
• Sacred Heart School, 59 Wilson St., Hartsdale
• St. Ann School, 40 Brewster Ave., Yonkers
• St. Anthony School, 1395 Nepperhan Ave., Yonkers
• St. Barnabas School, 413 East 241st St., Bronx
• St. Eugene School, 707 Tuckahoe Rd., Yonkers
• St. John the Baptist School, 670 Yonkers Ave., Yonkers
• St. Joseph School, 30 Meadow Ave., Bronxville
• St. Paul the Apostle School, 77 Lee Ave., Yonkers
• St. Peter School, 204 Hawthorne Ave., Yonkers
• Sts. John and Paul School, 280 Weaver St., Larchmont
• Transfiguration School, 40 Prospect Ave., Tarrytown
• Holy Name of Mary Montessori Preschool, 110 Grand Street, Croton-on-Hudson
• St. Augustine School Eagle Park, Route 9, Ossining
• St. Columbanus School, 122 Oregon Road, Cortlandt Manor
• St. Elizabeth Ann Seton School, 1375 East Main Street, Shrub Oak
• St. James the Apostle School, 12 Gleneida Avenue, Carmel
• St. Lawrence O’Toole Early Childhood Learning Center, 11 Eastview Avenue, Brewster
• St. Patrick’s School, 117 Moseman Road, Yorktown Heights
• St. Patrick School , 483 Old Post Road, Bedford

Rockland County

• Sacred Heart School, 60 Washington Avenue, Suffern
• St. Anthony School, 34 West Nyack Road, Nanuet
• St. Gregory Barbarigo School, 29 Cinder Road, Garnerville
• St. Margaret School, 34 North Magnolia Street, Pearl River
• St. Paul School, 365 Kings Highway, Valley Cottage

For further information about “Touring Tuesdays,” please visit www.buildboldfutures.org 
or call 646-794-2885.

The post Archdiocese of New York Holds “Touring Tuesday” Open House Event on November 18th, from 9 – 11 a.m. EST appeared first on Yonkers Tribune.

The Yonkers Riverfront Library, 1 Larkin Plaza, Yonkers, NY 10701. Tel: (914) 337-1500.
www.YPL.org/riverfront

YONKERS, NY — November 5, 2014 — TASC Connect!, a successful one-on-one tutoring program serving adults seeking a high school equivalency diploma, is looking for tutors.  TASC Connect!, which operates at the Yonkers Riverfront Library four days each week, is in need of tutors to sustain the very popular Thursday evening session, which runs 5:00pm to 7:30pm.

Our client-base is growing as more adults decide now is the time to get this done! We provide the training and support.  You provide the time and encouragement to help adult learners meet their goals.

If you can dedicate 2-3 hours per week at least twice a month, please contact Program Coordinator Lisa Kahn at (914) 231-3264 or lkahn@wlsmail.org.  

The post Tutors Needed for Adult Learners at Yonkers Riverfront Library appeared first on Yonkers Tribune.

Pictured with Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins and Assemblymember Shelley Mayer are: Superintendent of Schools for the Archdiocese of New York, Dr. Timothy McNiff; Dr. Noelle Beale, Regional Superintendent for Central Westchester; Michael Coppotelli, Associate Superintendent for Public Policy; Connie McCrory, Director of Early Childhood Programs; Lori Maloney, Principal of Sacred Heart School and Shona Gualtieri, Sacred Heart School UPK Director.

YONKERS, NY — October 16, 2014 — Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins, the Democratic Conference Leader, and Assembly Member Shelley Mayer toured expanded pre-kindergarten classrooms at Sacred Heart School in Yonkers today, made possible through the state’s Universal Pre-K Funding Program that they voted for in the 2014 State Budget. Sacred Heart has been able to add 120 pre-kindergarten slots and 100 other seats were added at two other Catholic Schools also located in Yonkers, as part of the $2.2 million state education grant awarded to the Catholic School Region of Central Westchester.

“As a mother, a former teacher and a life-long advocate for education, I felt it was extremely important to commit the financial resources to provide districts the opportunity to expand or establish a pre-kindergarten program,” said Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins.  “Research tells us that a strong foundation in learning at an early age provides the basis for success, and we must do all that we can as a State to make sure children are getting the best education possible.”

Assembly Member Shelley Mayor of Yonkers also joined the tour.  “I have worked very hard to be sure Yonkers school children have access to full-day pre-kindergarten programs. I am pleased that there will be 220 additional seats available to Yonkers families, and I look forward to continuing to work to expand access to pre-kindergarten programing in Yonkers and across New York State.”

As part of the 2014 State Budget, Senator Stewart-Cousins and Assembly Member Shelley Mayer voted for $1.5 billion in dedicated funding for a five-year plan to implement a statewide Universal Pre-K (UPK) program. In this first year of the UPK program, $340 million was set aside, with $300 million dedicated to New York City. The New York State Department of Education requested applications and awarded the grants. In Westchester County, the Catholic School Region of Central Westchester received $2.2 million, the third largest award in New York State.

“This award allows three Catholic elementary schools in Yonkers, including Sacred Heart, to offer 220 free UPK seats to Yonkers School District families,” said Timothy McNiff, Superintendent of Schools for the Archdiocese of New York. “The Archdiocese is strongly committed to early childhood education and we have participated in Universal Pre-Kindergarten programs for more than 10 years. The Archdiocese of New York is one of the largest private providers of early education programs in the metropolitan area with more than 10,000 students currently enrolled in early childhood programs including NYS and NYC Universal Pre- K. This grant money expands the number of seats across the Archdiocese to more than 3,400.”

The post Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins and Assemblymember Shelley Mayer Tour Expanded Universal Pre-K Classes at Yonkers’ Sacred Heart School appeared first on Yonkers Tribune.