Assemblyman Stirpe names LaFayette High School/The Big Picture as October’s School of the Month

Assemblyman Al Stirpe (D-North Syracuse) named LaFayette High School and The Big Picture as October’s School of the Month, a distinction reserved for Central New York schools that demonstrate academic, athletic and extracurricular excellence. The two schools have a unique relationship, in which The Big Picture provides a non-traditional environment for at-risk students in the LaFayette Central School District.

“LaFayette High School and The Big Picture have shown extraordinary accomplishments, both academically and athletically, and I’m proud of their accomplishments,” Stirpe said. “This is The Big Picture’s second school year, and their alternative learning approach has proven to be a success. The Big Picture is one of 50 similar schools across the country, where learning isn’t one-size-fits-all. I’m proud that the first Big Picture-affiliated school to open in a small, rural area is in our backyard.”

Stirpe noted that several recent accomplishments set these schools apart from others, including:

· the LaFayette varsity boy’s basketball team wearing pink uniforms to raise awareness for cancer after one of the team mothers passed away, which has since been done by five other teams across the district;

· LaFayette High School hosting a charity basketball game with former Syracuse University players to benefit Coaches Versus Cancer and The Hope Lodge;

· the LaFayette boy’s lacrosse team celebrating its 50th anniversary and a tradition of producing some of the nation’s top lacrosse players, with 21 high school All-Americans since 1965;

· the LaFayette boy’s lacrosse team’s 23-1 record this season, landing two players on the All-American team;

· the LaFayette Youth Construction Initiative Programs’ productive summer, working on various community projects;

· The Big Picture’s unique curriculum for at-risk students, in which there is no homework, report cards or grades; students design their own learning plans and set their own goals; and they work at internships two days per week; and

· Ten Big Picture students receiving CNY Works grants to work 40 hours per week for seven weeks to train for the workforce.

“It’s important to recognize the achievements of our outstanding students because these bright young minds will help ensure our future is in capable hands,” Stirpe said. “I hope all Central New York schools strive to obtain this award in months to come.”

Assemblyman Stirpe names LaFayette High School/The Big Picture as October’s School of the Month

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