LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION congratulating Celia Kaplinsky upon the occasion
of her designation for special recognition as recipient of the Benson-
hurst West End Community Council 2010 Woman of the Year Award

WHEREAS, Individuals who give of their time and energies and serve the
best interests of their communities are an asset beyond remuneration and
cannot be sufficiently extolled; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to acknowledge
outstanding individuals whose professional lives, personal endeavors and
community service are an example and inspiration to their colleagues,
friends, and family; and
WHEREAS, It is also the practice of this Legislative Body to take note
of and publicly acknowledge individuals of remarkable integrity and
character whose endeavors have enhanced the quality of education in this
great State; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to congratu-
late Celia Kaplinsky upon the occasion of her designation for special
recognition as recipient of the Bensonhurst West End Community Council
2010 Woman of the Year Award; this auspicious occasion will be cele-
brated on Wednesday, March 10, 2010, at its 49th Annual Dinner-Dance, to
be held at El Caribe, 5945 Strickland Avenue, Brooklyn, New York; and
WHEREAS, Beginning her educational career more than thirty years ago,
Celia Kaplinsky received her B.A. degree from Stern College, Yeshiva
University, and a B.S. degree in Reading, Special Education and TESOL
certification from Adelphi University; she received her degree in Super-
vision and Administration and her School District Administration certif-
icate from Brooklyn College; and
WHEREAS, Celia Kaplinsky commenced her teaching career in Harlem and
then continued to teach numerous elementary grade levels in the Coney
Island area of Brooklyn; she also worked as a licensed, certified read-
ing teacher in both the public schools and ESEA Title 1 non-public
school programs; during that time, she authored a teacher's guide for
the BEAST SERIES, Baker Street Productions, Ltd.; and
WHEREAS, In 1998, Celia Kaplinsky was appointed as a District 21 Staff
Developer, which enabled her to provide learning support to many teach-
ers and implement innovative literacy programs to maximize learning
experiences for all students; and
WHEREAS, Appointed as Assistant Principal at P.S. 329 in 2000, Celia
Kaplinsky was then appointed as Principal of P.S. 216 in 2003; in the
seven years as Principal, she embraced the Teachers College Reading and
Writing Project, and expanded arts education to include both a full
strings and instrumental music program; she also made technology front
and center throughout the building: interactive white boards are visible
in every classroom and laptops are available to all students; a state of
the art science laboratory is also nearing completion; and
WHEREAS, Celia Kaplinsky has written and received numerous grants on
behalf of the students of P.S. 216; these include a library from the
Robin Hood Fund Library Initiative, an ESL Enrichment Program through
the Visual and Performing Arts, Studio in a School Visual Arts Blueprint
Collaborative Community, and a Parents as Partners Grant; recently, the
school received new musical instruments from VH1 Save the Music Founda-
tion; and
WHEREAS, In addition, under the leadership of Celia Kaplinsky, the
jewel of P.S. 216, will be the completion of the first four seasons
Edible Schoolyard, an official affiliate of the Chez Panisse Foundation,
by Alice Waters, renowned chef and organic food activist; and

WHEREAS, Celia Kaplinsky has worked collaboratively with her outstand-
ing professional staff, superior students and a most dedicated and
committed group of parents; her philosophy supports the development of
innate talents, coupled with high standards for each child; and
WHEREAS, The joy Celia Kaplinsky has received from her wonderful chil-
dren and grandchildren reaffirms her steadfast belief, "When you educate
a child, you educate a generation."; and
WHEREAS, Celia Kaplinsky has brought great credit upon herself by
continually demonstrating an impressive dedication, an unparalleled
devotion and an unremitting enthusiasm for the quality of the educa-
tional programs and opportunities offered at the schools where she has
served; and
WHEREAS, Throughout the entire period of her professional and communi-
ty service, a period of constructive involvement, Celia Kaplinsky has
stood constant in dignity, good grace and humor, and has earned the
respect and admiration of her colleagues, family and friends; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate Celia Kaplinsky upon the occasion of her designation for
special recognition as recipient of the Bensonhurst West End Community
Council 2010 Woman of the Year Award; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Celia Kaplinsky.