There is a real threat facing Dr. Charles R. Drew Science Magnet Elementary, PS #59. Buffalo Public Schools is considering closing PS #59, and in doing so, they risk erasing a cornerstone of educational excellence and innovation for our community. The proposed closure not only impacts the current generation of students but also pulls the plug on the potential that this school can offer to future generations. The closure threatens to leave a void in a community that relies on this school not just for education but also as a safe haven that fosters curiosity, critical thinking, and lifelong learning.

PS #59’s unique integration with the Buffalo Museum of Science, and their partnerships with the Buffalo Zoo and Tifft Nature Preserve, provides a one-of-a-kind learning environment where students benefit from a curriculum rich in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) opportunities. Here, science is not confined to textbooks but is instead an interactive experience. Students have direct access to world-class exhibits, programs, and museum staff who bring real-world science into the classroom. It is a model of education that should be cherished, emulated, and expanded rather than dismantled.

Closing PS #59 would mean depriving students of this invaluable resource. Statistics show that hands-on learning significantly improves student engagement and performance in STEAM subjects. By maintaining the collaboration between the school and the museum, we can continue to yield successful outcomes for students and contribute positively to the community's educational landscape.

I urge you to join me in calling on the Buffalo Public Schools' decision-makers to reconsider this closure. Let's galvanize our community to protect this unparalleled institution. By safeguarding the future of PS #59, we not only invest in a bright future for each student but also lay the groundwork for sustained educational innovation in our city. Your support is critical to our mission. Please sign this petition to help keep the doors of Dr. Charles R. Drew Science Magnet Elementary School open for generations to come. Together, we can make a difference.