East Ramapo outlines nearly $50 million in grant-funded programs, highlights free Pre-K and family services

Speaker 1 opened the presentation to East Ramapo Central School District families with a New Year greeting and an overview of the district's priorities. "Ponemos a los estudiantes primero," Speaker 1 said, framing the session as a review of grant-funded student supports.

The district's Office of Funded Programs explained its mission as supporting student learning, family engagement and professional growth across the schools. "La misión de la oficina de Funding Programs es apoyar el aprendizaje de los estudiantes," Speaker 2 said, and added that the office administers nearly $50,000,000 in grant finances each year to support formula and competitive grants for classroom resources, academic programs and out-of-school learning.

Among programs highlighted was the Smart Scholars program offered at two district high schools, which Speaker 2 described as a grant-supported initiative that enables students to earn college credits while in high school. Speaker 2 also described a grant targeted at students experiencing housing insecurity, saying the funds help remove barriers so those students can stay connected to school and access supports.

The presentation emphasized early childhood services. "The Universal Pre-K program is fully free for 4-year-olds," Speaker 3 said. Speaker 3 said the district enrolls more than 2,000 children annually in UPK across more than 60 preschool and child-care partner sites and that this year the program is placing extra emphasis on literacy readiness to prepare children for kindergarten.

Speaker 3 encouraged families seeking UPK information to consult the district website or visit the UPK office in the central administration building for help enrolling. The Family Welcome Center, located at the rear of the central administration building, was described as a hub where students and families can access supports and services funded by grants, including English classes, community resource events, early literacy activities and tutoring for middle- and high-school students.

Staff cited several concrete supports available through grant-funded initiatives: distribution of school supplies each September to 100 students; a children's reading club that allows families to take books home; a "Mommy and Me" program for caregivers and children six months to three years old; and an on-site food pantry to help families in need.

The district closed by inviting East Ramapo families to visit the Family Welcome Center for assistance and said it will return next month with additional information.