Stories From Main Street: Mamaroneck Schools Praised For Initiative Helping Hispanic Students
MAMARONECK, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- The White House has taken notice of what's going on in the Mamaroneck school district.
It has been designated a bright spot in Hispanic education, WCBS 880's Sean Adams reported.
For many new immigrants, college might seem like a distant dream. But in Mamaroneck, Superintendent Robert Shaps said educators start by reaching out to parents "explaining how higher education works, like what you would need to do between the middle school years and high school and then creating opportunities for them to learn more."
Mamaroneck Schools Praised For Initiative Helping Hispanic Students
Teachers and counselors monitor a student's individual progress and challenge them.
"They always sent letters home, both in English and in Spanish, to help out my dad, who's not that fluent in English," explained Andrea Zea, whose parents are from Ecuador.
"Most likely you would not see 10 years ago Hispanic students enrolled in AP (advanced placement) courses," Shaps said.
Zea, a senior, takes AP macroeconomics, AP biology and AP calculus.
Hispanic students in Mamaroneck are improving, Shaps said.
"In 2010, our graduation rate for Hispanic students was 70 percent," he said. "Each year, up to 2014, we increased that level -- and in 2014, 91 percent."
Mamaroneck Mayor Norman Rosenblum sees attitudes changing. Before he took office nearly a decade ago, there was friction with the Hispanic community in the village over a legal battle involving day laborers.
"This is an example that the school system is adding to the mixture and the flavor of America's melting pot," he said.
Added Zea: "They see that there's something, that you're going to be someone someday, so it just helps with that and makes us feel confident in ourselves."
