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Each edition of this newsletter, we strive to offer a window into the innovative work happening here at the New York State Education Department (NYSED) and in classrooms across the state. This month, there is no better place to begin than with a powerful example of hands-on learning in action at the annual BOCES of New York State Expo, held at the Legislative Office Building in Albany and sponsored by State Senator Shelley Mayer. The power of hands-on learning was on full display when students, educators, and policymakers came together at this event to celebrate the impact of career and technical education (CTE) programs.
The Expo offered legislators a firsthand look at how hands-on education builds problem-solving skills, confidence, and adaptability, which are key elements of the New York State Portrait of a Graduate. The event underscored the role BOCES programs play in strengthening New York’s workforce pipeline and inspiring the next generation of professionals.
Events like the BOCES Expo remind us that when learning is active, relevant, and connected to real careers and opportunities, our students and communities thrive.
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Sincerely,
Betty A. Rosa
Commissioner
| | Celebrating Cultural Heritage | | | | May is Jewish American Heritage Month, a time to recognize the many contributions of Jewish Americans to our nation’s history, culture, and communities. The Board of Regents and the New York State Education Department (NYSED) proudly honor this month of remembrance, education, and celebration, highlighting the resilience, rich traditions, and lasting impact of Jewish New Yorkers. We remain committed to this recognition not only in May, but throughout the year. | | | | May is also Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, celebrating the rich history, enduring legacy, and extraordinary contributions of AAPI communities across New York State. This month, we honor the strength and resilience of AAPI individuals and communities, recognizing both the challenges they have overcome and the achievements, vibrant cultures, and lasting contributions that continue to shape and enrich our state. | |
State Education Department Announces Ninth Class of My Brother’s Keeper Fellows | |
NYSED inducted the ninth class of New York State My Brother’s Keeper (NYSMBK) Fellows during the annual NYSMBK symposium, held at the Empire State Plaza in Albany.
More than 1,000 guests attended the event, which featured opening remarks from NYSED leadership and elected officials, as well as student panels, breakout sessions, and a college fair. Each of the 122 Fellows will be matched with a mentor and receive a fellowship opportunity.
| State Education Department Releases Comprehensive School-Based Mental Health System Beliefs | |
In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, NYSED announced a new series of briefs designed to help districts and schools provide students with mental health services that support their well-being and academic success.
The briefs were created using the comprehensive school-based mental health systems model developed by the National Center for School Mental Health.
These resources will help schools establish, strengthen, and sustain systems that promote student wellness through prevention, intervention, and ongoing support within the learning environment.
| | Office of Cultural Education Unveils Statewide Learning Tools for Revolutionary War Commemoration | | NYSED's Office of Cultural Education is launching a dynamic suite of new educational resources to commemorate the 250th anniversary of America’s founding. Contributions from the New York State Museum, New York State Library, and New York State Archives draw from themes developed by the New York State 250th Commemoration Commission to provide teachers, schools, and cultural institutions with resources to support meaningful engagement with the anniversary through 2033 and beyond. | |
Facial Reconstruction Brings Revolutionary War Soldier to Life Ahead of Lake George Ceremony | |
The New York State Museum has unveiled a facial reconstruction of a Revolutionary War soldier whose remains were recovered from the Courtland Street Burying Ground in Lake George, New York.
Created by forensic artist Jenny Kenyon, the reconstruction depicts a young soldier believed to have been in his teens, offering a powerful new glimpse into the lives of the individuals who died while serving during America’s fight for independence.
This month, the soldiers’ remains were laid to rest with honor at Lake George Battlefield Park.
| | State Education Department Hosts My Sister’s Keeper Spring STEM Day Event | | |
NYSED recently hosted the My Sister’s Keeper (MSK) Spring STEM Day at SUNY Old Westbury, bringing together approximately 650 young women and girls from across the state.
Participants explored college life, engaged in hands-on workshops and inspiring panel discussions, and connected directly with SUNY Old Westbury students. This full-day experience marks the second annual MSK event since NYSED launched the initiative in 2025.
