Casting a wider net for Tuxedo

TUXEDO — The Rockland Community Foundation has changed the eligibility requirements for the Tuxedo STEM academic scholarships it administers to now allow seventh- and eighth-grade students to apply to attend George F. Baker High School.
The eligibility criteria change was approved by the foundation’s Board of Trustees on April 26.
The Tuxedo School Board requested consideration from the foundation’s Board of Trustees to extend non-resident student eligibility to those grade levels to accommodate student interest.
Non-resident scholarships, administered through the Rockland Community Foundation, were announced last year at the same time the school district announced it would actively be seeking non-resident students. At that time, only students entering the ninth through 12th grade were eligible to apply. District officials said they have been receiving inquiries from parents of sixth and seventh-grade students expressing an interest in learning more about George F. Baker High School. They hope the expansion of eligible grade levels will make Baker an even more appealing school choice to consider.
“The Tuxedo board wants to be responsive to the many inquires we have received from seventh and eighth-grade parents who are looking to Tuxedo to provide continuity for their children’s middle school and high school education and for their future academic achievements and accomplishments,” said School Board of President Joanne Vernon. “Because we have the ability to make this modification, we are happy to do this.”

The criteria requires seventh to 12th grade students to be full-time non-resident students who show demonstrated interest and achievement in STEM related programs/activities.
Scholarships of $6,000 are available for students with a GPAs of 90 or better; and $4,000 for students with GPAs of 85 to 89.
Awarding of a scholarship is contingent on criteria as detailed in the application requirements, including:
Recipients must commit to attend Baker for the 2016/17 school year and uphold a high standard of conduct and academic performance.
Renewal of the scholarship is contingent upon proof of satisfactory achievement, receipt of the required reporting materials, and the availability of foundation funds.
• The complete details and scholarship requirements are available at: http://www.tuxedoufsd.org/files/filesystem/Tuxedo%20STEM%20Fund%20Scholarship%20open%20enrollment%20PDF.pdf.
• To learn more, call the George F. Baker STEM Academy admissions office at 351-4799.
• For more information about the district in general, visit: http://tuxedoufsd.org.