Federal Stimulus Funding Priorities

American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Funding Priorities

In compliance with the reporting requirements of the 2021-22 Education, Labor and Family Assistance Bill §9-a, below is the current plan for the use of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding allocated to the Syracuse City School District.  This plan will be revised, as necessary, based on feedback received from students, staff, community members and other stakeholders representing the interests of students in the District.  The grant application and subsequent amendments are posted at the bottom of this page. These documents provide additional details on the District's current plan.
 

ACCELERATION OF INSTRUCTION

In response to the effects of lost instructional time for students during the COVID 19 pandemic, the District is using American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to support a variety of initiatives to accelerate instruction and support all students in the District.  Beginning in the summer of 2021, the District implemented full day summer school programming with a focus on enrichment activities.  The District also implemented academic intervention services focused in the core academic areas of reading and mathematics, supports for students with special needs, and language and literacy supports for English Language Learners.  Throughout the school year, students have increased exposure to field trips, additional instructional supplies, and sensory materials. 

SOCIAL EMOTIONAL SUPPORTS

American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding provides students with additional access to psychologists, social workers, and counselors as they adjust to in person instruction and recover from the COVID 19 pandemic.  The District is also providing instructional materials, supplemental materials, and textbooks that support students’ social emotional needs and culturally inclusive instruction.  An ongoing attendance initiative to address chronic absenteeism has been implemented and the District is partnering with community agencies to provide additional supports for students.

AIR QUALITY AND SAFETY

To help enhance air quality and safety in our buildings, the District purchased additional air purifiers and filters deployed throughout the District. The District also upgraded HVAC controls and several window replacement projects are underway.

TECHNOLOGY

To better provide students with technology and connectivity both in school and during unexpected times of remote instruction, the District is purchasing additional mobile hot spots, computers, and various student technology replacements. The District provided laptops for every high school student beginning in 2021-22 and is continuing with implementation for incoming ninth graders in the following years. The District also plans to upgrade its technology infrastructure in order to support the increased demand for virtual instruction options.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Throughout the District, we have increased instructional coaching and support for technology integration.  We are offering professional development opportunities in the areas of math and reading intervention, culturally responsive practices, social emotional learning, leadership, project-based learning and Advanced Placement (AP) course offerings.  
 

SCSD Safe Return to Instruction 

As part of the ARP ESSER funding requirements, the District developed our in-person instruction guidance and continuity of services plan (Reopening Plan) which is reevaluated at least every six months.

Since the 2021-22 school year, the District continues to provide all Pre-K-12 grade students with in-person instruction five days a week. Remote instruction will be provided to students with a documented immunocompromised system or mental health illness.

As part of this review, SCSD community members are encouraged to share their input so it can be incorporated any revision to the reopening plan!

If you’d like to share your thoughts and feedback, please click here to submit them via Let’s Talk (select the Safety & Security category)!