LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 75th Anniversary of St. Clare
School of Staten Island, New York

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
commend those institutions of commitment and high achievement whose
purpose and endeavors prove a dedication to the pursuit of excellence in
the education of the students of this noble Empire State; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commem-
orate the 75th Anniversary of St. Clare School of Staten Island, New
York; and
WHEREAS, On September 14, 1936, St. Clare Elementary School opened its
doors; the main floor housed four classrooms and a gym auditorium (seat-
ing capacity 700); the second floor contained four more classrooms as
well as a Teacher's Lunchroom and Principal's Office; and
WHEREAS, St. Clare School recorded a milestone in the spring of 1938
when a class of 16 students became its first graduates; by the following
year, the Senior Class had swelled to 28 students; and
WHEREAS, During the mid 1950s, Great Kills grew at an extraordinary
rate; the time had come to move ahead on expanding the Parish facili-
ties; in February, 1956, the Mansfield House and property, adjacent to
the Church, was purchased to serve as the site for the new Church; and
WHEREAS, In 1958, preparations also involved relocating classes to
make way for the new school wing as well as moving the Church to allow
space for the new Church's foundation; by September, the school addition
was ready for students; and
WHEREAS, The three story annex, faced in brick and limestone, housed
10 classrooms and a fully equipped cafeteria; finally, it seemed, there
was enough space to accommodate the student body; the Church and School
were officially blessed and dedicated on May 22, 1960, by Francis Cardi-
nal Spellman; and
WHEREAS, The challenges of the 1960s were met head on; there was an
integration of the students (boys and girls had been placed separately
in the old and new parts of the school for years) in 1965; and
WHEREAS, In 1987, more construction ensued to meet the needs of the
St. Clare students; the Hicks Center was completed; this part of the
building included administrative offices as well as a library, computer
room and science room; and
WHEREAS, June of 2004, saw, with the retirement of Sister Rosemary
Ward, the end of the long and dedicated service of the Presentation
Sisters at St. Clare Elementary School; the selfless service of these
good women helped to make St. Clare the school of excellence that it is
today; and
WHEREAS, The following month began a new era for St. Clare with a lay
administration at the helm of a school servicing its nearly 700
students; and
WHEREAS, St. Clare School, ably led by its new Principal, Mrs. Jo N.
Rossicone and her assistant, Mrs. Virginia Gallagher, continues to pros-
per today and into the future; and
WHEREAS, Within the 21st Century, St. Clare School stands prepared to
reach out, in earnest and enthusiastic quest of its mission, to promote
the maximum growth of every student, establishing standards and building
skills which will carry its students and the citizens of its community
into the future; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 75th Anniversary of St. Clare School of Staten Island,
New York; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to St. Clare School of Staten Island, New York.