October 2024

Dear Colleagues,

October is National Principals Month, and I'd like to take the opportunity to express my appreciation and admiration for the leadership of our school principals. We are very fortunate to have amazing school leaders here in New York State who work tirelessly to ensure their schools provide a safe and welcoming environment for all students. Thank you to all of our principals for everything you do, not only this month but throughout the year, to help the children of New York State grow and thrive.

In addition, October is New York State History Month and American Archives Month, and the New York State Education Department (NYSED) Office of Cultural Education is working to promote the education and appreciation of New York State’s rich and complex history. In addition to hosting in-person events throughout October, the State Museum has created a dedicated New York State History Month web page with many resources to explore, including the podcast “A New York Minute in History,” educator guides, a list of events happening statewide, and much more. In addition, the State Archives invites you to discover the enduring value of historical records and learn more about New York State history using its web page featuring resources for American Archives Month. I encourage you to explore all of the resources we have to offer and learn about the fascinating history of our state!

Sincerely,

Betty A. Rosa

Commissioner

NYSED joins the country in celebrating National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) by recognizing businesses that hire an exceptional number of individuals with disabilities.

This year’s theme is “Access to Good Jobs for All,” which will be promoted through statewide events hosted by the Department’s Office of Adult Career and Continuing Education Services—Vocational Rehabilitation (ACCES-VR) and partner organizations throughout the month of October. Many of these events aim to offer employment opportunities to people with disabilities. Find a list of events and regional award winners on our website.

Literacy Academy Collective and NYSED recently announced the release of the New York State Action Plan: The Path Forward. The Action Plan seeks to transform the way educators are prepared to teach literacy.

In Fall 2023, New York State was chosen to participate in the third cohort of the Hunt Institute’s The Path Forward initiative. The goal of the initiative is to improve literacy instruction in schools by supporting and integrating the science of reading into teacher preparation program curricula and certification requirements.

Learn more about The Path Forward initiative and New York's Action Plan on our website.

The Board of Regents invites nominations for the Louis E. Yavner Teaching and Citizen Awards. The Louis E. Yavner Teaching Award recognizes a New York State teacher who has made outstanding contributions to education about the Holocaust and other human rights violations. The Louis E. Yavner Citizen Award was established to honor Holocaust survivors, scholars of the Holocaust and human rights issues, and self-taught experts who help educate students about these difficult topics.

The deadline for nomination submission has been extended to November 15, 2024. Award recipients will be recognized at the January 2025 Board of Regents meeting. The Office of Standards and Instruction’s Yavner Award website provides additional information about both awards, including application forms, award criteria, and required documentation.

NYSED is highlighting students’ reflections on the impacts of history and its relevance to their generation. Through the #MyHistoryMyFuture social media campaign, the Department intends to amplify the voices of young people. We encourage students to learn about the past as well as be proud of where they come from and take action to make their schools, communities, and the world a better place for future generations.

This month, we invite students to participate in the #MyHistoryMyFuture social media campaign using the resources available from the State Museum, State Library, and State Archives to learn about New York State’s rich and complex history.

Suggested Student Activities

Explore the resources available on the New York State History Month web page, then share your views as you reflect on the past and look to the future. Post your thoughts on social media using the hashtag #MyHistoryMyFuture. Here are some ideas to help you get started:

• Join the New York State Museum for special in-person programming throughout October to celebrate New York State History Month.
• Listen to a podcast episode of “A New York Minute in History.” From stories about New York’s role in the War of 1812 to the history of regional food specialties, the podcast offers fascinating stories to engage students with a wide variety of interests.
• Attend one of the many events and programs happening across the state to celebrate New York State History Month.
• Celebrate New York State History Month by exploring one or more of the sites on I Love NY's Path Through History!
• Participate in one of the New York State Library's online and in-person events that relate to New York State History.
• Celebrate Archives Month and learn more about New York State History by exploring the New York State Archives digital collections, name indexes rich in family history information, highlights from New York Archives magazine, and more!

The U.S. Department of Education recently announced the 2024 National Blue Ribbon Schools. Twenty-one New York schools have achieved this honor. The prestigious recognition highlights schools that excel in academic performance or make significant strides in closing achievement gaps among different student groups.

Our press release includes a full list of the 2024 New York State National Blue Ribbon Schools. Congratulations to the honorees! 

NYSED has awarded $34 million to 207 public libraries and library systems across the state to support construction and renovation projects. These funds assist libraries in constructing new buildings, creating additions, updating electrical wiring and computer technology, improving broadband infrastructure, meeting energy efficiency standards, renovating facilities to provide greater accessibility, and providing meeting spaces to accommodate community needs. A complete list of funded projects is available on the State Library’s website.

NYSED's Privacy Office has collected nearly $300,000 in penalties from technology companies whose practices violated student and parent data privacy protections. The penalties were enforced against two companies, rSchoolToday and Raptor Technologies, which paid $120,000 and $167,000, respectively.

NYSED's Privacy Office website provides more information about data privacy, including instructions for students and parents to file a privacy complaint.

October is New York State College Application Month! The primary goal of College Application Month is to increase the number of students applying to college from New York's high schools.

The New York State Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC) runs the campaign, which provides students with tools, resources, and guidance to help them pursue their higher education. 

More than 130 colleges and universities throughout New York State are waiving their application fees for College Application Month! This means students can apply to multiple colleges without the burden of application fees, making it easier and more affordable for students to pursue their college goals.

Find a complete list of participating schools and their fee waiver dates on the HESC website.