How did Franklin Square School District win the Magna Award?

In a news release, Franklin Square Union Free School District announced it has received the National School Boards Association 2025 Magna Silver Award for its Daily Living Space program, which provides students with everyday tools in structured living environment so they can learn practical skills.

The district is one of 15 winners nationwide— three of which are grand prize winners and 12 of which are silver award winners.

The Magna Awards is sponsored by NSBA’s flagship magazine, American School Board Journal. The news release said the magazine has recognized exemplary school district programs for 30 years.

This year’s awards program focused on innovation in education and creative, out-of-the-box solutions to educational challenges. Members of the NSBA Board of Directors Awards Committee selected the winners from district submissions.

Franklin Square’s Daily Living Space program, the news release continued, is an innovative initiative designed to equip students with essential life skills in an inclusive, real-world learning environment.

The program, which the news release said is the first of its kind in New York State at the elementary level, features a fully functional apartment setting, including a kitchen, laundry station, dining area, reading nook, bedroom, living room and sensory space.

This dynamic environment, the news release said, allows students— particularly those in the district’s Intensive Support Program— to practice essential skills such as cooking, cleaning and self-care to foster independence and social-emotional growth.

The news release explained that the Daily Living Space was created to address the need for hands-on, practical skill development for students with intensive learning needs, while also providing a collaborative space for general education students to engage with their ISP peers. The program promotes social integration through buddy class partnerships, structured activities and play-based learning, ensuring that students develop functional life skills, as well as empathy, teamwork and confidence.

Stephen Toto, the Franklin Square Board of Education president, expressed pride in the district’s commitment to fostering innovative programs that support students.

“This recognition is a testament to the dedication of our staff and school community who work tirelessly to ensure that every student has access to meaningful, real-world learning experiences,” he said in a statement. “The Daily Living Space program exemplifies our district’s belief in inclusive, hands-on learning that prepares students for success beyond the classroom.”

Franklin Square and the other award winners will be highlighted in the April issue of the American School Board Journal, which will be published online on March 20.