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5 Critical Facts About Dr. Weeks Elementary Syracuse: Inside The High-Effort Community School Model

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Dr. Weeks Elementary School in Syracuse, New York, is currently at the heart of a comprehensive, high-effort initiative to transform student outcomes through a unique "Community School" model. As of late December 2025, the school continues to leverage significant local partnerships and innovative curriculum strategies to address the complex needs of its student body, even as it navigates persistent challenges in academic performance metrics. This in-depth look explores the school's current status, leadership, cutting-edge programs, and the critical context of its performance within the Syracuse City School District (SCSD).

The school, officially named Dr. Edwin E. Weeks Elementary School, operates within the Syracuse City School District (SCSD) and serves students from Pre-K through Grade 5 at its location on 710 Hawley Ave, Syracuse, NY 13203. It is a focal point for holistic student support, utilizing a network of community partners to provide solutions that extend far beyond the classroom.

Dr. Weeks Elementary School Profile and Leadership

Dr. Weeks Elementary School is a crucial part of the educational landscape in Onondaga County, New York, distinguished by its commitment to the Community School framework. This model positions the school as a neighborhood hub, offering integrated services to students and their families.

  • Official Name: Dr. Edwin E. Weeks Elementary School
  • Location: 710 Hawley Ave, Syracuse, NY 13203
  • School District: Syracuse City School District (SCSD)
  • Grades Served: Pre-Kindergarten (PK) through Grade 5
  • Enrollment: Approximately 682 students
  • Student-Teacher Ratio: Ranges from 12.8:1 to 14:1
  • Current Leadership: The school is led by Acting Principal Leah Mazella Mannion, with support from Dean of Students Emily Hart-Gorman and DASA Coordinator Demetria Luces Mary Lowe.
  • Per-Student Spending: A notably high figure of $26,070 per student, reflecting the significant investment in the school’s resources and programs.
  • Community Status: Designated as a Community School, leveraging partnerships like Peaceful Schools and the NY State Mentoring Program.

The Contrast: High Investment vs. Performance Metrics

A key point of interest and curiosity surrounding Dr. Weeks Elementary is the significant contrast between its substantial financial investment and its documented academic performance. The school’s per-student spending of $26,070 is high, yet it has been consistently ranked among the lowest-performing elementary schools in New York State, performing worse than 98% of its peers. Despite these challenges, the school received a B (72/100) rating on the Repit performance metric. This discrepancy highlights the complexity of measuring success in high-needs urban school environments.

The Syracuse City School District (SCSD) is committed to improving outcomes, with its 2024-2029 Strategic Plan focusing on increasing student proficiency in literacy and numeracy, improving belonging for all, and engaging families and the community. The intensive, wrap-around services provided by the Community School model at Dr. Weeks are a direct implementation of this district-wide strategy, aimed at addressing the socio-economic and behavioral barriers to learning before they impact academic scores.

Innovative Programs Driving Social-Emotional and Academic Growth

In response to the challenges outlined in state-mandated accountability reports, Dr. Weeks Elementary has adopted several unique, cutting-edge programs that focus heavily on Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) and real-world skills. These initiatives are what make the school a true Community School and a fresh point of study for educational reform.

1. The Peaceful Schools Enrichment Program

As a core partner, the non-profit Peaceful Schools organization runs an Enrichment Program that is deeply embedded in the school’s daily life. This initiative is designed to immerse students in social-emotional learning and behavioral rehearsal through fun, hands-on, project-based learning. The program specifically targets five core social skills, often referred to by the acronym CARES:

  • Cooperation
  • Assertion
  • Responsibility
  • Empathy
  • Self-Control

By fostering these vital skills from Pre-K through Grade 5, the school aims to create a more supportive and conducive learning environment, directly addressing behavioral issues that can impede academic progress and student belonging—a key goal of the SCSD Strategic Plan.

2. Neurodivergence and Inclusive Curriculum Theme

In a unique collaboration, the school has partnered with the Center on Disability and Inclusion at Syracuse University to implement a special curriculum theme focused on neurodivergence. This initiative is highly relevant and progressive, helping students to understand and appreciate different ways of learning and thinking. This theme resonated strongly with the students, promoting a culture of acceptance and reducing stigma around learning differences within the school community.

3. The Dr. Weeks Media Group and Late-Breaking News

One of the most engaging and recent student-led initiatives is the Dr. Weeks Media Group. This program allows students to take on the role of reporters, sharing "Late Breaking News" with the school community. This hands-on experience not only builds confidence and public speaking skills but also provides a practical application for literacy and communication, aligning with the district’s focus on increasing student proficiency. The Media Group gives students a voice and a sense of responsibility within their school.

Community Network and Family Engagement

The success of the Community School model hinges on strong external partnerships, and Dr. Weeks Elementary has successfully built a robust network of support. This network provides multiple solutions and resources from a single location, making it easier for families to access critical services.

The school is a partner in the NY State Mentoring Program, which is a key component in dropout prevention and providing positive role models for students in elementary and middle school grades. The presence of mentors offers personalized support and guidance, which is invaluable for students navigating complex social and academic challenges.

Furthermore, the school hosts programs like Head Start & Early Head Start through its partnership with PEACE, Inc., ensuring that the youngest members of the community receive high-quality, individualized educational programming. This early intervention and support for families are critical components of the SCSD’s goal to engage families and community members effectively. The comprehensive approach, from Pre-K care to social-emotional learning and specialized curriculum, demonstrates a deep, multi-faceted commitment to improving student outcomes at Dr. Weeks Elementary School.

5 Critical Facts About Dr. Weeks Elementary Syracuse: Inside the High-Effort Community School Model
dr weeks elementary syracuse
dr weeks elementary syracuse

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