What is the Innovation Zone?
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The Innovation Zone (iZone) is a group of seven schools selected by the Syracuse City School District that will undergo meaningful change to create a system of exceptional schools. This cluster of schools will establish conditions to ensure that every student has the ability to become high-performing and is supported in emotional and social development.

Which schools are in the Innovation Zone?
Bellevue Elementary School
Danforth Magnet School
Frazer K-8 School
Porter Elementary School
Seymour Dual Language Academy
Van Duyn Elementary School
Westside Academy at Blodgett

What does the Innovation Zone mean for my child?
District leadership is committed to placing an effective principal in each iZone school building and an effective teacher in each classroom. In the iZone, students will receive an education based on proven instructional methods, as well as support services that will lead to the academic successes of each child. This is a unique opportunity for students of SCSD to be a part of new efforts to dramatically improve student achievement through smart strategies, including more learning time, more effective teachers and leaders, and wise use of school budgets to meet student needs. One major strategy of the iZone is: starting in fall 2013, the school day for every iZone school is one hour longer than ​traditional schools in the Syracuse City School District. Please visit the "iZone Schools" page for the instructional day for each iZone school.
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We are leaving no room for error in educating your child by creating the proper environment within the school, placing dedicated and passionate teachers in front of each student, and providing additional ways to reach every child, every day!

Educational programs in the iZone

iZone Elementary Schools
Reading Street Literacy Program and the Envision Math Program
Achievement Network – Will provide data systems to help teachers track student achievement
National Center on Time and Learning – Will help iZone schools develop learning time to effectively improve student achievement and create a well-rounded education

iZone Middle Schools
Achievement Network - Will provide data systems to help teachers track student achievement
National Center on Time and Learning – Will help iZone schools develop learning time to effectively improve student achievement and create a well-rounded education
Project Lead The Way – Will provide advanced and innovative Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics education

**Note: If your student is currently receiving transportation, food, Special Education, or health services, those programs will remain the same!

How are iZone schools supported?
- The Office of School Transformation and Innovation (OSTI) will oversee the iZone and lead by Dr. Zheadric Barbra, the Executive Director of Turnaround
- Communications Coordinator will work closely with members of the West Side and Southwest communities and organizations to align school supports to school needs
- OSTI will streamline and simplify student academic and health through to more quickly meet student needs
- Designated district office personnel will prioritize the needs of iZone schools
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Information for Parents and Families