Jefferson Primary School has been cited for the achievement of its economically disadvantaged students.
Led by Principal Valerie Capitulo-Saide, Jefferson was identified by Better Outcomes Research as being in the top one-fifth of the 1,128 public schools that have 40 percent or more economically disadvantaged youngsters among its student body.
Jefferson Primary School Principal Valerie Capitulo-Saide sure is proud of her students and staff. (Darin Reed photo)
Based in Hartsdale, New York, Better Outcomes conducts educational research and engages in consulting aimed at boosting the achievement level of traditionally underperforming demographic groups and closing achievement gaps between students.
Better Outcomes Research Executive Director Dr. Manya C. Bouteneff recently informed Huntington Superintendent James W. Polansky of the good news concerning Jefferson School. “The second phase of the study is to interview superintendents and principals of the identified schools to learn what strategies or actions they believe led them to this level of success,” she said.
Jefferson met the criteria of having at 25 percent or more of its economically disadvantaged students score a 3 or 4 and 65 percent of all economically disadvantaged students score at least a 2 on the 2017 state English Language Arts test.
“I am beyond proud of Ms. Capitulo-Saide and the Jefferson staff and students,” Mr. Polansky said. “They have made great strides academically in recent years and understand that this progress is only the beginning. The potential at Jefferson, and at all Huntington schools for that matter is limitless!”
Located on Oakwood Road in Huntington, Jefferson Primary School opened in September 1962. Its first principal was J. Allen Matthews, who remained as the building’s educational leader through June 1967.
Jefferson School currently serves students in grades K-4 but has housed grades K-6 during its more than 55 years of service to the community.
“On behalf of the Jefferson Primary School faculty and staff, we are honored to be recognized for boosting the achievement of our economically disadvantaged students on the New York State ELA exam,” Ms. Capitulo-Saide said. “The faculty, staff and I work diligently to study each individual child and target their areas for growth. We remain focused on meeting the needs of all students and are pleased to be recognized for our work.”