Lawrence schools receives $250,000 state grant

The Lawrence School District is one of five district that were awarded the Exemplary School Models and Practices grant from the New York State Education Department, and the only district to receive the grant’s maximum amount of $250,000 and be a non-city recipient.

District officials said that in the past seven years the focus to ensure that every student is successful has driven substantial results for all students, especially boys of color, they said.

Seven programs underscored the district’s success and were the primary drivers behind receiving the grant. Double accelerated math program, grades 6-12; Algebra for All program, grade 8; seminars in lieu of suspensions what the district short-hands to SILOS, grades 9-12; and attention to at-risk students in administrative and teaching assignments.

“It’s really a beautiful pat on the back for the New York State Education Department to issue us the Exemplary School’s grant for SILOS and Double Accelerated Mathematics,” said William Moss, the district’s director of academic affairs. “I have to thank the teachers and students for all of their efforts in making our highlighted programs work so effectively.”

In addition, the Council for Unity Program, a leadership-training course based on a curriculum that explores role models in society who have overcome personal challenges on their road to success; the Parent Like a Champion workshops, where district administrators and teachers discuss issues with parents; and the college, career and financial aid workshops that offer parents and students information on interesting and popular professions and how to pay for college were also cited.

“Lawrence was proud to be visited by the associate commissioner this past spring to showcase the outstanding work of our district leaders and teachers,” said Lawrence Superintendent Dr. Ann Pedersen. “We are proud to have been able to capture the exemplary practices in Lawrence, and look forward to the opportunity to have them replicated elsewhere in New York state.

–Jeffrey Bessen