- By Remanu Steele
- Around Town
Print 
The Renewal Recommendation Report states, "New Roots' academic program is strong, effective, and embodies its mission and vision of creating an academic program characterized by education for sustainability as an integrating principle for applied interdisciplinary studies."
This charter renewal coincides with the announcement that New Roots is the first school in the country to be certified as a Human Rights Friendly School by The Dorothy Cotton Institute. Additionally, New Roots was selected to participate in Teaching Our Cities, an EPA-funded project that brings together schools that are leaders in urban environmental education to develop innovative new projects.
The Charter Schools Institute, the staff charged with oversight of SUNY-authorized charter schools, cited evidence of the relationship between the achievement of New Roots students and the school's faithful implementation of the program described in the original charter application, saying, "New Roots is an effective and viable organization that remains true to the mission and vision that its founders had for the school."
"We are honored and inspired to be awarded a charter renewal by an authorizer recognized nationally as a leader in authorizing high-quality, innovative schools that improve student achievement," said New Roots Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Dr. Jason Hamilton.
Founding school leader Tina Nilsen-Hodges says that being part of the SUNY system is part of that mission and vision. "SUNY's goal is to be a key engine of revitalization for New York State's economy and to enhance the quality of life for our state's citizens," said Nilsen-Hodges, who was lead applicant for the original school application and who serves as the school's Principal and Superintendent. "Our founding team chose SUNY as our authorizer because our school's mission is part of this larger vision of service to our great state. We are proud to be part of the Power of SUNY, and honored to have another charter term to continue this good work on behalf of our students and community."
v13i3