On Tuesday, February 2nd, 2016, a group of staff, parents, and students from the SAS family went to Albany for the NYS Charter School Advocacy Day. The intention of this event was to showcase SAS and other charters in NYS and to help build new relationships with those that create the laws that govern our schools. In addition, the long-standing partnerships with the many lawmakers that have long supported the amazing work done at SAS and other charters. Two administrators, Mr. Yavuz and Mr. Bak, the Deans of the Middle and High Schools and Mr. Carter, 5th & 6th grade science teacher, led the group. They were joined by eight of the dedicated parent partners with 12 students ranging from grades 2 through 7. 

What was our goal? Well, outside of the demonstration of what makes SAS great, we sought to describe what equitable funding could mean to their schools and futures! Many do not realize that charter schools only receive a fraction per pupil of what traditional public schools receive. This combined with the un-subsidized building costs diminish our potential. Even with these circumstances, the accomplishments of SAS are amazing. Our graduation, college readiness, and college acceptance rates are things that any school should be proud of. 

The group met with the staff members from the offices of Assemblywoman Pamela Hunter, Assemblyman William Magnarelli, and Senator John Defrancisco as these representatives were in chamber. They were also able to speak directly to Senator Valesky and Samuel Roberts, Commissioner of the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance. These dedicated public servants listed to our staff, parents, and students talk about what it is to be at SAS and how our student-centered approach has yielded great results! As more and more lawmakers see what we have accomplished, we hope to make funding for SAS equitable with traditional public schools and present even more opportunities for our amazing students to shine bright! Go ATOMS!