Governor Cuomo Announces $500k Grant for Peekskill School

On June 19, the Peekskill City School District excitedly welcomed Governor Cuomo to Hillcrest Elementary. Cuomo stopped by the school to announce that Peekskill has been awarded a $500,000 grant from New York State. The funds, which are part the NYS Community Schools initiative, will be used over three years to address a wide range of support services for Peekskill’s students and their families including health care, counseling, nutrition, and job preparation services.

“New York’s schools are the cornerstones of our communities – but giving all our students a brighter future means doing more than supporting them in the classroom,” Governor Cuomo said. “By providing these grants, the State is helping to transform schools in distressed neighborhoods into community institutions that bridge the service gaps that too often keep our kids from reaching their full potential. From nutritional counseling to keep children healthy to immigration and housing support that enables families to stay together, this funding will empower our schools to go above and beyond to meet the needs of our students. I congratulate these grant recipients on their visionary plans, and look forward to seeing their commitment continue to improve the lives of New Yorkers.”

While in the building, the Governor visited two of Hillcrest’s classrooms, Ms. Rodreguiez and Ms. Bruno’s classes, and spoke with fifth grader student Esteban Pauta about what makes New York great.

At the press conference, Peekskill Superintendent Dr. Larry Licipoli recognized those who had helped write the grant as well as the local organizations that will be collaborating with Hillcrest in the future thanks to the award.

Kerry Whelan Megley, the Assistant Executive Director of Family Ties of Westchester, which is one of four organizations involved in the grant’s initiatives, was present at the event. Whelan Megley noted that she and others at Family Ties were excited to learn that the District had been selected to receive the grant and are eager to being working with Hillcrest families.

“We are looking forward to helping Peekskill provide support, education and advocacy to their students and their student’s families,” said Whelan Megley. “It’s about supporting the students, parents and working collaboratively across systems to encourage the success of our children.”

This latest grant adds to the $1,000,000+ which the Peekskill City School District has already received in New York State grants during the 2013-2014 school year.

"We're very, very appreciative,” Licopoli said. “[This grant] recognizes the kids and families and the hard work we do here.”