Paterson will add three schools to community program
PATERSON — City education officials will be expanding their Full Service Community School program with the funding coming from a federal grant.
The newest schools joining the program will be School 10, Joseph A. Taub Middle School and International High School, officials said.
With the three additional schools, Paterson will have 14 in the program, which began in 2010. Under the fullservice initiative, education facilities provide families with services not traditionally offered at schools — such as health clinics and mental health counseling.
The $11.3 million, five-year federal Education Department grant also will pay for the program at two schools in the city of Passaic — School 6 and Passaic High School — and pay for services at Paterson’s Eastside High School, which had been running a full-service program with other funding.
“The communities of those schools will greatly benefit from the muchneeded services,” said Paterson Superintendent Laurie Newell. “I know that such assistance will help our students feel more secure in their health and well-being, which will allow them to better focus on their studies.”
The grant will help Passaic launch its first full-service programs.
“We are beyond excited to have been selected for the Full Service Community Schools grants,” said Sandra M. Diodonet, superintendent of Passaic Public Schools.
“This grant represents more than just funding; it is an extraordinary opportunity to empower communities, nurture holistic education, and foster comprehensive support systems that elevate every aspect of a child’s growth and success.”
Under the program, the school districts partner with nonprofit groups that provide the extra services.
“The communities of those schools will greatly benefit from the much-needed services.” Laurie Newell Paterson superintendent