MASSENA -- Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell, D-Theresa, recently learned about programs at Massena Central School supported by the additional funding she had secured for the district, above and beyond their allocation from the school aid formula.

Russell spoke to Massena Central High School seniors in participation in government classes, read a story to a kindergarten class at Nightengale Elementary, listened as high school counselors shared details of steps that have been taken the improve the student community environment and discussed the district's strategic plan with Superintendent Patrick H. Brady.

"We welcomed the opportunity for Assemblywomen Russell to visit the Massena Central School District to share her knowledge with our students and see how her investment in the district last year has been of great benefit." Brady said.

The district had utilized a grant secured by Russell to hire a firm to assist with the development of the strategic plan with stakeholders from the school and community.

The immediate priorities identified in that plan include developing a plan to improve student attendance across the district, increasing graduation rates, reducing dropout rates and exploring the implementation of a community school model in an effort to provide health and social services as well as mentoring and after school programs.

Russell said she was impressed with the steps the district has taken to engage and connect its student body.

Counselors Erin Covell and Robert Jordan talked about the positive changes they have seen at the school since the implementation of the Link Crew and Learn to Lead programs. Both programs had been funded last year with the monies Russell secured for the district for the 2015-16 school year.

Link Crew is a high school transition program that pairs freshmen with upperclassmen and is aimed at providing the first-year students with a mentor that can assist them find success at the high school level.

Learn to Lead pairs up 15 at risk students with 15 upperclassmen on a three-day field trip in an effort to build connections that benefit all students as they get a better understanding of the issues they all face. "It's been a life changing experience for students on both sides," Jordan said.

Russell said the discussion reinforced her belief schools in the region must receive equitable state aid so they can help address the social and economic challenges facing the region.

"The foundation of our communities are our schools, and our schools also represent the future of our communities. For several years, my priority has been focusing on our schools as a way to help rebuild our communities," she noted.

"From what I heard during my visit at Massena Central, that is exactly what school officials are seeing. While Massena has its struggles, the school has never been stronger at working to address those issues," according to Russell.

"The programs the district has implemented over the past few years will translate into an improved community as these young people graduate and become more active in the wider community," Russell stressed.

"The key is connecting our kids from different backgrounds so they can understand each others' challenges and benefit from understanding each other," she added.

Russell said the district's programs are an important tool necessary to help the community move forward.

Superintendent Brady noted he had also used nearly $30,000 of the monies secured by Russell to fund the mock trial team, LEGO Robotics, high school musical director position, vocal select group director post, the junior high field experience coordinator position, the golf program and teacher mentoring initiatives during the fiscally challenging 2015-16 school year.

He said he was pleased to have the opportunity to provide Russell with an accounting of the use of the additional aid she had secured for the district.

"Assemblywomen Russell's additional funding provided the opportunity for the district to engage in strategic planning, which will set us on a path for continued improvement for years to come," he said.

"I was happy to share the results of the plan with her and discuss ideas about how as a community we can work together to spur economic growth and help needy families," Brady noted.

"The funding also helped to restore or create extracurricular opportunities for students which will enhance life skills and strengthen their bond with the school. We appreciate this investment in our school community and her continued advocacy for public education," the Massena Central school superintendent said.

He said it was also clear Russell was very comfortable speaking to students.

"It is clear that she enjoys interacting with young people, whether it be the seniors getting ready for their upcoming careers and independent living or the kindergarten students who are beginning readers," Brady said.

He pointed out Russell not only spoke about issues ranging from the minimum wage to environmental issues in response to questions from the students, but she also reminded the students the choices they make today could impact their lives for years to come.

"Her message to the high school students gave some good insight into the issues of the day but also provided advice as they get ready to take on new challenges and life choices," Brady said.