Exciting news! The Ellenville Central School District has officially been recognized by the New York State Education Department as being a My Brother’s Keeper (MBK) Community.
By accepting the state's MBK Community Challenge, the District and its community partners have committed to taking the necessary actions to develop and execute programs and strategies designed to improve outcomes for boys and young men of color, and all youth and help them to realize their full potential.
As a NYSMBK Community, Ellenville now joins the MBK Community Network of more than 30 MBK Communities across the state. As a result, the District will gain additional technical assistance in the execution of its action plan, be able to participate in both state and national MBK events, and gain eligibility for programs such as the My Brother’s Keeper Fellows Program.
The District looks forward to continuing its work to help change the narrative for boys and young men of color in your community.
Read Ellenville's My Brother's Keeper Community Action Plan
The following is a letter written by Ellenville Central School District Superintendent Lisa Wiles to New York State Education Department Commissioner Dr. Betty Rosa, accepting the MBK Community Challenge in February 2024:
Dear Commissioner Rosa,
The Ellenville Central School District and Village of Ellenville are fully committed to supporting the My Brother's Keeper initiative. To expand the work of the Ellenville Central School District's My Brother's Keeper Program, we welcome the opportunity to be a part of the New York State My Brother’s Keeper Community Network.
Our District's My Brother's Keeper initiative was launched initially in November 2019. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, our launch was interrupted. We have hereby relaunched the process on January 14, 2024, to serve boys and young men of color in their pursuit of academic achievement and career options. In recognition of the challenges faced by these young people, the Ellenville Central School District and the Village of Ellenville will work together in support of the six national MBK milestones that are focused on ensuring that all children/youth:
1. Enter school ready to learn;
2. Read at grade level by third grade;
3. Graduate from high school;
4. Complete postsecondary education or training;
5. All youth out of school are employed; and
6. All youth remain safe from violent crime.
In addition to supporting the six milestones set at the national level, we are also committed to supporting the six NYS MBK Priorities:
1. Ensuring equitable access to high-quality schools and programs;
2. Expanding prevention, early warning, and intervention services;
3. Using differentiated approaches based on need and culture;
4. Responding to structural and institutional racism;
5. Making comprehensive and coordinated support services widely available; and
6. Engaging families and communities in a trusted and respectful way.
We are proud to stand beside the New York State Education Department as an active member of the New York State My Brother's Keeper Community Network to further these goals.
Sincerely,
Lisa A. Wiles
Superintendent of Schools