Harrison High School Named A "School of Opportunity"

Harrison High School was named a “School of Opportunity” by the National Education Policy Center for providing opportunities to help all students succeed. As one of three Westchester high schools recognized, Harrison was chosen by the NEPC as an excellent public high school that actively strives to close opportunity gaps by engaging practices that build on students’ strengths, thereby creating engaging and supported learning opportunities for all of their students.

Principal Dr. Steven Siciliano nominated Harrison High School and he, along with other administrators, teachers, students, and parents, provided in-depth answers to how the school implemented practices designed to close the achievement gap over multiple criteria such as:

· Create and Maintain Healthy school culture

· Broaden and enrich school curriculum

· Provide additional quality learning time during the school year and summer

· End disparities in learning opportunities created by tracking and ability grouping

· Use a variety of assessments designed to respond to student needs

· Reassess student discipline policies

· Support teachers as professionals

· Provide adequate resources for safe and well-maintained school environments

· Address key health issues

· Build on strengths of language minority students and correctly identify their needs

· Expand access to libraries and the internet, while using technology safely

“The award reaffirms for our students, staff, and community what we stand for here at Harrison,” said Dr. Siciliano in an interview with The Journal News, “and the type of experience that we are trying to provide every student.”