Yonkers Deputy Mayor Susan Gerry joined Associate Superintendent, Rose Anne Collins-Judon to present the Mayor’s School Spotlight Award to the deserving administration, faculty, staff, parents, and students at School 30. Under the leadership of Principal Michael Shapiro, School 30 has made notable strides in three pivotal areas: Academic Excellence, Student Engagement and Leadership, and Community and Innovation.
“As the Mayor of Yonkers, I am incredibly proud of the tremendous achievements of School 30. Under the dedicated leadership of Principal Michael Shapiro, our students have excelled academically and demonstrated exceptional engagement and leadership,” said Mayor Spano. “Their impressive accomplishments, including significant improvements in state exams and the successful launch of initiatives like the Newcomers Program, highlight the commitment and resilience of our students, educators, and community. I commend School 30 for their outstanding efforts and look forward to witnessing their continued success.”
Principal Michael Shapiro and his team at School 30 have worked tirelessly to meet the needs of their learning community in the past year. Their dedication has resulted in significant improvements in the school’s performance. Some of the initiatives that have contributed to the school’s success include:
Academic Excellence – School 30 students achieved a 20% increase in Mathematics and an 18% increase in English Language Arts on state exams between 2019 and 2024. In addition, 56% of the students increased their proficiency levels. 100% of 8th-grade students passed the Algebra Regents in June 2024, with the opportunity to earn three high school credits in Algebra, Biology, and Spanish.
Student Engagement and Leadership – The school boasts a student-elected government that collaborates with administrators, as well as thriving MBK and MSK chapters with over 60 students. Their first joint initiative, a Holiday Toy Drive, resulted in 75 wrapped presents for children in need.
Community and Innovation – School 30 launched a Newcomers Program to support Spanish and Arabic speaking families, providing designated teachers who assist with school-related matters. The school also enjoys a strong partnership with Sarah Lawrence College, where college students work in classrooms to support academics and student projects.
“Strong governance and leadership are essential to the success of our schools, and School 30 is a shining example of what can be achieved when educators, students, and families work together with a shared vision. The Board of Education is proud to support initiatives that drive academic excellence, foster student leadership, and strengthen community engagement. Congratulations to Principal Shapiro and the entire School 30 community for their dedication and remarkable achievements,” noted Board of Education President Dr. Rosalba Corrado Del Vecchio.
Superintendent of Schools Aníbal Soler, Jr. added, “At Yonkers Public Schools, our students are at the heart of everything we do, and School 30 is a perfect example of what’s possible when they are empowered to succeed. Their academic achievements, leadership initiatives, and commitment to community engagement show the strength and potential of our young people when given the right support. This recognition is a testament to the hard work of the students, educators, and families who make School 30 such a special place. Congratulations to Principal Shapiro and the entire school community on this well-deserved honor.”
Mayor Spano’s School Spotlight Award highlights four Yonkers Public Schools within the academic school year for their significant academic success, extracurricular achievements and community involvement.
