Yonkers Public Schools Honored for Strength of Adult Education Programs 

In July 2009, the VIVE School and the Enrico Fermi School for the Performing Arts were designated as Literacy Zones by the New York State Department of Education.  The Literacy Zone is a reform initiative by the New York State Board of Regents, and its mission is to close the achievement gap in communities of concentrated poverty, as well as high concentrations of families and individuals with limited literacy or English language proficiency. Literacy Zones are intended to provide a systemic focus on meeting the literacy needs of communities, from birth through adult.

An open house was held at VIVE on October 22, bringing together the various community-based organizations which partner with the school to form the Literacy Zone.  A ribbon-cutting ceremony, presided over by Yonkers Superintendent of Schools Bernard P. Pierorazio, Director of adult education, Dr. O’Gorman and Principal of VIVE School/Pathways to Success Susan Naber, kicked off the event, which coincided with VIVE’s one-year anniversary.  Attendees of the open house met with representatives from organizations such as Goodwill Industries, Westhab, Westcop,  Westchester ARC, St. Joseph’s Riverside Hospital, Yonkers Public Library, Family Sevices of Yonkers and many more, who distributed materials and information abut the valuable services they provide.

The VIVE School, located at 75 Riverdale Avenue, is a multi-faceted facility which brings learning to life. VIVE offers a wide range of programs to learners across the generations, from PreK students to senior citizens. Current program offerings include Adult Basic Education, GED/Pre-GED, External High School Diploma, English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), Pre-K and Kindergarten Classes, and Vocational Training (Computers, Retail/Customer Service, Culinary Arts, Personal Care Aide and Security Guard.

A vital component of each school in the Literacy Zone is the Family Welcome Center, where residents can come to discuss their needs, obtain services, be placed into various programs, and receive referrals to numerous community organizations which can further service their needs.  The Literacy Zone Family Welcome Center is open to all Yonkers residents, and all services are provided FREE OF CHARGE.