Sousa and Salem Earn 'Reward School' Status from State

and  were deemed "Reward Schools" by New York State Commissioner of Education John King.

Across the state, 250 schools designated this status to indicate high progress and achievment. On Long Island, 67 schools earned this classification, Newsday reported.

The schools were commended by New York Statefor their academic achievement. 

Though schools were invited to compete for up to $150,000 in grants, the district was not given enough time to apply, said Interim Superintendent Dr. Kathleen Mooney. 

"While the District is pleased that two of our elementary schools were designated as 'Reward Schools,' unfortunately, we did not receive the SED notification until July 9, 2012," Mooney said. "The deadline for applying for this grant money was July 15, 2012."

"The application was very extensive and involved mentoring a school designated as a "Priority or "Focus" School," she added. "It was not possible to complete the application with less than one week's notice, especially during a time of administrative transition."