The City and School Synergy Program recently began its third year as students, school district organizers and community leaders met earlier in the month to begin plans for next spring. The program, organized by members of the Fulton City School District in partnership with the City of Fulton, pairs students with local area parks in a multi-year process of restoration and revitalization.

The program fosters citizenship and community pride in Fulton students, leaning heavily into New York State’s “Portrait of a Graduate” and acting as an important early step toward earning students their Seal of Civic Readiness. Numerous local sponsors support the program, which has begun to draw significant praise from community and business leaders.

“The City of Fulton has started to truly visualize and appreciate the contributions this partnership has created,” said Jim Rice, Mayor of Fulton. “This civic engagement opportunity is affording the students a chance to serve as role models for future students. Building on what they have achieved is creating a lasting bond between our students and the greater Fulton Community.”

Students begin as eighth-graders by researching local parks, then collectively select one to adopt and maintain until graduation. The process began in the fall of 2023, when the Class of 2028 chose North Bay Campground and hosted their first cleanup day the following spring. The Class of 2029 began their own work at Canal Park in the last academic year, while the class of 2030 will select their own this fall. Students return each year to clean up trash, repaint murals, plant flowers and much more.

“There is nothing more rewarding than witnessing the intrinsic motivation of our students,” said Denise Rodriguez, one of the Synergy program’s co-coordinators. “Seeing them step up as leaders to design these Spring projects, driven by their own excitement and a genuine desire to improve their community's well-being, is the greatest reward. Their passion is the fuel for real change.”

Karen Noel, also a coordinator, agrees and notes the importance of keeping Fulton students at the forefront of the leadership process. “The pride that students are taking in their work and their community is exceeding all expectations for impact. They are truly developing a strong voice and gaining skill sets that will set them up for bright futures.”

The class of 2030 will select their new park in early November, with cleanup projects beginning next spring. Organizers hope to see the program continue to grow and serve as a model for other communities. Those interested in getting involved can learn more from the program’s website at FultonCSD.org/Synergy.