The White House Highlights Mamaroneck Schools' Hispanic Education

The Mamaroneck School District was among 230 other programs, leaders, schools, organizations and partnerships Tuesday to receive recognition from the White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for Hispanics as a “Bright Spot” in Hispanic education.

Mamaroneck and the other groups were lauded for “helping to increase educational opportunities, improve educational outcomes and deliver a complete and competitive education for all Hispanics,” during a ceremony in honor of the Initiative’s 25th anniversary in Washington, D.C.

“We’re proud of the work we have accomplished in providing opportunities for all of our students and in helping to close the achievement gap. We’re thrilled to be selected as a Bright Spot,” said MUFSD Superintendent Dr. Robert Shaps in a statement. “Our data reveals a significant increase in the graduation rate among Hispanic students, including improved school attendance and better grade performance. We’ve worked hard, and will continue to work hard, to ensure that more of our Hispanic students enroll in Honors and Advanced Placement courses and participate in athletics and other school activities.”

From a district press release about the honor:

MUFSD -- which was recognized for its PALMS and PATHS programs -- will be part of a national online catalog highlighting model programs that invest in key education priorities for Hispanics. The Initiative leverages these Bright Spots to encourage collaboration between stakeholders focused on similar issues in sharing data-driven approaches, promising practices, peer advice, and effective partnerships, ultimately resulting in increased support for the educational attainment of the Hispanic community, from cradle-to-career.

Dr. Shaps talked about the District’s philosophy of having high expectations for all students and reiterated the importance of establishing a school-home connection with every child. “Our efforts focus on encouraging a high level of parent engagement,” he said. “And, beyond that, we are tremendously grateful for our outstanding community partnerships, such as the Hispanic Resource Center, that support our efforts with the Hispanic community.”

The Executive Director of The White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for Hispanics Alejandra Ceja said, “There has been notable progress in Hispanic educational achievement, and it is due to the efforts of these Bright Spots in Hispanic Education, programs and organizations working throughout the country to help Hispanic students reach their full potential.”

To learn more, visit http://www.ed.gov/edblogs/hispanic-initiative/

Photo: Mamaroneck Avenue School