HYDE PARK- Hyde Park Central School District is the only Dutchess County school district to have been provisionally awarded a $3.5 million Stronger Connections Grant from the New York State Education Department. The grant is to help expand safe, healthy, and supportive learning opportunities and environments for students.
This competitive grant program, spread out over three years, was authorized under the Bipartisan Safe Communities Act of 2022 and is also intended to prevent and respond to acts of bullying, violence, and hate that impact school communities at individual and systemic levels. Hyde Park is one of 44 districts across the state to receive one.
Superintendent Dr. Pedro Roman and Assistant Superintendent of Pupil Services Melissa Lawson applied for the grant with the intent of providing wraparound supports for students in order for them to thrive.
“To determine what specific supports we need to close the opportunity and achievement gap, we will create a logic model and in parallel undergo a strategic planning process that engages our community in building a blueprint for our District’s future,” Roman said.
Some preliminary ideas include creating a safe environment where students are given opportunities for restorative practices, tackling chronic absenteeism with a goal of having students attend school 95 percent or more of the days school is in session, as well as challenging thriving students and supporting those who need a boost.
“We want all students in Hyde Park to succeed and thrive,” Roman said. “When kids feel supported, when they feel they are valued and respected, they’re going to be successful.”
Roman and Lawson are grateful for the grant that will allow the district to help close opportunity gaps for families by bringing in resources that will complement and expand the supports currently available to students.
“It will help us address the continued needs that have surfaced as a result of the pandemic.”
Funds will be distributed pending final approval from the New York State Education Department.