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Office of Cultural Education Announces Collaboration With FamilySearch To Expand Access to Genealogy Records | |
The New York State Library and New York State Archives are working with global nonprofit genealogy organization, FamilySearch, in an exciting effort to expand access to some of the state’s most important ancestry records and historical collections. Through this collaborative effort, thousands of records will be made available online in digital format for the first time, providing researchers with greater access to the documents from anywhere in the world.
| NYSED Announces New York State Green Ribbon Schools Honorees | |
NYSED announced that the Katonah-Lewisboro School District and the Williamsville School District have been selected as 2025-2026 Green Ribbon Schools Honorees.
The Katonah-Lewisboro School District (Westchester County) was selected for its numerous initiatives in renewable energy and green technology.
The Williamsville Central School District (Erie County) was selected for its various initiatives in student education, health, and wellness programs.
Congratulations to the honorees!
| Public Broadcasting in New York State: An Educational and Civic Asset | |
Public broadcasting continues to be a cornerstone of education, civic engagement, and trusted information for communities across New York State. Public media provide beloved early childhood programming and many other free resources that support classrooms, lifelong learning, and informed civic participation. In an era of rapid change and information overload, public broadcasting remains a dependable source of educational enrichment and community connection across the state.
A presentation at the April Board of Regents meeting explored how New York State benefits from and supports this vital public service. The presentation highlighted NYSED's unique role as a chartering authority for public broadcasters and as a pass-through for essential funding, as well as its oversight and regulatory compliance responsibilities. These functions align closely with the Board of Regents’ priorities, including advancing equity, expanding access, and promoting cultural education.
As the media landscape continues to evolve, NYSED remains firmly committed to sustaining public broadcasting as a public good. By supporting high-quality educational content, civic awareness, and trusted information, public media helps strengthen communities and ensures that learning opportunities remain accessible to all New Yorkers.
| New York State Teaching Incentive Program Applications Now Open | |
Applications for the 2026–27 NYS Master's in Education Teacher Incentive Scholarship and the NYS Math and Science Teaching Incentive Program are now open!
These programs support aspiring educators—especially math and science teachers—who are stepping up to fill critical workforce shortages and shape the next generation.
Program Requirements:
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NYS Master's in Education Teacher Incentive Scholarship
Students must be enrolled in a master’s degree program for public elementary or secondary school teacher certification. Students also need to maintain a minimum GPA and commit to teaching in a NYS public school for a set period after graduation.
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NYS Math and Science Teaching Incentive Program
Students must be (undergraduate or graduate) pursuing an approved secondary-level math or science teacher certification. Recipients must agree to teach math or science in a NYS secondary school for a specified time after earning their degree.
Applications close on June 1, 2026.
| Statewide Mathematics Tournament Regional Winners | |
NYSED is pleased to announce the 2026 Statewide Mathematics Tournament regional contest winners!
