Contact: Colleen Roche (212) 788-2958
Samantha Lugo (212) 788-9364
"In the largest and most diverse public school system in the nation, a system that has such an outstanding history of achievement, the beginning of every school year is exciting. But this year is particularly meaningful and hopeful, because we have the very real opportunity to build on our achievements of the last three years and make lasting advances for the schoolchildren of the City," the Mayor said.
"No one ever said that transforming this school system would be easy. It's a tremendous challenge to do this job well, but that's exactly the challenge Chancellor Crew and his team, and new and veteran educators throughout the five boroughs, have accepted. And we are seeing the results."
"I want to thank all the educators who work hard every day to make a difference in the lives of our children. You are truly transforming this city by enabling thousands and thousands of young people to explore their potential. And most of all, I want to congratulate our children. You are the reason we're here, and the reason we all go to work every day. We know that you will make us proud," the Mayor concluded.
Joining the Mayor and the Chancellor at the annual kick off were Deputy Mayor for Education and Human Services Ninfa Segarra, Board of Education President William C. Thomson, Board of Education Members Irene Impellizzeri and Jerry Cammarata, local civic and community leaders.
The Mayor recognized the importance of early education and the crucial role that the Universal Pre-Kindergarten Programs, which provide services to eligible four-year-olds, can play in the lives of the youngest of our children.
The Mayor also recognized the students who participated in the Board of Education's Break Aways: School- Camps Partnership for Year-Round Learning program, which highlights innovative educational opportunities outside the classroom. The program partners schools and camps for a 21-28 day, fully articulated, academic and recreational camp experience during the summer.
Students attended the gathering in their school uniform, which will be mandatory at all New York City elementary schools effective this fall semester. Uniforms are a tool to improve the learning environment and promote better academic performance, teacher-student relationships, discipline, self-esteem, and safety, as well as reduce absenteeism and competition over dress.