From the State Education Dept. / The University of the State of New York / Albany, NY 12234

May 11, 2006


Dr. Thomas Ramming
Superintendent
Grand Island Central School District
1100 Ransom Road
Grand Island, NY 14072

Dear Dr. Thomas Ramming:

On behalf of the Board of Regents and the State Education Department, I write to congratulate you on your district being recognized as one of New York State's 33 Title I districts that have met for the past two years the criteria for designation as "high performing/gap closing." Your district has been so designated because it met all applicable State standards for English language arts and math during the 2003-2004 and 2004-2005 school years and also made Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) in English language arts, mathematics, science and graduation rate during the 2002-2003, 2003-2004 and 2004-2005 school years. You and your entire community are to be commended for leading New York forward to accomplish our dual goals of increasing student achievement while closing the gap in student performance.

Only districts that had a minimum of 30 continuously enrolled students in at least two of the following accountability groups were eligible for recognition: a racial ethnic group, low-income, limited English proficient, or student with disabilities. Your district has met these criteria for three consecutive years.

Your entire community has earned this recognition. In celebration of your achievement, I would like to invite you or a representative of your district to join with other Title I schools and districts, members of the Board of Regents and me in a recognition ceremony and focused forum to be held on May 25, 2006 in Brooklyn, NY. The theme of the forum is "Learning from Leaders: Lessons from High Performing/Gap Closing Schools and Districts." You should have already received the registration form to the ceremony. If not registered already, please complete and return your registration form ASAP.

We at the Department look forward to both learning from your achievement and supporting your continuing efforts towards even greater accomplishments.

Sincerely

Richard P. Mills