News and Notes
June 2022
Dear Colleagues,
Commissioner Rosa
As the school year comes to an end and we look forward to the summer months, I would like to express my deep appreciation for your continuing dedication to our students and their families.
 
New York State’s educators are knowledgeable, passionate, and devoted to helping all children succeed. They provide a high-quality education; make sure students have access to mental health services and nutritious meals when needed; and help to keep them safe. I am awed by their commitment to excellence.
 
Ensuring student safety is always our paramount concern, especially in the wake of the horrific mass shootings in Buffalo and Texas. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that school is always a safe haven where students can learn, free from fear and violence.
 
Looking forward to the school year ahead, I am galvanized by the energy and joy that New York’s teachers and young people bring to our schools. Every day, students demonstrate an eagerness and excitement to learn about the world around them. Their resilience and hope inspire us to ensure that their futures are bright.
 
A new school year is just around the corner, and I can’t wait to continue our work together helping all students learn, grow, and thrive in safety. Until then, please try to find some time this summer to relax, unwind, and look after your own well-being.
 
I wish you a happy and healthy summer filled with laughter and joy.
Sincerely,

Betty A. Rosa
Commissioner
Statement on Board of Regents Appointment from
Chancellor Lester W. Young, Jr. and Commissioner Betty A. Rosa
We congratulate and welcome Dr. Roger Catania as the next member of the Board of Regents and representative of New York’s 4th Judicial District. His more than 35 years as a superintendent, teacher, and school counselor will help further the Board and Department’s commitment to empowering all young people to succeed and raise all people's knowledge, skill, and opportunity in New York.

Dr. Catania spent more than 20 years in the North Country, eight of them as superintendent of the Lake Placid Central School District. He will bring his vast experience and knowledge of public education and student learning to the deliberations of the Board and build upon the tremendous work done by the late Beverly Ouderkirk, serving the families and students of the 4th Judicial District for the next three years.
The New York State Library’s Research Library is dedicated in memory of former Regent Joseph E. Bowman, Jr. This honor recognizes Regent Bowman’s lifelong work as an educator, advocate, and champion of libraries and the indelible legacy he left through his efforts to advance equity in educational technology.

Dr. Bowman’s family joined Board of Regents members and Department staff on the 7th floor of the Cultural Education Center in Albany to unveil the newly updated entrance wall, renaming the library as the “Regent Joseph E. Bowman, Jr. Research Library.”
Board of Regents Recognizes Student Scholarship Awardees
The Board of Regents recognized outstanding New York State students receiving Chancellor Joseph McGovern and Regent Emeritus Emlyn Griffith Scholarships at its June meeting. The scholarships are awarded annually to the children of NYSED employees to provide financial assistance as they continue their post-secondary education. Congratulations to Athena Wu, a senior at Guilderland High School, on being named the recipient of the Chancellor Joseph McGovern Scholarship and to Lily McCumber of Mohonasen High School on receiving the Regent Emeritus Emlyn Griffith Scholarship.
Summer Professional Development with NYSCATE’s Online Modules
Learn at your own pace: Free online courses from NYSCATE
NYSED has partnered with the New York State Association for Computers and Technologies in Education (NYSCATE) to develop and offer 40 FREE online courses for all NYS educators. The courses, developed for NYS educators by NYS educators, have received outstanding reviews and are a perfect way for all teachers to learn what they want, when they want to sharpen their skills in various areas such as:
 
  • Computer Science & Digital Fluency Standards (3 courses)
  • Multi-Language Learners/English Language Learners (3 courses)
  • Integration tools and strategies such as engaging in Online and Virtual Discussions, Digital Citizenship, and Technology Empowered Educator (various)
  • Exciting engagement resources such as Escape Rooms, Bitmoji Classrooms, Book Creator and Jamboard
  • Social Emotional Learning Strategies
 
Customized district start pages, automatic full district registration, and individual teacher registration are available. For additional information or to get started today, contact Dr. Amy DelCorvo (adelcorvo@nyscate.org) or Mary Beth Guthrie (mguthrie@nyscate.org).