As we begin our third year of working together to positively enrich the children of the Syracuse City School District's Alternative Education program, I would like to acknowledge your contributions to me, the students, my staff, and the Syracuse City School District.

The students we serve here at Carnegie School have been assigned to us due to serious violations of the Syracuse city School Districts' Behavior Codes. Most of these individuals usually come from at-risk backgrounds which has hindered their social and academic growth. Unfortunately, traditional school setting with traditional teaching methods and techniques have proved to be less effective in motivating and making learning exciting for them. This observation has been clearly proven with pertinent data and research information.

As principal of these students and the staff members who work diligently with them, it is my responsibility to seek effective programs that meet their special needs. The introduction of the River Project two years ago immediately modified, provided flexibility, and changed teaching procedures that ensured alternative student learning. Through staff development workshops, seminars, and conferences, your program has provided my staff with more appropriate teaching skills with clearly defined objectives and goals. The "hands-on" approach, experimental appreciation, and the resources you provide not only has allowed our students to achieve, but also has helped our students excel socially and academically

Your program has given my staff a sense of immediate application of new learning skills. They have been willing to change and actively participate in your program. Overall, they feel that your program has been invigorating, refreshing, and non-threatening. Another aspect of staff development that is significant is the follow through on new teaching/leaming process. The "one-shot" workshops are ineffective when considering major new approaches to making teachers more effective. Your program offers a system of ongoing improvement and continuous professional development.

Of course the effects of your program have allowed us to clearly see our vision for our students here at Caniegie. Students are working cooperatively with each other and showing overall growth as we prepare them for the new standards and a life of learning.

Again, I thank you for allowing me as a principal to secure from your program the appropriate resources to meet the challenging needs of our youth.... today and tomorrow.
 
 

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