LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending The Park School of Buffalo, New York,
upon the occasion of celebrating its 100th Anniversary

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 youth 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 commend
The Park School of Buffalo, New York, upon the occasion of celebrating
its 100th Anniversary, to be observed at a Centennial Celebration from
October 5-8, 2012; and
WHEREAS, The Park School was founded in 1912 by a group of parents
committed to excellence in education within an atmosphere that encour-
aged students to discover their own talents and develop a sense of self-
worth and concern for the welfare of the community; and
WHEREAS, The group consulted with John Dewey, then observed one of his
students, Mary Hammett Lewis, at Columbia University; and
WHEREAS, Mary Hammett Lewis was invited to Buffalo to become the
founding Head of The Park School; she later wrote a book, AN ADVENTURE
WITH CHILDREN, describing her experiences at The Park School where chil-
dren learned more than just schoolwork in a unique environment; and
WHEREAS, The Park School opened with 27 students on a site on Bird
Avenue near Delaware Park, hence the name The Park School; and
WHEREAS, Today, The Park School consists of a community of students
who are engaged in hands-on, exploratory and problem-solving classes;
thinking skills such as analysis, synthesis, problem solving and appli-
cation are emphasized at all levels of learning; and
WHEREAS, Moreover, the importance of art, music, physical education,
drama and computers is stressed for their intrinsic value and interdis-
ciplinary teaching; and
WHEREAS, The Park School continues to be a community that practices
cooperative learning to deepen students' thinking abilities through
collaboration; and
WHEREAS, For the past 100 years, The Park School has carried out its
mission to engage the whole student in a diverse and creative community
that nurtures the joy and responsibility of active learning in all, from
the youngest learners to graduates, who leave with the skills essential
to college success and the confidence to serve and lead; and
WHEREAS, The steadfast and unyielding commitment of parents, educators
and administrators to provide the highest quality education for students
has become the hallmark and tradition of the The Park School; and
WHEREAS, Within the 21st Century, The Park 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; and
WHEREAS, The Park School is proudly aware of its distinguished past,
eager to fulfill its present commitment to parents, students and the
community, and planning with vision and purpose for the ebb and swell of
growth and change it will encounter in the years to come; now, there-
fore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend The Park School of Buffalo, New York, upon the occasion of cele-
brating its 100th Anniversary; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to The Park School, Buffalo, New York.