I’m often asked, “How is Bennett doing these days?” I always have an easy job reporting about all of the positive things that are happening at our beloved alma mater.
The very first thing I report about is our graduation rate. Since the inception of the new Innovative Technology Program seven years ago, students have shown the impact of a solid educational program with their high grades. These grades have resulted in a graduation rate ranging between 87% to 93%.
I then continue to report about similar schools within the Buffalo Public Schools. McKinley graduated 71% of their seniors in 2023, Riverside was 63% and East was 71%. Our Tigers graduated at an 88% rate. Just for comparison, Buffalo’s average graduation rate is 79% and the NYS graduation rate is 86%.
Most people are awed by this data. I know I am. I always follow-up with credit to a strong administrative team and a great faculty. I also have to proclaim that many of the special extras that make for the success is directly credited to our Bennett Alumni Association.
We have two great resources that most other schools don’t have. We have a great Alumni Board who not only meets to plan alumni related projects, but also works to raise the money to fund the vital programs that give our students the edge. We also have the most dedicated group of alumni donors that readily support the Association through their charitable giving. (Through your generosity, we raised $47,540.00 last year.)
We make a huge difference, and the data doesn’t lie!!!
We fund an Academic Celebration to honor our students every five weeks. Prizes, food and other motivators are given to those students who demonstrate academic achievements. We also sponsor Attendance Incentives. Each month, the staff tracks attendance and rewards those students who are coming to school!
Our Mini Grant Program gives teachers the chance to share learning experiences that go beyond the ordinary curriculum. Please note the many examples included throughout this newsletter. Funds needed to support these enriching experiences come from you, our generous alumni donors. This past year $6262.54 was distributed to our staff to carry out innovative instruction.
In addition, we have special lines in our budget for the football team, the swim team, the Esports team and for other sports teams.
Most importantly, we still fund over $10,000.00 in Educational Grants (previously called Scholarships) to our outstanding seniors. The administrative line in our budget provides opportunities for our principal to help needy students, support other academic projects, and sponsor a field day each year to celebrate students.
Aside from financial support, many members of our Alumni Board serve as advocates and meet regularly with District staff to champion our school. We have very high expectations for Bennett. Our new Membership year starts now. Please get your membership check to us today so we are prepared in September to get back to the business of supporting OUR SUCCESS!