LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending P.S. 159 upon the occasion of its
designation as a 2011 National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
commend institutions of true purpose and high achievement whose exem-
plary programs and accomplishments clearly demonstrate the pursuit of
excellence in education and service to the community; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend
P.S. 159 upon the occasion of its designation as a 2011 National Blue
Ribbon School of Excellence; and
WHEREAS, The National Blue Ribbon Schools Program recognizes public
and nonpublic elementary, middle, and high schools where students
achieve at very high levels and/or where the achievement gap is narrow-
ing; the Program sets a standard of excellence for all schools striving
for the highest level of achievement; and
WHEREAS, The National Blue Ribbon Schools Program is part of a larger
United States Department of Education effort to identify and disseminate
knowledge about best school leadership and teaching practices; each year
since 1982, the Department of Education has sought out schools where
students attain and maintain high academic goals, including those that
beat the odds; and
WHEREAS, P.S. 159, Queens Elementary School in Bayside, New York,
received the highly prestigious distinction of a 2011 National Blue
Ribbon School of Excellence award; and
WHEREAS, All of the efforts to recognize the outstanding achievement
of capturing a 2011 National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence award have
been implemented by P.S. 159 with an emphasis on building an even more
positive school climate and culture as it progresses forward and builds
upon its high expectations for its students, staff and community; and
WHEREAS, The reading curriculum at P.S. 159 is based upon a Balanced
Literacy approach which incorporates Units of Study and scaffolds the
learning for all students to become proficient readers; and
WHEREAS, P.S. 159's science program emphasizes a hands-on inquiry
based approach to learning where students construct their understanding
of the natural world through problem solving and active exploration; and
WHEREAS, In mathematics, the P.S. 159 program utilizes the "Everyday
Mathematics" concept in grades K-3 and the "HBJ Mathematics Plus" in
grades 4 and 5; these programs have a strong emphasis on constructivist
learning which focuses on students' conceptual understanding of math-
ematical concepts; and
WHEREAS, P.S. 159 continues to fulfill its laudatory educational
purposes and is proudly aware of its distinguished past; it is eager to
fulfill its commitment to its students, faculty, alumni and community,
and is planning with vision and purpose for the growth and change it
will encounter in the years to come; and
WHEREAS, This auspicious occasion presents a unique opportunity for
this Legislative Body to recognize and pay tribute to P.S. 159; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when an educa-
tional institution of such noble aims and accomplishments is brought to
our attention, it should be recognized and applauded by all the citizens
of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend P.S. 159 upon the occasion of its designation as a 2011 National
Blue Ribbon School of Excellence; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to P.S. 159.