Yonkers Insider: City of Yonkers: ***NEWS RELEASE***: YONKERS MAYOR SPANO PRESENTS SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT AWARD TO SCHOOL 23.

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: YONKERS MAYOR SPANO PRESENTS

SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT AWARD TO SCHOOL 23.

School 23 Students, Mayor Spano’s School Spotlight Award.

(Photo Credit: Maurice Mercado/City of Yonkers).

YONKERS, NY – November 14, 2024 – Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano joined Yonkers Board of Education President Dr. Rosalba Corrado Del Vecchio and Superintendent of Schools Aníbal Soler, Jr. today to present his School Spotlight Award to the deserving administration, faculty, staff, parents and students of School 23. Under the leadership of Principal Michael Walpole, School 23 has made notable strides in three pivotal areas: School Environment and Student Support, Recognition and Community Engagement and Academic Achievement Growth.

 

“Under the exceptional leadership of Principal Michael Walpole, School 23’s achievements are a testament to the dedication and collaborative efforts of the entire school community, including the teachers, staff, students, and families,” said Mayor Spano. “Their collective commitment to creating a safe and supportive learning environment, fostering strong community ties, and driving academic excellence is truly inspiring. I am proud to celebrate their success and look forward to witnessing their continued progress and positive impact on our community.”

Principal Michael Walpole and his team at School 23 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 School Environment and Student Support: School 23’s Pupil Support Team consistently implements restorative practices, which has led to minimal suspensions, increased services for students, and additional support from outside services for students and their families. As a result, this year, School 23 has increased its overall student attendance percentage to 91%, an increase of 3.5% compared to last year’s final attendance rate.

 

Ø Recognition and Community Engagement: In the past year, School 23 has elevated its accountability status to a School in Good Standing by the New York State Education Department and has been identified as a model Extended Learning Time (ELT) School. Additionally, it serves as one of several model i-Ready Math Schools in the District and is a District leader in the Scholastic Literacy Pro Reading Challenge for Grades K-8.

 

Ø Academic Achievement Growth: School 23 increased its NYS ELA Assessment proficiency by 11% for Grades 3-8 in the 2023-24 school year, reaching a 43% proficiency rate, and a 5% increase in NYS Math Assessment proficiency, reaching a 46% proficiency rate. Additionally, 67% of students in Grades K-8 improved their i-Ready Math placement from fall to spring of the 2023-2024 academic year.

 

“School 23’s success exemplifies the profound impact of strategic, accountable governance combined with dedicated community involvement. The achievements of this school are a direct result of a shared commitment to educational excellence and a proactive approach to student support and engagement. I commend Principal Walpole, his team, and the entire School 23 community for their dedication to fostering an environment where every child can thrive and succeed,” noted Board of Education President Dr. Rosalba Corrado Del Vecchio.

 

Superintendent of Schools Aníbal Soler, Jr. added, “Our work at School 23 is a testament to the remarkable achievements that stem from a unified commitment to students and the power of focused, innovative approaches to learning and support. I am incredibly proud of the progress School 23 has made in building an inclusive environment that prioritizes both academic excellence and student well-being. Under Principal Walpole’s dedicated and impactful leadership, the school has thrived, creating new opportunities for students and setting a standard for success that resonates throughout the district. This success reflects not only the dedication of our teachers, staff, and families but also highlights our district’s mission to meet the unique needs of every child.”

 

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.