Education Summit 2008 A Resounding Success

Community Conversations about supporting public education begin

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Over 200 business and community leaders packed the auditorium at Yonkers’ Riverfront Library on January 15th to hear New York City Mayor, Michael Bloomberg speak about the importance of engaging the community in support of the public schools. Bloomberg discussed several initiatives that have taken root in the New York City Public Schools in his six-year tenure as Mayor, and how they have improved student achievement in the largest school district in the country.  The Mayor challenged the audience to “be bold” in how we approach public education and to become involved as advocates and supporters of our children’s future.

The audience also heard remarks from Yonkers Mayor, Phil Amicone, YPIE Board member and President of ABC News, David Westin, President of the Yonkers Board of Education,  Bernadette Dunn and Superintendent of Schools, Bernard P. Pierorazio.  YPIE Executive Director, Wendy Nadel served as the panel’s moderator.

Following Mayor Bloomberg’s keynote address, the audience – made up of key community stakeholders including business leaders, community-based organizations, colleges and universities, parents, educators and faith-based organizations - participated in breakout sessions where they responded to the question:

“What resources can each stakeholder group contribute to improve academic achievement for all students in the Yonkers Public Schools?”

Participants reported energetic conversations that captured many ideas and suggestions.  Parent, Theresa Colyar commented, “It is important to know the city, on many levels, is invested in the education of Yonkers’ children.” And Saralinda Lichtblau from the Hudson River Museum said, “A wonderful and thoughtful beginning to a promising and necessary conversation.”

Yonkers Partners in Education will continue these community conversations over the next year, in the effort to build a community plan for supporting the 25,000 students who attend the Yonkers Public Schools. Learn More

Business Leaders Convene at Education Summit 2008

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Yonkers Partners in Education kicked off its first Education Summit on January 15th with a fundraising breakfast at Xaviers on the Hudson for area business leaders.  Keynote speaker, Mayor Michael Bloomberg, who was introduced by Yonkers Mayor, Phil Amicone, spoke about the need for the business community to support the public schools. He noted that public funds alone do not address the many needs that occur in low income school districts such as New York City and Yonkers. In New York City, the business community has raised millions of dollars to support some important programs such as the NYC Partnership for Teacher Excellence that prepares aspiring teachers to be successful in high needs public schools. Bloomberg challenged the Yonkers business community to take the actions that are appropriate in supporting achievement the Yonkers Public Schools.

The breakfast, which attracted over 125 people, raised over $35,000 for Yonkers Partners in Education.

Yonkers Partners in Education Is Officially Launched

Yonkers businesses, and community leaders and educators gathered in the Yonkers Riverfront Library Atrium to celebrate the inaugural event of Yonkers Partners in Education. Over three hundred community members were present to launch an organization well poised to support educational excellence in the Yonkers Public Schools. The evening was filled with the music of the Lincoln High School Gospel Choir, the food service of students in the Saunders High School Culinary Arts Program and speeches made by the valedictorians of Lincoln and Roosevelt High Schools. ABC- TV Channel 7 Anchor, Sade Balderinwa conveyed the excitement of the kick-off, as the evening’s mistress of ceremonies. Wine and scrumptious eats were donated by the foremost restaurateurs, caterers and pastry chefs of the area, thanks to Zuppa Restaurant owner and YPIE Board member, Robert Leggio, who organized their participation.

Mayor Phil Amicone was among several speakers throughout the evening. Amicone credited those who helped bring his idea to fruition, “Following a great deal of hard work, I am extremely pleased that our vision has become reality thanks to the efforts of those on the board who have worked so diligently to help lay the groundwork and the business leaders within the community who have come forward to support our idea.”

ABC News President and YPIE Board member, David Westin unveiled the group’s plans to fund 300 scholarships for high school students in need to attend an SAT preparatory course. “Government and educators cannot do it alone,” said Westin. “They need the help of caring hearts and committed benefactors.” See photos of the event .

YPIE Moves to 86 Main Street
September 6th, 2007

Members of YPIE cut the ribbon on their new office space located at 86 Main Street – Station Plaza. Thanks to landlord, Homes for America’s Holding, who provided YPIE with a significant rent reduction, the organization has beautiful newly constructed offices.

A crowd of over 50 gathered in the lobby of Station Plaza when members of the YPIE Board and City Council cut the ribbon on the new space. Community leader Murray Gunner delivered a heart-felt invocation and expressed his commitment to the organization’s success by presenting a $1,000 check.

The Second Annual John Reid Classic
The Second Annual John Reid Classic, sponsored by the City of Yonkers Office of Economic Development took place on September 24th at the St. Andrews Golf Club amidst a large crowd of golfers and supporters. The John Reid Classic celebrates Yonkers as the birthplace of American Golf. This year’s event raised funds to support the Yonkers Partners in Education.