Recognition for PEARLS Hawthorne School

PEARLS Hawthorne School at 350 Hawthorne Ave. in Yonkers has been honored by Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano, Board of Education President Rev. Steve Lopez and Superintendent of Schools Dr. Edwin M. Quezada. The school received the mayor’s School Spotlight Award and its band and choir activities were highlighted.

“PEARLS Hawthorne School continues to place a strong focus on the overall quality of education for our students,” Spano said. “I commend Principal Marwan Sayegh, as well as the administrators, teachers, staff for fostering music education and recognizing its importance to a child”™s intellectual development. Special thanks to the choir and band students for dedicating their time and continuously giving back to Yonkers.”

Spano, left of center in blue suit, with choir and band students. Photo by Maurice Mercado/City of Yonkers.

U.S. News & World Report noted that 87% of the students scored at or above the proficient level for math, and 82% scored at or above that level for reading. The school”™s minority student enrollment is 79%. The student-teacher ratio is one teacher for every 16 students.

According to Quezada, “The benefits for students participating in visual and performing arts were documented by an analysis from the National Endowment for the Arts. Their study found that students”™ involvement in arts programs had positive outcomes including improved high school graduation rates and school engagement.”

Since September 2022, PEARL Hawthorne”™s band has performed at a Halloween parade, winter concerts, and for Nation PTA President Anna King. The chorus also performed for King, as well as at city Veterans Day event, Westchester East Putnam PTA luncheon, winter concerts and school open house nights.

Lopez said, “Music and art are a crucial component of the district”™s comprehensive curriculum because they contribute to students’ overall academic and social-emotional success at school.”