Three Smithtown Schools 'Rewarded' for Excellence

Smithtown High School East, Smithtown Elementary School and Tackan Elementary School have all been recognized as Reward Schools for the 2014-15 school year by the New York State Education Department. This designation honors schools for high academic performance and growth over a number of years based on proficiency levels – including scores from required math, English language arts and Regents exams – as well as graduation rates.

All three Smithtown schools earned the Reward School distinction of “High Performing School” by achieving student proficiency ratings of 90 or better at the elementary schools and 95 or better at the high schools, with no gaps in student achievement during a three-year span. They are among 351 public and private schools statewide named Reward Schools.

“I am extremely proud of the collaborative efforts of our teachers, support staff, administrators, parents and, of course, the students,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. James Grossane. “Amidst the challenging Common Core curriculum and exams, it is an honor to have multiple schools receive this distinction. Our school community is dedicated to ensuring every student is in a position to achieve at a high level, and we look forward to continued successes at all of our schools.”

Smithtown ES Principal Janine Lavery and Tackan Principal Allyn Leeds said the elementary schools have worked hard to provide students with the support and instruction that will best meet their individual needs. To that end, students work with a variety of teachers and support staff to enhance the specific areas that affect academic performance.

“Teachers are constantly increasing their repertoire of instructional strategies to best meet the academic challenges their students face daily…. We celebrate all growth and focus on the progress each student makes, which includes social and emotional growth, rather than focusing on performance on assessments,” the principals said in a joint statement.

Smithtown HSE Principal Edwin Thompson echoed similar sentiments. “High School East being named a Reward School is a testimony to the hard work of our entire school community,” said Thompson. “High performance here extends well beyond the academic measures used for this distinction. Whether it’s a large number of AP students being recognized by the College Board, our 99% graduation rate or the many great co-curricular programs and achievements of our students, we are dedicated to the total educational experience and we are proud to receive recognition in any aspect of our program.”

Photo courtesy of the Smithtown School District: Smithtown BOE President Christopher Alcure (far left) and Superintendent of Schools Dr. James Grossane (far right) present certificates of recognition to (l-r) Tackan ES Principal Allyn Leeds, Smithtown ES Principal Janine Lavery and HSE Principal Edwin Thompson for their respective schools’ Reward School distinction as high performing schools.