The New York State Department of Education recently released individual and statewide statistics pertaining to New York's school districts. Jericho School District ranked first among Long Island schools as having the highest percentage of advanced placement scholar seniors and also the highest percentage of seniors graduating with a Regents diploma on Long Island.

According to data from the state education report cards for Long Island school districts for the school year 2000-2001, Jericho had 58 percent of seniors who are advanced placement scholars and 95 percent of seniors graduating with a Regents diploma. Looking at this year's and past year's results, schools that have a high percentage of advanced placement scholars do not generally have a high percentage of students graduating with Regents diplomas as Jericho does. This feat has become more difficult since New York State mandated that all students, including students with learning disabilities, obtain a Regents diploma.

Although astonishing, these results come as no surprise to school board president Hilari Cohen. "In Jericho, we have an ongoing commitment to provide each and every student with the opportunity to achieve academic excellence," said Cohen. "Our outstanding administrators, teachers and support personnel are exceptionally caring and responsible people who put every effort into addressing all of the needs of our students. We would like to see all of our children succeed and shine. Students are encouraged to challenge themselves. We focus on the importance of academics, personal growth and community service, and tell our kids they can do just about anything if they're willing to try. The numbers do not surprise me because I know how hard everyone in the Jericho School District works. All of us continually look to do our best and that makes Jericho such a successful school district."

The Jericho School district not only stresses academics, but also extracurricular activities as Jericho students are afforded the opportunity to take part in many academic and extracurricular activities. Also, many social and emotional services are offered through the school. Many of Jericho's non-academic programs have been recognized and awarded in the past.

"While the official measures of academic excellence are exceptional, our idea of success for every student means so much more than just numbers," said Hank Grishman, superintendent of the Jericho School District. "Our goal is to provide a continuum of services for each and every student, which will give them the appropriate skills necessary to become independent young adults. We hope that when students leave the Jericho High School they will be able to advocate for themselves, achieve to the best of their personal ability, and contribute to our society in a positive and productive manner."

The State Education Department is responsible for general supervision of all educational institutions in the state, for operating certain educational and cultural institutions, and for certifying teachers and certifying or licensing practitioners of thirty-eight professions. The department's supervisory activities include chartering all educational institutions in the state, including schools, libraries, and historical societies; developing and approving school curricula; accrediting college and university programs; allocating State and federal financial aid to schools; and providing and coordinating vocational rehabilitation services.