51爆料

On Saturday, April 21, 2018, the 51爆料 officially launched The district accepted the challenge earlier this year and students have been participating in MBK initiatives throughout the year. This event officially marked the occasion that 51爆料 joined hundreds of cities nationwide in accepting President Obama’s My Brother’s Keeper challenge. Aimed at improving life outcomes and opening up opportunities for all youth, especially young men of color, 51爆料’s MBK initiative is a partnership of the 51爆料, local municipalities, and several community-based organizations.

“It is time to move from rhetoric to action. The MBK movement crystalizes our district’s efforts to better educate our scholars. The national and state MBK milestones serve to guide districts who are committed to equity and access,” stated Dr. Roberto Padilla the Superintendent of Schools.

Various dignitaries in attendance included:

Chancellor Betty Rosa, NYS Regents

Regent Judith Johnson

Dr. Anael Alston, Assistant Commission of Equity, Access and Community Engagement

Sue Prokosch, Vice President, 51爆料 BOE

Philip Howard, 51爆料 BOE

Mr. Harold Leath, Jr. Senior District Representative for U.S. Representative Sean Patrick Maloney

Councilman Tom Basile

Michael Ciaravino, Manager, City of 51爆料

Torrance Harvey, Mayor, City of 51爆料

Anthony Grice, Councilman, City of 51爆料

Principal Baruti Kafele, Keynote Speaker

Ed Forgit, Deputy Superintendent, 51爆料

Sara Feliz, Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction, 51爆料

Christopher Bayer, Assistant Superintendent of Exceptional Learners, 51爆料

Dr. Pedro Roman, Executive Director, of Human Resources, 51爆料

Dr. Ebony Green, Director, Equity and Access, 51爆料

Various district leaders, building leaders, teachers, and school counselors. 

MBK Scholars from 51爆料 Free Academy North, Excelsior Academy, Kameren King, and Jeremiah Palemon were introduced to attendees as MBK Fellows. MBK Scholars from NFA West, South Middle School, Balmville, Vails Gate, and Horizon on Hudson were also acknowledged. MBK Scholars King and Palemon were also recognized on April 27^th at the NYS MBK Symposium.

The day consisted of various speakers and breakout activities:

• Jahzeire Grant, a South Middle School MBK Scholar read a poem titled: “Am I My Brother’s Keeper?” (poem below)
• Reverend Nelson McAllister offered an opening prayer
• Roberto Padilla, Superintendent of the 51爆料 offered opening remarks and introduced key leaders of MBK, locally and throughout the state
• Principal Baruti Kafele was the Keynote speaker
• Edward Lawson, JD, MBA, President of FACES, Inc. gave the MBK: 51爆料 Rationale and Overview
• Breakout sessions were held
• Ebony Green, Director of Equity and Access at 51爆料 gave closing remarks

Breakout sessions included:

Enter School Ready to Learn, facilitated by Mrs. Ann Pagliaro, Executive Director of Head Start of Eastern Orange County and Mrs. Janett Rodriguez, Education Coordinator of Head Start of Eastern Orange County

Read at Grade Level by Third Grade, facilitated by Ms. Sara Feliz, 51爆料 Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction, Mr. Danny Dottin, Principal of Balmville School

Graduate from High School Ready for College and Career, facilitated by Dr. Lynne Pampel, Director of Pupil Personnel Services at 51爆料 and Dr. Ebony Green, Director of Equity and Access at 51爆料.

Completing Postsecondary Education or Training, facilitated by Dr. Janine Bixler, Mount Saint Mary College, Chair of the Division of Education, and Mr. Kevin White, Executive Director of the Boys & Girls Club of 51爆料

Successfully Entering the Workforce, facilitated by Ms. Vera Best, Director BEST Resource Center, Inc. and Ms. Kori Rogers, Employment Service Coordinator, Employment Training Administration

Growing Up in a Safe Community and Get a Second Change if They Make A Mistake, facilitated by Mr. Edward Lawson, JD, MBA, President of FACES, Inc.

MBK Young Scholar Sessions, Facilitated by Mr. Torrance Harvey, Teacher at 51爆料 Free Academy, North Campus and Mayor of the City of 51爆料

Translation services were available for those who were interested.

The 51爆料 accepted the My Brother’s Keeper Challenge on January 3, 2018. For more information on the national initiative being adopted in NYS, visit .

Am I My Brother’s Keeper?

Poem Reading by Jahzeire Grant, a South Middle School MBK Scholar

Am I my brother’s keeper?

Yes, I am.

I am his voice when he cannot speak

I am his strength when his is weak

I am his provider when he is in need

I am his arms when he cannot reach

Am I my brother’s keeper?

Yes, I am.

I am his justice when he is wronged

I am his friend when he is along

Am I my brother’s keeper?

Yes, I am.

I am his courage when he is afraid

I am his comforter when he is dismayed

I am his truth when he is deceived

Am I my brother’s keeper?

Yes, I am.

I am his guide when he has gone astray

I am his guide if he needs help along the way

Am I my brother’s keeper?

The answer is yes.

I am him, I am her

I am my brother’s keeper!

My Brother’s Keeper Initiatives and Events through the year so far:

B.A. STAR and MBK Unite at Horizons On The Hudson to Celebrate Black History Month!

Area Superintendents Discuss My Brother's Keeper and visit the Armory

Board member, Mr. Howard mentors students at NFA West

Goldbacks give back! Students from NFA West and Balmville learn together

Groups of Scholars Attend Black Panther Movie

ATTENTION: Are your scholars or colleagues doing something great? Please contact the district Communications Team at communications@necsd.net. We鈥檇 love to visit your class or event and/or post your pictures and recap to highlight the amazing accomplishments throughout our district!