LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION congratulating Chatham Middle School upon the
occasion of its selection as the 2011 New York State School of Character

WHEREAS, New York State's commitment to education is unparalleled; its
history and stature are secured by the superlative caliber of its educa-
tional professionals and the students they inspire; and
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 congratu-
late Chatham Middle School, Chatham, New York, upon the occasion of its
selection as the 2011 New York State School of Character; to observe
this most auspicious occasion representatives of the school visited the
New York State Capitol in Albany on Monday, March 28, 2011, to accept
this well-deserved and prestigious award; and
WHEREAS, Sponsored by The Academy for Character Education at The Sage
Colleges and the National Character Education Partnership (CEP), the New
York State Schools of Character (NYSSOC) awards program recognizes
schools or school districts which demonstrate outstanding school climate
and academic performance; and
WHEREAS, Though winners may differ in method, content and scope, all
emphasize core ethical values such as honesty, respect, responsibility
and caring; and
WHEREAS, Chatham Middle School's sustained commitment to character
development and education, has earned it the distinguished honor of
being named a New York State School of Character for the second year in
a row; and
WHEREAS, Located in Columbia County, the staff and students of the
Chatham Middle School, as well as the greater educational community,
recognize early adolescence not only as a period of transition for
intellectual, educational and physical development but also as a period
for personal and social growth, and have long been involved in and
committed to character education and student development; and
WHEREAS, Chatham Middle School's entire character education program
revolves around the six pillars of trustworthiness, respect, responsi-
bility, fairness, caring, and citizenship; each pillar is constantly
worked into every aspect of daily learning at the school and all togeth-
er make up the core of the curriculum; and
WHEREAS, Among the school's many character development initiatives of
which it may be justly proud are its active Character P.E.A.C.E. Club
(Promoters, Educators and Advocates for Character Education), and its
extended homeroom program held once a week, where students can talk
about what they believe to be the important issues within the school;
and
WHEREAS, One of Chatham Middle School's newest initiatives include the
development of a Character Plus Survey which asks students, staff, and
parents how they feel about the school climate; in addition, the school
has been making a continued shift toward shared leadership, a model
which ensures students, parents, teachers, and principals all become
school leaders in some manner and at some period of time; and
WHEREAS, Chatham Middle School has continually demonstrated an impres-
sive dedication, an unparalleled devotion and an unremitting enthusiasm
for the quality of educational programs and opportunities offered for
the benefit of its faculty and students as well as for the entire commu-
nity; 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 Chatham Middle School; and
WHEREAS, Chatham Middle 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
congratulate Chatham Middle School upon the occasion of its selection as
the 2011 New York State School of Character, 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 Gordon Fitting, Principal, Chatham Middle School.