Students At-Risk Achieve Success at Brooklyn Generation School: Diplomas and Internships Awarded to Class Members as Benefits of Innovative Education Model
Brooklyn, New York (PRWEB) August 01, 2013 -- Generation Schools Network™, the nationally-recognized, award-winning non-profit whose innovative education model offers students 30% more and better learning time and teachers considerable collaborative time to prepare effective instruction without increasing their work year, announced the successful completion of its 2012-2013 school year at Brooklyn Generation School in New York. Particularly noteworthy was that a majority of its senior class members, many of whom were once at risk of dropping out, received their diplomas instead. In addition, several of the graduates were awarded summer internship opportunities.
According to recent research findings from the Alliance for Excellent Education, many students drop out of school because of a lack of engagement with the subject matter or challenges in making up for missed credits. Thanks to the first-and-only education model in the nation that expands learning time and reduces class size for all students in core courses in a cost effective way, teachers are able to implement a revolutionary college / career guidance program to better prepare students for post secondary success. In turn, these young adults gain the confidence and skills they need to live by the school’s motto: “Dream bigger, Work harder, Care more”.
To honor its new graduates, Brooklyn Generation School is pleased to highlight student success stories for two members of its graduating class, Cassandra St. Cyr and Niko Jemmison. Not only did these students complete high school with an outstanding record of academic success, but they were also awarded coveted summer internships to work at Generation Schools Network’s Brooklyn office. The exemplary achievements of these individuals can serve as models for schools and districts focused on increasing graduation rates.
Cassandra St. Cyr spent four years at Brooklyn Generation School, during which time she excelled both academically and personally. She received several awards for her outstanding achievements, including the BGS Alumni Association Stuck in the Middle Scholarship, Community Service Award, Award of Achievement in Art, and Honors Award. She will attend college this fall at SUNY Rockland Community College, and plans to study Occupational Therapy Assistance, a career path inspired by a tragic accident she experienced as a young child, which left her needing to overcome significant physical injuries. She did this successfully, and was even able to participate on the track team during high school.
When asked about her summer internship at Generation Schools Network, Cassandra proudly remarked, “I’m most excited about expanding my horizons, gaining experience and knowledge outside of the administrative work.” St. Cyr continued, “With this internship, it’s not only about me receiving a check, it’s about opening doors for me to network with people and do things I never would dream of at the age of eighteen.”
Niko Jemmison attended Brooklyn Generation School for two academic years from 2011-2013, during which time he excelled both academically and personally, as well as on the soccer field. Among his many achievements were receiving honor roll and top math student award for two consecutive years, in addition to being named the most well rounded student. Most notably, Niko graduated as the valedictorian of his class, and looks forward to attending Daemen College in the fall where he plans to study Accounting with a minor in Pre-law.
In terms of his summer internship with Generation Schools Network, Niko enthusiastically exclaimed, “Working as a summer intern is very exciting. However, the thing I am most excited about is working inside the office and improving my computer skills, especially working with Microsoft Office.”
Said Jonathan Spear, Co-Founder of Generation Schools Network, “We are remarkably proud of the level of achievement and success demonstrated by this year’s graduating class at Brooklyn Generation School, and strongly believe that it is a result of the successful implementation of our innovative education model.” Spear continued, “Without the commitment and dedication of all those who made it happen, including the Principal, teachers, staff, parents, administrators, students, and other partners in the community, there would not have been the same high level of success and positive results including a graduation rate above 85%* and a college acceptance rate of more than 90%.”
ABOUT GENERATION SCHOOLS NETWORK™
Generation Schools Network™ (GSN) is a nationally recognized, award-winning nonprofit organization whose innovative education model offers students and teachers 30% more and better learning time. Recognized by Bridgespan and the Center for High-Impact Philanthropy as one of the most cost-effective and promising school-redesign models in the country, GSN is dedicated to re-thinking the basic structures of a public school to ensure that all students – regardless of life circumstances – have access to a great education. Ultimately, their mission is to fundamentally transform schools to better prepare students for life’s responsibilities, challenges, and opportunities.
Generation Schools Network re-organizes the resources that districts already have -- particularly talent, time, and technology -- to implement the first-and-only education model in the nation that expands learning time and reduces class size for all students in core courses. As a result, good teachers are able to spend more time with fewer students, without increasing the work year or requiring an overhaul to existing teachers’ contracts. Importantly, the Generation Schools Network model seeks to be cost effective for district and school budgets.
To learn more about Generation Schools Network, visit http://www.GenerationSchools.org, send an email to info(at)GenerationSchools(dot)org, or call (720) 299-0474.
*Note: graduation rates are calculated according to the Governor’s Formula Co-hort rate.
Wendy Loloff Piersee, Generation Schools Network, http://www.generationschools.org, +1 847-226-4158, [email protected]
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