| December 28, 2022 Dear Parents and Families, Happy Holidays to you and your families! As the end of the year is nearly upon us, I want to wish you and yours a holiday season filled with happiness, comfort, support, and good health. Thank you to the parent-teacher associations and organizations across the state, with special recognition to Kyle Belokopitsky and her team at the New York State PTA, for their dedication and commitment to helping students achieve success across our diverse state. In this last letter of 2022, I have important updates to share on the following topics: – A new video featuring New York State students: “Equity, Excellence, and Access” – The Board of Regents State Aid Request and Budget and Legislative Priorities for the 2023-24 School Year – New York State’s nominees for the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program – A new campaign to raise awareness of Adult Education services and programs in New York State The Board of Regents and the New York State Education Department (NYSED) are committed to making New York’s schools warm and welcoming places for all students. In this new video, New York State students explain how learning becomes possible – and joyful – when they are seen, heard, and valued for who they are. At this month’s Board of Regents meeting, the Board outlined its budget and legislative priorities for the 2023-24 school year, which focus on supporting lifelong learning opportunities, providing a P-20 continuum in education, and creating equity in education for all students while improving customer service for all New Yorkers. The proposals include: universal Pre-K for three and four-year-olds by 2035 and 2030, respectively; universal access to Career and Technical Education for any student wanting access to such programs; expanding regional opportunities for educational services and programs; supporting districts with rapid enrollment growth; and expanding access to school meals. To carry out these strategic priorities, the Board advanced a comprehensive $3.4 billion State Aid request to build capacity at the state and local levels. A full description of the Board’s 2023-24 legislative and budget priorities and the Regents State Aid proposal may be found on the Department’s website. NYSED recently nominated 25 New York State high school seniors for the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program. Presidential Scholar recognition is one of the nation’s highest honors for high school students who represent excellence in education and the promise of greatness in young people. The White House Commission on Presidential Scholars selects students annually based on their academic success, artistic excellence, essays, school evaluations, and transcripts, as well as evidence of community service, leadership, and demonstrated commitment to high ideals. Congratulations to all the nominees! Finally, NYSED’s Office of Adult Career and Continuing Education Services-Adult Education Program and Policy (ACCES-AEPP) promotes, develops, and supports programs that provide adult students with basic literacy, English as a Second Language, employment, college, career, and apprenticeship training. A new multimedia campaign aims to educate the public about adult education services, increase participation in adult education programs across the state, and ensure that NYSED meets adult learners’ needs. Read this letter from Deputy Commissioner Ceylane Meyers-Ruff for more information about the campaign. Please share this information with anyone who could benefit from ACCES’s adult education services. More information about our adult education services, including a list of programs, is available on our ACCES website. Please also keep an eye on our Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn feeds to share our message and success stories! Best wishes to you, your families, and your school communities for a safe, healthy, happy, and restful holiday season. Sincerely, Betty A. Rosa Commissioner |