Project STRIVE

PROJECT STRIVE’S “GLEN COVE’S RISING STARS” PROGRAM

Robert M. Finley Middle School PTA Project Strive Committee

Project Strive Background

Glen Cove has a history of rewarding and recognizing its top students in academics, sports, community service, music and drama.  Project Strive seeks to identify and acknowledge those students who are not necessarily top academic performers but put forth significant effort and improvement in the areas of Math, Science, Social Studies, and English.  It is the mission of Project Strive to motivate all students in these areas, acknowledging that not every student will be a “mathlete” or an Intel finalist, but that every student can reach a higher level in each of these disciplines.  With this in mind, we have developed “Glen Cove’s Rising Stars” Most Improved Student Awards.  The selection criteria for award are effort and improvement.  Every student has the opportunity to achieve this award.

 Project Strive Program

Project Strive provides Math, Science, English, and Social Studies awards each quarter to students who have been identified as exhibiting extraordinary effort in improving in these disciplines.  Project Strive award recipients are selected from each team (two teams per grade) in the Middle School from grades 5– 8. There are also 2 awards quarterly, which are awarded to most improved students in Special Education.  This translates to 34 awards each quarter. 

The students are chosen by the teachers of each team, based on the criteria of improvement and effort, and are awarded a 6”x 8” plaque.

 It is also the objective of Project Strive to have role models from within the community or city government present the awards to the recipients at the school, and briefly discuss how these subjects have contributed to their positions, achievement, etc.  Role models  from city government, business, community agencies, and other sources, are  selected and scheduled by the Project Strive Committee.  These presentations are planned at the conclusion of each quarter at a meeting between the award recipients, the role model, a Project Strive Committee member and Dr. Carl Lapointe, principal of the Finley Middle School.

Publicity is scheduled through local newspapers and School Board meetings. The project began in March 2000 and continues in the current school year. 

Program Administration and Oversight

The Middle School PTA oversees the program through the Project Strive Committee with input from the teachers and Dr. Lapointe.  The committee oversees and coordinates procurement of awards, and the selection and scheduling of role models.  The committee also seeks corporate sponsors and provides fundraising to support the financial requirements of the program. 

 Conclusion

The intent of Project Strive is to reach students who might not otherwise receive recognition for their efforts. It is a project designed to promote self-esteem and reward efforts.  It is designed to stimulate interest and continued involvement in the academic disciplines, recognizing that without a strong base from the early grades, catch-up and remediation are difficult. Students also have the opportunity to see that the community and the City of Glen Cove support their efforts. Conversely, the community, government and business have the opportunity to be a part of a positive program for our youth in Glen Cove. 

 Update

The Project Strive Committee is pleased to have had the following guest speaker/role models since its inception:  City Councilmen Tony Jimenez and Albert Granger, Nassau County Police Commissioner William Willett, Glen Cove Record Pilot Editor Zefy Christopoulos, Nassau County CASA Executive Director Luis Vazquez, Glen Cove Board of Education President Vito Abbondandolo, Finley Middle School Guidance Counselor Juan Molina, North Shore University Hospital Physician Warria Esmond, US Olympic Coach Robin Wagner.  Recent high school alumni speakers include Lauren Carbuto and Kate Moore.

 The Project Strive Committee and the PTA believe that every child in this school district is a rising star, and it is our privilege to give each of them an opportunity to shine.

                                                                       Janet Bates-Wilkins

                                                                        Project Strive, Chairperson