Local tax dollars, combined with state and federal aid and grants, help fund the educational programs that serve the children in the Gloversville Enlarged School District . 
The school district has launched a number of initiatives designed to help boost student achievement. They include:

Voyager Universal Literacy
For a second year the district is using a new reading series in the early grades using funds from the Reading First grant. The series is based on research data, and offers differentiated instruction based on student needs and abilities. Both the tutoring program and summer school will be designed to support the use of this new series. 

Reading First
A three-year federal grant has allowed the district to redesign the reading program for students in grades K-3. Teachers are now learning fundamentals of current reading research. All students will learn to read using scientifically based methods and materials.

Project Lead the Way
This pre-engineering program at the high school blends science, math and technology together for those students who may wish to pursue an engineering degree. Taught by our own teachers who underwent a special training at RPI, the program is funded by a Federal Perkins grant, district funds and community donations. The program is now broken into three High School classes: Principal's of Engineering, Draw and Design for Production, and Digital Electronics. 

25-Book Rule
All GESD schools now require students to read at least 25 books a year. In the elementary schools, this is recorded on each student’s report card. This fall, watch for city-wide 25-Book Read Succeed initiatives, sponsored by the Fulton County Regional Chamber of Commerce, the Gloversville Teachers Association and the Central Council PTA.

Title IID technology grants
This federal funding has allowed staff members to receive extra training in key computer skills, and also  provided computer software that offers additional instructional resources in math for middle school students. The grants have also allowed the district to provide an on-site technology trainer for each school building that are helping teachers to develop their own Web sites and better integrate technology into their every day lessons. The funding has also provided additional computers across the district. 

The programs are offered in cooperation with the Greater Amsterdam School District through HFM BOCES. During the fall teachers will undergo training on the specifics of the program, and starting in January students in grades 6-8 will begin to see dramatic changes in the way technology is utilized in the Gloversville Middle School.

21st Century Community Learning Grant Federal funds will make it possible for 100 middle school students to attend an after-school program that runs until 5:30 p.m. each school day. The program blends academic assistance and tutoring with support services from guidance and community agencies, along with parent involvement, activities and field trips.

The after school program is offered in cooperation with Fort Plain and Amsterdam schools through Hamilton-Fulton-Montgomery BOCES. 

Title I School Improvement Grant
This federal funding has allowed Gloversville Middle School to work on improving student performance on the state’s Grade 8 English Language Arts test. With help from outside consultants, middle school teachers have built a continuous, research-based English Language Arts program that enhances student writing, comprehension, listening and thinking skills. 

This will be a continuous program for students in grades 6-8 and will help all students develop a key core of skills. Improved student performance is expected on the most recent Grade 8 English Language Arts test when results are released in May.

Comprehensive School Reform Grant
This funding essentially provides teachers with a study circle type environment where they can work with consultants to study different ways of teaching reading comprehension and writing to better integrate these skills into all subject areas. 

Secondary school homework policy
All middle school students are expected to complete homework assignments each day. Through the cooperative efforts of staff, administrators, guidance counselors and parents, the homework policy has proven 90 percent effective. Students are now responsibly following through on their daily homework assignments. This student commitment to responsibility is the foundation for future success.

Special education curriculum alignment
The district has focused its efforts on special education programs for students in grades K-8.

The goal is to provide a consistent grade-to-grade program in language arts and math using materials that match the goals of the regular education program and that have a strong research base for increased student achievement. 

Federal textbook and curriculum development grant funds pay for this initiative.

Tutoring
Tutoring is the most powerful method of instruction, and thus all buildings offer after school tutoring for students who are struggling with reading, math or specific tests. This intensive support is provided for an hour each day, for up to three days a week depending on need. This is funded with federal Title I, Reading First, and Title V grants.  

Saxon Math
Now in its third year, this math program is being used in all elementary schools. The textbooks and related materials offer a strong foundation in fundamental math skills through active learning and a cumulative academic plan that introduces key math concepts early and repeats them throughout the grades. State textbook funds have been used to purchase the necessary materials.

Retooling what is taught
Working with consultants, Gloversville teachers are developing a K-12 curriculum that addresses all state standards in language arts. 

They are also analyzing results from recent state assessments to determine where weaknesses are in the academic program and to develop action plans for student achievement gains for the year. Teachers are working together in teams in grades K-1, 2-4, 5-8 and 9-12.

Academic letters
Gloversville High School students are awarded an academic school letter for being on the honor roll throughout the year. Recognition events are held each marking period to honor those who have achieved the honor roll or principal’s list. This year will be the second year of this program. 

New Honor Society
The middle school now offers its own branch of the National Honor Society to engage high-performing students early in the pursuit of excellence.

Anti-bullying program
The middle school’s Anti-Bullying Program was developed in cooperation with Catholic Charities and implemented in the school district two years ago. The program addresses the important issue of creating a safe environment for students. As a result, there has been a dramatic reduction in the number of reported incidents of student bullying. Middle school students have since shared the program with elementary students.