The Grade 1 regional winners are from the following schools:
- Mount Morris Elementary School, Mount Morris Central School District
- Maynard P. Wilson Elementary School, South Jefferson Central School District
- Cicero Elementary School, North Syracuse Central School District
- Montessori School 31, Yonkers Public Schools
- Locust School, Garden City Public Schools
- Setauket Elementary School, Three Village Central School District
- P.S. 059 Beekman Hill International School, New York City Public Schools
- P.S. 163Q Flushing Heights School, New York City Public Schools
- P.S. 020Q John Bowne, New York City Public Schools
- P.S. 144Q Col Jeromus Remsen, New York City Public Schools
The Grade 2 regional winners are from the following schools:
- Belfast Central School
- Homer Brink Elementary, Maine-Endwell Central School District
- Glenmont Elementary School, Bethlehem Central School District
- Hamilton Bicentennial Elementary School, Port Jervis City School District
- Deasy Elementary School, Glen Cove City School District
- Edward J. Bosti Elementary School, Connetquot Central School District
- Storefront Academy Harlem Charter School, New York City Public Schools
- P.S. 039 Henry Bristow, New York City Public Schools
- P.S. 032Q The State Street School, New York City Public Schools
- P.S. 174 William Sidney Mount School, New York City Public Schools
The Grade 3 regional winners are from the following schools:
- P.S. 079 Pfc. William J. Grabiarz School of Excellence, Buffalo Public Schools
- Dryden Elementary School, Dryden Central School District
- Cherry Road Elementary, Westhill Central School District
- Greenvale School, Eastchester Union Free School District
- George A. Jackson Elementary School, Jericho Union Free School District
- Joseph A. Edgar Intermediate School, Rocky Point Union Free School District
- P.S. 075 Emily Dickinson, New York City Public Schools
- Cultural Arts Academy Charter School, New York City Public Schools
- P.S. 105 The Blythebourne School, New York City Public Schools
- P.S. 133Q The Bellerose School of Excellence, New York City Public Schools
The Grade 4 regional winners are from the following schools:
- Pine Brook Elementary, Greece Central School District
- East Rochester Elementary, East Rochester Union Free School District
- General Herkimer Elementary, Utica City School District
- Main Street School, Irvington Union Free School District
- James A. Dever Elementary School, Valley Stream Union Free School District 13
- Marion G. Vedder Elementary School, North Babylon Union Free School District
- P.S. 033 Chelsea Prep, New York City Public Schools
- P.S. 111 Seton Falls Elementary School, New York City Public Schools
- P.S. 079Q Francis Lewis School, New York City Public Schools
- P.S./I.S. 048 William G. Wilcox, New York City Public Schools
The Grade 5 regional winners are from the following schools:
- West Elementary School, West Seneca Central School District
- The Children's School of Rochester School No. 15, Rochester City School District
- Guilderland Elementary School, Guilderland Central School District
- F.E. Bellows Elementary, Rye Neck School District
- Marion Street Elementary School, Lynbrook Public Schools
- Vanderbilt Elementary School, Half Hollow Hills Central School District
- New Explorations into Science, Technology and Math, New York City Public Schools
- P.S. 038 The Pacific School, New York City Public Schools
- P.S. 165Q Edith K. Bergtraum, New York City Public Schools
- P.S. 181Q The Brookfield School, New York City Public Schools
The Grade 6 regional winners are from the following schools:
- Maryvale Middle School, Maryvale School District
- Sherman Elementary School, Rush-Henrietta Central School District
- Chittenango Middle School, Chittenango Central School District
- LaGrange Middle School, Arlington Central School District
- Shelter Rock Elementary School, Manhasset Public Schools
- Commack Middle School, Commack Schools
- P.S. 184M Shuang Wen School, New York City Public Schools
- The Equity Project Charter School, New York City Public Schools
- P.S./M.S. 219 Paul Klapper School, New York City Public Schools
- Dreyfus Intermediate School 49, New York City Public Schools
The Grade 7 regional winners are from the following schools:
- Hinsdale Central School District
- Owego Apalachin Middle School, Owego Apalachin Central School District
- Wellwood Middle School, Fayetteville-Manlius School District
- Orville A. Todd Middle School, Spackenkill Union Free School District
- Pierre Van Cortlandt Middle School, Croton-Harmon Schools
- Eastport-South Manor Junior-Senior High School, Eastport-South Manor Central School District
- Challenge Preparatory Charter School, New York City Public Schools
- Brooklyn Independent Middle School
- I.S. 237 Rachel L. Carson, New York City Public Schools
- M.S. 074 Nathaniel Hawthorne, New York City Public Schools
The Grade 8 regional winners are from the following schools:
- Saint Stephen School, Diocese of Buffalo Catholic Schools
- Pine Grove Middle School, East Syracuse Minoa Central School District
- Oceanside Middle School #9M, Oceanside School District
- William T. Rogers Middle School, Kings Park Central School District
- P.S./I.S. 499Q The Queens College School for Math, Science and Technology, New York City Public Schools
- P.S./I.S. 268Q, New York City Public Schools
Congratulations and best of luck at the statewide tournament in June!
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