SSHS has high grad rate

Last week, the State Education Department released official graduation rates for schools across New York, and South Side High School was once again one of the best in the state.

In the 2015-14 school year, 96 percent of SSHS seniors graduated — well above the state average of 78 percent. Additionally, 84 percent graduated with a Regents Diploma with Advanced Designation, which means students scored 65 or better on 7 to 9 regents exams and completed a number of other advanced courses.

“It’s not just the graduation rate,” said South Side High School Principal John Murphy. “It’s 75 percent of our special education students experiencing I.B. courses, as well as 78 percent of our students who qualify for free and reduced lunch.”

Murphy said that the International Baccalaureate classes are a benchmark for college and career readiness, which the state is trying to measure to a greater degree.

Both Murphy and Superintendent Dr. William Johnson were proud of the school having 84 percent of students graduate with advanced diplomas.

“Not a whole lot of districts end up with 84 percent of their students graduating with advance designation,” Johnson said, adding that the state average was 32 percent.

Both were also proud of the district’s special education program. A total of 86 percent of the districts’ special education students graduated last year, and 30 percent earned advanced diplomas.

“I would argue the gem of our school is our CORE program,” said Murphy. “It’s for students that are severely developmentally disabled. These are students who need life skills, who are on a six-year plan, because that’s what they need. They’re the centerpiece of our building, and they’re the pride and joy of South Side.”

Other number reported included graduation rates for the entire district, not just South Side. Murphy explained that those numbers include students who live in Rockville Centre but attend public schools elsewhere.

“That’s one of our highest [graduation rates] ever,” Murphy said. “It’s going to be one of the highest in the state. Even with similar schools, I don’t think you’re going to find one higher than that. Not to say there isn’t room for improvement.”