NYSSBA Recognizes Baldwin UFSD with Fourth "Champion of Change" Award

The New York State School Boards Association (NYSSBA) recognized Baldwin Union Free School District (UFSD) as a “Champion of Change” for the Baldwin Schools Wellness Center as well as the Brookside Shark Tank Project. NYSSBA’s Champions of Change Recognition program highlights the many districts and BOCES programs and initiatives that bring positive, meaningful change to the students, communities and districts of New York.

The award celebrates programs that optimize resources to address issues of equity, demonstrate strong student academic performance and introduce unique learning environments that are innovative and future oriented. Baldwin UFSD was previously recognized with this honor for the Hello Neighbor Project and the high school’s Education Academy.

“Every once in a while, it is nice to get a pat on the back, especially when the recognition is unexpected. NYSSBA initiated a program, which we call the Champions of Change, in order to do just that,” wrote Robert S. Schneider, CPA, CAE, NYSSBA’s Executive Director in a letter to the district. “We understand there are many incredibly meritorious programs and projects throughout the state, and NYSSBA is celebrating yours!” 

On behalf of Robert S. Schneider, CPA, CAE, NYSSBA’s Executive Director, Bernadette Smith, who also sits on the Nassau Suffolk School Boards Association (N-SSBA) committee, presented each “Champion of Change” banner to the district at the November board meeting.

“It is not often we get to present two awards in a night,” she said. There is no application process, but rather, the award committee at NYSSBA identifies potential winners based on their observations of New York districts and feedback from members. They then vote on the most extraordinary programs.

“For Baldwin Schools to be recognized by NYSSBA four times as a ‘Champion of Change’ is truly an honor. I could not be prouder of the work we do in Baldwin,” said Dr. Shari L. Camhi, superintendent of schools. “These programs were hand selected by the NYSSBA awards committee for their innovative nature and how much we care for our students and their families. This is what we strive for every day in Baldwin schools. My deepest gratitude goes to our administrators, including our assistant superintendents, our buildings and grounds team, our teachers and pupil services staff for helping to make our Wellness Center and Brookside's 2nd grade Shark Tank come to fruition. Future-driven programs and thinking, such as these two examples, teach our children to be creative, thoughtful, caring and engaged citizens. Thank you and congratulations to all!” 

As a part of an ongoing initiative to enhance the health and wellness resources available to its students and families, Baldwin UFSD opened the Baldwin Schools Wellness Center, placing the district among the first in the nation to establish such a resource directly on school campus at no cost to families. A second center is planned to launch at the high school, as well. Both resources are inspired by Baldwin UFSD’s focus on educating the “whole” child.

Brookside Elementary School's "Shark Tank" project also impressed NYSSBA. Last year, the second graders successfully presented their innovative business venture, "Second Aide Entrepreneurs," to a panel of 'sharks' in order to secure funding for their lemonade stand, with proceeds going to Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation. The students ultimately raised more than $1,111.58 in donations from families and staff. This student-led endeavor is in line with the district's "Baldwin 2035" initiative and garnered the attention of Newsday, Newsday TV, and News 12.

“It is an honor to see Brookside recognized by the NYSSBA with the Champion of Change award for our second grade Shark Tank experience,” said Anne Marie Squicciarini, principal of Brookside Elementary School. ”Our students took the lead in their learning for this economics unit, where they focused on marketing, goods and services, budgeting, saving, and spending,” she explained. “By donating their funds to Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation for Childhood Cancer, they learned that their voices make a difference and that children can be valuable contributors to the global community. I am extremely proud of them and their dedicated teachers, Ms. Kristin Maldonado, Ms. Lauren Maywald, and Ms. Morgan Maus, for always working hard and connecting their learning to the real world.”   

Ms. Mary Jo O’Hagan, president of the Baldwin UFSD Board of Education, was, too, elated. “The board is extremely honored to see Baldwin Schools recognized on numerous occasions by NYSSBA,” she said. “The Champion of Change award holds even greater significance in that this award is solely determined by our peers in the field of education, members of NYSSBA rather than an application process. NYSSBA saw the programs we offer and based on the level of innovativeness and student impact, wanted to shine a light on us for other districts to see. Congratulations to the administrators, faculty, and staff in the Baldwin School District.”

For more information on NYSSBA’s awards and recognition programs, visit the organization’s website.

See related:

NYSSBA Champion of Change Award Presented to Baldwin UFSD
 

Baldwin School District Wins Two Champions of Change Awards From New York State School Boards Association
Baldwin Herald