Richard Mills, New York State Commissioner of Education, and Roger Tilles, the Regent for the Tenth Judicial District, visited the Jericho Middle School and High School on Friday, Jan. 25. "We are interested in learning more about what makes high-performing schools like Jericho so successful," said Commissioner Mills at the completion of the visit. "Today we saw multiple examples of student, faculty and administrative innovation that highlights learning at its best. We hope to utilize the best practices in schools such as Jericho to improve low-performing schools in our state. "

Mills and Tilles, joined by Superintendent of Schools Hank Grishman and Board President Barbara Krieger, first visited the middle school. Principal Donald Gately escorted the group to an eighth-grade "quality circle" which was in progress in the library. Female students were deep in a discussion about cliques, bullying and the characteristics of a "real" friendship. The group then dropped by a middle school cafeteria where Mills noted that no one was sitting alone. "It seems to me like programs such as quality circles have a real impact on the climate in your schools," said Mills.

The entourage then met high school principal Joseph Prisinzano, who escorted them to the ninth-grade interdisciplinary ELA/social studies classes of Michael Levine and Nicole Sieben. This successful program was piloted last year and has doubled in enrollment this year. "I was extremely pleased to see students engaged in active learning," commented Tilles. "This program certainly models effective instructional strategies."

The next stop on the visit was the high school science research rooms. Mills, Tilles and New York State Deputy Commissioner for Innovation Davis Miller, and Nassau County BOCES District Superintendent James Mapes enjoyed the opportunity to speak with students of all ages who are participating in a wide variety of research projects. They talked to students who are actively involved in the study of the mating and rearing of dwarf seahorses, the mating and territorial behavior of African cichlids, the growth and development of sugar peas in various substrates, and the development of various project proposals for the Toshiba Exploravision Awards Competition. "The interests of students are incredibly diverse," said Mills. " I was impressed by their obvious enthusiasm, curiosity and commitment to research and the support of their advisors."

The visit ended with a luncheon and roundtable discussion about Jericho programs and achievements. "We are extremely pleased that Commissioner Mills, Regent Tilles and Deputy Commissioner Miller were able to spend time in Jericho," said Superintendent Hank Grishman. "We expressed our willingness to partner with the State Education Department to improve quality instruction and provide innovative new programs to better the educational system for all students in our state."