It is my pleasure to welcome you to the ICI website. There is always something exciting about the beginning of a new school year and this school year is no different. The 2009-2010 school year is one dedicated to "Sustaining the Vision".

As I reflect on our successes as one of the largest Learning Support Organizations and acknowledge the phenomenal work of our schools, school leaders and students, I cannot help but revisit and restate my tireless commitment to sustaining an organization dedicated to supporting schools and school leaders at the highest levels possible.

I am indeed proud of our efforts and accomplishments and I ask that you review the data for additional evidence of the great work attributed to ICI schools. We continue to show significant growth in English language arts and mathematics, in addition to stellar improvement for our high school students on NYS Regents exams as indicated on our June 2009 results.

Ninety nine percent of ICI elementary and middle schools received Progress Report grades of A or B for 2008-2009 which reflected a 104% increase in the number of schools receiving an "A". We are indeed a support organization with evidence to prove that we are committed to school success and student academic achievement.

We understand that this is a year in which schools will continue to immerse themselves in creating environments where qualitative and quantitative action research will be used to assess and design quality instructional programs for students. As we work toward the 90% goal for inquiry team involvement, the need for open communication and collaboration is essential. I firmly belief that when we all come together with the expressed desire to work collaboratively and keep lines of communication open, trust deepens and the organization flourishes. ICI will continue to be "unique" in nature, "diverse" in structure and "differentiated" in its approach to moving forth the vision of the Children First Initiative.