“[The grants are] great validation for our practices,” Friedman said.

“And it forces us to take an even closer look at our practices in order to present it.”

As a condition for receiving the grant awards, North Merrick must send a staff team to a two-day training conference in May in Albany. Feller said the team would likely consist of Friedman, at least one of the districts’ principals, and a few teachers, including a regular classroom teacher and a special education teacher.

Assemblyman David McDonough, whose district includes North Merrick, called the Reward Grants “good news for the children.”

“I’m so happy for them,” he said. “All three of my kids graduated from Old Mill Road … I tell you they’re exceptional. I hear it from parents. They have a great faculty.”