WESTMORELAND, N.Y.- On Thursday, May 16th, the Westmoreland Central School District welcomed Dr. Betty A. Rosa, the Commissioner of Education and President of the University of the State of New York. Dr. Rosa toured our campus and discussed concerns with school administrators from all across Central New York.
Commissioner Rosa, Senator Joe Griffo, Assemblyman Brian Miller, Assemblyman Robert Smullen, Assemblywoman Marianne Buttenschon and other state leaders were able to observe what our students are doing everyday in class. They were greeted by students at the Upper Elementary School. The commissioner was able to see Mrs. Bonomo’s first grade students in a reading lesson. She incorporated Mrs. Davis, coordinator for our Zone for Imagination, Innovation and Inspiration (ZI3), and STEAM into the lesson to showcase the incredible collaboration and how it benefits our students.
Dr. Rosa ventured down the hall to Mrs. Miller’s sixth grade class to see what they’re learning when it comes to the science of reading! The students were reading a book about refugees and why they relocated.
The group was then taken to the Multi-Purpose room for a meeting with area superintendents, principals and other administrators. They talked about suspensions in schools, school budgets and why funding is so important.
“We're appreciative that Senator Griffo is a champion for education in our region and arranged for Commissioner Rosa to come to the area to see all the great things that are happening in our schools and to engage in meaningful conversation with school leaders from five local counties,” said Superintendent Rocco Migliori. “Westmoreland was proud and happy to host this event, it allowed us to showcase the great kids and hardworking staff in our district.” He added that Commissioner Rosa was honest, engaging and thoughtful as they spoke with her about education policy, financial constraints, regulations and a host of other topics that directly affect the work they do everyday.
Our district looks forward to a continued, open dialogue with her and the entire staff in the State Education Department as we tackle some pretty important issues across our state.
Click here for photos from the Commissioner Rosa's visit!