In late September, HCS was the recipient of some good news. As part of the "Race to the Top" mandates, all schools districts in New York State were classified based on their success on a variety of indicators. HCS was awarded a "Highest Achieving" status through the New York State Education Department. Due to this, we were eligible to apply for a $300,000 grant and a potential of becoming a "Commissioner's School." An extensive grant and video about the HCS change process was submitted in late July. Last Friday, we learned that we are one of five recipients to be awarded the grant the new title; now the work begins.
Commissioner's Schools are asked to share their story of change and success with low performing schools, and help them replicate a similar process. The “Focus” (lowest 15%) or “Priority” (lowest 5%) school’s Turn-Around Teams will watch the video about HCS and the other schools, and determine what Commissioner's Schools they will potentially work with. HCS will be paired with four schools. Once they review the videos, and choose us as a partner, a small team of HCS teachers and administrators will work with these schools over the next two years. Most of our conversations will occur via technology, or by small administrative/instructional visiting teams, so we don't anticipate any negative impact on our school. For this process, we will be awarded $150,000 per year, for two years.
We wanted you to be aware of our news before it goes public. We also hope that you will take a minute to watch our great video and see the positive impact it will have on children throughout New York State. We expect this will occur some time in the near future. Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns. We will keep you posted as the year progresses.
New York State Commissioner's Grant Movie
Commissioner's Schools are asked to share their story of change and success with low performing schools, and help them replicate a similar process. The “Focus” (lowest 15%) or “Priority” (lowest 5%) school’s Turn-Around Teams will watch the video about HCS and the other schools, and determine what Commissioner's Schools they will potentially work with. HCS will be paired with four schools. Once they review the videos, and choose us as a partner, a small team of HCS teachers and administrators will work with these schools over the next two years. Most of our conversations will occur via technology, or by small administrative/instructional visiting teams, so we don't anticipate any negative impact on our school. For this process, we will be awarded $150,000 per year, for two years.
We wanted you to be aware of our news before it goes public. We also hope that you will take a minute to watch our great video and see the positive impact it will have on children throughout New York State. We expect this will occur some time in the near future. Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns. We will keep you posted as the year progresses.
New York State Commissioner's Grant Movie