 May 2005 I would like to inform you that Christopher Columbus High School is currently identified and will continue to be identified for the 2005-06 school year as a �School in Need of Improvement� under Title I of the federal No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB). This means that you have the option to request your child�s transfer to a school that has not been identified as a School in Need of Improvement. The New York City Department of Education (NYCDOE) has established the NCLB Public School Choice Program to assist families with this transfer option. Students who exercise their option to transfer under NCLB will start at their new schools in September of the 2005-06 school year. During the week of June 13, you will be receiving in the mail an NCLB Public School Choice Program Transfer Application Package. This package will contain all the information you need to request a transfer under NCLB Public School Choice. As you consider whether to apply for an NCLB transfer, please consult with your child�s guidance counselor and carefully consider the improvements the school is making under our Children First reform initiative. Christopher Columbus High School is committed to helping our students reach high standards for quality education. Our school has strong, standards-based curriculum that focuses on reading and math instruction. Whether you decide to keep your child at the school he/she is currently scheduled to attend in September 2005 to or to request a transfer to a different school, we are committed to providing you child a high-quality education. Note that if you choose to keep your child at Columbus High School and if your child is eligible for free-lunch, he/she may qualify for free after-school tutoring or remedial services known as Supplemental Educational Services (SES). Please be aware that students who transfer to a school that is not identified as a School in Need of Improvement are no longer eligible to enroll in SES. Further information on the SES application process will be provide to all eligible student at a later date, Please look for the Transfer Application Package in your mail during the week of June 13th and be sure to complete and return all forms by the required deadlines. In the meantime, if your have questions about Columbus� status as a School in Need of Improvement, the transfer process, SES or do not receive your application package in the mail during the week of June 13th, please contact the Parent Coordinator, Maria Mendoza at (718) 944-3586. Lisa Maffei-Fuentes Principal Columbus Home Page |