Here are a few updates from last night’s Board Meeting:
Puerto Rican History & Culture Course
Associate Superintendent of Culturally and Linguistically Responsive Initiatives Dr. Fatima Morell unveiled the new curriculum on Puerto Rican History & Culture, which will launch at Olmstead and Lafayette International High Schools, this year. Click the picture below to review the details of the curriculum. Thank you to Dr. Morrell, staff, and community leaders who contributed to its development. In line with this new curriculum, the BOE adopted a resolution in support of Hispanic Heritage Month.
Transportation
27,000 students take the bus each day
Normally use 667 drivers, lost 150 to start the year
18 resigned at the start of the year and 10-15 call in each day
Since September 1:
First Student has 450 new applicants
210 interviews
25 candidates being trained
At the request of Board Members, including myself, the District is exploring the feasibility of using National Guard as a short-term remedy, as has been done in Massachusetts
Devices
Since start of school year, about 2,500 more devices have been returned
6,000 still missing
Newly ordered devices are coming in, about 6,000 are expected in a couple of weeks
Devices are going back out based on priority- high schools, high need populations, etc…
WNY Children’s Psychiatric Center Day Treatment
I am proud to share that the District has reinstated a program through WNY Children's Psychiatric Center Day Treatment facility, which was cut because of our budget constraints last school year. This program serves students with severe emotional and mental health needs, providing onsite clinical services from NYS Office of Mental Health staff of psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, and nurses. We know that many of our students are experiencing challenges with mental health and trauma, exasperated by the pandemic. I know this placement firsthand as a school psychologist and know that it is unique and far above and beyond what any of our BPS schools can provide for our neediest students with mental health needs.
Please email me with any questions or concerns at lscott@buffaloschools.org.
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