November is a month for gratitude

By Mark Laurrie

Niagara Falls City School Superintendent

November is a month filled with expressions of gratitude. While we are grateful all year for the board of education, faculty, staff, students, and parents who make up the City School District of the City of Niagara Falls (NFCSD), the Thanksgiving season reminds us how important it is to articulate our appreciation.

The return to school in September could not have run smoother. The teachers were well-trained in utilizing the latest teaching methods, equipment, and curriculum, and students came ready to learn. It's a testament to collaboration and working together as a team.

I am thankful that I work in a district that has such a diverse population. Sixteen languages are spoken throughout our schools, and we have 103 English as a New Language (ENL) students this year. This richness of varying languages, traditions, food, music, and the arts provides our students with first-hand knowledge of cultures beyond the United States.

The District held a Walk the World event on Saturday, November 2, 2004, from 12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. at Niagara Falls High School (NFHS), 4455 Porter Road. This event featured food, entertainment, traditional dress, children's activities, giveaways, and more. The first, Walk the World held two years ago, was very well-received and well-attended. This year the flavors, the rhythms, and the tastes of over 50 countries and cultures was even better.

I am thankful for our athletics department, which continues to grow and reach excellence. For instance, our golf team had a 17 – 3 – 1 record with two students who qualified for the sectionals. Our Wolverine athletes are superstars for their hard work in the spirit of competition while keeping their grades up. Many of our students play more than one sport. They are active in instrumental and vocal music, student government, theatre, chess club, and many extracurricular activities.

The NFCSD is thankful for our partners in the community. The NFCSD would be a much different organization without the business and community partnerships that allow our students to see themselves as part of the greater world. It's easy to get "stuck" in a classroom or the confines of a school building. But students need to know that they are part of the larger community's fabric and are cared about and cared for. For instance, our partner, Men Standing Strong Together, hosts dinners and movies for our elementary school children. NAZ 716 plans to give away 500 turkeys to families on November 21, 2024 at Kalfas Primary School. We are so grateful.

I appreciate that the NFCSD is standing on firm financial ground. Auditors Drescher and Malecki issued the NFCSD a clean audit with growing reserves. There was not one finding or action required for correction.

The strong relationship the NFCSD has established with the construction trades is something we are thankful for. High school students who have had training with construction trade union members are building a gazebo at Hyde Park for the community to enjoy.

Our new Family Support Center at Bloneva Bond Primary (BBP) is a much-needed service easily accessible to our families. I am thankful that this center offers emergency food, emergency housing, substance abuse recovery services, mental health, furniture, household items, and even hygiene supplies. And that is a tiny sample of the NFCSD Family Resource Center's work. Generous Niagara Falls residents have donated clothing for our aptly named "clothing closet." In its first two months of operation the Family Support Center serviced 130 families.

Continuing the tradition of giving, the District is thankful for the tremendous support we receive from Feedmore. The organization donates fresh fruits, vegetables, and other items in areas (food deserts) where healthy fresh food is difficult to come by.

The Heritage Center project, led by artist Yetti Frenkel, is adorning the outside walls of Harry F. Abate Elementary with breathtaking murals as part of the Abate North End Restoration Project. This is a must-see; take a drive by the school once the intensive installment is completed. I want to thank the Niagara Falls National Heritage organization for its large-scope mural project at Abate Elementary. A mural of 30 aluminum sheets, including paintings and mosaics, was created.

We continue to establish Say Yes Niagara Falls for our city's students. With four excellent contributions to date, we have raised the groundwork for our perpetual last-dollar scholarships for students of NFHS through Say Yes Niagara Falls. We have a long way to go, but are off to a good start.

Enjoy the Thanksgiving holiday with family and friends, and remember to honor our veterans on Monday, November 11. Schools will be closed that day.

Gratitude is a powerful emotion. Too often, people focus on what they don't have as opposed to what they have already been blessed with. The Niagara Falls City School District has had much bestowed upon us, for which we can all be thankful throughout the year. We have nine strong board of education members who care deeply for our students and families and always want the best for them. We must always be grateful for the NFCSD Board of Education's commitment to the highest quality education.