Yonkers Insider: ***NEWS RELEASE***: YONKERS MAYOR SPANO PRESENTS SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT AWARD TO CROSS HILL ACADEMY.

Cross Hill Academy Students, Mayor Spano’s School Spotlight Award - (Photo Credit: Maurice Mercado/City of Yonkers).

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: YONKERS MAYOR SPANO PRESENTS SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT AWARD TO CROSS HILL ACADEMY.

YONKERS, NY – June 13, 2024 – Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano joined Yonkers Board of Education Trustees Shiela Greenwald, Rosemarie P. Linton and Superintendent of Schools Aníbal Soler, Jr. this week to present his School Spotlight Award to the deserving administration, faculty, staff, parents and students at Cross Hill Academy. Under the effective leadership of Principal Ryan James, Cross Hill Academy has made notable strides in three pivotal areas: Recognition and Accountability, Attendance and Reduction in Chronic Absenteeism, and Family Engagement. The collective progress in these areas underscores the academy’s commitment to excellence and its dedication to fostering a supportive and engaging educational environment.

 

“Cross Hill Academy’s story is one of remarkable transformation and resilience. It stands as a shining example for other schools, demonstrating what can be achieved through dedication, commitment to excellence, and strong leadership,” said Mayor Spano. “Their efforts have turned Cross Hill Academy into a model school in New York State, setting a benchmark for educational excellence.”

Principal Ryan James and his team at Cross Hill Academy have worked tirelessly to meet the needs of their learning community in the past year. Their dedication has resulted in significant improvements in the school’s performance.

Some of the initiatives that have contributed to the school’s success include:

Ø Recognition and Accountability: In December 2023, Cross Hill Academy was identified as a Local Support and Improvement school (LSI) (formerly known as Good Standing) after over 15 years in Accountability. On May 1st, the New York State Education Department (NYSED) identified Cross Hill Academy as a “Promising Practices” school. As such, Cross Hill Academy will host schools from throughout New York State to improve teaching, leading, and learning.

Ø Attendance and Reduction in Chronic Absenteeism: This year, Cross Hill Academy’s average yearly attendance is 91.77%. Chronic absenteeism dropped from 54.99% in 2022-2023 to 28.86% to date. In addition, in October 2024, Principal Ryan James will present with Assistant Superintendents Dr. Frank O. Hernández and Dr. Michelle Yazurlo at the New York State School Boards Association (NYSBAA) conference on reducing Chronic Absenteeism.

Ø Family Engagement: Cross Hill Academy has increased its family engagement by introducing a program called “Family Engagement Fridays.” This initiative has successfully boosted parent participation and fostered partnership building, leading to true collaboration for student success. On average, more than 20 parents participate in math games with their children across all grades.

 

“Cross Hill Academy is a transformational story of focused leadership, collaboration among teachers, parents, administrators, staff, and students, that serves as an example for schools whose goals are to improve students’ attendance, achievement, and parents’ engagement.  Kudos to all! Truly deserving of Mayor Spano’s Spotlight Award,” noted Board of Education President Dr. Rosalba Corrado Del Vecchio.

 

Superintendent of Schools Aníbal Soler, Jr. added, “The achievements of Cross Hill Academy are powerful demonstration of what can be accomplished through strong leadership and dedicated teamwork. Under Principal Ryan James’s guidance, the school has implemented innovative strategies that have not only significantly reduced chronic absenteeism but also fostered a deeper connection with families through initiatives like Family Engagement Fridays. These efforts have led to measurable improvements in student outcomes and created a supportive learning environment. Cross Hill Academy stands out as a beacon of educational excellence and a model for schools throughout our district and beyond.”

 

Mayor Spano’s School Spotlight Award highlights four Yonkers Public Schools within the academic school year for their significant academic success, extracurricular achievements and community involvement.