LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Fishkill Elementary School upon the
occasion of celebrating its 100th Anniversary on June 12, 2010

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize and
commend those institutions of true purpose and high achievement whose
exemplary programs and accomplishment clearly demonstrate an enduring
pursuit of excellence in the education of the youth of the Empire State;
and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend
Fishkill Elementary School upon the occasion of its 100th Anniversary;
and
WHEREAS, The centennial celebration will begin with a Parade through
the Village of Fishkill, New York, and followed by an old-fashioned
Country Fair at the Historical Fishkill Elementary School on Saturday,
June 12, 2010; and
WHEREAS, In 1871, construction began for a schoolhouse on Church
Street; the site used for the schoolhouse belonged to the Fishkill
Reformed Church and was formerly used as pasture land for the pastor's
cow; and
WHEREAS, In September 1891, the school opened its doors to its first
students under the able direction of Principal Edward DuMond; and
WHEREAS, In 1909, the original school building was completely
destroyed by fire; undeterred, the community dedicated the present
building in 1910; at that time, each room held two classes and the prin-
cipal, Almon Nye, taught two grades; and
WHEREAS, A bell was placed in the new building in memory of village
resident, Oliver Barnes, who was the chief engineer of the Dutchess and
Columbia Railroad; the tone of the bell which rang each morning summon-
ing the children sounded much like the fire bell; confusion resulted, so
the bell ringing ceased; however, about 30 years ago, the sixth grade
classes started the tradition of ringing the bell on the last day of the
school year and currently, the fifth grade classes continue that tradi-
tion as they bid farewell each June; and
WHEREAS, Along with the original two story building now stands three
additions and one modular classroom; the first addition was constructed
in 1952, followed by additions in 1954 and 1962; the modular classroom,
to the left of the building, was placed there in 2008; and
WHEREAS, Today, the students and staff of Fishkill Elementary School
bring an energy and enthusiasm with them each day as they walk through
its doors which continues to fuel its prominent role as a neighborhood
school in the community; and
WHEREAS, The 100th Anniversary of Fishkill Elementary School stands as
a resolute testimony to the School's standards of excellence, its uncom-
promising values, unparalleled dedication, and the special teamwork of
its family of students, parents, teachers and administrators, who share
common goals and uncommon expectations; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Fishkill Elementary School upon the occasion of celebrating its
100th Anniversary, noting the significance of its accomplishment and
recognizing the role such effective schools play in shaping the quality
of life in their community, State and Nation; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Fishkill Elementary School.