Sunday, January 10, 2010
Varsity Boys Basketball Update
The boys varsity basketball team battled hard in their 54-38 loss to Pine Valley last Thursday night. Playing in front of a sold out audience featuring such faculty stars as Lauren Baier, Rob Boccaccio, Bev Wedmore, Tammy Boucher, and Sarah Komoroske, the boys put forth their most complete effort of the season. Quick ball movement, aggressive defense, and consistent hustle highlighted the second and third quarters and nearly led the Phoenix back from an early deficit. The young men look to bounce back next week as they play three games against Buffalo Academy of Science (Monday at home), Maritime (Thursday at home), and Barker (Friday on the road). Thank you to all of you who supported the program. We look forward to a raucous crowd next week.
Friday, January 1, 2010
Please Join Me in Albany for Advocacy Day!
In the December newsletter, I wrote about the local climate surrounding charter schools which turned colder with the Buffalo Board of Education's vote to request a moratorium on new charters in the city and region. We need our parents and community members to become our partners in advocacy!
Here are additional facts that support our message that charter schools are doing good work here in the city of Buffalo and will continue to provide important choice for the city's families:
Already, our second graduating class is on track to meet or exceed the high bar established by the class of 2009. We are proud of our students' accomplishments, and we would like your help in spreading the good word!
Each year, powerful lobby interests and the state legislature propose bills that would negatively impact charter schools, especially our funding. Ultimately, these bills challenge our very existence. As parents of students in charter schools or as charter school supporters in the broader community, it is important that we speak up and work to educate the community and our legislators about the value of charter school choice.
As I have written in both the November and December newsletters, February 2 is Charter School Advocacy Day in Albany. Each year, parents, teachers and students from charter schools throughout New York State join together to make the one day journey to our state capitol to learn about both positive and negative legislation that could affect charter schools and meet with our elected officials.
It is very important that those in Albany hear from our Buffalo charter schools. I invite you to join me and some of our staff and students on the one day trip to Albany this year. If you can't make the trip but want to help us with local advocacy efforts, please let me know. With parent support, we can organize a letter writing campaign or help to set up meetings with local politicians.
Here are additional facts that support our message that charter schools are doing good work here in the city of Buffalo and will continue to provide important choice for the city's families:
- Currently, there are 16 charter schools in Western New York serving over 6000 students.
- Nearly 20% of Buffalo's students are enrolled in charter schools.
- All of Buffalo's charter schools have waiting lists. These waiting lists represent hundreds of the city's students whose parents are seeking choice in education.
- Charter schools in New York state receive approximately 70% of the funding allocated to district schools. For example, in 2007-08, the Buffalo district received $16,120 in per-pupil funding whereas the Buffalo charter schools received $9,567 per pupil.
- In 2009, the aggregate performance of all charter schools in the Buffalo area was significantly stronger than our traditional district peers.
Already, our second graduating class is on track to meet or exceed the high bar established by the class of 2009. We are proud of our students' accomplishments, and we would like your help in spreading the good word!
Each year, powerful lobby interests and the state legislature propose bills that would negatively impact charter schools, especially our funding. Ultimately, these bills challenge our very existence. As parents of students in charter schools or as charter school supporters in the broader community, it is important that we speak up and work to educate the community and our legislators about the value of charter school choice.
As I have written in both the November and December newsletters, February 2 is Charter School Advocacy Day in Albany. Each year, parents, teachers and students from charter schools throughout New York State join together to make the one day journey to our state capitol to learn about both positive and negative legislation that could affect charter schools and meet with our elected officials.
It is very important that those in Albany hear from our Buffalo charter schools. I invite you to join me and some of our staff and students on the one day trip to Albany this year. If you can't make the trip but want to help us with local advocacy efforts, please let me know. With parent support, we can organize a letter writing campaign or help to set up meetings with local politicians.
Plan Ahead to Attend the Scholarship Fair
Community Action Organization of Erie County - Education Task Force
What: Scholarship Fair
When: Tuesday, January 12th
Where: U.B. South Campus - 101 Allen Hall/Main Street
Time: 5:30-8:30 p.m.
The CAO Education Task Force extend this invitation to all high school juniors and seniors. The focus of this event is to assist students with the identification of as many scholarship opportunities that they can take advantage of. Vendors will be present representing various organizations that give out scholarships and discuss the application process. There will be several workshops to assist students with developing techniques in writing successful essays . There will be prizes and drawings for all participates. Any questions…call Yvonne Hairston at 881-5150 extension 4402.
What: Scholarship Fair
When: Tuesday, January 12th
Where: U.B. South Campus - 101 Allen Hall/Main Street
Time: 5:30-8:30 p.m.
The CAO Education Task Force extend this invitation to all high school juniors and seniors. The focus of this event is to assist students with the identification of as many scholarship opportunities that they can take advantage of. Vendors will be present representing various organizations that give out scholarships and discuss the application process. There will be several workshops to assist students with developing techniques in writing successful essays . There will be prizes and drawings for all participates. Any questions…call Yvonne Hairston at 881-5150 extension 4402.
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