The Springs School District got a financial boost from New York State this week when Assemblyman Fred W. Thiele Jr. stopped by the school to present a check for an extra $50,000 from state coffers.
School Superintendent Debra Winter said the money would be used for pre-kindergarten playground equipment, LEGO Robotics materials for second graders, sports intramurals for children in grades three through six, and a one-on-one mentoring program, none of which fit in the school budget for the year ahead, she said.
Ms. Winter said the grant would ultimately help the school carry out the federal Every Student Succeeds Act more effectively. That law emphasizes mental health and equal opportunity for all children.
“How do you do that on limited funds? Certain things you can do, but how do you do that in the scope of a school day?” Ms. Winter said. “Some children’s families can afford extracurricular activities, and some families can’t. All of the money will go toward student programs.” She thanked Mr. Thiele, calling him “a friend to the Springs School.”
The assemblyman noted that state lawmakers had approved the grant for the Springs School, among several in his district, just before the legislative session ended in June. “The Springs School District, I think, is doing great work,” he said. “They’re in the middle of a building program, they’re upgrading their septic system, and they’re doing all sorts of good things that we’re trying to help them with.”